Tacos Gardenias
Cabo San Lucas, Los Cabos, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Two decades and a location change later, people can still find delicious Mexican food made using Doña Olga’s own recipes, all in a no-nonsense building, staying true to Gardenias´ modest beginnings. With minimal decoration such as mounted fish and Los Cabos fishing tournament posters, the main focus here is definitely the food. Watch skilled Mexican women in the central kitchen as they prepare everything from rice and beans to the house specialty: shrimp molcajetes. These sizzling plates are infused with cheese, onions, and salsa for $28.00 US. Ceviches and shrimp cocktails are additional menu items very popular among customers. There are several things that set Gardenias apart from other taco places around Cabo. Whereas most taquerias, or taco stands, open in the late afternoon and remain so until the wee hours of the morning, primarily for the club-goers, Gardenias is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m., making itself available to the beach crowd and those strolling around the main drag. Located one block from MacDonald’s, and just down the hill from the beach, this place is constantly hopping with people, both tourists and in-the-know locals. Instead of offering just one or two types of tacos, Gardenias really has it all. From the more exotic Mexican offerings like a taco de nopal, or cactus taco, to fried pork rind, you’ll really have the chance to eat like a native. For something on the safer side, but with every bit of authenticity and tradition, there’s the shredded chicken or beef, fried fish or shrimp, and even tender and juicy marinated pork, known as cochinta pibil, taco, all ranging $1.80-$2.00 US each.