Los Cabos Magazine - Issue #9 Articles
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Dining in Cabo San Lucas and Los Cabos
Top Tables - 60 Delicious Reasons for Dining Out
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Our endless sun and sand, world-class sportfishing and championship golf may be irresistible, yet one of the best reasons to visit Los Cabos is for eclectic dining in surroundings as varied as México itself. Sweeping views of magnificent shorelines complement innovative menus with hospitality so gracious you’ll never want to leave. Sabrina Lear, Bradley Fraser, Carol Billups, and David Mandich explore
top tables around Los Cabos.
Los Cabos Magazine article - Issue #9 - July 2004.
Section 2 of 3 - Girasoles to Ole Ole - | Dining Article - Section 1 | Dining Article - Section 3 | |
Girasoles de La Hacienda
Girasoles is yet another delicious offering that’s open for dinner only, completing a trio of excellent restaurants at the Sheraton resort in Cabo del Sol. Comfortable and casual, marvelous 4th floor views afford diners a stunning vista of the coastline while enjoying fine Mexican dishes. Appetizers range from delicious avocado-stuffed shrimp topped with a slightly sweet fresh tomato salsa to ensalada Mexicana, a refreshing blend of carrot, lettuce, cucumber, jicama, and oranges with a yogurt dressing. Fajitas are a specialty here with four versions laced with white wine, as well as a good selection of seafood and beef dishes. Mahi-mahi (dorado) the old way, prepared with garlic and epazote in a cream-based sauce, is lovely, as is the seabass in banana leaf with shrimps and a slightly spicy salsa. Service is prompt and attentive with manager Santiago Alazañas a delightful host. Look for changes to the menu, adding even more authentic regional Mexican specialties like traditional chiles en nogada. Terrific desserts, low-key live music, and access to Pitahayas’ extensive wine cellar are even more reason to dawdle over the view, especially during sunset. Suitable for families and more moderately priced than sister restaurants De Cortez and Pitahayas, dinner entrées run $13 to $26 U.S. With seating for 65 and groups up to 80; and a comfortable bar a floor below with the same awe-inspiring views. At Cabo del Sol, Kilometer 10. Resort attire required, for reservations, call (624) 145-8000.—S.L.
La Casa Country
Right from the get-go, La Casa Country gets my “FFF” award. The Velíz brothers, from a ranch in Durango State, hatched this brilliant hybrid of Bonanza, Disney, and Vaudeville in Mazatlan in 1993, adding the Cabo location in February 2004. The menu is a course in Mexican Food 101 with American favorites thrown in. Appetizers include tortilla soup, Caesar salad, chicken wings, nachos, onion rings, enchiladas, barbecue ribs, and chicken fingers—all huge portions and high quality. Entrées favor charcoal grilled cuts of New Yorks, t-bones, rib eyes, filet mignons and beef ribs, with fresh fish, shrimp, and lobster (in season). The Pancho Villa special combines an enormous chile relleno, a tender chicken breast in gravy, a beef enchilada, pork tamale, and Charro beans. The molcajete (a lava rock mortar) with shrimp, chicken, or beef combined with onion, cheese and homemade salsa is a house favorite. Try the goat, and the excellent chimichurri salsa. The staff, led by “Skippo” Ruiz, in jeans, white cowboy shirts, and stetsons breaks out into choreographed dance and clap routines with some country tunes holding the beat. They have a zest for this nightly ritual and it doesn’t take long for customers to join the fray. FULL FUN FACTOR. Quality food, excellent and engaging service, an amusing atmosphere, and great for families: call it La Casa Country. Entrées from $10 to $58 U.S. for the Parrillada for Two. Open daily from 1 to 11:00 p.m. with air-conditioning, seating for 124, and valet parking. On Lázaro Cárdenas, across from McDonald’s in Cabo San Lucas, group reservations suggested, call (624) 105-1999.—B.F.
La Dolce Italian Restaurants
La Dolce Ristorante has two locations in Los Cabos. In downtown Cabo San Lucas, La Dolce has a bistro feel, usually crowded, with waiters swinging plates of pastas and wines, and patrons laughing against a background of contemporary tunes. La Dolce in San Jose del Cabo on the main square occupies a heritage hacienda with plaza-view seating, and al fresco dining under a canopy of trees wrapped in twinkling lights. Appetizers feature antipasto Italiano, calamari trifolati (squid sautéed with garlic, white wine, capers, and red peppers), focaccia, and fish and beef carpaccios. Salads feature the Misto, with ham, salami, cheese, tomato, lettuce, tuna and olives, and the Emanuele, mixed lettuce, grilled chicken, walnuts, and raisins with a honey mustard citrus dressing. There’s homemade tortellini, cannelloni, and delicious ravioli with fresh spinach and ricotta. Filetto al gorgonzola (beef medallions, sautéed in red wine, with gorgonzala cheese and mushrooms in a light cream sauce) is memorable, and the gamberoni (giant shrimp, butterflied, sautéed in white wine and lime or in olive oil with garlic and capers) are sure to please fresh seafood lovers. Pizzas are a leap beyond the ordinary being wood fired-oven baked with a thin crust and quality deli toppings. For dessert, try the coppa Italiana, a deadly peach, vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup flambé. Both La Dolce locations are open daily from 5 to 11 p.m. Entrées from $8 to $26 U.S. with seating for 120. La Dolce Cabo San Lucas is located at Hildalgo at Zapata—call (624) 143-4122; and in San José at Plaza Mijares—call (624) 142-6621 or 6622.—D.M.
La Galeria
International cuisine is the specialty at La Galeria, on Plaza Bonita’s “restaurant row” fronting the marina. The menu is a touch of this and a dash of that including Mexican, Italian and Asian flavors. Start with a tableside Caesar salad or the caprese: a salad of tomatoes, mozzarella and fresh basil. There’s a Thai-inspired mushroom and prawn soup as well as a classic Baja-style seafood soup. Italian fare features spaghetti marinara, seafood fettuccini, and sautéed shrimp in a slightly spicy white wine sauce. Continuing our world tour, there’s shrimp prepared with a choice of garlic, tequila, mango, Thai, or four cheese sauce. Fish selections range from a fillet in an Amaretto sauce with sliced almonds to grilled catch of the day in garlic, Thai, huitlacoche (a Mexican mushroom-like corn fungus) or tamarind sauce. The chicken Azteca is a grilled breast stuffed with huitlacoche over a poblano pepper and Oaxacan cheese sauce. Definitely different. For dessert, banana or strawberry flambés, Crepes Suzette, flan or chocolate mousse go well with a flaming Mexican coffee. Entrées range from $9 to $30 U.S. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. La Galeria serves breakfast and lunch, and makes box lunches for fishing. With seating for 60 and groups up to 80, for reservations, call (624) 143-1090.—S.L.
La Noria at Hotel Hacienda
La Noria (the well) is a quiet oasis in the hustle and bustle of the Cabo dining scene. Set inside the Hacienda Beach Resort, dine inside or on the terrace with excellent views of Médano Beach and the Sea of Cortés. The décor is old México with stone walls and wood rafters; a trio playing ballads splits its time between La Noria and the bar next door. The service is attentive and the atmosphere unhurried. This is a great place for a relaxing or romantic evening. While it’s tempting to opt for seafood and juicy steaks don’t overlook the well-prepared traditional Mexican selections. The tasty tortilla soup comes with all the toppings and the Mexican platters offer regional specialties from around the nation. And, your waiter will be very happy to explain the origins of the dishes you are sampling. Be sure to save room for dessert. The homemade ice cream is flavored with rich real Mexican vanilla, like nothing you’ve had back home. Chocolate was the Aztec’s gift to the world—La Noria offers it up in several variations. The tres leches (three milk) cake is moist, sweet and better than you’re likely to sample elsewhere. Create your own dessert buffet: the staff will be happy to provide extra plates and forks for sharing. La Noria is open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. with entertainment nightly and air-conditioning inside. Dinner entrees range from $13 to $36 U.S. with seating for 90. For reservations, call (624) 143-0663.—C.B.
La Panga Antigua
Moving from San Jose del Cabo’s hotel zone in March 2004 to a soulful heritage building downtown across from the church has brought the missing ingredient—an inspired setting—to La Panga’s winning plates and attentive service. A winner in every respect, from the low-key, sophisticated starlit courtyard to the deftly crafted menu, you might start with the organic Miraflores spinach salad with lobster meat in a sesame and caramelized onion vinaigrette, and move on to the chilled heirloom tomato soup with Pacific salmon tartar. The small, sturdy menu could feature tamarind-glazed sea scallops with grilled asparagus core or grilled jumbo shrimp and beef medallions with pasilla chile butter. The catch of the day, at the time of our visit, was a superb thick fillet of grilled sea bass drizzled with cilantro oil on a garlic mashed potato and spinach torte, overlaid with asparagus. (Rarely have I so envied a dinner partner’s catch of the day selection.) Partnered with Gunter and Kaisha Richter of Peacocks and Mi Casa; Managing Owner-Chef Jacobo Turquie’s inventive touch continues to mature: you won’t find a thing overly contrived. The menu changes, depending on what’s in season and the thoughtful wine list surprises. La Panga Antigua is not to be overlooked. Entrées from $16 to $36 U.S. with lobster at market prices. Seating for 70, including an air-conditioned dining salon; and groups up to 100. On Zaragoza, near Hidalgo and open daily from noon to 10:30 p.m., reservations recommended, call (624) 142-4041.—S.L.
La Parrillada Bar and Grill
This Mexican-style steak house is a casual restaurant that has kept customers happy through the years without pretension or great expense. Barbecue beef, chicken, ribs, and seafood are all hot off the grill served up with homemade tortillas and delicious salsas. Man-size Sonoran steaks and the house specialty, La Parrillada Arrachera (marinated skirt steak) are perennial favorites, served rancho-style with beans and fresh salsas. The huge portion of barbecue ribs, for which La Parillada is well known, is tender and grilled just right. Don’t miss their “all you can eat” barbecue special for $10.99 U.S. Service is friendly, the drinks well mixed, and the food basic and true to its roots. Entrées from $6.50 to $18.50 U.S. for the parrillada for two. On Hidalgo, near La Dolce, in downtown Cabo. La Parillada seats 62, for large groups call ahead to (624) 143-7424.—S.L.
La Trattoria Italian Restaurant
Street side at Plaza Bonita in the heart of Cabo, La Trattoria has authentic Italian flair. Ciro Di Maio managed Ristorante Romeo y Julieta for many years before striking out on his own with La Trattoria in 1994, joined by brother, Tony, in 2002. Personal attention and a casual, relaxed atmosphere make La Trattoria the place for people watching while sipping a glass of Italian vino over a wood-fired oven pizza, homemade pasta, or well-prepared entrée. Starters include a generous insalata caprese (fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil); insalata Cesare; carpaccio; bruschetta; and funghi saltati, fresh mushrooms sautéed in garlic, soy and olive oil, perfect with a glass of Vernaiolo Rocca delle Macie chianti. Pizzas range from the classic Margherita to the Buongustaio with shrimps and scallops. Try the standout agnolotti di aragosta—homemade lobster and ricotta ravioli in shrimp sauce. La Trattoria’s entrees include veal, chicken, steaks, fresh fish and seafood, all with Italian flare. Prices run from $8 to $15 U.S. for pastas to $16 to $25 U.S. for main courses. Full bar and desserts include tiramasu, with an espresso machine for that extra touch of Italy. Dine on the patio or inside in the more intimate air-conditioned space. Across from El Squid Roe with seating for 90, open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight. For reservations, call (624) 143-0068.—S.L.
Las Palmas Restaurant
On the less-populated end of Medano Beach near the Medano Beach Resort (under construction), Las Palmas Restaurant has been a fixture on the Cabo dining scene for many years. Only a volleyball toss away from the other restaurant bars down the beach Las Palmas, too, offers a beachfront dining area to go barefoot in the sand with a cold beer in hand, as well as a raised deck and an enclosed area under a spacious palapa roof. The view of Cabo San Lucas Bay and Land’s End is wonderful from any angle. The Mexican-continental menu features ceviche, shrimp and seafood cocktails, tacos and Mexican dishes, soups and salads, seafood, steaks and chicken dishes. Las Palmas dips into the sea for most of its entrees, fish and shrimp are done a half a dozen ways each, with shrimp and lobster served solo or in various combinations. For dessert, try the flan or flambéed bananas with a Mexican coffee. Las Palmas also has sushi selections, an affordable wine list and amiable service, and a full bar with happy hour daily from 1 to 5 p.m. Entrées from $9.50 to $58 U.S. for the seafood platter for two. Next to the Meliá San Lucas Hotel on Médano Beach, with seating for 200 or groups up to 220. Open daily for lunch and dinner from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For dinner reservations, call (624) 143-0447.—B.F.
Latitude 22+ Roadhouse
No, Latitude 22+ is not closed, they’ve moved to their new roadhouse in the Corridor near Costco, with a killer view. Still looking like it could’ve hosted Steinbeck and Ricketts, but bigger and better, the new roadhouse is packed with fishing and marine memorabilia, 500-odd license plates and a zillion business cards, all collected by owner Mike Grzanich through the years. This is a casual joint, to say the least, nothing pretentious (if you are they might not let you in), just affordable and consistently good belly-warming food. The plank bar buzzes, there’s big TVs for all the games, and a mesquite grill serves up great barbecue. Croatian slow roasted prime rib, steaks, roast pork loin, chicken fried steak, Philly cheese steak and meatloaf dinners bring diners back again and again (so do the drinks). Burger fans will love the selection of burgers, pilfered from famous burger spots (some you’re sure to recognize). They’ll cook your catch and swap “big one” stories with you, or order their daily local catch. Big portions, small prices, friendly service. Good breakfast choices, too. Prices run from $5-7 U.S. for burgers and appetizers. Entrées from $8 to 12 U.S. (for the prime rib dinner, a bargain). A colorful local hangout popular with long time expatriates, you won’t find this type of roadhouse anywhere else around Cabo San Lucas. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., closed Tuesdays, with seating for 120, find them up behind the power plant, southwest of Costco. See you there. Call (624) 143-1516.—S.L.
Lorenzillo’s
The Vidal family opened Lorenzillo’s (supplied by their own lobster farm), a Cancun landmark, in 1979. The Cabo location debuted in March 2003. Walking into the well appointed nautically–themed second floor dining room, you’ll feel like you’re on a luxury liner with gleaming cataloche plank floors, brass accents and Yucatan high back che chent wood chairs at the captain’s table. The specialty is lobster; a small dinghy at the entrance holds live choices from two pounds and up. Everything is first rate, from the service to the well-presented menu. Start with a Caesar salad prepared table side, then the oysters, grilled sea scallops, or soft shell crab while pondering how you’ll have your lobster: steamed, grilled, thermidor, or in a variety of sauces from mild chile poblano, chile ajillo and curry, to garlic or clarified butter. Both the size and the presentation are decadent, the meat tender and flavorful. There are seafood combos, fresh fish, and Black Angus beef cuts—the medallions in Portobello mushroom sauce are superb. A good wine list with premium wines by the glass and their signature desserts complete this top drawer dining experience. The spacious, open-air patio has marina views. Entrées from $16.50 to $35 U.S. with lobster at market prices. Above UltraFemme near Plaza Bonita on Boulevard Marina, open daily from 12 noon to 12 a.m. with seating for 220. Great for groups. For reservations, call (624) 105-0212 to 105-0214.—S.L.
Mango Deck
Mango Deck is Beach Blanket Bingo with the fun knob turned way up! The song I’m Too Sexy for My Shirt would be a suitable soundtrack for a Médano Beach movie with the patrons and staff of Mango Deck in starring roles. This is beach culture at its best with cold beers, margaritas, throbbing music, sun, sand, and as little clothing as possible. The menu is no different from any of the other nearby restaurants with nachos, chicken wings, tacos, hamburgers, pastas, and seafood entrées, and Mango Deck offers up large portions and quality. The shrimp cocktail, with an assortment of condiments to sauce it up, seemed endless. The Surf and Turf lobster tail and barbecue ribs entrée was so big that two people came to my table thinking it was a buffet. Forget about “happy hour.” Mango Deck has two for one beer and well drinks…all day long! Did I mention I had fun? People watching from your chair in the sand is more than enough entertainment but the beach stage lets you participate in contests or watch others in “vacation abandon mode” doing off-the-wall things. If you don’t want the melee there’s a palapa-covered deck overlooking the beach with views of the bay. Dinner is more subdued, romantic even, but just as tasty. Entrées from $7 to $24 U.S. Mango Deck is at the foot of Paseo del Pescador. Open 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily with seating for 260 and groups up to 300. For reservations, call (624) 143-0901.—B.F.
Mexican Fiesta at La Roca
Saturday night is fiesta time at Solmar Suites’ La Roca Restaurant, a Cabo San Lucas tradition for many years. If this is your first trip to México or your first fiesta, La Roca puts on a good spread and an entertaining show. Bedecked with bright red, white and green tablecloths and a balloon-covered entry arch, the setting, overlooking the Pacific from the spacious rock-walled terrace, is festive and tropical. Beginning at 6:30 in the evening with a traditional fiesta greeting—shots of tequila—the M.C. welcomes all and announces the Mini Mini Mariachi band (four instead of the usual dozen). Dressed in distinctive Mariachi costume, they’ll serenade you with a medley of fiesta favorites. The all-you-can-eat buffet has more than a dozen selections from all over México. Try the chicken in dark mole and the tamales (pockets of corn dough with savory meat fillings wrapped in cornhusks and steamed), or the better known enchiladas and carne asada (grilled marinated beef). The buffet is ample with soups, salads, guacamole, Mexican rice, beans, lots of salsas, and desserts. The folkloric dancers take you through the country, dance by dance, until it’s time for the piñata, filled with sweets from the local candy shop. A fun, lighthearted time for all ages, the fiesta is $35 per person, $17.50 for children ages 6 to 12, kids under five eat free. At Solmar Suites, off Boulevard Marina on Playa Solmar. For more information, call (624) 143-3535.—S.L.
Mi Casa
Mi Casa evokes Old México. Four palapa-covered patio dining levels shelter plants, bric-a-brac, vibrantly painted wooden chairs and crumbling adobe walls with folk art murals. Mi Casa’s menu, family recipes from founder Kaisha Valdez de Richter, is a tour-de-force with delectable regional Mexican meat and seafood specialties. To start, I enjoyed a mild chile-spiced sopita del mar, or seafood soup, while Rosy went for a sopa de frijoles con nopalitos. This black bean soup was simmered until it became a thick sauce, with chunks of cheese and onion, and avocado, cilantro and tangy slivers of nopal cactus leaves arranged on top. My entrée, a tender whole sea bass Sarandeado-style was marinated with herbs and spices, then grilled. Rosy’s jumbo shrimp were in a memorable sweet and sour tamarind sauce. Among the many delicacies are el manchamanteles (tablecloth stainers) de Morelia, a famous mole of chile guajillo and chile ancho with chicken, pork and fruit. Chile en nogada, México’s national dish, is a poblano pepper stuffed with sautéed meats in a fresh walnut cream sauce topped with pomegranate seeds. As we dined, Mariachi played while attentive waiters were always at the ready. Mexican desserts, including a delicious flan, complement the experience. Entrées from $13 to $38 U.S. Open for lunch Monday to Saturday from 12 to 3 p.m. and dinner daily from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. with seating for up to 400. On Avenida Cabo San Lucas, near Lázaro Cárdenas, behind the main square. Extremely popular, dinner reservations are a must, call (624) 143-1933.—D.M.
Mi Casa de Mariscos
This time around the Mi Casa and Peacock’s group takes you through the coastal kitchens of México, drawing on original recipes with seafood the star. The impressive, colonial-style two story, palapa-topped main dining area is large and ideal for groups with quiet corners suited to couples. Service is attentive, with wait staff happy to explain the extensive menu. Begin with a mago mágico margarita and let the evening unfold. Starters range from seafood cocktails and ceviches (fresh fish or seafood “cooked” in lime juice, spices and chiles), salads, traditional Mexican antojitos (little whims), and soups. The filling cream of clam soup with chipotle and the slightly spicy shrimp soup are both savory. The mixed seafood salad in an herbal anchovy pineapple vinaigrette is a standout. Entrée portions are large, encouraging sharing. From the mesquite grill, try the tuna medallions or the snapper, both served with delicious salsa talla: chile ancho, lime and mayonnaise. The huachchiladas de Topolobampo, snapper enchiladas in a tomato based dressing with a mild chile-mayonnaise sauce are noteworthy as are the camarones endiablados, big shrimp in a garlicky three-chile sauce. If you’ve gorged on the seafood appetizers, there’s a grilled New York marinated in herbs and chiles or the classic mole negro, chicken smothered in a rich, slightly sweet chocolate-enhanced chile sauce. For dessert, share the traditional flan and delectable triple chocolate mousse cake. Entrées from $9.50 to $28 U.S. with lobster and the seafood combo at market prices. Seating for 320, and groups up to 350. On the corner behind Banamex, near McDonald’s, off Lázaro Cárdenas. Open daily 1 to 10:30 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 143-6898.—S.L.
Mi Cocina at Casa Natalia
Mi Cocina at Casa Natalia, Loïc and Nathalie Tenoux’s European boutique hotel (a Small Luxury Hotel of the World), is an intimate sophisticated hideaway for couples and groups of eight adults or less. The open-air interior courtyard is breathtaking. Colorful, hand-plastered walls in vivid blues, yellows, and terra cotta are offset by hand-hewn wood beams, towering palms and dramatic open flame braziers, lending a exotic air to the dining area. Chef Loïc Tenoux artfully combines fresh local ingredients with his Gallic roots, changing the offerings to reflect the season. Salads may feature mixed organic greens with fresh Pacific lobster in cilantro pesto, or octopus with jicama and rice noodles in a ginger vinaigrette. Entrées include his signature grilled New Zealand lamb, marinated in Dijon mustard and thyme oil, served with a vegetable pappadelle. Seafood is always fresh and inspired, yet simple: Seared tuna with epazote and basil oil on rice and arugula; clams a la Provence with garlic, butter, parsley and lime; shrimp sautéed in garlic, chile piquín and olive oil. End with a delicate lime and ginger tart with meringue or a moist dark chocolate cake. Good wine list, and a small, romantic bar. Many restaurants long to feel like this yet few succeed. Entrées from $15 to $30 U.S. with seating for 55 adults on the patio or in the glass-walled, air-conditioned salon. Closed annually from September 1st to 17th. On Boulevard Mijares, behind the main square. Open daily for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., for reservations, call (624) 142-5100.—S.L.
Nick-San Japanese Restaurant
It’s a Friday night, the open kitchen flashes sauté flame while waiters dash by with enticing plates, cold bottles of beer and glasses of wine. Conversation and laughter swings through the air. There’s a line up and it’s still early. Sound like a good restaurant near you? Perhaps, except this is Angel Carbajal and Masayuki Niikura’s award winning Nick-San in downtown Cabo, a “hands-on” affair, with the owners and family (Angel’s siblings Carmen, Edgar, Jorge, and Sam) ensuring top service and quality cuisine. They are a collective whirlwind of talent. The interior is timeless, with clean lines and expressive lighting. The 20-seat sushi bar runs the length of the room hugging the open kitchen, with table seating for 60 diners. Nick-San is a good place to experience exceptionally fresh sushi and sashimi, rolls, teriyaki, tempura, kushiyaki, and some not-so-typical brilliant offerings. The yakuri age appetizer with halibut, chicken, and black mushroom wrapped in nori and slightly fried is a mouth-popping flavor leap. Try the sashimi salad with fresh tuna and sea bass drizzled with a light fruity sesame dressing; or the sashimi cilantro, pan-seared spicy sea bass in a creamy cilantro sauce infused with chile. Notable are the seabass wraps, stuffed with shrimp, crab, ginger, chives, and a spicy sauce in a light tempura batter with sesame dressing; and the clear lobster roll, tempura lobster with vegetables wrapped in soybean paper, on a yuzu garlic curry oil sauce. Prices range from $3 U.S. for sushi, and $9.50 to $30 U.S. for entrees. On Boulevard Marina at Plaza de La Danza, air-conditioned, and open daily 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. For reservations, call (624) 143-4484.—B.F.
Nowhere Bar
Before (or after) you dine at Plaza Bonita’s marina side “restaurant row,” stop in and check out what’s happening at the Nowhere Bar. Well known as one of Cabo’s top local bars, the daily 5 to 9 p.m. happy hour packs ‘em in, and the action goes late, late, until 3 a.m. Tuesday is Ladies Night, with free national drinks and beer for women from 8 to 10 p.m. Plus there’s sushi on the premises, in case you decide to stay put for the night. With a dance floor, DJ and good atmosphere, the Nowhere Bar is a great hang at the marina and open from 10 a.m. daily.—S.L.
Oasis Bar and Grill
One step away from a beach bar and grill, the Oasis is poolside in the park-like courtyard of Marina Sol Condominiums, a block from Médano Beach. Mature palms sway high above this small, open palapa restaurant serving tasty American and Mexican favorites, steaks, and seafood. Good service, reasonable prices, great drinks, TV sports, and a convivial bartender make the Oasis a fun spot for an easy-going lunch or al fresco dinner. Burgers, tacos, and BLTs share the lunch menu with catch of the day and daily specials. From 5 p.m. on, fajitas, steaks, shrimp and lobster, and beef medallions in black bean sauce sizzle on the mesquite grill. Their breakfasts include robust Mexican chilaquiles (day-old tortilla strips with cream, melted cheese, mild chile sauce and chicken), egg dishes, fresh fruits and juices. Desserts run from banana splits to cheesecake and a rich chocolate cake. On Paseo del Pescador, in the Marina Sol Resort, entrees from $8.50 to $16.50 U.S. with lobster at market prices. Open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and closed Wednesdays, with seating for 40. For dinner reservations, call (624) 143-6285.—S.L.
The Office Restaurant
This is nothing like any office you’ve ever worked at, so leave your briefcase behind and get down to the business of fun, Cabo style. A fixture on Médano Beach since 1987, this landmark open-air restaurant bar with toes in the sand dining is at the heart of busy Médano. Fast friendly service, good food, and plenty of eye-popping people watching are trademarks. The Office staff prides themselves on making everyone happy at all times, and they do. For breakfast, try the huevos rancheros with fresh orange juice and the special house blend coffee. Take a swim, hang out, and for lunch have your office assistant bring you an Acapulco-style ceviche (fresh fish marinated in lime and spices), a shrimp cocktail, tacos, or a juicy burger special. After a hard day’s work at the beach, come back for the daily happy hour, from 3 to 5 p.m., or sunset dining. Dinner features delicious steamed lobster and Baja-style jumbo shrimp, fresh fish, and Mexican dishes. Try the tierra entre dos mares (land between two seas), a juicy New York steak with tender lobster and jumbo shrimp. Sunday and Thursday nights at 6:30 p.m., there’s an unbeatable Mexican fiesta with live music, folkloric dancing and party favors. Enjoy the show with one of The Office’s signature margaritas. You won’t mind coming in early or working late at this office. Very popular with large groups; dinner reservations are usually necessary. Entrées from $12 to $52 U.S. with seating for 250. Open daily 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., for dinner reservations, call (624) 143-3464 or 143-4919.—S.L.
Olé Olé
There’s a plate for every taste at Olé Olé, with an international twist on tapas, appetizers that take their name from the Spanish word for lid or top. At Olé Olé, you’ll find a savory selection, perfect for sharing, before plunging in to one of the many grill selections this marina side Plaza Bonita restaurant is known for. Start with a large slice of tortilla Española, a cold potato omelet, or try the serrano ham, or the chistorra, small Spanish sausages. The mushrooms sautéed in garlic are a house favorite. For dinner, Olé Olé has ten combos, including a barbecue chicken breast and pork chop; New Zealand lamb chops and lobster tail; and shrimp, lobster and tenderloin, all grilled to perfection. Other entrées include grilled center of tenderloin, New York and t-bones, brochettes (chicken, steak, shrimp or a combo of all three), and lobster fajitas. On Sundays from 1 p.m., there’s Paella Valenciana, Spanish saffron rice with chicken, pork, sausages, scallops, squid, shrimp, crab, and mixed vegetables. The atmosphere at Olé Olé is relaxed, the waiters friendly and the drinks well mixed from a small bar with one of the largest selections of spirits in town. Don’t miss the Kahlua flan. Entrées from $12.50 to $41 U.S. for a 15-ounce lobster tail. Olé Olé is open 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. with full breakfasts and seating for 88. At Plaza Bonita, on the east corner of the marina, for reservations, call (624) 143-0633.—S.L.
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