Night Time is the Right Time: The Joys of After-Hours Tacos
Tacos aren’t exactly scarce in Los Cabos, but there are fewer options after midnight—which, in my book, is the best time to eat them. Nothing provides better late night ballast than tacos, particularly when the drinks are flowing a little freely. Each neighborhood has its top stops, but if you’re taking advantage of the boisterous nightlife in downtown Cabo San Lucas, there are two taquerías that merit special attention.
Taquería El Gran Pastor is located just down the block from Hotel Mar de Cortez, and the stand-up taco stop is a magnet for late night revelers rolling out of Cabo Wabo, Jungle Bar, Giggling Marlin, Rip’s, and Cabo Lounge. Tacos Guss is a short walk away (it’s also located on Lázaro Cárdenas), but it tends to attract more of a local clientele, as well as stragglers from the nightclub strip that includes El Squid Roe, Baja Junkie, Mandala, and Pink Kitty.
El Gran Pastor is one of the most popular late night taco stops in downtown Cabo San Lucas.
Tacos Guss is the kind of place where you see police or taxi drivers pulling up to order tacos. My local friends claim the popularity of the place is due to the high quality of the tortillas, which they insist are larger, thicker, fresher, and exhibit a more golden brown color than those at El Gran Pastor. I think it’s the atmosphere. Guitarists wander in and out, occasionally breaking into spirited renditions of “La Paloma” or “No Volveré,” the television is often showing old movies (all of which seem to feature Sara García), and the bench seating makes you feel as if you’re a participant in an after hours picnic. The food is also terrific, particularly the delicious tacos al pastor (you’ll have to ask for pineapple).
Don’t feel like tacos? The alambres and huaraches are also excellent, and you can wash them down with some iced horchata. Tacos Guss used to be called Tacos Perla, and as of this writing doesn’t have any sign at all. But don’t worry, this place is hard to miss. Just look for the taxis parked out front.
Taquería El Gran Pastor also has significant charms, of course. Unlike Tacos Guss, which features plenty of seating, El Gran Pastor is a stand-up eatery. The place opens late, and closes late. In the interim, the later it is, the larger the crowd that spills out along the sidewalk. There is something convivial, even communal, about eating here. If you live in Los Cabos, this is the type of place where you’ll invariably run into friends you haven’t seen in awhile. If you’re on vacation, this is a good place to make friends. Personally, I’m a fiend for tacos al pastor, and since the place is named for them, it’s a preferred option. For those who eschew pork, try the carne asada tacos. You can thank me later (assuming you don’t run into me on the sidewalk out front).