Checking in to Villa del Arco for the first time on Saturday and we can't wait. We are 3 adults and 2 teenagers and are looking for good mid-range dining, especially for the first night and New Year's Eve. AI for 5 people is crazy-expensive and we will be doing some cooking in the unit, I think, to save some $$. I'm looking for suggestions of easy places to get to Saturday night after we arrive that isn't fancy. Also, what would be your suggestions for a New Years Eve dinner? I figure any NY reservations will have to be made quickly after we arrive. Thanks everyone. You have been very helpful.
One of my favorite questions about Cabo - Going out to eat! (maybe drink too?) We never do the all-inclusive and eat almost all of our meals outside the resort. There are so many choices.
Food in Cabo ranges from very authentic local fare far off the beaten path to very upscale American food to very touristy food of all sorts. You can eat as American as you want, or as Mexican as you want, or never eat American or Mexican. Nitelife ranges from some of the best hole-in-the-wall bars you've every seen too the all too familiar trashy Mexican nite clubs to Cabo Wabo to some very upscale nite clubs (that I haven't frequented but my kids have).
There are dozens of good places to eat. We've tried a large number of them but find ourselves returning to certain ones every visit. The following are our favorites in no particular order:
• Hacienda Cocina y Cantina – Highly rated and recommended. Beautiful location. Good food. Offers some dinners for two that can reduce the expense quite a bit. Great margaritas here too. Located at Hacienda Resort at the end of Medano beach a bit past The Office. Good for lunch and dinner.
• The Office – Very cool look for evening dinner – they light it all up with tiki torches. Can be a bit cool at nite, you’ll be sitting on the sand near the ocean. Bring a wrap. It’s an easy/safe beach walk to/from the resort even at nite…but taxi works too. Expensive for dinner.
• Alexander’s – Located on the marina. On one occasion, we had the special seafood dinner for two. It was just excellent. Several items are cooked flambé next to your table – lobster, steak, tequila shrimp, fresh fish and more. Good food. We highly recommend. Expensive.
• Panchos – We’ve been there many times. Our traditional first nite dining location. Less expensive. Good choice for traditional Mexican fare also great outdoor grill for seafood, steaks and ribs.
• Invita Bistro – Newer place. Nice little Italian place. Very good food, moderately priced. Nice wine selection. Great service.
• Alcaravea – Mediterranean foods – new to us last couple of visits. Very good food, moderately priced. Can’t go wrong here.
These last two are good choices but have slipped a little bit in our last visits…
• Mi Casa – A classic Mexican restaurant experience; it has many different rooms, elevations, a bit touristy (okay, a lot touristy), really big margaritas. Less expensive, food is good and the atmosphere is fun.
• La Golondrina – Outside courtyard dining under the trees. Not far from Arco, but a funky walk. We take a taxi. Not on the beach or near Marina. You order off a big chalkboard. Seafood, beef, chicken, etc. You can make up any combination of anything you can think of and they’ll fix it up. Interesting atmosphere and concept with a vast array of choices, but really just basic grilled foods. Expensive. I really like this place...had my 60th birthday celebration here Nov '14. But was disappointed after two visits in Feb '15. We'll give it another try in January...but they risk falling off our radar.
You didn't ask - but one of my favorite things about Villa del Arco is the ability to walk down the beach to one of the many beach bars for lunch. Hence the moniker beach.bar.bob. We seldom, if ever eat lunch at the resort. Our most highly recommended beach bar is:
• Tabasco’s - Inexpensive, close to Villa del Arco – maybe 300 yards. 2-for-1 all day. Tabasco’s may look a little shifty, but it’s not. Quintessential beach bar. I’ve always found it good for lunch – I like the fish tacos. Dinner was a new offering at Tabascos last Feb. Not bad. I have to say that this may be my favorite place in all of Cabo...My kids loved it as teens and still love it today.
For a truly great margarita find the Monkey Business Bar in downtown. You won't regret it.
As noted above, Panchos is our go-to location our first nite there. I'd bet you'll find us there with friends the evening of Jan 4th when we arrive for our next visit to Arco. My daughters (no longer teenagers thank goodness) loved it when they were younger and still do as young adults. I think it'd would be a good choice your first nite. It's an easy taxi ride from Arco. I'm assuming this is your first visit to Cabo. You might have some concerns about getting around...Get to know the bell boys (Mariano, Francesco, Manuel, Oscar and the rest) they are the best and will help you feel comfortable and safe while visiting town. They will help you with the lay of the land. Before you leave the resort ask them all your questions about the taxi's/fares/safety in town and the like...for me, they are the go-to resource at the resort - far better than the concierge.
For New Year's it kinda depends on what kind of vibe you want. For me for I would probably choose Hacienda Cocina y Cantina followed by The Office (kids would probably like this better) followed by La Golondrina. But that's presuming you're not looking for a party scene.
Enjoy. Cabo is one of my favorite places. I hope you and your family have a great visit.
FWIW
bbb
