Cabo San Lucas draws travelers in droves that can best be described as spring breakers. They come for the beach, the bars, the Cabo Wabo T-shirts. But Coronas and cheap tequila aren’t the only diversions in town. From chic cantinas overlooking the Sea of Cortez to urbane lounges where jazz accompanies innovative cocktails, these 7 under-the-radar settings offer an alternative to the all-night party.
Cocina Del Mar
As evening settles over the open-air Cocina del Mar at the Esperanza Resort, a tequliero fills two of the six glasses in a tasting chandelier with red and green sangritas, which serve as palate cleansers. Bottles of Tres Generaciones, Azul, 1800 and other fine tequilas flow and fans of Mexico’s treasured elixir are escorted on a Tequila Journey (open to nonguests; reservations required). The course helps tasters recognize the -differences between 100 percent pure distilled blue agave, añejo (aged) tequilas and smoky mescal; graduates are initiated into the resort’s Blue Agave Society. Afterward everyone moves onto the overstuffed sofas at the adjacent Lounge Bar for specialty margaritas flavored with cucumber, cilantro and lime while the waves crash against the shoreline to the sounds of live Latin music.
Carr. Transpeninsular km 7; 855.331.2226; esperanzaresort.com
Bar Esquina
Urban chic meets laid-back Baja at Bar Esquina, a corner bar and restaurant that would fit in just fine in Manhattan or Mexico City. Stylish locals stop by for after-work cocktails and pre-dancing bites or to gossip over leisurely dinners beside blazing fire pits. Tourists in shorts and T-shirts are welcome, but sexy sundresses are a better match for the glowing pendant lamps, crystal goblets, marble bar and lively entertainment. Seasonal menus rely on local organic ingredients right down to the freshly muddled fruit cocktails. The kitchen is open until midnight, so you can pop by for hearty lobster pasta, braised short ribs or an incredible mushroom-and-truffle-oil pizza after a night on the town. Should you need a pick-me-up instead of dinner, the adjacent coffee bar blends healthy smoothies and cappuccinos to your specs.
Bahia Hotel & Beach Club, Av. El Pescador; +52 624.143.1890; aresquina.com
Mandala
At first glance, it’s hard to tell the difference between this upscale dance club and the raucous El Squid Roe next door. Party-seeking tourists in flip-flops and shorts clog the bars at both clubs in the early evening, but by midnight, when Cabo residents begin arriving at Mandala, beachwear gives way to slinky dresses, strappy sandals and linen shirts. Bottles of Grey Goose and Don Julio replace plastic beer cups at private tables set beneath glittering chandeliers and disco balls. There’s still plenty of dancing to be done—revelers fill the dance floor and move to anything from electro house to pop—but the ambience is somehow still refined even as the DJ keeps the party going well into the night.
1112 Av. Lazaro Cardenas; +52 624.143.2056; mandalanightclub.com
Hacienda Cocina & Cantina
At midday, when the sun is bright and the air hot, the beach bars are thick with people indulging in Pacifico, tacos and deafening hard rock. Skip that scene and instead reserve an umbrella-shaded table on the sand or breezy terrace of this classy cantina. The iconic 1960s retreat is now a gated community with million-dollar villas, but the restaurant and bar remain open to the public, and lingering is encouraged. Take a seat on one of the blue and yellow cushions, order an icy michelada (beer with lime juice) and settle in for a lengthy alfresco lunch of ceviche, crab flautas and grilled fish. Bonus: On this quiet stretch of popular Playa Medano, vistas are usually free of parasails, WaveRunners and other noisy distractions.
Medano Beach; +52 624.163.3100; haciendacocina.com
Resteraunt At Los Cabose Winery
California oenophile and art collector Robert Turnage opened his winery here in 2009, shipping barrels of California wines to age and bottle with a Los Cabos label. After amassing an eccentric collection of paintings, sculptures, vintage cameras and Hollywood memorabilia, he opened a small supper club here, where loyal patrons dine on lobster and filet mignon. Original art, lots of cozy spaces for lounging and live jazz vocalists lend a European vibe to this semi-secret escape from Cabo’s mayhem. On most evenings a pianist provides the soundtrack for quiet conversation; by night’s end, guests are mingling like old friends in a Park Avenue apartment.
2518 Francisco Villa; +52 .624.143.8078; loscaboswinery.com
Sunset Da Mona Lisa
Unparalleled views of the Sea of Cortez and that famous rock arch at land’s end make this a quintessential sunset restaurant. The light show is dazzling when a golden glow shimmers on the waves and the sky takes on a rosy hue. Diners feast on pastas and seafood before catching the night’s star show on the restaurant’s high-powered telescope. As a nightcap, there’s live piano music and a great selection of Prosecco and grappa at the adjacent Sunset Point Lounge.
Carr. Transpeninsular Km 6; +52 624.145.8077; sunsetmonalisa.com
The Nowhere Bar?
Nowhere may seem like every other joint in the jam-packed area along the marina, with a decor that consists of a few plasma screens playing music videos. But you’ll never see its waiters waving menus and coupons at passersby—they don’t need to. The outdoor tables draped in wine-colored cloths, narrow indoor bar and tiny dance floor have been packed nearly every night for the past 20 years, and diehard locals and frequent visitors wouldn’t dream of celebrating elsewhere. So what’s the big deal? It must be the friendly staff, top-shelf drinks and eclectic music selection. Or perhaps its unwavering popularity is owing to something as simple as its tagline: “Because Nowhere is exactly where you want to be.”
17 Paseo de la Marina Blvd.; +52 624.143.4493; nowherebar.com
NOTE: Information may have changed since publication. Please confirm key details before planning your trip.