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Cabo’s dining scene is at its most authentic when you follow the locals. Away from resort restaurants and hotel buffets, neighborhood taquerias and family-run seafood spots serve the flavors that define everyday life here. These are places where meals are casual, prices are fair, and the atmosphere feels like part of the experience.
Here are seven restaurants that show what it means to eat like a local in Cabo San Lucas.
Tacos Gardenias
Just a short walk from Medano Beach, Tacos Gardenias has been a community favorite for nearly twenty years. Open from late morning until early evening, it’s the kind of place locals stop at for a quick lunch or an early dinner. Shrimp and fish tacos are the classics, though the cochinita pibil, nopales, and their sizzling shrimp molcajete are standout specialties. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, with quick service and generous portions.
Sancho’s Bar
Right on the Cabo San Lucas marina, Sancho’s combines the energy of a sports bar with a surprisingly wide-ranging menu. Breakfast plates are popular in the morning, while their Cajun-style seafood and Tex-Mex options draw groups later in the day. It stays open from breakfast through late night, making it a dependable stop at almost any hour.
Tacos Guss
Centrally located downtown and open until after midnight, Tacos Guss has become a trusted go-to for both locals and visitors. The menu covers the taco essentials—pastor, carnitas, birria, and barbacoa—along with larger plates like fajitas and quesadillas. It’s quick, consistent, and an easy stop after a day at the marina or a night exploring Cabo’s bar scene.
Mariscos Mazatlán
A few blocks off the main tourist strip, Mariscos Mazatlán feels like a classic Mexican seafood house. Open from midday into the evening, it’s the kind of spot where you can sit back with ceviche, shrimp cocktails, or lobster, all sourced locally and prepared the same day. The atmosphere is relaxed, often with the occasional presence of a Mariachi band that adds to the charm.
Taqueria El Paisa
When the rest of Cabo starts winding down, El Paisa is just getting busy. This nearly round-the-clock taqueria sits within walking distance of the nightlife area, making it the top choice for late-night cravings. Originally a taco stand, it has kept its straightforward, authentic style: meat sizzling on the grill, tacos served fast, and portions generous. Al pastor, carne asada, and birria are the staples that keep locals coming back long after midnight.
Los Claros
Close to downtown Cabo, Los Claros has earned its reputation on fried fish tacos rather than grilled. Open from breakfast into the late afternoon, it’s a bright, simple spot where seafood shines. Ceviches and seafood molcajetes also draw regulars, and the signature condiment bar lets diners customize each taco to taste.
Las Guacamayas
Las Guacamayas brings together food, color, and music in equal measure. With two locations in Cabo, including one near downtown, it comes alive in the evenings when murals, live bands, and big portions set the tone. The menu includes tacos, quesadillas, and fajitas, but the stuffed potatoes and oversized molcajetes are the highlights, with portions meant to be shared. Families and groups often choose it for dinner, and paying in pesos tends to give the best value.