Sip
Cabo has become known as a party destination, ideal for bachelorette parties and spring breakers, but there are a variety of places to have a low-key cocktail, a beer with sand between your toes, or an all-out dance-on-the-table fiesta. Day or night, there are plenty of options for drinks in Cabo. Here are a handful of venues worth a closer look.
Daytime
The Office
When it comes to day-drinking, the venues near the entrance to Medano Beach are the hot spot. None is more famous than The Office. Grab a drink while you sink your toes in the sand and view the bustling beach. I once spotted Julia Luis-Dreyfus here, so even the celebs can't resist a day at The Office.
Mango Deck
Mango Deck can be a little wilder than the other beachfront bars, with roaming tequila pourers and periodic dirty dancing contests, but they have 2 for 1 drinks all day, cheap buckets of beer, and stellar people-watching. The views of the bay aren't too shabby either.
Tabasco Beach
Located near Villa Del Arco, Tabasco Beach offers a toes-in-the-sand dining and drinking experience further from the busy stretch of Medano Beach. They have a few lounge chairs facing the Sea of Cortez where you can enjoy views of Land's End while taking advantage of all-day happy hour and decent guacamole.
The Roof
The Roof is a cute little rooftop venue near the boat launch area on the marina. There are lots of other great venues along the marina if you want to take a walking margarita tour, but this is a unique venue that I'm really hoping will stick around. Check it out!
Baja Cantina
At the Baja Cantina location at Cabo Villas Resort, you can sit on a swing overlooking a sparkling sea that catapults you fully into vacation mode. They have a blended cocktail called the honeydew that's sublime. A second marina location offers a full restaurant that's worth a visit, too.
Monkey Business
It takes a sixth sense or savvy local to find this little cantina among touristy souvenir shops just off the main road in downtown Cabo. Fresh fruits deliver big flavor to their colorful daiquiris and margaritas, while the laid-back vibe brings vacation bliss to the heart of the city. Note: they only take cash.
Nightlife
The Nowhere Bar
The Nowhere Bar is located in a prime spot along the marina near the main strip of bars in town. The music is loud and caters to a variety of tastes, so the vibe swings from laid back to loco. If you can't find a spot when you arrive, my amigo Lupe and his team stationed along the boardwalk will summon a table and chairs from out of the blue for you. Ladies' night is ruckus, so get there early to kick off your fiesta.
Monkey Business
This venue makes both lists because it fits vacation mode, day or night. Patrons' underwear adorn the ceiling, but you probably won't notice it while you sip the fruity goodness from a colorful glass. Their signature Monkey Business drink involves banana liqueur and Baileys, and can be made with a "festive" garnish that involves a stencil and cinnamon powder. Their staff, Christian and Victor, are hospitable and make great drinks. Bring cash.
Happy Ending
Happy Ending is Cabo's answer to the great American dive bar. Owned by a native Californian named Gene (a.k.a El Jefe), this spot offers beer pong and decor featuring a vintage pinup-girl style. Music is loud, and the crowd is a mix of low-key sippers at the bar and rowdy beer pong teams in the back. They have great pricing for beer and tequila shots. Their guava margarita is heaven.
Mandala
Mandala leans more toward the upscale lounge vibe than most bars in the tourist zone of Cabo, so it tends to have a handful of high rollers on any given night. They offer bottle service, a large dance floor, and true dance music including EDM and hip hop. Regular folks can grab drinks at the bar, of course, but lines tend to be longer than other venues.
El Squid Roe
If you've ever wanted to drink from a yard glass and dance on a table, this is the place. The party never stops at El Squid Roe, thanks to the instigating and energetic waiters and Jell-o shot girls. This is the place for people who want to let loose to thumping bass. It also happens to be the venue most likely to yield celebrity sightings, in my experience. Athletes, musicians, reality TV stars... you have a good chance of finding them here.
Cabo Wabo
This is my least favorite of Cabo's popular venues. Why? Cabo Wabo has cover bands that specialize in '80s rock and a crowd that probably averages 53 years of age. If that sounds good to you, here's your ideal fiesta! My body just doesn't know what to do with rock music. I need booty jams. If you're in my camp, pay Sammy Hagar's spot a visit for the novelty of it. Drink their namesake tequila, then move on to better options.