BajaNomad - Looking for a good restaurant in San Quintin and Guerrero Negro

Looking for a good restaurant in San Quintin and Guerrero Negro

drzura - 5-19-2014 at 12:54 PM

Hello everyone. After reading the old reviews of the restaurants in Guerrero Negro, it seems they are mediocre at best. I was wondering if anyone has an new reviews of any good eats in Guerrero Negro. We will more than likely be staying there this Friday night, and we are bringing two Baja rookies with us on this trip. I would like to impress them with some good eats while on this trip. Oh yeah, we'll be passing through San Quintin around lunch time and I was wondering if anyone has any good recommendations for that area as well. Thanks..

Damion

[Edited on 5-19-2014 by drzura]

bajaguy - 5-19-2014 at 01:04 PM

San Quintin - on your left side southbound just after you cross the bridge there is a little seafood place. Think it is painted blue and has a whale sign or skeleton on the roof.........great seafood c-cktails & baked chopped clams. Always a stop when we are headed north.

Pacifico - 5-19-2014 at 01:08 PM

I've always liked the scallops at Malarrimo in GN. Haven't had a bad meal there yet.

Udo - 5-19-2014 at 01:09 PM

In Guerrero Negro, our favorite is Mario's Palapa. About a ¼ mile before you get to the town turn off. It's a round building that houses whale tours on the right side and the restaurant on the other side.
Our best dishes are the CAMPECHANA, and the freshly made GUACAMOLE with chips. The margaritas are also terrific.

Below are photos of the campechana (which is actually a ceviche with whole pieces of clam, shrimp, chocolatas, octopus, conch, and oysters, when in season). The photos include the freshly made guacamole.

Here is what the outside looks like:

[Edited on 5-19-2014 by Udo]

[Edited on 5-19-2014 by Udo]

[Edited on 5-21-2014 by BajaNomad]

Tbone - 5-19-2014 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
San Quintin - on your left side southbound just after you cross the bridge there is a little seafood place. Think it is painted blue and has a whale sign or skeleton on the roof.........great seafood c-cktails & baked chopped clams. Always a stop when we are headed north.

The smoked clam c-cktail and the fresh oysters are awsome.

drzura - 5-19-2014 at 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pacifico
I've always liked the scallops at Malarrimo in GN. Haven't had a bad meal there yet.

A couple years ago we stayed and ate there. My buddy got the steak with brown gravy. Lets just say he was sick for 4 days and couldn't fish We thought we were going to have to bring him to the hospital in Santa Rosalia. It was bad.... I remember the small on the back side of the hotel; it smelled like a sewer. I will never order anything with brown gravy in Baja.

Udo - 5-19-2014 at 01:30 PM

Year before last we stayed and ate @ Malarrimo.
We had to change room three times before we found a set of sheets that were not ripped. The counter cue-in person was distracted by the TV and took us a lost 15 minutes to check in.
The waiters were just as inattentive and took us 45 minutes to get our dinner, and then it was tepid at best.
Never been back since.

durrelllrobert - 5-19-2014 at 03:23 PM

You would love the Molino Viejo on the water and adjoining the Old Mill motel in SQ, even though it's a mile off the highway.

BajaBlanca - 5-19-2014 at 03:37 PM

wow, nice shots of Jardines ! great hotel and restaurant!

we love the steak with mushroom sauce at GN, sorry you had a bad experience but we love that specific dish.

That being said, we live in seafood land. Those of you visiting, do not. Go for the seafood - you can't go wrong, usually.

Pescador - 5-19-2014 at 03:59 PM

I always spend the night at San Quitin because the restaurant and motel is so great and I have never found anything that even comes close in Guerrero. I know Udo has some great restaurant experience so I will accept his review of Marios, but I have gone there twice and will never return. The food, preparation, and service was terrible, but perhaps it gets better when the whale watching crowd is in town. It is the same thing that there are great reviews of Ricardo's Rice and Beans in San Ignacio which is a no visit place for exactly the same reasons.
I travel that road a lot and find that San Lucas is an easy second day drive so I usually pull in to San Quintin and am not completely beat up by the road and get to bed early and then make an easy second day run into San Lucas. I used to haul for the long haul and make Guerrero on the first day, but kinda gave up on it especially when I never really enjoyed the stay there.
Even better, for the most part, than Mario's is La Espinita on the north side of town, but it is just so-so fare and nothing spectacular to reccomend it.

David K - 5-19-2014 at 04:15 PM

No vote for Baja Jardines???

Good food, but you pay for that.

Located about Km. 1 marker, south of San Quintin/ Lazaro Card##es twin cities... then go west about a half mile then south a little more. Well signed, and next to Los Olivos RV Park.

drzura - 5-19-2014 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
No vote for Baja Jardines???

Good food, but you pay for that.

Located about Km. 1 marker, south of San Quintin/ Lazaro Card##es twin cities... then go west about a half mile then south a little more. Well signed, and next to Los Olivos RV Park.

I love Jardines; beautiful place and good food. We always stay there overnight on the way back up to the states and have dinner. The food is great and its located right next to the hotel. But, are they open for lunch? We'll be driving through San Quintin on Friday around lunch time.

Bajahowodd - 5-19-2014 at 05:03 PM

We never don't eat dinner at Jardines. It is undoubtedly the classiest place in town. Closed on Mondays. If you are there in San Quintin for breakfast, a great place to eat with a wide menu is Viejo San Quintin next to the hospital. Esmeralda and Carlos from Jardines operate this one as well.

As for Guerrero Negro, Malarrimo has been really disappointing for several years. We actually try to avoid stopping in GN unless we are specifically going to see the whales.

That said, if you don't mind a taqueria, the one at Cowboy is fairly good. No ambiance. They have beer.

drzura - 5-19-2014 at 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
We never don't eat dinner at Jardines. It is undoubtedly the classiest place in town. Closed on Mondays. If you are there in San Quintin for breakfast, a great place to eat with a wide menu is Viejo San Quintin next to the hospital. Esmeralda and Carlos from Jardines operate this one as well.

As for Guerrero Negro, Malarrimo has been really disappointing for several years. We actually try to avoid stopping in GN unless we are specifically going to see the whales.

That said, if you don't mind a taqueria, the one at Cowboy is fairly good. No ambiance. They have beer.

That's what we're lookin for in Guerrero Negro; a nice taco shop and some cold brews. I think we'll try Cowboy's.

Pacifico - 5-19-2014 at 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drzura

Quote:

That's what we're lookin for in Guerrero Negro; a nice taco shop and some cold brews. I think we'll try Cowboy's.

Another great taco shop is Tacos El Poblano in GN. They are on the right heading into town. Not sure how late they are open. Some of the best tacos I've had!

woody with a view - 5-19-2014 at 06:40 PM

^^^yes! across from the cowboy hotel^^^ same owner as the one in maneadero.

San Q used to have a place called La Pasadita on the right heading south at the park which is 4 feet below street level. THE BEST shrimp tacos EVER!!! it used to say Srhimp (not a typo!) on the side. last trip down the shack was removed.....

shari - 5-19-2014 at 08:19 PM

Cowboy Tacos are excellent and they have an expanded menu now too so have more stuff to eat. Cazuelas at the entrance to town...big orange place is very good but for the best food, service, and ambiance Don Gus wins by a long shot...big sign to turn left off the highway before Malarrimos.

liknbaja127 - 5-19-2014 at 08:21 PM

Jardines Baja Is the best place for all your eats'!!They are open at noon, they do not have a bar tender, until about 3:00. But the bar is open. It is worth the
short drive off the Road! Viejo San Quintin is there other restaurant, It is only
open until 12:00. Breakfast only! Also very good!!
The Mission Restaurant on your left, as you come into town is also a very good
place. that's your Monday choice!

Jack Swords - 5-20-2014 at 08:18 AM

Funny how so few have been to Don Gus in GN. Thanks Shari for mentioning it. The restaurant is very nice with excellent food. Owned by a nice lady who does the seasonal decorating. Located just under the radio tower as you drive into town. We have not been touting Don Gus for many years to avoid crowds, but no longer do one day to GN from Tijuana.

shari - 5-20-2014 at 09:58 AM

Don Gus is THE best restaurant in GN hands down as well as the classiest! No crowds there either and always great!

Bajahowodd - 5-20-2014 at 04:54 PM

Speaking about no crowds, we have been to Las Cazuelas several times. But the last two times we were the only folks in the room. Always have to wonder when there are no other patrons.

On a slightly different note, in the San Quintin area, the old La Pinta cum Desert Inn hotel out on Santa Maria beach was taken over by the Los Pinos folks. Now called the Hotel Mision Santa Maria. After the acquisition, they brought in a very talented chef. I don't necessarily recommend that you drive out there to eat, if you are not staying there, but the times we have chosen to stay there ( mostly on Mondays when the Jardines restaurant is closed), we have had really good food. They upgraded the rooms, but the overall feel of the place is still somewhat "The Shining" type creepy.

David K - 5-20-2014 at 11:03 PM

Good to hear that Los Pinos/Rodriguez brought in a chef for the hotel on the beach.

A little history:
It was built in 1973-1974 by the El Presidente chain to serve the new Transpeninsular Highway travelers and had its own paved driveway from the parador (gas station, rest stop, cafeteria, trailer park) on the original highway route (abandoned after repeated washouts and rerouted up to the hillside around the flood zone). The paved driveway was extended to the new highway location and the parador was abandoned.

El Presidente sold the new Baja highway hotels to La Pinta... and many years later the La Pinta hotels became Desert Inns... Now, many of them have newer owners and different names.

reneske - 5-21-2014 at 02:55 PM

The Villas De San Quintin Hotel has a great place to eat. They also have Italian food which is excellent. It is as good or better than Jardines, which I love. Loved the chance to get good Italian food. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Bob53 - 5-21-2014 at 03:44 PM

When traveling south in the RV, I always stay the night in San Quintin. I used to stay at Gypsy's Camp by Cielito Lindo but that camp has been closed for years. Nowadays I just park the RV at Mision Santa Maria Hotel (the old La Pinta). They let me park for free and I can go into the bar and have c-cktails and play pool. The restaurant is ok but no where near as good as Jardines.

amigobaja - 5-21-2014 at 05:04 PM

Lunch time in SQ about eight miles south of San Quintin is a small farm community. At the only tope on the left school on the right heading south is a small taco stand that you order from the cook. They will have 8-10 pans of food that the cook will show you each pan and you pick what you want for a plate full of food. When finished they will offer you a second plate at no charge. On the table will be fresh goat cheese and roasted peppers all included with your meal. They serve three meals a day and every time there the offerings change. My inexpert opinion best food in Baja.

shari - 5-21-2014 at 05:15 PM

amigobaja is quite right about the best food in baja at that place...the bus stopped there once and I was amazed at this little place...the guisados...kind of like a stir fry were AMAZING with lots of choices and fantastic cheese as mentioned. I dont know the name of it but well worth investigating and making it one of your food stops on trips.

Bob53 - 5-21-2014 at 05:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by shari
amigobaja is quite right about the best food in baja at that place...the bus stopped there once and I was amazed at this little place...the guisados...kind of like a stir fry were AMAZING with lots of choices and fantastic cheese as mentioned. I dont know the name of it but well worth investigating and making it one of your food stops on trips.

I know where this place is. I went in there once with my girlfriend and took a look. Looked pretty good to me but my girlfriend didn't want to eat there, mainly because she doesn't eat meat so we walked a short distance north to a clam c-cktail stand instead.

Bob53 - 5-21-2014 at 05:26 PM

I always see the tour busses stopped there.

David K - 5-21-2014 at 05:30 PM

Um, so anyone have a direction, km. marker, place name, even a GPS please?

El Socorro, Nueva Odisea, Costa Rica ???

Bob53 - 5-21-2014 at 05:36 PM

It's near the turn off to Fidel's campground but on the east side of the highway.

David K - 5-21-2014 at 05:50 PM

Fidel's campground? Is that the El Pabellon?

Bob53 - 5-21-2014 at 06:05 PM

Yes.

woody with a view - 5-21-2014 at 06:38 PM

there is a tope sign but no bump! I hate that......

rts551 - 5-21-2014 at 06:38 PM

I believe it is another taco shop called Poblano. KurtG has it right....Parcela 12,

[Edited on 5-22-2014 by rts551]

KurtG - 5-21-2014 at 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Um, so anyone have a direction, km. marker, place name, even a GPS please?

El Socorro, Nueva Odisea, Costa Rica ???

The place is named "Parcela 12." On east side of highway a couple of miles south of the Los Pinos gas station. The food is exceptional. It is south of the curve where the old original highway rejoins the current highway.

vacaenbaja - 6-6-2014 at 09:10 PM

Been there. Done that again this past memorial day. Good Stuff!

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=67449#pid8175...

Martyman - 6-7-2014 at 08:13 AM

In San Quintin we usually stop at El Cliente for the smoked clams.

Oh and Hotel Mission Santa Maria is not creepy! Just quiet.

Bajahowodd - 6-7-2014 at 04:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
wow, nice shots of Jardines ! great hotel and restaurant!

we love the steak with mushroom sauce at GN, sorry you had a bad experience but we love that specific dish.

That being said, we live in seafood land. Those of you visiting, do not. Go for the seafood - you can't go wrong, usually.

mulegejim - 6-7-2014 at 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by woody with a view
there is a tope sign but no bump! I hate that......

Better than the other way around.

trailer trash recommendations

susaninlapaz - 6-7-2014 at 05:58 PM

i like the pizza (!) and the ambiance at Black Coffee in GN (just keep following the main road thru town until the pemex, and it's on your right in a few buildings).

and next door to the more expensive and admittedly classier Molino Viejo mentioned by another is the better-food-and-bar Don Eddie's. Leo's house special is the best meal you're gonna get in San Quintin.

DawnPatrol - 6-8-2014 at 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by amigobaja
Lunch time in SQ about eight miles south of San Quintin is a small farm community. At the only tope on the left school on the right heading south is a small taco stand that you order from the cook. They will have 8-10 pans of food that the cook will show you each pan and you pick what you want for a plate full of food. When finished they will offer you a second plate at no charge. On the table will be fresh goat cheese and roasted peppers all included with your meal. They serve three meals a day and every time there the offerings change. My inexpert opinion best food in Baja.

That place is called "Parcela 12" and I have been going there for twenty years or so! Shhhhh.... don't spread it around, the place now gets crowded but is the best!!! Its a must do for lunch or late afternoon dinner

Any you are right, the fresh cheese is great, but I don't think its goat.. its vaca

On the east side of the road just down from the Pabellon trailer park turnoff about 200 yards

[Edited on 6-8-2014 by DawnPatrol]

[Edited on 6-8-2014 by DawnPatrol]

BajaGringo - 6-8-2014 at 09:37 AM

If you like fresh seafood, our local favorite is Mariscos Boca Del Rio San Quintin, located about 3-4 miles south of town on the east side of the highway. Excellent!

https://www.facebook.com/RestaurantBocaDelRIO

BajaBlanca - 6-8-2014 at 09:49 AM

Bajahowodd. I just started rereading this thread and Who Knows where my mind was that day.

What I mean about the seafood comment:

We go to Malarrimo restaurant for the mushroom sauce filet mignon. To die for delicious. Most Baja visitors who are coming south are looking for seafood and not meat, and we have never eaten any other dishes there. Those who have say they were disappointed.

Lee - 6-8-2014 at 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
Bajahowodd. I just started rereading this thread and Who Knows where my mind was that day.

What I mean about the seafood comment:

We go to Malarrimo restaurant for the mushroom sauce filet mignon. To die for delicious. Most Baja visitors who are coming south are looking for seafood and not meat, and we have never eaten any other dishes there. Those who have say they were disappointed.

I eat at Malarrimo's couple times a year. Usually get fish or shrimp and have had luck with Rib Eye steak. Service has been spotty time to time but the food consistently good, for me, for past 10 years.

Bajahowodd - 6-8-2014 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

My quizzical response was about your commenting about the nice shots of Jardines. There are no pictures of Jardines in this thread.

That said, I stand by prior comments that Malarrimo is really not as good as back in the past.