Discovering El Coral: The Oldest Restaurant in Cabo San Lucas

 

Welcome back to our blog! Today, we’re excited to share a special experience with you. We had the privilege of sitting down with Roberto, the owner of El Coral, the oldest restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, to learn about its rich history and the journey that has made it an iconic part of our community.

El Coral’s story begins far from the sandy shores of Cabo San Lucas. Roberto’s family originally hailed from Chapala in Guadalajara. In search of better opportunities, they moved to Sinaloa. It was in the early 70s when they heard about the burgeoning town of Cabo and decided to take a leap of faith. Packing up their lives, they took the ferry and relocated their entire family to Cabo San Lucas.

Upon their arrival in Cabo, Roberto’s family found work at Solmar, but they soon noticed a significant gap in the local dining scene. There were plenty of construction workers and hotel employees, but no real places for them to eat. At that time, much of downtown Cabo was still under construction, and El Pedregal was just beginning to lay its foundations.

Roberto shared a heartwarming story about his mother, who started making handmade tortillas under a bougainvillea tree, which provided a nice bit of shade. This simple act of providing food for the hardworking locals marked the beginning of what would eventually become El Coral.

After a few years, the very spot under the bougainvillea tree transformed into the first iteration of El Coral. They began preparing fresh fish that the local fishermen brought in daily. These fishermen would bring their catches to El Coral, where Roberto’s family would cook the fish in various delicious ways. This tradition continues to this day, making El Coral a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

Over the years, El Coral has become renowned for its deep-fried guachinango (red snapper) and the Cadillac margarita. These dishes have become synonymous with the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition, drawing people back time and time again.

 

El Coral isn’t just a place to eat; it’s a place to create memories. Many locals have celebrated special occasions here, and tourists often make it a point to visit whenever they’re in town. It’s a place where stories are shared, and new friendships are forged over a delicious meal.

 

We hope you enjoy our video interview with Roberto as much as we enjoyed making it. Hearing about the history and passion behind El Coral has deepened our appreciation for this incredible restaurant. If you’re ever in Cabo San Lucas, be sure to stop by El Coral and experience it for yourself. Trust us; it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.

Don’t forget to watch our full interview here, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Have you visited El Coral? What was your favorite dish? We’d love to hear your stories!