El Merkado: Cabo

When my friend booked our rooms at the Hampton Inn and Suites in between the two Cabos, we had no idea that it was behind the new El Merkado, a market-style dining experience in what seemed to me looked like a plane hangar. We spent at least a little time there each day we stayed in Cabo. On our first full day, we found our way across the parking lot from our lobby and into a mostly empty market. I felt we truly had the market to ourselves! We looked around and finally settled at the Oyster Bar, where we had margaritas made from fresh juices and split some tacos. Katie sampled some oysters while I marveled at the view of the sea from our seats at the bar

There are a variety of places to dine, as well as a wine tasting area and a little craft beer stop, El Beer Stop. We indulged in some beer on our second day, opting to take it back to our room at the hotel before a heading back up to the rooftop pool at our hotel. Later that night, we went back for dinner, sharing enchiladas from La Carreta Los Cabos and getting our own drinks from The Office Cantina, which offers a large selection of cocktails made with local liquors. Everything in this market is fresh, local, and homemade—and absolutely delicious.

Including breakfast! On our last day, we went back for pancakes at El Pancake House, since we knew we would be indulging in a lot of pool-side cocktails that day at the Hilton resort. The pancakes were hot and fluffy, topped with bacon. There were many other options, but Katie and I both decided to get the classic stack. Just like all of the other foods we sampled at El Merkado, not only was the food custom made for us, we were treated with glorious hospitality. This unexpected dining experience definitely makes me look forward to my next trip to Cabo.

Katie’s Oyster Sampler

Beer Selection of Local Brews

You Have All of These Options--And More!--at The Office Cantina!

Freshly Made Enchiladas Served with an Ice Cold Maragarita

My Last Breakfast in Cabo!