Budget Bites

You can dine reasonably in Los Cabos if you're not scared by the myth that the food at mom-and-pop operations or at street stands will send you running for the bathroom. These places usually cook to order, so you can tell if something has been sitting out too long or hasn't been cooked well. If there's a crowd of locals, the food is probably fresh and well prepared. Safe bets include quesadillas, fish tacos, corn on the cob, and tortas (sandwiches). Some restaurants have a comida corrida (prepared lunch special), a three-course meal that consists of soup or salad, an entrée with rice and vegetables, coffee, and a small dessert. It's not gourmet, but you'll be sated economically.

In Cabo San Lucas, head for the taco stands in the couple of blocks behind Squid Roe and Avenida Cárdenas and the backstreets inland from the marina.

Carnitas El Michoacano sells savory roasted pork served in tacos or tortas for about $3 each. Leona Vicario between Carranza and Obregon, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452.

At Pollo de Oro, a half-chicken meal costs about $5. Morelos at Av. Cárdenas, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452.

For inexpensive Mexican eateries close to the marina and hotels, try the juice stands.

Rico Suave makes great smoothies with yogurt, as well as cheese tortas. Av. Cárdenas between Av. Hidalgo and Calle Guerrero, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452.

Oye Como Va, a juice stand, also serves molletes (sliced rolls with beans and cheese) for $1.50. Calle Guerrero and Blvd. Zapata, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452.

Café Europa has a big breakfast burrito for $5 and quesadillas for $1.50. Blvd. Marina, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, 23452.

In San José del Cabo, there are at least a dozen stands at the Mercado Municipal, a couple of blocks west of the heart of San José, near El Chilar Restaurant. You may be the only gringo at the tables—a great way to practice your Spanish. Stock up on fresh papayas, mangoes, melons, and other peelable fruits.

Look for reasonably priced restaurants on Zaragoza and Doblado by the market. Good taco stands line streets on the inland side of Highway 1. Super Tacos Indios has filling baked potatoes. Las Ranas, a taquería (taco eatery), has a full bar.