We were looking for a place to have lunch and went to Cynthia Fresh in Plaza Caracol on the hotel zone street behind La Comer. But it wasn’t open yet. We noticed a sidewalk sign at the front of the plaza next door advertising Poke Bowls. So, we went to have a look. After looking at the menu, we decided to take one of the outdoor tables among the trees and covered by an umbrella, in front of the restaurant – Baral Bar. The menu offered both breakfast – eggs, hotcakes, chilaquiles, toasts, cold pressed juices, and more – and lunch – poke bowls, arabic tacos, sandwiches and burgers. The indoor portion of the restaurant is essentially the kitchen with a few displays of the menu and cold pressed juice menu.

After looking at the menu, Beth decided to try the Pink Panther juice – a combination of grapefruit, strawberry, and orange – and Chris went for the Green Energy – Apple, lemon, celery, cucumber, and spinach. Tracey ordered a sparkling water and a Diet Coke for me. After asking about the Arabic Tacos and finding out that it was a taco served in pita bread, Beth ordered the chicken breast and Chris the skirt steak. Tracey decided on the Poke Bowl. But that was just the first step and she had to choose the base, two proteins, the dressing, the complements and the toppings. The owner, Mauricio actually came out to help her make the best decision.

Arabic Tacos were huge and served with potato chips. In addition to the protein – skirt steak or chicken breast – they were stuffed with zucchini, peppers and onions. It was so good that Beth declared that Baral Bar was her new favorite lunch place in San Jose del Cabo. Tracey was equally pleased with her Poke Bowl with the seared tuna and salmon on top – and lots of it. I was fasting that day and so I will have to wait until our next visit to try the food.

While the others were eating, I had the chance to talk about the history of the restaurant with Mauricio de la Garza Canudas. The restaurant belonged to his brother and originally opened in the small interior plaza around the corner behind the ice cream store. It had moved to the space on the street almost three years ago (in June). His brother had recently moved away from San Jose and asked his brother if he wanted to take over Baral Bar. Mauricio has a lot of restaurant experience, having worked at a restaurant in the Shoppes at Palmilla and most recently, for eight years at Flora Farms. He was very familiar with Baral Bar as he would often help his brother on his days off. His nephew was working with him on weekends.

We were very impressed with the food and Mauricio’s service at Baral Bar. The outdoor seating was pleasant and there was even a fan running to keep air flowing under the umbrellas. We will definitely return and soon.