Located in The Shoppes at Palmilla, Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina has taken over the space previously occupied by Chin’s. We were greeted at the door, and asked if we would like to sit inside or outside. We chose a table outside on the deck. Our server, Juan provided us with menus and gave us a little history of the restaurant and the menu. We had the opportunity to meet Juan Pablo Lozo (JP), the owner, who told us that the restaurant was modeled after the traditional cantinas on mainland Mexico. He wants it to be a place where friends and family gather, not only for good traditional food by for games, parties, and events. He also decided that his food had to be priced so that families could enjoy the restaurant, and not only tourists, who are used to the higher prices at resorts in the area. JP has a long history in the hospitality business. He worked at La Ventana El Paraiso many years ago, and spent much of his career with Rosewood Resorts, working around the world. When he decided that he wanted his own restaurant, he came back to Los Cabos. Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina has been open for about six months.

The menu at Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina reflects JP’s desire for a cantina style menu. It starts out with Botanas Cantineras – tortilla chips and six different salsas to warm up your palate before your main course. This incredible spread is complimentary to the restaurant’s diners, and has a great range of flavors to enjoy with the tortilla chips. The appetizer menu includes salads, soups, ceviche, and crudos. For more main courses there at Tostadas, Tortas, Tamales, Tacos and Tlayuda (nachos), as well as bigger dishes – chicken, grilled fish, short ribs, breaded beef, beef tongue, and grilled fish. There is also a daily special for every day except Tuesday, when they are closed. The special the night that we were there was lamb barbacoa, prepared in salt for six hours and then baked for four. The menu also makes it clear that they have 100% plant-based alternatives with a completely separate kitchen, guaranteeing no cross contamination for their vegetarian and vegan guests.

Even with the amazing complimentary starter of tortilla chips and six salsas, we decided to order appetizers. Beth ordered the Caesar Salad and I selected the garlic mushrooms – I love grilled mushrooms. Both were very tasty. For our main courses, Beth chose the Beef Milanese, which was served with French fries and salad. The portion was so large that about half of it came home with us. I snuck a taste and it was delicious. I decided to try the special of the day – Lamb Barbacoa. The pile of barbacoa was not only huge but the lamb was juicy and the flavor amazing. It also came with a bowl of lamb broth, which I finished completely. I also ended up taking home more than half of my barbacoa – it could have easily fed two people.

We were too full to sample one of their desserts. Both Beth and I were very impressed with the transformation of the Chin’s location. The service was excellent, and Juan, our server was fun and informative. As described, the food was plentiful, flavorful, and delicious. We would highly recommend trying Senora Cocina Casa & Cantina. You can even play foosball or watch your favorite games on the televisions mounted around the restaurant. The prices are also very reasonable. The Barbacoa was the most expensive on the menu, but could easily feed two hungry people – making it too very reasonable.