Los Tres Gallos: Best Enchiladas in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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The red brick exterior of Los Tres Gallos in Cabo San Lucas

Los Tres Gallos might just be my favorite restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. This is quite a bold statement with so many great restaurants in Cabo. But, I truly believe this. Why, you may ask? The food, the ambiance, the décor, the service, and the menu were all fantastic.

What makes the food at Los Tres Gallos (The Three Roosters) special is that each dish comes from recipes passed down through the owner’s mother, her mother, and generations before them. Her love for her family, her values, and her love of Mexican cuisine can be tasted in each ingredient and every plate.

Some decent restaurants are in the marina area, but many are overpriced and packed with tourists. As long as the food is good, this isn’t necessarily bad. I will eat anything if it is delicious.

While Los Tres Gallos lies only a few blocks north of the marina and resorts, I felt far from the tourists. If I didn’t know where I was looking, I might have missed Los Tres Gallos. And I’m glad I didn’t.

If you are looking for more information about Cabo San Lucas, I highly recommend you pick up a guidebook such as Moon Los Cabos: With La Paz & Todos Santos

Table of Contents

Interior

Open kitchen of the restaurant on the left

Walking from the quiet street, through the brick archway, and into the restaurant, I felt like I was in another world. Through the large open doors was a beautiful open-air courtyard.

All the stresses of the outside world seemed to disappear as I stood inside the vibrant courtyard featuring large fruit trees, brick walls, and colorful streamers overhead. Even though I was dining under the stars, it was very bright thanks to the hanging lights.

On the left-hand side, near the entrance, was a small bar busy with expert mixologists creating cocktails. At the far end of the courtyard was a partially open kitchen. If you have the time, take a peek inside the kitchen and look out for the chili peppers on display.

Scattered around the courtyard were a number of tables, at the time, spaced out for social distancing.

Adding to the ambiance was a mariachi band playing their guitars and singing in the courtyard. If you want a tableside serenade, don’t forget to bring a few dollars or pesos for a tip.

Los Tres Gallos Menu

Desserts could be found on the final page

As mentioned before, Michel Zermeño, the restaurant’s owner, took inspiration from his mother for all the dishes on the menu at Los Tres Gallos. Every dish and ingredient reflects her love for her family and Mexican cuisine.

The menu had three sections: appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Each section contained classic Mexican dishes and more unique options that might be new to you. There was something for everyone.

There was also a wide selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes on the menu for those with dietary restrictions.

Chips and a Trio of Salsas

After ordering, complimentary chips and a trio of salsas arrived at my table. While the fresh, crunchy, homemade chips were great, I couldn’t believe how flavorful the salsas were. It was at this point I knew I was in for a great meal.

On the left, the first salsa had orange-marinated guajillo peppers and tequila. The guajillo peppers gave the salsa a deep, smoky flavor, while the orange and tequila added sweetness. This salsa was mild with a hint of heat.

In the center, the second salsa had the classic combination of tomatillos, garlic, and cilantro. This chunky, well-balanced salsa was fresh and bright while tart from the tomatillos. Adding to the flavor was fresh cilantro. This salsa was not spicy.

The third salsa on the right featured spicy chile de árbol peppers and oil. The thin salsa, more of a chili oil, had dried bits of peppers, which added texture and heat. Of the three salsas, this was the spiciest.

Sopa de Tortilla (Tortilla Soup)

The Tortilla Soup or Sopa de Tortilla (150 pesos or about $7.54) served at Los Tres Gallos had to be one of the most beautiful tortilla soups I have ever laid my eyes on. This classic had tomato sauce, cream, epazote, chili pasilla, panela cheese, tortilla strips, and avocado garnish.

The server placed the bowl on the table, and I was surprised to see the tomato sauce missing. The real magic began when the server walked over to the table and poured the beautiful red tomato sauce out of a pot and into the bowl. The tortilla chips in the bowl remained crispy by pouring the broth tableside.

The tomato sauce was delicious with just the right consistency. It wasn’t too thick or thin. Its flavor was slightly sweet from the tomatoes and salty from what I believe might have been shrimp broth. Rich cream completed this well balanced and flavorful soup.

Epazote can often overpower dishes, but the dish used it sparingly, adding only a hint of its minty flavor. Sprinkled around the bowl were small strands of chili pasilla. This dark red dried pepper added a wonderful smoky aroma to the soup.

Also, cut thin were tortilla strips, adding a crunchy texture to each bite. Finishing off this soup was chunks of fresh, creamy avocado and cubes of panela cheese. The smooth, chewy cheese was salty and funky, like queso fresco, but less crumbly. The taste reminded me of queso oreado, a local cheese I tried at Isabel Restaurant – Bar & Friends.

My only complaint about this soup? The portion was small, especially for the price. While you can share, it’s better enjoyed by one person.

Enchiladas Verdes

I had a real dilemma when ordering. Should I order the Enchiladas de Mole (310 pesos or about $15.60) or the Enchiladas Verdes (290 pesos or about $14.59)? After debating back and forth and asking my server for his recommendation, I settled on the Enchiladas Verdes.

This classic Mexican dish had corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and then slathering them with tomatillo sauce, cheese, crema, and vegetables. This dish was beautiful.

I couldn’t believe how bright and colorful the tomatillo sauce was. It sparkled and glistened under the bright lights. After my first bite, I could tell the smooth and luscious sauce was homemade with fresh tomatillos and lime juice.

Its flavor was salty and tart and kept me going back for more. Not a fan of tomatillos and their bold, tart flavors? Then, this sauce may be a little too sour for your liking.

Swimming in the beautiful green sauce were three homemade corn tortillas stuffed with chicken. I wondered if the lightly grilled tortillas would get soggy with so much sauce, but they didn’t. While the tortillas did soak up some of the sauce, they were anything but soggy.

Inside each rolled tortilla was a generous portion of shredded chicken breast. While easy to overcook, the chicken was cooked perfectly until moist and tender.

Sprinkled over the tortillas was a mixture of salty, funky cotija cheese, a rich, refreshing, creamy crema, crunchy red onions, and a slice of tomato. Each of these ingredients brought the entire dish together by adding flavor and texture,

Side of Rice and Refried Beans

Tasty rice and refried beans on the side

Served with the Enchiladas Verdes was a side of rice and refried beans. The fluffy Spanish rice was tasty, with peas and carrots mixed in. The refried beans were even better. There must have been oil or butter mixed in with the luscious, moist, tender beans because it tasted so flavorful for something so simple. Cotija cheese topped the dish, adding flavor and salt.

Service at Los Tres Gallos

The service at Los Tres Gallos was fantastic, from the hostess to the wait staff. I felt welcome from the moment I arrived until I left. Even though it was a busy Friday night, the service was prompt, and the food came quickly.

Every server that stopped by my table was friendly and attentive. It’s refreshing when a restaurant excels at customer service.

Conclusion

I knew I was in for a treat once I tasted the complimentary salsas. And, the meal only got better with the tableside pouring of the delicious tomato soup. But the Enchiladas Verdes was the star of the night.

If Los Tres Gallos isn’t the best restaurant in Cabo San Lucas, then I don’t know what is. I enjoyed everything about this experience from the food to the service to the beautiful brick courtyard. I can’t wait to return to try more dishes.