Seeing is believing. Such is the case when you step into Art and Beer—an eclectic stop in the middle of nowhere near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. You may have read reviews, heard stories, even viewed pictures of Art and Beer, but it takes an in-person stop to truly understand just how strangely awesome this place is.
Art and Beer
Art and Beer, about 30 miles north of Cabo San Lucas on the Pacific Ocean side, is a must-stop when taking a day-trip to Todos Santos or Playa Cerritos. It’s been featured on Rick Bayless’ PBS “Mexico-One Plate at a Time”, has received rave reviews in magazines, and been outlined in multiple blogs. Blink while you’re driving and you might miss this side-stop attraction. But if you know what you’re looking for and what you might expect, it is a worthwhile visit.
After spending the majority of the day in the small, quiet town of Todos Santos my group and I decided to continue our art tour and head to Art and Beer on our way back to Cabo. We had passed by it on the way to Todos Santos, a small “WTF is that” attraction on the left side of the freeway. Art and Beer isn’t situated next to the glitzy resorts found in the heart of Cabo. No, this stop is found literally in the middle of the desert, with a faint view of the ocean in the distance.
Because of its solitude, Art and Beer at most times is uncrowded. In fact, you may find you have the entire place to yourself. When we arrived in the late afternoon as the sun was just beginning to set on a Friday, there was only one other group—just to give you an idea of how quiet this place usually is. Art and Beer, is perhaps best known not only for the diverse art-sculptures but also for their two menus. One that features their collection of fresh ceviche tostadas and the other with their delicious fruit margaritas. These margaritas are no joke, they are not only huge but also perhaps the most tasty alcoholic beverages we’ve consumed to date.
While we sipped our margaritas, we took a tour of the grounds. Boardwalks guide you through the enchanted garden the owners have so eloquently created, filled with other-worldly sculptures that look even more space-like at night. Returning back inside the bar/restaurant we walked up the spiral staircase to get a panoramic view of the entire landscape. Even now that the sun had set, the décor was lit up in varying neon colors to illuminate the masterpiece below. Once you’ve had your fill of art, take a seat at the tables outdoors to admire the whole crazy, yet mesmerizing scene.
What’s most impressive at Art and Beer is the fact that the owners, Alfredo Ruiz and Lourdes Campos are responsible for all of their artwork. In fact, their paintings are even for sale. Additionally, they sell T-shirts, CD’s, and more.
Whether you want to take a stroll through their outdoor art gallery, take a seat at the interspersed mini-tiki huts along the way, or indulge in some of the best craft beers in Baja, Art and Beer is not to be missed.
Art and Beer Tips
Tip #1: It may come as a surprise but Art and Beer doesn’t have a phone or internet access. No free Wi-Fi for you. #firstworldproblems
Tip #2: Bring cash, a lot of it. The drinks here aren’t cheap but they are worth trying, at least once. There is also a minimum charge of 40 pesos.
Tip #3: The toilet is just as strange as this place. You will need to use water from a bucket to wash down the toilet after using. You’re better off holding it, if you can.
Tip #4: Try the original Bloody Mary, there is truly nothing else out there like it.
Tip #5: Be sure to make your way to the top of the roof. The view from the top is not to be missed.