If ever there were a bar that summed up the L.A. stereotype—cartoon-ish murals of girls in bikinis, sunny patios, two-for-one margarita specials—it's
Cabo Cantina in Venice. The faux Mexican, borderline-cheesy chain, which includes the gay version
Fiesta Cantina in WeHo, is all about creating a spring break–vibe for the casual jeans-and-flip-flops crowd.
All the requisite Cabo Cantina touches are here.
√ Green-and-red Mexicana color theme.
√ Grass-thatched roofs.
√ Flat-screen TVs in every direction, tuned to sports.
√√√ An endless list of frozen margaritas, not to mention
crazy cocktails like the Bloody Maria and the Mamasita Mojito.
What puts this location over the top, however, is that it's literally steps away from the beach. Just days before Christmas, the brand-spankin’-new bar was packed during the two-for-one happy hour from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Can you imagine how insane it will be when summer rolls around? Frying all day in the sun can inspire a little craziness. Add sugary drinks and a two-story playground full of bathing suit–clad bodies and things are bound to get
wild.
It's a good thing there's comida to soak up all that booze. But don't expect anything too authentic. Though the nachos are muy delicioso in their sour creamy, cheesy, guacamole goodness, the chips are red and green. Seriously.
Click here for Cabo Cantina's address and phone number.Alexandra Le Tellier is Bars & Clubs editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
