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Don’t let the name fool you. In the bustling coastal corridor of Baja, ‘Puerto Viejo’ is the newest place to be, a fact confirmed by the joyful chaos of crowds searching for parking and lining up for photos.
Even before you find a parking spot, you can sense the buzz—the stream of people walking with purpose, the music in the air, the collective feeling that you’ve arrived at the place to be on the Baja coast. But then, beyond the motion of the crowds, something more permanent commands your attention: the brick.
An entire world of it. Intricate, soaring arches and detailed masonry seem to rise organically against the sky, creating stunning nooks and graceful crannies. This is the heart of an area ironically dubbed ‘Puerto Viejo’ (Old Port), a spot that has quickly become the new Puerto Nuevo for anyone seeking a vibrant, gorgeous escape. At the heart of it you will find Los Portales de Garcia.
I have to admit, I’m one who tends to resist the hype. For some time now, people have been asking me, “Are you near Los Portales?” or “Do you know anything about Los Portales?” As someone who leads horseback riding tours in La Misión, I come in contact with a lot of visitors, many of whom tell me, “We are going to Los Portales after our ride, is it far from you?” I’m not proud to say that the more I was asked, the less I wanted to see it for myself.
“Oh, that place?” I would answer with a tiny bit of snark. “That’s the new, popular spot everyone wants to go to.” Or, “Oh, that? It’s where everyone goes to get their best Instagram photos,” again, insinuating there was something a bit ‘less than’ about such a desire.
So, I was as surprised as anyone to find myself at Los Portales - on a Sunday, no less.
And what can I say? I was amazed. Stopped in my tracks. I follow them on Instagram, so I knew the location was beautiful—but "photogenic" doesn't even come close to describing it. In person, it was even more magical than I had imagined.
After parking (a quick tip: parking is free, so don’t let other vendors charge you; just get your ticket validated inside), we walked toward the entrance. Decorative flags flew overhead, an outdoor bar beckoned, and a walkway was decorated—at the moment with thousands of marigolds for the upcoming Día de los Muertos—as music filled the air. You haven't even put your name in with the hostess, but you're already drawn into the vibe. It’s intentional.
Like many families in Baja, the Garcia family is originally from the interior of Mexico - Sonora, to be exact. Sonora is known for its brickwork and a certain style of arches. Rigoberto Garcia Jr., known as Rigo, is the design eye behind Los Portales. “We wanted to bring some of that colonial style from the interior here to the coast of Baja,” he explained. “In this way, we can help conserve some of the tradition of the interior of Mexico right here.” The family did the work themselves, bringing their own craftsmanship to the forefront.
Despite the crowds, we had only a short wait before being escorted inside, as though being led through the gates of a brick castle. We were seated on the main patio, where a DJ was accompanied by a saxophonist. All around us were more flowers and, of course, the incredible view. Once you walk through the doors, you are transported to the edge of the cliff, with ocean waves crashing below. The restaurant's foundation is literally the cliffs, incorporating the natural rock formations and local laja stone into its structure.
Everywhere you look, there is more attention to detail—completely ‘unnecessary’ but absolutely stunning. Flowers. Candles. Tile. Light fixtures. Hanging wicker lanterns. There's even a decorative cow painted in bright colors and emblazoned with the Los Portales name.
Once seated, watching the sun begin its journey to the horizon, the vibe just enveloped us. To be honest, I don’t normally prefer loud music in a restaurant; I’d rather have an easy conversation. But this music, instead of being disruptive, was inviting, lulling you into its rhythm and asking you to simply relax and let the cares of the day fall away.
That said, it was hard to sit still. There were so many beautiful things to see, photograph, and explore: staircases leading up to amazing photo spots, mirrors designed for selfies, and decorative spaces meant simply for appreciation. It seems everything has been thought of. There are even multiple bars, strategically placed so you can wander without going far for a refill.
Finally, I pulled myself away from all the eye candy and got to the point—we were there, after all, to eat and drink. When I ordered the margarita and the waiter asked, “What flavor?” I had a momentary thought: Oh no, are they going to serve me a slushie margarita out of a machine? But my fears were unfounded. The margarita was possibly the best I have ever had—the perfect blend of strong, sweet, and tangy, inviting you to have another.
You could easily spend an afternoon just having a drink and enjoying the ambiance—the music, the view, the vibe. But we had come for dinner, so it was time to make another decision. I can’t vouch for the rest of the menu, but the pulpo on the grill was out of this world, and the rib-eye steak was incredible. Perfectly cooked. Perfectly seasoned.
Perhaps what struck me most about the experience was this: it seemed like everyone there was having a great time. Not just the patrons, but the bartenders, the wait staff, and the hostesses, too. Everyone had a smile, a welcoming spirit, and a graciousness in their manner.
That universal sense of enjoyment, I realized, is part of the true magic of Los Portales. My initial snark was completely unfounded. This is a testament to the fact that sometimes, a place can be both the trendy hotspot and a genuinely wonderful experience. It’s a celebration of craftsmanship, a feast for the senses, and a reminder that the best places are popular for a reason. And yes, you will absolutely get your perfect Instagram photo, but you’ll leave with something far more valuable: the memory of being completely and utterly delighted.
Contact Los Portales de Garcia:
Website
Instagram
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