The Giggling Marlin restaurant bar, which claims to be the oldest bar in downtown Cabo San Lucas, went up in flames just before 6 a.m. Friday, June 15. The brave Cabo San Lucas firemen and women rushed to the site, along with several police pick-up trucks, closing the street to vehicle traffic for several hours.
The cause of the fire is still unknown, but the damage appears to be almost a total loss as the kitchen didn’t suffer that much damage. This iconic spot has been a beloved hangout for both locals and visitors for decades.
The watering hole burned for the first time in the early 80s and the event triggered the creation of the Cabo San Lucas fire department, according to our Fire Chief Juan Carbajal.
The Wagner Family expressed their sadness on social media, stating: “Today marks a very sad day for the Giggling Marlin, our employees, and our loyal customers. We are sifting through the ashes from this tragic fire loss. Please keep the Giggling Marlin Family in your prayers.”
The Western Outdoor News magazine said, “Located on Marina Boulevard, in some circles – including among staffers of the bar and restaurant – The Giggling Marlin absolutely was Cabo’s first bar. For decades, visitors have come to The Giggling Marlin for its fun, casual environment along with food and drinks, and to take one of the most well-known photo ops in Cabo: hanging upside down in front of the sign-out front. Patrons of The Giggling Marlin were greeted by the following tongue-in-cheek disclaimer, “If our food, drinks and service aren’t up to your standards, please lower your standards.”
The Giggling Marlin was the first cantina in Los Cabos. Founded in 1984, it was made famous for its dance shows with entertainer Tony Montana, and for hanging people upside down from a fishing pole, which meant to be (jokingly) vengeance from a Marlin.
Bar owner Seth Vazquez of the Jungle Bar fame, launched a sale of T-shirts, baseball caps, glasses and other of his own paraphernalia, and announced that 100 percent of the proceeds would go to the Giggling Marlin employees who, although being paid their salaries, would lose their tips income for several weeks or months.
The Wagner family announced a few days later that they are working with the Cabo San Lucas Civil Protection Agency to obtain permits to rebuild, so let’s look forward to a grand re-opening party soon!
For now, the community is in shock and mourning the loss of such a cherished establishment.
Our heart goes out to the Wagner family, who have owned and operated the Giggling Marlin, creating countless memories for so many.
