The San Patricio Irish Pub & Kitchen opened in June 2022 and is located in downtown Cabo San Lucas at a Marina Parkway corner next to Lord Black’s. San Patricio’s is the only Irish pub in the entire Southern Baja California Region. The much-loved establishment was founded by Danny O’Donovan from Cork, Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day in Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo has long been one of the most celebrated days in BCS. One of the most popular Irish battalions during the Mexican-American War was the St. Patrick’s Battalion, which fought for the Mexican side during both the Battle of Buena Vista and the Battle of Churubusco in 1847, among others.
127 years later, on January 10th, 1974, both nations established a harmonious diplomatic relationship that exists to this day. Ever Since Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821, many Irish have immigrated to the country, contributing to its culture and development. There are between 300,000 and 600,000 people of Irish descent living in Mexico.
The most famous Irish Mexicans have been Álvaro Obregón, Mexican president from 1920–1924 (Obregón is the Spanish adaptation of O’Brien), and Oscar-winning American actor Anthony Quinn, whose Mexican grandmother fought in the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920 with Pancho Villa.
Mexicans with Irish ancestry live in the states of Hidalgo, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas. Many Irish miners and engineers arrived in these areas, often bringing their families or marrying the local girls. The wave of migration occurred during The Great Famine (1847-1852), which destroyed potato crops throughout Europe; thousands of people died of starvation, and it is estimated that more than two million people had to leave Ireland.
Our locally famous Irishman, Danny O’Donovan, set up roots in Cabo during the 2020 pandemic. “I was here in Cabo, and stayed long enough to stay longer,” says Danny O, whose San Patricio Bar always holds the biggest Saint Patrick’s Day party south of the San Diego border. Celebrations begin on the 10th and culminate with their annual “everyone wearing green” famous festivities on March 17th.
O’Donovan’s San Patricio Pub has the best Irish Whiskey collection in Mexico (Premium Irish Whiskey that you won’t find anywhere else, Redbreast, and Single Pot collections). Their beer on tap is also O’Donovan’s own brand of San Patricio Irish Stout and is the only nitrogenated stout on tap in all of Mexico.
As for their food menu, San Patricio keeps it tasty, nice and simple, serving what many consider the best burger in town with fries available in different styles. “A wonderful place downtown. The menu is rather limited but very delicious,” said Sasha B of Phoenix, Arizona after her February 2023 visit.
“One of my favourite places in Cabo. On our last night, I tried one of the delicious burgers from the new menu, along with the ‘Fat Tuna’ Irish stout. It was simply fantastic. With great drinks, amazing food, and the best of service,” said John-Paul of Poole, Dorset in the UK. “We came in while others were shopping. Good music and we enjoyed just chilling out having a few Stout beers on tap,” added Jenny of Fox Lake, Illinois, who was in Cabo this past November.
Ever since opening, Danny O’Donovan has hired talented local entertainment which has included Victor Cosio, Angie Vertti, Kids Monster, Midnight Suns, Mau Guzman, Shaggy Alcazar, The Musicians called Medium along with the Irish Experience sounds of Matt McGowan, Sean Rowley, and Mike Grabow.
“The pub has a great vibe right on the strip. Open air, high ceiling and entertaining music. The atmosphere is nice and there’s an energy with their good drinks, amazing food, and the best of service,” said Ashley of Toronto.
San Patricio Irish Pub & Kitchen has established itself as a Los Cabos landmark with all of its Irish charm, spectacular owner and hardworking staff.