Then I Learned about El Patrón Restaurant & Bar
By Chari Donnáy

La Paz, the state capital of southern Baja California had for years taken a back seat to the explosive growth of the Los Cabos corridor but today, this little sleepy village has undoubtedly woke up and especially its culinary new feats.  El Patron was certainly the first to venture into this world here as historically every menu in La Paz was pretty much a replica of the rest as owners Patrik Kelly Hernandez and Tim Allen set off to change all of this.

Just the ambiance and décor tells you right away that these guys knew what they were doing let alone the menu.  El Patrón is the only real bayside restaurant sitting just below the lighthouse at the Vista Coral condominiums just a couple of blocks from the Los Arcos Hotel with dominant views of all of the La Paz bay, that as you enjoy lunch or dinner, there are always a number of aquatic species and most times, schools of all types of fish just below your table.

Immediately upon getting your hands on their large menu you know that there’s plenty of adventure to come.  For starters, there are over twenty incredible appetizers like Giant Scallops in a balsamic reduction or Salmon Tostadas that I have never seen before but what a surprise; the Duck Taquitos are excellent dipped in a fresh tamarind and green salsa and the dozen White Clams sautéed in a parsley garlic butter sauce is a must.  Ok, their Cesar dressing puts anyone on notice that it’s been a while since you’ve had this good a Cesar and their Hearts of Palm salad is just another good excuse to live in La Paz.

Don’t let these dishes jump you into thinking that this is only for first class passage, the bayside setting and air conditioned salon are warm and friendly to all walks of life, big comfortable chairs and great drinks attracts everyone so yes you can come in shorts but don’t let that stop you folks that want to dress to kill as that’s the splendidness of El Patrón’s diversity. 

Patrik will always want to convince you of one or another of his great new wine finds that always promise to convince anyone including the novice that this guy has a passion for all that is good and most of the menu beckons a grape or two or at least one of Emilio’s (the Bartender) fresh made Mojitos.  The bar is the best in La Paz and so is the bartender and no one will argue that the staff and waiters just can’t do enough for you and always wanting to coerce you into just another special dish.  But getting back to the wines; this list will satisfy almost everyone including Chardonnays, Merlots, Syrahs, and Cabs to name a few, all from different parts of the world including yummy Bordeaux.

Moving right along, after a few of the smashing starters your gastronomic event will lead you to… two pound Pacific Lobsters, a bone in Veal Chop combo that includes a tender Lobster Tail and hugely thick Pork Chops with scalloped apples and mashed potatoes and and and, you could eat here everyday of your stay and never get bored and especially with the view and I need to mention that they will always surprise you with their tempting Scalloped Potatoes they offer everyday … continuing… these guys dreamed up a Shrimp Chilly Relleno and a Paella for two made on the spot that is the best I have ever tasted, their Coco Loco is a large battered Coconut Shrimp with a mango tango sauce  that with a few glasses of white wine will make you want to take off your clothes and dance in the streets… but not here please.  For you Pasta aficionados, certainly ask for the Clams Linguini and or the Camarón Alfredo that promises to jet you back to Portugal or Sicily in an instant.   There is so much great seafood on this menu, and most say it is the best of La Paz, the Ajillo Chilly Octopus the Shrimp Tequila and the fresh Fried Calamari and the Fresh Fish of the Day in your choice of Cilantro or Caper Sauce will rock your boat not to mention for you heavy garlic lovers, their Garlic Filet of Fish is out of this world.

Imported Beef on all the cuts, which include one pound Ribeye Steaks and tender New Yorks, a big Filet with your choice of great sauces such as a mustard pepper sauce or homemade Puebla Mole sauce and even a red wine reduction and mushroom sauce. 

The El Patron Lamb plate, well this is another story but I’ll summarize it quickly; nearly three pounds of lamb (for two) that includes the Rack of Lamb and takes five steps in the kitchen to complete, served on a sweet and sour shredded red cabbage that folks from London have commented… “They’ve never”.  What else could these guys dream up, well just the best Certified Angus (half pound) Burger west of the Pecos served with a three stage battered home made Onion Rings and pizzas that are the talk of the town.

Most everyone usually ends up here but my suggestion is to start here.  Tim will always have a fish tale to tell and most everyone will have a smile on their face and of course then there are all the great friends/regulars and did I forget to mention Los Amigos Del Patrón?  This is a music trio that roam from table to table playing lunch and dinner daily of which the local comments about them include the best trio music of La Paz, these guys are pros, straight from Mexico City and Thursday through Saturday stir it up as some of the best nightlife in La Paz in the air conditioned salon after 11:00pm to help you folks that have to dance, get it out of your bones.  Yes, many folks agree that El Patron is most likely the best activity in La Paz after of course a day of sports fishing, scuba diving, kayaking or just a fun day at the beach.

Margarita is El Patrón’s manager and she will make sure that your Birthday, Anniversary, Wedding or any special event in La Paz gets remembered for life.

So yes little La Paz is moving right along the gastronomic road and El Patrón for over four years continues to be a winner, and no they’re not pricey, just great food and great portions for a fair price,… enough said.   Be sure to visit their great website, or just pass it on to your friends as to where you’ve been hiding out for the last few weeks www.elpatron.com.mx , their hours are Monday through Wednesday 1:00 pm to 11:00pm and Thursday through Saturday kitchen open from 1:00 pm to 12:00 am and bar till 2:00 am.  Open Daily.  612.125.9977 and 9477.

And yes they do serve El Patron Tequila.