In Mexico, I always relish the chance to get out of the resort and find local restaurants worth writing about. In La Paz, that was easy, considering Baja Club’s location right on the Malecón, the city’s busy coastal road and boardwalk. I didn’t end up recommending the hotel, but the culinary scene in La Paz was a pleasant surprise — and a delightful prelude to my Sea of Cortez expedition with Uncruise. My travel companion and I tried everything from a low-key café to the city’s best restaurant. Of course, we found a great taco spot, too.

La Mentita

Because the restaurant at Baja Club had lackluster food and atrocious service, we breakfasted elsewhere. La Mentita, a few blocks from the hotel, lured us in with a menu of freshly made smoothies. I ordered a zesty blend of apple, spinach, cucumber, lemon and ginger. To counteract the health benefits of the green juice, I also ordered a feast. The chilaquiles — made with crunchy tortilla chips, smothered in green chile sauce and garnished with cilantro, avocado and crema — was the platonic ideal of the dish. I’m sure it can’t be topped. We also indulged in a plate of decadent chicken enchiladas as well as a sope (a thick fried masa tortilla) garnished with cochinita pibil, a Yucatecan slow-cooked pork specialty I was surprised to see on the menu. It was deliciously fatty and flavorful. Now that’s a breakfast.

» Go for the hearty chilaquiles and fresh juices.