Todos Santos Restaurant, La Garra Sports Bar - Veering Off the Tourist Corridor is Worth the Trip

9 a.m. in the morning was not the typical time onerelief. My coffee came, not only quickly and hot,
walks through the doors of a sports bar. But thisbut with real 1/2 & 1/2. A hard to find luxury in
was no typical morning - the World Cup was onTodos Santos.
the flat screens, Mexico vs. South Africa. And LaThe morning menu, a 3x5 card offered 3
Garra is no ordinary sports bar. Situated far fromtraditional Mexican dishes:
the tourist strip on the east side of Calle Benito1. Chilaquiles con 2 huevos y frijoles $55MX
Juarez, between Ocampo and Obregon, it is easily(approximately $4.35 US);
recognized by its majestic position overlooking the2.Tamales (carne, pollo o rajas con queso) y
palm groves below.frijoles $65MX ($5.15 US); and
With parking allowed on both sides of the street,3. Huevos al gusto con frijoles y rajas $55.
walking up the stairs through the front yard intoThe Chilaquiles, tortilla pieces cooked in a red
the foray one got the distinct impression thissauce, topped with cheese and sour cream, came
building was once someone's home. Built by a limeout room temperature but offered a smooth red
producer, Dr. Guillermo Corse Luna, in the latechili flavor without a bitter after taste. Although
1920's, La Garra Sports Bar owners, Happy Cotathe tamales were on the dry side they were
Moreno and her husband Chuy, refurbished thegenerously stuffed with meat making it a
failing building in 2009 without changing the originalsatisfying dish. And the Huevos al gusto (eggs
lay out. The foray leads into the palapa coveredhow you like it) came out hot and just as I like it.
main dining room, traditionally an open airKnown for their Chili Rellenos, and daily specials, it's
courtyard, with rooms surrounding it. One of thethe karaoke nights, live music, and full sports
rooms adds more seating, another a pool tablecoverage that accord La Garra its reputation as a
with bar style tables and chairs, and another thefun friend and family venue. With modest prices,
kitchen and food prep area.generous portions and great service, veering off
The waitress came over almost immediately,the tourist corridor is well worth the trip.
which having two young children with me was a