Author: Natalie Smith

For anyone who has spent time in La Ventana, Oscaritos has likely been a part of that experience. This family-owned grocery store, a long-time staple of the community, boasts the widest selection of household items in the area. Whether you need to stock up on groceries, water, cash, or cleaning supplies, Oscaritos is the go-to spot for just about anything.

Founded 17 years ago by Armida and Oscarito himself, the store initially occupied a small space attached to the church, run by Armida and her mother. It offered only a limited selection of items. When prompted to change locations due to ownership issues, the family purchased the site we know today as Oscaritos.

The business continues to be a family affair, with cousins, sisters, and brothers all playing a part in keeping the store clean, well-stocked, and efficiently run. They’ve even expanded to a second location, Star Market (Oscaritos 2), in El Teso, owned by Armida and her brother.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by familiar faces and a warm atmosphere. Armida and her family are among the original residents of La Ventana, born and raised here. She loves running the business, interacting with tourists, and the central role Oscaritos plays in the community.

When asked about her favorite aspects of La Ventana, Armida doesn’t hesitate to mention the beautiful beach right on their doorstep. She also cherishes the calm and relaxed atmosphere of the town, which perfectly complements the welcoming vibe of her family’s beloved store.

Open: Oscaritos: Everyday, 8am – 10pm, Star Market: Everyday, 7am – 10pm

Location: On the main road heading towards the hot springs, on your right while going north. 

En Español

(translated by Andrea) Para cualquiera que haya pasado una temporada en La Ventana, es probable que Oscaritos haya sido parte de esa experiencia. Esta tienda familiar ha sido un pilar de la comunidad desde hace mucho tiempo, pues presume de tener la selección más amplia de artículos para el hogar en la zona. 

Ya sea que necesites hacer las compras de la casa, garrafones de agua, efectivo o cualquier producto básico de limpieza, Oscaritos es el lugar indicado para casi cualquier cosa.

Fundada hace 17 años por Armida y el mismo Oscarito, la tienda inicialmente ocupaba un pequeño espacio adjunto a la iglesia, operando la tienda podías encontrar a Armida y a su madre. Ofrecía solo una selección limitada de artículos. Cuando se les pidió cambiar de ubicación debido a temas de propiedad, la familia compró el sitio que hoy conocemos como Oscaritos.

El negocio sigue siendo un asunto familiar. Primos, hermanos y hermanas juegan un papel importante para mantener la tienda bien surtida, limpia y funcionando eficientemente. Lo han hecho con tal éxito, que se han expandido a una segunda ubicación, Star Market (Oscaritos 2), en El Teso, manejada por Armida y su hermano.

Al entrar a Oscaritos, serás recibido por caras conocidas y una atmósfera cálida. Armida y su familia son residentes originarios de La Ventana, nacidos y criados allí. Le encanta manejar el negocio, interactuar con los turistas y el papel central que Oscaritos juega en la comunidad.

Cuando le preguntamos sobre sus aspectos favoritos de La Ventana, Armida dijo que su insuperable favorito es la hermosa playa justo en la puerta de su casa. También valora mucho la calma y el ambiente relajado del pueblo, que complementa perfectamente la vibra acogedora de la querida tienda de su familia.

Horario: Oscaritos: Todos los días, de 8am a 10pm, Star Market: Todos los días, de 7am a 10pm.

En esta foto aparecen: América, Míriam, Anicia, Roto, Lupita, Armida, Oscar

Known most famously for their mouth-watering fish tacos and tantalizing chili oil, Baja Bites has become quite a poppin lunch spot in La Ventana🤙🌶️🤤💥.

Paula and Alex, the owners, are both originally from different parts of Mexico and just like many of us, they met doing windsports in 1982 in Cancun. Quickly, they quickly fell in love and then with this town for its proximity to the outdoors. They now call this place home. Their favorite thing being that they can step out their front door to go biking and fishing. They are especially grateful for La Ventana’s chill vibe.

The two of them opened Baja Bites officially in 2017 out of a small trailer with a shark mouth painted on the front of it (see slide 4). You may remember that in the beginning there were just three taco options: yellowtail, shrimp, and marlin. Now, the menu features not only various taco options but also soups, salads, and baked goods. Although Alex can’t decide between the yellowtail or Tuna taco being his favorite item on the menu, he can confidently say that he is dedicated to serving good, fresh and local fish. 

Come and see for yourselves! Make sure to bring along your pup and Alex will surprise them with a generous serving of fish. The Baja Bites team is always ready to greet you with a warm smile and excellent service! 

⏰Open Mon – Sat, 11am-3:30pm

📍In El Teso next to KM0 & Diamanté reality. 

📸 Crew pictured above left to right: Roman, Angel, Paula, Alex & Mona.

Announcing: Meet the Owner series! 👫

Join us as we share the stories of LV local restaurants and businesses. We will be interviewing owners over the next few months and finding out all about their choices to create these epic spots!

To kick start things off, we will begin with Mariscos El Cone! 🐠🍤🎣🐡🐟

Packed every night of the wind season with chatter of friends and families diving into the rich dishes, Mariscos Al Cone is known and loved by all. What some may not know is that the Mariscos Al Cone we see today is much different than the original restaurant Raymundo and Neyreda started eighteen years ago. Both born and raised in El Sargento, Raymundo and Nereyda have deep ties to this town and community. He is a longtime fisherman, and at the beginning of their gastronomic journey, they would catch goats on the island to sell the meat in Machaca burritos. Her goal was always to start a business, so they took what they knew and created this delicious seafood restaurant!

Their son, Hernan, is also an active part of this business and can be seen onsite more often than not. Hernan found it impossible to select a favorite dish, instead he let me know the most popular dishes: Camarones Rellenos, Pescado a la plancha and Tataki. A first stop for many expats and a longtime spot for many locals, there isn’t a disappointing dish on the menu.

Regulars may be familiar with William, their sweet 14-year old dog, who can be seen lounging out front (slide 4) or beside your table with eyes for whatever you have in front of you. Like William, Hernan loves that La Ventana is such a tight knit community, where people are familiar and deeply connected to each other. When stepping foot into their restaurant, we can see the strong community crystal clear. Come for a happy hour, stay for dinner and meet the whole town!

⏰ Open Monday – Saturday 8am – 9pm, Sundays 8pm – 8pm

📍 Located: on the main road directly across the street form Delfines mercado.
Try their new dish: Lobster 🦞