Rock star and former Van Halen frontman Sammy Hagar first fell in love with Cabo San Lucas when he visited the town in the early 1980s, which at that time was nothing more than a sleepy fishing village with breathtaking scenery. Although there was very little development happening in Cabo in those days, he envisioned opening a tequila bar there that had a small stage where he could perform whenever he felt like it and also provide a space where other musicians could take the stage for a jam session. So how did the rocker’s dream of Cabo Wabo go from an inspired idea to becoming a legacy, both in nightlife as well as tequila? You’re about to find out!
The Cantina
Thanks to the financial partnership of his Van Halen bandmates, the Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas opened its doors in 1990. While there was plenty of buzz and excitement about this new venture, it struggled financially in the early days due to mismanagement. Hagar ended up buying the shares of his bandmates to keep his dream alive, and after finding a management team that better fit his vision, business at the tequila bar began to thrive.
Local and tourist hangout
Instead of just focusing on tourists, the bar has become a favorite hangout for locals as well. The town has since grown into a major resort destination, and the Cabo Wabo Cantina continues to remain one of the most sought-after party spots around. Rather than playing the latest pop, hip hop and top-40 tunes like other nightclubs in town, Cabo Wabo is a haven for those who love rock ‘n roll. Featuring live music performed by local bands, Sammy Hagar himself or one of his many musician pals who are visiting town, the bar draws a lively crowd that parties until 4am.
The Tequila
After years of serving other mainstream brands of tequila in the Cabo Wabo Cantina, Hagar started to sell his own brand of premium tequila alongside them in the late 1990s. He began working with a family-owned distillery in Jalisco to produce this high quality tequila that has developed quite a cult following. A wine importer in Napa Valley started importing the tequila into the U.S. in 1999, which helped launch its success outside of Mexico; in fact, the brand has grown to become the second-best selling premium tequila in the U.S.
Where Did the Name Come From?
Before the Cabo Wabo Cantina or its namesake tequila brand ever existed, Sammy Hagar came up with the clever play on words after noticing a local man who clearly had too much to drink. The intoxicated man was staggering around and having a hard time keeping himself upright and steady enough to walk, which immediately made the musician remark to himself that the man was doing the “Cabo Wobble”, which he shortened to Cabo Wabo. He knew that it would be the perfect name for the cantina he dreamed of one day owning, and he was definitely right!
Are you ready to do the Cabo wobble?
