From bartender to builder
Baja has many oceanfront eateries, but Splash Baja hits different. The waves smack the rocks, plates land heavy with oysters, and the vibe never feels staged. Nico and Agapo Santos, two brothers with more grit than glamour, built it that way.
Agapo came from Chihuahua chasing law school, only to ditch statutes for sauté pans. He learned high-end American gourmet in kitchens that served venison, buffalo, and even kangaroo. Nico meanwhile poured drinks, charmed tourists, and learned English fast enough to sling jokes at the bar. Together, they traded steady jobs for Bahía Cantiles in 2007, survived a brutal recession, and kept standing when others folded.
That survival streak sparked their next chapter: a raw patch of coast where waves hit the windows. Locals said, “Who eats there?” The Santos brothers said, “Everyone will.” They named it Splash—short, catchy, and exactly what the surf was doing.
An anniversary worth toasting
On September 21, Splash marked its 16th anniversary. While Mexico throws its big party on the 16th, this family-run spot waits a few days to raise its own glass. For regulars, it’s a reminder that while fiestas come and go, some traditions—like oysters and rib-eye by the sea—stick around.
Built block by block
The first menu was stripped to basics: ceviches, tacos, aguachiles, shrimp cocktails. Prices were local, not tourist-trap numbers. Americans already knew the brothers’ hospitality, so curiosity carried them in. Soon enough, Splash had both crowds—weekend locals in flip-flops and Californians with fresh passports.
Growth wasn’t sudden. They bought land in pieces, poured cement when money allowed, and upgraded one slab at a time. Pandemic closures pushed them to improvise an outdoor bar so people could sip beer with take-out. Guests loved it, so the “temporary” fix grew legs.
Today, the property spans more than 1,600 square meters facing the Pacific. It’s a sprawl of patios, decks, and dining rooms where the sea soundtrack never stops.
Adriana brings the sweet side
Every family needs the next generation to shake things up. Enter Adriana, Nico’s daughter. She trained at the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, polished her skills in Barcelona, and brought back a pastry toolkit sharper than a new chef’s knife.
She started with desserts. Think silky tiramisú, caramel-cracked crème brûlée, and glossy tartlets that look like edible jewelry. Sure, there’s still chocolate cake and cheesecake, but Adriana lifted the end of the meal into a new lane. Her long-term dream is a café-bistro with a pastry focus. For now, she feeds the sweet tooth of Splash’s crowd.
Why people stay
Food matters, but Splash’s secret sauce is people. Nico takes care of his crew. Staff stick around, and regulars notice. Ask Sr. Claudio, one of the veterans, why he still loves working here. He’ll grin and give you a story. That culture shows in the service—efficient, warm, sometimes a little chaotic, always real.
The menu mirrors the family’s journey. You’ll find Mexican comfort—chiles rellenos, enchiladas, tacos. You’ll find American grill standards—rib-eye, porterhouse, big sandwiches. There’s Italian too: wood-fired pizzas, fresh pastas, and even a Governor’s Pizza loaded with shrimp. And yes, the mariscos still headline.
The legacy in motion
Splash didn’t just grow; it dragged a sleepy strip of Primo Tapia onto the food map. Neighboring restaurants like El Encanto and Los Portales? Their founders once trained at Splash. Instead of resenting it, the brothers see it as proof they built something bigger than a restaurant.
Future plans include a sushi bar with proper cuts—tuna, salmon, urchin, caviar—the kind of thing a coast like this deserves. Until then, Splash keeps doing what it does best: feeding Baja with heart, hustle, and salt spray.
So next time you roll south, pull off at KM 52.5 of the Libre Rosarito–Ensenada. Sit close enough to feel the spray. Order oysters, steak, and dessert. Don’t forget to ask Claudio why he’s still smiling. And if it’s September 16, raise your glass. You’re not just toasting Mexico—you’re toasting Splash.
