THE CONCEPT

Descanso is a contemporary Mexican kitchen and bar inspired by the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Michoacán. Created by Rob Arellano, Descanso blends time-honored family recipes with modern technique to deliver a dining experience rooted in heritage and elevated in execution. Guests can choose to dine at a traditional table or at our signature Plancha grill, where chefs prepare your meal right in front of you—bringing the energy and flavor of a bustling Mexican town to life. Under the direction of Chef Jose Angulo, our menu features bold, seasonal dishes that celebrate the vibrant ingredients and distinctive flavors of Michoacán. Every plate and cocktail is a tribute to Mexico’s culinary history—crafted with pride, tradition, and a modern twist.

DINING A LA PLANCHA

If you've ever wandered through a charming town in Michoacán, you've likely encountered a street-side Taquero—grilling meats and vegetables on a sizzling plancha, serving tacos that are bursting with flavor and made with heart. It's one of the most authentic and beloved expressions of Mexican culinary culture—simple, soulful, and unforgettable.

At Descanso, we’ve reimagined that experience. What if you could bring the warmth, flavor, and spirit of a traditional Mexican taco stand into a full-service restaurant—without losing the soul of the original? What if the same traditions, recipes, and flavors were honored by skilled chefs, presented with care, and served in a setting designed for how we gather and dine today?

That’s the essence of Plancha Dining at Descanso—a modern homage to a time-honored tradition, where the grill is center stage, the chef is your guide, and every meal tells a story.

THE MENU

Our menu is a celebration of Mexican cuisine—rooted in the traditions of central-west Mexico, particularly the vibrant culinary scene of Michoacán—and reimagined through a contemporary lens. Chef Jose Angulo and our culinary team craft each dish with care, using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, sustainable seafood, and humanely raised meats. Our sauces and salsas are made fresh daily and are always organic and gluten-free. We never cook with lard—and we don’t use can openers, because every ingredient is prepared from fresh ingredients.

While Plancha Dining—where chefs cook at your table—is a signature experience at Descanso, our full-service kitchen also offers a dynamic and diverse menu. From fresh starters like Ceviche Tropical and Elote Asado, to rich, comforting dishes like Choriqueso Verde and Alambres, there’s something for every palate. Chef Angulo brings family recipes to life with soulful dishes like Pozole Rojo and Sopa de Fideo, a classic toasted noodle soup.

Explore hearty signature tacos and chef driven entrees that span the bold and the refined—like Short Rib Estofado, Enchiladas de Langosta, Carnitas Skillets, Hangar Steak Carne Asada, and the signature Paraiso Huachinango, a whole red snapper with Michoacán flair. And don’t miss Brunch at Descanso—where traditional Mexican breakfast favorites are prepared in the kitchen or live at your table, Plancha-style.

THE BAR

Descanso’s full-service bar is an extension of our kitchen—built on quality, craft, and a deep respect for Mexican ingredients and traditions. We proudly showcase a curated selection of premium tequilas and mezcals, which serve as the foundation for our fresh, distinctive margaritas, signature cocktails, and tasting flights.

Our margaritas strike the perfect balance between creativity and purity—crafted with fresh-squeezed lime juice and all-natural agave, never artificial mixes. At the hands of our skilled mixologists, each cocktail becomes a culinary experience, thoughtfully incorporating flavors and ingredients drawn directly from the kitchen.

Our cocktail menu features standouts like the Bad Hombre—a bold twist on a classic, made with Herradura Reposado, pineapple, agave, serrano chile, lime, salt, and pepper. The Hibiscus Smash offers a refreshing, mojito-inspired sip with Hangar One Vodka, house-made hibiscus syrup, mint, and lemon. For something smoky and layered, the Zorro blends Union Joven Mezcal with Cointreau, lime juice, a blackberry honey shrub, lemon, and a hint of black salt.

Whether you’re sipping at the bar or pairing a cocktail with your meal, our beverage program is designed to complement and elevate the entire Descanso experience.