and here owner Mary Bragg opens up about its history and charms
Photography by Francisco Estrada
Some know us simply as Pancho’s, others as Pancho’s Restaurant and Tequila Bar. Regardless of what you call our restaurant, we’re proud to say it is possibly the best Mexican restaurant you will ever experience—as many of our clients have told us.
We serve regional specialties from most of the states and gastronomical regions of México: of course, the Baja, with its delicious fresh shrimp, lobster, and fish; Guadalajara; Sonora; Guerrero; Michoacán; Oaxaca; and more. Pancho’s chefs Petra, Raul, Cornelio, Tello, Faustino, and Zander come from all of these regions, and their knowledge of the ingredients, tastes, flavors, and attitudes of those famous Mexican locations have enriched our menu. Whether it is gilled fish with our famous veracruzana sauce or chicken mole from Puebla, Oaxacan tamales steamed in banana leaves, or delicious steaks from Sonora, these dishes reflect the diverse cultures and cuisines of México.
We have 560-plus labels of the best tequila to be found in México, all from the beautiful state of Jalisco, where tequila is made. Come in and sit at the bar with Juan Carlos, an expert not only in tequilas and mezcal but also in all of the liquors of the world. Enjoy a tequila tasting, and leave with a diploma as a master of tequilas. Spend an hour with our tequila masters—José or Ron—and you will come away with the knowledge of hundreds of years, and know exactly which tequila is to your preference.
If you prefer a delicious glass of wine with your dinner, my brother Ron will help with your selection so you can find the best option to accompany your meal. My brother David is at the restaurant during the breakfast and lunch shifts and can help you with menu selections as well as with anything else you may need to find here in Cabo.
Pancho’s was born 25 years ago when my husband, John, and I came to Cabo San Lucas to retire. Needless to say we failed at retirement, but along the way we discovered how to present Mexican food at its finest. We’ve also had many other businesses during those 25 years, including the first and largest destination weddings business. John decided he would learn everything there was to know about tequila. His quest took him to the state of Jalisco, where he met and became friends with many of the owners of the distilleries. He honed his knowledge and expertise with them and then traveled the world giving tequila seminars, some at museums, others at restaurants as far away as Japan. He has since taught countless people about the fiery, refined spirit of México, a passion that he has continued at our home on Lake Chapala.
I, meanwhile, traveled the coastlines, interiors, and mountains of México, learning about authentic Mexican food. I studied with masters as well as home cooks, learning the most I could from the best. As we set out to open our restaurant, we sent our chefs to study with Mexican chefs in Michoacán, and learned the secrets of Mexican cooking. These chefs are still with us—25 years later—and serving the best food to be found in the Baja. Our many Mexican specialties have been written up in such magazines as Bon Appétit and Cuisine, and we are proud to say we have received TripAdvisor’s Award of Excellence each of the last four years. This is not easy to achieve in an area that boasts outstanding restaurants to choose from. Our clients come back year after year, and we are always so happy to see them and to welcome new visitors into the Pancho’s family.
Pancho’s focuses not just on flavors but also fun! The Los Pancho’s Trio plays nightly, delighting families with romantic ballads and fast-tempo Mexican music. Our servers, many of whom have been with us 20 years or longer, make the dining experience extraordinary. Sammy, Fernando, JJ, Santos, Reyes, Rodrigo, Gilberto, and Gustavo will each take such good care of you that you will come back not only for the great food but also, we hope, for the kind, gentle attention that they give every client. Whether it is a romantic evening for you and your sweetheart or a raucous get-together, you will always have fun at Pancho’s.
Located in the heart of Cabo San Lucas, on Hidalgo Street, we are just a block away from the Cabo San Lucas Marina and the historic central plaza. Hidalgo Street is known for its fine dining, and we were the first to open our restaurant here, back when it was not even paved but just a dirt road. We renovated after Hurricane Odile, and we invite you to find your way to Pancho’s looking for the three light-wrapped palm trees that front the hot pink-red facade. Inside, you’ll find a tribute to many of México’s most famous heroes. Murals cover the walls, and brightly colored tablecloths add color to the already-vibrant restaurant: Candlelight and flowers on the tables at night transform the space into a romantic, Mexican experience. During the day, come and try offerings such as chilaquiles with chicken for breakfast; light salads using organic salad greens with freshly grilled shrimp or chicken for lunch; or a bowl of our famous tortilla soup. Sample a variety of fresh fish with many different sauces; lobster, and shrimp any way you can imagine. We have tender steaks, ribs, and chicken, as well as 25 specialties from our Mexican kitchen including mole poblano, chiles en nogada, chamorro, tacos, burritos, and chiles rellenos. We have it all.
Why would you come to Pancho’s? Well, certainly to experience the great food, tequilas, and ambience, but also to experience history; you will find it all over our walls in the brightly painted murals, and with our knowledgeable waiters. You will want to know the staff who will see to your every need. Whether it is a birthday, a tequila tasting, a rehearsal dinner, every detail is seen to, and our staff members do their most to anticipate your needs and desires. We want your dining experience to be memorable and fun.
We send you our best wishes and hope you will come in and say hello.
Please visit us for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You will enjoy your visit to Pancho’s, and we hope you will return again and again. Come experience the hospitality of México and spend time with us at Pancho’s.
Hidalgo Street, in the center of the historical center of Cabo San Lucas, (624) 143-2891 or (624) 143-0973, www.panchos.com, www.facebook.com/panchoscabo, bragg@panchos.com. Open daily 8 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (Musicians perform nightly 6 p.m.–9:30 p.m.) MasterCard and Visa accepted.
