Pancho’s in Manhattan Beach, California has a rich history. The Lawrence family has owned it for nearly four decades. I remember eating there as a kid. The Summerlin location is still owned by the family and when I stepped inside on a recent visit it was like going home.
It is a beautiful restaurant that resembles a Mexican hacienda that you can imagine would have been a great place for the community to meet. Here there are three separate areas that are packed many nights of the week. In fact, we decided to dine in the bar as things were jumping on an early Saturday night.
For the past forty years Chef Ramon Hurtado has been at the helm of the large menu that features both traditional and modern fare.
The enchilada list is led by suizas that came out on a large plate. Stuffed inside the corn tortillas were chicken, verde especial salsa with sliced avocados, melted cheeses and sour cream. Mexican style rice and beans finished the entrée.
Ten distinct tacos are highlighted with Tacos de Pescado featuring flour tortillas filled with grilled Mahi Mahi or Wahoo, shredded cabbage, pico de gallo and spiced up sour cream.
Ocean specialties include Scallops with Jalapeno Crème. The seafood is seared and then sauteed with caramelized onions, garlic and the chef’s special sauces immersed with mild roasted Jalapeno cream sauce. Also on the plate is green rice and grilled julienned vegetables.
Desserts are led by tres leches cake which is big enough to feed two. Sopapillas are crispy pastries covered in cinnamon sugar that is then drizzled in caramel sauce.
Brunch is served Sundays from 11AM to 3PM and includes Omelete Cancun with sauteed shrimp, crab meat, marinated onions, tomatoes and bell peppers covered with relleno sauce and melted cheeses.
Huevos Rancheros includes soft corn tortillas covered in two kinds of cheese, sour cream and sliced avocadoes.
Popular specialty cocktails include Pancho’s Paloma with 21 Seeds tequila, grapefruit and hibiscus, soda and fresh lime.
Pancho’s, 11020 Lavender Hill Dr. Summerlin. (702) 982-0111. www.panchosrestaurant.com.
