Pancho's Las Vegas Second Dining Experience...GREAT!

Shark in The Cantina 

Dining Room

Everyone deserves a second chance. I am absolutely glad that after my first visit to Pancho’s restaurant located in Downtown Summerlin I had the opportunity to go back. The first time was not terrible it was just not great. This time, perfect and absolutely delicious Mexican food. When you enter off to the left is a full bar where they have a band and happy hour is in full swing on Monday’s through Fridays from 2pm until 7pm and appetizers are 50% off. Yet it gets better Pancho’s also has Happy Hour on Saturday and Sunday.  When was the last time you saw that? I have been here in Las Vegas for over 20 years and I have never seen a Happy Hour on the weekend! This one runs from 11am until 6pm and applies to drinks only, however what a deal.

Guacamole & Pomegranate Margarita

Once you are seated in their beautiful hacienda surroundings chips and salsa are quickly put on your table. Nice crispy thin chips, not the over fried thick chips you may have been served somewhere else. The salsa is bursting with flavor and is not to spicey hot. Filled with robust chunks of tomatoes and the right amount of jalapenos, just right. Sometimes I prefer my Mexican food very very spicy and sometimes not. The night I visited Panchos was one of the nights when I was not feeling the love for the spice. Of course if you would like to turn up the spice and hot factor on any of your dishes all you have to do is ask.

Margarita’s are not only the perfect way to unwind but they sure go fantastically with crisp chips and salsa. Pancho’s has quite the selection of high quality delicious Margarita varieties to choose from. I started off with the Pomegranate Margarita. REFRESHING and tasty, that tartness of the pomegranate masks some of the  taste of the tequila. Plus as an added bonus Pomegranate's are thought to aid in memory retention, so drink away (just kidding, sorta)!

Queso Fundido

While enjoying the Margarita’s the kitchen was preparing a unique appetizer. First ask yourself, do you like the flavor of cream cheese, jalapenos and artichoke hearts? If yes then you must have this dish! I have only been served this dish at Pancho’s; Queso Fundido with Artichoke Hearts. A creamy hot dip delight that has the bite of jalapenos...muey muey bueno!

 Back to second chances the first time that I dined at Pancho’s for dinner they had been open for approximately three months. Every restaurant has growing pains, and it is the successful ones that take these growing pains and learn from them. I can absolutely say that Pancho’s has learned and improved immensely. The service was impeccable and prompt. Waters were refilled, coffee was refreshed.

Pollo Asado

With a large menu to choose from, over five pages I had a hard time making up my mind. But then I always do when it comes to a large menu. My dining companion had the Pollo Asado which is a delectable dish! This dish has a thin tender boneless chicken breast and is marinated with achiote, garlic and special Mexican herbs. Then it is grilled Yucatán-style,  which means that the chicken is wrapped in something such as banana leaves and grilled over a hot grill which seals in the juices. Along with this dish comes home cooked rice and beans and it is garnished with guacamole and sour cream with pico de gallo and is served in a hot skillet. A standout dish! The portions are huge and you probably will have enough for lunch the next day.

Trio Los Pancho's

As for me? I went traditional and chose the Trio Los Pancho’s which consists of chicken, beef and a cheese enchilada. These three are then covered with a special red sauce, which was not to spicy but had the kick of a nice bold red chili sauce. On the side were also rice and beans and this dish was also garnished with sour cream and guacamole This dish was huge also and I had enough for lunch and dinner the next day. Both of these dishes were extremely well prepared with just the right amount of spices and I would order either of them again in a heartbeat. Plus with your entree you get your choice of soup or salad. I had the Sopa de Tortilla, stove hot and spicey!  This soup has chicken, onions, cilantro, sliced fresh Poblanos, Roma tomatoes and is garnished with tortilla strips.

Peach Margarita

During dinner I decided why not be a little adventurous and tried the Peach Margarita, what a scrumptious concoction! I love anything peach and this was fresh peach. I ordered it like the Pomegranate Margarita on the rocks with a lightly salted brim. Both wonderful Margarita’s! The Kiwi Margarita is a more acquired taste, it is fruity and less sweet than the other two and has less carbs and sugar. But if I had to choose I would choose the Peach Margarita.

Tres Leches Cake

Time for a break and time to get ready for dessert! There are five choices on the menu. Anytime I see Tres Leches Cake, well that is what I want. A Tres Leches Cake can either be a sponge cake or a butter cake, and is then soaked in three types of milk and put in the refrigerator to chill and then is topped with frosting. Decadent! The frosting that this cake had was a light whipped cream frosting, which is perfect for this light decadent vanilla cake. Topped with a cherry, PERFECTO!  We also tried the Flan which another very traditional Mexican dessert and it can be prepared incorrectly where it is  sweet and gooey. This flan was light and coated with sweet caramel. The perfect ending to a wonderful meal.

Pancho's Interior w/Natural Light

The first location is in California in Manhattan Beach. This location in Summerlin is the second one and  has historical antiquities, furniture, paintings, stained glass windows and Tiffany style hanging chandeliers. Real plants trees and flowers add the ambiance of eating in a Mexican hacienda. Add the tinkling fountain in the middle and the stage is set for either a great date night or a fun family night out.

Buen Apetito!
11020 Lavender Hill Dr
Monday - Thursday 11am - 9:00pm
Friday - Saturday 11am - 10:30pm
Sunday - 10 am - 9:00pm
Cantina open until 2am  
Las Vegas, NV
(702) 982-0111
www.panchoslasvegas.com/