In honor of Mexico starting to feel like my second home, I’ve decided it’s my California duty to find the best Mexican restaurants across the west coast. Palo Alto, you are first on my list!
Sancho’s Taqueria
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA 94301
http://sanchostaqueria.com
I showed up, camera in hand, at 11:45 am with a line out the door. That was the moment I knew I picked the perfect place to blog about. I tried Sancho’s Taqueria once before for a bomb breakfast burrito. (Ironically it’s not on the wall menu, but just ask, and they’ll fill you in on the options.) Enticed by such a great breakfast, I decided to give their lunch menu a shot.
Who they are and how it works.
The authentic eatery has been around since 2005 and with four locations in the San Francisco area: two in Palo Alto, one in Redwood City and one in San Carlos. They’re also open seven days a week!
I was personally visiting the Downtown Palo Alto location and it never actually stopped being busy, but never felt crowded or stressed. The food is great, the prices are awesome, and the staff is so friendly.
I was snapping pictures of my food like a typical blogger, and one of the staff ran out and thanked me. It’s nice to feel the love when lugging a giant camera around and hovering over my food until I get the perfect shot.
They are cash only, at least at the downtown Palo Alto location, so keep that in mind. I rarely carry cash, but I will for tacos any day of the week. They also have indoor and outdoor seating which is nice with all the lovely weather we’ve been experiencing in the Bay. If you’re ever in need of a party platter or 12, they offer traditional catering with a taco bar buffet option. You can even book their Taco Truck for an event!
Let’s talk food.
Shrimp Ceviche
I ordered the ceviche thinking it would be like an appetizer and it was almost a meal in itself! The shrimp perfectly cooked had the perfect balance of lime and heat.
For seven bucks it’s a whole plate plus fresh chips on the side. Had I known, this would have been my lunch.
Pollo Burrito
I went with the shredded chicken burrito with pinto beans and added sour cream. I’m super picky about shredded meat of any kind! I refuse to eat it if it’s dry and on the verge of being jerky. Not for me! Sancho’s chicken was super tender and for $6.25 it was enough to fill someone up or cut in half for two meals (depending on your hunger level).
Chicken Fajitas
Under the “favorites” part of the menu lies the fajita options (I think I know why its a fav). They used a little lemon in the fajitas which made the whole dish pop. It’s served with all the standard sides and warm corn tortillas. It’s priced just below $11 bucks for a perfect sized portion.
Sancho’s will be a regular place for me in the future. They have tacos ranging from $4 to under $2 bucks a piece that needs my professional opinion in the near future!
If you’re in the Peninsula area of the bay anytime soon, check out one of their locations and enjoy the happy staff! Thanks, Sancho’s!
