[media-credit name="Cassandra Kyriazis" align="alignright" width="300"][/media-credit]
Sancho Pistola’s
19 W. Girard Ave
(267)324–3530
@sancho_pistolas
Price: $$$
Don’t miss: Breakfast Soy Chorizo Tacos
Skip: Beans and Rice side
Sancho Pistola’s sits right on Girard Avenue, half a block from the Girard stop on the Market–Frankford line. The Mexican gastropub gives off a relatively plain vibe at first. The bar dominates a central position in the restaurant and high tables surround it. The kitchen is open to the main area, and the menu is scrawled in colorful chalk directly above the bar. Six or so big screens were playing the Olympics on this particular occasion, which suggested that Sancho’s is going for more of a sports bar vibe than you would ever expect from a Mexican spot.
The prix fixe brunch menu (about $30, including tip) includes an appetizer, an entree, a side and unlimited—yes, unlimited—bloody marys, mimosas and margaritas. The amount of food is guaranteed to fill you up and more—or at least make great leftovers as you get drunk off the bottomless drinks.
The brunch options are limited compared to the full menu, but the offerings are good enough to get away with it. From fruit bowls and plain yogurt to granola and a fabulous tortilla soup, any appetizer is sure to satisfy. The tortilla soup is a feat in and of itself—just the right amount of spice for a brunch appetizer but very flavorful, with welcome appearances by well–seasoned chicken and little avocado hunks. The entree options range from the basic steak and potatoes to intimidating soy chorizo tacos with Sriracha drizzle. These surprisingly flavorful vegetarian tacos are great, but not for those who can’t handle the heat. A hungover stomach is also not likely to respond too well to the tasty pork knock off, mixed with potatoes and a hefty amount of cilantro. The real highlight of the brunch options, though, are the plantains. Not too sweet and soft but not mushy, they’re an authentic Mexican treat.
There were a few misses here and there: the mimosas didn’t quite match up to the gems offered at Copa brunch and the beans–and–rice side option is just as boring as the name suggests.
Sancho Pistola’s isn’t phenomenal or life–changing, but it’s welcome Mexican food with a great bar. The bloody marys are delightfully spicy and the beer selection is expansive. Beyond its menu, Sancho Pistola’s has personality. The bottom of the check you receive at the end of your meal reads “You’ve Been Sanchoed,” and the brunch menu description keeps it sassy and simple: “In case you’re still hungover.” Manager Joe Gunn is a genial guy who can be seen chatting up the day's diners.
Overall, the place has potential to become a favorite hang out, and it’s an easy way to escape the Penn bubble. Go, get drunk, get full and get Sanchoed.
