‘Some of the nicest people in the world’ eat here
The food. The colorful decor. The music. Senor Sancho’s in Paso Robles treats the senses, especially taste, to a satisfying dining experience. The menu features custom, original recipe Cal-Mex dishes, all created from owner Carlos Leyva’s creative mind. A family-oriented eatery, the menu features appetizers and dishes for every age. In business for 27 years, Leyva said he has the pleasure of meeting some the nicest people in the world at Senor Sancho’s.
The top favorites on the menu? Leyva said his answer to this frequently asked question is, “If it’s not great, it’s not on the menu.” Along with classic dishes such as enchiladas, tamales, burritos and tacos, all with the Senor Sancho’s special touch, the “Sancho’s Specialties” are well worth checking out. Order the“Last Supper,” a platter full of chile relleno, chicken taco, cheese enchilada and beef burrito, with rice, beans, and sour cream, and create an instant buzz of excitement in the restaurant. The challenge is for one diner to eat the entire meal and the reward is a free deep fried ice cream for dessert.The staff is betting no one can eat it all!
Along with great food, Senor Sancho’s “has one of the best-stocked bars around,” said Leyva. “We have a huge selection of tequilas. Our best selling margarita is probably our Cadillac Margarita, but everyone has their own favorites. We make them to specific standards that make our customers happy.”
The family-oriented eatery is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Leyva said the restaurant has regular fans from “Costa Rica, Florida, Mexico, Canada, Panama and many other countries. When they are around they make a point to stop by for a meal.” Leyva said he has run into customers at airports all over the country and Mexico. “It’s a very small world, sometimes.”
Thursday nights features original music by Louie Ortega and sometimes Leyva joins in. Ortega, a San Luis Obispo County native, is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist with music roots covering more than three decades. Ortega’s guitar and vocals backed-up the Sir Douglas Quintet and the Texas Tornados while pursuing his own career as a soloist and songwriter.
When not at the restaurant or at home in his music studio, Leyva is spending time in Nashville writing and co-writing songs and performing at the Blue Bird Cafe with other singers and songwriters.
If feeling overwhelmed by the menu choices, start with the Paso Platter appetizer for a super sample that includes the popular tequila poppers. Remember, to win the free ice cream, the Last Supper must be completely eaten by one person. No sharing! Arrive hungry and clean the plate!
A private banquet room is available for private parties. Senor Sancho’s is located at 1902 Creston Rd. Paso Robles. Call (805) 237-9880 for more information.
-Jackie Iddings