Last week I noticed an ad in the paper for The Cantina Grill and
Tequila Bar and read that they served lunch. It is quite a drive
from Gilroy to Tres Pinos so I thought I’d scope the place out with
my sister for lunch before dragging my very particular husband out
for a dinner date.
Last week I noticed an ad in the paper for The Cantina Grill and Tequila Bar and read that they served lunch. It is quite a drive from Gilroy to Tres Pinos so I thought I’d scope the place out with my sister for lunch before dragging my very particular husband out for a dinner date.
It was a cold and rainy Saturday afternoon as we entered the Cantina feeling like lost travelers. There wasn’t a soul on the street and the restaurant was nearly empty. It was that in-between time of day – the lull between dinner and lunch. A lone patron sat at the bar watching football and the staff was setting up for the dinner rush. We read a sign that encouraged us to seat ourselves and we were happy to have a cozy table right next to a roaring southwestern fireplace. I noticed a large outdoor patio in the back of the restaurant and I could only imagine the transformation that must take place out there on hot summer afternoons – diners enjoying their chips and salsa in the sun with cold coronas and pitchers of frozen margaritas.
Our server wandered out and looked surprised to see us. She quickly grabbed menus and brought us chips and salsa. We ordered a side of guacamole ($3.50) to go with our chips and began to fill up. I made a comment to our server about the quiet atmosphere and she assured us that the Cantina is packed with people at nighttime, especially with the live music performed every weekend night. The interior had colorful and interesting artwork painted right on the walls and the wooden beams with rod iron hardware added to the modern Mexican flare of the dining room and bar.
I was taken aback by the drink menu. I counted at least 100 different tequilas ranging from $6 to $20 per shot. I could only imagine what a 60-year-old Don Julio aged in oak tasted like. There were also several different tempting margaritas, but being the driver this particular afternoon, I stuck with ordering an iced tea and made a mental note to try the raspberry margarita on my next visit. As I expected, all of the wines featured on the wine list were from owner Frank Leal’s vineyard, and were offered at a very reasonable $6 per glass.
There were many different salads to choose from on the menu and a house agave vinaigrette that sounded very interesting. Traditional tex-mex favorites offered were fajitas and fish tacos. Features from the oak grill included Rib-Eye Steak ($20), Tequila Grilled Chicken ($14) and Chipotle Salmon ($14). When my eyes came across the description of the marinated Carnitas Plate ($14) I was sold. The diced pork was marinated in cerveza (beer), agave nectar and Dr. Pepper, then fried and served with flour tortillas, Pico de Gallo, guacamole and sour cream. All mexi-items were served with rice and black beans. This was too interesting to pass up.
Our server came back often to refill our iced teas and it wasn’t long until our lunches were presented. My sister ordered the chicken chimichanga ($13) and it was delivered standing vertically on the plate and fashionably drizzled with a zigzag of creamy sauce on top. Black beans and rice were served on the side. She dug into her lunch and seemed very satisfied.
My carnitas platter was huge and an insulated plate of flour tortillas was served on the side. Out of habit, I tried the black beans first. They had a distinct smoky bacon flavor – typical of southwestern cuisine. They were yummy and highly addictive. I was anxious to try the pork to see how it tasted. I piled the diced carnitas on a flour tortilla and added my mexi-condiments – Pico de Gallo, guacamole and sour cream, and then I drizzled it all with the provided wedge of lemon. I took my first bite and I would have expected an overwhelming sweetness from the Dr. Pepper ingredient but the soda must have been a minimum additive in the recipe. The pork was savory and flavorful, but not at all sweet. It was quite good and I stuffed myself beyond the limit.
If you’d like to bring the little ones along, the Cantina offers a children’s menu ($6) and has several desserts to choose from such as flan and Bananas Empanada – chocolate and bananas in a pastry shell ($4). To be honest, I was so stuffed from my lunch, it didn’t occur to me to order dessert.
The service was prompt and friendly and the restaurant was very clean. I would anticipate a livelier atmosphere when I bring back mi amigos at dinnertime for live music and cocktails. Until then – hasta luego!
Jane Dough was raised in Gilroy and returned after graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She enjoys cooking, caring for her husband and three small children, and dining out every chance she gets. Reach her at sl*******@ya***.com. All reviews for The Dish are anonymous, and all reviewers’ meals are paid for by South Valley Newspapers.
