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Through the recent (we’ll say it) gentrification of San Antonio’s east side, a plethora of not-to-be-missed spots have opened up for relatively cheap eats, Pancho and Gringo’s adds a small diner to the list of good options.
Unlike most of the newer, trendy east side spots, Pancho and Gringos has an older, more lived-in feel and look. Stepping into the diner feels like stepping out of a time machine after traveling some 40 years back, but the food and service more than make up for the lack of striking decor.
Once you sit down you are welcomed with quite a large menu, with offerings anywhere from classic breakfast dishes and burgers, to Tex-Mex combo plates and baked goods. The pricing is generally on the lower side ranging from $2-8, but some higher ticketed items will put you over the $10 lunch mark. The portion sizes are generous and you’re almost certain to leave with leftovers. Even just one of the ‘Jumbo Lunch Tacos’ are large enough to satiate a lunch appetite and all cost less than $3. Any option from their sandwich menu will easily feed two people and include fries. Pancho and Gringos is definitely a great spot for bringing a couple of friends interested in sharing everything and trying it all.
The menu options are plenty; however, I find it hard to get past the first page before I’ve made up my mind. The breakfast options are too good to pass up, the majority of which is made up of sandwich options, but the steak and egg is the star of the show. Thin slices of prime rib, scrambled egg, and melted American cheese on a toasted ciabatta roll all work beautifully, all for $5.95. The bread is soft, but warm and the contents are all perfectly seasoned and portioned out.
If you really want to do yourself a favor, and possibly over-indulge a bit, order the steak and egg breakfast sandwich with a side of a bean and cheese taco.
