Restaurant: Osaka : Mexican

If you've lived in the Kansai area for a while chances are you have heard of El Pancho in Osaka. It is a popular Mexican restaurant among foreigners and Japanese alike.

The restaurant opened in 1979. The inside is dark and the walls are covered with messages and signatures of former patrons. This isn't a high class dining experience, but certainly worth the price.

The menu has all of the dishes that most people expect - tacos, quesadillas, fahittas, nachos, etc., There are also some that I have never seen in restaurants back home - pork sandwiches for example. The prices are decent and the sizes are rather large (especially for Japan). Lunch is usually 1500 yen per person, although you can get things cheaper (I usually spend about 1000 for lunch, and that includes my drink). At dinner time you will get free chips and salsa, but not at lunch. Another great thing - the cups they use are huge, even the ones for water!

The drink menu is also extensive. I recommend the Mexican Honey (vodka, honey and your choice of fruit flavor). There are plenty of flavors to chose from for your margarita or daiquiri (some better than others), which are often on the strong side.

Happy Hour is from 11-5 everyday. Margaritas and Coronas are half price during this time.

Dinner on the weekends is often very crowded, especially if they are holding a concert. Lunchtime (and Happy Hour) is usually not too busy and you should be able to get a seat easily.


Directions: The easiest way is to take exit 2 from Shinsaibashi Station. You will take the escalator up and out of the Crysta underground area. The restaurant is in the roundish building (Shinsaibashi Tower Building) on your right, just across from the Loft. El Pancho is on the 8th floor.
Hours: 11:30-11:20, everyday