Sancho's in Palo Alto - is it open?

[hhc]

Is the Sancho's in Palo Alto open? I don't have a phone number & no reports yet. Supposed to have open in January. From the owner of Sancho's Taqueria in Redwood City. It's supposedly will have the famed red snapper fish tacos, plus a few additions and changes, such as different ceviches and more vegetarian options. It's small: 16 seats, with a few tables outside.

Address: 491 Lytton Ave @ Cowper, Palo Alto

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Sancho's
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA

[jsaimd]

Owe a few reports so thought I would quickly report on our recent visit to Sancho's. Small place, limited space for eating as mentioned, but we were able to snag the bar for an early Saturday meal. A bit tricky with 3 kids, but doable. One son had carnitas tacos, another al pastor, my husband carnitas burrito (regular style) and me the grilled fish tacos on corn tortillas - remoulade on the side. The carnitas was reported to be very moist and flavorful - my husband enjoyed his burrito. It is a different style from La Bamba - less crispy, but worked well. The al pastor on the other hand was dreadful - tasted like spam. Fish tacos were nice - the fish was a bit dry for me, but nicely crispy from the grill. I like my fish bordering on raw I think, because most places overcook to my tastes. Neutral fish - enjoyed the cabbage on there. The remoulade was good, but I am not a mayo fan, so I am glad I got it on the side. My kids loved it. Salsas were overall pretty good - I liked the hot and verde the best. Kids liked the mild. We would go back as we live close - not a destination, but a nice option in downtown where cheapish eats are often meh.

[Shane Greenwood]

My wife went yesterday and reported that the tortillas and chips were pre-made, al pastor had a grainy texture and was not served hot, the fish tacos were fried as cubed pieces that were lacking in flavor. Won't be going back.

[Dave.Pitinga]

Hmmm. I've had the sauteed fish tacos at the new Sancho's on Lytton many times since they opened several weeks ago. The sauteed fish taco there is served with a chipotle remoulade in an ultra-thin flour tortilla. I think they are the best fish tacos in the South Bay, now that Dia de Pesca in San Jose has jumped the shark. Adam Torres' reputation is pretty strong (http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/listing...), for good reason. Your wife must have caught them on a bad day, though that seems unlikely since the cooks there seem to have skills that one rarely sees in a taqueria.

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Sancho's
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA

[Shane Greenwood]

What do you mean by "Dia de Pesca in San Jose has jumped the shark"?

[Dave.Pitinga]

I don't expect fish in a fish taco to be fresh. But even frozen fish has various grades of quality. Though I used to love the fish tacos at Dia de Pesca, I only eat shrimp tacos when I go there now. Admittedly, it's a tough time for restaurants.

[Shane Greenwood]

Okay, thanks for the update. I'm not sure that's really jumping the shark, I thought you were going to say they were selling deep fried hot dog chimichangas or something. But a drop off in quality is a bummer to hear about.

[Dave.Pitinga]

You're welcome, Shane. I hope you and your wife give Sancho's another try. I am half convinced that they put corn truffle in that remoulade of theirs. But do order the sauteed (called "grilled" on the menu) fish or shrimp tacos and let the cooks put their talents to work.

[Melanie Wong]

Dave, thanks for the advice. William and I tried it last week for a quick bite. I quite liked the grilled fish taco. Juicy and not overcooked, if neutral-flavored fish, enhanced by the chipotle remoulade, $3.95. I especially like the thin flour tortillas here made by Aranda's. The grilled shrimp was not nearly as pleasing. The shrimp were too dry, the pico de gallo lacked verve, and the griled vegetables made everything wet and soggy.

Tacos
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniewong/4197369775/

We also tried a sope de carnitas, $3.95. Too heavy a hand with sour cream, and I was disappointed that shredded jack was used instead of queso fresco. I should have asked ahead of time. But the carnitas themselves were well-flavored, not fatty but still quite moist and juicy, and had some browned edges. I'd get them in a taco instead to show off the meat.

Sope
http://www.flickr.com/photos/melaniew...

Neither of the two salsas from the self-serve bar to have with the basked of chips did much for me. But I'm glad to have this as an option in downtown Palo Alto.

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Sanchos Taqueria
3205 Oak Knoll Dr, Redwood City, CA 94062

Sancho's
491 Lytton Ave, Palo Alto, CA

[hhc]

Marcia, from Tablehopper, let me know that it should open around Valentine's Day, let's hope so.

[maigre]

Not open, yet. Supposedly in a few weeks.

[bbulkow]

Not sure - I'll keep an eye out on my wander down there today.

On a side note, I think the Milagro glitz-fest of Tequila is open, although I haven't seen with my own eyes.