Pachuco is an intimate restaurant located on the basement level of Embrujo on the Danforth. Don't let the stairs down scare you - there is nothing about Pachuco that is "basement-y". The restaurant is warm and offers "modern mexican" cuisine. There are no sloppy chimichangas thrown on plates here - everything is made fresh and extreme care goes in to every dish. The servers and bartenders were knowledgeable about every dish on the menu and were happy to offer their suggestions if you can't decide what to order (everything sounded amazing!).
While the decor is elegant, the music is fun and casual (not obnoxious - no pop or Top 40 here) and the vibe is more casual than pretentious.
The menu is reasonably priced, although not if you want to try everything like me!
We ordered the blue cheese guacamole to start and were impressed. Not enough chips by my standards, but I'm sure we could have asked for more without a problem. The guac tasted fresh - I like knowing my food hasn't been sitting in plastic containers in a fridge for a week.
For dinner we ordered the fish and beef brisket tacos (Taquitos estilo Baja and Taquitos de Machaca). The fish was breaded and fried (not sure what fish was used) and I wanted seconds as soon as I finished. I would come back every day for them if I could! The beef brisket was good - a nice combo of the dark, coffee flavours went well with the sweet flavours of the guac and salsa. There was a bit of spice to the dish as well.
These dishes were washed down nicely with the margarita sampler - 3 flavours for $15. We had the traditional lime (my personal favourite), spicy mango (my boyfriend's favourite) and the guava (meh). We couldn't get enough so we ordered the Mexican Cosmo.
What I wished I had ordered: the Canadian Churros - "poutine-style" Churros. Guess I do have to go back :)
Great selection of tequilas!
Great date spot!