Pedro's Santa Clara: A Taste of Old Mexico in Santa Clara's High-Tech Jungle
Dwarfed by modern high-rise office buildings just off Highway 101 at the Great America Parkway exit, Pedro’s Santa Clara looks decidedly out of place. But Pedro Santa Monica's success in capturing the warmth of an Old Mexico hacienda despite the proximity to its cold corporate neighbors is part of its appeal.
That’s part of the reason why it’s packed with refugees from those office buildings every lunch hour. But they also come for the food and reasonable prices.
The lunch specials (served 11 a.m.-2 p.m.) are tasty and filling, as most are served with Spanish rice and beans. But the portion sizes aren’t excessive and only vegetable oil is used for cooking, so you won’t feel bloated the rest of the day at your desk like you would after lunch at many Mexican restaurants. Nor are the prices bloated, with all lunch specials between $9.25 (three kinds of enchiladas) and $12 (a wrap with grilled steak, chicken and vegetables).
The substantial menu is dominated by enchiladas, along with a few other traditional favorites like chimichangas and tostadas. But there are also vegetarian dishes—Pedro’s is sensitive to American preferences—and unexpected items like Enchiladas de las Hadas (crab and shrimp wrapped in tortillas and smothered in sour cream and wine sauce) and a marinated skirt steak salad sprinkled with olives, tomatoes, roasted corn and onion marmalade.
The lunch and dinner menu items and prices are almost identical. Most entrees are in the $10-$15 range, peaking at $19.50 (Filete a la Pedro: marinated filet mignon medallions sautéed in white wine, garlic and spicy tomato sauce, plus fresh veggies, Spanish rice, beans and tortillas).
Several long tables routinely attract groups of employees, but the homey decor takes the “business” out of business lunches. There are curtains on the windows, bookcases, furniture, fireplaces, antique lamps, decorative plates and pottery, all of it spread among many small rooms, alcoves and booths. The separated bar lounge is smaller than the restaurant, but still accommodates 150.
A second Pedro’s in downtown Los Gatos (316 No. Santa Cruz Ave., 408-354-7570), shares the same website and menu, but doesn’t stay open as late. Both restaurants offer a Sunday brunch (10 a.m.-3 p.m.), with special brunch items offered.
HelloSanJose Tip: During a 4-7 p.m. weekday Happy Hour, there’s a complimentary buffet of snacks like enchiladas or cheeses, plus drink specials on house margaritas, well drinks and draft beers.
Posted by Bob Cooper
