Los Panchos Mexican Restaurant

I was working in Rockport and on my way to the County Courthouse, I spotted this Mexican Restaurant with a railroad caboose in front of it. I'm always a sucker for anything railroad themed, and I love Mex, so I made a mental note and went for lunch.

The menu was typical of these pre-fab Mex chains in that they offer too much. There isn't a specialty of the house featured. The flip side is that you can get food styled after any region in Mexico.

My order was Chile Colorado, and it was mighty tasty. A rich red chile sauce with a tiny heat bite. The beans also had a touch more heat than you usually find, plus a lot more queso on top, all plusses. Chips were fresh, salsa had some light heat, but really not exciting.

The caboose is attached and four tables are crammed into it. Very little railroad feel remains. It's kind of an odd inclusion. When I think 'Mexican', I'm not fast to think 'caboose' or 'choo choo'. Made me wonder if this had been a different themed restaurant in days gone by. Actually, being right next to the Ohio River, it's a real shame that there is absolutely no view of the water. That would be a real upgrade.

I was surprised at how expensive it was. I added an ice tea, and my total was just under $12. Granted, this was a dinner, and I could have had a special for $9 with the tea- but that's about $2 higher than what I'm used to paying in the best chain Mex in Indianapolis. If anything, in a small town, I would have expected prices lower than Indy, not higher.

Might go back, might not. A real mixed bag.