It’s no secret Denver loves brunch. Each Wednesday we’ll divulge the newest and best brunches around. Not only do we highlight our favorite spots for all your brunching needs, but also include lists of things you crave. So pour a mimosa, grab a cup of coffee, and get ready to eat.
Fans of the newly opened Pancho & Jane in Golden can now head there for brunch, and it’s just as tasty as dinner service. Chefs Nate Andzulis and Ben Shapiro worked hard to offer a concise but solid menu, featuring migas tacos, churros and chicken, tostadas, burritos, and more. You may even recognize Andzulis, who helped win Judge’s Choice Creative Taco last year at Denver’s Top Taco Festival.
The restaurant opened in early June, by the same team behind The Eddy Taproom & Hotel. There’s a bit of whimsy in the name too. The Pancho part comes from Francisco “Pancho” Villa, who made a name for himself in the early 20th century as a Mexican revolutionary leader. Then there’s Jane, or Jane Kirkham, who came a century earlier and was known as a stagecoach bandit in Colorado.
While nothing illegal goes on at the restaurant, it’s an escape from the normal eateries found in Golden. The space is large, with windows flanking two sides of the building. A large, 30-seat bar acts as centerpiece, and booths line the exposed brick wall on one side. On the other, tables and chairs and room for larger parties are available. There’s also an L-shaped patio for dining alfresco. Don’t miss the bathrooms either, especially the last one, which sports a “push in queso emergency” button that we dare you not to touch.
Now, to dig into the real reason we go to brunch, the food and drink.
Eat the Menu
There’s not a lot to the menu, but that’s okay given the care taken with each one. To start with, the Avocado Tostada ($12). On top of the crispy tortilla one finds smashed avocado topped with guacamole, radish, roasted tomatoes, everything seasoning, and a smoky aji amarillo. The result is a tart, spicy, and savory bite.
A plate of Migas Tacos ($10) comes two to an order with scrambled eggs, poblano, pico, Oaxaca cheese, crushed tortillas, and avocado aioli folded inside. Add on a dollop of the home-made hot sauce or green sauce for an even deeper layer of flavor.
Other items include the Chiliquiles ($14), Breakfast Burrito ($14), and a hash ($14) made with fried potatoes, pico de gallo, poblanos, and succulent suadero beef with outlaw sauce and a sunny side egg on top. For those not feeling the Mexican flare, a mild bowl of yogurt ($14) with strawberry-hibiscus jam, granola, toasted coconut, kiwi, and blueberries offers a fruity departure.
Kids too have brunch options. For $10 each, order the bandito-sized burrito, migas tacos, or French toast sticks.
Drink Up
Like the food menu, the breakfast drink list is sparse, but everything offered appeals to an array of diners. For starters, coffee, and endless pours of it. The restaurant also serves bottomless mimosas ($17), making them the way the brunch gods intended–sparkling wine with a drop or two of orange juice.
If you’re craving a bit of booze in that cup of Joe, the iced Abuela’s Coffee ($10) perks up the mug with Suerte Resposado, cold brew, milk, and Licor 43, a Spanish spirit featuring 43 botanicals and citrus. The menu also boasts a Bloody Maria ($10), using the restaurant’s house-made mix and tequila.
Of course anything from the bar can be had. A certain 10-year-old who joined the meal loved getting strawberry sodas made with the bar’s own syrup. One can never go wrong with a pitcher of house margaritas ($45) either.
Don’t Miss This Brunch Specialty
Chicken and waffles are so last year. At Pancho & Jane it’s all about Hot Chicken & Churros ($14). But not just the average fried sticks of sugared dough. The popular Mexican treat literally gets twisted, creating a nest of crunchy churros with a custard-like center. While the texture of a classic Belgian proves similar, the caramelized bits of sugar add a deep sweetness that goes beyond the normal.
On top there’s a succulent piece of fried chicken, breaded with spices and also cooked to perfection. The agave syrup added a dash of sweet heat, without drowning out the natural flavor of the meat. Combined with the churros, it’s a new favorite brunch dish.
Visit Pancho & Jane for brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. 16500 S. Golden Road, Golden, panchoandjane.com
