Prices reflect swankiness of Downtown Summerlin’s Pancho’s

Pancho's Mexican Restaurant is known for its 50-year presence in swanky Manhattan Beach, Calif. It brought its cuisine — and Southern California prices — to Downtown Summerlin in fall 2015.

It's located at the southern end of the shopping experience, facing north, at 11020 Lavender Hill Drive. You'll enter to find a Mexican estate-like feel where the attention to detail is notable. Paintings, hand-painted tile, Spanish Mission terra cotta flooring, rich wood beams, brick accents, Tiffany-style chandeliers, and archways espouse the traditional architecture. A sweeping staircase leads to upper level dining.

But all this ambience comes at a price: For example, the carne asada is $20.95 for lunch and $25.95 for dinner. Order off the lunch menu on a Sunday, and be prepared for a bill reflecting the dinner menu prices. Seems the restaurant only offers brunch and dinner on that day of the week. Pancho's staff explained that the dinner serving is larger.

The menu for lunch and dinner are similar and include appetizers (botanas) such as ceviche (marinated mahi-mahi), queso fundido with artichoke hearts, Pancho's nachos and a combination platter. Appetizers start at $13.95 for lunch and $15.95 for dinner.

For those who like cheese, there are four types of quesadillas, with beef, chicken, vegetarian or seafood. Six salad varieties include a carne asada style made with flat iron steak, a taco-style salad, steamed salmon, grilled chicken, and sauteed shrimp. There are three tostada selections: grilled vegetables; a mix of crab and shrimp; and beef or chicken.

There are eight enchilada choices. We tried the one with avocado and artichoke hearts, which made for a nice vegetarian dish. We also tried Ana's pollo (chicken) especial. Both were $15.95 on the lunch menu but came with a $44 bill (told you to expect to pay more on a Sunday). Was the extra charge worth it in terms of taste-bud satisfaction? If you were just rescued after a week on a deserted island — maybe.

Burritos come in eight styles and the chimichangas in four. The latter start at $18.95 for dinner — another example of those Manhattan Beach prices. Dinner combination plates can be had for $17.95 to $19.95. The eight enchilada styles are similarly priced and rely on ingredients such as corn versus flour tortillas, salsa verde, tomatillo sauce, cheese selections and meats to differentiate them.

No Mexican restaurant would be complete without tacos, and Pancho's has one for every taste, with 12 varieties including shrimp, beef, chicken, mahi-mahi, or pork, all served with Mexican-style rice and beans, sour cream and guacamole.

Hours are from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

Visit panchosrestaurant.com or call 702-982-0111.