Money Pancho packs a punch

Two restaurants, one family, lots of homemade Mexican cuisine




FAMILY WITH HEART—A small part of the huge Sunday brunch, Money Pancho-style, is served up by, from left, brother Chef Noe Lopez, cook Luis Jimenez, owner Claudia and manager David Lopez. The all-youcan eat-and-drink Sunday champagne brunch buffet is offered at both locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Courtesy photo

FAMILY WITH HEART—A small part of the huge Sunday brunch, Money Pancho-style, is served up by, from left, brother Chef Noe Lopez, cook Luis Jimenez, owner Claudia and manager David Lopez. The all-youcan eat-and-drink Sunday champagne brunch buffet is offered at both locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Courtesy photo

Money Pancho is an authentic Mexican restaurant and cantina in Camarillo that packs the house day in and day out.

It’s been open for over 20 years, and there’s a cool tale about how it got its intriguing name. In 1975, two men started a homestyle Mexican restaurant in Guadalajara City, Mexico. Funding came from Frank Conrad, the “Money” side of its unusual moniker, and Chef Federico Aselei, nicknamed “Pancho,”did the cooking. Thus Money Pancho was born.

When they closed the restaurant after a tiff, one of their young chefs, Jorge Lopez, packed up the concept and recipes and brought the whole shebang to America, where he opened the Camarillo spot with his wife, Maria.

Since then, the Lopezes and their three kids—Noe, David and Claudia—have been serving the same popular recipes born way back then and adding new twists. The Camarillo restaurant became so popular that the family opened a second location in Oxnard, which is run by David.

The Lopez family gives dining out an in-home, cozy feel at their restaurants. Noe is the chef and Claudia, the Camarillo restaurant owner, always greets customers with a smile, along with a basket of crispy homemade tortilla chips and three delightful dipping sides you can also nibble on. For a change from regular guacamole, try their delicious roasted corn version, one of their own creations adapted from roasted street corn, Claudia said.

HEARTY FARE—This yummy dish, called Camaron Patron, features large shrimp filled with Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in bacon and served with chipotle sauce. This meal is complete with sides of rice and beans—plenty for leftovers. ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

HEARTY FARE—This yummy dish, called Camaron Patron, features large shrimp filled with Monterey Jack cheese, wrapped in bacon and served with chipotle sauce. This meal is complete with sides of rice and beans—plenty for leftovers. ELA LINDSAY/Acorn Newspapers

Speaking of roasted corn, Money Pancho offers an absolutely must-try for anyone who has not yet sunk their teeth into this excellent, crunchy and delightful treat.

The great thing about these restaurants is the fact that the Lopez clan insists that everything be made from scratch. They support local farmers as much as possible, which was definitely evident in the freshness of the corn and guacamole.

Freshness and authenticity is obvious right from the get-go with Money Pancho’s breakfast offerings, which are available all day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Even better, Money Pancho’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink Sunday champagne brunch buffet— offered at both locations from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.—packs a huge punch for customers who enjoy all kinds of Mexican breakfast offerings plus a ton more selections sure to please every taste bud in the family.

When you stop by for lunch, you’ll get some great deals at Money Pancho. This is the perfect time to check out some of their special combos available Monday through Friday.

Choose from favorites like chile rellenos, burritos, quesadillas, sopes, chimichangas, tamales, taquitos, tostadas, tacos and enchiladas, all served with rice and beans. And for just two bucks extra, you can get a soup or salad.

Of course, when you take the family, friends or guests to dinner, everyone will find something sure to delight them. Try a three-item combo, a salad or one of the soups, like the popular albondigas or spicy chicken tortilla. You might also order the carne asada steak or the Money Pancho chef’s special carnitas.

The Lopez family creates dishes inspired by many places in Mexico, like the Puebla-style adobada popular in the east-central region. Seafood lovers can enjoy dishes inspired by the town of Mazatlan, including black tiger shrimp, scallops and filet of sole. Or if you like spicy chipotle, check out the Money Pancho family recipe made with steak or chicken in Roma tomato sauce with onions, garlic and chipotle peppers.

All the classic Mexican entrees come with rice, beans and a choice of corn or flour tortillas. You’ll end up with so much that you’ll be able to pack a lunch from the leftovers. Check your copy of the Acorn for a half-off coupon.

Also, don’t forget to ask for some homemade margaritas, which add a punch to any meal and are totally made from scratch. Or try one of their newest endeavors— Money Pancho wines, bottled right here in SoCal.

A super time to try lots of beverages and goodies is during Happy Hour, which takes place at both spots in the bar area on Mondays through Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. You’ll get specials on nibblies like fajita bites, ceviche, flautitas and quesadillas, as well as discounts on margaritas and their house wine.

You can count on either Money Pancho location to deliver the goods—literally—with lots of catering options for your next party celebration or office, family or friends gathering.

Money Pancho, Camarillo
3661 Las Posas Road
(805) 484-0591
Money Pancho, Oxnard
155 E. Seventh St.
(805) 483-1411
moneypancho.com