If you were starting to wonder when the “booze” part of Foodie-Booze Explorer would happen, well, it has finally arrived!!
Warning! Viewer discretion advised! This article is not for the recovering alcoholic or people under 21 years of age. This is unadulterated booze porn!
There are bar-restaurants across the globe where everyone truly does know your name. And Cilantros Parrilla y Cantina is one of those places!
Cilantros has been in business for nearly 30 years and I consider Cilantros home base…my preferred bar. The place where everyone really knows your name!
Cilantros has many “regulars” and many of them have been customers since the doors first opened. For me, it’s been about 20 years of steady attendance.
Cilantros in Watsonville and El Palomar in Santa Cruz are owned and operated by Jose and Amelia Espinoza.
Oscar M.
Meet my good friend Oscar…affectionately known around here as Osky! He has been a bartender for Cilantros for 22 years and counting!
He has heard every bad joke and every pick up line in this establishment since he started working. Many bartenders come and go from here, but Oscar has been the glue that has kept the bar together for so many years.
A master bartender in his own right. He has so many specialty drinks I had to narrow it down to just two so my article didn’t turn into a novel.
There is a whole food side to this establishment that I will write about on another visit. But I can tell you this family owned restaurant serves up some of the best Mexican cuisine in the region. Many of the recipes came from within the family.
Mexican Haze
Mexican Haze is one of my favorite specialty drinks! It’s believed to have been created at its sister restaurant, El Palomar, in Santa Cruz, just a few years ago. It’s widely popular with the folks who like beer and tequila mixed together.
It brutally lives up to its name! One Mexican Haze is not enough, two is too many and three will haze you in a way you will regret…because after three, all stops are pulled out and you derail, falling from grace into drinks four, five and beyond! The morning after is worse!
I like my Mexican Haze with a shot of 1579 Blanco Arte Nom Seleccion Tequila. The Espinoza Family’s own brand…sold globally. Next in the drink is Modelo Negra beer. A splash of fresh squeezed lime, Tajin around the rim and its ready to drink.
El Jefe
El Jefe is another popular specialty drink. Created by the owner himself (Jose Espinoza).
Mixed with Orange Liqueur, fresh squeezed lime, cucumber, jalapenos and a shot of 1579 Blanco Arte Nom Tequila.
This bad boy has a unique flavor when the cucumber and jalapenos are blended together, also, giving it a vibrant bright green color. It’s a great summer kind of drink that’s not too sweet. Just the way I like it!
Shots Fired!
Just when you thought you were going to go home the regulars arrive ready to buy you rounds of drinks! And the shots ring out over and over again. Shots fired and more shots fired.
The mayhem and debauchery begins and your body sinks to a drunken stupor and your soul wants to leave you behind.
It’s that kind of night when tall tales and out right lies are told and laughter fills the bar! It’s a way for people to come together, laugh, have a good time, drink too much and let the stresses of the day die in the booze.
In the morning, memory wipe sets in, and the night is slowly pieced back together the next day or the next and sometimes the blackout remains forever!
You forgot your credit card at the bar, can’t remember where you left your car when you Ubered home and your head is a raging fire that can’t be put out! All the signs of an amazing night at Cilantros and Jose’s Cantina!
http://cilantroswatsonville.com; http://elpalomarsantacruz.com
Great job Paul. It’s only 0800 here in Idaho and I now want one of each. Keep them coming.
Awesome! Thank you Hugh.
Great work,Paul!
Thank you Kevin!
You just made me homesick! I’m in Fresno for Academy… It’s hot here! When I graduate we’re on for a round or 5 at Cilantro’s! ❤️🍸🥃🥃🥃🥃
Awesome!
Very fresh and inviting Paul…Bravo..hats off to You as usual Sir!
Thank you Dana!