Two of San Antonio’s most accomplished taqueros are expanding one of their most popular restaurants. Husband-and-wife duo Gabby Hinojosa and Charlie Gonzalez are opening a second location of Panfila Cantina in the Park North Shopping Center at 842 NW Loop 410.
In an Instagram message, Hinojosa confirmed the new outpost, but did not yet have an exact opening date. She says the team is aiming for a debut sometime in July.
Hinojosa and Gonzalez first opened Panfila Cantina in April 2021 in The Shops at Fossil Creek retail center at 22250 Bulverde Rd. The pair came with some serious culinary bona fides. Both graduates of the Culinary Institute of America’s New York Campus, Gonzalez worked at Signia by Hilton La Cantera Resort & Spa’s SweetFire Kitchen while Hinojosa did stints at Signature and Denmark’s revered Noma.
Despite the fine dining CV, the pair looked to the street foods of their native Mexico when setting out on their own. The couple has since built a mini restaurant empire, opening Tutto Pepe Osteria, Burgers vs. Tacos, San Peter Taqueria, and the much-missed San Taco — the latter of which shuttered when they gave birth to their first child.
The oversized concha has become a social media sensation.Panfila Cantina/ Facebook
Panfila is known for a casual menu that includes classics like flautas ahogadas, ceviche verde, and tacos ranging from street-style bistec and al pastor to a coastal borrachos de pescado with chipotle mayo and slaw. But it is perhaps most famous for its oversized conchas, a social media sensation served with hot chocolate in an equally oversized barro rojo pitcher. The restaurant also mixes up creative cocktails for those who want to kick it up a notch.
The new Panfila Cantina will take over the former home of Miguelito’s Mexican Cuisine and Cantina in Suite 115. That restaurant closed in January after it was locked out for alleged unpaid rent.
Jue Let's signature Chex Mix is included in the happy hour menu.Photo courtesy of Jue Let.