The MHDA Wine Stroll and Brew Crawls have all been successful for Chacho’s

Photo courtesy David Dindak
Chacho’s Restaurant in downtown Morgan Hill opened quietly during the COVID-19 pandemic, but is now going strong.

By David Dindak

David Dindak

Hello fellow, Morgan Hillians, how many restaurants you think can say they’re in Wikipedia?  Our own Chacho’s Restaurant can, says General Manager Albert Campoy. When operating in San Jose, Chacho’s created the now famous Hennchata signature drink that put the restaurant on the map — House Horchata (rice water) topped with Hennessey in a Schooner — a true showstopper.

Chacho’s had its San Jose start in 1994 downtown near San Jose State. A million-dollar project second location at San Carlos and Bascom avenues opened November 2019. Then Uh-oh — the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns came shortly thereafter and what took 14 months to open took seven months to close. Chacho’s, like many, was being hit so hard the downtown San Jose restaurant closed as well.

Owner Jorge Sanchez and family have been in Morgan Hill 24 years and the next venture was to set up shop in our beloved hamlet where he could have outdoor dining. He secured a lease in March 2020, and after construction, was ready in June. However, COVID prevented opening until November 2020.

This was the hardest time to open a restaurant, so they struggled, pinched pennies, and with the help of our community, DoorDash, and a lot of local catering, made it happen. Albert said it was hard to find experienced staff in the beginning and they got dinged for customer service. However, that’s been turned around and he’s excited to say they now have a friendly team waiting to serve your needs.

What sets Chacho’s apart is the menu, 15 signature cocktails and an energized venue. The most popular dish is the made fresh daily pozole — pork and hominy with homemade sauce. Humongous nachos are a go-to every day and the special blend mole is imported from Mexico City.  Also on the horizon is live music during the day.

The MHDA Wine Stroll and Brew Crawls along with the other downtown events have all been successful for Chacho’s. These contribute to a growing clientele of newly arrived residents who enjoy a quick, fun environment with food, drink and music. At first guests seemed to desire a sit-down business model whereas Chacho’s provides counter service. Consequently, there was an adjustment, and now that’s been accepted full-stop.

In addition to that, for those unlike me who aren’t zzzz-ing by 10:30 p.m., Chacho’s sports a Reverse Happy Hour from 10 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. They promote $6 well drinks and drafts, and half-off appetizers. So ya can’t say Morgan Hill rolls up the streets at 9 p.m. because Chacho’s is full every weekend.

Regular hours are 4 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 11a.m. to midnight. Closed Mondays.

Chacho’s is located at 30 E. 3rd. St., #120. Call them at (408) 776-1694.

Before I left, Albert offered 50 percent off any dine-in appetizer for mentioning you read this article. So take him up on it and enjoy.

That’s it for this month, folks. Stay dry and wear your hardhats to prevent getting struck by falling limbs.

Oh — and Wine Stroll is right around the corner, Saturday, April 29, so be on the lookout for tickets. Gonna be a hoot.

David Dindak is the president of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association, co-owner of Bubbles & Brew, and a REMAX Realtor.