Frank Leal, Owner of Leal Vineyards in Hollister, opened this fun, fresh, lively grill house last year and it’s proven to be a hit with San Benito County Locals as well as visitors from Santa Clara County, and beyond. Leal say he’s always wanted to open a tequila bar, and the Cantina currently serves over a 140 different varieties of tequila that come from Jalisco, Mexico. The margaritas are quite special, because they are made from the nectar of the agave plant, water, and fresh limejuice. “They’re very natural and crisp” said Leal. They serve traditional, strawberry, blended, and on the rocks margaritas. Another reason Leal opened the restaurant is so he could have a place where he could do wine-tasting parties and offer catering services.

The Cantina’s “Fresh Mex” Menu is extensive. Leal and his executive chef, Enrique Gonzales, and his new manager, Necole Geslin, have come up with a dynamite selection of food. They serve a variety of steaks, including Porterhouse, rib eye and New York; seafood dishes such as grilled salmon and grilled prawns; and Mexican dishes like grilled chicken quesadillas, fajitas, and chimichangas. They also cater to children and have a Kids’ Night on Wednesdays. A kid-sized serving table is set up where junior dinners can choose from macaroni and cheese, quesadillas, enchiladas and other yummy fare.

Attendees at a summer concert at Leal Vineyards were surprised by a visit from Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson at the winery on Friday night. The newlywed couple, along with professional volleyball player/model Gabrielle Reece and her surfer husband, Laird Hamilton, enjoyed a private wine tasting at the winery. They next headed to the small town of Tres Pinos and Frank Leal's Cantina Grill and Tequila Bar restaurant. While at the Cantina, Kid Rock entertained the delighted, packed house by mixing records with the DJ and singing "Cowboy”,“ Sweet Home Alabama" and other numbers.