Eli Pancamo loves his food. Moreover, he loves tacos. And it would have been easy enough for him and his wife, Kenna, to rest on their success with Garbo’s Grill — their first successful venture in Key West that has since gained international notoriety.
But the idea for Sinz Burittos, which has augmented Pancamo’s place in the restaurant lore of Key West, was hatched nearly two decades ago when he was a regular at local Tex-Mex joints in Colorado. Yet Sinz, named after the seven deadly vices, is no ordinary burrito line. Instead, it is a “bare-all” glimpse into the artistry and mind of Eli Pancamo, along with his love for art — and his sinful affinity for food.
Artist: Jack McDonald
Sinz offers all you can eat tacos on Tuesday for a cool $15 or you can grab individual tacos at $2. Kenna says Eli can eat 10 to 12 tacos in one setting. “He’s a madman with tacos.”
Artist: Eric Pascua
Along with seven deadly paintings, Sinz is packed with artistry from renowned talents like Dan Schwab (cartoonist), Michael Hildebrand and Tom Flip (vanity piece under the bar). “A restaurant should be sensory,” said Pancamo. “Tastes, smells and the visual. This type of food is not something different. But we’re just doing it better with a better experience.”
Artist: Lee Trice (from Brooklyn, a.k.a. Trice Cat)
“I can’t pick just one burrito, but simple is best. Carne asada, black beans and rice, cilantro, red onion, Chihuahua cheese, jalapeños, pico de gallo, sour cream and a lot of hot sauce,” said Pancamo. “But my favorites are tacos: hard shell, ground beef, cheese, jalapeños, cilantro, pico and sour cream. I’m a basic SOB that loves basic shit.”
Artist: Sean Sullivan (from Manhattan, a.k.a. Layer Cake)
Kenna makes the lemonades and limeade daily at Sinz. The homemade brand is called “Virt-Juice,” as Kenna serves as Eli’s “angle of virtue.” At Sinz, the strawberry, raspberry, blueberry and cherry flavors are mixed with hints of sugar, fresh lime and other ingredients. It’s, well … heavenly. Or as Eli says, “You can wash your sinz down with a bottle of Virt-Juice.”
Artist: Steve Martin Jr. (from Paradise Tattoo)
The Food: From tacos and burritos filled with choices like ground beef, carne asada, barbacoa and roja chicken — to toppings like fresh cilantro, jalapeño, pickled radish and onions — there is a deadly sin for everyone to indulge in at Sinz.
Artist: Rick Worth
No legit taco joint is complete without craft beer and wines. Sinz boasts about 10 beers on tap, including Waterfront Brewery Crazy Lady and Civil Society, and more than 25 beers in the can or bottle. Not to mention wines on tap, along with ever-evolving items like sangria and margaritas on tap (when available).
