Established in 1994 by Donna and Phil Richardson, Que Pasa brought Mexican food to the Contoocook Valley. Good service, tasty Mexican dishes and margaritas built a steady stream of diners in the historic converted barn that once housed a coffin maker's shop. After an illness sidelined Donna, the Richardsons made the difficult decision to part with the business in 2007.  Along came the Walsh family, led by Mary Walsh whose desire for a more creative, people-centered life inspired the venture. Fortune smiled when executive chef Brendan Walsh agreed to bring his fine-dining sensibility and classically trained skills from Boston to join the family business and revamp the menu. Mary and Brendan welcomed son/brother Jim Walsh to the fold, adding his formidable experience in front of the house operations to the mix. Today, Que Pasa has become a destination where regulars and first-time diners experience the finest in fresh Mexican, Latin and American food, prepared daily and served with the warmth you would find in your own home. Our award winning chili and savory starters are joined by re-imagined Mexican favorites and an array of specials. Chef B, inspired by his experiences with a variety of world cuisines and the best locally sourced ingredients, prepares our fresh fare with the flair of cutting edge Mexican, Spanish and Caribbean influences.
More than twenty tequilas (a number continuously growing) can be sipped neat or blended in a variety of popular frosty margaritas. Other Latin cocktails like the Cuban Mojito and the Brazilian Caipirinha are as popular as our American traditional mixed drinks. A selection of imported and domestic beers is available or sample something from our selection of Spanish, Chilean or Argentinian wines chosen to compliment the flavors of our dishes. Though Mexican and Latin food in general has the reputation of being extremely spicy or "hot," authentic dishes are flavorful, not hot. The taste of "spicy" is different for everyone, but most of our bill of fare is deliberately traditional, thus not what most folks would call "hot." For those who would like to push the envelope, our house crafted sauces will provide the "burn," just ask if you would like yours muy caliente. At Que Pasa, the Walsh family continues to live the belief that a business should be a part of the larger community. That concept begins with doing our best to buy locally. Locally sourced products, when available, keep the local economy strong by keeping the dollars in the hands of our neighbors. And our neighbors are our customers. Buying local is good for the environment. Local products don't require long distance shipping, and shipped items bought locally reduce the need for duplication of efforts. As part of the community we believe in giving locally as well. Student groups from local schools and colleges, charitable initiatives and our own Secret Santa program are part of our effort to give where we live. The Walsh family welcomes you to try our fresh fare with flair at an affordable price. We intend to make you feel that at Que Pasa, our house is your house too.
Que Pasa Cantina & Smokehouse 25 Maple Street/Rt. 114 In the Heart of Henniker, New Hampshire 603- 428-TACO (8226) www.quepasanh.com