"As I write this, I am eating warmed up leftovers and they 're as good as when I ate their food fresh from the oven. While visiting Texas and asking locals for the best Mexican food restaurant, I was given this advice; If you see a 'hole in the wall ' looking place that 's been in business for a long time, THAT is the place you want to eat at because the food is so good, people do not care what the place looks like. Panchos is no hole in the wall place, but one has to admit that it 's not as slick and new as the other Mexican restaurant just a minute or two away. I 'll be honest, I had forgotten the advice I 'd been given. I tried the other restaurant several times since the pandemic began and each time I was given bland, spiceless food prepared with no passion or heritage. Then I drove past Panchos several times wanting Mexican food but just not sure if I wanted to take the chance of a non slick Pittsfield North Street restaurant. I even poked my head in once and saw empty tables and walked back out. I was so mistaken! And I apologize to Panchos for judging. I ordered Pescado a la Veracruzana (Fish fillet with sauteed vegetables and a Chicken Chimichanga. I also requested a non menu item french fries but prepared like nachos; essentially nachos with fries instead of nacho chips. That special order was so good! The french fries are made of real potatoes and cooked with spices (unlike so many other places . Those, alone, would 've been really good. Add all the toppings and I was loving life. The flavors blended perfectly. My wife and stepson REALLY enjoyed the chicken chimichanga. They loved the spices and the little bit of zing that came along with every bite. I think the fish fillet was tilapia, but it was a little thicker than most tilapia so I 'm not 100% sure. Either way, the fish and vegetables were prepared with just enough seasoning to have a little bite, but more importantly for me, full of flavor that stayed with me while I chewed and long after I swallowed. I was able to take my time and really enjoy the spices and flavors. The real test for me (I travel a lot and eat Mexican almost everywhere I visit is the rice. Too many places (including that place nearby have bland, almost tasteless rice as though they cooked whatever was in the box/bag and added no other spices. At Panchos, BOTH the rice and refried beans were prepared by a chef that seems to actually care to add a little heritage to their food. I usually end up having to mix the rice and beans with the other food to get the flavors I 'm seeking, but not here. I enjoyed them on their own and for that alone, my highest compliments to the chef. I am so happy I found a Mexican restaurant that actually cares about the food. Don 't be like I was at first regarding its location and how many hipsters appear to not be dining (in comparison . Panchos is the real deal."
