"I recently enjoyed a fantastic Mexican lunch at Pancho's, and while I may not be well-traveled enough to determine its authenticity in relation to specific regions in Mexico, I can confidently say that the restaurant offers delicious food that stands apart from the typical Tex-Mex or Americanized versions. For instance, the pork al pastor is incredibly flavorful, especially when paired with mango. The ground beef is mixed with diced potatoes, which helps reduce the greasiness—definitely worth trying with the pickled carrots from the salsa bar!
Speaking of the salsa bar, it features a nice variety, though I found the hotter options to be milder than expected. The green Yucatán salsa pairs well with the crisp, flavorful fish taco. The standard salsa for dipping chips is excellent as well; the chips are freshly fried and served hot. This might not appeal to those who prefer store-bought chips, but I personally enjoy them. Sometimes, I order just chips and a taco even though the menu doesn't specifically offer that combo. Additionally, there are plenty of peppers, cilantro (which works wonderfully with the fish taco), radishes, and pickled carrots for sides or garnishes.
The lunch combos include a drink (more on that below), rice and beans, and usually a small salad with crema. While nice, there’s not much to say about a side salad.
I've frequently ordered the mole enchilada entrée, which you can customize with any of their meats ranging from the classic chicken and ground beef to the more adventurous options like tongue, tripe, and head. I may summon the courage to try those someday. The taco combo is also a solid choice, and on Mondays, they have $1 tacos from the milder selections, though I usually indulge in a fish taco.
One of the highlights of Pancho's is that it’s one of the few Mexican restaurants where you can enjoy fresh homemade horchata with your lunch combo. They fill your glass to the brim, and I recommend using a straw since some of the ingredients tend to settle at the bottom.
I highly recommend visiting Pancho's for lunch—it's well worth it! As winter approaches, I'm looking forward to trying their menudo and I’ll provide updates as I explore more of their fantastic dishes."
