Panchita's 3
Category: Latin American [Edit]
Neighborhood: Mission3115 22nd Street
(between Capp St & Van Ness Ave)
San Francisco, CA 94110 (415) 821-6660
- Price Range: $$
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: No
- Takes Reservations: Yes
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: No
- Good for: Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
135 reviews
Neighborhood: Mission
"Best Mexican here by far. Deliciously fresh ingredients of high quality and well sized portions come with everything you order. Its a bit…" read more »
90 Reviews for Panchita's 3
This place is where it is at...Super good, super great service, and just amazing prices....Get here before they notice and jack the prices up like the rest of the hood....
PS- Ask for Maria- She is the best!!!
Referal from a co-worker one minute. Journey down the sangria and pupusa sanguine path the next.
There was perhaps the most eminent queso-esque smile on my face ever leaving this restaurant. It may have been the juicy sangria that packed extra punch, the rounds of guacamole and pupusas satiating friendly bellies, or the pleasant little surprise birthday cake, handpicked from a neighborhood bakery by my waiter, Salvador, the day before. It was by far the most memorable birthday I've had. Maria and Salvador served my table of ten and earn themselves beyond a ten and literally rounds of bear hugs. The guacamole is the best I have ever had: creamy yet chunked with fresh avocados and taste. The ceviche probably could have melted in your mouth like an m&m and the pupusas... Mmmm so gooood and tasty.
Maybe I can dive into the details of ambience, food and culture, but seeing and tasting is believing. Disappointment knows no place at this pleasant and graciously hospitable restaurant.
My top hat and cane to Salvador, Maria, Julian and staff for making my birthday oh so prime! :)
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'Old' RJ would write:
This is a really nice place. The pupusas are to die for. I heart the pupusas here. I would definitely recommend this to my family and freinds (mis-spelled on purpose because 'Old' RJ would fail to utilize the spell check feature).
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'New' and lazier RJ would write:
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1 huge star for the server who busted out a soccer ball and started playing futbol with my son.
1 huge star for presentation. Making pupusas look and taste healthier?
1 huge star for the reasonable prices
1 huge star for the atmosphere (this is the anti-El Zocalo)
.5 star to the server who had a slamming body that made my 1 year old son want to breast feed again.
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Ah, pupusa
Ah, pupusa
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Panchita's 3!
Ow! Baby!
No Salt -N- Pepper here!
[Now wait a minute, y'all
This food ain't for everybody
Only the sexy people
So all you fly mothers, get on out there and eat
eat, I said!]
No Salt-N-Pepper here, it's the cabbage effect
Want more pupusas, babe
Droolin' by day then at night you know what I get
C'mon y'all, let's go show the crew that we know
How to become number one in a hot pupusa show
Now eat it
Ah, pupusa - pupusa real good
Ah, pupusa - pupusa real good
Ah, pupusa- pupusa so good
Ah, pupusa - p-pupusa real good
Hey! Ow!
Pupusa so good!
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Oooh, baby, baby
Baby, baby
Yo, yo, yo, yo, baby-pop
Yeah, you come here, gimme a plate
Better make it fast or else I'm gonna get irate
Can't you hear my stomach grumblin' hard like I need some food?
Now pupusa
Pupusa so good
P-pusua real good
Ah, pupusa
Go to Panchita's 3!
Yum, you really got me going
You got me so I know what I'll be eating
Ah, pupusa
.................................................. .....................
*** thank you salt-n-pepa
**gracias fddi!
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Having never eaten pupusas before, Carlos A convinced me that I needed to try them. I must say, he was right. For my first pupusa experience, Panchita's 3 did not disappoint. The service was great, I was super impressed by their quickness in refilling our water pitcher on the table. Today was super hot (the iphone lied in telling us it was 72, it felt closer to 90) and all of us drank a ton of water so their close eye on our consumption was much appreciated.
The tortilla chips served with the salsa and guacamole were good but could have used a bit more salt. Salsa was good, it had that fire-roasted flavor. The guacamole was delicious! Big chunks of avocado, as well as egg whites, which I had never seen before but found to be delicious. The plantains, served with a black bean and rice mixture were very tasty, but I wanted more beans and less rice.
Though I don't think I received the pupusas I ordered, whatever type I did eat was delicious. They are cut into quarters and served with a vinegar-y cabbage salad thing in the middle. I polished off my entire plate of two orders and am now thoroughly stuffed. They have all different types to satisfy many different tastes: pork, chicken, shrimp, cheese, bean, vegetarian, etc. And the most expensive is the shrimp at $2.75.
If it didn't take me 40 minutes on muni to get here from my house I would certainly eat here more often!
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I failed to mention during my last review that this place is representative of a Mission Restaurant that has learned to reject and embrace gentrification at the same time. To be honest, its quite refreshing.
Despite the "styled" atmosphere, the guys at the bar are locals who have been going to this restaurant before its renovation. They're the hard core Mission guys who as Arnie S. would say it, are not "girly men".
At the same time, smaller portions, better presentation (when square plates are involved, you know gentrification has arrived) and the ambiance truly caters to the hip Mission crowd. As always, the papusas are pretty solid.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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08/02/2007
The best Papusas in town, hands down.
I really didn't expect much from Panchita's - but I have to… Read more »
Carlos A decided to show us a good time at his favorite pupusas place in the city... and took us to Panchitas #3! When I rolled up, there were already 20 yelpers sitting down for a dinner party, guzzling sangria like there was no tomorrow. I was surprised to see that it was a white table cloth little joint, with an elegant modern flair.
I have to say... the pupusas did not disappoint. All of them were crispy, savory and served hot off of the grill with a colorful slaw. At $2.25 a piece, ordering 3 or 4 is a bargain. In a surprising turn of events, Jeff H deviated from the pupusas plan (gasp!) and ordered the chilaquiles, which were decidedly amazing and only $6 to boot. I followed suit, and ordered the Guacamole. Made fresh to order, it was the best I've had in the city, hands down.
C'mon, yelpers. Start a revolucion! We're gonna find the hidden gems and drink them dry.
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*****PUPUSANTOR IS BACK AND OUT OF RETIREMENT***********
4.5-5 still debating so I am rounding up for concept/presentation/ and overall experience!
My long lost relative, Carlos A, decided to bring together another generation of pupusa lovers at Panchitas # 3.
Located in what I like to call Little El Salvador, Panchitas #3 is located next to my 300th review, Pan Lido. How wonderfully magical right?
More El Salvador to love.
I'll admit this is a frou frou joint that I would normally skip. In fact, I have skipped it ALL MY LIFE and headed to regular joints on the mission. Dressing up a sexy old friend, Panchitas #3 caters to the visual palette. Sliced up perfectly in fourths and jazzed up with pretty colors, I did not recognize my ol pal. You look good pupusa...you look good. She certainly became a high priced call girl on that night!
In the end, the taste is the same, but the price is a little more than what I am used to. Either way, it's still a cheap meal I ordered 2 pupusas-cheese and chicken plus a tamarind drink. I even tasted a shrimp and a pork one...OOPS...and don't ask!
Prior to dinner, we had standard breakfast grub with the grilled patanos and black beans. Staff is great, and the ambiance is perfect for pupusa love. We were even serenaded by this guy...who kept making me feel bad for not giving him a tip...so we all did. Boo on not having my Mexican chocolate dessert! I detest flan, so I was not having that and Pan Lido was closed...
I love the fantastic duo of Panchitas #3 and Pan Lido.
Throw in some coffee from El Salvador...and I am immediately transported!
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My broke ass needed this place. I eat out a lot and I love doing so. Even when I tell myself I absolutely can't this week, or next week, or whatever, I end up doing it anyway. Panchita No. 3 was made for me and my kitchen-averse, spend-happy ilk.
Two pupusas (chicken and cheese) and a couple glasses of sangria ran me around $10, with tip. OK a little drink fairy with an expense account covered the drinks, but still. It's the cheapest meal I've had in weeks (TJs for lunch doesn't count); thanks to Carlos A. for sharing it with us.
I tried pupusas years ago at a Salvadorian-owned diner in San Mateo - they were good enough, but I only shared them once with a friend, on the side of a large plate of chorizo and eggs. They unfortunately fell into the dredges of my memory until now.
Panchitas No. 3, with its odd, though appropriate name (there are two others) has tablecloths, modern decor and fancy-folded napkins. Cloth napkins, in fact. Their pupusas (the god-sent hybrid of a crepe and quesadilla, I thought) are stuffed with cheese, your choice of meat and are dressed and layered perfectly on top of each other. Every culture seems to have some variation on the plantains and beans appetizer, and Panchita's take on the dish was a great starter.
Great for a quick dinner, casual date or gossip time with your BFF. A nice, sit-down version of food you would just as soon walk around with on a hot summer day.
Sidenote: 22nd Street is the place to be now, eh? Three bars, gelato joint and a bunch of restos in less than three blocks? City Council of Tara R. votes yes.
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Coronitas, chips, salsa, guacamole, chilaquiles, scallops, carne asada, etc.. all done right. Raphael is a damn good chef. Highly recommended!
Embarrassingly enough, I've known about this place for years and hadn't ever been before tonight. I always thought it was the fancy sister restaurant to the other two Panchitas, with its while tablecloths and wine glasses on the table even when the restaurant itself is closed.
And it retains some of that fanciness when you eat there. Big plates serving up, well, not tiny, but diminutive papusas. I ate some of Tara R.'s cheese papusas and chicken papusas, and they were freakin' delicious. When you order more than one at a time, they come stacked, and resemble a quesadilla made with a corncake instead of tortilla. Pretty sure they're fried, and 100 percent confident they're delicious.
As Tara R. pointed out, though, perhaps most remarkable about the place is the price. I ordered chilaquiles (a favorite from trips to Mexico) and it set me back only $6. Amazing! And, as I'd never had the dish for dinner before, I have to say this filled me up.
I'm so excited to have this inexpensive, yet high-quality restaurant so nearby.
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Cheap good looking food
I usually don't go to events at night because then I have to go home in the dark, but I had to come to the Pupusa event hosted by Carlos A.
I'm pretty sure I've had Pupusa's before in Los Angeles, but it was nowhere as pretty as the ones we had last night. The cabbage slaw is delicious. I could eat a bowl of just the slaw. The pupusa's were also delicious. I ordered chicken and shrimp. Two was good enough for me and I'm a big girl (who's supposedly on a diet). I really liked the shrimp.
If you have a date, bring them here. Not only is the food pretty and delicious, but it's dirt cheap. I spent $7 on 2 pupusas and tip.
It's only 4 blocks from the 24th BART station.
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I have a secret.
Try ordering Panchita's surf and turf:
Filet mignon w/ carmelized onions and veal demi-glace
Grand scallops with asparagus and al mojo de ajo
(garlic, butter, lime, and salt)
best of both worlds but the scallops are especially yumm
....but you didn't hear that from me since it's not on the menu =)
If you can't order it, do not fret.
Panchita's dining room is filled with yuppies but the bar is jam packed with locals. Mainly Hondurians and El Savadorians (I asked) who were dining on the pupusas, chile rellenos, tamales, enchiladas... basically the taqueria fare.
Panchita's is legit
ps
a special thank you to my dining companion for introducing me to Raphael and the entire staff at Panchita's! I will definitely be back :)
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There's a saying in spanish: bueno, bonito y barato (good, pretty and cheap).
For my 300th Yelp Review I have decided to yelp my favorite SF restaurant.
I don't mean favorite as in better than French laundry favorite but as in the place I frequent the most and that is closest to my heart.
This is not my mother's Salvadorian restaurant. Do not come here expecting something you would see in San Salvador or even from many other Salvy places around the corner.
I defy you to find a more beautiful pupusa than the one served up at Panchita's #3
See: http://static.px.yelp....
The pupusas have beautiful presentation and they offer all kinds (chicken, pork, fish etc) to cater to SF's healthy folk.
Over the years I've gotten to know the waitresses and they are super friendly.
I've never tried anything but the pupusas because that's all I am really interested in.
You have to try the plaintains w/ beans. To die for.
See: http://static.px.yelp....
It's a beautiful space and I can't remember ever going to a Salvy restaurant with linen on the tables or that serves water in wine glasses or plates that were modern-looking.
See: http://static.px.yelp....
I can't recommend this place enough. If you want the more traditional hole in the wall Salvadorian place, Panchita's #2 will make you feel more at ease.
Even though I am far from El Salvador, this place brings me back to my heritage with a great location and wonderful modern Salvadorian cuisine.
Two people can have a bunch of pupusas and drink and leave for well below $25. I recommend it as a date spot.
PS: My only gripe: they don't have horchata and don't do lunch.
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This place made me sad, because it was a little pupuseria struggling for something greater and failing entirely.
The prices were relatively low and the food was ok. If I had paid a little bit less in crappier environs, it would have been just want I wanted. It felt like the read "Kitchen Confidential" with a notepad and cribbed a quiver-full of gimmicks. Squirt bottles of sauce. Big white plates. Art on the walls; Picasso prints no less. High altitude food. I saw the cooks using the metal ring to mold the cabbage slaw for pupusas into towers for better presentation.
But it came off empty and shticky. What's the Spanish word for shtick?
Also, the whole experience apart from the food was weird. They told us they were full with reservations, but I could see a bunch of empty tables, and no one came in to claim them while we were there. There was one large party who had an entire 2-top table for the elbow of the guy on the end. So I ended up eating at the bar, and was treated one after another to crazy mission dive bar drunks. They'd come in alone and order a beer. Drink it. Talk to me. And then leave. One guy asked why my book didn't have pictures. Another guy asked me to smile.
Word of advice to restaurants: be who you are. It's ok to be a homey salvadorean restaurant. We need to hang on to that in the Mission. We don't need the humble, noble, pupuseria to try to figure out how to be a small-plate-communal-table-wine-bar-locally-source d-seasonal New Thing eatery.
Be the ball, Danny.
Hold me tightly...Ow...Not too tightly on the right shoulder, please. Still healing...Where was I? Oh yeah...The sweet scent of something being greased and cooked on the flat top grill...Never has grease smelled sooo good...Well, it smells good on a lot of things but tonight, it PUPUSAS!!!
Yes, folks. PUPUSAS! The edible kind that looks like a flattened hockey puck but filled with cheesy goodness and, if you like, the meat of your choice. Needless to say, I am a lover of food. And food loves me back...Just wish it would show me the love in a different way, one that is more slimming...
So thanks to the ingenious planning of Carlos to have an event here, we had a dinner party-like event here at Panchita No 3. I swear if you were walking fast down the block, you would miss it. It's almost like a hole in the wall with enough seating for a small dinner party and a nice bar. The cook top is also behind the bar, too. But enough with that, on to the food.
I must admit, I was too busy talking to everyone or trying to hear what everyone was saying through the loud music and the number of voices overlapping each other. I could have sworn I ordered 2 pupusas and a chilaquiles with eggs. I think I ordered the shrimp and cheese pupusas but then again, I don't really remember so no harm done. I eat whatever comes my way. And I must say, it was darn tasty! Awesome flavors erupted from the sauce and from the pupusas. Oh dear...But after I finished those two my chilaquiles came and I was totally in heaven. Where have you been all my life? The perfect breakfast item served for dinner. This dish could be served whenever they want and I would still eat it! It was freaking GOOD!!! Of course, me being a nice guy, I shared that one with the other guests at the table. But the funny thing after this was another 2 pupusas came, a shrimp and a cheese, I think. Again, I was too busy talking with people and smiling at all the pretty ladies. And also trying to calm Flor down because she was hungry. Very hungry. So hungry she was seeing colors...Yeah, that bad. So we just started passing that plate around and we all shared in the extras. Awesome indeed!
I left a little lighter in the pocket but heavier in the tummy. And I also learned of another spot to go eat good food! I love food, really I do...And now, thanks to this place and the other place around 16th. and Mission, I will be looking for the best tasting pupusas! And maybe chilaquiles if they are served. Who's with me?
One last thing, there's this guy that was serenading us with his guitar. He works on tips and says he needs it for pupusas and to become a doctor. Not too sure about the doctor part but he does offer songs for a price and also is a really nice guy. Support the locals!!! Well...Sorta...
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wow. Panchitas proved me wrong. When a co-worker recommended a place at Capp and 22nd, I told her she was crazy. I wanted sit-down food... not a taqueria and certainly not anything associated with the shady hijinks that normally go down around Capp Street. But, Panchitas #3 was an oasis in the grime.
Service was sweet, entrees were delicious and I wanted to marry the Mexican Chocolate Cream Pie. We opted for more traditional dishes (enchiladas, tacos, etc) and were impressed with it all (3 item combination, $14). Portions were healthy and the flavors were awesome. It is honestly the first time I've ever actually enjoyed a crispy taco (tasty!). And, if it's on the dessert menu, GET the mexican chocolate cream pie ($6). Chocolately, but not heavy and just downright wonderful. I'm excited to go back and try more... especially the pupusas and the chilaquiles.
Prices were slightly higher than I was expecting when I walked in the door, but in the end, totally worth it. A great hidden gem to take friends who think they "know" the Mission.
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I truly enjoy the pupusa & experiences at Panchitas No 2. Although I speak no Spanish & am not aware of any staffers that speak much English we are able to speak the universal language of the menu, also known as 'point & raised eyebrow'.
Now, I'm no mathematician & may not be intimately acquainted with the proprietors, but I have a sneaking sensation that Panchitas No 3 may in some way be associated with Panchitas No 2. At first perusal the only association No 3 would have with No 2 is the dastardly clever naming convention. The interior of No 3 has the snappy, sophisticated, clean lines of many upscale, but, under the radar eateries about town. While No 2 has more of a new immigrant "we're all about the food, not the dcor...here, look at some '50's era photos of our Salvadorian homeland". (that's cool w/me)
Unlike No 2 No 3 has flashy arted up culinary displays. Ya know, squeeze bottle drizzled exotic sauces & such. There are no functional plastic covered table tops, but real WHITE linen (these folks is NUTS I tell ya!). After I got by all the fancy schmanciness of No 3 I found the things that made me return to No 2 over & over again... good papusas! Yea, they're cut into fancy shapes w/interesting garnish, but in the end the food is hearty, tasty & affordable. The friendly patient staff takes me back to the days of the No 2. I likes it!
Go & don't skimp on the sangria, order all the papusas & make sure to leave room for dessert.
My guess is No 3 took all the goodness from No 2 purtied it up & gave the Mission a kinda new improved Panchitas.
I first came here in a large group over 2 years ago. I have since been back many times and am never disappointed!
The owner and staff make you feel like family when you're here. That may be because my boyfriend has been here a lot (see Jared W's review - haha!) and is practically family. Last week, we had a late night craving and jumped on the bus to get their amazing platanos. Yes, I changed out of my pj's and took a 20 minute bus ride just for their dessert... and it was worth the trip!
I love to come here just for pupusas and platanos. The pupusas are the best I've had in a restaurant.
The atmosphere is perfect. Refined yet casual.
I want to try #2 sometime.
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I have been lurking and leeching off yelp for a year now, and this is the first recommendation that pushed me into getting an account just to review it.
The Pupusas are incredible! My boyfriend and I generally get two different types for a large appetizer, and split a main dish. A couple of the dishes at the restaurant are gianormous, so if you are a light eater you may want to consider just sticking with the Pupusas.
I have been to this restaurant before and after a recent illness that has disabled me, and this is one of the few restaurants I have been to that makes me forget that I am in a wheelchair. The servers are accommodating and friendly, without being condescending (something that is sadly a common experience for the disabled).
In summary, the atmosphere is great, the food is fabulous, and the desserts are as soul soothing as the plates they are served on!
As the Aerosmith song goes, I am J-J-Jaded when it comes to restaurants. I am rarely surprised any more. .. my general demeanor when going to a new restaurant is to hope for good and be happy with fine. Sad but true. That's what being J-J-Jaded does to you (hee hee did I earworm ya?)
I have long been a fan of Panchita's numero dos but grew tired of dealing with the slow service, missing menu items (don't put Sopa de Albondigas on the menu unless you're gonna have it - I am tender hearted and these things hurt!) and pardon me for being a princess but I prefer my curtido without a side of crackhead.
I knew about Panchita's #3 (#1 closed many years ago) but was not down with someone dressing up Salvadoran food and charging me 2 bucks more cause they squeeze bottled some crema across a pupusa.
Well . .. when I am wrong, I am wrong because this food is AMAZING! The first evening I went, I was not feeling very well so I was not very hungry. I ordered sopa de pollo and from the boquitas menu I ordered chilaquiles de pollo to start. We also ordered some pupusas for the table to share.
First off, they cut the pupusas and arrange them all pretty like, drizzle them with salsa and add a artistic mound of curtido. They use black beans instead of pintos or pink beans. I started to pout. I already didn't feel well and here they go cutting my pupusas and using black beans. wtf. Did I mention I am somewhat puerile when I don't feel well? Anyhoo. .. proof is in the pudding or in this case, pupusa and as I begrudgingly took a perfunctory bite of the pupusa, I was bitch slapped by my own attitude. Seriously EXCELLENT pupusas and curtido.
Next came my "boquita" de chilaquiles. HA! Boquita means "little mouth" and on a menu when you see that it will usually mean a small appetizer or antojito sized portion of something. This was a huge bowl of succulent fried tortillas in a multi-faceted sauce of pure deliciousness studded with generous pieces of tender chicken. The only thing missing was crema which I requested and was promptly served. People I tell you right now. . walk away from your computer and go get some chilaquiles RIGHT NOW. Oh, wait, keep reading and then go, 'kay? You can get the chilaquiles made with or without eggs. . I have had them both ways and I honestly can't tell you which I like better. . they are both very good. Just keep in mind the portion is large (I say this as if it were a bad thing!)
Next came my soup. . .pure comfort in a bowl. The thing that makes the food at Panchita's so outstanding is that someone in the kitchen understands how to layer flavor. It was rich and delicious and served HOT which is sometimes hard to come by. My dining companions on that evening had entrees and seemed very happy. I tasted the sauces from the Camarones en Mole Verde and it was amazing. The enchiladas verdes were also very, very good. Somebody in the kitchen knows their sauces!
I have returned to Panchita's numero tres several times since my first visit in December and can honestly say it is some of my favorite food in the city right now. The portions are generally quite generous except for the Bistek Enceballado - I had a "Where's the Beef? moment with that dish altho the flavors were excellent. And if you ask them not to cut the pupusas, they won't but I think it makes the cook a little sad faced not to get to squirt sauce all purty like on the plate. :)
The food is outstanding but the service can be somewhat indifferent and scattered. It gets somewhat chilly in the restaurant so bring a sweater - they keep the lighting low and it's somewhat romantic so perhaps the chilly temperature is so you can snuggle with your sweetheart. Also, the bar is a magnet for locals coming in for an end of shift beer and sometimes the cervezas flow a little too hard and you got some old vato harassing you on the way to the restroom - not in a ass grabby kind of way but ya know. .. kind of ick.
Five star food. . .minus one for service and room temp.
Not too bad for a place I was almost too high on my horse to appreciate!
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I've lived in the mission for 2 years, how come I've never been here? Thankfully now I have. This place is *perfect for a first date or a big birthday. It's super unique and its that semi fancy mexican restaurant this city is sorely missing. The food is delish, the atmo is great. Make sure to share everything so you can get all kinds of tasty bites.
Even though I haven't eaten here in four years, I still believe they have the best Pupusas in the Mission. They are smalls, yummy and filled with beans, fish, chicken or whatever. I used to take my friends to eat there all the time when I was in College. It is a small restaurant filled with many Yuppies, but the food is outstanding.
I love Panchitas #2, and it was this feeling of amorosity which led me to consider #3 as a potential upgrade for when I was feeling a little classier. Unfortunately, my expectations fell short. The pupusas at #2 are served fresh from the griddle, hot and oozing with cheese and other yumminess, while at #3 they were cold, thick with dough and pre-cut. I appreciated the attempt at artistic plating (with the cortido colorfully piled in the middle of the quartered pupusas) but the presentation won over taste and I was sorely disappointed. Otherwise, service was decent, I enjoyed the fried platanos and the special of asparagus had great flavor. I came with a group of 5 (we had res) and it was a bit of a squeeze though they were able to accomodate. Might be better as a two-top experience.
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Amazing!! The food, service, atmosphere are all spot on. We had a party of 25 for a friend's birthday. The staff was so warm and accomodating making what could have been a hectic and chaotic dinner into a very memorable night. They even had a mariachi band serenade the birthday girl. They served the food family-style for our party..we had the pupusas, crab enchiladas, chicken mole, green chile pork and pitchers of sangria. I am not a fan of mole, but I couldn't stop eating it! Everything was so delicious..the pork was so tender and flavorful. I cannot wait to go back, I have already planned my next visit.
Thanks to fellow yelpers, we found Panchita #3, and from the reviews, it seemed like the perfect place to go for Valentine's Day. We were easily able to make a reservation for six at 7:00pm the day before. The restaurant was perfect. We were a little late which was no problem. The wait staff was friendly and sat us immediately.
We ordered pitchers of Sangria for the table. The pitchers were generous and loaded with fresh fruit. We started with an assortment of papusas. They cut each papusa into four and they were delicious! My favorite was the shrimp.
A friend and I split two meals, the crab enchiladas, and the scallops. The portions were huge. The enchiladas were stuffed full of crab and topped with a delicious sauce with just the right amount of kick. The sea scallops were also delicious. They were huge, sauted perfectly, and were topped with a light mango salsa that complimented the scallop flavor very well. Everyone enjoyed their meals.
A couple of musicians came in and played music during the meal which was a nice added touch. The dcor of the restaurant was modern and romantic. When the waitress brought us our check, we were pleasantly surprised that it was only $30 a person including gratuity. I'll definitely be back to this little mission gem!
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I love this restaurant!!! My girlfriend took me there for my birthday and it was fantastic. The price, service, and quality of food were excellent. Can't wait to go back and try other dishes.
After having pupusas at Panchita's #2 in the hell-hole of 16th and Valencia, I was not too sure what to expect here. To my surprise, it seemed like a very upscale bistro. Passing by the windows, the napkins folded into the wine glasses looked like candles. It's a small restaurant, and seats maybe 50 AT BEST. For it being so small it was a little louder than I would like. The tables line one wall, and are very close together.
I met two of the best Yelpers here last night for a few reasons. I finally made toffee for one of them, and the other was in town visiting. It turned out to be a good celebration since I am NO longer unemployed!
We began with a pitcher of Sangria, which was pretty good. Split between three people, it was enough for two glasses each. We order the requisite pupusas, and while smaller than I've had, they were top notch. Some filled with pork, and the other with beans. The cabbage they serve was very good too.
Then we get Chilequiles ... forgive my spelling! They were said to be the best EVER. I have always wanted this dish, but never had them. Now every time I get them, they have to live up to Panchita's. No small feat. GET THEM ... with or without eggs.
I ordered the Chicken Enchiladas, and they were really good! The usual red sauce is absent, and in it's place is a nice spicy, and smoky sauce. VERY good. Yelper #1 had chicken soup, which she says was very good, and Yelper #2 had a shrimp dish and said it was very good too.
For to-go, for a friend, I bought the crab enchiladas, and she said they were great, and worth a trip back. I also ordered the Steak with Onions, and it was good, but on the small side. It was a petite filet mignon with some sauce and onions. Darn good too!
Slightly more expensive than your average pupusaria, but well worth it.
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After sampling Panchita's awesome guacamole, a couple bites of fish and shrimp pupusas, two generously-stuffed crab enchiladas, and downing a big delicious glass of sangria, I was stuffed and happy! Panchita's has a slightly dark and upscale ambiance, accented with candles and white tablecloths. I was particularly suprised that we were the only people there on a Tuesday night, especially after reading the rave reviews on Yelp. But, all the better for us...the lack of noise and chatter allowed us to enjoy the delish food, down-tempo hip hop music and super-friendly service that much more!
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Fantastic food for a reasonable price (by San Francisco standards). While it is famous for its pupusas (which are yumtastic), some of their other dishes are out of this world. The chicken mole is the best in the city, and the steaks (whodathought?) are near perfection. The waitstaff is always extremely friendly and the ambience is nice, although it can get cramped and loud- especially when the table serenade-ers are making the rounds. Perfect for when you want a significant upgrade over taqueria food, but don't want your purse turned upside-down and shaken by trendy, over-priced Valancia St. joints.
I absolutely love this place! The dining room is very small and cozy with an understated classiness. The food is quite delicious. I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. The perfect place for a casual romantic dinner.
Recommended.
I can't believe I never knew about this place before!! I was taken here on a date over the weekend and LOVED it!!
Pupusas - we ordered almost everyone on the menu except the pork one. Presentation was great but my only complain is that it was all served at the same time so some got cold before we got to it.. It would've been nice if they spaced it out.
HIGHLY Recommend - Enchilada de carde de carnegros (Crab Enchilada). The enchilada was completely filled with fresh crab meat and it was EXCELLENT. For $16 bucks, this was both tasty and good-value.
The atmosphere was nice, space was a bit small and I didn't like the cloth they put over the bench seats (that was against the wall) because when someone sat next to me, the cloth moved and that was not very comfy.
In Summary:
Upside: Nice looking crowd. Crab Enchilada. Fresh Chips. Good Service
Downside: Tables kinda close together. Sangria was okay.
I will be back!
According to Carlos A. this is an awesome first or second date restaurant, so when he took me there one night while my wife was out of town, I was giddy with anticipation.
As we entered the hostess looked as us kinda funny, probably because I was not a different female companion in the rotating door that was (he has a very lovely girlfriend now that he is quite enamored with) his social life.
Anyway, the decor is quite good for a date, dark, candle lit tables. The last table in back (where we were seated with a wink and a nod) is quite cozy and lets you have some more privacy.
The food was outstanding. The fried plantains were perfectly cooked and the pupusas were gooey with cheese and filled with tasty meats.
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The first time here, I was very impressed with the service, the atmosphere and the sangria, though I wasn't a huge fan of my entree (entrees were pre selected for a bachelorette dinner- I think i just didn't pick the right one).
Second time around, I got full run of the menu and was highly impressed, as were my roommates who pride themselves on food snobbery.
This is a great date spot. I wish there were vegan options (other than the guacamole of course) so I could bring my bf. sigh.
Jan 2008. Took my lovely girlfriend for dinner. we shared 3 pupusas, a large salad, a 2 tamale entree and a couple of Negro Medelos. Just $36. Plenty o'food and really great flavors. Loved it all.
Great food, very reasonable prices, white tableclothes. Great mix of locals and hipsters. but bottom line the food is great. highly recommended!
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