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Come in and enjoy our happy hour Monday thru Friday between 3-5pm! We have $1 taco's, $2 beers & $1 Aguas!
Mon-Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
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SOOOO good! I love this place. The food is great and the staff is friendly. Their burritos are reasonably priced and they are HUGE!
I have been to more than several mexican food places including the taco trucks out in East Oakland and this food is by far the best, the closest to 'authentic', and best priced. You can see everything being cooked and served in front of you so you know everything is fresh and right off the grill.
OH and if they have the custard filled churros, I highly recommend trying a couple of those!
If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, THIS is the place to go.
Also, if you've been drinking and you want good food, this is the place to go.
And lastly, if you just want a burrito as big as a 2 month old baby, this is the place to go.
Seriously.
Go.
NOW.
Super Burritos.
I want Pancho Villa Taqueria to open up a new location in my basement. It wouldn't be long before I would be unable to walk up the stairs, but I think it would be worth it. Carne Asada was great. The Chile Rellenos were fantastic (although microwaved, which is a little disappointing) and the salsa bar blows minds.
The most important thing about this place that I learned: No matter how good it was the first time, don't go back before getting on an airplane.
The battle between Pancho Villa Taqueria and Chipotle over which is the lesser evil of the two is a closer race than you would think. Though it's not part of a global conglomeration that is contributing heftily to American obesity and monopolizing nourishment on an international scale, the product is similarly bland, less-than-extraordinary and yet still wildly popular. Even worse for the San Francisco institution is that it's shockingly overpriced. The meats are average, rice powdery and beans too watery to merit the $9 price tag for a super burrito. Moreover, I'm not entirely comfortable eating my expensive burri in front of an armed security guard.
So Pancho Villa doesn't compare to the negative impact Chipotle has on our global economy, our stomach, and some would say our underwears, but it's still vastly overrated and just not good enough. I'll stick to Gordo for my monster burrito cravings.
As Alex B. said, "When I think of Mission-style SF burritos, this is the gold standard."
Their burritos are so good, they have to keep an armed guard by the door. Some people will say he's there to protect the cash register or the customers, but no: He is there to safeguard the most precious of all San Francisco's meaty treasures.
I don't think I've ever had a less-than-amazing burrito at Pancho Villa. The horchata tastes a little artificial, but this is a small grievance. They have a great salsa bar and tortilla chips come free with the burrito, just like they should.
I feel duped by the glowing Yelp reviews and long lines. The glossy menu and huge staff make this feel like a Chipotle wannabe. There are some highlights (the carnitas and the salsa bar), but a lot of the food is mediocre-to-bad. I guess averaging the good with the bad, I can only give a solid "A-OK" three star. Maybe there's a reason why the only Mexican people there were the ones behind the counter...
Taco: The basic taco is a corn tortilla from a bag (don't get me started about how freshly griddled tortillas are superior) with your choice of bean (black, refried, pinto) and salsa (if they remember to add it). Pretty basic and boring so the true success or failure falls solely on the meat filling.
Carnitas: Probably the best thing going at this joint. There were wisps of pulled pork: some crispy and some succulent. I devoured this is no time.
Pastor: Good seasoning, but the texture was too soft. I prefer when pastor has really crispy outsides to add a super BBQed experience.
Pollo Asado: I ordered the carne asada (which they were preparing fresh), but the tacotress decided to give me chicken instead. It was way too dry and had no flavor. Major boo!
Corn Quesadilla: This really sucked. They used the corn tortillas from a bag and just melted bland white cheese in between. The tortilla wasn't even brown and the salsa mentioned on the menu was no where to be found.
Nachos & Salsa: The nachos were a bit too thick which caused them to house too much oil. The salsa bar was pretty amazing though. So many choices, I think I only got through half. Too many to review individually, but each one tasty and uniquely different from the rest.
Jamaica Agua Refresca: Wish they had said this was tea explicitly. I was expecting a fruit punch. Was decent, though not as teeth rooting sweet as other Mexican beverages.
POPULAR TAQUERIA WITH LONG LINE AND NUMEROUS AWARDS
This is one of my favorite taquerias in the Mission but I rarely go here because the line is always long and the seating is very uncomfortable.
As I approached the entrance, the security guard opened the door. Of course there was a line, but this gave me a chance to study the extensive colorful menu posted above the food preparation area. The prices have inched up over the years so take note they are more expensive than other taquerias in the Mission. The menu is huge and there are so many choices, everything from all meat burritos to tequila prawns. Also, there are a lot of vegetarian options.
Prawn Fajitas
I decided on the prawn fajitas. The prawns (the exoskeleton was missing so I couldn't tell if they were shrimp or prawns) were cooked on the grill with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions. Spanish rice, whole beans, corn tortillas, and sliced avocados rounded out the dish. I stopped by the salsa bar before I sat down. This is a serious salsa bar! I counted over six homemade salsas, roasted jalapenos, pickled jalapenos, chopped onions, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges. I tried three of the salsas and they were fantastic.
I could not finish all of my entrée so I asked for a to-go container. They gave me a plastic container that was microwavable, what a nice touch. This is a good taqueria to go with friends because you know there will be something on the menu to please them.
After an urban hike through Golden Gate park and the Japanese Tea Gardens, quite the appetite was worked up. We went in search of authentic mexican food and found it in the Mission district. We each had the spicy chicken burrito with black beans and rice and the burrito was the size of my head! Ate half of it and saved the other half for dinner last night :-) I liked that they prepare the food in front of you and although there were several taquerias in the area, this one had a steady stream of customers in line and at times, out the door. A security guard greets customers upon entering and exiting and it is my understanding that this part of town has had its problems, but I found it to be quaint and reminded me a little bit of Austin. If you aren't hungry when you enter this part of town, you surely will be after finding parking and walking through the neighborhood. The smell from the taquerias was enchanting...and effective :-)
I have spent many a meals at Pancho Villa. I have already moved onto El Buon Sabor. However, I still go to Panchos cause if the other joint is closed, El Pancho is usually open. they also make two veggie burritos. A tofu burrito which is simply delish, and a garden burrito with grilled veggies. I can't vouch for this one, cause I keep getting the tofu burrito when I come. Pancho Villa is very consistent, the people are friendly even when they are overwhelmed, and they're right off of bart!
When I think of Mission-style SF burritos, this is the gold standard. I lived around the block from this place for several years and the super burrito (with asada, grilled chicken, or carnitas - all delicious) was a staple of my diet. Beck once somewhat legendarily treated the late night burrito-eating drunks to an impromptu acoustic show during this time. Anyway, it ain't fancy but it's effing awesome. Who gives a shit about whether or not it's "authentic Mexican" when you're eating a giant tortilla filled with grilled meats, rice, beans, cheese, salsa, sour cream and guacamole goodness? If you want authentic Mexican, go grab some cow's brain tacos and catch a donkey show.
In the four years that passed since I moved away to Brooklyn (then Los Angeles), not a week's gone by that I haven't deeply missed the act of stuffing one of these bad boys into my stomach and sorting out the consequences later. Today I was finally reunited with my big lost burrito love and was delighted to discover that time hadn't changed it all.
Miss u Supes burrito.
I like this place. Its awfully loud, bright lights and busy. Food is good. The salsa bar is the BEST.
if you want fast, loud and bright this is the place for uneventful Mexican food.
This is the only place I have been north of the border where one would want to go for true Tacos and a very good staff. Excellent food with the traditional items with the beers from many different places.
When driving through San Francisco you will notice that there is no other Taqueria with a line out front like they have here. If you wanted better it would be a six hour drive south.
Very good
It's all great, a la minute... made to order stuff. The line isn't that long except around lunch noon-noon30. It's cheap, and it's pretty good. The chips aren't anything special, but they have imported coca cola bottles from down south where they use real sugar to make it. SO much better.
It's a fairly huge Mexican taqueria menu - but simple, and all the basics are addressed. Yummy. The one in San Mateo, I think, is better. But what do I know. I write yelp reviews. Huzzah!
Had to take the bus from Fishermans Warf and it took about 30 min. Looking back the BART would have been way faster. buts ok I got to see the city with my guy. :)
Walked in here and smelled the yummyness!!! ordered tacos ( and they put beans on them!!) didn't come with side orders :( and my guy had a burrito.. it was huge !! there might be a line but it goes by REALLY fast! they have an army of workers in the kitchen!!
They had fresh agua fresca!!! yummy I had the mango and he had the orchata. 5 stars!!!
Half way though our mean they had live music!!
p.s. we had just missed happy hour!! $1 tacos $2 beers
Pluses: Security guard keeps out riffraff. Open later than El Toro. Excellent food, as good or better than Farrolito in some areas. Great happy hour $1 tacos and $2 beers!
Minuses: Not quite as good as nearby El Toro, despite "the same" food and ownership. Lines are often long. Happy hour tacos are better at El Toro.
Summary: Eat here if you're nearby-- it's fantastic, but if you are not there already, go to Farrolito or El Toro.
Ai yai yai, I love this place!
I only do nachos when eating out at Taquerias, and this place is the best I've had so far. The service is friendly, especially considering the tremendous line of people they always have waiting in line. Fully-stocked salsa bar, and authentic Mexican flair, no wonder this is where people in the Mission flock to when looking for a bite to eat.
I'll be back. Again and again!
I've eaten here a few times and have never been disappointed - at least not by the food. I've been disappointed by the people I've eaten with quite frequently. I expect the people I eat with to put on a show and entertain me while they wolf down their burritos.
Anyway, back to Pancho Villa. The line is usually long but it does move quickly, and I like the fact that it's just a block away from BART. The food is great, although a little on the expensive side for a Taqueria. The salsa bar is pretty sweet and I love that they give you tortillas with your order. I've had the enchiladas and burritos a couple times each and have always been impressed. And while I realize ordering those two entrees is like going to an Italian restaurant and just ordering spaghetti and pizza, I can't help myself. You need to stop judging me.
The only reason why I'm knocking off a star is that the seats inside Pancho Villa are among the most uncomfortable on earth. McDonald's feels like a movie theater compared to Villa. I guess they want don't want people to sit too long in order to keep the lines moving. It's an idea equal parts ingenious and ruthless - just like guacamole.
This is the greatest Mexican food in all of San Francisco!
I've been here dozens of times and never has there been a lack of customers. This restaurant is busy for a reason, it is fast, tastes amazing and reasonably priced.
Try the Carnitas Super Quesadilla, extra crispy. That is my favorite!
Had to give it 5 stars.. its still freakin good.. i suggest you go to the one in San Mateo.. better parking...
slap me with a super shrimp burrito!!!! now !. this place is awesome! the food is flavorful,… Read more »
My b/f and I stumbled onto this place by accident. I wanted to go in a hole in the wall place in the mission( basically a liquor store-taco truck combo) and he is a germaphobe. So, we made a compromise and ended up here...
I had the chicken appolco (i think that's how you spell it)plate.It came with beans of my choice,salad, lime,rice and this beautifully tender chicken chunks. It was basically the Mexican version on Tikka Masala Chicken. Only better. Plus- I also got chips and guac. And a huge huge wheat taco as a utensil.
My b/f got their chile verde chicken burrito. I did not hear him talk for the rest of the evening- it must have been that good.
They have a salsa bar featuring traditional styles, as well as some fancier varieties like mango salsa. There ere also limes, radishes, pickled carrots and jalapenos,onions... and people were coming and filling 10 containers to go :)
Also, something I found to be funny- they import their Coca Cola from Mexico and it comes in the original glass bottle.
I have been to a handful of taquerias and have to say that Pancho Villa takes the cake! I love their huge selection and their prices. Plus a salsa bar and horchata that are very good as well.
I always expect a line no matter what time of day but know it's worth the wait. Usually get the chicken taco especial, which all the ingredients look fresh and the prep area clean.
All in all a great taqueria!
I give them five stars just for having so many vegetarian and tortilla options.
I got a Vegetarian burrito on whole wheat with no rice. So there was beans, lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and salsa in it.
It was super clean and tasty. Didn't feel gross after it or guilty.
I just wish some mexican restaurant would have BROWN RICE! PLEASE!
Best Taqueria ever! I moved away for 3 years and craved this place! Happy to get back! Great salsa...awesome burritos!
FIVE F'n stars for the salsa bar alone.
You can literally eat every bite of your $7 burrito with a different kind of salsa. Green, red, hot, mild, chunky and roasted. You pick. Your choice.
And, if you get that OMG my mouth is on fire and I can't get it off my tongue, you can choose to water it down with your choice of 8-10 different Agua Frescas. Try the Jamaica (Hibiscus flower).
And, although other people say the lines are long, well, I didn't mind waiting in the line. Good food is worth waiting for, and it seems like they've got the assembly line thing down pretty good to where you won't have to wait for too long. I did notice, though, that seating seemed to be getting a little skimpy, so I just grabbed a table first thing before ordering.
This place is always full.
And deserving so. They have some of the best shrimp dishes in the city and their dinner plates are just like burritos, just with the tortillas on the side and with more food.
As a pescetarian, I really appreciate that their seafood (fish and shrimp) taste fresh and have tons of flavor. Also, their veggi burrito has so much guacamole and sour cream that I almost get a calorie overload -- yumm (I recommend re-fried beans for added umph)
Oh, and did I mention that they buss the tables for you and wipe them down after every customer? This may seem basic, but most taquerias in the Mission just don't bother.
Made the mistake of trying to go to Little Star Pizza for lunch (they aren't open), and on the way back to 16th street station (should have checked the hours) ran into Pancho Villa. Went in just because of the crowd and the assembly line workers grilling meats and fish, wrapping burritos, dumping salsa and cheese....and the hit of mexican smells when the security guard opened the door (yes... security guard).
We ordered up fish tacos and a carne asada super burrito with pico de gallo.
The fish tacos, albeit slow to be served, were cleverly seasoned with a creamy white sauce and rolled into a foil as to prevent it falling apart (nice touch). I would have preferred the fish to be a little bit more crispy - it felt more like a steamed or broiled fish rather than a grilled fish...I'd say fry it and you'd have a perfect dish. Also, would have liked a little more heat, but the salsa bar does a fine job of adding that.
The burrito, to me, was one of the top burritos in the bay area. The carne asada is mixed with green bell peppers and seasoned to the point where the burrito became a melting pot of ingredients where everything had the succulent flavor of the meat. From the rice to the lettuce to the cheese, the sour cream, the salsa...everything oozed carne asada. I couldn't stop eating it. I dunno what everyone else has a problem with - maybe it was the fact that I hadn't had real mexican food since I left LA two years ago - maybe it was that I was hungry...but the burrito was amazing.
The salsa bar btw, is one of the best touches. Sure prices are a little steep (super burrito about $7), but I think for the small touches...it was well worth it.
Pancho Villa is a good taqueria with a lot of positives. For example, it has a large menu, a great selection of salsas and aquas frescas, it is very clean, and it stays open late at night.
All of the above is nice, but for me, the bottom line for a taqueria is the burrito and the prices. The prices are a bit high for the mission. I think its $8.50 for a fully furbished burrito, complete with meat, rice, beans, sour cream, cheese, salsa, and guacamole. It's a good enough burrito, but the meat is lacking. The veggie burrito is good (I didn't miss the pancho villa meat at all) and far less expensive (only $6.25 with the works).
I would love to give this place a higher rating because it has so many upsides, but the food I've had there hasn't been that good.
Why did I wasted my time at this place on a Saturday night? Okay...not wasted, but really...
The food was not as great as I thought. Portion is huge, which is a plus because you can feed two for the price of one. It's authentic, but not quality food. The line was long. Almost all the salsa were too spicy for a non-spicy eater. Ergh and parking was a b*tch. I'd recommend to try other Mexican restaurants around the area than here. There are gazillions of Latin restaurants here anyways.
Prawn Tacos......DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Also LOVE their Pico De Gallo, which I am so happy that they sell take home amounts in spicy AND non-spicy....yum yum yum yum yum
It's good when I'm in the area and starving. I don't go out of my way to come here, but it's good enough. Al pastor burritos have been hit or miss...1 time I really loved it, the next couple times were eh. I guess it depends on how hungry I am.
+1 for the mariachi dude in the back, and for the door-opener. "Gracias!"
This place is good but seriously $8 for a burrito. I know there is a markup for this place being in San Francisco, but come on. $8? I could find a better burrito for half the price in the East Bay. But whatever. It's convenient because its right off the Mission and its a good stop to make when you are housed and craving some food.
The place is pretty clean compared to other places in the Mission District. Another plus is that it has a bathroom! A clean bathroom! Brilliant!
Another good thing is the variety. There are alot of different dishes you can get (albeit expensive) and you can customize those dishes were various types of meat. The real winner though is the guacamole. Hands down the best guacamole I've ever had. My sister got some to go but it was soooo good that we ate all of it before even leaving the restaurant.
I've been enjoying the food here since it first opened in the late '80s. I like this place because they actually bar-b-que the meat over an open fire. The excellent flavor in the meat is inherent as a result of this process. Not much has changed other than the prices. The tacos used to be less than a dollar back then. Even at $1.85 now they are still a good deal. The combo platter #5 was $5.00 then is now $14.00 but it is a lot of food. You get a shrimp cocktail, a taco, garlic prawns, rice and beans and some cebollitos (grilled green onions). A really nice plate if you're hungry. The "agua frescas" are quite tasty as well and are a great compliment to the food. A wide selection of "cervezas frias" are available too.
I know they have a location in San Mateo but I like to come back to the original location. I just think the food is better. It could be psychological but I'm sticking to my guns here.
*****five stars for the food
minus 1 for the restrooms and poor parking situation
(The owners here also own El Toro Taqueria,,,so if Pancho Villas is too busy just head around the corner to 17th and Valencia)
Ughh I love you Pancho. I want to write you love poems and hold your hand and stuff. It's my absolute favorite taqueria in SF. I found it when I started going to school here, and instantly fell in love. I always get the chicken suiza quesadilla with some tasty guacamole. I have no idea how they manage to keep track of my order since it's always pretty busy in there, but they do! It's awesome. Oh, and the pico de gallo is my jaaaam. So tasty! I swear, I could just eat the pico de gallo on its own.
It's kind of pricey, but tastes sooo good that it doesn't matter much to me.. I used to only go here on "special occasions" but lately I've been finding excuses to make everyday a special occasion. Not gonna lie. Probably going to go there at least 2-3 times this week.
This is a great place to eat; particularly, late at night.
I remember my first visit. The security guard, who doubles as a doorman, opened the door for me. The line was somewhat long -- with about fifteen people in front of me. About ten minutes later, I was ordering.
The preparation is comparable to Chipotle, except the food is better. The prices are not bad, as well. And Pancho Villa also has happy hour in the afternoon (not sure to the details).
You will likely find long lines. This is especially true late at night. Parking around the neighborhood is scarce. As for the surrounding neighborhood... somewhat sketchy.
Every time I did a little bar hopping in the Mission, Pancho Villa has been my rest stop. There is really nothing better than getting drunk and walking into a place that will give you literally pounds of food.
The place is big and spacious, not like some dirty hole in the wall taqueria. They have great art up on the walls and you get to sit on these weird cubes at a cute wooden table. Everything I've tried here is fresh and delicious. I think I love PV because you get to walk along the bar and point at various ingredients and they make it to your order right then and there in front of you. I recently discovered you can order the 3 tacos meal and get 3 kinds of meat!
The downside is I had no idea what kind of meats I was ordering. Maybe I haven't looked at their vast menu thoroughly enough but I'm almost positive they don't list what your meat options are. This plus my fear of being rude and holding up lines plus the server's thick accent lead me to hurriedly point at random tubs of meat. I had no idea what I was ordering. The last time I came here I mistakenly ordered beef tongue. Although quite delicious and tender (as most people have described it), I flipped over a piece of meat and to my horror saw the surface of a real tongue with... like... taste buds. Being an ex-vegetarian all I could think was... Sick! At least my friend had a good drunken laugh over it.
Aside from that one incident, I have enjoyed my times and food at PV. The only thing they're missing is orange sauce (see my review for La Victoria in San Jose). I also wish they were open past midnight.
This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. Makes me want to drive across the bay just to get some. :) I LOVE PANCHO VILLA!!!
It may be a habit to simply head to the restaurant in the area with the greatest number of positive reviews on Yelp, but the people speak the truth. Pancho Villa is a high quality spot, with a large menu, top-notch salsas, quick service, and food that is great, if not excellent. They definitely have things ironed out, as the ordering process is efficient and they get a lot of people coming in and out of their doors.
My carne asada plate was delicious, but the meat was neither abundant nor especially flavorful. It was worth a couple of dollars less than what I paid, but it was certainly not criminal--a great combo with access to their utopian salsa bar, with several awesome spicy salsas laid out for the taking, along with the usual onions/cilantro and some peppers, among other things.The horchata was satisfying, although it could have been any garden variety brew. My friend opted for a burrito, although I forget which one, and remarked that it did the trick, but was maybe short of inspiring.
Overall, I can't complain (except about my $14 tab), and that defines my experience here. I came hungry and was fed well with a dish that satisfied my expectations but maybe not the yelp-hype, and deftly removed a couple of extra bucks from my pocket. Recommended for sure, but it's hard to crown it #1 with highish prices and with so many other great spots in the area.
Among all the burrito options in a 1-2 block radius, this is the best.
One of the better mexican restaurants in the city. They have really tasty burritos and excellent nachos. I prefer La Corneta in Glen Park overall, but only by a little bit. My only complaint is that you usually have to wait in a line and it can be tough to get a table. If you're willing to deal with that, though, this place is totally worth it.
If I would have written this review 2 months ago it would have been 5 stars. This was my favorite taqueria. I go a couple of times a week. I get two tacos with beans, lettuce, and salsa. They always try to give me like 3 beans and I ask for more because I am not getting rice or meat and they charge me extra for the lettuce. Its this game I have to play every time I go there. but its ok.
Then my attempt at happy hour happened. I went to order my normal taco. Its usually like $1.50 on a normal day. I was mostly going to get a beer with my taco for 3 bucks. I went to order my taco and they told me that I would pay for lettuce. fine.Then they put the beans down. There were literally like 8 beans in each taco. Im not kidding. They refuse to give me more. Then they put the salsa on the side as if im going to have to pay for that. Since when? It comes on the taco. I dont fight with people at restaurants, I usually just talk shit. but this time I told them I refuse to pay 3 bucks for a taco that is supposed to be a dollar during happy hour and walk out.
Unless you are meaty... dont go for the $1 tacos. I had a better time at el toro's hh even though their tacos and burritos are much smaller. They are also getting stingier then they used to be so order more than in the past if you want to get full.
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Mission
Category: Mexican
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