Mr. Pancho Mexican Food - Mesa

It’s small but very friendly. Waitress was excellent. The food was hot, large portions and very good.

Best Mexican food in town. You just can't beat this place if you are looking for some of the best atmosphere and food. Angel and his family who run the place have been in the business for years, as the cook for an old Tempe restaurant off Mill Avenue called Restaurant Mexico- where generations of asu students, faculty and individuals from around the valley have been following this eating establishment. Fridays Chile rellenos are my favorite dish. If you have never been here- i highly recommend this as one of the best dive restaurants you need to visit!Vegetarian options: They have a great vegetarian dish of cheese enchiladas with a cold cheese and green sauce. Pairs perfectly with their salad garnish and Mexican rice.

I’m on a quest to find the world’s best chimichanga, and that quest led me to Mr. Pancho Mexican Food.It’s a quaint little spot that I would equivocate to a Mexican version of a classic American diner. Old school service, classic eats, in a tight and cozy setting. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and my server went out of her way to ensure my visit was a pleasant one. A man who I believe might’ve been the owner even visited my table, chatted with me for a bit, and even made a point to see how everything was as I made my way out. Multiple “regulars” came and went as I was there, a clear sign that Mr. Pancho is a tried and true local spot that cares about its customers. The near 5 star rating is absolutely deserved here.Now, onto the real reason why I came here: the chimichanga. As a rule, I always get a bean and cheese chimi, just to keep things as fair as possible. I was asked if I wanted Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese, an option I’ve never been given when ordering a chimichanga before. I figured I’d go with the Mexican cheese, which turned out to be cotija I believe. I probably should’ve gone for the cheddar, as inauthentic as it might be, for the added flavor. Cotija is great for garnish, but maybe not in a bean and cheese burrito. The tortilla itself was delicious, the beans a tad runny, and the guacamole didn’t seem super fresh to me. Some people are adamant that tomatoes don’t belong in guac, and you might say that I lean that direction, and would’ve preferred a pico de gallo instead of having the tomatoes being lost in the avocado, but that’s just a personal preference.On the universal 13 point scale of chimichanga deliciousness, I’d give Mr. Pancho’s a 9. Not a perfect chimi by any means, but solid score in a sea full of competitive chimichangas; it’s probably worth a try with cheddar next time I come around.But if it’s one thing that gets me to come back, it’s the ambiance. Lord knows it’s not the chips and salsa, which I found to be over-fried and extremely watery, respectively. Indeed I wouldn’t give the food 5 stars, because one’s taste in food is largely subjective anyway, but the restaurant as a whole is a 5 star establishment for sure.

LOVE coming to this hidden gem! The waitress and cook are very nice. Food comes out PIPPING hot and is always delicious! Our new hangout spot weekly!

Best food I have found so far. It doesn't matter what we order it is always great! We are partial to the soups. Service is excellent! This is one of those hole in the wall places that never disappoints!