As you can see from the only photo attached to this review, our experience at Poncho Villa did not go well. I guess our first mistake was deciding to come on Cinco de Mayo. We fully expected it to be busier than normal and were completely understanding of that going in. Our party of three was seated right away, which honestly ended up being the only positive part of the evening. We were seated around 5:10 PM and did not leave until almost 8 PM... without ever receiving our meals. For nearly 50 minutes, we grazed on chips and salsa, queso, and guacamole before we were finally able to place our order. After ordering, we continued waiting while table after table around us received their food, ate, paid, and left multiple times over. At one point, our waitress came by and told us the kitchen was "very behind," but it was difficult to understand how our order seemed completely forgotten while everyone surrounding us was being served normally. After sitting there for hours, we finally decided we were no longer willing to wait. What made the experience even more disappointing was the lack of accountability. There was no real apology, no attempt to make the situation right, and nothing was comped despite the circumstances. We understand holiday rushes happen, but being left sitting for nearly three hours without food while watching surrounding tables cycle through multiple parties was frustrating and unacceptable. Unfortunately, it's safe to say we will not be returning. read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

If you are looking for an authentic or vibrant culinary experience, you might want to keep driving. This is standard, pedestrian Mexican fare that leans heavily into the "bland gringo" category. The experience got off on the wrong foot immediately with the chips and salsa, which failed to make an impression, and unfortunately, the meal didn't improve much from there. The rice was disappointing, and the refried beans were completely unremarkable--just a filler on the plate. I opted for the Carne Asada Street Tacos, but the beef was dry and a bit chewy, lacking the tenderness or seasoning you'd expect from a street-style taco. There were two bright spots: * Guacamole: This was actually quite good and easily the best part of the meal. * Beer Selection: It was refreshing to see draft beer offered in three distinct sizes (16, 25, and 32 oz), which is a nice touch for a casual sit-down spot. Overall, it's a fine place if you just want a massive beer and some decent guac, but the actual kitchen output leaves a lot to be desired. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Good Mexican restaurant decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Side of rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

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Some time later, and Pancho Villa still hits every mark. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Food, service, and atmosphere are all top tier.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]The music is pure gold.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The chimichanga can't get any better. read more

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Service was great . Everyone friendly and hospitable. Food was good . I'd come again . read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Loco burrito - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

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Ok so I really wanted to like this place BUT the food is seriously AWFUL. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service and atmosphere were good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but other than the chips and salsa, everything tasted really bad. This is not authentic Mexican, in fact it's not even mediocre knock off Mexican. read more

The service was great, [[HIGHLIGHT]]place looks beautiful[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] but if you're looking to eat real authentic Mexico food.. this place is not it.. read more

Food was good and blue Margarita was awesome. Service excellent and [[HIGHLIGHT]]a true Mexican atmosphere[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. I recommend it to anyone in the area. read more

I've dined here several times and each time it's a disappointment. Decided to give it yet another chance and nope. Ordered a three taco plate. Two tacos came cold. One came hot. Felt a little stale after it came out. Definitely won't be coming back. It's mediocre Mexican food. read more

So it was my brother's birthday and for a dessert he could've either gotten a free cake or a shot but the thing is no one told us that we would have to pay for the shot so we got really confused when we saw our bill and it charged us for the shot because no one told us that we had to pay for it because for someone's birthday obviously you get something for free so I did not like that, and on top of that one of the coworkers were trying to lie to my friend's face saying that they told us beforehand that we would have to pay for the shot read more

food was alright, tortillas were cold but [[HIGHLIGHT]]the service and whole ambient in general was pretty good[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Pancho Villa is my favorite for Mexican food in Stafford. Jeff and I go nearly every week. I have never been glutened. The food is flavorful, and plentiful. The prices are slightly more than El Gran Charro but the food and service are markedly better. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The decor is beautiful.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is great and I've never had to wait longer than 5 min to be seated. If you are looking for an overall good experience and a full belly of Mexican food try Pancho Villa! Heading in right now. read more

Some of the best Mexican food I've had. Quick service. Waiters weren't the friendliest, but they checked on us often. The Margaritas were ok. Would definitely go back again. read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

Disgusting!! The service was great but the food was horrible. I tried them a second time to see if it was just a bad night the first time but it was worse! It tasted so bad, I had other members of my family try the chicken but there was definitely something wrong with it we all spit it out from the bad taste. Wouldn't recommend, the price is extremely high for what you get here as well! read more

Well made, generous portions of affordable Mexican cuisine. Service was quick, attentive for our party of 9. We received bottomless hot tortilla chips with our table meals. I had the chicken and shrimp fajitas - well seasoned, good portion for one person. My husband got one of the frozen sangria margaritas which was HUGE. That drink should not be had alone. It was all good to top off the dinner! read more

They upgraded the sign and it was close so I wanted to check them out. You walk in and are greeted nicely and sat down. The inside appears clean and decorated. It wasn't to noisy when we were there. Our waiter was good and ensured we had water and our order. I ordered the Carnitas. The pork had decent flavor but was dry. Probably warmed up from some other time. The rest of the plate was normal food and some flavor. Wife ordered the plate with four different quesadilla with a red sauce over it. It was decent and all. We ordered the fried ice cream and was sorely disappointed. It appears they fried the coconut and rolled the ice cream in it. It did not taste good and was cold unlike fried food I have had previously. Possibly will come back but not for any dessert. read more

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I never been there but the food look good so yes i recomended this place [[HIGHLIGHT]]look clean[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] i guive five star to this place read more

We move here in Stafford 24 years ago. Pancho Villa was our go to restaurant. We loved it. But something happened with the great chef??? I haven't been there in quite some time. My daughter visited the place 3 weeks ago and she was gushing about the food. So, I ordered me a takeout. It is delicious!!!! Seems like back to 20 years ago. My daughter and I planned to visit the place soon!!! Thank you, Pancho Villa! Keep up the good food coming!!! read more

Absolutely delicious birria, tacos, and other dishes. Absolutely love this place. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Not very busy, always space.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Pancho Villa is a decent local place when you are craving a margarita and chips and salsa. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's perfectly nice and conveniently located[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] . No complaints, but nothing about it stands out either. read more

This was my first experience at this restaurant. Our server Caesar Rivera was amazing. He was very attentive to all of our needs. And he was very courteous and kind. The food here was amazing. I'm a picky person when it comes to my meals but I am definitely coming back here again! I recommend this restaurant to anyone who loves a home-cooked Mexican meal! read more

Consistently outstanding food!! Authentic and will make you want more. I have been trying different items on the menu and even then I am emerged in a delightful meal each time. read more

We had a nice time at dinner here. The chips and salsa were fresh and yummy. We all got a large margarita and it was very tasty. I had a taco bowl with chicken it was very good. Only issue was my sister got beef taquitos but one came out with chicken. The server had the kitchen make another one to replace the chicken. Also my brother in law's dish was missing the sour cream and guac but the server brought it over once we mentioned it. The server was very friendly and we had great service. Nice atmosphere inside.. would love to sit outside next time! read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

Had much here a couple days. Service is good food was fine. Enchiladas lunch special was good tacos salad was meh . Wife has a taco and was food. Chips n salsa was legit. Definitely recommend read more

My husband I tried after I had a dr's appt in area. We were pleasantly surprised by quality and service. Great margaritas, chile relleno, chorizo tacos, and great ceviche and guacamole. Not overpriced. Will go again. read more

Pancho Villa was within walking distance to my hotel while visiting the area on business. Delicious food, fantastic margaritas. I visited several times during my stay. Very reasonably riced as well. read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Combination Platter #1 - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

Delicious! Great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Place is clean and timely! Order to go and it is just as good! read more

Food was delicious and the portions were big! Enjoyed every bite and will definitely be going back. A little bit on the pricy side, but it was worth it. read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - pork Steak Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

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Very nice and attentive people !! Food was fresh and the place is very welcoming Coming back for sure!! read more

The food is very good and the wait staff is very friendly. They start you off with chips and salsa and they have lunch combos. The white queso is very good as well. Definitely worth a visit! read more

WORST MEXICAN RESTAURANT I have ever visited. (Don't just take my word for it check the photos) Tonight I ordered the Mariscada ($26.95) and the Mexican Paella ($24.95), order to go, two of the most expensive plates on the menu, I was appalled once I got home, I could not believe they would serve the food this way, both dishes looked like soup, you have to strain your food out of the cups, the mariscada and the paella which are supposed to be completely different dishes looked and tasted exactly the same, they just added chicken and chorizo on one and lobster and mussels on the other but the "soup"they were kept on tasted exactly the same, they literally served the rice from a common pot because there was no difference between both plates and more than likely the soup. I wasn't expecting the Mexican paella to be the same as the original Spanish Paella but expected it to be similar with a "Mexican" twist but I ended up with some type of soup that look like toxic scum on a stagnant pool, just disgusting and an insult for the paella and for the mariscada can't say anything different because it was the same exact dish just with mussels and lobster and without the chicken and the chorizo that looked like someone's turd (check the photos). This is just lack of love for the food and the art of cooking from the owners and managers, managers who by the way packed and forgot to give us guacamole which was the only reason why we ordered nachos, which doesn't surprise me this is carelessness, the place looks very inviting when you walk into the lobby that looks like a Mexican plaza but as an advice save yourself the $65 I spent in these two plates, a Salvadoran $14 Seafood Soop (Sopa de Mariscos) is a way better bang for your buck. read more

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Pancho Villa is an average Mexican restaurant. I'm typically underwhelmed when I go there. The atmosphere is good, no complaints, but the food and service is subpar. I ordered a taco salad with chicken. There was little flavor and barely any beans. The lettuce looked a little old and the cheese was all on one side. The taco shell bowl was nice a crispy, but the salad as a whole was lacking flavor. The service was pretty slow. It took our waitress a while to refill our drinks and get us the check. I won't be back for a while. The chocolate lava cake was the only thing I really enjoyed, but even that wasn't the best. The cornflakes on the fried ice cream was soggy when you took a bite. The lava cake itself was really good though. read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Chocolate Lava Cake - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

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I had ordered a torta, expecting an authentic torta from back home. Instead, it looked more like a subway sandwhich. Customer service was good, I just did not enjoy the food. read more

Service was good but the food was not up to par. Only thing that was enjoyable was the Gold Margarita, the free salsa and my husband's water. The queso had to have been canned and from walmart. The beef quasabirria were not beef; more like greasy pork with some questionable cheese. I ordered the enchilada Supreme which I was excited for but was disappointed when the only decent one out of the four was the cheese enchilada. Its a new restaurant in the area but seemed like it was struggling for customers. read more

goodness, what happened to this place lmaooo service is great but the food is terrible

This place does not provide fresh from scratch food. The tortillas are store bought which all Hispanics know that those tortillas are fake and have a nasty smell. The cheese is not real cheese they definitely use imitation cheese. The alcoholic drinks were okay. Ordered fresh pineapple juice (jugó natural)... it was boxed pineapple juice. Wait time was good but the server was rushed and didn't check up on us until we were basically done. read more

This place deserves more than three stars and a higher place in Stafford's Mexican food lineup. It's been a long time since I've visited this longstanding spot along Garrisonville's main drag. Though I noticed some updates, I stuck to some tried and true dishes to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. I started with the mango ceviche, which offered an excellent range of flavor. And though the shrimp and sweet mangoes were nice touches, the nuanced spice and vinegar from homemade pickles were the star. Nicely primed, I dug into the Cochinita Pibil, a traditional dish from the Yucatán. It's similar to American pulled pork but has a delightful flavor imparted by a unique marinade. Like pork shoulder frequently is, it's just a little on the dry side, but the delightful taste and chewy texture makes me forget about any shortcomings. The protein comes with rice and plantains. The rice is well cooked, if not particularly flavorful, and cuts the pork's richness well. The fried plantains are magnificent. The subtle sweetness and moistness of the side paired very well with pork. With less than half the restaurant's heaping portions gone, I went to dessert because I'm already getting full. Pancho Villa has a pretty long list of classic Mexican desserts, but it's been so long, I can't help but get the flan. Though it's not particularly standout, it was a perfectly good by-the-numbers custard. It was decidedly sweet but also delivered more subtle cinnamon and caramel notes. I had mine for takeout given the late hour, but the service was above and beyond. Given the price, I would say the place is an overall good value, and I would rate my experience at five stars because all aspects satisfied and/or exceeded my expectations. read more

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Service was fast and professional with a friendly staff. The food come out hot and fresh and you could tell they didn't take any shortcuts with the ingredients. The look and feel of the restaurant itself was terrific and set the mood for a very enjoyable dining experience read more

Pretty good, basic Tex-mex. Not the best I've had but not the worst either! I got the steak fajitas.

Absolutely delicious ! Great customer services ! Amazing Pina Colada great tacos i definitely will be back when i visit stafford read more

Pancho Villa Mexican Restaurant - Stafford - Mexican Near Me - Stafford, Virginia

servers aren't attentive, [[HIGHLIGHT]]saw roaches in the bathroom and on the floor[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. food was cold and tasted sour. some manager named Matias gave me an attitude after I asked a simple question. I don't recommend this place. read more