I love this place, the food is great and the portions are pretty big. The habanero salsa is a good amount of spice and really goes well the fries. The place itself also has a drive thru which makes it easier to order if you are in a hurry. I really recommend it! read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Chapo Fries - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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There is always something says (the customer is always right) Or at least (Customer Service) I did not see any of these two in this store 1st they escorted the customer out while eating without informing them they will be close before ordering they just decided to give the order as to go order without asking the customer (their website says they close at 11:00 pm ) They were saying there will be closing at 9:00pm and saying that they need to leave because they have life outside( if you're having life and you don't know any thing about customer service you better stay home) Shame on management keeping employees like that No Customer Service at all pushing the customer outside just because they decided to close 2 hours early. This employees had to be earlier. This employees had to be fired or they better close the restaurant. That was my best restaurant I eat there all the time and this is the first time this is happening with me first time in my life having no service in restaurant and being pushed out because they wants to close early without informing the customer even so the customer will decide to have the food to go or just go to a different restaurant. Hopefully the owner of the store resolves this issue. read more

This place used to be great. Now it's so overpriced. The food is just taco shop quality at restaurant prices. When the cheapest combo of a taco and enchilada is 17 dollars , I am done. I noticed tonight that there were only a few people there. We walked out. read more

Carna burrito had burnt pieces in it. The salsa was spoiled. I'll never eat that again. Don't recommend it to your dog. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Burrito contents - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Went here. Ordered at the front. The cook was staring me down. By the time I was leaving nobody was there. Seemed like a jealous cook, if you spoke to the cashier. Their hot sauce should be better organized and labeled too. read more

I had a Combo #4 Beef Taco, Cheese Enchilada, Bean Tostada and Rice. It was all packed into one box, the Bean Tostada was placed on top of top of the Cheese Enchilada. In addition, the Beef Taco was overlapping it. IT SHOULD HAVE COME IN TWO BOXES!!! Further, the food was a little greasy. I found it hard to eat, and really only ate the taco!!! read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - JAM PACKED, needed to be in 2 BOXES!!! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Came here about 915pm this girl cashier said that the food had to order to go and then I asked her if we can have some chips she says I can only give the if you eat in that's it iam not coming here any more with that kind of service been coming here for years read more

The food and service was good! We had the caldo de res which was served in a big bowl giving room for the vegetables and meat. We also had the chicken enchiladas that came with a separate dish with beans and rice. The enchiladas were very delicious. The total for two orders that included drinks was 40.00. They also have u complimentary chips and salsa. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Half a chicken enchilada! Yummy! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Excelente servicio y atención al cliente, h la comida pues es lo mejor ... la mojarra frita es mi favorita una gran porción y ademas los caldos , pozole o menudo , o los 7 mares están exquisitos... read more

I've got to write an update for Panchos Mexican Grill. Once again work provided lunch and I'm not about to say no to a free meal. Who says there's no free meals?! After a lackluster burrito and salty enchiladas in two previous attempts, this time I went for the Shrimp Diabla Burrito. The online menu (Panchos has no website) simply sates shrimp, rice and spicy a la diabla sauce. This was a damn good burrito. It was a damn big burrito also. I ate about half for lunch, then had another quarter or so for dinner, then I dumped the remaining out of the tortilla and made a shrimp omelete for a breakfast. In the lunch and dinner leftover portions there was shrimp in every bite. Every. Bite. When I dumped the remainder for my omelete, there was still six whole shrimp left! This thing was absolutely loaded with shrimp. The shrimp to rice ratio was spot-on. The diabla sauce was dynamite. It was the perfect balance of spice and flavor. It tasted great and left a slow burn with each bite. Update on my update: I had another Shrimp Diabla Burrito. Work provided lunch again, so I took advantage. It wasn't a fluke. This one was every bit as good as the last one. Well done (again) Panchos! read more

This is one of my FAVORITE taco shops. It's always clean & the food is ALWAYS delicious. Every menu item I've tried I have truly enjoyed. You get a lot of food for your money. In this picture I ordered a HALF order of Carne Asada fries. The cashier was a beautiful young lady with great customer service. read more

Went here yesterday with a friend and our kids. Won't be coming back, they're were 2 cockroaches we saw on the floor in the middle of eating. We got up and left after notifying a worker, he didn't even offer to refund us. read more

I have been coming here for YEARS....I used to specifically come every Tuesday for the .99 cent fish tacos. I moved far away and happened to be in the neighborhood and was literally SHOCKED when the lady said $48... Looking at the bill I ordered my 4 year old a cheese quesadilla for $9.25, I got myself rolled tacos which were less than a cheese quesadilla at $9.19... for my 2 year old I asked for a side of plain fries for $6.99, side of beans for $4.29 and a side of rice for $4.29....so basically it cost me $16 to feed my 2 year old a couple of sides....This should have cost me $30-$35 max! This place is located in the arm pit of El Cajon, and they are charging La Jolla prices...I am down to pay money for good things but just HATE being clearly ripped off. Bye bye Ponchos! read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Insane Bill.... $6.39 for 1 fish taco???? - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

The restaurant was very nice the staff were great the scenery was nice and clean food and drinks were sooo good definitely recommend! read more

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The food was so delicious, probably one of the best ones I've had for a taco shop in the surrounding area. The workers were excellent, especially the person taking orders, he has excellent customer service skills, was friendly, nice and went above and beyond. The place was very clean including the restrooms. I specifically loved that they served my toddler first, no other restaurant had ever done that. As a parent, I really appreciated that. Thank you. read more

I just went here, I used to come here all the time as a kid when I lived around the corner and it was always bomb. I just moved back to the area so I thought why not. BAD IDEA I asked for "Cali fries" with pollo asada add pico de gallo.... What is this??? . The fries were clearly fried in old grease, there's no sour cream , no pico , and barely any guac. For me to get and order of fries and 3 rolled tacos and my bill be $35 bones I'd expect more . Then when I called to let them know she talking about ok let me ask the chef. Then gone say I can't do anything unless you bring back the food or I can give a 10% discount if you come tomorrow with a receipt . Well here's your proof and your receipt . I don't want anything from y'all ever again . Bump yall and that 10%. Should've went to Santana's and took the food back and asked for my money, I didn't even finish it I'm so annoyed . read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Items are usually pretty decent but can be a touch salty. Certainly not the best, but not bad by any means. I never go in store here and have only ever ordered via uber eats. For some reason they NEVER include red or green salsa when you order online. I've ordered from here more than five different times. Even when you SPECIFICALLY ASK for red and green salsa, you will not receive it. I don't know what kind of mad man they have doing the mobile orders, but in case we need to spell it out, NOBODY IS ORDERING MEXICAN FOOD WITHOUT WANTING SALSA! Give us the salsa! I want to be able to order from here because there are a couple of items I really like, namely the angus chipotle burrito, but my lord giving out zero salsas is such a cardinal sin I don't know when I'll be back. If they cure their salsa-being-forgotten-itis this is an easy 4 for that chipotle angus burrito ALONE. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - No salsa is what's in this photo, that's for sure! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

I got two crispy shredded beef tacos. So fresh, so good. My new favorite place. Clean and the service was really good. Plenty of parking. Very easy and so good. read more

My kid is a big fan of Panchos. They have the food he likes in portions he likes and he can watch old episodes of Supernatural while munching. The service is consistent here. The portions are pretty big in my opinion. It's more of an old school type of menu, nothing fancy or trendy here. There's plenty of parking. The menu is fairly straightforward and varied. They do have a drive thru, but I'm not a big fan of them personally. I've seen some people complain about the price, but I always have trouble finishing anything here myself. read more

give me the recipe to the habanero salsa or else!! Its GASSSSS!!!! Also that smokes pepper salsa...... SOOOoooooo GoooOOOddDDD CALI burritos are big and juicy. Hope this helps someone. read more

Placed an online order. 1 item not on the menu. The cashier lady was polite and nice. Yet the other girl that asked me if I wanted a full refund or just for the missing item, I said just that item(BIIRA SOUP) was rude and just irritating. Call before ordering to see if they have what you want.. read more

Excellent food and service! Their salsa bar is among the best. Great California burritos!

2 1/2 starts, food wasn't horrible but it wasn't necessarily good. Red hot sauce very bad. Wouldn't recommend. Christmas tree still up past new year!??? What is this establishment! read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Carne asada California Fries - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

I don't normally do reviews but this family owned restaurant is absolutely incredible. Everything is made in house and the staff is great. I used to work next door so it was the place to go when i was on my lunch break. I dont work next door anymore, but I now drive 10 -15 mins to pick food up. Trust me if you love mexican food this restaurant is worth trying. read more

As always, amazing food. Portions will not disappoint, flavor is incredible . Dine-in salsa bar is top shelf and very fresh. Awesome tacos, huge burritos, and the best surf n turf in town. You will be welcomed with smiles and fast service almost guaranteed. Employees are very familiar with their menu and never messed any of my orders that I can remember. One major downside to the broadway location is the rift raft that use the facilities as a local hang out. There has been several times I have brought my family in the evenings where beyond-questionable activity was going on in the parking lot and right outside the door. It is unfortunate that they let the local homeless loiter in and out of the dining area. It makes me reluctant to bring the family. The most exciting attraction for me recently was the taco Tuesday specials, including beer on Draft! I was disappointed to find out that they discontinued the draft specials for taco Tuesday. Even more recently, the menu has removed taco Tuesday altogether. I hope they decide to bring it back. Although I've listed so much negative in this review, the portions, service, and flavor of this place will keep me coming back . read more

Some of their dishes are hit and miss. I usually come here for the tacos because the Cabeza is pretty good in my opinion. This time around I tried there green Chilaquiles and that item upset my stomach. Not sure what the issue is but this is the only place I've tried Chilaquiles at that actually affected me and my bathroom habits negatively. So I just chalked it up to me having a weak stomach. But this is not the only time I've purchased a dish here that has upset my stomach in comparison to other restaurants where I've had no issue with similar dishes. Customer service wise, I give a 4 out of 10 because I've conducted a social experiment on how they treat other customers in comparison to me (A Black man) and a few other Black friends of mine over the span of a year and definitely have noticed a trend when it comes mannerism's and change of pitch in their voices when we arrive to the window. I've had my Native/Hispanic girlfriend order for me with me in the car as well as me not in the vehicle and she receives four star treatment from the interaction and transaction at the drive-through window to the quality of food. Another trend I have experienced is that they have not once giving me correct change when I've paid in cash. I also receive pesos in my change when I pay in cash. Today I was asked if I had three cents, which I assume so they can give back correct change or no coins at all. I did not have any coins in my car and once they brought back my change due, I was given a $20 bill and a handful of coins which included two pesos and I was $.40 short of what I was owed. That's ridiculous and I cannot patron here any further. Do better. read more

I literally boycotted this place for a year because of how poorly I was treated a year ago. I decided to check them out hoping they got better over the last year and sadly they got worse . First off this is literally the most expensive taco shop in East County. I will pay more if it means better. Unfortunately you do not receive a better meal for more money here. For example I payed 24.00 for a very disappointing meal. I had to ask for extra chipotle sauce on their surf and turf burrito because they barely put any on it to begin with. They charged $1 for that sauce and there was not extra on the burrito. Making this burrito around $15.00 . The meat was burnt and there was only 3 shrimps in the burrito. The bean and cheese burrito was okay , but cost a very high amount of money around 7.00 for a small burrito and last but not least their beef taco was 5.00 and was without a doubt the worst taco I've ever had . It was very small , the taco shell was burnt and there was very little cheese, lettuce or meat on it . It was just sad. And I'm sad because at one time this place was terrific . It's just not the case anymore. I wish they cared about the food they serve. I recommend only eating at the Panchos on Main Street If you want a great meal. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Surf n turf fries . Delicious!!! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

Basic old school Mexican food. The hub ordered the 2 tacos of choice combo. He chose shredded beef. I ordered the huevos rancheros. It came with a huge tortilla (burrito size). It was warm and not dry. Kinda chewy how I like it. Both orders were good, but nothing real special. Just basic stuff with beans and rice. I thought there would be some chips added in as many places include. But no chips. Oh well, we just added some to our dishes and now have some left over in our fridge. All alone. Waiting for chips. It was good and fresh. Well I did like the really hot n spicy roasted whole pepper that came with my combo. It was tasty. Prices are higher than would be expected for the basic SoCal Mexican food and the average portion sizes. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - My huevos rancheros delivered by Grubhub. - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Very disappointed when I received my Carne Asada Chips via Grubhub. The chips were soggy. I called the restaurant to complain and they said it was Grubhubs fault. They didn't even try to fix the problem. This will be the last time I will order from them. read more

Hands down the best surf and turf burrito in east county. This location has always been great for their selection of burritos and recently they have made great additions to their menu and interior. Customer service has always been the best!!! read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Sunrise Burrito and Three Rolled Tacos - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

There's something about San Diego Mexican food that's just so dang good. The best Mexican food or taco shop in California, hands down is in San Diego. I moved to the Bay Area for about 3-4 years now and I've been trying different places and comparing it to San Diego and it's unmatched. I had Panchos growing up and days I walked to school or home from school I would stop by and get either a carne asada burrito or carne asada fries. The burritos here and huge! In Northern CA - they are just filled with rice and beans, but here it's filled with meat and deliciousness. read more

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$20 bucks for a little more than half full carnitas and day old beans. This isn't the first time this place dissaponta either. No thanks, learned my lesson. read more

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I used to come here all the time back in the day but recently it's gone down hill. The prices gone up and the quality has gone down drastically. The burritos is mostly tortilla and grease. Suck to see one of my favorite spots go down hill. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

$27+ for a 2 beef enchilada combo with rice & beans, 1 beef taco, and 1 large coke, includes tax. The beef taco alone was $6.50. Wow. This all seems expensive to me. In their favor, the enchiladas were larger than normal. The food was pretty good. I will be back to try other things, after I get paid to make sure I have the money to pay for it. read more

Good food, but very expensive. They charge you extra for everything... I ordered a bean and cheese burrito w/ cilantro and onion and my total was $7 something. There is also a charge for using a credit card- really?! Today I ordered 1 carne asada taco, a side of rice and a side of beans- $10.13!!! The food is consistently good and comes out hot, but you can get the same quality food or better for much less elsewh read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Burnt breakfast burrito, anyone? - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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Prices went up and portion sizes went waaaay down. Used to be worth it but not anymore.

My Surf N Turf Burrito Was So Delicious I Swear It Was SUPER STUFFED WITH ALL THE RIGHT INGREDIENTS TOO!! This Taco Shop Is The Truth I Swear Everyone Should Come And Try Them Out. Great Customer Service, And Great Food Especially Their Speciality Burritos!!! read more

Just a lack of flavor. Servings look decent , but food tasted like carton this time. Including beans and rice.

This place use to be really good. My husband Ordered a ham breakfast burrito no beans add potato. They didn't put beans but ignored adding potatoes. It was mostly cheese. Not good at all. I ordered bacon breakfast burrito. It had barely any bacon in it ...just little bits. Mostly potato. I asked for their mild chunky salsa. They ignored that completely also and just put the typical red and green. careless all the way around. Won't go here anymore that's the 2nd time it's been that way. read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Pretty clear and easy requests - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California

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One of our favorite Mexican food places! The food always tastes good and there is always a generous amount. I appreciate the consistency in the taste and how they make it, I always know what to expect. The staff are great most of the time as well. They currently made changes to their menu, so make sure you go inside to order for the first time. (It May even be online or here YELP) read more

Panchos Mexican Grill - Carne Asada fries with Mexican guacamole and I add beans! - Mexican Near Me - El Cajon, California