Man, their food is good. I really can't understand why the rating is as low as it is. It is expensive, but they constantly have coupons in local publications like Money Mailer. Birria Chef Ramon is good, I like the fish tacos. I'm not sure if Beatriz is still there, but she is fantastic! Works a busy room, like you are the only guest! Pro-tip, they happen to house the best cover band on the planet! They are amazing, and have been for decades. So, I have a new rating system......I will be write what I feel honestly about an establishment. The only ratings I will give are 5 stars, which is enjoyable, or 3 stars which is "needs work." read more

Today was our second time here so let's start with the positive the restaurant is beautifully decorated especially downstairs garden and now to the main reason we came here the food I have to say that food here is not good and not bad it's just ok and below that means that if you're craving real Mexican food it's definitely not the place it's more like American food with Mexican workers food tastes like cafeteria food the beans tasted like taken out of a can and to make things worst they served us the main course without any tortillas!! I mean what kind of Mexican restaurant will do that !? Prices are very high compare to what you get Imagine $7 for lemonade!! read more

Parking: Restaurant has valet parking for $6. I didn't see the sign and parked at public lot across the street and it's $5 for the max 2 hours. If staying longer- valet! Large restaurant with two levels with multiple areas. Bar with TV screens and plenty of tables. Inside dining area we were at had open air feel. Decorated in that traditional mexican way. Service was attentive. Large menu of choices with description of each item. Guacamole was creamy and delicious. Chips were crispy and way. The mole was filling and tasty. Enchiladas were filled with a lot of meat. we split, I preferred the mole. The star was the flan! it did remind me of the Filipino flan. It was very creamy and not too sweet. margarita was just ok. I've had better. it was blended and ice was not as smooth. Didn't have much alcohol in it. read more

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The atmosphere and decor here is a fun and lively vibe. We parked about a block away down the hill in the city lot by the Strand and walked up, which worked out well for an early dinner since the lot closes at 8 p.m. Our waitress was friendly and helpful, especially since it was our first visit. She offered great recommendations, and we were started off with complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa was a bit too spicy for me, so we ordered pico de gallo and guacamole instead. For our mains, we chose the Especial de Cabo which is a shrimp and chicken plate with rice, and the puffy shrimp tacos, which came with rice and beans. The guacamole and the Cabo dish both needed a bit of salt and pepper, as they tasted somewhat bland. We liked the puffy taco shells, but the sauce had a bit too much heat for my taste. In the end, the dishes we ordered was either too bland or too spicy. At least our waitress attentive and they played Dodgers game on the TV screen. read more

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Panchos serves Mexican cuisine and is walking distance to the beach. Panchos is a nice stop to enjoy some drinks & good food. Disclaimer tho, it leans on the pricey side. Their interior is beautifully decorated and provides an immersive experience with all the greenery they have throughout the restaurant. We ordered Naughty Maggie's which are extra strong margaritas. Very delicious but packed a punch! I definitely only needed one Their staff was incredibly welcoming and made accommodations to customizing your order if you wanted to mix and match! My friend wanted both fish and shrimp tacos and they were able to make her dreams come true. Instagram: @jessgoeat read more

The Ensalada de Camarones was colorful and fresh. The restaurant is decorated with colorful decorations that creates an inviting atmosphere. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Ensalada de Camarones - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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Definitely not the quality of food as my visit five years ago or my first visit in 1978. Wait staff was somewhat aloof. Restaurant itself is very nice. read more

The food here is delicious. I've tried the burrito del mar and the shrimp diabla puffy tacos and both are tasty. The burrito is tender and has a decent amount of shrimp and crab meat inside. The shrimp diabla puffy tacos are flavorful. Although the price is a bit on the higher side, it's worth it. Service is good and the greenery is very relaxing. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Burrito Del Mar - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

We ordered the Chili Colorado (beef) and the Cheese Enchilada + Chile Relleno combination. Both dishes were filling and delicious! The house margaritas were also generously sized and tasty! The server was friendly and attentive. We were fortunate to have visited on a Monday night and enjoyed the weekly comedy show. Would definitely repeat the full experience! read more

Pancho's Restaurant - 3. Cheese Enchilada and Chile Relleno Combinacion - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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Pancho's is great. We go to the one here in Manhattan Beach and also the one on Centinela in Culver City. Both are great. This one is so cute. There is so much to look at inside. It is always clean and can get crowded. I don't know if they take reservations. This time we got food to go and all of it was great. What really stands out is their guacamole. It is thick and loaded with avocado and always fresh. Their tacos are wonderful and there is not a burrito you will not love--but I get the sour cream on the side. Their rice and beans are tasty and they make their own tortillas. To me, that is a big deal. They have a great happy hour. Their margaritas are so good--I order mine without salt, but you do you. The prices are fair for what you get. I think you will be happy here. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Pancho's is a Manhattan Beach institution. Typical "SoCal" Mexican food, it was a great moment to reconnect with old friends over margaritas, tacos, and salsa. Service pleasant, polite, and efficient. I veered from my standard taco/enchilada combo and ordered shrimp and mango tacos. It was delicious and perfect after the work day. The classic margarita on the rocks completed the meal (note the empty glass in the photo lol). The beach is three blocks away. Great for a walk after. Street parking or valet parking available. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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The food & ambiance here are great. It looks so beautiful on the inside and feels like you're in Mexico! This is my favorite place to get mole. The salmon was also a hit! Bonus, they serve free chips & salsa! read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Pollo en Mole Poblano Dinner - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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First time back in several years. Service was good. Food was good, nothing over the top. City lot across the street was free for the holidays, valet Parking is $6. Prices are about average for the area. Nice old style Mexican restaurant with large menu selection. Service was fast. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Lunch with dessert for 6 $293.06 incl tax and tip - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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Classic sit down Mexican food and great service. My brother was visiting from Asia and this was a must spot to hit on his trip. We used to come here as youngsters and the quality is always zbest to this day. Definitely recommend if you want unique Spanish style ambiance, great flavor and very attentive service. read more

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Great food, and drinks! The service was excellent and we're very accommodating finding us the right table.

A tasty restaurant down the street from the beach! Super cute inside, with tons of greenery. Makes you feel like you're eating outdoors. It's a large enough place to host a party, but also has areas that are intimate enough to go on a date or meet up with friends. I really enjoyed the street tacos. Portion sizes were great and the service was fast and friendly. They also have a parking structure where you can valet!, which is clutch especially during peak hours. read more

Cocktails were had in the very noisy bar. We had House Margaritas that were not very strong at all. We moved to our table downstairs and ordered the very bland guacamole which we all ended up adding salsa too. We had the tacos, chicken and cheese enchiladas, a chicken chimichanga with rice and beans, and a beef burrito. All were just fair. Service was excellent and very efficient. read more

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We came here with some friends who recommended it. We drove over an hour to try this place out. Parking is either on the street which is hard to find or valet which is $10 for a SUV. The restaurant is in the corner and not hard to miss. The inside is decorated beautifully and the staff are very friendly. The blended margaritas are bomb! They know how to make their drinks. They give you unlimited free chips and salsa while you wait for your food. Their salsa is so good! I couldn't stop eating it. The food came out shortly and portion size was great. My husband enjoyed his chicken enchiladas and said it had great flavor. The chicken taquitos were crunchy and delicious. The potato ones weren't my favorite as it was sweet. I'm not use to eating sweet taquitos so it caught me off guard. The rice and beans were cooked to perfection. Overall, they have good food and a cool atmosphere. Not sure if we would drive over an hour for it, but we're glad we got to try it. read more

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Beach parking. However they offer valet for $10 or park across the street in a pay structure. Prices are higher than most Mexican restaurants averaging $25 for an entree. Service is good. Friendly but not chatty. Overall no complaints from our server Rogelio. Food came out fast. Portion is plentiful. Spice level was excellent. My chile verde had a good kick but tolerable. Lunch for 4 with drinks came just shy $100 before tip. read more

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Definitely 10/10!!! Atmosphere is super beautiful you feel like you're in a forest. Food is delicious and full of flavor!!! Will definitely be back with friends. Shout out to Arnulfo thank you for all your help read more

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I can't believe this place is under 4 stars!??Ponchos is amazing. The portions are massive, which already beats any other Mexican restaurant in the South Bay and Westside. The food is super tasty -- you literally can't go wrong. They also have very high-quality fish dishes, such as mahi-mahi and salmon, so there are great options for fish lovers. The service is excellent too; the staff are very accommodating. I'd compare the service to The Cheesecake Factory -- if you're not pleased with something, they'll always try to make it right. The vibe is another big plus. Since discovering Ponchos, it's always my first pick when heading to the South Bay and Westside. With big portions, good food, and friendly, accommodating service, it's a top spot for me. I've seen some comments about parking -- it's Manhattan Beach, specifically El Porto; what do you expect? There's a parking lot directly adjacent to the restaurant and plenty of street parking if you look for it. This place is also great for kids, they will bring out a fun hat and celebrate kids birthdays! read more

I love Pancho's and I reserve my favorite table every time. I've been going to Pancho's since 1985 for Happy Hour and dinner. The margaritas are perfecto! The Enchiladas are but my all time favorite, enchilada Del Mar, sooooo good, which I tend to order most of the time is always on point. I want some now just thinking about it! The ambiance is exceptional, the restaurant decor is beautiful and ethnic...the colors and plants and I feel transported every time I go. I hope Pancho's stays forever...it's the best as far as I'm concerned and I'm very picky about my food! I just had lunch there for the first time the end of the year (2025). Viva Pancho's! read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Already posted. Disappointed very unimpressed. Service and ambiance are great. Food was a joke, horrible joke. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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Not like the old days. Not real Mexican food imo. Paying for decor. Good drinks, good service.

The atmosphere here is awesome!!! It is very friendly and inviting. The food was fantastic and the staff were really friendly and made you feel at home. Definitely a recommended place to visit! read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

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The ambiance is super unique, it feels like dining in the middle of a rainforest. So much to look at, but in the best way. The chips and salsa were way too good; I kept telling myself not to fill up and completely failed. The jalapeño margarita was spicy and strong, so definitely eat plenty of chips and salsa if you want to walk out straight . Food came out fast, portions were generous, and everything was delicious. Perfect spot before taking a walk around Manhattan Beach to digest. read more

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It's been many years since I last visited this beautiful restaurant . The plants are so beautiful and healthy as well as the wall art. The Sunday brunch menu is massive. The bar area is perfect for watching sports. I came to celebrate a relative birthday and it just so happens to be National Margaritas Day . The food was just as delicious as I last remembered it to be. Jose took our orders and promptly brought our drinks. Jose in was attentive to our table. Our food was delicious and hot. It was slightly salty. I would have preferred no salt as the sauce is salty enough for me. I had the chicken enchilada, with rice and beans. I would recommend this dish. Be prepared to take food home, as the plates are large. This is family restaurant where a family can enjoy the food and atmosphere. The margaritas were delicious and large. They also offer happy hour. Parking can be a challenge so valet your vehicle. You will not be disappointed here. read more

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Time for a review update, not sure why I'm doing it, nothing has changed. The experience and location are always on point, granted, a little pricy, but you get what you pay for! If you're craving a lively and authentic Mexican dining experience in Manhattan Beach, Pancho's delivers on all fronts, from atmosphere to flavor to service. I recently stopped in on the 4th of July and started my evening at the bar, where Arnulfo was holding court behind the counter. He immediately set the tone with his warm demeanor and expert margarita skills. I ordered a strawberry margarita, fresh, perfectly balanced, and not overly sweet. He clearly takes pride in his craft. After soaking up some bar vibes, we transitioned to the lush, garden-style dining room downstairs. It's a beautiful, inviting space that captures the spirit of old-school Baja charm with a touch of Manhattan Beach flair. Edgar took care of us at the table and provided friendly, attentive service throughout the meal. The complimentary chips and salsa were the perfect kick-off. The chips were fresh and crisp, and the salsa had just the right amount of heat and tang. For my entrée, I went with two classic hard shell tacos with rice and beans, simple, satisfying, and exactly what I was hoping for. The shells had a satisfying crunch, and the meat was flavorful without being greasy (shredded beef). It reminded me why traditional comfort food like this never goes out of style. All in all, I had a very positive experience at Pancho's. It's a great spot whether you're looking to grab a drink, have a date night, or just enjoy a casual dinner with friends or family. The combo of strong drinks, good food, and laid-back but professional service makes this a place worth coming back to. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Pancho's is definitely a Manhattan Beach staple that delivers the kind of hospitality and flavor that keeps people coming back. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Happy 4th!! Freedom. - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

I've been coming here for almost two decades, and there are three things to update from my first review: - they no longer serve the cochinita pibil. Try on of the moles instead, they're amazing. - the food is delicious, and value is fantastic - I'm always happy to see that the servers have been working there for a long time, most longer than I've been eating at the restaurant. It shows an uncommon dedication to their staff that's unique in our time. read more

Unassuming from the outside but the ambiance is sooo cute on the inside you are almost transported to Mexico. Tried a few combo dishes and all the food was solid and no frills. Always love free chips and salsa to start. Server was a very nice older gentleman. Good experience overall. No wonder this place is a Manhattan beach institution read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

After a long 6 hour drive from Phoenix, my girlfriend and I were looking for a nice meal after a walk down Manhattan beach and stumbled upon Panchos. Spectacular wait staff, beautiful multi level dining space, and soulfully delicious food. Can't recommend this place enough. I'd even do the 6 hour drive all over again. read more

There is one thing that makes this restaurant so unique... And it's the heart and soul of the people working here that provide this atmosphere. Don't even get me started on the food. It's amazing. read more

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My sister is renting a house in this neighborhood because of the fires in the palisade . So now not only do we visit family, but we can eat some really scrumptious Mexican food. We've been coming here for years. The food is very authentic. We had a great time catching up. My mom and I got the same dish made different ways.Mole !! Both were amazing! Let's be honest that's kind of what Mexican food is bunch of the same food made a bunch of different ways ! The service is great and we love a restaurant with valet parking five stars read more

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First time here. And it was a great experience. From the start till the end everyone was friendly And very attentive. Our server went above and beyond to take care of us his name is Jose Manuel. Loved this place will definitely come back. read more

Love Pancho Cool interior and all this history things. Food taste amazing. I don't like one of Vallet guy because he moves my steering wheel all the time. Service so fast and polite. read more

The food can't be beat anywhere! Love the atmosphere and the service is impeccable. The margaritas are great too!! We always choose Ponchos when it comes to excellent fresh Mexican cuisine. read more

Location is east to get to. Parking is bananas. Luckily there is valet parking, which has a wait. This restaurant has 2 floors. We sat on the 1st floor? Which was the bottom. Nicely decorated. The vibes were vibing but was very uncomfortable on trying to hear our table of 5, as it was super loud. Which I understand, people come out for a good time, party and drink. The food was delicious. I had the Enchiladas de Carnitas. It was delicious. I even tried my friends Enchiladas Rancheras, which were tasty. Our tables salsa and chips were super spicy, so unfortunately I did not get to enjoy the chips and salsa. We had 2 birthdays at our table, which they shared some of their birthday treats, it was the Deep Fried Ice Cream, it tasted like a churro in ice cream. I was bummed I wasn't asked if we wanted dessert, as I saw after, they had a 3 leches dessert & flan. Our waiter was very nice and thankfully split our check. The valet guys were also nice and helpful. While leaving, the bar area was packed!!! Life of the party with karaoke!! Would've been fun to stay but was quite a long drive to head home. read more

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We love Panchos! Such a Beautiful restaurant With fantastic Mexican food... Yummm! Walking distance from the beach. Only thing is the beautiful waterfall doesn't work I love the sound of water! Maybe it will be working next time? My hubby loves the burritos!!! read more

I've been multiple times and it's always amazing service, solid dishes, good portion size and great for large parties. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Pepper stuffed w crab. Delicious. - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Panchos is an old school Mexican restaurant with such good vibes! Is the food super authentic? No, but it's still delicious and the portions are massive! For Xmas they decorate super cute and festive! Employees are always fun and friendly too. The margaritas are delicious and pack a punch! I like to order a jalapeño marg on the rocks but swap the tequila for mezcal and its chef's kiss. read more

Pancho's Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California