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    Pancho's Tacos

    3.5 (251 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Pancho's Tacos Takeout or Delivery

    Pancho's Tacos Photos

    Business Info

    PANCHO'S TACOS ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Fish Taco
    Chie J.

    I've eaten at Pancho's over 100 times. Open since 1974, this place is the classic LA Mexican joint to me. I missed it so much while living in San Francisco. it was one of the first places I came back to when I moved back. Let's be real: not everything here is perfect. The bathrooms are old (but clean), the décor is a bit dingy (but charmingly authentic), and the food isn't organic or healthy--but it's homemade with love, and that makes all the difference. People are kind here. As for the food: the Chile Relleno, chicken enchiladas, and fried fish tacos are AMAZING. I don't recommend the shrimp items, and they screw up sometimes seldom but if I even out all the experiences, I love this place.

    Rice, bean, and cheese burrito. Good beans and great size!
    Amber F.

    After a cold, long day working I (3 months pregnant) was craving a good bean and cheese burrito! So I turned to my trustee Ol Yelper community and yall a damn lie! Lol. I was reluctant to try bc only 3 and some change stars...the food is great! The establishment it self could use some TLC, but who doesn't love a little hole in the wall kinda taco shack???? I will return and get my food to-go again! Just give them a shot I was pleasantly surprised!

    No. 4 combo with chicken tacos

    Best hard shell chicken tacos on the west side! Get the combo plate. Also highly recommend the red salsa with jalapeño in it. I used to live around the corner, and now I drive five miles to get these tacos.

    Salsa Bar
    Justin H.

    Damn good tacos! Tasty beef, perfect lettuce ratio, shredded cheese. The salsa was great too. Then even have the Harley is and carrots blended into a salsa if you're into that. I am so it was an extra bonus stopping in here to try the tacos on Taco Tuesday. Ordered the combo 4 (2 tacos and side of beans, rice, chips)

    Exterior
    Elizabeth L.

    I almost forgot about this wonderful little spot. I have not been in some 30 years. It has been there forever it seems. But we moved a bit and just sort of forgot about it. I am so glad we found it again. My grandson picked out this little place. He loves Mexican food and thought he might like to try it. Parking is free in their lot and they even have a painting on the cement wall thanking and blessing customers for coming. It is one of those places that you order at the counter. But they bring your food to you. You can eat inside or out. We stayed inside and were very happy. The person that took our order was ever so nice. My grandson is 15 now, but has issues with speech, so we practice. The person taking our order was so patient as he tried to explain exactly what he wanted. He was clear he wanted guacamole and the staff member, maybe the manger or owner, heard that clearly and gave him a lot. We paid and took out seats. In less than 5 minutes our order was served to us and it was all great. We shared rice and beans with cheese, guacamole, nachos, and a taco. It was all old school traditional Spanish food and just as good as some much more expensive places we have been to. Their guacamole is thick and rich. It is perfect. It was all perfect. They have salsa and chopped onions and things like that out so you can carefully help yourself. The place is older and you can tell by the somewhat faded menu bar above the counter, but it was spotless. The tables are cleaned after someone leaves and there are plenty of napkins. The bathrooms are spotless and there is hand sanitizer if you feel the need. They also have take away, and I am sure there is a third party company that delivers. If you want great Mexican food at a fair price by a family owned place, this is for you. You will love it.

    Machaca Burrito
    Ted F.

    3.5 is the right rating, but I agree closer to 4 than 3. I went with the Machaca Burrito, but I gringo'ed it up and added sour cream, avo, pico. Everything was solid. Bottom line: I'd never seek out Pancho, but if I had to pop in and be a fat boi here, I wouldn't be upset about it. And they have free wifi!

    #5 Two Cheese Enchiladas
    Lynda T.

    Adding photos from lunch. Generous portions; great as always. A west side favorite.

    bean and cheese burrito

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    4 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    4 months ago

    Great Food and wonderful service food is delicious food with and authentic taste. I have loved this restaurant since it on Pico and Lincoln.

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    Amazing tacos and great service. Had pastor tacos and lengua tacos. 10/10! Price to quality ratio is very good too! This place is a gem.

    Business owner information

    Photo of Vanessa P.

    Vanessa P.

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    5 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    Vanessa P.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

    We just ordered 3 Loco Burritos with carne asada. They were extremely salty. Not good would not order again.

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    1 year ago

    They have the best breakfast burrito in Santa Monica and great service. Highly recommend!

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    10 months ago

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    Vanessa P.

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    3 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    Vanessa P.

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    2 years ago

    The typical hole in the wall with incredible breakfast tacos and the sweetest staff. The good customer service always makes the difference.

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    1 year ago

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    Vanessa P.

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    1 year ago

    I love love this place!! Easy parking, quick service, kind staff, 50 cent games/toys, and of course yummy food.

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    Vanessa P.

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    My experience included old tasting food and stale chips with no salt. It's affordable, low price but I did get the runs from it.

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

    This is my local so I try to support them. But $25 for a rolled tacos plate and a Mexican Coke is making it hard.

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    2 years ago

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    Page 1 of 7

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    Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

    Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken

    4.3
    (2.3k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    I was craving a burrito, had never been to this place, and had it delivered…read more The burrito was SOOOO good AND it was massive. Every ingredient in there was perfect. I was worried I was going to get something small for the price but you get a huge portion for what you pay for. This is the kind of burrito where youre saving some for lunch for the next day. I also got a churro (which is something I never get) and it was perfectly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. I will absolutely be ordering from here again

    Stopped in around 10:45 on a whim. I was driving through Santa Monica, got hungry, saw the sign and…read moreswung around the block. They'd been open maybe an hour and there was one other person there picking up an order. First time here. The guy at the counter was very friendly, asked if I knew what I wanted, and I told him no and asked what's popular. He recommended three tacos so I went with that. He never asked about tortillas so they came out on corn. I'm not the biggest fan of corn tortillas, but after I sat down, I looked at the soda cup, and saw "handmade corn AND flour tortillas." Would've gone flour if I'd known that was even an option. My bad for not asking, but also a great opportunity to let a new customer know it's an option. Food came out fast. Three tacos, chips, a couple sides of salsa. All the meat was cold. Not fridge cold, but noticeably below room temperature. I'm sitting five feet from the kitchen in a place that opened 30 minutes ago. How is that even possible? The non-beef tacos were seasoned well, both of them, that part was fine. The beef was where it fell apart. Every single bite had pieces I literally couldn't chew through, and I kept pulling chunks out of my mouth. After my second bite I just stopped going back for more. For over $4 a taco, that quality is atrocious. Very fast if you need something quick to eat. First and last time for me.

    Photos
    Front counter and menu
    Front counter and menu
    Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
    Carnita and Al Pastor tacos
    Front counter & ordering kiosk

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    Front counter & ordering kiosk
    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    Prima Cantina & Tacos

    3.8
    (250 reviews)
    2.3 mi
    $$

    Oh the places I go...this ride took me to Brentwood, yes LA Brentwood...I needed a splash, I saw a…read morePete's managed to park and it was closed, ok its 730 so...I'll walk up the street (Montana st.) I saw folks sitting st a Bistro table on the sidewalk and yes a decent looking Mexican restaurant, perfect Good menu, hum...Oh Short Rib tacos with R&B add a bottle of soda water. The chips came first after the water, The chips were house made as was the delicious salsa. Then three short ribs taco's, rice & beans. Ya know everything was flavorful, the rice not your usual orange colored stuff and the pinto beans were actually cooked from dry beans. WoW I was impressed, great dinner. Short ribs perfectly tender and not the fatty bits either Great place, I'd as I watched other entrees walked by me If you're in the hood stop in for a shot or a taco or both Thanks Lad's Foodguy-Martin

    This place is just a traditional type of Californian taco shoppe. They have a great bar menu and…read moreplenty of choices for food to go with. We arrived early before they opened for lunch so we waited at a table outside. Since they opened a few minutes late, we were not sure about the employee situation so once inside, we chose to sit at the bar since we were the only ones at the restaurant. The bartender pleasantly greeted us and asked for our drink order. I went traditional with a skinny margarita and my husband had a screwdriver which pairs very well with Mexican food. The kitchen was just getting started so we waited a few minutes to order. The menu had so many great choices, we were excited to order our food. I went with the Shrimp Ceviche which was so fresh and delicious. I loved that there was so much shrimp and not a lot of onions and peppers filling the bowl. The fried crunch tortilla was also great for scooping the ceviche. My husband is more of a burrito naturalist so his chicken stuffed burrito was great. It had all the fresh ingredients neatly wrapped tight for easy eating. The service was very good and the restaurant did get quite crowded shortly after opening. I also enjoyed their homemade hot sauce that was just spicy enough when mixed into the complimentary mild salsa that came with the complimentary chips. I would definitely return to check out the other menu items.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
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    Tequila bar
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    My wife and I by chance walked by Casa Martin and loved the ambiance so decided to stay. From the…read moremost friendly welcome by Fernando to the Amazing tacos and refreshing margaritas we were happy we stayed and enjoyed the pleasant experience. Casa Martin is a must stop for us whenever in Santa Monica.

    We celebrated a high school milestone yesterday with a group of seven at Casa Martin in Santa…read moreMonica, and the experience was absolutely spectacular from start to finish. From the moment we arrived, Sandro and Fernando, the hosts and owners, greeted us with warmth and genuine hospitality that set the perfect tone for the evening. The ambiance is vibrant yet comfortable--ideal for a celebratory gathering. Service stood out as much as the food. Sandro and Fernando went above and beyond to ensure every detail was just right, checking in with our group, accommodating dietary preferences, and offering thoughtful recommendations that enhanced the experience. The menu offered a wonderful balance of flavors, with dishes that were beautifully presented and crafted with high-quality ingredients. Each course arrived at a perfect pace, allowing us to savor the evening without feeling rushed. The staff's attentive but unobtrusive service contributed to a relaxed, joyful atmosphere that our group will remember for years to come. A special shout-out to the chefs for delivering standout plates--creative, well-executed, and clearly made with passion. The wine and beverage pairings complemented the meal perfectly, adding an extra layer of celebration to the night. If you're planning a group event or a special occasion in Santa Monica, Casa Martin is a stellar choice. The team, especially Sandro and Fernando, will make sure your celebration feels personal, festive, and absolutely unforgettable. Would highly recommend and we're already looking forward to returning soon.

    Photos
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
    Casa Martin Mexican Restaurant
    Skinny margarita and sangria!

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    Skinny margarita and sangria!
    El Cholo

    El Cholo

    3.5
    (1.4k reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$

    While El Cholo is a go-to for fabulous dinners in the main dining room, don't overlook it for…read more**Happy Hour**! They run great food and drink specials from **3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday**. The open bar area and lounge, featuring large community tables, make it one of the best spots in the area for large gatherings and a lively atmosphere. **Staff Spotlight: Kathy** I want to leave a well-deserved 5-star shout-out for **Kathy**. Even during the slower parts of the day, she is incredibly friendly, warm, and attentive. She has a genuine way of making you feel welcome the moment you sit down. She is a seasoned professional and a true asset to the team. **A Note on the Experience** One thing I noticed during my visit was how focused the staff is on the entrance. I realized the entire team is trained to greet every single person who walks through the door whether they are heading to the bar, the host stand, or leaving for the day. While the management's dedication to hospitality is clear, it can feel a bit unnatural to have that constant distraction during a conversation. Every time I've ever been into the restaurant, the host always has always said hello and goodbye. The veterans here, especially Kathy, are the fabric of this place; their natural ability to care for guests is what makes this location special. **To the Owner:** You have an exceptional team. I have been coming to this restaurant for many years and so many of your staff members, including Kathy's service is exactly why people keep coming back. It's wonderful to see a staff so dedicated to the El Cholo standard! Here is a revised version that emphasizes the space's utility for networking and professional events: **Recommendation:** If you are planning a holiday party, a large corporate gathering, or a networking mixer, this is the perfect spot. The layout makes it easy for everyone to circulate and connect, and the pricing is very reasonable for the incredible authentic quality you get. Be sure to stop by the bar and ask for **Kathy** she'll make sure your group is well-taken care of!

    Went to dinner here with coworkers after hearing several recommendations, and unfortunately, I was…read morevery disappointed. The guacamole was salty and tasted more like a salty avocado paste. My sister and I ordered a shared platter, a greasy mess. Everything on the plate seemed soaked in oil, and the different items had blended together into one unappetizing pile. We picked at it for a few minutes but ultimately left most of it untouched. The only highlight of the meal was the strawberry margarita. It was strong, flavorful, and easily the best part of the experience. Other than the margarita, nothing stood out, this place just wasn't for me.

    Photos
    Back patio
    Back patio
    Chicken Fajitas
    Chicken Fajitas
    L.A. lemonade

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    L.A. lemonade

    Pancho's Tacos - mexican - Updated June 2026

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