This Mexican restaurant is a good place to have a quick mex fix. The food is nothing out of the ordinary but it still taste good. Prices are a little bit high for quality but not unaffordable . The building could use some remodeling on the outside to make it look more inviting. read more

Pancho's Villa - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

We are from Arizona and visited Alaska for the first time last week. We did not have high expectations of getting good Mexican food in Anchorage but decided to feed our craving and give it a try, and I'm so glad we did! I called early in the day to make a reservation for a party of 8. They said they don't take reservations, but requested we call them when we're on the way and they would get a table ready for us. We were so appreciative of this! So nice of them. And I have to say that everyone in Alaska was so nice! We ordered the combos meals of ground beef tacos, chicken enchiladas, tostadas and chili relleno. The kids loved the chicken taquitos and chicken burritos. I have to add that the chips and salsa were really good too. I always gauge my Mexican food by the salsa. If the salsas good, then usually the food is too. I don't know why that is, but it is. We were comparing it to our favorite Mexican restaurant in Az and all agreed that Pancho Villa was way better! We had a nice waitress and the food came out hot and all together at a decent wait time and it was just a really good experience all around. Oh, and we ordered the small sopapillas which came drizzled in chocolate syrup and vanilla ice cream. We are just used to them with powdered sugar and honey. This was something new and it was delicious. The small is huge by the way (see attached pics). Margaritas were good too. I didn't take any pics of the food but took one of the dessert. It was devoured in minutes. LOL read more

Pancho's Villa - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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We have been coming here for years, and always thought it was a really great place. But the last time we were there the food was not fresh. It didn't taste right but we ate anyway... And my mother got very sick. They didn't offer to comp the bill in anyway or even check to see if my mom was OK. We won't be back, ever. read more

This is the best Mexican in town! The food is always fresh & delicious! The service is exceptional! You will always be greeted with a smile and leave satisfied and happy! The atmosphere is relaxing and authentic. I highly recommend Pancho's Villa you won't be disappointed! read more

We were looking for authentic Mexican food with a full bar. WE FOUND IT plus excellent service and yummy food! I realized after we pulled in that I had been here about ten years ago. It has not changed at all - in a good way. Had reasonable prices, handmade chips and salsa, wonderful meaty tamales and carne asada. The margaritas were well made and delicious. The waitress said it has been the same owners and menu for 19 years! Highly recommend this small family-owned restaurant! read more

OK so I live in California. Home of what is supposedly the best Mexican food on the planet. Why is it I have to travel to Anchorage Alaska to truly get the best Mexican food on the planet. I have been going to Poncho Villa for 35 years it has remained my favorite go to authentic flavorful and extremely consistent Mexican food. I was just in there last night with a couple friends was greeted by the owner and bar manager both very friendly very outgoing and very appreciative of their loyal customers. The last two times I have been in there due to a supply chain issue I guess? They have been out of my favorite mints. I joke with them as it is insignificant but a trademark of Poncho Villa is there ovation chocolate mint sticks. When I asked for a couple out of their personal stash they chuckled and said they had given me the last they had in their personal stash last time I was in. Hopefully someday the mint sticks will come back but in the meantime I'm willing to sacrifice and enjoy their fabulous food. To my friends in Anchorage, machos gracias looking forward to my next trip to Spenard! You guys are truly the best read more

I'm generally skeptical about a place that has too many good reviews and I'm usually disappointed once I try them out but this place is an absolute Jem!! Service was impeccable, with insightful recommendations. The spinach queso mouthwatering, I've never had tacos like this anywhere in my life and the tamales, hand made and so flavorful it will bring a tear to your eyes. The overall family atmosphere of the workers only added to the charm. This will not be my last visit by any means! Cannot say enough good things about this place! A definite must if you're ever in Anchorage. read more

This was just a 3 for me. Okay, a 3.5 because they had fresh jalapeños I asked for on the side. Chips were nice and thin, but the salsa was just okay. I had the carnitas, very good. A couple of others in our group had the chicken poblano. Interesting poblano pepper cream sauce. We all had a house margarita. I should have gone top shelf because the house tequila used wasn't very good. Shame on me. The service was way above standard, and I would return partly for that reason. read more

My fiance and I have been on the hunt for decent Mexican food since moving back to Anchorage. The usual recommendations of good places to hit around town usually end up being disappointing. The Burrito/Taco Kings around town are very good, but lack the sit down atmosphere that is one of the main reasons we like to go out to eat anyway. We have been to PV's a few times and really enjoy it. The wait staff is extemely friendly and the booth seating is comfy. The menu is jam-packed with tasty south of the border delectibles that are sure to cater to just about anyone with a hankering. The food is a little bit spicy and the portions are very plentful. Prices are just reasonable. Goods: *portions *service *atmosphere So So's: *Maybe too spicy for some *Not cheap (but not TOO expensive) Check out Pancho Villa's if you are searching for decent Mexican. Also, let me know if you think there's something better around town. I'm always looking for comparison.... read more

Poncho's Villa is your typical Mexican food joint in Anchorage that serves the "Americanized" version of it. And considered to be a "hole in the wall" among many of its followers it offers up a solid choice of dishes for your palette. Located in the heart of Spenard, Poncho's Villa has been serving Anchorage for several decades and brings with it a spirit that reminds you of the "older" Anchorage. Don't go to Panchos expecting a lofty airy ceilings in terms of its interior, you won't find it there. As there are no windows in Panchos. Instead Panchos Villa could be described as dark and cozy. I discovered Panchos a few years ago when I was scouring for new lunch stops after having landed a new job. Given Mexican food is one of my favorites, I went on a referral from a friend with a guantee that I would enjoy it. I admit I was a bit put off at first by the exterior. But once stepping inside I was quickly reminded of the ambiance on the old Spenard La Mex or even La Casita Dos from the old time Anchorage of the 70s and 80s. And over the years I have continued to swing by for a quick lunch or even a margarita after work. The margaritas are strong and the food quite tasty. One of my favorites is always the Arroz Con Pollo which is good the first day but even better as leftovers the next day. The accompanying chips and salsa are good. Of course sometimes the salsa is better sometimes than others. On my last visit on Friday it was not one of the better salsa days. It didn't have the accompanying kick that I like. Even the hot salsa that day was quite mild. But I was there that day specifically for a milagro (Dawnarita) margarita after having a very rough week at work. I ordered my milagro and then a fajita quesadilla as I was not feeling all that hungry that afternoon. It should have been a sign when the server (one who I was not familiar with) kept coming over and asked me to repeat my order. The margarita appeared shortly after so I set to work in enjoying it. It definitely was not one of the better ones I have had. In fact all of Panchos seemed to be off their game that day. It happens and I won't hold it against them. Nor will I allow it from stopping my visits in the future because I know what I was experiencing was in fact a rarity. I was a quarter of the way through my margarita when my entrée showed up. Somehow what was supposed to be a fajita chicken quesadilla ended up being a chicken fajita salad. The server didn't seem to want to take it back and after realizing she made a mistake and declaring it "embarrassing": I decided to take it easy on her and kept the chicken fajita salad. After all it was similar to a quesadilla wasn't it? And I guess it was fates way of telling my fat ass to have a salad. It wasn't bad but again not the best I have had. I finished up my margarita and ate about half of my salad before setting on my way. I will be back Panchos and hope my old level of service returns with it. read more

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Really amazed with this place! Great food and service! Very nice wait staff and a cool little bar as you walk in. The decor is super awesome as well. read more

Pancho's Villa - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

It's not the best I've ever had, but no where NEAR the worst. The food is delicious, although it does have a touch more spice than I like. For those who aren't in the know, REAL Mexican food isn't spicy... it's flavorful. The staff is outstanding, and very attentive. This is the best Mexican food I've found in the city. Go... you won't be disappointed, unless, of course, you truly believe Taco Bell is Mexican food. :) read more

Love it here!! Food is more authentic than Gallos or Taco Kings or any other mexican restaraunt in town! (El Rodeo is good too) Also the waitresses are super friendly!! Recommend to anyone with taste for good food!! read more

This is only my third time here and last evening was the first time I had tacos. OMG best tacos in town. Now I don't have fancy tastes; honestly I thought Benny's Food Wagon had the best tacos. I really cannot describe what is different about the tacos here but they are great. I like this place a lot. read more

Both reviewers are wrong, there are no clubs and there is no smoke. That said, Pancho's is full of friendly faces dishing up tasty Mexican food and a heavenly scratch Margarita. Their chips and salsa are among the best in town and I promise you'll leave satisfied. Watch out for their annual Cinco party, yay! read more

Stay home & cook. You can do a better job yourself. Canned chicken in the chimichanga, sliced Kraft cheese on top. Beans were canned. Nothing truly authentic, pre-made crap with cheap ingredients. Dim lighting, so it's hard to see, but once you dig through the chicken, it's disgusting! I'll never eat there again. It's a shame to Mexican quinine. read more

Came down for the weekend from Fairbanks and I had really been craving what I call "lower 48 Mexican food." Pancho's did not disappoint! Saw reviews here that said the spinach queso was top notch, and boy they were right! It was totally delicious. My better half, whose sphincter tightens when he hears the words "jalapeño", "pepper", or "spicy", was very nervous to try it since it said it was made with jalapeño cheese, but even his toddler tastebuds could handle it. I ordered the half nachos with chicken and it was a huge, delicious looking plate. My only critique is the choice of shredded cheese melted on top instead of the queso that I was used to when I lived in the lower 48. Can't beat that queso. Mm. The nachos were topped with jalapeños, but not the dinky little slices! No, these were 1-2 inch long STRIPS. And they were delicious. I also had a carrot on my plate that had been marinating with the jalapeños. Sounds insignificant, I know, but I've had authentic Mexican in the lower 48 and only one place (coincidentally, my favorite place) has ever had those spicy carrots. That one carrot made my freakin day. My better half had the chipotle chicken which he said was awesome. I was too busy swimming in the spinach queso bowl to try it though. Also, the salsa was BOMB!!! read more

Great food check my tips and my pics overall not to bad. Born and raised here in anchorage Alaska 25 + years first time here lol great food nice atmosphere not packed but the staff seems to be going thru a transitional period read more

Pancho's Villa - Reed the pic - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Ay Yai Yai!!! Excellent Mexican American food. The staff is very welcoming and friendly. We go there to get out of the sun. There are no windows and it is sort of dark. The rice and bears are excellent. The carne asada tacos are excellent. I'd highly recommend the carnitas and grab a margarita while you are there. read more

Best tacos in town. They do something special with the taco shells. I've been to other places in town and the shells are just like the kind you can buy at the store but not at Pancho's. Which makes them way better in my opinion. read more

Pancho's Villa - Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

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This place was recommended to us by a coworker. We got the spinach queso and shared the combo (burrito, enchilada, Chili relleno) it was ok. We are from Oklahoma so we are used to really great Mexican with spice and flavor so I think this place was ok, compared to what we know. The salsa was pretty good though! Staff is very friendly and the margs were strong. We won't be coming back just because we will continue on our search for 'great' Mexican food. Place was clean as well :) read more

We are from Texas and have been craving some good Mexican food since we moved to Alaska. We haven't found anything up to par. This is the best we have found this year. It may not be what we are used to but the service, atmosphere and food were all delightful. The service in particular stood out to us. She was attentive but not overwhelming. She handled a lot of tables with ease and our drinks were never empty. Our server Alex was the best! read more

We'll I came in and was sat pretty quickly. I ordered the queso spinach dip and the Tamale combo with 2 pork tamales, Spanish rice, and refried beans! The tamales were ok and so was the rice, but the beans had that taste if they were a few days to many in the fridge(spoiled)! I had two bites of the beans and it started to bubble! I finished my tamales and was gone! I do want to say the staff is the reason for the stars "very friendly" read more

Unfortunately, most of my order could not be eaten. Ordered via Doordash and specified "no ranch on salad" - I can't have it. The salad came SWIMMING in so much ranch is was leaking out of the bottom of the container. So, I paid $15 for a salad that I could not eat. Looked fine, might have tasted fine, but could not be eaten. read more

Who would have thought that great Mexican food could be found so easily in Alaska??? This place is efficient, reasonably priced, and very tasty. If you have a hankering for Mexican when in Anchorage this is definitely the place to hit up. The margaritas are also worth a taste...or two...or three ;-) As a side note they also sell gift certificates, as we purchased one for our Alaska host since he loves visiting this place every Friday. read more

Good food at reasonable prices. Get the combo platters for best value. The tacos, enchiladas, and chimichanga taste great. Will definitely be back. read more

We live out past Eagle River and try to eat at Poncho's whenever we can. We took guests with us last night and it was as delightful as ever. We know what authentic Mexican food should taste like and we are never disappointed. Our guests were in awe of the wait team and attention our small table of four received! It doesn't take forever to get your food and when it comes it's hot and delicious. The Latterys read more

Good service ! Attentive staff Food was served in a timely manner Portions are large - hot sauce is warm but not over powering read more

I just love this place! food is always on point, customer service is fabulous and I am never disappointed!

I have ordered delivery for this place due to trying out places during Covid. I love their chicken chipotle, it's spicy but not overwhelmingly hot. Will order from them again! read more

They refused to allow a substitution for carne asada even after I offered to pay the difference with tip? Their decision did not make sense during these difficult times for restaurants as we were at a table and everyone had ordered drinks. It would have been an easy decision if I was on the other side. Lost the 20% tip and my business! read more

Excellent food and quality!!! Great service.. If you come to Anchorage you have to come!!! The fajita supreme!! The best.!! The waitress are very nice!' ... read more

Pancho's Villa - The sampler!!! - Mexican Near Me - Anchorage, Alaska

Best ceviche!! Very well done on all of my Door Dash food. Everything was prepared with care. I could eat their ceviche everyday!! I'm super glad I tried them!! read more

Great experience here. Friday night at 7:00pm and we got right in, yet they were busy. Chips are just average, two kinds of salsa, mild and one that sneaks up on you! My wife had something like chicken nachos that she really enjoyed. She got the half order and it was plenty of food for her. I got the enchiladas trio (beef, cheese, chicken) with beans and rice. It was outstanding! Especially the chicken because it was so tender and flavorful. Excellent service. Every couple of minutes somebody was filling our water glasses. Great meal! read more

After having lived most of my life in Austin and San Antonio, Texas, I have been really spoiled on Mexican food to say the least. I've lived in Alaska since February of this year and was recommended this restaurant by a coworker after trying out 3 other Mexican food places I wasn't too impressed with. This one is by far the best one in the Anchorage area I've had. Nothing tastes like it was made for a buffet bar, all nice and fresh, the enchiladas, rice, guacamole, salsa, and refried beans are made just like I like them! Only downside: I've had heartburn both times after having eaten there and the food is just a bit too spicy. For being outside the lower 48, very impressive! read more

The best, made in-house tortilla chips and salsa! I loved their chx chipotle meal as well! Can't be beat, probably the best Mexican in town.

Excellent food and great service. The food always comes out quick, hot, and delicious. Their floutas are especially good!

SUPER GOOD AUENTIC MEXICAN!! Coming from Ca, we know our Mexican food :) we came in pretty late, an hour before closing, but the waitress was super nice and not rushing us at all. They gave hearty portions and tasted just like from your Mexican friends baptism :) the decor inside is a little cheap, but its cute and gets the feel of an outdoor villa complete with bud light banners. We will definitely be back soon!! read more

Sat at the bar to be served by Carlos (one of the owners) the service was great and the food was funomable! Very authentic and all fresh ingredients! read more

The past several times we have gone here , it has been completely horrible service in the bar. Tonight was the icing on the cake. The bartender, who is very well known to locals , basically ignored us. We sat at the bar with no acknowledgement whatsoever.- No hello, no napkins, no "I'll be right with you"- nothing ! We had to ask HER for our drinks after more then 10 minutes sitting AT the bar directly in front of her where she mixes the drinks. She didn't bring us chips and salsa the entire evening. I had to go into the dining area to ask the hostess for salsa and chips and an additional salsa throughout our evening and meal. Our drinks were very sub par at best, and after more than 27 years as faithful patrons at both Pancho's and La Mex, we really have no reason to go back again to Pancho's. The food was delish ( not served to us by the bartender) , however, we didn't have utensils to eat with until after the bartender realized she forgot she actually put our food order in ! I must say eating in the dining area has always been positive and super yummy, but the bar, where we always prefer to enjoy an evening, was awful. read more