Pancho Villa: Healthier Mexican Food

It is either Pupusa-Friday or Mexican Takeout Fridays for me and Enrique.

I can safely say that I have tried quite a few of the Mexican restaurants on 16th and Mission. If the restaurant is at least within walking distance from 16th  Street BART, I betcha I have been there.

Until I discovered Pancho Villa through Groupon. Not only I kept on returning Fridays after Fridays but at this point,  Pancho Villa is theMexican takeout place after my own heart. Here's why:

1. No lard. No MSG.
2. Very efficient food line and genuinely friendly staff.
3. The place is clean. You watch your food being prepared.
4.  Portions are humongous and everything is under $10.
5. It only takes few minutes to order and get your food even when they are packed.
6. Few yards away from BART. No need to stress over horrible parking in the Mission.
7. Plenty of places to sit and enjoy your meal.



The food is grilled and prepared right in front of you by friendly staff



Easy to read menu, extensive selection and efficient food line

Almost every Friday, as soon as I get home, after a quick shower and in my PJ's, Enrique and I devour our Mexican food. And everytime until last night, I forgot to take pictures of the food until after we licked our plates clean and rubbed our tummies.

I honestly had better Mexican food from other places in the Mission (Artery-clogging. Lard-filled. Heavy in the tummy. Delicious!) than Pancho Villa. However, aside from the reasons already mentioned above, Pancho Villa's fares are lighter and fresher tasting.  The portions are huge and we are always stuffed after each meal.

And they have the best award-winning  salsa bar. The salsa bar gained accolades and rewards from all over California.  They have the traditional roasted tomatoes, picco gallo, tomatilloes, whole roasted jalapenos, creamy pepper sauce that becomes my new favorite, etc. The salsa bar is clean, well-maintained and self-served.

Self-serve Salsa Bar

Award-Winning Salsa Bar

So far, I have ordered carne asada, flautas, enchiladas, spicy prawns, fried fish, etc. They also sell desserts like churros and alfajores cookies as well traditional drinks like horchata.  We have enjoyed  everything so far and devoured without complaints.  And last night, I finally remembered to take pictures of Enrique's chile relleno dinner plate and my chile relleno burrito:

Chile Relleno with refried beans and Mexican Rice: Gooey, roasted poblano peppers stuffed with cheese then fried. Delicious! $8.75

Humongous Chile Relleno Burrito ($7)

Tab: Meal for two is less than $20 including tax, tip and free chips and self-served salsa.

Foodie Girl's Ratings: 5 Highly recommended when on 16th and Mission!

Key:

0 Star: Never again!!! These people should not be in business.
1 Star: Chalk it to bad experience. Live and learn.
2 Stars: Very disappointing but there it has some good things to offer.
3 Stars: It is okay but do not expect much. I will still return.
4 Stars: I like it! I will be singing your praises!
5 Stars: I will be dreaming of you at night!
6 Stars: Perfection (or close to!)