Ponak's Mexican Kitchen & Bar

Ponak's claims to be known for their margaritas. I would say that depends on if you're looking for flavor or looking to get hammered. With just one Margarita you may not be able to drive. I will give them credit they are certainly the strongest Margaritas I've ever had. It tasted like alcohol with a hint of flavoring. The food was average at best, but the atmosphere and the service are second to none. It is a very quaint place to go and spend an afternoon or evening.

Soo good! The service was amazing! We went on a Sunday at 4 for my brothers birthday! Our server was patient and friendly even though we had a big group! He even took our photo. I had the lava lamp marg! Yummy and they gave him a bday shot! Would definitely recommend! The only bad thing is not much parking...

Feeling really disappointed. It didn’t take long for my group of 4 to find a table, which is always nice. This is probably where the good experience went south. We were given a server, (I believe his name is Brian, according to the manager because he never introduced himself,) who was extremely rude to myself and my sister. He approached us, asked us what we’d like to drink. I ordered a margarita, my sister went to order and he cut her off and walked away. After this, he came back to the table several times and STILL ignored her, asking absolutely nothing. At this point, we’re already irritated, so she went to speak with the manager and we were moved to another section, where he found us and gave us the sodas that he took almost 20 minutes to ask us about. During his delivery of the sodas, he goes, “why did you move did something happen?” From here, the manager removed him from us, but not before throwing the straws for the drinks *at* us, instead of handing them to us like adults. From there, we had a server named Zena who was amazing. Great service, super quick, no issues from her at all. We asked for our drinks to be complimentary because of Brian being so rude to us, which the manager hesitated to do but ended up giving us. I’d go again, but I absolutely wouldn’t sit in Brian’s section.

Ponak’s is a true Kansas City staple. The food is consistently delicious, and the margaritas are absolutely divine — plus, they don’t cause heartburn for this lady! It’s a great spot for both small and large groups with plenty of indoor seating. The outdoor patio, while cozy and charming, is better suited for parties of two to four. Overall, Ponak’s is an essential part of the Southwest Blvd experience and a must-visit at least once.

Service was excellent! I really enjoy dining here. The chips and salsa are always kept full, which I love. The tacos were tasty and flavorful, though the burrito felt a bit too heavy for me. Overall, it’s a classic Mexican restaurant worth visiting!

Southwest Boulevard has a lot of Mexican restaurants and this was my first time trying Ponak's. It definitely delivered. Delicious Food and Amazing Guacamole. Restaurant is a decent size and our server was wonderful. I had the Number 4 which consisted Large chunks of chile pork in red sauce, served with flour tortillas. I also had a beef taco. It came with beans and rice. The pork was melt in your mouth tender and amazing. The tacos were stuffed with ground beef and ton of shredded cheese on top. Food is served on hot plates I recommend you trying it out and I will definitely be back. 5 Stars

I cannot believe how incredibly rudely we were treated by our waitress. From the very moment our party of 8 sat down or waitress was rude, impatient. and had a frown on her face the entire time we were there and for NO REASON. She walked by us SEVERAL times and not even once did she stop to ask if we needed anything, ask how our food was, or offered to refill our drinks. The food was mediocre at best. The pork in my burrito was mostly fat and the salsa was pretty much just tomato sauce. We will never go here again.

Have been here before. Great food, great service, and plenty of leftovers. Will have to try some margaritas next time!

This was recommended by a local for us to try. They said it was great food, a cool old building by the train tracks with the best sneaky margaritas! And boy was he right! This place was amazing. You can usually tell a how good a place is based on how long people are willing to wait and get a seat...but this crowded little place is like none other. While you wait to get your table you hang out in the crowded bar watching football and slamming some of the most delicious margaritas I have ever had. And not your typical margarita from a machine either. These are clear. Fresh tequila mixed with just the right amount of ingredients to give you a crisp, refreshing taste that definitely will sneak up on you. Now to the food. Chips and salsa were fresh and delicious while we waited for our entree. Our server kept them coming and the margaritas flowing! Once the main course came out it was spectacular, with fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and hearty portions. So much food we had to take some home with us for lunch tomorrow. Overall, it was a great stop, in a cool historic building, with great vibes, amazing service, good drinks and excellent food! I would highly recommend to locals or those traveling through looking for excellent Mexican food! Was unique enough that it didn't taste like every other Mexican restaurant I had been to, especially the drinks! Only draw back is parking, so get creative and don't be afraid to circle around until a spot opens up for you!!!

This is the epitome of "sloppy tex-mex". I do not understand nor will I ever wrap my head around people that eat here. Ponak's is an ancient staple in Kansas City that will always blow my mind how they remain open. There is nothing upscale about this place. Plan to step on food on the floor when you are taken to your table. The entire place has a stench and the servers are rude. The menu remains unchanged. No matter what you order, it's floating in greasy beans and rice and 100% of the plates go through a microwave. Everything tastes the same. The meat is dry and obviously pre-cooked from Sysco. Just absolutely a disappointment all the way around. How they manage to keep their doors open is unbelievable. It isn't safe after dark to be around their building. Their parking lot is not well lit, full of potholes, and there's always a few odd people lurking around parked cars.

BEST. MARGARITA. EVER. I found love in the form of tequila. From the very first sip, I knew I had found something special. I asked for a skinny marg, but was told that they don't use simple syrup in their margs, which honestly makes all the difference. The flavors were bright and fresh without being overly sweet, and I could definitely taste the tequila! Don't let the appearance fool you, this little glass packs a punch! If you are a true marg lover, you NEED to come here and experience this for yourself.

Service was excellent! I really enjoy dining here. The chips and salsa are always kept full, which I love. The tacos were tasty and flavorful, though the burrito felt a bit too heavy for me. Overall, it's a classic Mexican restaurant worth visiting!

Great vibes, but not the biggest fan of the food. I'm from San Antonio so I might be a harder critic when it comes to Tex-mex food. The waiter was so nice and friendly! Service was amazing. This is probably a spot I would just go to for some inexpensive margaritas and an app vs a full meal. A lot of our Kansas friends love this place, it is a historical spot.

LOVED my pork burrito as part of their #5 Dinner Special. The tostada and enchilada that came with it were both lackluster. Will try a la carte next time. Tasted my wife's chicken flauta and it was above average as well. Solid refrieds, bland rice. Tasty and full-strength margs. Service was not the best yet not enough to overshadow all the positives. Will be back!

Very good. Go the a La carte enchiladas. Got a pitcher of margs which was great and so was the guac. Bathroom had a really funky smell but besides that it was great. Will definitely come back.

This place is pretty darn good!! Several local friends told us to try it and that they loved it. We went on Father's Day, so there was a bit of a wait. But it was worth it. Our lovely server, Courtney, let us try both kinds of cheese dip, the white and the yellow. I liked the latter and my wife liked the former better. Both were good. The salsa was super mild and pretty bland (the red one) but the green one was dang hot. It let me know I was alive. WOW! Loved it! It was too spicy for my wife, but I thought it rocked. Courtney kept our water glasses full and my soda refilled. She was great. I had a cheese enchilada with onions. My wife and I shared a #2 with a pork burrito (she ate most of that) and I had the beef taco and the tostada. She ate the rice, which was a little bland. I ate the beans, which were a little bland. I added some salt and green salsa and then the beans kicked butt. I had asked for a flour taco with my #2, but got corn. Then I asked for an additional flour taco. I wanted a crunch flour, but got a soft one. So, next time I will ask for the Taco Sonora because I think that's what they call the crunchy flour taco. Ponak's is all right. I dig this place and so did my wife. We'll be back, just maybe not on a major holiday! :)

Best margaritas on the block! Alex is working so hard and makes fire ass drinks! Please come check out!

Cool location and vibe. Service is good and friendly. HIGHLY RECOMMEND: pitcher of house margaritas!! Soooooo good! Trust me; if you love margaritas this will be your place to get them! We have been a few times and enjoy the white queso and regular tacos. Tried many items and the food is good but the drinks are amazing.

Authentic (?), fun, and fast Tex-Mex hole-in-the-wall. I was taken here by a local, or else I probably never would've thought to come here! Service was great, as were the food options: all of which were wickedly cheap and handsomely portioned...just as one expects at a good TexMexy eatery!

Southwest Boulevard has a lot of Mexican restaurants and this was my first time trying Ponak's. It definitely delivered. Delicious Food and Amazing Guacamole. Restaurant is a decent size and our server was wonderful. I had the Number 4 which consisted Large chunks of chile pork in red sauce, served with flour tortillas. I also had a beef taco. It came with beans and rice. The pork was melt in your mouth tender and amazing. The tacos were stuffed with ground beef and ton of shredded cheese on top. Food is served on hot plates I recommend you trying it out and I will definitely be back. 5 Stars

Ponak's has been a stable for many years. Took some friends after having not been here for quit a while. The food didn't disappoint and the margaritas were as delicious as ever. Food came out very quickly and was a large portion. I ended up with two meals out of it. Server was fast to refill waters and check up on table.

Great food and the margaritas are top notch! We had the tacos and tostada. The portions are huge so you definitely get your moneys worth! You'll want to have an early dinner here on the weekends because it gets very crowded fast! Also watch out for the margaritas...they'll sneak up on you! Enjoy!

The food is always great and they give you big portions. I always have trouble finishing mine. The mini margarita picture are the best.

Great good, great service, good vibes! The brisket burrito is amazing and the margaritas are mind altering.

YUM my favorite Mexican in the area. The entrance is from the back of the parking lot and if busy, can be crowded up front/in bar area while waiting to be seated but once you're sitting it's perfect. Delicious food (I get the #8 special of the chicken chimichanga), good queso and guac, and highly recommend getting a pitcher of their house margaritas (strong but good)! Service is always great here and I always find myself craving Ponaks when I want Mexican.

Ok it's Saturday close to noon the place is busy. We asked the bartender about an open table in the bar and we're sassily told to check in over there they would know. However she then came over asked about it, it was someone's table but she sat us in the restaurant. Ok we waited 15 minutes before the bus boy came w chips and tomato sauce it was terrible! No taste! Then 15-20 later finally a man came took our order! No wonder why it's being sold! It used to be the place to go for Mexican food! Not so sure anymore!

The experience in the restaurant was very nice. There were decorations for the season! It gave off a bar and grill vibe. Though, parking is a bit limited and awkward, so make sure you get there a bit earlier to find a spot. Their food was delicious! I had the fresh fish tacos and they were not the typical battered fish tacos that many other restaurants serve. Along with the rice and beans, it was a very filling meal. For the price and the portion sizes of the food, it was an overall inexpensive meal. We came in right at opening and it got pretty busy during lunch time. Despite the rush, our server was consistent and checked in with us throughout our meal! The food also came out pretty quickly considering the rush.

Ponak's on a Friday or Saturday night is a poppin place...let me tell ya! I have taken friends and family there to celebrate birthdays or to have a lively night out. If your hyped up for a good night and want to laugh and enjoy the company of the party your with, Ponak's matches that. The servers are attentive and work very hard (much appreciated). I am the kind of person who avoids chain restaurants like the plague and I have had folks come into town who are pretty much addicted to cooperate America chain restaurants and they come to Ponak's with me they find it wonderful. (Shout out to local business in KC for the time, energy, effort, and passion for providing wonderful restaurants in the community to show that cooperate America cannot be the face of the American food culture.) Downside is the parking. Terrible set up...truly...and the regular red salsa is not even close to satisfying. There fajita quesadilla is BOMB, their mexican rice is some of the best I've had. I wouldn't say this is by any means tex-mex or authentic Mexican cuisine...I feel like its more like an American Mexican flavor (it has hints of both true Mexican cuisine but at the same time a bolder and heavier accent of American influence for sure.) REGARDLESS its DELICIOUS! If you like to drink, it seems as though Ponak's Margaritas are some of the best in KC. "Turnup" A true KC vibe restaurant

I've been going to place for years...ans for me...it's never disappoints. Starting off the picante, verde and chips. I'm a big fan of the green verde - as it has a certain brightness with a backend heat....that just flat out works! The entree components are good to very good. I'm (not) usually a yellow cheese fan in Mexican food. But with their red enchilada sauce and ground beef flavor, the coke together and work well. Whether you have the chips, a taco shell or tostada round - their tortilla products all have a good classic taste. Here's one thing, that is always a constant at this place: You're (not) gonna be lonely or feel alone - this place brings the people in every day...and there are a lot of Ponak fans in KC!

The atmosphere was nice and the staff were great but the food was sub par. Everything I tried was bland. The food came out hot and fresh but really lacked flavor.

Place is bigger than I thought, clean from what I could see tho bathrooms could use some TLC. Everything from service to food to drinks were just okay. It's not a place I'd choose to go but if someone else suggested it I wouldn't say no. The portions are a decent amount so the prices are reasonable. Recommend the #1

Not a true Mexican restaurant. We all agreed it was some of the worst food we've ever eaten. The red salsa tasted like straight tomato sauce. The Flauta with chicken had no flavor. Fajita quesadilla was HUGE, but barely any cheese with a ton of peppers and onions to which my daughter had to scoop out. Another dish was a burrito that was suppose to be beans and meat but was described as tasting like a terrible sloppy joe. Overall, the server was a bit rude, never brought us silverware had to find them ourselves, didn't check when drinks needed refilled and had to ask for water when paying the check. Normally we would take our leftovers but we all decided we didn't enjoy it to take home.

Food was excellent and quick to our table after we ordered it! This restaurant is so popular but you may have to wait a minute to be seated. We went on a Saturday at 3pm and had a 20ish minute wait. Luckily the bar is right next to the entrance so you can treat yourself to a great quick marg before your take your seat. Food was delicious. Margs we're east ti drink. Queso was good and creamy

We usually come here before concerts and did last weekend before before seeing Blake Shelton. We got there around 5:45 on a Saturday and there was about a 45 minute wait. There was a big crowd, there was basketball on so it was not bad at all. We ordered a mini pitcher of margaritas. They didn't seem as strong as they have been in the past, but they were still good. We had the white queso for an appetizer and really liked it. Their main salsa is a little plain and the spicy was too spicy for me, but it tasted amazing mixed. My husband had the taco salad with ground beef and put it on chips. I had beef enchiladas. We are both ready to go back for lunch this weekend. That says a lot because we have a usual favorite Mexican lunch spot for weekends. Maybe this will replace it.

This excellent Mexican restaurant on Southwest Blvd has become a Kansas City tradition since 1975. The style of Mexican food is Sonoran, best known in this country in Arizona. The Sonora region of Mexico is on Mexico's northwester border, so the food style is similar to other border Mex styles, rather than the more diverse interior Mex styles. But there are distinctions between the Sonora style and the more familiar Tex Mex style. For example, Sonora uses more wheat and less corn than Tex Mex and the Sonora flour tortillas are especially good. The restaurant and parking lot tend to become crowded by 5 pm. We arrived at 4 pm, when parking, seating, and serving were easy. Since the parking lot tends to get crowded and tight, it is best to drive from the entrance through the lot to near the end of the lot by the exit before parking your car. Also the entrance is from the back of the restaurant, so you not only will be able to leave the parking lot easily from that location but will be closer to the entrance to the restaurant than if you park near the entrance to the lot. We ordered a la carte. We got the Chili Relleno and the Guacamole Enchilada. Both were excellent. We also got classes of Chardonnay and Red wine, which were priced very reasonably. The restaurant is known for its Margaritas, but we have not tried them (yet). Since we ordered a la carte instead of dinners, we were not provided with rice and beans. If you order the rice and beans, they will provide refried beans and Mexican rice containing chicken stock. They unfortunately do not have black beans. But if you are a vegetarian, you can request plain white rice and pinto beans instead. We did that with takeout food for lunch the next day. The dining room and the bar have no booths and are not upscale in style, but entirely adequate. Because of the negative reviews on Yelp, our expectations were not high. In fact this restaurant considerably exceeded our expectations. Our only suggestion for improvement would be to make available black beans as an option. We will be back.

Ate here for the first time after people raved about this place. Service was poor and my sauce was expired from 6 years ago. Will not be coming back.

Endless chips and salsa? Count me in! Huge portion and great price. Kinda hesitant to check this place out after reading so many bad reviews. But I am glad I went. The place was busy on a Thursday night at 6:00pm ! Food was pretty standard. Service was great. A lot of bad reviews on the parking situation. We didn't have any trouble. I am not a huge tex-max fan, but I wouldn't mind coming back here to try other items on the menu

We've eaten an Ponak's many times over the years and never left a review. Now that I'm retired, we dine at non-peak times so parking is easy, there is no wait,and the staff has time to engage with you. This joint is a KC institution so those people who complain about parking and wait time are really just saying how popular it is and how loyal the customers remain. I agree with others that the margaritas are good, you can taste the tequila and lime without the sticky sweetness you get at other places. Be sure to get some of the green salsa. Mix it with your red sauce to spice it up. Eat it with your food. The tacos are full of seasoned ground beef. Very filling. The tamales and burritos are full of very lean and tender pork. (Add green salsa). Their cheese and onion enchiladas are my favorite. Lots of shredded and melted cheese and most of us like that. (Old timers with think of Patricio's.). The rice has small amounts of tiny corn, peas, and carrots which I enjoy. That and the lettuce are the only veggies on my plate. There are lots of good Mexican restaurants in KC and Ponak's is definitely in our rotation. We enjoyed our food and the service was good.

Came here unexpectedly on a Saturday day date. We came around 330 or 4, and it was pretty busy, but no wait to be sat. Our server, who I think might also be the manager, convinced us to get a pitcher of skinny margaritas, and we got a side of jalapeños with it. I forgot to get a Pic of the pitcher, but this was one of the BEST skinny margaritas I have ever had!! The flavor was perfect, and it really had a bang to it cause I was definitely tipsy after only like 2 little glasses. Chips and salsa were complementary, which is nice, and I liked the salsa. Our food didn't take too long to come out, and when it did, it was hot and fresh. My date got chicken fajitas minus the peppers, and they made it exactly how he wanted. I got the#1, which comes with a tostada, a taco, 2 enchiladas, and beans and rice. This was a lot of food, and I could have split with someone else, but I definitely had leftovers to bring home. I really enjoyed this place but I will say that where we were sat was pretty crowded, the people at the table behind us were so close it seemed like I could hear their entire conversation. Also I didn't think the bathroom was the cleanest. Other than those 2 things, I had an enjoyable and will come back!

Many'O Mexican When you're bombarded with so many bomb Mexican restaurant on the boulevard it's hard to fall head over heels for tex-mex such as Ponak's. Often overly crowded for no apparent reason, other than decent prices of pitchers and half pitchers of margaritas, the overtly colorful outside of Ponak's must draw the customers in. But, once seated inside or on the almost never in use patio, you are greeted with a little unique treat of jalapeño salsa that is super spicy and a great addition to any meal since most dishes tend to be on the mild side. My tried and true order is usually the number 14 which consists of two shredded lean mostly white meat chicken burritos covered in melty savory white cheese sauce alongside rice and beans. It's a go to meal that is super filling, the portion size is huge and the large flour tortillas are stiffed generously with chicken tinga. The enchiladas are also a satisfying meal and the quacamole has always been fresh and in season. Really, no real complaints go to Ponak's, it's just not the most authentic or original Mexican restaurant.

Arguably one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in Kansas City...let's hear a major shoutout to Ponak's! This restaurant is one of the best spots for margaritas that pack a PUNCH! One of my favorite parts of experiencing dinner at Ponak's is the complimentary salsa, because you get to enjoy two kinds of salsa with unbelievably fresh ingredients. This is a great spot for happy hour too! Other top favorites: housemaid queso, guacamole, fajitas, enchiladas, & more! You must add this spot to your KC bucket list!

Hands down my favorite Mexican place! Why? The margaritas are STRONG, the cheese dip, CHEESY, the enchiladas, saucy but not overbearing, the tacos, PACKED. I could go on but that would take away from you going there and experiencing it for yourself! The service was good especially for how busy and packed they normally are. Overall, you'll want to head down here for good drinks and good food!

First time at ponak's happened a couple of hours ago on December 23, 2024. Reasonable priced food and drinks. The fajitas and chili relleno were way above average. The salsa was average. Will definitely be back when I'm in the kc area.

I've never felt so rushed in my life at a restaurant. Literally so uncomfortable trying to eat and drink and to celebrate a bday drink. It was embarrassing for me because I was the one who was hyped up to take my partner. This restaurant closes at 9 and they were literally picking everything off our tables at 7pm! And putting up chairs to close down. Smh Wahhwahhh. All bad. Margarita was good but the food was average.(I didn't get a chance to actually savor it) So the one star was due to the comfort level of trying to eat dinner. I ate so fast and was not able to finish my drink. Left in a disappointed mood.

I came for a quick lunch on a Sunday. The entrance was in the back of the building and only marked by a small sign on a solid door that looked like it could have gone to the kitchen. When we walked in, there was a slight mildew odor. The bar is a good size and has plenty of beers on tap and, of course, the Chiefs game on all the TVs. :) The restaurant seating area in the back was no frills. The food was quick to arrive. The chips were hot and fresh but lacked salt. The red sauce was meh. It was smooth and had no distinct flavor. The green sauce was spicy and chunky (just the way I like it). I had a classic frozen Margarita. It came out really slushy and very cold but quickly watered down. Also, the glass had very little salt. I ordered the carne desebrada. The meat was nice, my burritos had lots of broth and tons of meat. The beans were tasty too. I would recommend this. My husband ordered the huevos rancheros. The eggs were cooked well. The chunks of meat were so-so, the flavor was mild and slightly chewy. The tortillas smelled and tasted store-bought. The rice that came with both dishes tasted and looked like it was reheated (the peas were dry and wrinkly).

Al pastor tacos were fantastic in terms of seasoning/flavor. Nachos were good and white queso was a good dip. Rice and beans okay, pretty good for tex-mex. Service was super quick and responsive. Seated quickly and served quickly. It was busy, seating was good enough for a quick sit-down, a bit loud.

Come for the margaritas but go to Los Tules for food! (BTW, Los Tules margaritas are dern good. I just don't feel good saying don't go to Ponak's at all).

We ate here w family Saturday night. They were able to accommodate our table for 6 very quickly. The parking lot and bar/waiting area was packed, yet we were able to get seated within minutes, impressive really. L raved about his margarita, flavorful & strong. Not just mixer & ice w a hint of tequila. I was never a huge fan of this place but this weekend they surpassed my expectations. The waiter was excellent, quick & attentive. The food was more than good. I HIGHLY recommend the huevos con chorizo. I truly can't wait to go back just for this dish. The refried beans were the best refried beans I've had in a long time. They must have changed some recipes. I don't remember their beans tasting that good. L really liked his burrito. D was not a fan of the fish taco she ordered, vegetarians/pescatarians can't be trusted, (who invited her anyway?!). Someone at the table always says the salsa tastes like catsup, I don't eat salsa so I couldn't care less. To each their own on that one. The servings are huge. Leftovers will feed us dinner tomorrow night too. This place is a KC original that has withstood the test of time. There's a reason they are busy every night of the week. If you haven't been in a while give 'em another try, you might be pleasantly surprised like I was

Went to Ponaks and it seemed like the whole town was at the bar because of the basketball game. Customer service was great and the queso was great too. Seemed very much like a Tex mex restaurant but very good food. I would definitely go back!

We arrived to Ponak's around 4pm, we actually found a parking spot in the front of the Restaurant, parking is sort of limited as there are several restaurants in the area. Ponak's is a busy restaurant, the entryway/bar area was packed. I found my way to the hostess stand and put my name in for party of four, we were told about 20 minutes so we found a little area by the bar to stand and wait. It didn't seem like to long of a wait, once we were seated we were greeted with chips and salsa at our table and our server came to take out drink order. After we placed our dinner order we munched on chip, salsa and guacamole that I ordered as an Appetizer. Our meals showed up quickly, it all smelled amazing! It came out fresh, hot and delicious! I do not like burritos much but I love Ponak's Burritos and always order it now(after trying a bite of my sister's)my Aunt and Cousin had never been and they thought it was fabulous. My Aunt commented on how busy it was and I told her it's Always like that but well worth the wait!!!

I love Ponak's! Drinks: Margs on the rocks is the only option here! It's clear as day... literally clear. These margs have knocked me out once or twice.. maybe three times. However, I love it! Best Marg on the rocks in KC! Food: I've been getting the SAME thing here for years, because it's honestly the only thing on the menu that I find desirable. Chicken Nachos with a side of sour cream and white Queso on top (Trust me). However, on this occasion I was trying to make a "healthier" choice so I went with the chicken fajitas. They weren't bad, but weren't a show stopper either. Just some chicken and veggies! The chicken could have been seasoned better. Service: The service is usually good. It really depends on who you get! I haven't had any terrible service here though. Overall, just go when you want a Marg that will take your worries away!

Let me preface this review with some background - I am from Arizona and I am used to more Sonoran style Mexican food so this was different to me - but Ponak's served as a great introduction into a different style. The inside of the restaurant is very unique, be it pictures of old comics (think, cover of an old Spider-Man or Batman) to pictures of Babe Ruth. My part of four arrived in the peak lunch hour but only had to wait 5 minutes before we were sat. Our waiter, Bob, was a very friendly gentleman. He was everything you want as a waiter - a human. He didn't give a cookie cutter response when asked for a recommendation, he gave a true recommendation and upon learning I'm from Arizona recommended a Yuenling - which honestly makes me mad that I can't find a Yuenling where I'm from. The chips were crispy but the house table salsa was reminiscent of a normal tomato sauce. Kind of bland but ok if you don't like spice. The green salsa however was legendary - great flavor with a nice kick at the end. Now onto the chimichanga... the queso drenched over it was good, I'm just not used to it. The flavor was definitelythere but I did notice at the end I wasn't as fond as I was earlier. Everyone's different, don't let my preference of cheese in a Mexican dish deter you. The rice was great, cooked to perfection and had an excellent flavor. The beans were also good, I hold the thought that you can judge a Mexican spot by the beans and Ponak's passed the vibe check. For four people to eat and drink the bill was very, very fair. If you're in KC and looking for a nice place that isn't BBQ to sit back and share a meal with friends this is your spot.

The margaritas were decent. I was excited to try the fish tacos, but the fish was unseasoned. The sauces couldn't save it. The salsa was meh. I did like the beans and rice. There's not a lot of parking. The place is way bigger on the inside than it looks.

they were closed at lunchtime due to a technical problem. Bad rating because they had no solution even a temporary fix.

This place is a must-visit. Make careful to combine the green salsa with the red if you enjoy spicy food. Ponak's is ideal for big gatherings! Every time I go out with colleagues, we get a half pitcher of their renowned margaritas. Additionally, if you want to stray a little from the menu, get the Burrito Papas with chorizo, white queso, and a fried egg on top. Everyone that I've brought there ends up buying this and loving it!

Can't say enough about this place!! Food is always awesome and the people are friendly. We got chicken fajitas and the margaritas!! Those drinks are strong but so good!

-The margs are the strongest in town, hands down! -The food is Tex Mex. -Ponaks serves my favorite queso (queso blanco) -Inviting atmosphere. -Andrew, one of the manager(s) is awesome!