Poncho's Mexican Food and Cantina

We were excited to go since it was so busy on a Tuesday lunch hour & near our home. The cantina bar area seemed cool. We were sat in a back room in the "restaurant part", by ourselves, near a service station. Atmosphere was not good. The food was not impressive either. We were hoping for so much better. We had the chile rellenos which had way too much egg & yellow cheese, not authentic. The chicken fajita salad was just huge chunks of peppers, onions & a tiny bit of lettuce, although chicken & dressing was good. Our server disappeared we had to ask someone to find her so we could pay & leave, waited for like 15-20minutes after we finished our meals. Might try the Cantina/Bar area again but kind of disappointing.

Food was good, everything was hot and ready to serve. Our waitress was kind and attentive.

We always order takeout. Inside is cool though its fun to sit there and drink those frozen margaritas. The to go service is extremely fast and they have great staff. I suggest the green and red chili burritos.

We came back to try Ponchos after a number of years. They've remodeled and it's very inviting atmosphere. You can make reservations specifically for the Cantina/bar area which has live music some nights as well as big screens for sporting events. Tortilla chips were light and crispy served with delicious salsa. Good selection of standard Mexican fare as well as their house specialties. Margarita was decent and beer prices were very good.

I wish I could leave 100 STARS!!! I’ve been to Ponchos a few times before, but today’s visit was beyond incredible! From the moment we walked in, the hospitality from the hostess and every staff member was top-notch. However, I absolutely have to give a SPECIAL shoutout to our server, Jaela – she was simply outstanding! Her attentiveness, kindness, and impeccable service truly made the experience unforgettable. Every detail was perfectly handled, and her upbeat, professional attitude made us feel so welcome. 10/10!!! The food and drinks were absolutely amazing, as always, but it was Jaela’s service that really took it to the next level. I sincerely hope everyone gets the chance to be served by her, although I’m know every server at Ponchos is fantastic! And to top it off, the best part of the experience was the unexpected surprise—the entire staff singing Happy Birthday to me! It made the day even more special. Thank you to Jaela and the whole team for making this such an incredible experience!!!

Our meal was very delicious. Although today there was very Bad service. The lady kept walking away from me when I was trying to put our appetizer order in,so all the food came at once. And she didn't give us utensils when our food came. We had to flag her down to bring them and her attitude was just very nonchalant and dismissive, not hospitable at all. My husband even mentioned how maybe we should just leave because she didn't seem too interested in us being there. Anyway here is some photos of our mean to share. If you've never been to ponchos the service is usually great. And the chips and salsa is always something to look forward to when you get there.

This place is classic. It's a well known restaurant in south phoenix. The food is really good but not the best. The authenticity is the main attraction, as well as the bar. A bit cramped in the dining areas but I would definitely come back.

Way too dark Sat at the bar the service was slow and not friendly. Happy hour more like ummmmm...its a local watering hole needs better music and happy bar tender lights and better food if your going to charge so much. This place is an easy pass for me. No pictures it was too dark.

The food is truly 3 stars. I ordered shredded beef tacos, and my partner ordered a enchilada style chicken burrito. For the shredded beef tacos, I find it difficult for shredded beef to taste like anything but a flavorless dry mess. All you could taste was the shredded lettuce and cheese. The enchilada burrito was supposed to have a jalapeño cream cheese sauce, which just tasted like a whisper of jalapeño, and just a whole lot of sour cream. I'd suppose the beans and rice were acceptable, but it's hard to mess that up. Service was just there. No one looked like they wanted to be there and it felt a little off putting. I'd describe them as a little curt. There was one lady there who did seem okay to be there. Ambience is nice, it's very taylored to a Mexican home style aesthetic with nice historical quips about the upbringing of the company. Quaint is a nice word to describe it as. There seems to be three seating sections of the restaurant and can hold large parties.

Poncho's is truly a gem! Once a family home, it has been transformed into the most charming and quaint Mexican restaurant that's both local and family-owned. It's become a go-to spot for me, my friends, and my family--we can always count on a wonderful experience here. The Clinton Room is such a unique and fun touch, celebrating diversity and inclusion in a way that makes the restaurant feel even more special. The staff is always quick, attentive, and genuinely friendly, which adds so much to the welcoming atmosphere. I've tried just about everything--the chimichangas, the presidents choice, tacos, tostadas, and cheese crisps--and every single dish has been top notch, cooked to perfection each time. I've been at least 15 times, and not once have I had an issue. If you're looking for consistently excellent food paired with warm service in a one-of-a-kind setting, Poncho's is it!

I really would love something positive to say about the food. To keep it short - this place it's freaking horrible. Just believe the 3 stars and keep it pushing. Details below: I'll start with the business itself. It's off a side street and it's very authentic on the inside. Feels like a mexican home idk it was just very welcoming. There's 3 parts - the takeout window, the restaurant, and a bar on the opposite end. We went to the takeout window. Service was mediocre. Just a girl at the window. I asked for recommendations but she'd never eaten anything, just told me what were popular orders. This should have been the first sign. The food was absolutely horrendous. I mean I just really don't know what they are doing in that kitchen. I got the green chile burrito and it was like american beef stew in a tortilla. My partner got carne asada which was a slab of untender beef with unseasoned sides. It ticked him off so bad he couldn't even eat it. The rice and beans were mid but truly the only halfway edible thing on the plate. I 100000% recommend not going here based off the strength of that. This is NOT mexican food. We should have stuck to what we know. I wish I'd taken pictures but I was just simultaneously over and underwhelmed.

My favorite restaurant in AZ! I grew up in the area and this was a staple in my family at least once a week. I now have a family that I take here once a week to keep that tradition going. The food is authentic and tastes like no other. The service is always good, never had any issues here. The recently remodeled the place and it looks so much nicer! Best Mexican food in AZ hands down.

This is a nice neighborhood gem. We enjoyed the chimichangas with both red and green sauce. Delicious. Interior looks great. Bartender is super attentive and gives strong pours. Wait staff is very friendly and sharp. Bar area is nice to watch sports while having dinner.

When we found out the restaurant and bar reopened two years ago we were shocked. As the frog said, "Times fun when your having flies." Covid, light rail building, remodeling, our lives. I was taken right back to our meals here with Mom and Lucille - a family favorite. They were present in spirit, appropriate so near to Day of the Dead. We were seated in the bar. I've been in many bars, from a dim, beautiful San Francisco Bay grand piano beauty to the Snug SalSalloon; sawdust and peanut shells on the floor, beer kegs for seating around cable spool reels, Harley crankcase covers and never mind hanging from the ceiling. Poncho's is between those bar bookends. A pleasant, well lit room, jukebox with an app hanging on the West wall. Plenty of screens around for sports. Another review said "Best Michelada." Someone ordered a slushy Margarita. I had a cup of Farmer Brothers tea with lemon good as any in the USA. The food. That's why we are here, right? Chips and salsa. We got a second order of thin, crispy chips. The salsa was inappropriate for Chile eating contests but fine on our palates. Tasteful, but not enough to break a sweat. Sweet D and I split the red chile burro, enchilada style combination. The small pork cubes were tender the red chile had no bitter lingers in flavor. The sauce-softened flour tortilla wraps up my comment on flavor and texture. The women had their standard ice tea. I had hot tea. Service was very good, plus many smiles. We are glad Poncho's is fully operational once again. Like William J. Clinton, we will return.

Not sure why this place only has 3 stars. It's a Phoenix staple and one of our go to spots. It gets busy around dinner time, so sometimes you can expect a wait. Worth the wait in my opinion because the carne asada plate is fire!

So , the waitress forgot to put our order in, so we were sitting there for 20 minutes drinking tea and eating chips. We finished one bowl of chips and she brought us another bowl of chips. I guess at this point she must have realized why are they just drinking tea and eating chips? She then checked on our order and found it was not entered in. At the end of our meal, there were two of us, she comped my meal, so we just paid for one.

Yet another sit down visit. They've done a great job working with the construction team and now have a turn lane into the restaurant. They now open at 10:30 AM since they serve desayuno (breakfast). We arrived at 11:30 and it was nearly empty. By the time we left, there were 15 people waiting for tables. We were greeted immediately and offered menus, water, chips and salsa. They had an updated menu but I forgot to get a pic. My wife ordered a two beef taco combo and a margarita while I got the signature Crudo Burro and an iced tea. It came to $40.69 plus tip, which was well deserved. By the time we were almost finished, our server, Zita, was hopping. The tacos came with plenty of beans and rice but since the order took 12 mins to arrive (when they were still slow) they added an enchilada to the plate, which was awesome of them. My Machaca Burro was big, filling half of the oversized plate. Beans and rice filled the remainder. The flavors at Ponchos have always been top shelf and today was no exception. The savory meats, the rich sauces and the always yummy beans and rice. I have always been excited to heat up my leftovers and tonight will be no exception. Come to Ponchos, help a restaurant that has trudged through a lot of street construction and enjoy some classic eats.

I love Poncho's so much! I just discovered this place on Tik Tok and dang, it hits so good. Delicious, comfort food style Mexican food. Ive gone a couple of times and haven't had something bad! I usually go during lunch and the bartender Rihanna always takes such great care of us! I love to try new things so I had their Poncho's pizza and then I went for Taco Tuesday too. Literally so bomb, I wish this place was closer to me!

Poncho's is my bi-monthly go-to and it never misses! Service is quick, food comes out fast, and everything is always fresh. I had the weekend-only pozole verde this time-- and it was so flavorful and comforting. Consistently delicious, consistently worth it. This local spot is always worth a try if you're on this side of town!

The food was delicious, served hot and fast! Margaritas were spot on. Our server was prompt and attentive. We sat in the bar to watch the Packers and Cowboys game...TV's were on all the walls so you could see the game at every angle! We settled our bill, boxed up our "doggy bags" and left. Once home, my husband realized he left his cell phone, hopefully, on the table. It's already past 9 pm, closing time for the restaurant. They answer! And yes, his phone was found.... I ask if we could come back to pick it up.... Was told the doors are closed but we could go to the takeout window to pick up his phone.... We fly back to the restaurant. My husband hopped out and headed to the takeout window. Gets his phone!!! Yay!!!! He gives the girl a twenty and tells her to spilt it with whoever found the phone.... The girl hesitated to take the money. She said that wasn't necessary... my husband was determined to give her the money.... She finally took it, but asked, if he was sure....he told her YES! He appreciates their honesty! It was an awesome evening....

I visited Ponchos 1 time before, but they were extremely busy with a line out the door, so I decided to go somewhere else. Luckily, this time, they weren't very busy at all, and I got right in. They do serve chips and salsa, which i love. Not to many Mexican restaurants do this anymore. I ordered the combination meal of 1 taco and 1 enchilada that came with beans and rice. It took about 10 minutes for it to arrive. The taco had a unique, hard shell that was fried just recently. Definitely not a taco shell that came packaged. The enchilada was ok, nothing to special about the enchilada. The total bill came to about 17$ after the tip. When leaving, i noticed a line at the door just like the first time I came here. I recommend getting here before 6pm to avoid waiting

Food was awsome, service was awsome. Large serving of everything. 4 star rating would recommend to any one who likes Mexican food and wants the best, also ice cold beer and mix drinks.

Bra, who made the burritos today haha, my burrito was jacked up like they couldn't even get it folded right.

Beautiful home/restaurant! Food was very delicious and quite filling. I didn't care for the salsa but it was free with chips. My party sat where President Clinton did apparently. Their food reminds me of Serranos. Spanish rice was alright, I liked the beans much better. I would go back but not out of my way

My cousin brought me some for lunch. She went on a Friday at noon and waited about 45 minutes. She said they seemed to be short staffed. The food was yummy. I haven't had poncho's in years. I got the pollo fundido with rice and beans. Everything was still hot when she got to me and the chips and salsa were bomb! I didn't eat at the location so I can't speak to cleanliness or vibes.

I love the history of this restaurant and I like the cozy multi-room setting. (And nothing is as exciting as sitting where a former POTUS sat!) I've also always had good service here. That is why I was so sad recently when I ate here that the food just wasn't that great. The rice and beans were good, but the taquitos and chimichanga were just bland. No flavor. Guacamole also had no flavor. So sad. We were putting salsa on everything just to make it taste like something. Wish it had been better!

The food is always excellent! And the server was polite and manner able! And that's why we gave her the tip we did!

I can't speak to the service of ambiance, but I have had their food catered at staff meetings more than a handful of times. The brown mini chimis are flavorless (couldn't tell the difference between the types of meat) and are mostly just tortilla, the salsa is watery, and the guacamole tastes like the spread that you get at Subway, essentially bland blended avocado. The cheese quesadilla is soooo greasy and also flavorless. The chips are very thin and somewhat greasy/undercooked. The apple and cherry filled dessert chunks are decent, as are the churros.

Good drinks and the bar has a good view with 3 tvs and a big projector for games. The food is more like Tex mex rather than authentic Mexican food, but still good.

One star because zero isn't an option. I was really looking forward to trying the albondigas soup here, but I was extremely disappointed. For the price, I expected a hearty, flavorful meal--but instead, I got a watered-down broth with barely any meatballs and a few scattered veggies. It felt like a side portion at best, definitely not worth the cost. If you're considering takeout, I'd recommend looking elsewhere like Food City across the street. Totally not the value or quality I was hoping for.

Can't stress this enough, the food is fantastic. The service is spot on and the ambience is soothing.

How in the world does this place only have 3 stars here? The food is fantastic. The best chorizo and eggs I have had, tender meat and plenty of eggs mixed in and not greasy at all. The refried beans are great. Everyone here loved their food and while the place was busy the service was still good. A must try for sure.

We had reserved the big table in the bar 3 weeks prior and because the owners wanted it they kicked us in a corner. The staff was very rude and our orders we had to keep asking for over and over again but all attention was on the owners table they took 45 minutes to make a Mojito. They never brought our coke. The service was absolutely horrible. We were asking several different waitresses for our drinks and not one brought anything out. The sat more of the Family behind us and they absolutely catered to them and made sure everything was hot and ready. It was our 1st time there and will definitely be our last. We were treated so horribly wrong. Never will I spend one cent in there! Our waitress was an ugly hearted person with her blonde hair and heavy body. Never have We ever been treated so ugly. Don't go the food was horrible and COLD when it came out. A 14 dollar Avocado appetizer came in a Styrofoam littlest cup ever. I was appalled at our treatment.

Really likes this restaurant I been going here for over 20 years food always good good customer service except today I got a combination with two beef enchiladas with rice and beans and this time for some reason the beef was really hard and dry big disappointment hopefully it was only once and they keep making really good food we ll see

Ambiance was great! Place was clean. Service was fine. Food was terrible :( Chips were good. Specialty salsa veggies were old and flavorless. Fajitas meat was bland and weird because it was cooked in SOY SAUCE! Yuk!

Ponchos. If you are a South Phoenix native, telling you about Ponchos is already known to you. Started as a restaurant put of a house in the early 70s, they are known for their homemade food to die for. The "lobby" is small, and the seating area resembles the days of when it was a private home. If you are lucky enough, you'll get to sit in the Presidental room, name so because one of its claim to fame is the fa t that in the 90s, President Clinton dined here. You'll see (sorry no pictures) a painting at the table he ate at. You'll be protected by the Secret Service while dine. The food as mentioned before, is to die for. Living in Oregon, I dream of being able to bite into one of there fresh made Poncho Villa. I've been eating this meal since I was 6 years old. The appetizer if you are so inclined, is the famous Cheese Crisp and there salsa. If you wanna treat your taste buds, visit their newly remodeled place and enjoy a cold drink. You will not be disappointed!

Food was alright. A little bland for my liking. Definitely more American than Mexican though. Server was polite enough. I asked for Chile Relleno which states $8.95 on their menu. Server asked if I wanted rice and beans (not specifying that this costs $6 more!). I said yes, thinking it was included. I was shocked when I got the bill and it had increased to $15! I wish they were more transparent about this. Rice wasn't even worth $3 extra let alone $6! I doubt I'll ever come back.

This place has gone downhill!! 100% will not return and in my opinion do NOT recommend!!!! Clearly I am livid I placed an order 2 days ago for platter pick up at 1:00. No apology nothing that my order was still not ready at 2:00! Worker basically had the attitude that she did not care! This platter or food definitely not worth frustration!! The chimichangas were also overcooked....not worth the $123 I paid for two platters! Never again!

Terrible food now what happen? Got the pollo fundito so small and they gave me a chunk of cream cheese not jalapeno cream cheese! The beans taste like can beans sadly they fell off won't go back should of took pics

LOCAL FAVORITE! As a South Phoenix native, I have been coming here frequently for literally my whole life, ordering taquitos or cheese crisps as a kid and then upgrading to enchiladas or chimichangas as an adult. This restaurant has been closed for dine-in services during the pandemic, and finally opened back up with a nice renovation just a week ago! I love the salsa here, it's spicy and a smooth sauce rather than a chunky pico. It has great flavor and chips always come out warm. The portions are huge here, I can hardly finish a chimichanga plate. The prices are great. The food is a great classic Mexican flavor, nothing too fancy but they do it well. This is in my top 5 Mexican restaurants! Come give it a try, don't listen to the bad reviews

The new owners have ruined this place when the Vasquez family owned it it was very nice. The service is terrible. The food is bad.

Try the Shredded beef! Amazing. Can't wait to visit again. First time visit, will try again when I'm in town!!

Not really worth the money. For lunch time. Not sure what's going on at dinner time. Tacos a little greasy, and fell apart right when I touch them.

Food service and ambiance was all amazing in addition to the food qualities and the time received after ordering. Staff was so friendly they actually had to turn people away towards end of the night. Super glad we got our table it was well worth the wait. I'd highly suggest anyone come here. Ample parking as well

Food was great and Jess was awesome and very accommodating! I'd recommend the nachos and the tortilla chips are good enough to eat without salsa I'll definitely be back

I have been coming here probably for about the last 45 years. The food is great, the service is good, I always get takeout because I never have time to go in and enjoy the atmosphere inside. I always get the same thing as does my mother. I hope these guys thrive and keep it going for more generations.

Location; North of Baseline on Central, stand alone building on the west side of Central. Restaurant has been a staple in the valley - older authentic appeal. Food; Combination Platter with Chili Relleno - mighty tasty, the sauce was seasoned not to spicy. Large amount of food on platter. Chips and Salsa were ok. Service; The server was friendly and outgoing.

I went here for lunch to try the Mexican pizza and Cadillac margarita and I was not disappointed! I got shredded beef on the pizza and it was seasoned perfectly and was so tender! Their chunky salsa was the best paired up with the fresh chips. Then margarita was so delicious. My friend got the chicken fundido - wow! Beyond good. Highly recommend!!

Great iconic restaurant in Phoenix. Lots of seating and delicious dishes. The chicken fundido was soooo good and a must especially if you haven't tried it before. The large margarita is huge and delicious so come with friends or family and feast on food, fun and fundidos!

I have been coming here for years but just recently went after moving back to Arizona. This place is still the same! The service is always fast, friendly, and the food is fresh! You have the option to order at a walk up window or go inside for sit down. I am hooked on the red chili and bean burrito! The meat is perfectly cooked, tender, and well seasoned! These beans people.....no corners cut! You can taste the freshness of the food! You might as well order an extra tortilla because you will want it! I love their salsa but I also love that they are not stingy with how many servings of it they give you with an order. Great local restaurant!!

Poyo fondido with cheese (deep fried burrito with chicken inside) This meal was absolutely DELICIOUS, I cant even begin where its just perfect YOU DEFINITELY NEED TO HAVE SOME YOU WILL NOTT REGRETT IT have a nice dayy

$95 for 1 beef chimichanga 2 Kids meals 4 chicken tacos 6 taquitos as in 6 individual pieces, not 6 full orders of taquitos that come with 3 individual taquitos each. After I explained to another girl that I didn't ask for 6 separate orders of taquitos, but only 6 actual taquitos (literally 2 orders) she supposedly gave me a refund but I see no pending transactions on my online checking account. Poncho's, why are you making me jump through hoops to get my money back?

Poncho's is on my short list for its friendly service and good food. The Barrio old fashioned is one of my favorite drinks here in the valley. And the best thing of all, it's pretty close to home. Definitely recommend it!

I've been here before and the food previously has been very delicious and the service has been very great but today the food was mediocre and the service was also mediocre. Maybe it has to do with the fact that we arrived an hour before closing. There was something off about the chicken during this visit. It tasted very bland and the texture was very flaky almost like tuna as if it came out of a can. My friend ordered rice but they gave him beans instead. We didn't make a big deal out of it since were not that picky but that just proves that they weren't listening while taking my order. They brought us warm chips in the beginning which was nice and they also brought an empty salsa cup. When we asked about the salsa they brought it. When we finished the first salsa cup we asked for more salsa and they said it would be an extra charge. We said okay and just played it cool because at least the first salsa cup was complimentary, right!! WELL NO THEY ENDED UP CHARGING ME FOR 2 SALSA CUPS!!! They were very deceptive. When we asked for a to go box they didn't even offer a bag. Service today could have gone better. I honestly loved this place but after today I'm not sure I'll be back.

I wanted to love this place again. It went down hill in the 90's and I thought with the re-grand opening, they would kick it up a notch! At every turn there are short cuts. My margarita was so watered down, I asked them to make it over again... lemonade was stronger than this. I asked for a shot of tequila to add to it. That gave me a kick, but still no flavor. It even looked like glass of water with lemon squeezed in it. I ordered my beloved enchilada, tosatda plate. The tostada was on what looked like a raw corn tortilla, so soggy, I laughed because I could fold it in half like a taco. The enchilada had a trace of cheese, and to make the plate look full, they topped the plate with a mound of wilted shredded lettuce. The rice was al dente and cold, the beans were really dark and dry. My husband's Carne asada was tough, had a salty and gamey taste. Almost tasted like this meat probably should have been thrown out instead of served. And they gave him flour instead of corn tortillas as ordered. Unfortunately, it was so bad, we left after a couple of bites. In 50 years, I NEVER EVER remember ever NOT finishing a margarita! It appears Ponchos has no problem finding people to work. There are a ton of employees walking around. Maybe, forgo some of the staff to bring your food back to par. Please note, I grew up down the street and came here often. Back in the day, my favorites were the cheese enchiladas and their chips and salsa. Being Mexican myself, I always thought their food was similar to what I grew up with. Today, it is nothing close to the quality that it once was.

Every restaurant should have a hostess like Joann she was incredibly amazing kind funny and welcoming. We enjoyed a great family reunion with my in laws; Best michelada's I've had thus far. Even though I reside in chandler I'm hoping to revisit poncho's in the future. Happy holidays to every staff member!

Horrible, lazy, slow, unapologetic, no communication, are the employees. If you dont like your job get another one. Why have online ordering to pick a time only to show up at my pick up time and WAIT 45 MINUTES past my time until my food was ready. Apparently everyone says the same about this place, the service is ALWAYS like that. Extended family own this restaurant, I think I need to reach out and let them know how people are running their business.