Mr. Pancho Mexican Food — Restaurant in Mesa

I’m on a quest to find the world’s best chimichanga, and that quest led me to Mr. Pancho Mexican Food.

It’s a quaint little spot that I would equivocate to a Mexican version of a classic American diner. Old school service, classic eats, in a tight and cozy setting. The staff were incredibly kind and attentive, and my server went out of her way to ensure my visit was a pleasant one. A man who I believe might’ve been the owner even visited my table, chatted with me for a bit, and even made a point to see how everything was as I made my way out. Multiple “regulars” came and went as I was there, a clear sign that Mr. Pancho is a tried and true local spot that cares about its customers. The near 5 star rating is absolutely deserved here.

Now, onto the real reason why I came here: the chimichanga. As a rule, I always get a bean and cheese chimi, just to keep things as fair as possible. I was asked if I wanted Mexican cheese or cheddar cheese, an option I’ve never been given when ordering a chimichanga before. I figured I’d go with the Mexican cheese, which turned out to be cotija I believe. I probably should’ve gone for the cheddar, as inauthentic as it might be, for the added flavor. Cotija is great for garnish, but maybe not in a bean and cheese burrito. The tortilla itself was delicious, the beans a tad runny, and the guacamole didn’t seem super fresh to me. Some people are adamant that tomatoes don’t belong in guac, and you might say that I lean that direction, and would’ve preferred a pico de gallo instead of having the tomatoes being lost in the avocado, but that’s just a personal preference.

On the universal 13 point scale of chimichanga deliciousness, I’d give Mr. Pancho’s a 9. Not a perfect chimi by any means, but solid score in a sea full of competitive chimichangas; it’s probably worth a try with cheddar next time I come around.

But if it’s one thing that gets me to come back, it’s the ambiance. Lord knows it’s not the chips and salsa, which I found to be over-fried and extremely watery, respectively. Indeed I wouldn’t give the food 5 stars, because one’s taste in food is largely subjective anyway, but the restaurant as a whole is a 5 star...

I've had my share of divey Mexican food, so I can speak from a point of experience when I say Mr. Pancho has a great head on his shoulder.

Yes, the place is a small hut on the side of the road, enough space for some booths and a few tables. A group of us came at lunch time seeing the good reviews, and we were immediately catered to. For a lunch hour the place was relatively packed, and yet somehow we received better service than some 5 star restaurants. We received drinks, chips, and salsa (free refills) and then ordered. I barely had enough time to sneeze before the food was out.

That last statement made me a little bit hesitant about the food (how can you crank it out that fast?!) but it was EXACTLY what the doctor ordered. I had the asada burrito, and it was a good size, perfect seasoning, and great proportions. My friends had the flautas, tacos, and quesadilla, and all were very satisfied (proportions were also amazing!).

Finally the dreaded bill. Let's just say the price is EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE. all in all I'm sad that I don't leave near Mr. Pancho, but if I'm in Mesa again I'll be stopping by for...

I had been going to Restaurant Mexico for 17 years and was so sad when it closed. Luckily Mr Pancho (the chef at RM) opened this little restaurant in Mesa. It’s a bit of a hike for me from Chandler but I’ve now been coming faithfully every week for Chile relleno special, which are the best I’ve ever had! Everything here is delicious! Their Clare burro, bean soup, salsa, flan. I’m so excited to try their chilaquiles! A lot of the same menu as RM but even more options. Mr Pancho and his wife and daughter all work here and it’s awesome to support local business. They are always super nice and friendly, and Mr Pancho himself always makes a point to come out of the kitchen to say hi. Everybody I’ve brought here also loves it, from coworkers to friends and my boyfriend (who’s Mexican and knows good Mexican food!). If you’re looking for great Mexican food and great service in the East valley, give this place a try! Even when I lived in North Phoenix up by Desert Ridge I would drive all the way down here for their Chile relleno. It’s always...