Señor Pancho's of Prospect — Restaurant in Prospect

Sooo torn... Just like Waterboy, momma says, gotta tell the truth so here goes. Note to self (and anyone reading) I'm from Seattle and had amazing Mexican food available anywhere you turned....Here in CT, not so much

Service was actually phenomenal. 3/4 people were taking care of us...great teamwork happening. I think a pretty solid way to know what to expect in a Mexican restaurant is the chips and salsa. I mean does it get any more fundamental than chips and salsa??? That's like Mexican food cienta uno right (101)??

Chips were really good, had nice body/salt balance and salsa was, not bad but not good. Sorta like having a cheeseburger at a steakhouse. It might taste good but you knowww it could've been a lot better.

I like to let the staff tell me what to eat in a new place so I'll say surprise me and give them two option which is what I did...Tex Mex burrito or their fajitas. Server asks...do you like cheese? Me certainly (assuming she will recommend the burrito which has a nacho sauce on it). Server, ok, fajitas are best! I'm good with that. Ody enough when they came, there was no cheese. Guess I should've ordered the hamburger at the steakhouse right?

Fajitas are pretty straight forward...peppers, onions, maybe another veggie or two, some meat, seasoning (1.09 on sale in this week's add for fajita seasoning). Grill it up some put it on the sizzle platter and in the words of Emeril "BAM" you can hear rhat dish headed to you table.

I load up the tortilla with the fixins, add some rice and beans and salsa and dig in. I noticed something strange but thought I was just too hungry, ate so fast, it must have been me, so round two here I come. Nope...not me. The salsa was a Rockstar compared to this....no flavor at all. (Insert sad face here). Weird thing is, we went here because we had enjoyed a meal previously at another of their locations. They need to visit their other places to see what right tastes like I guess.

Sorry to cut this off but we are home now with lots of leftover ths trees to get in the fridge and I need to fund...

I am a lifelong local, and have eaten at this establishment many times from when it first opened in Prospect, to recently (Dec. 28th 2017). While the food was absolutely delicious when it first opened, the past year or so has seen a huge decline. I don't know if they changed kitchen staff, or recipes, or what, but the food now is absolutely terrible, and it's always a huge wait to get even the most simple menu items out. On top of that the price have skyrocketed. The last straw was when I had to wait over an hour for a takeout order. The food was atrocious, and it was obvious that whatever kitchen worker made it obviously couldn't care less, as it was just slapped together haphazardly and was a gross soggy mess. The only good experience there has been the wait staff which is always very nice and very apologetic for the kitchens ineptitude.

In short, I used to love this place but the food is miles away from what it used to be, and it is now the worst Mexican restaurant I know of. I would not recommend it to anyone at present, and sincerely hope they get their act together.

In response to the owners comments:

The issue is not the style of Mexican food. The issue is that every time I've ordered food from you it is terrible. Correct me if I'm wrong, but regardless of whether it's Southern Mexican or "Modern Mexican" style, a taco salad should be in a tortilla that is at least slightly crunchy right, Not a grease-drenched nightmare where you can bend all the chips 90° without breaking right? Let's try it again. Regardless of style a chimichanga should be cooked so that the inside isn't cold right? Oh, and for those two simple items it probly shouldn't take an hour right?

The fact that you try to cover your behind by trying to imply that my palette is the problem is extremely insulting, and I will be encouraging my friends and family to...

The restaurant is very nice inside & out. I really like the decor! In the front entrance on the wall are the art work of kids that have visited the restaurant. Old Mexican pictures, the rustic color, the glass jars that act as a separation between tables & so much more. You'll have to visit to see it all. There are clean dinning areas & bathrooms. Wheelchair accessible. Great for someone single (taking themselves on a date) or someone with a family (wishing they were single with no kids😆). There's bar, dinning & outdoor seating! I was greeted right away, asked where I'd like to sit; outside patio was suggested & I took it. What a gorgeous evening & patio. Umbrellas cover mosaic tables & chairs. It's fenced in with wonderful greenery & an astonishing view of the cresent moon. Kyle was my waiter & he did a great job. As soon as I sat down he came over & told me that chips & salsa were on the way & asked what I would like for a beverage. He gave me time to look over the menu which has many delicious dishes. I ordered the Steak Taco Salad & I was not disappointed! The wait time felt like no time at all. I ate a few chips with salsa; which had so much flavor & was the right consistency. Then my food was served at the correct temperature with my customizations (no beans, no tomatoes & balsamic vinegarett on the side). Needless to say I tried my best but I took home a leftover container. The portion was enough for two people & it was yummy! Kyle made sure my glass wasn't empty & didn't bother me while I was eating, which I appreciate! I didn't have to embarrassly answer any questions with a mouth full of food! When I was finished I took in more of the twilight as the day was finally coming to an end. The check was reasonably priced & I was happy to tip Kyle because of the great service. I will recommend Senor Pancho' s to everyone! Stay...