Pancho And Willie's — Restaurant in Sparks

Ponchos was the best value in Mexican food until 6 years ago. Couched inside the very busy Western Village Hotel and Casino this restaurant was the best kept secret in the Reno and Sparks area. $12 bought a fabulous meal with a $0.99 classic Margarita. Chips and salsa were fresh and cilantro was provided only on request. I hate the taste of cilantro and avoid using it at all. Somebody at Ponchos recognized this also and I frequented the restaurant for this simple consideration. $22 would have fed 2 people and delivered (2) large quality Margaritas. Before COVID hit Reno and Sparks the ownership of the Western Village complex made moves which ruined the dining experience for locals. The busy parking lot area was redone. Access to spaces was made tighter and more difficult. Bring a nice car. Park it if you can. Expect dings on the doors from visitors passing thru. The coffee shop, Primos and Ponchos eliminated senior 10% discounts and thus stopped encouraging local area customers from visiting. Many retired people frequented these restaurants. We also brought our visiting guests here. Not anymore. Prices have been raised several times. Menus have been tweaked with and not for the better. The dreaded cilantro now appears in what was the best house made salsa North of San Luis Obispo. COVID became an opportunity to raise prices, change the varied menu offerings, remodel the seating and run off the regular clientele in exchange for increased tourist dollars. I rate the food 4 stars because the $13 shredded beef salad I ordered was worth the rating. Simple soft drink items are now $4.25!! So a table of 6 diners is looking at $30 with tax and tip added to menu which will run $130 to $180 for the main meal. This same group would have dined for $100 before the management decided to invoke their expensive changes. If you are big as-in chubby; the new table seating is very uncomfortable. The tables encroach against your stomach. This pinch point makes dining a constantly miserable event. The table height and location to the seating back support make moving a big body into eating posture awkward. The tables did not adjust their position in the booths. I would not recommend parking here, visiting here or dining here. The prices are unrealistic and being cramped while eating is not fun. What was once a great dining experience with $0.99 Margaritas is now a corporately run jungle for...

It is located inside Western Village Casino. Western Village was built in 1983 with three restaurants. It's been years since my husband and I have been here. The last time we were there it was just so-so.

The food this time was beyond scrumptious and flavorful. I got the Flat Iron Steak. Our waitress said that it was her favorite item on the menu. It came with a Southwest Loaded Baked Potato, with flavorful taco meat, cheese, green onions, bacon, and guacamole crema. It was so yummy. The flat iron steak was cooked to perfection to my liking medium rare. The side dish of vegetables was also good and paired well with the steak and potato.

My husband got the enchiladas with beans and rice. He enjoyed the whole meal. We can't wait to go back.

We also got their delectable guacamole that went well with the free chips and salsa. The chips arrived warm. It is always a treat when tortilla chips arrive warm. There is something so comforting about this.

The one improvement that could be made is the salsa. It was not as tasty or flavorful as the salsa you used to get here.

Everyone from the hostess, waitstaff, and cashier were kind and helpful. The restaurant was busy. But, everyone still made a point to make you feel welcomed and appreciated. Great customer service.

The ambiance is inviting and friendly. I love that there are little pockets of tables that are out of the way making it feel romantic. As well as, tables for families with kids. Both booths and tables are offered here.

I miss the history of Poncho and Willies that used to be on their menu. It was always fun to learn the history of this restaurant. I couldn't find any information on the internet...

A group of friends and myself go here all the time for our birthdays, 10-12 people typically. In the past we have never had a problem getting a table or any issues with the service, but this time was NOT like the past. We first got there at 7:30 and requested a table for twelve and were told it would be at least a two hour wait. Which, Okay that's fair its a Saturday. So we stick around, gamble at the tables and the slots. After about an hour of waiting two people in the group had to leave, So I approached the hostess stand to notify them our party of 12 had changed to 10. Another hour goes by and by 8:45 we are finally told our table is ready. Here's where the issue gets bad. We are taken to a table that seats 8 people, and we are told to grab some more chairs and squeeze in. Ummmm WHAT? Meanwhile behind us is a table that seats 13. I then ask to speak to a manager to move to the larger table. He then approaches and tells me, "sorry but we have a party of 13 coming in for that table". I then asked him if they had been there before us at 7:30 pm, which he replied no. So I asked "well wouldn't that mean you should have seated us there?" Which he then told me I guess so but my staff will need to buss the table. RUDE. the table of 13 never arrived and the restaurant closes at 9.... so what the hell was that all about? I called to speak to a food and beverage manager, and was told the manager would call me back. That was three days ago now. We will NEVER return...