Taqueria Pancho Villa

Pancho Villa has been in business for over twenty years to my recollection. Always dependable for a good burrito, it has been a standard for our household as a “go to” restaurant for a quick meal. It is perpetually packed every time we stop by, so for years we have enjoyed it as a take out operation. When Groupon had a promotion recently, I purchased the discount coupon, knowing full well that I would use it. In fact, I purchased two. I went in with a friend and decided to actually sit down for a meal other than a burrito. I chose the Carne Asada dinner. In truth, I was not impressed. It was good, but not very different than their burritos, as it came with rice and beans and a small side of guacamole. There were seafood options that I didn’t have time to look at as I stood in line at the counter. I think they will be worth a try some other time. But as take out, because the restaurant is chaotic at best and does not provide a relaxing setting for a meal. One cannot hold a conversation there due to the excessively loud noise level. My dining companion literally had to shoo away other patrons as they attempted to share our postage stamp table.

  

Here’s a photo (to the left) of the Carne Asada Burrito that I found much more satisfying than the dinner version. It held less meat, but the dinner was a hearty portion and probably too large, even for someone who was really hungry. You cannot fault Pancho Villa for serving generous portions. Of the two burritos shown I must say that the Carnitas Burrito (on the right) was more to my liking for one simple reason. The meat was more tender and flavorful.  I selected pinto beans instead of black beans, but that difference was imperceptible; it was the meat that made all the difference. Grilled beef will never be as tender as braised pork. Pancho Villa uses a lean cut of beef for grilling and pork shoulder for the carnitas. Cooking any meat until it falls off the bone will result in a more tender product, and the fat didn’t hurt the flavor either.

http://panchovillasf.com/

3071 16th St San Francisco, CA 94103

Tel: (415) 864-8840