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oChef » Señor Pancho – San Diego
Señor Pancho - San Diego
Photo from Señor Pancho
Señor Pancho at a glance
San Diego Montezuma Mesa
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 65 of the guests
#659 out of 755 places to eat in San Diego
#106 Mexican Restaurant out of 113 in San Diego
Average
5.3 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
301
Reviews
43.2%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Mexican flavors
- Convenient access
- Extended hours
Frequently criticized
- Poor service
- High prices
- Order errors
The restaurant Señor Pancho is a vibrant Mexican Restaurant nestled in San Diego’s Montezuma Mesa neighborhood. If you’re looking for a quick bite that doesn’t compromise on flavor, you’ve found your spot.
This casual eatery offers a welcoming atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Whether you’re grabbing a meal on the go or settling in for a relaxed dining experience, you’ll appreciate the convenient service options available to you.
Overview: Introducting Señor Pancho
Señor Pancho offers a mixed experience, often praised for its flavorful food and convenient access, especially with its late hours. However, some patrons have noted inconsistencies in service and concerns regarding overall value.
While many appreciate the quick preparation and the ease of their drive-thru, others have encountered issues with staff professionalism and order accuracy. It seems the quality of your visit can vary depending on the day.
Average
5.3
out of 10
301
Reviews
43.2%
Satisfaction
135
negative
36
neutral
130
positive
Señor Pancho holds an overall score of 5.3, placing it in the average range, with customer satisfaction at 43.2%, indicating a mixed reception. This suggests that while some aspects are appreciated, there’s considerable room for improvement, as reflected across 301 customer opinions.
Looking closer, Food leads with a score of (6.0), often highlighted for its taste, though opinions are quite divided with 10 positive and 10 negative remarks. Ambience scores (5.7), suggesting a generally acceptable, if unremarkable, setting.
However, Service (3.9) and Value (3.7) fall into the lower average to poor category, drawing 10 negative comments for service and 10 for value, compared to 10 positive for service and 4 for value.
What people like
- Flavorful Mexican food
- Convenient drive-thru
- Late operating hours
What people don't like
- Inconsistent service
- Pricing concerns
- Order inaccuracies
Señor Pancho presents a classic case of a restaurant with potential, offering enjoyable food and practical convenience for those on the go. However, be prepared for a potentially uneven experience, particularly concerning staff interactions and the overall cost of your meal.
With a recommendation score of 5.5, it suggests that while many find it acceptable, it’s not a unanimous endorsement. If you prioritize quick, late-night Mexican fare and can overlook occasional service hiccups or higher prices, it might be worth a try.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Señor Pancho
Food (6 out of 10)
mentioned by 92% of the guests
The food here offers some real highlights, with many raving about the delicious California burrito, flavorful Carne Asada Fries, and fresh ingredients. Patrons often praise the generous portions and tasty hot sauce, making for a satisfying meal. Overall, the food scores an 6, placing it in the average range, with a customer satisfaction of 51.1%, suggesting a mixed experience.
However, not every dish hits the mark. Some experiences mention issues with inconsistent burrito size, soggy food, or wrong ingredients. There are also comments about dry meat and too much oil in certain items, leading to disappointment.
These concerns contribute to the mixed feedback, based on 176 comments, with 90 positive remarks and 63 negative ones.
Food
176
Reviews
51%
Satisfaction
63
negative
23
neutral
90
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Best California burrito
- Fresh ingredients used
- Flavorful meat options
What people don't like
- Inconsistent portion sizes
- Soggy food quality
- Incorrect orders received
Often praised
- foodFor convenience, there's a drive-through option for taking food to go, perfect for returning to an apartment or dorm. You will not be disappointed in the food.
- California burritomy all time favorite place for a California burrito
- Mexican foodGreat fast Mexican food
- rolled tacosmy favorite is rolled tacos with sour cream, guacamole, lettuce and cheese
- BurritoRecommended dishes:Burrito
- FoodFood:5
- fish burritoOrdered fish burrito. It was delish.
- taco shopThis is the best taco shop around my neighborhood most of the time. However, they have one cook who is not so good.
- California Burritoit’s amazing
- CarneThe Carne is flavorful...marinaded good
Frequently criticized
- foodThe food was terrible, honestly the worst taco shop
- burritoOrdered a BRC burrito with sour cream, paid $11.75, they gave me a BRC with carne asada.
- burritosburritos are enourmous except this time.my machaca burrito was a few bites
- carne asadano so much their carne asada
- carne asada friespaid extra for Jalapeños on my carne asada fries and not received them
- hot cheeto burritohot cheeto burrito and they gave it to me SUPERRR watery
- nachosfrom the burritos to tacos and even the nachos, the food is all so dry
- salsaasked what kinda salsa we wanted we said both and asked for extra
- Carne asada burritothe smallest Carne asada burrito I've EVER purchased
- Diablo shrimp burritoDiablo shrimp burrito is so hot..I used to be able to eat habaneros and ghost pepper but this burrito took me back for about 15 minutes every bite.
If youre craving Mexican food, this spot can be a hit or miss. While some dishes like the California burrito and Carne Asada Fries are highly recommended, be aware that consistency and portion sizes can vary. Its worth trying for the popular items, but manage your expectations for others.
Service (3.9 out of 10)
mentioned by 61% of the guests
Many customers appreciate the speedy and friendly service here, often highlighting the convenience of the drive-thru. With 24 positive remarks, folks frequently mention friendly fast staff and quick service, making for a smooth experience, especially when you're on the go. However, the service experience is quite poor, with 48 complaints outweighing the positives.
An overall score of 3.9 (poor) and customer satisfaction at just 32.4% (poor) reflect consistent issues like poor customer service, order accuracy problems, and rude staff attitudes, which can really sour a visit.
Service
74
Reviews
32%
Satisfaction
48
negative
2
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fast service
- Friendly staff
- Convenient drive-thru
What people don't like
- Rude staff
- Order errors
- Poor customer service
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Mexican place with the best prices and best service. I've become a regular customer because of the quality and value.
- ServiceService:5
- drive-thruYou can also order and pick up your food from your car through the drive-thru, which is convenient.
- 7 yearsBeen going there for over 7 years.
- drive throughYou can also drive through
- drive-through ladyrudeness of the lady that works the drive through endearing
- foodFood came out fast
- friendly fast staffMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and very friendly fast staff. The main drawback, however, is the very small drive-thru, which is not designed for anything larger than a small car.
- friendly servicealways friendly
- nice fellathere a very nice fella always hooks me up.
Frequently criticized
- stafftheir staff at the register are always unprofessional
- customer serviceTerrible customer service by Hispanic cashier lady
- orderShe took my card, said nothing, brought the food, and walked away without acknowledging my "Thank you. " Upon driving away, we discovered the order was wrong: Pollo Asado fries and a Carne Asada burrito. We immediately returned to the store.
- serviceIf you're expecting any kind of service, go someplace else
- cashierTerrible customer service by Hispanic cashier lady
- closing timeshows they close at 3AM, you make the trip/drive and they refuse service
- refund16 for bean burritos, and the staff member accused me of not giving him a dollar because he saw me watching him pocket it. I then paid him an additional dollar and decided to get a refund. I witnessed him do the same thing to two other people.
- workersthe workers appeared to be drunk or drugged up
- answer to even complainthey dont answer to even complain
- attention to detaillack of attention to detail twice
If youre looking for quick service, you might get lucky, especially with the drive-thru. However, be prepared for potential frustration, as many customers report rude staff and frequent order mistakes. Its a gamble, so consider if the convenience outweighs the risk of a poor experience.
Ambience (5.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 24% of the guests
When it comes to the vibe, many folks appreciate the convenience of this spot, especially with its free parking and late hours. There are 11 positive remarks out of 26 total, often highlighting the overall atmosphere and even mentioning nice touches like sheltered seating. It seems like a handy place to grab a bite, particularly if youre looking for something open late near SDSU.
On the flip side, the ambience isnt without its challenges, with 7 negative comments out of 26 total. Folks mentioned the general atmosphere wasn't great, and parking can be tricky, especially with a small drive-thru. The overall score sits at an average 5.7, and customer satisfaction is a mixed 42.3%, indicating some clear areas for improvement.
Ambience
26
Reviews
42%
Satisfaction
7
negative
8
neutral
11
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Convenient location
- Free parking
- Open late
What people don't like
- Poor atmosphere
- Tricky parking
- Small drive-thru
Often praised
- atmosphereAtmosphere:5
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- convenient spotplace is located in a convenient spot
- free parking lotParking options:Free parking lot
- hoursOpen super late
- late hoursit's open late
- proximity to SDSUI particularly enjoy the California Burrito, which is amazing. The restaurant is also open super late and is in very, very close proximity to SDSU. However, my last visit was marred by a very rude drive-through attendant, though I suspect she might have just been tired.
- sheltered seatingsmall awning for sheltered seating
Frequently criticized
- parkingparking is kind of tricky
- atmosphereThe atmosphere was also not great
- doorAfter some annoyance, they agreed to a refund. As my girlfriend said "Thanks" after receiving the refund, the door was slammed in her face. It's difficult for me to write negative reviews, but this experience was both disappointing and offensive.
- experiencethe whole experience was HORRIBLE!
- placethe place I am living is terrible and over crowded
- small drive-thruMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food and very friendly fast staff. The main drawback, however, is the very small drive-thru, which is not designed for anything larger than a small car.
If you're after a super convenient spot with free parking and late hours, especially near SDSU, this place could work for you. Just be prepared for a potentially average atmosphere and some parking quirks, as the overall vibe is a bit of a mixed bag.
Value (3.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 28% of the guests
When it comes to value, a small number of customers (5 out of 25 total opinions) have found some bright spots. They've praised certain items as fairly priced and even affordable, with a few noting lowest prices that made their experience exceptional. It seems some folks really hit the jackpot on finding good deals here.
However, the overall picture for value is quite challenging, with a score of 3.7 and customer satisfaction at a low 20%. A significant majority (17 opinions) felt the price was too high, mentioning expensive food, unexpected card fees, and feeling overcharged or paying extra for basic sides, which severely impacted their perception of affordability.
Value
25
Reviews
20%
Satisfaction
17
negative
3
neutral
5
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Fairly priced items
What people don't like
- High prices
- Extra card fees
- Expensive sides
Often praised
- pricesMy experience at this restaurant was exceptional. I found it to be the best Mexican place with the best prices and best service. I've become a regular customer because of the quality and value.
- affordable priceat an affordable price
- fairly pricedMy wife suggested we eat at this little hole-in-the-wall place, as she had been here years ago. My experience was that the burritos are really good and fairly priced. My suggestion for improvement is that the burritos need rice and beans to provide better balance.
- itemsthe items seemed fairly priced
Frequently criticized
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was marked by great food, which I rated a 5 out of 5. However, the price was rather expensive when compared to nearby competition or similar Mexican restaurants. The atmosphere was rated a 3.
- affordabilityDon't listen to the reviews about it being affordable
- businessplace is only in business cause of drunk college kids
- canned soda$2.50 for a can soda ouch!
- card feethey also charge a small card fee.
- chipotle salsatold it was 3.75!!....for a side of salsa!!!?
- cost2 burritos for 2 people will cost you 36 dollars
- expensive foodFood is expensive
- overchargedover charged for take out
- paying extra75, they gave me a BRC with carne asada. I would excuse one time messing up but paying extra and not getting what you want is crazy. Asked for green salsa.
If you're watching your wallet, this spot might be a gamble, as many find the overall price to be quite high, especially with extra card fees and costly sides. While a few items might be fairly priced, be prepared for potentially expensive food if you decide to visit.
How are the prices at Señor Pancho?
You’re looking at roughly $19 per person – reported by 65 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most of the prices cluster nicely around this average, showing a pretty consistent experience rather than a mix of super cheap and super premium options.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 65 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value compares to similar spots in San Diego.
Overall, we think the pricing feels pretty fair for a Mexican spot in San Diego. Its a solid choice if youre looking for good value without breaking the bank.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Señor Pancho
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Regular Visit
Visit Type
- Takeout
2
Inconsistent Orders and Missing Items
I stop by when I’m in the area. The last 3 times I ordered sour cream inside the burrito, I get charged, and they forget the sour cream. Every time.
Ordered a BRC burrito with sour cream, paid $11. 75, they gave me a BRC with carne asada. I would excuse one time messing up but paying extra and not getting what you want is crazy.
Asked for green salsa. Gave me no salsa.
- sour cream2
- burrito3
- green salsa1
Service Intent
- Delivery
Visit Type
- Takeout
1
Nasty Mexican Food in San Diego
I ordered to go and this has to be the nastiest Mexican food in San Diego : (I should’ve listened to the other reviews. The enchiladas are literally can sauce. The carne asada fries literally stank like they went bad.
- enchiladas1
- carne asada fries1
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
6
Great Food, Mean Window Worker
I love Panchos, but the worker at the window was really mean. We just wanted to know the price breakdown.
- price breakdown5
- worker at the window2
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Service Intent
- Food Exploration
Visit Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
2
Disappointing California Burrito Experience
I'm on a mission to find the best California Burrito in San Diego, and this was my 28th attempt at Señor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill. The burrito itself was on the smaller side. While the meat tasted good, it came with fries, cheese, and a creamy sauce that I perceived as sour cream, but notably no guacamole.
There wasn't much filling, making it feel a bit light compared to other burritos in San Diego, which are often so large they're hard to finish. The price was slightly higher than the city average, and there was an additional small card fee. My overall rating for the burrito was 2 out of 10.
Regarding service, the staff was friendly, but there was a delay in taking my order. The convenience of ordering and picking up from your car via the drive-thru was a plus. The atmosphere attempted a Mexican vibe with Spanish radio and decor, but it felt superficial.
Both service and atmosphere received a 2 out of 10. An update after posting my initial review: A representative messaged me, claiming the sauce was a cream sauce. I found their tone disrespectful and their inability to handle constructive criticism poor.
If it truly wasn't a cream sauce, then what was put in my burrito was awful, as it tasted exactly like one.
- meat taste7
- staff7
- drive-thru8
- burrito size2
- guacamole1
- filling3
Service Intent
- Quick Meal
Visit Type
- Dine-in
1
Accused of not paying, ripped off
My experience at this restaurant was extremely negative. I paid $9. 16 for bean burritos, and the staff member accused me of not giving him a dollar because he saw me watching him pocket it.
I then paid him an additional dollar and decided to get a refund. I witnessed him do the same thing to two other people. I will never go back to this place that tries to rip people off.
- bean burritos5
- staff member1
- refund2
- rip people off1
What Señor Pancho offers
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- College students
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Kids' menu
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Small plates
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Catering
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
Service Options
- Drive-through
- Takeout
- Outdoor seating
- Dine-in
- Delivery
Parking
- Free street parking
- Free parking lot
- Usually plenty of parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options are available at Señor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill?
At Señor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill, you can enjoy a full range of dining experiences. They offer breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, with comfortable seating available. Additionally, if you’re planning an event, catering services are also provided for your convenience.
What service and parking options can you expect at Señor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill?
Señor Pancho Fresh Mexican Grill provides highly convenient service options including drive-through, takeout, outdoor seating, dine-in, and delivery. For parking, you’ll find it easy with a free parking lot and usually plenty of free street parking available.
What is the overall customer sentiment for Señor Pancho?
Señor Pancho has an overall score of 5.3 and a customer satisfaction rate of 43.2%. While Food scores (6.0) and Ambience (5.7) are average, Service (3.9) and Value (3.7) are areas where customers frequently express dissatisfaction.
Are there any notable conveniences when visiting Señor Pancho?
Yes, many customers appreciate the convenience of the drive-thru option for quick pick-ups. The restaurant is also known for its late operating hours, making it a suitable choice for late-night meals.
What are common complaints about Señor Pancho?
Common complaints often revolve around inconsistent service, including unprofessional staff and incorrect orders. Customers also frequently mention concerns about pricing, finding some items or the overall meal to be expensive.