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3 stars 75 reviews

Poncho's Mexican Restaurant

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827 Denman St
Vancouver, BC  V6G 2L7

(604) 683-7236

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Other Reviews from the web
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3 star rating
October 03, 2015

We went last night only to find that Kaeta had sold the restaurant. We have been going for years mostly because of her. The decor is mostly the same but they added a larger bar. The menu looked about the same. We were very skeptical but staid as we had a group if 10 friends meeting us there. The waitress was okay but not the most friendliest. She did her job and that's about it. I ordered a... more

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3 star rating
June 27, 2015

I know I'm spoiled being from So. Cal. But this may be the worst Mexican food I ever had. I will admit the service was not any help to this review. They were slow and rude. The so called "best margarita" was terrible. It was like they took sweet and sour mix and poured it over ice! And when our food finally came out it tasted awful! If your looking for Mexican food try somewhere else!

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3 star rating
January 02, 2015

QFirst time back in five years. Sad to see things have gotten worse. Friday night, practically empty. Not a good sign. In spite of it being nearly empty it took forever to get our food. At least a half hour. We had to ask what was taking so long. My main interest to go back was for the ceviche. I remembered it was quite good five years ago. Not anymore. For $9, way too much useless, cheap... more

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3 star rating
November 22, 2014

Tonight we had a Saturday evening dinner... on Sunday. We're pretty sure the food was re-microwaved, at least we all agreed that's how it tasted. The service was really bad considering there was only 2 other tables to take care of. The owner was really nice, but they forgot to bring people water when it was ordered and someone's order was completely wrong. We told them, and instead of leaving... more

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3 star rating
November 05, 2014

This place must have changed hands recently because the food is not as good as it used to be. Very disappointing fajitas..dry and tiny portion of guacamole and sauce. Atmosphere different too, wait staff non too friendly or attentive.

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3 star rating
September 21, 2014

Excellent service. Excellent food! Reasonably priced, an all around wonderful experience. Being from Mexico, I don't get easily impressed by Mexican knock-off restaurants. Definitely recommend this place!

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3 star rating
August 04, 2014

I love this place.
It reminds me of my family in Mexico - the food is real. So many places have canned pre-fab looking food. This is just like mama makes! (Senora mama didn't pay me to say that...but I do need to add that in).

The quality is wonderful. The MOLE is awesome (for some an aquired tase - but it should taste like a slightly spiced cocoa goodness sauce - atleast in my opinion.
Senora... more

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3 star rating
There must be some confusion
July 27, 2014

This place was amazing. Been there 26 years. Expect long lines. In the heart of north Vancouver. We had the aztec soup and chicken fajitas.

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3 star rating
July 17, 2014

I'm Mexican and this is the first and last time I go to this place. Service, food and drinks thumbs down... Disappointed. I'm even surprised this place is still working.

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3 star rating
June 30, 2014

Good Mexican food, friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere. We'll be coming back here again.

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3 star rating
June 13, 2014

Ordered again via Just-Eat... Estimated delivery time was about 45, and my order came pretty quickly. The 3 stars are for delivery time only.

The chimichanga I ordered is extremely dry (present tense... I'm eating as I type), and room temperature. As are the rice and beans. Asked for extra sour cream on the side, and that didn't make it into my delivery. Very disappointed tonight. Not worth... more

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3 star rating
Bad, begrudging service; Terrible mojitos
May 16, 2014

We stopped by for drinks only, having had dinner earlier in the evening. Upon informing the hostess upfront of our intention (to have drinks but no food), we were instantly given a sour attitude and promptly treated rudely for the remainder of the night. (Water glasses were removed from the table and napkins messily strewn...)
We ordered mojitos, which took... more

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3 star rating
Muy Bueno - good food, Fun time
May 06, 2014

We had a great dinner at Poncho's Mexican Restaurant. I had a Quesadilla, others in my party had a variety of dishes. Everyone was quite happy with their choice. You can enjoy a Corona or Sol, or splurge and have a flaming coffee made in front of your table. This was my second experience at Poncho's, and I will definitely... more

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3 star rating
Great little neighbourhood Mexican restaurant
April 23, 2014

It is a good spot if you have a craving for a sit-down Mexican meal. Good value and good food, great margaritas. great neighborhood spot

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3 star rating
March 22, 2014

We saw reviews all over the place for here so decided to decide for ourselves. 4 star food and service. But a 1 star for bathrooms. They're a bit short handed but extremely nice. Strawberry margarita over lime any day.

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3 star rating
to die for salsa, ok food but where the hell is the service
January 30, 2014

This feels like a resturant on the verge of greatness but is not there yet.
Here is the deal....we get there on a Thursday night about 7 pm..only 4-5 tables full. We order a $10 seafood soup and did not get the salsa and chips till after we got the soup which took about 20 minutes. We used the groupon... more

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3 star rating
disappointed
November 18, 2013

We attended for dinner using a Groupon Voucher for a choice of either Vegetable or Chicken Fajita (2 for 1). We both opted for chicken. The regular price for the chicken fajita is $14.95 plus taxes. Chips (bought) and salsa (homemade) were complimentary and was very nice. The chicken fajita though had no flavor, was mostly fried onions, had pieces... more

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3 star rating
October 26, 2013

It was decent, not outstanding but not bad either. Live music on weekends is a nice touch. My lime margarita was a bit too salty but it was a generous size. My dinner companion liked that there was at least a decent selection of beers to choose from. The verdes sauce on my enchilada was yummy and the beans and rice were good, so not bad, I would go there again.

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3 star rating
Good
October 22, 2013

Food was good with lots of flavour, atmosphere was ok, service was decent. I would go back because I like Mexican food but it was really nothing special.

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3 star rating
September 14, 2013

My friends and I have been enjoying Kaeta's amazing hospitality and excellent food since the late 90's. This place has earned it's long stay in Vancouver's ever changing lineup of places to eat!

Be sure to try the Mole or the Enchiladas Verde! And for a real treat, have Kaeta's make you her famous coffee. But be warned, you'll need a cab for the ride home. This coffee is for adults!!!

Oh and... more

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3 star rating
September 08, 2013

I hate that this review is going to be so negative. Honestly the service wasn't bad & the complimentary chips at the beginning of the meal were good...unfortunately it all went downhill from there. The portions were generous but the rice and beans & enchiladas all seem like they had been plated & reheated. The sauce/beans had this creepy heavy film and the cheese was thick/oily/waxy like it was... more

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3 star rating
September 08, 2013

Good food and friendly service. Nice authentic margaritas. Try the paella, you won't be disappointed.

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3 star rating
Good mexican Food
August 26, 2013

I find that the food on the whole is good/very good. From my trips to Mexico, the food at Poncho's is quite authentic to that of what I have had down there. The price does not hurt the wallet too much, and the nachos are killer. In all seriousness, nachos have been a let down at other places since I... more

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3 star rating
August 19, 2013

from beginning to end, a terrible dining experience. nearly empty at 7:30 on a Friday night (should have been the first sign to run back out the door), the servers could give 2 s@!%s about the customers & were completely dead behind the eyes, the chips were definitely not homemade, and the food was seriously gross- i mean bad. when i finally managed to get the attention of my server standing at... more

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3 star rating
Reasonable prices in a normally over priced area
August 12, 2013

We had dinner here during our last vacation. We just stumbled upon it on tripadvisor and thought we would give it try. Food was good and service was good also. The only strange thing I noticed was a extra charge for a a second basket of chips. Overall a good place to eat!

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3 star rating
Good local restaurant
August 11, 2013

This restaurant was a good find when we were staying off Robson Street. Busy, but without feeling overbearing, it was a hive of lively chatter while we enjoyed our drinks while waiting for our order of Quesadilla and Enchilada. The food was good and fresh and service slick. A good bit of showmanship was the 'El cafe Senores' which was... more

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3 star rating
July 24, 2013

Some-what good food, but it was way too dry. The chips were fantastic but refills cost 5.99! It's not a fancy place either. The service was not great at all. We asked for a UN-SWEET tea, and they returned with a ultra sweetened tea. Coke products are also not sold here. It says they serve Coca-Cola but it is clear that the so called coke is actually Pepsi. Well the place also was empty and a... more

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3 star rating
June 16, 2013

Between our table we had the paella, caesar salad and chicken fajitas and they were all really bland and disappointing. The caesar salad had a very interesting description which included avocado and apple- yum! sadly it was just a normal caesar salad with a completely inaccurate description. We also had margaritas that were not very cold at all, and a little too sweet. It was overall... more

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3 star rating
hidden gem
June 08, 2013

Tasty, large portions of food. Quick and helpful service. Very reasonable prices. The corn chips and salsa as nibbles to start with were welcome and tasty. The margaritas were delicious. If you have room for the Mexican coffee the sparkling performance is a treat. The singer was good and we went back on the Saturday to listen to him again..... more

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3 star rating
June 07, 2013

Had the Shrimp fajitas and sangria, excellent all the way around. Good sized portions, great casual atmosphere, they have a guy playing guitar singing songs on the weekends. Much better than the other Mexican places in town ie Las Margaritas or Pepita's.

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3 star rating
It was good
May 27, 2013

I thought the drinks were good. My meal wasn't great, but I think maybe that was authentic mole'. Everyone else enjoyed their food. I just chose the wrong dish. I would try it again and get something different.

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3 star rating
More than we expected
May 23, 2013

We found a fine little Mexican restaurant on Denman Street-Poncho's. The place is easily found,only half a block off Robson Street, very close to downtown. We were greeted warmly by the staff, and quickly felt at home. The room looks truly Mexican with a variety of decorations appropriate to a Mexican restaurant. The food was served in good time and... more

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3 star rating
Ok mexican food, good entertainment
May 08, 2013

FIrst off I normally would not recommend Vancouver BC for mexican food but being that it was Cinco de Mayo and the restaurant was 2 blocks from our hotel we decided to give it a try. This is a fine place but the food was just ok. Kind of bland and lackluster. They had a great singer who provided entertainment... more

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3 star rating
May 08, 2013

Rude staff combined with so so food equals 1 star.The margaritas were cold. Food bland and tired, like the decor.A Taco Time would be an improvement.

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3 star rating
Felt like home
March 21, 2013

Being from Texas I know my way around Mexican food. This little spot in the West End of Vancouver made me feel like I was back in Dallas. The chips and salsa were spot on and the margaritas to start were tasty and packed a punch. I started with some prawns that were sauteed in garlic and spices, cooked to... more

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3 star rating
January 03, 2013

always a solid Mexican place here, almost 20 years in business by family-owned, authentic Mexican no doubt.

Good portions, good ambience yr typical west end crowd. Generally a good time here w/ friends. Then again, not much choice of mexican in this part of town.

also live music too.

parking as expected in DT.

their signature is their coffee show, with the big flame & they even close the... more

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3 star rating
Poncho's Mexican
November 01, 2012

Good food and ambience. Came here while we stayed at Robson's street. We missed out on the live singing as we came during his last performance. Overall, was very good.

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3 star rating
Poncho's
October 21, 2012

We visited Poncho's while staying on Robson Street. It was recommended to us by the hotel staff.
We were very pleased. Tasty authentic Mexican food, and great service. Very reasonable prices too. I had the prawn fajitas, they were very nice. The only complaint was one of the meals came with far too much salad!

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3 star rating
Ponchos is good homemade Mexican food
October 19, 2012

Kaeta is the owner and operator and she is always there to make sure it's good. I have been going here ever since it was the only option for Mexican in the West End. Now we have more options, but mostly chain places or small counter service places. If you like the food in Mexico you will like Poncho's, Everything... more

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3 star rating
Disappointing
September 25, 2012

Indeed, the complimentary nacho's and salsa were great, but that was all. We had the fajita's, which were very dry and bubblegum-like to chew on, while the Chimichanga was dripping from fat with very poor taste. Eating here is wasting your stomach.

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3 star rating
September 21, 2012

Terrible experience. The food was mostly okay, kind of bland, but the service ruined it for us. We were seated immediately, then waited and watched as two tables after us had their orders taken. Finally we were served. A vegetarian in our group wanted a simple bean and cheese burrito, which was not offered on the menu. The closest option was beef, bean and cheese. It took quite a while to... more

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3 star rating
Had a great evening at Ponchos
September 18, 2012

Four of us dined at Ponchos, ordering 4 different dishes. The portions were generous and everyone enjoyed the food. The staff was very friendly and polite. I will go back again.

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3 star rating
Authentic...I think not
September 12, 2012

This is the second time to Poncho's on Denman, we were there a couple of years ago and it wasn't great then, BUT, because it is in our neighborhood and everyone deserves a second chance...right!
As it goes this time was no different. When we arrived the Waitress's were all over us, kind of annoyingly, for our order. When we... more

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3 star rating
July 14, 2012

My wife and I decided to try something different from our usual fare for our anniversary a week ago. So we ended up downtown and heading for Ponchos. We were not disappointed with our decision, it was a sunday night and when we walked in we got the last table, sitting in front of the live entertainment.

Now at first we were a little unsure given being right in front of the singer, however that... more

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3 star rating
June 10, 2012

Great authentic food! Friendly service! We love coming here and hope to be back again soon.

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3 star rating
April 15, 2012

Disappointing. Chips seem to be from a bag, salsa is too salty, I can make better margaritas at home, and the main courses are just ok. A bit overpriced for what it is, although the service was pretty good. I should have known better than to go to a Mexican restaurant in Vancouver but I was looking for something different. Try your luck somewhere else unless you're desperate for Mexican food.

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3 star rating
Authentic mexican food delivered with great service and understanding of children's requirements
April 06, 2012

Authentic mexican food delivered with great service and understanding of children's requirements. Famnily run restaurant where the wife was very helpful in helping us order and then the food was superb.

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3 star rating
I don't understand how this place is still around
January 26, 2012

This is the first time that I've ever felt compelled to warn people not to go somewhere. Poncho's looked really promising at first. Cute little place, a mariachi band was playing, the menu looked decent, complimentary nachos and salsa....and then it went downhill. Bad service...to the point where my friend ate his fajita with no tortilla or sauces...more like some... more

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3 star rating
August 28, 2011

Very Very good nachos and burrito. Actually the Nachos were amazing and made me feel like sleeping! (Which is good!) The menu was extensive and affordable and there were many creative drink options. The Sangria and Margaritas claim to be the best in the city. Another reason to go back in my opinion!
It is also in a beautiful location (West End) and is a convenient walk to downtown, Second Beach... more

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3 star rating
August 16, 2011

Terrible is all that comes to mind.
I had always driven by Ponchos always wanting to give it a try and I finally did. What a mistake. Where do I start?

The service was horrible:
- over charged for food ( no apology)
- abrupt and rude waitress

The food was terrible:
- chicken breast had no flavour, menu said it comes with guacamole. none came with it, when asking for the guac, huge attitude.
-... more

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3 star rating
August 16, 2011

My husband and I used to love to go here for the food and the large portions, unfortunately, it seems since our last visit, things have changed...Trtilla chips seem to be out of the bag, portions are way smaller, and food quality has gone downhill. We usually get the Poncho's platter for two and it was a huge disappointment. Small side of rice & beans, no tortilla's, chili's were tasteless and... more

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3 star rating
August 06, 2011

Look no further, this mexican joint is pretty good!! If you are just back from an all inclusive, or went back packing in the Mayan Riviera, then this place is for you!! Only down side was that I never see drink specials....

If they had Corona buckets or cheap drink nights I'd come more often. Food was quick, and the servers are straight spanish!!

Enjoy!

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3 star rating
July 02, 2011

Worst Mexican Restaurant I've ever been to. The food was a huge disappointment, but what really sealed the deal was how terrible the service was. The entire serving staff was not welcoming or attentive, or appreciative... Had to ask for water, had to ask for chips, had to ask for a plate- received a dirty plate, had to ask for more water, had to ask for our bill.... and then, when the bill was... more

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3 star rating
Blandest Mexican food in Van
June 17, 2011

I spent most of my life in Southern California and so while I have high standards, the food at this place is bad even for Vancouver. The real issue is not the food quality but that it has no rich or spicy flavor. When the owner asked me how I liked the food she flat out said she caters to... more

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3 star rating
March 18, 2011

Great if you are looking for Authentic Mexican restaurant in Vancouver!

Decoration is full of Mexican fun! Sombrero hats act as lights hanging from the ceiling. Mexican rugs are hanging on the walls. Waitstaff is dressed in traditional outfits.

I had the Chili Rellano. It had a good amount of spice, but not over or underwhelming. The chips and salsa were good. Salsa had a little bite and... more

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3 star rating
October 27, 2010

That Vancouver suffers in the Mexican department is well known, and Poncho's does *nothing* to alleviate. I visited this week and am sorry to say that the tortilla chips out of a bag and the salsa given to start were the highlights of the meal. At least the salsa was flavourful. My 'vegetable' enchilada was stuffed with 85% potato. Yes... starch on starch! And my chile relleno was a sorry lump... more

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3 star rating
would not go back
October 07, 2010

The service was almost too rushed. We barely sat down and the waitress asked what we wanted to order. We ordered a drink first and then as the she stood waiting at our table we felt we had to order our food as well, not busy enough in the restaurant to move us through quickly. Anyhow beer is cheap, the... more

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3 star rating
September 23, 2010

my man just loves mexican food and I love not cooking

so we decided for date night we'd try our local mexican place - Poncho's. As we find our couch more comfortable than eating in a restaurant most nights, we grabbed some takeout.

The ladies of the restaurant were all very helpful, Mr. Poncho kept asking me to have a seat while I waited to order and/or pay in the gruff way in which I've... more

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3 star rating
August 05, 2010

Have you ever seen the 1994 movie "Nell" starring Jodie Foster? It's the story of a young girl who raised by her mother in the wilderness, isolated from society. When her mother dies, Nell lives on her own and develops her own unique language.

While visiting Poncho's for the first time, it reminded me of Nell. It's as though the restaurant's food was isolated and developed far from its origin,... more

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3 star rating
August 01, 2010

Sorry Poncho but my hunt for the perfect mole continues.
I've searched across this city for the best Mole Negro, or at least something that matches the quality of the Negro from Oaxaca.

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3 star rating
July 25, 2010

Friend and I have been going to this great west end Mexican restaurant for a number of times now. Originally from Mexico he assures me that this place and Las Margaritas are two of the better and authentic Mexican flavor.

We tried nearly everything from the menu as both of us are food whores - well... he likes to sample and am basically a garbage bin when it comes to food - i eat anything and... more

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Ponchos for dinner
May 25, 2010

Ponchos is a wonderful place for a nice meal. I have enjoyed the food and atmosphere for over 12 years now and my wife and I still go once a week. Kaeta is a wonderful owner and the staff are friendly and helpful with my Spanish lessons. The Food, did I mention the food? It is always bursting with flavor. I love that we are served chips w/ fresh salsa included with entres. The portions are good... more

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3 star rating
February 16, 2010

Wow what a disappointment. Where do we start.

Margarita: Was frozen (I guess should have specified I wanted it on the rocks). If you claim to have the best margaritas in the city - here is a tip - skip the margarita mix and try real lime.

Comp Chips and salsa: OK mediocre bagged chips and bad salsa

Tortila Soup: This is one of my favourite things in an "authentic" Mexican restaurant. This is... more

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3 star rating
January 02, 2010

The best (boozy) lime margaritas in town!!! (when made properly, known to be inconsistent at times) My favorite dishes are Jumbo Nachos, Carne a la Tampiqueña and the combo choice of Beef Burrito and Chile Rellenos. I honestly love this place and it is my favorite Mexican restaurant in the city. I love the decor, tacky as to be expected. They seem to have traditional live music every weekend,... more

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3 star rating
A mix of great and so-so
August 27, 2009

We were in the mood for Mexican, so we went somewhere close. Some things were excellent (salsa, guacamole, service, quick arrival of meal) while others were average or a bit "ho hum" (store-bought tortilla chips, meat needed more seasoning/marinating, rice a bit bland, atmosphere a bit drab). Vancouver being a city of great restaurants of all types, there's no reason... more

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3 star rating
Best Mexican in Vancouver
January 08, 2009

We've been going to Poncho's for over 20 years. The menu changes some with time, but the food, atmosphere, and owners are still the best! It's homey, noisy and lots of fun, and the food can't be beat!
If you want a truly mouth-watering dinner with a variety of flavours, try either the Carne Mexicana or the Carne Tampequena. If... more

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3 star rating
Tasty Mexican in Vancouver
August 25, 2008

My husband and i stumbled across Poncho's on our last night in Vancouver (had it been our first night i think we would have eaten there every night). It was packed to rafters with locals ( surely a good sign) but we didn't have to wait long to be served. We were treated to a huge bowl of complimentary nachos... more

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3 star rating
another local favorite
August 09, 2008

another local favorite.

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3 star rating
Besides the cozy atmosphere, the menu offers more than fajitas and nachos
July 28, 2008

Besides the cozy atmosphere, the menu offers more than fajitas and nachos.

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3 star rating
Don't expect your order
June 01, 2008

Don't expect your order to be correct or your water to be refilled, but it's damn tastey.

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3 star rating
March 22, 2008

Discrimination After having been there with different groups, I was surprised to discover they discriminate against the Asian populace. As long as you have one 'white' person in your group you will get better service. If you have an exclusively Asian group they will make your visit as horrible as possible.

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3 star rating
Cute place and they also
February 26, 2008

Cute place and they also deliver in the west end. Good guacamole! I like the veggie fajitas!

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3 star rating
I find that the food on the whole is good. From my trips to Mexico, the food at Poncho's is quite authentic to that of
December 22, 2007

I have scaled Poncho's up to 4, but I would say it is more of a 3.5 star. It being the first rating, I don't want discourage people from going.
I find that the food on the whole is good/very good. From my trips to Mexico, the food at Poncho's is quite authentic to that of what I have had... more

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3 star rating
September 24, 2007

A family owned and run restaurant that has been in the same location for ages. The food is excellent, the staff are friendly but can be very busy at the weekends. Well worth the wait though! The best Mexican experience I have had outside of Mexico.

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3 star rating
November 29, 2005

Poncho's is outstanding! Poncho's coffee is a must )

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Business Description from the Web
English
July 20, 2013

Poncho's Mexican Restaurant offers these services: mexican, restaurant, mexican restaurant.

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