Pancho’s Villa on Spenard

Pancho’s Villa on Spenard is just one more of the many excellent Mexican dining options we have in Anchorage. I’m getting spoiled. A slightly run down looking pink adobe building on Spenard across from Enstar (the gas company!) houses this little gem.

Inside the restaurant looks, well, just like every other Mexican restaurant. A little dark, slightly rundown, obviously Mexican themed. Cozy, rounded booths along the walls, tables with those tacky stackable chairs in the center. The dining area is decent size; you have to pass through the bar to get there – which can be a little smoky – but the dining room itself is certainly comfortable enough.

Staff was very friendly and attentive. Chips and salsa and margaritas were all promptly delivered.

Chips were crisp and warm, typical homemade triangles, I suspect. Two types of salsas were served; both good, neither exceptionally memorable. Salsa still seems to be the one area in which NO other Mexican restaurant I’ve been to can touch La Fiesta back in Cleveland.

Margaritas were good, delivered in tacky margarita glasses. These glasses were exceptionally tacky; the bases were cacti. No matter, I can survive a tacky glass with a first-rate beverage inside.

Menu had an awesome variety to choose from. I had the pollo en salsa verde, which was pieces of chicken, mushrooms, peppers, and onions in a green sauce. Yummy green sauce, and you all know how I love mushrooms. Tim had carnitas michoacanas, a pork dish which primarily consisted of tender roasted pork with sides of sour cream & guacamole. Both dishes came with typical rice and beans and were quite good, although neither was ‘out of this world.’ I guess I would call the cooking ‘competent plus;’ I wasn’t blown away, but yet I still want to come back and sample other offerings.

I should also mention the servings were quite large; mine also provided me a good lunch for the next day.

Overall rating for Pancho’s Villa: 4

(Ratings are 1-5; 1=ick, 3=average, 5=yumyumyum!)

Ambiance: 4

Waitress: 4+

Chips and salsa: 4-

Menu options: 4+

Food tastiness: 4-

Margaritas: 4