Pachanga Mexican Grill

We came here on a whim when we were nearby and I can say if I wasn’t writing a review for this place, I would probably forget my time here entirely. It was forgettable. We came in and it was empty. Ordered quite a bit (there were 6 of us) and our table was wildly sticky. They came out and sprayed it down with what smelled like bleach and it almost made it worse. The enchilada sauce was decent and that was about it. With all the amazing Mexican food options in LA I never understand how places like this stay open because even chipotle/qdoba/the other ‘Mexican’ spots are above this one. Who knows- I guess people like what they like. I suppose at least now I can say I’ve been there 🤷🏽‍♀️

This review should be a big surprise to anyone who knows me: not because i went to this restaurant but because i went to this restaurant because it is in the South Bay....Manhattan Beach specifically. And this Dude rarely goes to the South Bay or the Westside for that matter. But be that as it may, i was visiting a long lost friend who lives in MB and being that Pachanga is one of his faves......we went with the smell of salt water in our noses. Pachanga has several meanings in spanish but the one i like is that it is a wild dance similar to both the cha-cha and the samba. Though there was no dancing going on here: there was some pretty good cooking. Since I will eat Nachos pretty much anywhere and in any form i ordered the Beefy Nachos and this dish was very well prepped and presented. The Guacamole was creamy, tasty and sparked with onions, seasonings and a bit of tomato. Chips were fresh and warm. Beef was beefy, savory and obviously freshly cooked. We also had a steak quesadilla which was less than a success. The steak was a bit chewy probably because the whole piece was cut with the grain rather than across it. This could have happened with the vendor or at the restaurant. In either event, it ruined the product. Also it should have been served with something other than just chips. The Burrito was jammed pack with good stuff: sauce, meat, greens,tomato all wrapped in a home made tasting flour tortilla. This is a well thought out, tasty product. The service was quick. The counter help was nice and willing to help and explain the menu. My MB friend of course was in heaven here and it was good to see him after several years. I will be back here to visit him as well as to dance the P-A-C-H-A-N-G-A !!!!

Love this place! I usually get the mini nachos with carné asada. It is large enough for 2 people. But, this last visit I got their carné asada taco with cilantro but no onions & carnitas taco with guacamole. The carné asada was tender. There has been a time when it was dry & tough. The carnitas was juicy & tender, no complaints here. You get a side of chips with your order, except with the nachos. So if you're thinking of ordering a side of chips & salsa, no need since you can grab all you need of salsa & pico de gallo from the self serve salsa bar (hot, spicy, medium). They have Tapatío packets on the top shelf if you prefer. You also have your choice of beers, Pacifico, Tecaté, Modelo, and Corona. If you prefer soda, they have a self serve soda machine (Pepsi products). Overall, it's just a great place for a quick bite if you have a craving for Mexican food.