This is not a review on food, rather service review. I haven't had a chance to experience any of the food due to the completely horrid attitudes and actions of employees. My first experience was on a holiday night, can't remember which one, maybe New Year's. But, anyway, we arrived more than thirty minutes to closing. Not my favorite time to arrive at any restaurant because I know they are about to close down and everyone wants to go home. But, this is a job and to keep your job you work the hours you're open. Easy. So, we arrived and parked by the service entrance where employees where spraying off mats and smoking, which neither bothered me. What did bother me was one of the employees slamming down the mat and cursing; I guess he was upset that we came in some-what near to closing. Walked in and was also told that they were about to close, but there was still amply time to have a nice meal and be out quickly, and many tables in the place eating! We left in confusion and went to El Potro which was open and happy to accommodate us. I decided to give Paco's another try, because I've heard how great the food is and its been around for decades, so they most be doing something right. But, this time is was super busy and didn't want to stay and wait. Totally understandable; can't be mad at good business. So my next visit, which definitely turned out to be my last, we arrived around 7 or so. There was a little wait to be seated, so we waited. A short while a waitress came over and rudely asked how many, I replied 2. Right after that, a family of 4 came in and was treated like gold and was sat right away. "Ok? What did we do?" my friend asked. I didn't know. She came back and motioned to come with her and as we stood, she shot both of us an awful look then rolled her eyes. I was completely baffled by this. She threw the menus down on the table and walked away. We didn't even open the menus, we just left in complete and utter discuss. How dare I be treated like some kind of scum! I was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and a baseball cap, and I am in my twenties, so was my guest. Was that it? We both work in restaurants in Winter Park and Maitland, so we know how restaurants work and that isn't it. You are not the "soup nazi" kitchen, and your food isn't that good, of what I've heard, so you can't treat people like sh*t because you have what people want. Awful, awful, awful attitudes of all the staff I've encountered. Unacceptable. I've never been treated like that anywhere, in any restaurant, ever. I don't expect management to change or improve anything due to my review because obviously you also don't care if you let this happen twice. I hold management responsible for my poor experience. Unacceptable. Never again. I tell everyone I know, never go to Paco's Tacos.
(1)
Veronica J.
Yummo! Went with a friend around 8 pm on a Saturday night. I ordered an enchilada and she ordered a chicken taco salad. With Lso some quest sauce and drinks the bill total was $30. It was yummy. Service was stupendous. Friendly with a smile and not rushing you. Liked to ensure that you liked the food also. A suture don't want to miss! Decor is simple but who cares? It is clean and food is perfect. Five stars! Well worth it!
(5)
Mike H.
I love me some Paco's! This place has been here forever and I'm glad it hasn't changed. The servers are all friendly and most have been working here for 20+ years. I love to start with a side of Queso to go with my homemade chips and salsa. My favorite meal is the chicken burrito with extra sour cream. I also love their beef tacos and the chili chimi!
(5)
Leo B.
I went to Paco's at the recommendation of a friend. He said that it would be great mexican food. While the service was very friendly and fast, the food was not very authentic. First of all, this is the very first Mexican restaurant I have been to that does not offer margaritas (they only offer beer and wine). Although I know it appeals to families, to me, margaritas and Mexican restaurants go hand and hand. I was willing to let that go if the food made up for it. I thought the food was just ok. The salsa tasted like it was canned and not homemade. It was not very flavorful. I had the enchilada and taco. The nachos were pretty good, but overall the food did not have that traditional Mexican feel and I have been to my share of Mexican restaurants. My friend seemed to enjoy her food because she said she likes her food "bland." Overall I think this is a pleasant place with a cozy atmosphere. Most of the guests seem to be enjoying themselves, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(2)
Dan O.
Chips and salsa are good, the salsa is definitely tex-mex inspired and has a tangy taste; very different than any other salsas that I've had. I ordered the chicken enchilada and beef taco (hard shell) combo. The taco was ok, nothing special. The meat was seasoned very well, but for me the shell is always the star in Mexican restaurants and these shells were just average. The enchilada though was probably the best I've ever had. The meat was very tender and juicy, the seasoning delicious and the cheese sauce on top was awesome. The refried beans and rice were also really good and normally I'm not a fan of these because it seems like they all taste the same. The service is typical of a small town diner, regulars get priority. Overall though we had a good experience with our server, just a little slow because she was talking to all her regulars. The food was good and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Kathy S.
PACO'S TACOS!!! I really enjoy this place. The food is great and reasonably priced with lightening fast service. You're not even halfway through your drink and your food is out. Their salsa is so fresh and has so much flavor. This place is packed for lunch, but when I've been there at dinner time, I haven't had to wait as long for a table.
(4)
Shea's Lounge S.
The food is home style Mex. service is Nothing but kind efficient and welcoming. Soft tacos where large and filling. I like a bit more spice but my bad for not asking for a hotter sauce. guac was OK but more cream and fluff than the chunky lime drenched guac I love. big questions: would I go back, YES would I recommend to Friends YES Would I bring guests YES. A good solid showing for a priced right lunch.
(3)
Danielle Z.
Paco's is great, but more for the staff than the food. I've been about five times, maybe six. Each time my food was decent, nothing great but never bad. The chips and salsa are just okay, typical free chips and salsa. The cheese dip is yummy. The enchiladas are pretty good. I always find the clientele to be in good spirits. All people are welcome and treated with respect here. It feels family owned and run which is important. They'll continue to get my business!
(3)
Janene H.
I liked Paco's. I'd driven by it dozen of times because it looked like a seedy little dive. I was pleasantly surprised to see that inside is a small, yet welcoming, dining room that is family friendly. Our server was friendly and quick. Food was decent but nothing spectacular. Still, Paco's is a comfortable, quick place to get a bite of Mexican.
(4)
Digital B.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I love the food. It could be 3 stars because of the limited parking, the limited seating but that's part of the legend of Paco's The food is standard but my favorites are the enchiladas, beef taco and the steak . The chips and salsa are good too, but I prefer the hot salsa. I always make a point to get here early because the parking is a nightmare and the seating is EXTREMELY limited. Regulars know the deal with Paco's and you will often see a small line of people waiting to get in. The food has always been great and the service is fast. The crew can usually take your order, serve the food and get you out in under 20 minutes if you are a small group. Which by the way... there are no large parties here. The largest table is 4 chairs and they won't combine other tables because it would really screw up the pathways for the servers. Overall definitely a 4 star dive, but well worth the wait for the food.
(4)
Victoria D.
This place has been here forever and I know because we have been coming here for as long as I can remember. Don't be fooled by its kitschy facade and quirky charm. This place is definitely Tex Mex with the best chips, salsa and guacamole. Oh, and tacos, burritos and enchiladas beautifully smothered with shredded cheese and served with delicious beans and rice. Paco's is one of those 'local-yocal' places that every time you arrive you are greeted and treated like family. I consider it as one of the great food institutions in Orlando!
(5)
Teresa M.
Delicious Mexican food, smothered in cheese and all around terrible for your diet while being a delight to your taste buds. The staff is super friendly and funny and the place gives you a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It's a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall in the best sense.
(4)
Frances F.
I don't think I'll go back. While service was great, the food was lacking. I liked the older gentleman who waited on us. He had some serious character. I didn't like the fact it's wine & beer only. I tried the wine-based margarita and YUK! The chilli relleno looked and tasted like it was pulled out of a TV dinner box, slapped on a plate and microwaved. I can make it better at home.
(3)
Allison B.
I came here in high hopes to have excellent Mexican cuisine. I have read numerous reviews on how great the place is. I'd never recommend to come here for authentic Mexican cuisine. They only have beer & wine. I figured there food would be exceptional considering the would wasn't great. One of the older waitresses took chips that the previous customer near us didn't finish & put it in our chip tray. I was appalled. The waitress was nice, but that was disgusting. I'll never be returning. Other than that, the establishment seemed to target the white community of winter park.
(1)
Cecille R.
From what I've been told, this place has been around since the early 1980's-the building and decor shows. But they have quite a following! The place is usually always packed when my husband and I go. The food is nothing really out of the ordinary but it is good. Def not authentic and more along the lines of Americanized tex mex. I usually go with the enchilada or tacos. And there is always free salsa and chips which goes very fast at our table! Staff is very friendly but can be very busy and get sidetracked not by any fault of their own. So be patient! Overall a fun, no frills place with good food. And apparently a piece of Winter Park history!
(4)
Emily K.
Love this place. It's very small!!! So the menu consists of only a few key items and parking can be terrible. But I like that it has a small hometown feel.
(5)
Captain D.
The best hands down. Been here since 1981 for a reason. Always fresh and fantastic. Best Chile Relleno around. If you have never been it is a must try.
(5)
Lisa M.
We've been going here for years and are always treated like family. We have never had one bad experience we have also been coming here for 25 years. The food is phenomenal and the service is brilliant. We will keep coming to paco's for another 100 years! The service deserves a gold medal. We love paco's and we will come here to this wonderful establishment till the end of time.
(5)
Leah N.
Total hole in the wall that is the best Tex Mex in Orlando. We never go home disappointed. Food and extremely friendly service is consistent. My fav: Two enchilada dinner with one cheese and one chicken. Hubby's fav: Chicken burrito. He orders the dinner platter when he's super hungry.
(5)
Roberto T.
Take it from this Mexican, this eatery is the bee's knees. Wait, do bees have knees? Whatever, they do Mexican food good! I have hit this little shack since 1995 and I am never disappointed. Marianne always serves up my favorite lunch meal with a smile. The Enchilito (sans the sour cream) and a giant ice tea. When I don't have to work, I wash it down with a Sol beer. Oh yeah, don't hate! That's JUST how this Mexican rolls. Got a problem with it? Dessert? The flan is great and the Apple Chimi will have you blissfully soothed. If you don't like it, then pass it my way. I guarantee I will eat it for you. You can also pick up my tab as well. I will allow you. Obviously they have been here for 20+ years and you don't keep your doors open serving up bland slop. This is true gourmet Tex-Mex served up on tables with cheesy vinyl table cloths. You can bet when I am on that side of town and have the urge to eat Mexican - I'll be there. So look for me and know I only sign 5-10 autographs at a time. I don't ever do more than 10...nope! I won't do it!
(5)
Chef R.
No gonna slam them. I will just say they were better in the past and that PRs Taco Palace down the street is better.
(2)
Andrea L.
I have been coming to this place since I was a kid. Love, Love ,Love it. Enchiladas are the bomb and the chips and salsa are delicious.
(5)
John O.
Overall we have been very happy with the food at pacos. Fun place.
(4)
Kim W.
We had been wanting to try this place for a while, and finally did the other night. The chips and salsa were good. The salsa was chunky and flavorful. The queso was also tasty. I ordered the bean enchiladas that came with beans and rice. They also use a lot of black olives, which I liked. You don't see that very often. I did have a hard time finding the enchiladas underneath all of the salad and sour cream. My daughter had her favorite, chili rellanoes. Only they do not fry them, they layer and bake them. She was not that crazy about the twist on the dish. Plus, whoever was cooking that night had a heavy hand with the salt. I was very thirsty for the rest of the night. Overall it was ooookkkkaaay.... I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
Best Mexican food in Orlando, traditional and excellent. I haven't had Mexican food this good since I was in Mexico. Hole in the wall restaurants off the beaten path are always the best in my experience!
(5)
Terri S.
Loved it! Came here on a recommendation from a friend and really glad i did! It's a small place, but cozy. the staff was very friendly and even on the menu showed some have been there a very long time. Also, there were many people who seemed to be very friendly with the staff as in return customers. I had the "hand held" burrito, which is the smaller one (still had to take 1/2 home!) with the chicken in it. The chicken was amazing...very very tender and the right spice to it. the guacamole was really good with it as well. My husband had the chili burrito and loved it as well. I highly recommend this place!
(5)
Carri B.
I couldn't decide what I wanted. Everything looked so good! a work colleague decided that he wanted a wine based Margarita, but didn't want to drink alone, so I graciously volunteered to let him buy me one (I am a great humanitarian). I am not a huge Margarita fan, but this one was pretty good. Then we checked in on Foursquare (on Yelp, too - calm down!) and unlocked a special that allowed you to order two beers at .30 each. How can you pass that up? We didn't. We're drunk. So, anyway... then we got down to eating all the things. I had a beef & bean burrito with a side of Guac. It was delicious & large enough to leave leftovers for dinner. My enabling colleague had the Enchiladas which looked AMAZING. The cheese dip (supposedly award winning) was only okay in my opinion. We got flan for dessert which was delish! The entire wait staff was so good! They all kept coming over and asking if we needed anything. Even though the place was full for lunch, it seemed like anyone who was around was happy to help. So, overall, good food, great service, flan. What more could you want?
(4)
Keith H.
For Taco Tuesday last night, my son, his two friends and myself tried a new place to change things up. Where did we go? Paco's on Fairbanks When you first arrive you are a bit taken back from looks of the place on the outside. It looks old but rustic, kind of hidden too for being right on the road so close to I4. We walk in and the aroma hits you. Something is definitely smelling good from the kitchen. The boys ordered soft tacos and I ordered the enchilada with rice and beans. Im not one for the soupy looking mixture, but it as good and fresh. The chicken was tender and flavored and the rice wasnt dried out. all in all a decent meal for sure. The boys loved their tacos, they said "they are soooooo good!!". My son said we needed to visit more often. The service great too. When they brought out the second round of tacos they had two ladies bring out all at once. Good touch guys. It looks like a small authentic place, the food is good and the service was great. Im definitely coming back. Thank you!
(3)
Ashley K.
First: This place does not serve fajitas or any beef steak option for the burritos or tacos. Second: The food is very bland. The rice looked/tasted like it came from a package you buy at the grocery store; same goes for the salsa. My friend got the taco salad, which was just guacamole and diced tomatoes on top of shredded lettuce with a few crumbled chips on top. Third: The service was very slow. I was just very displeased in general and I would not ever go back.
(1)
Julianne E.
Ah Paco's so close to where I work, just not my favorite Mexican food place. It's this wicked small house gone Mexican food restaurant. I think it seats maybe 25? The outside is definitely deceiving, it looks like a total dive. The inside completely different, the decor has a cozy feel to it. It's not dirty or dumpy at all. So we were greeted by this man who showed us the way to our seats. He pointed we sat. I don't think he said a word to us, oh wait he took our drink order. He didn't seem very friendly at all. But yet he talked to the other patrons, maybe he was shy? The server on the other had was very friendly, she's one of those who call you hon and sweetie. lol! So onto the food, free chips and salsa woo hoo! I had ordered the Chicken Enchilada with beans and rice. It was actually very flavorful. I'd definitely go back again and try other menu items.
(3)
Isabelle G.
Giving it an extra star because the service was phenomenal. From our waitress to the gentleman who kept our Cokes nicely filled, everyone was fantastically nice. I really enjoyed the chips and salsa, salsa very spicy which we like but just be aware. I ordered a tostada and the other people in our group ordered burrito and tacos, everyone was very happy and content with their meal. The decor is super old school, you can tell it's a genuine family place. Very nice vibe, would definetly go again.
(4)
Mark O.
Omg I just love when something comes up in Winter Park....that means I HAVE to stop at Pacos. I will admit to being a simpleton when I go here, as the tacos are all I need. Could literally eat until I throw up, then eat again. So...yea, total fan boy of this place. The service is great, they are all fun and nice. The food is good. Some say it looks like a hole in the wall, but its just kickin it ol skool yo.
(4)
Liz D.
A must get is the quesadilla. Any variation is out of this world!!
(5)
Kat L.
The food here is consistent and abundant. I remember my first trip here, thinking it was going to small tacos I ordered two burritos. Oh man.. I couldn't even finish the one. Word to the lactose intolerant, your burrito will be covered, smothered in cheese. So specify if you need a little less lactose in your life. Its a dive, and the table cloths are plastic, but its the best of the best in the area. Satisfying and affordable.
(4)
Mike C.
Ill start by echoing some of the same sentiments of other yelpers. Outside looks a tad bit sketch, but as usual, yelp never steers you wrong. Inside is very tame and looks a little dated. The service is very friendly and informal. The greatest attribute about this place is the authentic and FRESH food. It doesn't taste or seem like your freezer to microwave style food. I can defnitely appreciate that. I didn't see anything about margaritas on the menu, but the Negra Modelo was on point! Ordered the 3 enchiladas and it came with refriend beans, rice and sour cream. It was ALOT for me and I can be a fatty at times so consider getting 2. Before I forget, we tried the queso which was supposed to be prestigious according to the menu. It was actually very good. Nice and Hot which was a good compliment to the salsa. All in all it was a good evening. Two thumbs up.
(4)
Walt D.
Very casual little Mexican (americanized but that's ok) joint. Very good food - I usually get a combo platter of enchiladas and/or burritos and it's always good. Salsa and queso are very good. I once ordered a chile relleno not knowing what it was, and didn't like it since I don't really like peppers, but my friends mother in law is a relleno expert and says Paco's is the best chile relleno she's ever had. They don't have a liquor license so their version of a margarhita is kind of weird, it's white wine based I think, but not bad. Good food, very casual atmosphere, great service.
(4)
Drew M.
If you drive down Fairbanks often, chances are you've noticed Paco's, but never thought much about it. From the outside, the little house looks "dive-ish" and can be a little intimidating. I'm happy to report that I finally gave Paco's a go, and was pleasantly surprised! Paco's menu is loaded with all of your typical Mexican cuisine all for very reasonable prices. There are tons of combo plate options to satisfy all stomach and wallet sizes. I ordered a combo plate of 2 beef hard tacos and a chicken enchilada. Yum! According to their menu, most of the staff has been there over 25 years! I overheard an older couple at the table next to me tell their waitress that they've been coming to Paco's for over 20 years. You can't argue with loyalty like that! The next time you're craving Mexican, skip the chains and give Paco's a try.
(4)
Kirsten Z.
Paco's doesn't look like much on the outside (or inside for that matter), but the food is fantastic. I have eaten here many times and no matter what I get, the same things are evident: 1)The food is fresh and authentically prepared. 2) The meat, especially the ground beef, is of good quality and perfectly seasoned. 3) The cheese and retried beans add an almost creamy, buttery quality to the meal that is just heavenly! 4) they don't skimp on salsa, sour cream, and guacamole like most Mexican joints I'm only giving it 4 stars because there aren't any margaritas or booths and the servers are sometimes too rushed and casual (I just had a server urge me to order drinks before my companion even parked the car and got to the table). But overall, great food, nice staff, one of the best Mexican dives in town.
(4)
Amanda H.
Pretty good Mexican food for Florida. Very affordable and guaranteed to fill you up.
(4)
Dan J.
Paco's recently celebrated their 25 anniversary. I have eaten here off and on for the last 25 years. When I first arrived in Florida it was one of the only non-chain Mexican restaurants around. Most of these chains have closed up shop, but Paco's is still the same. I remember when only the front room was used for lunch, and RC was the drink of choice. This has now changed there are lines out the front door if you arrive after 12:00PM and Coke is now served. Paco's is a small restaurant occupying a renovated 4 room house at the corner of Fairbanks and Clay. The rooms have been painted bright colors recently. Not much else has changed. The food is still the same, just as good as ever. The staff is friendly and greats you as an old friend, not with shouting as some fast food Mexican is prone to do. The menu classifies Pacos as a Tex-Mex restaurant, something I had been trying to figure out until recently when I noticed this on the menu. They do not use as much cheese as the normal Tex-Mex restaurant, which is good. Today, I had one of the old standbys Combo A - Two Tacos and one enchilada with beans and rice on the side. I choose to go chicken all the way, but the cheese enchilada is also good. The standard taco at Pacos is packed with the filling of your choice - chicken, beef, or beans. Then toped with chopped lettuce and diced fresh tomatoes. The enchiladas are filled with the same fillings with the addition of black olives and onions as choices. The sauce is a type of green sauce that is very good. The beans are topped with melted cheese. Rice is also included. This dish has tasted the same for the last 25 years as far as I can remember. A taste that I often crave. Paco's also has daily specials that include a soft drink of your choice. I think they are now $6.95. This is a good way to get your Pacos Fix for the week. Monday Tostada Tuesday Burito Wednesday Taco Salad Thursday Enchilada Friday No special
(4)
Phil V.
A mutual friend and I shared our curiosity about Paco's and decided to do something about it today, and the experience was pretty neat. Like most people, I thought this was going to be some dive Mexican joint. The interior is so faux southwest it's funnily charming and gave the impression that a family decorated the place over a looong period of time. In short - very cozy! This is definitely not authentic Mexican, but the dishes are prepared simply and prepared very well. I am a zealous, devout defender of the simple taco which fills me with happy childhood memories of slow-simmered beef on a stove and crispy taco shells. Screw all those dumb fillings like chicken and steak and... I don't know, tofurkey. Seasoned ground beef = my personal heaven. I was wonderfully impressed with their tacos here -- thin, crispy tortilla shell with a cocoon of spiced ground beef topped with freshly grated cheese and smothered in tomatoes. If you could hear the sound I'm making as I describe this, you would be both alarmed yet intrigued. Anyway, everything else was delicious and well-prepared. My date had a sort of meximelt layered thing, and she was also well-satisfied. Overall, we were glad we tried it out. We expected something wholly different and were pleasantly surprised!
(4)
Matthew J.
The 4 Rivers fajitas special was awesome!
(5)
ashley s.
Perfect for my fellow taco lovers!!!
(4)
Marci M.
I have never been disappointed by my visits to Pacos, just never impressed either. Good food, lots of choices. Great service (most have been working there for upwards of 28 years) and a peaceful environment. One downside, they only serve beer... i.e. no margaritas, sangria, etc. As a non beer drinker, its a bummer they don't have any alternatives. Just nothing to frilly or fun. But when I feel like Mexican where I can sit and relax, I go to Pacos!
(3)
Ricky M.
I was expecting something more authentic. I was confused by the older white ladies who remind me of an american diner waitress named flo rather than a maria or a paco. They have no cilantro or green sauces and when i asked they looked at me like i was crazy. Over all the food is ok but its more like a a good taco night at my white grandmas house rather than a good mexican place. Go to El poltro instead.
(1)
Chris R.
Mexican food made by Americans who decorate the place like an issue of Country Living magazine en espanol. The outside is deceiving, it looks like a total dive, I don't go down fairbanks much and I've barely noticed this place a few times and never thought about eating there, foolish me for being so superficial(maybe I can apply that lesson elsewhere?). Inside was really nice and people were friendly. It was lunchtime and it was busy, got seated after 10 minutes. The chairs were wooden with arms and comfy, don't you know how bad an experience eating out can be with uncomfortable chairs? What about those sushi places they don't even give you a chair, you just sit on the floor, I can't think of something more unpleasant? The salsa was really good, very chunky, had a lot of black pepper in it I think(4/5). Tea was raspberry sweet and pretty obviously from a fountain machine not homemade. They had the combo(#d) that I always get even if places don't have it. Chili Relleno, Cheese Enchilada and a Taco. It also came with rice and refried beans and the server upsold me a dollop of sour cream which went great with everything. The Chili Relleno was made differently than I'm used to. This one is not egg battered and fried it's layered and baked, It was really tasty and the cheese was crispy good(5/5). They also tout something called a chili bake which is Chili on Rice, doesn't seem to fit here or sound that tasty to me, but maybe they are going for a tex-mex angle? Paco's is great if you are in the area and like mexican food. The server was sassy but cool.
We also tried this restaurant going off the previous reviews. Like the other reviewers, the outside does look like it is going to be a dive, but is pretty nice inside. It is all run by Americans, (aka white people), non of which I think are named Paco. So I digress, the salsa is good and kept full the whole time, which is good for a hungry group. We wanted to get margaritas-no liquor license! Um, ok. So I got a Corona and my wife a Miller Lite. The Corona came without lime but my wife got one in her beer. A little confusing. I did order the Burrito Deluxe and it was pretty good but nothing special. I would rather eat Chipotle, which is much more fresh and costs less.
(2)
Jeff O.
Why oh why did I wait so long to try this place?! Becky and I decided to try Paco's today for lunch... Once you enter, you'll realize that the decor is perfect. Small, quaint, decorated like an authentic Mexican place ought to be. Colorful, earthy, a few ethnic chotchzkie's on the walls and cozy. I, l, I like the haphazard assortment of dining chairs. It gives the place that kind of "we're in somebody's house" kind of feel. As such, I would say it's not good for large groups. Go there with up to 3 friends and you're golden, Jerry. When we arrived, we found that the place was full! But we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. *Whew. The staff reminds me of a restaurant crew you might find in a diner, which is weirdly comforting to this here reviewer. One gentleman (Paco? Son of Paco?) kept walking around checking on people as if he owned the place. Nice chap. The menu is comprised of your typical Mexican food: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, rice/beans, tamales, chile relleno, etc. They have specials each weekday. The food itself I found to be quite satisfying! It all starts with the chips 'n salsa baby! Don't forget that. And guess what! Theirs is good. Chunky and fresh salsa, just how I like. For lunch, I ordered a chicken burrito (daily special) which was large and very tasty. It was basic--shredded chicken inside a tortilla, with melted cheese on top. But the flavor factor was high! It came with a side of pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream anyway, and rice and beans...so there you go. Becky got an enchilada and chicken taco. Mmm good. No complaints here. Good service, great food and a painless experience all around. Definitely a place worth checking out!
(5)
Lauren C.
I went here after someone told me they had "great burritos." Let's just say I got a burrito, beef & bean to be exact, and it was OKAY. It tasted thrown together, NON-AUTHENTIC, and like something I could make better at home. The biggest problem I had here was that it's a Mexican restaurant with no Mexicans- everyone is white!!! It's like having a Southern Food restaurant with Europeans running the place. It doesn't make sense!!! And the food reflects this. I'm a huge Mexican Food Junkie and this place was just disappointing. Bummer!
(1)
Eric D.
After hearing some good things about Paco's, I decided to check it out. Usually, I go for places with good food AND atmosphere but I'm always open to the occasional dive or hole in the wall that has great food. This is what I was expecting at Paco's. I knew it wouldn't be much to look at but it has a reputation for good food. I had their Burrito Deluxe and it was only marginal. It honestly tasted more processed than the Mexican food you often get at chain restaurants. Nothing about it tasted fresh or authentic. The service however, was great. Most of the wait staff has been there over 10 years, some over 20 and you could tell they knew their customers and created a friendly, welcoming environment. I just wish the food had lived up the the expectations. I couldn't really recommend this place. They also didn't take AMEX.
(2)
theo h.
Paco's I have been going there for 20 plus years. it is has never been a mexican restaurant. it is the best Tex Mex restaurant around. they use high quality ingredients. My favorites are the Beef Enchiladas with Green Sauce,(yup cheddar cheese melted on top) salsa (no cilantro, I just think cilantro is overused) . very basic food done right with great service on a consistent basis. the place has a homey feel it was a former house, clean and atmosphere is casual. it is a great value for your money. think 80's style tex mex food when it first became popular not comparable to authentic mexican. still a winner so.
(5)
Ellen B.
My friends love this place, but since my favorite Mexican dinner is a chimichanga, I'm not too keen on it. Paco's does have a chimichanga, but they put chili all over it and it's not that great. I've had a few other items, but they all taste kinda blah. The chips and salsa is good and I believe it comes with your entree. It's the kind of place I would go to if I was in a hurry and it was close by, but I wouldn't make a special trip for it. My favorite part about Paco's Tacos is saying the name out loud.
(2)
C R.
I've been going to Paco's for years. It's still just a hole in the wall with good tex-mex. Their salsa is always tasty. My favorite is the guacamole tacos. I've never seen them anywhere else.
(4)
C R.
I've been going to Paco's for years. It's still just a hole in the wall with good tex-mex. Their salsa is always tasty. My favorite is the guacamole tacos. I've never seen them anywhere else.
(4)
ashley s.
Perfect for my fellow taco lovers!!!
(4)
Mike S.
We also tried this restaurant going off the previous reviews. Like the other reviewers, the outside does look like it is going to be a dive, but is pretty nice inside. It is all run by Americans, (aka white people), non of which I think are named Paco. So I digress, the salsa is good and kept full the whole time, which is good for a hungry group. We wanted to get margaritas-no liquor license! Um, ok. So I got a Corona and my wife a Miller Lite. The Corona came without lime but my wife got one in her beer. A little confusing. I did order the Burrito Deluxe and it was pretty good but nothing special. I would rather eat Chipotle, which is much more fresh and costs less.
(2)
Chris R.
Mexican food made by Americans who decorate the place like an issue of Country Living magazine en espanol. The outside is deceiving, it looks like a total dive, I don't go down fairbanks much and I've barely noticed this place a few times and never thought about eating there, foolish me for being so superficial(maybe I can apply that lesson elsewhere?). Inside was really nice and people were friendly. It was lunchtime and it was busy, got seated after 10 minutes. The chairs were wooden with arms and comfy, don't you know how bad an experience eating out can be with uncomfortable chairs? What about those sushi places they don't even give you a chair, you just sit on the floor, I can't think of something more unpleasant? The salsa was really good, very chunky, had a lot of black pepper in it I think(4/5). Tea was raspberry sweet and pretty obviously from a fountain machine not homemade. They had the combo(#d) that I always get even if places don't have it. Chili Relleno, Cheese Enchilada and a Taco. It also came with rice and refried beans and the server upsold me a dollop of sour cream which went great with everything. The Chili Relleno was made differently than I'm used to. This one is not egg battered and fried it's layered and baked, It was really tasty and the cheese was crispy good(5/5). They also tout something called a chili bake which is Chili on Rice, doesn't seem to fit here or sound that tasty to me, but maybe they are going for a tex-mex angle? Paco's is great if you are in the area and like mexican food. The server was sassy but cool.
(4)
Phil V.
A mutual friend and I shared our curiosity about Paco's and decided to do something about it today, and the experience was pretty neat. Like most people, I thought this was going to be some dive Mexican joint. The interior is so faux southwest it's funnily charming and gave the impression that a family decorated the place over a looong period of time. In short - very cozy! This is definitely not authentic Mexican, but the dishes are prepared simply and prepared very well. I am a zealous, devout defender of the simple taco which fills me with happy childhood memories of slow-simmered beef on a stove and crispy taco shells. Screw all those dumb fillings like chicken and steak and... I don't know, tofurkey. Seasoned ground beef = my personal heaven. I was wonderfully impressed with their tacos here -- thin, crispy tortilla shell with a cocoon of spiced ground beef topped with freshly grated cheese and smothered in tomatoes. If you could hear the sound I'm making as I describe this, you would be both alarmed yet intrigued. Anyway, everything else was delicious and well-prepared. My date had a sort of meximelt layered thing, and she was also well-satisfied. Overall, we were glad we tried it out. We expected something wholly different and were pleasantly surprised!
(4)
Matthew J.
The 4 Rivers fajitas special was awesome!
(5)
Marci M.
I have never been disappointed by my visits to Pacos, just never impressed either. Good food, lots of choices. Great service (most have been working there for upwards of 28 years) and a peaceful environment. One downside, they only serve beer... i.e. no margaritas, sangria, etc. As a non beer drinker, its a bummer they don't have any alternatives. Just nothing to frilly or fun. But when I feel like Mexican where I can sit and relax, I go to Pacos!
(3)
Leo B.
I went to Paco's at the recommendation of a friend. He said that it would be great mexican food. While the service was very friendly and fast, the food was not very authentic. First of all, this is the very first Mexican restaurant I have been to that does not offer margaritas (they only offer beer and wine). Although I know it appeals to families, to me, margaritas and Mexican restaurants go hand and hand. I was willing to let that go if the food made up for it. I thought the food was just ok. The salsa tasted like it was canned and not homemade. It was not very flavorful. I had the enchilada and taco. The nachos were pretty good, but overall the food did not have that traditional Mexican feel and I have been to my share of Mexican restaurants. My friend seemed to enjoy her food because she said she likes her food "bland." Overall I think this is a pleasant place with a cozy atmosphere. Most of the guests seem to be enjoying themselves, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(2)
Dan O.
Chips and salsa are good, the salsa is definitely tex-mex inspired and has a tangy taste; very different than any other salsas that I've had. I ordered the chicken enchilada and beef taco (hard shell) combo. The taco was ok, nothing special. The meat was seasoned very well, but for me the shell is always the star in Mexican restaurants and these shells were just average. The enchilada though was probably the best I've ever had. The meat was very tender and juicy, the seasoning delicious and the cheese sauce on top was awesome. The refried beans and rice were also really good and normally I'm not a fan of these because it seems like they all taste the same. The service is typical of a small town diner, regulars get priority. Overall though we had a good experience with our server, just a little slow because she was talking to all her regulars. The food was good and we will definitely be back!
(4)
Kathy S.
PACO'S TACOS!!! I really enjoy this place. The food is great and reasonably priced with lightening fast service. You're not even halfway through your drink and your food is out. Their salsa is so fresh and has so much flavor. This place is packed for lunch, but when I've been there at dinner time, I haven't had to wait as long for a table.
(4)
theo h.
Paco's I have been going there for 20 plus years. it is has never been a mexican restaurant. it is the best Tex Mex restaurant around. they use high quality ingredients. My favorites are the Beef Enchiladas with Green Sauce,(yup cheddar cheese melted on top) salsa (no cilantro, I just think cilantro is overused) . very basic food done right with great service on a consistent basis. the place has a homey feel it was a former house, clean and atmosphere is casual. it is a great value for your money. think 80's style tex mex food when it first became popular not comparable to authentic mexican. still a winner so.
(5)
Ellen B.
My friends love this place, but since my favorite Mexican dinner is a chimichanga, I'm not too keen on it. Paco's does have a chimichanga, but they put chili all over it and it's not that great. I've had a few other items, but they all taste kinda blah. The chips and salsa is good and I believe it comes with your entree. It's the kind of place I would go to if I was in a hurry and it was close by, but I wouldn't make a special trip for it. My favorite part about Paco's Tacos is saying the name out loud.
(2)
Jeff O.
Why oh why did I wait so long to try this place?! Becky and I decided to try Paco's today for lunch... Once you enter, you'll realize that the decor is perfect. Small, quaint, decorated like an authentic Mexican place ought to be. Colorful, earthy, a few ethnic chotchzkie's on the walls and cozy. I, l, I like the haphazard assortment of dining chairs. It gives the place that kind of "we're in somebody's house" kind of feel. As such, I would say it's not good for large groups. Go there with up to 3 friends and you're golden, Jerry. When we arrived, we found that the place was full! But we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. *Whew. The staff reminds me of a restaurant crew you might find in a diner, which is weirdly comforting to this here reviewer. One gentleman (Paco? Son of Paco?) kept walking around checking on people as if he owned the place. Nice chap. The menu is comprised of your typical Mexican food: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, rice/beans, tamales, chile relleno, etc. They have specials each weekday. The food itself I found to be quite satisfying! It all starts with the chips 'n salsa baby! Don't forget that. And guess what! Theirs is good. Chunky and fresh salsa, just how I like. For lunch, I ordered a chicken burrito (daily special) which was large and very tasty. It was basic--shredded chicken inside a tortilla, with melted cheese on top. But the flavor factor was high! It came with a side of pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream anyway, and rice and beans...so there you go. Becky got an enchilada and chicken taco. Mmm good. No complaints here. Good service, great food and a painless experience all around. Definitely a place worth checking out!
(5)
Lauren C.
I went here after someone told me they had "great burritos." Let's just say I got a burrito, beef & bean to be exact, and it was OKAY. It tasted thrown together, NON-AUTHENTIC, and like something I could make better at home. The biggest problem I had here was that it's a Mexican restaurant with no Mexicans- everyone is white!!! It's like having a Southern Food restaurant with Europeans running the place. It doesn't make sense!!! And the food reflects this. I'm a huge Mexican Food Junkie and this place was just disappointing. Bummer!
(1)
Eric D.
After hearing some good things about Paco's, I decided to check it out. Usually, I go for places with good food AND atmosphere but I'm always open to the occasional dive or hole in the wall that has great food. This is what I was expecting at Paco's. I knew it wouldn't be much to look at but it has a reputation for good food. I had their Burrito Deluxe and it was only marginal. It honestly tasted more processed than the Mexican food you often get at chain restaurants. Nothing about it tasted fresh or authentic. The service however, was great. Most of the wait staff has been there over 10 years, some over 20 and you could tell they knew their customers and created a friendly, welcoming environment. I just wish the food had lived up the the expectations. I couldn't really recommend this place. They also didn't take AMEX.
(2)
Liz D.
A must get is the quesadilla. Any variation is out of this world!!
(5)
Mark P.
Small. tight parking. Exceptional customer service. I've heard the rumors and read the reviews, we Love them. Salsa was fresh. No problems tweaking up the menu to push out a veggie burrito for me. Everybody, and I mean everybody, was friendly. Family friendly home style Tex Mex inspired fare with reasonable/fair prices. Namely, you'll especially remember the customer service.
(4)
Jordan O.
The service is amazing, the staff has been there for decades each and they knew literally everyone else in our section. Unfortunately, the food is not as good as the service. It's okay, not the tastiest, not the cheapest, but acceptable across the board. They do COVER everything in cheese, like they literally could have used half the amount of cheese and I would have been okay with that. This was much better on my wife's nachos where you could scrape some off, as opposed to my burrito where it overwhelmed everything else. One other thing of note, I personally liked the hot salsa much better than the mild, the mild was way to watery for my tastes. Also, they don't have any traditional Hispanic hot sauces, they have franks red hot...which is okay, but not what I was expecting. All in all, would I go back? Sure, but only if someone else set it up and it wasn't too far out of the way.
(3)
Brandi C.
There is nothing really special about this place. The food is pseudo-Mexican- like a white American's version of Mexican food. It's not bad- everything tasted decent, but nothing- and I mean nothing- wowed me, or even stood out as actual tex-mex food. Their salsa tastes like Pace brand (I'm 99% sure it's not homemade), they use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones, and the chicken has no flavor- I think they poach it, shred it, and call it good. Where's the seasoning? Where's the flavor? How about some cilantro or cumin or lime juice or something! BUT, this place is an institution, been around for over 30 years now, and the parking lot is always packed... so maybe I'm missing something? But I've been to Mexico, and lived in Texas, and I am not impressed in the least. I have found that there are tons of other better tex-mex places to eat in the Orlando area.
(2)
J.t. W.
I've always heard this place is a hidden gem so we decided to give it a shot. $30 later I've found out that Taco Bell would have been a better option. The people were nice but the food had zero flavor. At least mix in a few packets of taco seasoning or something. This was well beyond bland except for the salsa which actually proved to be the star of the meal. Serious disappointment.
(1)
Joe O.
Ive been here 3 times. By the third time I realized they weren't having bad days or too busy, they were just generally rude and bossy to me every time. I asked for hot sauce and she rolled her eyes and sighed. I asked to modify a menu item to add/ subtract certain things like chicken and cheese, and they proudly told me I have to order from the menu as is. Look I get it. Modifying the menu makes it taste not like your restaurant, and it complicates things in the kitchen. But i also get that I am the customer and if theres not a huge sign proclaiming you'll refuse my modifications, you might not wanna be bossy knowitall about it. Just sayin. There are plenty of places to get different shapes of tortilla, meat and cheese and they will gladly change my order to provide personal service. The plates, forks, silverware, chairs, tables, cups, you name it are all mix matched and look like they came out of an 80's dishwasher. AKA the thrift store. Not unique or likeable in my opinion its more like lazy and cheap. But thats the vibe there so I don't discount them wholly on that. Lastly, when the bus boy/cook/waiter? tried to sell my girlfriend knock off purses and handbags table side I realized this place has been around for 30 yrs because the lot of the employees live in a compound behind the restaurant and do what they can to survive... not joking they live in the units behind the place. Charming little find that I wont be revisiting.
(2)
tiffany w.
Pacos is a decent little Mexican place. The ambiance is like your mother's house for dinner. There is usually a line (which is a good thing) The Back-porch burrito is a good deal. The cheese sauce lives up to its name. The margaritas are not very good. The owner is a character. Overall, a fun, yummy place for home cooked Mexican.
(4)
W O.
This is the best hole in the wall in Central Florida. The menu, the prices and the quality of their food has been the same for 30 years. As a matter of fact , so have many of the staff who are featured on the menu. Try the enchilito, its the best thing there. Sort of a flat burrito smothered with cheese and their delicious green chili sauce. Wow!! I cannot wait to return. We love Paco's!!
(5)
Sharon A.
This local spot is still the best around. Moved away to DC, so miss Paco's quite regularly. Always find a reason to stop by on my visits back to winter park and order my beef enchiladas with extra spicy salsa. Their food: enchiladas, cheese quesadillas , chili relenos, taco salad, tortilla chips. They are all good.... Always piping hot (!!!!!!) with goodness. Marianne, Monica and everyone else are always awesome. Thank you Paco's for sticking to your style of good. Don't change !!! Would you please have a Paco's good truck in DC???? Pretty please !!!!!
(5)
Joy D.
I have been going to Paco's for years, 13 years to be exact. I have always loved the food, and I love the servers who work there. I used to work around the corner from this place, so this was our go to for Mexican on our lunch break. It got that I was there so often, the servers knew my order before I even got the menu! I don't get there as often as I did when I worked in the vicinity, but we usually went there at least once every 3 months. Over the last few years, I have noticed that the service is getting less and less stellar. The food is still on point, but the service has been lacking. Maybe it's because I am in there at a different time than I used to go (I always went at lunch, and now I go at dinner), but things are just not as good as they used to be (slower, not as friendly). The most recent experience I had (and regrettably maybe my last) was about 3 months ago. My husband, my 2 kids and I arrived and had one group in front of us. They had already seated and were serving a pretty large table, and apparently had used the majority of their chairs to do this. So let me reiterate: they had tables open, but no chairs. They seated the group in front of us, and we waited for chairs to open up. Here is where it gets ridiculous. Whenever a group smaller than us walked in the door (party of 2 and 3), they would seat them and make us wait. I understand that under normal conditions (i.e. they were short tables, not chairs) this would be the right thing to do. But how in the world are you supposed to gather up 4 chairs if you're constantly giving those chairs away to smaller parties? Simple answer: you can't. As I have sentimental attachment to this place, I was patient and waited. We waited for 40 minutes with everyone who had come in behind us being seated while we just sat there with no table. They must have seated 10 people 2 to 3 at a time while we were waiting for just 4 chairs. We finally gave up and went to a barbecue joint. It was ridiculous. It made me sad to see it because I love this place. I love their food. I always loved the wait staff. Now I'm not sure if I plan to go back, not because of this one incident but because of a steady decline that culminated into the final incident that made me rethink my choices of ever selecting this restaurant for my dining needs again.
(2)
Carolyn C.
When I want a good solid Tex-Mex lunch that doesn't break the bank, I go to Paco's. In fact, I used to go once a week when I worked in the area -- precisely because of those qualities, and because it's the kind of place where the staff will remember you. As many other reviewers have noted, Paco's is a Fairbanks institution, and many of the staff have been there for decades. That's starting to change now, but the core group is still there, especially at lunch. I really enjoy the beef tostada salad, the quesadillas, and the tacos, but it's hard to go wrong. There's a reason that so many people go back year after year: Paco's keeps serving up a warm friendly environment and delicious affordable food.
(5)
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Address :1801 W Fairbanks Ave
Winter Park, FL, 32789
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Phillip H.
This is not a review on food, rather service review. I haven't had a chance to experience any of the food due to the completely horrid attitudes and actions of employees. My first experience was on a holiday night, can't remember which one, maybe New Year's. But, anyway, we arrived more than thirty minutes to closing. Not my favorite time to arrive at any restaurant because I know they are about to close down and everyone wants to go home. But, this is a job and to keep your job you work the hours you're open. Easy. So, we arrived and parked by the service entrance where employees where spraying off mats and smoking, which neither bothered me. What did bother me was one of the employees slamming down the mat and cursing; I guess he was upset that we came in some-what near to closing. Walked in and was also told that they were about to close, but there was still amply time to have a nice meal and be out quickly, and many tables in the place eating! We left in confusion and went to El Potro which was open and happy to accommodate us. I decided to give Paco's another try, because I've heard how great the food is and its been around for decades, so they most be doing something right. But, this time is was super busy and didn't want to stay and wait. Totally understandable; can't be mad at good business. So my next visit, which definitely turned out to be my last, we arrived around 7 or so. There was a little wait to be seated, so we waited. A short while a waitress came over and rudely asked how many, I replied 2. Right after that, a family of 4 came in and was treated like gold and was sat right away. "Ok? What did we do?" my friend asked. I didn't know. She came back and motioned to come with her and as we stood, she shot both of us an awful look then rolled her eyes. I was completely baffled by this. She threw the menus down on the table and walked away. We didn't even open the menus, we just left in complete and utter discuss. How dare I be treated like some kind of scum! I was wearing a t-shirt, shorts, and a baseball cap, and I am in my twenties, so was my guest. Was that it? We both work in restaurants in Winter Park and Maitland, so we know how restaurants work and that isn't it. You are not the "soup nazi" kitchen, and your food isn't that good, of what I've heard, so you can't treat people like sh*t because you have what people want. Awful, awful, awful attitudes of all the staff I've encountered. Unacceptable. I've never been treated like that anywhere, in any restaurant, ever. I don't expect management to change or improve anything due to my review because obviously you also don't care if you let this happen twice. I hold management responsible for my poor experience. Unacceptable. Never again. I tell everyone I know, never go to Paco's Tacos.
(1)Veronica J.
Yummo! Went with a friend around 8 pm on a Saturday night. I ordered an enchilada and she ordered a chicken taco salad. With Lso some quest sauce and drinks the bill total was $30. It was yummy. Service was stupendous. Friendly with a smile and not rushing you. Liked to ensure that you liked the food also. A suture don't want to miss! Decor is simple but who cares? It is clean and food is perfect. Five stars! Well worth it!
(5)Mike H.
I love me some Paco's! This place has been here forever and I'm glad it hasn't changed. The servers are all friendly and most have been working here for 20+ years. I love to start with a side of Queso to go with my homemade chips and salsa. My favorite meal is the chicken burrito with extra sour cream. I also love their beef tacos and the chili chimi!
(5)Leo B.
I went to Paco's at the recommendation of a friend. He said that it would be great mexican food. While the service was very friendly and fast, the food was not very authentic. First of all, this is the very first Mexican restaurant I have been to that does not offer margaritas (they only offer beer and wine). Although I know it appeals to families, to me, margaritas and Mexican restaurants go hand and hand. I was willing to let that go if the food made up for it. I thought the food was just ok. The salsa tasted like it was canned and not homemade. It was not very flavorful. I had the enchilada and taco. The nachos were pretty good, but overall the food did not have that traditional Mexican feel and I have been to my share of Mexican restaurants. My friend seemed to enjoy her food because she said she likes her food "bland." Overall I think this is a pleasant place with a cozy atmosphere. Most of the guests seem to be enjoying themselves, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(2)Dan O.
Chips and salsa are good, the salsa is definitely tex-mex inspired and has a tangy taste; very different than any other salsas that I've had. I ordered the chicken enchilada and beef taco (hard shell) combo. The taco was ok, nothing special. The meat was seasoned very well, but for me the shell is always the star in Mexican restaurants and these shells were just average. The enchilada though was probably the best I've ever had. The meat was very tender and juicy, the seasoning delicious and the cheese sauce on top was awesome. The refried beans and rice were also really good and normally I'm not a fan of these because it seems like they all taste the same. The service is typical of a small town diner, regulars get priority. Overall though we had a good experience with our server, just a little slow because she was talking to all her regulars. The food was good and we will definitely be back!
(4)Kathy S.
PACO'S TACOS!!! I really enjoy this place. The food is great and reasonably priced with lightening fast service. You're not even halfway through your drink and your food is out. Their salsa is so fresh and has so much flavor. This place is packed for lunch, but when I've been there at dinner time, I haven't had to wait as long for a table.
(4)Shea's Lounge S.
The food is home style Mex. service is Nothing but kind efficient and welcoming. Soft tacos where large and filling. I like a bit more spice but my bad for not asking for a hotter sauce. guac was OK but more cream and fluff than the chunky lime drenched guac I love. big questions: would I go back, YES would I recommend to Friends YES Would I bring guests YES. A good solid showing for a priced right lunch.
(3)Danielle Z.
Paco's is great, but more for the staff than the food. I've been about five times, maybe six. Each time my food was decent, nothing great but never bad. The chips and salsa are just okay, typical free chips and salsa. The cheese dip is yummy. The enchiladas are pretty good. I always find the clientele to be in good spirits. All people are welcome and treated with respect here. It feels family owned and run which is important. They'll continue to get my business!
(3)Janene H.
I liked Paco's. I'd driven by it dozen of times because it looked like a seedy little dive. I was pleasantly surprised to see that inside is a small, yet welcoming, dining room that is family friendly. Our server was friendly and quick. Food was decent but nothing spectacular. Still, Paco's is a comfortable, quick place to get a bite of Mexican.
(4)Digital B.
I'm giving it 4 stars because I love the food. It could be 3 stars because of the limited parking, the limited seating but that's part of the legend of Paco's The food is standard but my favorites are the enchiladas, beef taco and the steak . The chips and salsa are good too, but I prefer the hot salsa. I always make a point to get here early because the parking is a nightmare and the seating is EXTREMELY limited. Regulars know the deal with Paco's and you will often see a small line of people waiting to get in. The food has always been great and the service is fast. The crew can usually take your order, serve the food and get you out in under 20 minutes if you are a small group. Which by the way... there are no large parties here. The largest table is 4 chairs and they won't combine other tables because it would really screw up the pathways for the servers. Overall definitely a 4 star dive, but well worth the wait for the food.
(4)Victoria D.
This place has been here forever and I know because we have been coming here for as long as I can remember. Don't be fooled by its kitschy facade and quirky charm. This place is definitely Tex Mex with the best chips, salsa and guacamole. Oh, and tacos, burritos and enchiladas beautifully smothered with shredded cheese and served with delicious beans and rice. Paco's is one of those 'local-yocal' places that every time you arrive you are greeted and treated like family. I consider it as one of the great food institutions in Orlando!
(5)Teresa M.
Delicious Mexican food, smothered in cheese and all around terrible for your diet while being a delight to your taste buds. The staff is super friendly and funny and the place gives you a sense of nostalgia and comfort. It's a mom-and-pop, hole-in-the-wall in the best sense.
(4)Frances F.
I don't think I'll go back. While service was great, the food was lacking. I liked the older gentleman who waited on us. He had some serious character. I didn't like the fact it's wine & beer only. I tried the wine-based margarita and YUK! The chilli relleno looked and tasted like it was pulled out of a TV dinner box, slapped on a plate and microwaved. I can make it better at home.
(3)Allison B.
I came here in high hopes to have excellent Mexican cuisine. I have read numerous reviews on how great the place is. I'd never recommend to come here for authentic Mexican cuisine. They only have beer & wine. I figured there food would be exceptional considering the would wasn't great. One of the older waitresses took chips that the previous customer near us didn't finish & put it in our chip tray. I was appalled. The waitress was nice, but that was disgusting. I'll never be returning. Other than that, the establishment seemed to target the white community of winter park.
(1)Cecille R.
From what I've been told, this place has been around since the early 1980's-the building and decor shows. But they have quite a following! The place is usually always packed when my husband and I go. The food is nothing really out of the ordinary but it is good. Def not authentic and more along the lines of Americanized tex mex. I usually go with the enchilada or tacos. And there is always free salsa and chips which goes very fast at our table! Staff is very friendly but can be very busy and get sidetracked not by any fault of their own. So be patient! Overall a fun, no frills place with good food. And apparently a piece of Winter Park history!
(4)Emily K.
Love this place. It's very small!!! So the menu consists of only a few key items and parking can be terrible. But I like that it has a small hometown feel.
(5)Captain D.
The best hands down. Been here since 1981 for a reason. Always fresh and fantastic. Best Chile Relleno around. If you have never been it is a must try.
(5)Lisa M.
We've been going here for years and are always treated like family. We have never had one bad experience we have also been coming here for 25 years. The food is phenomenal and the service is brilliant. We will keep coming to paco's for another 100 years! The service deserves a gold medal. We love paco's and we will come here to this wonderful establishment till the end of time.
(5)Leah N.
Total hole in the wall that is the best Tex Mex in Orlando. We never go home disappointed. Food and extremely friendly service is consistent. My fav: Two enchilada dinner with one cheese and one chicken. Hubby's fav: Chicken burrito. He orders the dinner platter when he's super hungry.
(5)Roberto T.
Take it from this Mexican, this eatery is the bee's knees. Wait, do bees have knees? Whatever, they do Mexican food good! I have hit this little shack since 1995 and I am never disappointed. Marianne always serves up my favorite lunch meal with a smile. The Enchilito (sans the sour cream) and a giant ice tea. When I don't have to work, I wash it down with a Sol beer. Oh yeah, don't hate! That's JUST how this Mexican rolls. Got a problem with it? Dessert? The flan is great and the Apple Chimi will have you blissfully soothed. If you don't like it, then pass it my way. I guarantee I will eat it for you. You can also pick up my tab as well. I will allow you. Obviously they have been here for 20+ years and you don't keep your doors open serving up bland slop. This is true gourmet Tex-Mex served up on tables with cheesy vinyl table cloths. You can bet when I am on that side of town and have the urge to eat Mexican - I'll be there. So look for me and know I only sign 5-10 autographs at a time. I don't ever do more than 10...nope! I won't do it!
(5)Chef R.
No gonna slam them. I will just say they were better in the past and that PRs Taco Palace down the street is better.
(2)Andrea L.
I have been coming to this place since I was a kid. Love, Love ,Love it. Enchiladas are the bomb and the chips and salsa are delicious.
(5)John O.
Overall we have been very happy with the food at pacos. Fun place.
(4)Kim W.
We had been wanting to try this place for a while, and finally did the other night. The chips and salsa were good. The salsa was chunky and flavorful. The queso was also tasty. I ordered the bean enchiladas that came with beans and rice. They also use a lot of black olives, which I liked. You don't see that very often. I did have a hard time finding the enchiladas underneath all of the salad and sour cream. My daughter had her favorite, chili rellanoes. Only they do not fry them, they layer and bake them. She was not that crazy about the twist on the dish. Plus, whoever was cooking that night had a heavy hand with the salt. I was very thirsty for the rest of the night. Overall it was ooookkkkaaay.... I wouldn't go out of my way for it.
(3)Melinda M.
HOLY GUACAMOLE!!!! I would go to Paco's just for the guac ... ok, who am I kidding; I have! So while the place doesn't look like the fancy, Don Pablo's that use to spot O-town here and there, they are still here and Don Pablo's isn't so I guess that says something about the place. The venue is an old home that was converted into a small restaurant; it is nothing fancy and the décor isn't your typical upscale/sometimes gaudy Winter Park BUT it's cozy and clean and the staff is SO welcoming ... it doesn't hurt that the place smells delicious when you walk in either. Mmmm I've seen the place many times over the years and although I never stopped in, I knew that I wanted to because who doesn't love a little hole-in-the-wall, Mom & Pop type place?! I'm so glad that I finally stopped in one night with my hubby. The truth is that I ate there three times within the week, lol. For starters, although the queso is good, the Chili con Queso is even better and as I may have mentioned, the homemade guacamole is YUMMO, especially served with the warm tortilla chips. I don't know if I like the Enchilito (with a really flavorful green sauce) or the Chile Relleno better, but they are definitely a close tie.I didn't actually finish my meal, but that didn't keep me from trying the Cinnamon Apple Chimichanga and Ice-cream for desert ... OMG, reminds me of the old-school McDonalds apple pies (you know, before they started baking them and deep fried them, hehe) but with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to top it off! EVERYTHING was delicious; delicious to the point that I thought I may be sick from stuffing myself, sigh. I don't often give a 5 on my reviews, but what put this place over the top for me was the staff and the service!! From the time that we stepped in the front door we were welcomed and the hospitality never stopped. My daughter is a vegetarian as well as on a medically-dictated diet; one of the workers sat down with us to determine just what she could and could not have to assure that she would enjoy her meal and it would still be tasty. She enjoyed her meal and has been back since for another creation; as her Mom, this over & above service meant a lot to me. THANKS LADIES!! I'll be back, no doubt. If you haven't tried it and have driven past the place for years like I did, STOP in; you'll be glad that you did! A margarita with dinner is a nice touch too by the way. :0) Leave me some guacamole though because it's homemade and they do run out on occasion (and we can't have that happening)!
(5)Clay B.
Best Mexican food in Orlando, traditional and excellent. I haven't had Mexican food this good since I was in Mexico. Hole in the wall restaurants off the beaten path are always the best in my experience!
(5)Terri S.
Loved it! Came here on a recommendation from a friend and really glad i did! It's a small place, but cozy. the staff was very friendly and even on the menu showed some have been there a very long time. Also, there were many people who seemed to be very friendly with the staff as in return customers. I had the "hand held" burrito, which is the smaller one (still had to take 1/2 home!) with the chicken in it. The chicken was amazing...very very tender and the right spice to it. the guacamole was really good with it as well. My husband had the chili burrito and loved it as well. I highly recommend this place!
(5)Carri B.
I couldn't decide what I wanted. Everything looked so good! a work colleague decided that he wanted a wine based Margarita, but didn't want to drink alone, so I graciously volunteered to let him buy me one (I am a great humanitarian). I am not a huge Margarita fan, but this one was pretty good. Then we checked in on Foursquare (on Yelp, too - calm down!) and unlocked a special that allowed you to order two beers at .30 each. How can you pass that up? We didn't. We're drunk. So, anyway... then we got down to eating all the things. I had a beef & bean burrito with a side of Guac. It was delicious & large enough to leave leftovers for dinner. My enabling colleague had the Enchiladas which looked AMAZING. The cheese dip (supposedly award winning) was only okay in my opinion. We got flan for dessert which was delish! The entire wait staff was so good! They all kept coming over and asking if we needed anything. Even though the place was full for lunch, it seemed like anyone who was around was happy to help. So, overall, good food, great service, flan. What more could you want?
(4)Keith H.
For Taco Tuesday last night, my son, his two friends and myself tried a new place to change things up. Where did we go? Paco's on Fairbanks When you first arrive you are a bit taken back from looks of the place on the outside. It looks old but rustic, kind of hidden too for being right on the road so close to I4. We walk in and the aroma hits you. Something is definitely smelling good from the kitchen. The boys ordered soft tacos and I ordered the enchilada with rice and beans. Im not one for the soupy looking mixture, but it as good and fresh. The chicken was tender and flavored and the rice wasnt dried out. all in all a decent meal for sure. The boys loved their tacos, they said "they are soooooo good!!". My son said we needed to visit more often. The service great too. When they brought out the second round of tacos they had two ladies bring out all at once. Good touch guys. It looks like a small authentic place, the food is good and the service was great. Im definitely coming back. Thank you!
(3)Ashley K.
First: This place does not serve fajitas or any beef steak option for the burritos or tacos. Second: The food is very bland. The rice looked/tasted like it came from a package you buy at the grocery store; same goes for the salsa. My friend got the taco salad, which was just guacamole and diced tomatoes on top of shredded lettuce with a few crumbled chips on top. Third: The service was very slow. I was just very displeased in general and I would not ever go back.
(1)Julianne E.
Ah Paco's so close to where I work, just not my favorite Mexican food place. It's this wicked small house gone Mexican food restaurant. I think it seats maybe 25? The outside is definitely deceiving, it looks like a total dive. The inside completely different, the decor has a cozy feel to it. It's not dirty or dumpy at all. So we were greeted by this man who showed us the way to our seats. He pointed we sat. I don't think he said a word to us, oh wait he took our drink order. He didn't seem very friendly at all. But yet he talked to the other patrons, maybe he was shy? The server on the other had was very friendly, she's one of those who call you hon and sweetie. lol! So onto the food, free chips and salsa woo hoo! I had ordered the Chicken Enchilada with beans and rice. It was actually very flavorful. I'd definitely go back again and try other menu items.
(3)Isabelle G.
Giving it an extra star because the service was phenomenal. From our waitress to the gentleman who kept our Cokes nicely filled, everyone was fantastically nice. I really enjoyed the chips and salsa, salsa very spicy which we like but just be aware. I ordered a tostada and the other people in our group ordered burrito and tacos, everyone was very happy and content with their meal. The decor is super old school, you can tell it's a genuine family place. Very nice vibe, would definetly go again.
(4)Mark O.
Omg I just love when something comes up in Winter Park....that means I HAVE to stop at Pacos. I will admit to being a simpleton when I go here, as the tacos are all I need. Could literally eat until I throw up, then eat again. So...yea, total fan boy of this place. The service is great, they are all fun and nice. The food is good. Some say it looks like a hole in the wall, but its just kickin it ol skool yo.
(4)Liz D.
A must get is the quesadilla. Any variation is out of this world!!
(5)Kat L.
The food here is consistent and abundant. I remember my first trip here, thinking it was going to small tacos I ordered two burritos. Oh man.. I couldn't even finish the one. Word to the lactose intolerant, your burrito will be covered, smothered in cheese. So specify if you need a little less lactose in your life. Its a dive, and the table cloths are plastic, but its the best of the best in the area. Satisfying and affordable.
(4)Mike C.
Ill start by echoing some of the same sentiments of other yelpers. Outside looks a tad bit sketch, but as usual, yelp never steers you wrong. Inside is very tame and looks a little dated. The service is very friendly and informal. The greatest attribute about this place is the authentic and FRESH food. It doesn't taste or seem like your freezer to microwave style food. I can defnitely appreciate that. I didn't see anything about margaritas on the menu, but the Negra Modelo was on point! Ordered the 3 enchiladas and it came with refriend beans, rice and sour cream. It was ALOT for me and I can be a fatty at times so consider getting 2. Before I forget, we tried the queso which was supposed to be prestigious according to the menu. It was actually very good. Nice and Hot which was a good compliment to the salsa. All in all it was a good evening. Two thumbs up.
(4)Walt D.
Very casual little Mexican (americanized but that's ok) joint. Very good food - I usually get a combo platter of enchiladas and/or burritos and it's always good. Salsa and queso are very good. I once ordered a chile relleno not knowing what it was, and didn't like it since I don't really like peppers, but my friends mother in law is a relleno expert and says Paco's is the best chile relleno she's ever had. They don't have a liquor license so their version of a margarhita is kind of weird, it's white wine based I think, but not bad. Good food, very casual atmosphere, great service.
(4)Drew M.
If you drive down Fairbanks often, chances are you've noticed Paco's, but never thought much about it. From the outside, the little house looks "dive-ish" and can be a little intimidating. I'm happy to report that I finally gave Paco's a go, and was pleasantly surprised! Paco's menu is loaded with all of your typical Mexican cuisine all for very reasonable prices. There are tons of combo plate options to satisfy all stomach and wallet sizes. I ordered a combo plate of 2 beef hard tacos and a chicken enchilada. Yum! According to their menu, most of the staff has been there over 25 years! I overheard an older couple at the table next to me tell their waitress that they've been coming to Paco's for over 20 years. You can't argue with loyalty like that! The next time you're craving Mexican, skip the chains and give Paco's a try.
(4)Kirsten Z.
Paco's doesn't look like much on the outside (or inside for that matter), but the food is fantastic. I have eaten here many times and no matter what I get, the same things are evident: 1)The food is fresh and authentically prepared. 2) The meat, especially the ground beef, is of good quality and perfectly seasoned. 3) The cheese and retried beans add an almost creamy, buttery quality to the meal that is just heavenly! 4) they don't skimp on salsa, sour cream, and guacamole like most Mexican joints I'm only giving it 4 stars because there aren't any margaritas or booths and the servers are sometimes too rushed and casual (I just had a server urge me to order drinks before my companion even parked the car and got to the table). But overall, great food, nice staff, one of the best Mexican dives in town.
(4)Amanda H.
Pretty good Mexican food for Florida. Very affordable and guaranteed to fill you up.
(4)Dan J.
Paco's recently celebrated their 25 anniversary. I have eaten here off and on for the last 25 years. When I first arrived in Florida it was one of the only non-chain Mexican restaurants around. Most of these chains have closed up shop, but Paco's is still the same. I remember when only the front room was used for lunch, and RC was the drink of choice. This has now changed there are lines out the front door if you arrive after 12:00PM and Coke is now served. Paco's is a small restaurant occupying a renovated 4 room house at the corner of Fairbanks and Clay. The rooms have been painted bright colors recently. Not much else has changed. The food is still the same, just as good as ever. The staff is friendly and greats you as an old friend, not with shouting as some fast food Mexican is prone to do. The menu classifies Pacos as a Tex-Mex restaurant, something I had been trying to figure out until recently when I noticed this on the menu. They do not use as much cheese as the normal Tex-Mex restaurant, which is good. Today, I had one of the old standbys Combo A - Two Tacos and one enchilada with beans and rice on the side. I choose to go chicken all the way, but the cheese enchilada is also good. The standard taco at Pacos is packed with the filling of your choice - chicken, beef, or beans. Then toped with chopped lettuce and diced fresh tomatoes. The enchiladas are filled with the same fillings with the addition of black olives and onions as choices. The sauce is a type of green sauce that is very good. The beans are topped with melted cheese. Rice is also included. This dish has tasted the same for the last 25 years as far as I can remember. A taste that I often crave. Paco's also has daily specials that include a soft drink of your choice. I think they are now $6.95. This is a good way to get your Pacos Fix for the week. Monday Tostada Tuesday Burito Wednesday Taco Salad Thursday Enchilada Friday No special
(4)Phil V.
A mutual friend and I shared our curiosity about Paco's and decided to do something about it today, and the experience was pretty neat. Like most people, I thought this was going to be some dive Mexican joint. The interior is so faux southwest it's funnily charming and gave the impression that a family decorated the place over a looong period of time. In short - very cozy! This is definitely not authentic Mexican, but the dishes are prepared simply and prepared very well. I am a zealous, devout defender of the simple taco which fills me with happy childhood memories of slow-simmered beef on a stove and crispy taco shells. Screw all those dumb fillings like chicken and steak and... I don't know, tofurkey. Seasoned ground beef = my personal heaven. I was wonderfully impressed with their tacos here -- thin, crispy tortilla shell with a cocoon of spiced ground beef topped with freshly grated cheese and smothered in tomatoes. If you could hear the sound I'm making as I describe this, you would be both alarmed yet intrigued. Anyway, everything else was delicious and well-prepared. My date had a sort of meximelt layered thing, and she was also well-satisfied. Overall, we were glad we tried it out. We expected something wholly different and were pleasantly surprised!
(4)Matthew J.
The 4 Rivers fajitas special was awesome!
(5)ashley s.
Perfect for my fellow taco lovers!!!
(4)Marci M.
I have never been disappointed by my visits to Pacos, just never impressed either. Good food, lots of choices. Great service (most have been working there for upwards of 28 years) and a peaceful environment. One downside, they only serve beer... i.e. no margaritas, sangria, etc. As a non beer drinker, its a bummer they don't have any alternatives. Just nothing to frilly or fun. But when I feel like Mexican where I can sit and relax, I go to Pacos!
(3)Ricky M.
I was expecting something more authentic. I was confused by the older white ladies who remind me of an american diner waitress named flo rather than a maria or a paco. They have no cilantro or green sauces and when i asked they looked at me like i was crazy. Over all the food is ok but its more like a a good taco night at my white grandmas house rather than a good mexican place. Go to El poltro instead.
(1)Chris R.
Mexican food made by Americans who decorate the place like an issue of Country Living magazine en espanol. The outside is deceiving, it looks like a total dive, I don't go down fairbanks much and I've barely noticed this place a few times and never thought about eating there, foolish me for being so superficial(maybe I can apply that lesson elsewhere?). Inside was really nice and people were friendly. It was lunchtime and it was busy, got seated after 10 minutes. The chairs were wooden with arms and comfy, don't you know how bad an experience eating out can be with uncomfortable chairs? What about those sushi places they don't even give you a chair, you just sit on the floor, I can't think of something more unpleasant? The salsa was really good, very chunky, had a lot of black pepper in it I think(4/5). Tea was raspberry sweet and pretty obviously from a fountain machine not homemade. They had the combo(#d) that I always get even if places don't have it. Chili Relleno, Cheese Enchilada and a Taco. It also came with rice and refried beans and the server upsold me a dollop of sour cream which went great with everything. The Chili Relleno was made differently than I'm used to. This one is not egg battered and fried it's layered and baked, It was really tasty and the cheese was crispy good(5/5). They also tout something called a chili bake which is Chili on Rice, doesn't seem to fit here or sound that tasty to me, but maybe they are going for a tex-mex angle? Paco's is great if you are in the area and like mexican food. The server was sassy but cool.
(4)Bruce D.
No Margaritas so be ready, the chips and salsa are good and the service is friendly. The main courses are a little above average but the best thing was the refried beans, definitely fresh and definitely worth the trip. The décor and prices are average for a family restaurant. We will be back and bring some friends as well.
(4)Mike S.
We also tried this restaurant going off the previous reviews. Like the other reviewers, the outside does look like it is going to be a dive, but is pretty nice inside. It is all run by Americans, (aka white people), non of which I think are named Paco. So I digress, the salsa is good and kept full the whole time, which is good for a hungry group. We wanted to get margaritas-no liquor license! Um, ok. So I got a Corona and my wife a Miller Lite. The Corona came without lime but my wife got one in her beer. A little confusing. I did order the Burrito Deluxe and it was pretty good but nothing special. I would rather eat Chipotle, which is much more fresh and costs less.
(2)Jeff O.
Why oh why did I wait so long to try this place?! Becky and I decided to try Paco's today for lunch... Once you enter, you'll realize that the decor is perfect. Small, quaint, decorated like an authentic Mexican place ought to be. Colorful, earthy, a few ethnic chotchzkie's on the walls and cozy. I, l, I like the haphazard assortment of dining chairs. It gives the place that kind of "we're in somebody's house" kind of feel. As such, I would say it's not good for large groups. Go there with up to 3 friends and you're golden, Jerry. When we arrived, we found that the place was full! But we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. *Whew. The staff reminds me of a restaurant crew you might find in a diner, which is weirdly comforting to this here reviewer. One gentleman (Paco? Son of Paco?) kept walking around checking on people as if he owned the place. Nice chap. The menu is comprised of your typical Mexican food: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, rice/beans, tamales, chile relleno, etc. They have specials each weekday. The food itself I found to be quite satisfying! It all starts with the chips 'n salsa baby! Don't forget that. And guess what! Theirs is good. Chunky and fresh salsa, just how I like. For lunch, I ordered a chicken burrito (daily special) which was large and very tasty. It was basic--shredded chicken inside a tortilla, with melted cheese on top. But the flavor factor was high! It came with a side of pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream anyway, and rice and beans...so there you go. Becky got an enchilada and chicken taco. Mmm good. No complaints here. Good service, great food and a painless experience all around. Definitely a place worth checking out!
(5)Lauren C.
I went here after someone told me they had "great burritos." Let's just say I got a burrito, beef & bean to be exact, and it was OKAY. It tasted thrown together, NON-AUTHENTIC, and like something I could make better at home. The biggest problem I had here was that it's a Mexican restaurant with no Mexicans- everyone is white!!! It's like having a Southern Food restaurant with Europeans running the place. It doesn't make sense!!! And the food reflects this. I'm a huge Mexican Food Junkie and this place was just disappointing. Bummer!
(1)Eric D.
After hearing some good things about Paco's, I decided to check it out. Usually, I go for places with good food AND atmosphere but I'm always open to the occasional dive or hole in the wall that has great food. This is what I was expecting at Paco's. I knew it wouldn't be much to look at but it has a reputation for good food. I had their Burrito Deluxe and it was only marginal. It honestly tasted more processed than the Mexican food you often get at chain restaurants. Nothing about it tasted fresh or authentic. The service however, was great. Most of the wait staff has been there over 10 years, some over 20 and you could tell they knew their customers and created a friendly, welcoming environment. I just wish the food had lived up the the expectations. I couldn't really recommend this place. They also didn't take AMEX.
(2)theo h.
Paco's I have been going there for 20 plus years. it is has never been a mexican restaurant. it is the best Tex Mex restaurant around. they use high quality ingredients. My favorites are the Beef Enchiladas with Green Sauce,(yup cheddar cheese melted on top) salsa (no cilantro, I just think cilantro is overused) . very basic food done right with great service on a consistent basis. the place has a homey feel it was a former house, clean and atmosphere is casual. it is a great value for your money. think 80's style tex mex food when it first became popular not comparable to authentic mexican. still a winner so.
(5)Ellen B.
My friends love this place, but since my favorite Mexican dinner is a chimichanga, I'm not too keen on it. Paco's does have a chimichanga, but they put chili all over it and it's not that great. I've had a few other items, but they all taste kinda blah. The chips and salsa is good and I believe it comes with your entree. It's the kind of place I would go to if I was in a hurry and it was close by, but I wouldn't make a special trip for it. My favorite part about Paco's Tacos is saying the name out loud.
(2)C R.
I've been going to Paco's for years. It's still just a hole in the wall with good tex-mex. Their salsa is always tasty. My favorite is the guacamole tacos. I've never seen them anywhere else.
(4)C R.
I've been going to Paco's for years. It's still just a hole in the wall with good tex-mex. Their salsa is always tasty. My favorite is the guacamole tacos. I've never seen them anywhere else.
(4)ashley s.
Perfect for my fellow taco lovers!!!
(4)Mike S.
We also tried this restaurant going off the previous reviews. Like the other reviewers, the outside does look like it is going to be a dive, but is pretty nice inside. It is all run by Americans, (aka white people), non of which I think are named Paco. So I digress, the salsa is good and kept full the whole time, which is good for a hungry group. We wanted to get margaritas-no liquor license! Um, ok. So I got a Corona and my wife a Miller Lite. The Corona came without lime but my wife got one in her beer. A little confusing. I did order the Burrito Deluxe and it was pretty good but nothing special. I would rather eat Chipotle, which is much more fresh and costs less.
(2)Chris R.
Mexican food made by Americans who decorate the place like an issue of Country Living magazine en espanol. The outside is deceiving, it looks like a total dive, I don't go down fairbanks much and I've barely noticed this place a few times and never thought about eating there, foolish me for being so superficial(maybe I can apply that lesson elsewhere?). Inside was really nice and people were friendly. It was lunchtime and it was busy, got seated after 10 minutes. The chairs were wooden with arms and comfy, don't you know how bad an experience eating out can be with uncomfortable chairs? What about those sushi places they don't even give you a chair, you just sit on the floor, I can't think of something more unpleasant? The salsa was really good, very chunky, had a lot of black pepper in it I think(4/5). Tea was raspberry sweet and pretty obviously from a fountain machine not homemade. They had the combo(#d) that I always get even if places don't have it. Chili Relleno, Cheese Enchilada and a Taco. It also came with rice and refried beans and the server upsold me a dollop of sour cream which went great with everything. The Chili Relleno was made differently than I'm used to. This one is not egg battered and fried it's layered and baked, It was really tasty and the cheese was crispy good(5/5). They also tout something called a chili bake which is Chili on Rice, doesn't seem to fit here or sound that tasty to me, but maybe they are going for a tex-mex angle? Paco's is great if you are in the area and like mexican food. The server was sassy but cool.
(4)Phil V.
A mutual friend and I shared our curiosity about Paco's and decided to do something about it today, and the experience was pretty neat. Like most people, I thought this was going to be some dive Mexican joint. The interior is so faux southwest it's funnily charming and gave the impression that a family decorated the place over a looong period of time. In short - very cozy! This is definitely not authentic Mexican, but the dishes are prepared simply and prepared very well. I am a zealous, devout defender of the simple taco which fills me with happy childhood memories of slow-simmered beef on a stove and crispy taco shells. Screw all those dumb fillings like chicken and steak and... I don't know, tofurkey. Seasoned ground beef = my personal heaven. I was wonderfully impressed with their tacos here -- thin, crispy tortilla shell with a cocoon of spiced ground beef topped with freshly grated cheese and smothered in tomatoes. If you could hear the sound I'm making as I describe this, you would be both alarmed yet intrigued. Anyway, everything else was delicious and well-prepared. My date had a sort of meximelt layered thing, and she was also well-satisfied. Overall, we were glad we tried it out. We expected something wholly different and were pleasantly surprised!
(4)Matthew J.
The 4 Rivers fajitas special was awesome!
(5)Marci M.
I have never been disappointed by my visits to Pacos, just never impressed either. Good food, lots of choices. Great service (most have been working there for upwards of 28 years) and a peaceful environment. One downside, they only serve beer... i.e. no margaritas, sangria, etc. As a non beer drinker, its a bummer they don't have any alternatives. Just nothing to frilly or fun. But when I feel like Mexican where I can sit and relax, I go to Pacos!
(3)Leo B.
I went to Paco's at the recommendation of a friend. He said that it would be great mexican food. While the service was very friendly and fast, the food was not very authentic. First of all, this is the very first Mexican restaurant I have been to that does not offer margaritas (they only offer beer and wine). Although I know it appeals to families, to me, margaritas and Mexican restaurants go hand and hand. I was willing to let that go if the food made up for it. I thought the food was just ok. The salsa tasted like it was canned and not homemade. It was not very flavorful. I had the enchilada and taco. The nachos were pretty good, but overall the food did not have that traditional Mexican feel and I have been to my share of Mexican restaurants. My friend seemed to enjoy her food because she said she likes her food "bland." Overall I think this is a pleasant place with a cozy atmosphere. Most of the guests seem to be enjoying themselves, it just wasn't my cup of tea.
(2)Dan O.
Chips and salsa are good, the salsa is definitely tex-mex inspired and has a tangy taste; very different than any other salsas that I've had. I ordered the chicken enchilada and beef taco (hard shell) combo. The taco was ok, nothing special. The meat was seasoned very well, but for me the shell is always the star in Mexican restaurants and these shells were just average. The enchilada though was probably the best I've ever had. The meat was very tender and juicy, the seasoning delicious and the cheese sauce on top was awesome. The refried beans and rice were also really good and normally I'm not a fan of these because it seems like they all taste the same. The service is typical of a small town diner, regulars get priority. Overall though we had a good experience with our server, just a little slow because she was talking to all her regulars. The food was good and we will definitely be back!
(4)Kathy S.
PACO'S TACOS!!! I really enjoy this place. The food is great and reasonably priced with lightening fast service. You're not even halfway through your drink and your food is out. Their salsa is so fresh and has so much flavor. This place is packed for lunch, but when I've been there at dinner time, I haven't had to wait as long for a table.
(4)theo h.
Paco's I have been going there for 20 plus years. it is has never been a mexican restaurant. it is the best Tex Mex restaurant around. they use high quality ingredients. My favorites are the Beef Enchiladas with Green Sauce,(yup cheddar cheese melted on top) salsa (no cilantro, I just think cilantro is overused) . very basic food done right with great service on a consistent basis. the place has a homey feel it was a former house, clean and atmosphere is casual. it is a great value for your money. think 80's style tex mex food when it first became popular not comparable to authentic mexican. still a winner so.
(5)Ellen B.
My friends love this place, but since my favorite Mexican dinner is a chimichanga, I'm not too keen on it. Paco's does have a chimichanga, but they put chili all over it and it's not that great. I've had a few other items, but they all taste kinda blah. The chips and salsa is good and I believe it comes with your entree. It's the kind of place I would go to if I was in a hurry and it was close by, but I wouldn't make a special trip for it. My favorite part about Paco's Tacos is saying the name out loud.
(2)Jeff O.
Why oh why did I wait so long to try this place?! Becky and I decided to try Paco's today for lunch... Once you enter, you'll realize that the decor is perfect. Small, quaint, decorated like an authentic Mexican place ought to be. Colorful, earthy, a few ethnic chotchzkie's on the walls and cozy. I, l, I like the haphazard assortment of dining chairs. It gives the place that kind of "we're in somebody's house" kind of feel. As such, I would say it's not good for large groups. Go there with up to 3 friends and you're golden, Jerry. When we arrived, we found that the place was full! But we only had to wait about 5 minutes for a table. *Whew. The staff reminds me of a restaurant crew you might find in a diner, which is weirdly comforting to this here reviewer. One gentleman (Paco? Son of Paco?) kept walking around checking on people as if he owned the place. Nice chap. The menu is comprised of your typical Mexican food: tacos, enchiladas, burritos, rice/beans, tamales, chile relleno, etc. They have specials each weekday. The food itself I found to be quite satisfying! It all starts with the chips 'n salsa baby! Don't forget that. And guess what! Theirs is good. Chunky and fresh salsa, just how I like. For lunch, I ordered a chicken burrito (daily special) which was large and very tasty. It was basic--shredded chicken inside a tortilla, with melted cheese on top. But the flavor factor was high! It came with a side of pico de gallo, lettuce and sour cream anyway, and rice and beans...so there you go. Becky got an enchilada and chicken taco. Mmm good. No complaints here. Good service, great food and a painless experience all around. Definitely a place worth checking out!
(5)Lauren C.
I went here after someone told me they had "great burritos." Let's just say I got a burrito, beef & bean to be exact, and it was OKAY. It tasted thrown together, NON-AUTHENTIC, and like something I could make better at home. The biggest problem I had here was that it's a Mexican restaurant with no Mexicans- everyone is white!!! It's like having a Southern Food restaurant with Europeans running the place. It doesn't make sense!!! And the food reflects this. I'm a huge Mexican Food Junkie and this place was just disappointing. Bummer!
(1)Eric D.
After hearing some good things about Paco's, I decided to check it out. Usually, I go for places with good food AND atmosphere but I'm always open to the occasional dive or hole in the wall that has great food. This is what I was expecting at Paco's. I knew it wouldn't be much to look at but it has a reputation for good food. I had their Burrito Deluxe and it was only marginal. It honestly tasted more processed than the Mexican food you often get at chain restaurants. Nothing about it tasted fresh or authentic. The service however, was great. Most of the wait staff has been there over 10 years, some over 20 and you could tell they knew their customers and created a friendly, welcoming environment. I just wish the food had lived up the the expectations. I couldn't really recommend this place. They also didn't take AMEX.
(2)Liz D.
A must get is the quesadilla. Any variation is out of this world!!
(5)Mark P.
Small. tight parking. Exceptional customer service. I've heard the rumors and read the reviews, we Love them. Salsa was fresh. No problems tweaking up the menu to push out a veggie burrito for me. Everybody, and I mean everybody, was friendly. Family friendly home style Tex Mex inspired fare with reasonable/fair prices. Namely, you'll especially remember the customer service.
(4)Jordan O.
The service is amazing, the staff has been there for decades each and they knew literally everyone else in our section. Unfortunately, the food is not as good as the service. It's okay, not the tastiest, not the cheapest, but acceptable across the board. They do COVER everything in cheese, like they literally could have used half the amount of cheese and I would have been okay with that. This was much better on my wife's nachos where you could scrape some off, as opposed to my burrito where it overwhelmed everything else. One other thing of note, I personally liked the hot salsa much better than the mild, the mild was way to watery for my tastes. Also, they don't have any traditional Hispanic hot sauces, they have franks red hot...which is okay, but not what I was expecting. All in all, would I go back? Sure, but only if someone else set it up and it wasn't too far out of the way.
(3)Brandi C.
There is nothing really special about this place. The food is pseudo-Mexican- like a white American's version of Mexican food. It's not bad- everything tasted decent, but nothing- and I mean nothing- wowed me, or even stood out as actual tex-mex food. Their salsa tastes like Pace brand (I'm 99% sure it's not homemade), they use pickled jalapeños instead of fresh ones, and the chicken has no flavor- I think they poach it, shred it, and call it good. Where's the seasoning? Where's the flavor? How about some cilantro or cumin or lime juice or something! BUT, this place is an institution, been around for over 30 years now, and the parking lot is always packed... so maybe I'm missing something? But I've been to Mexico, and lived in Texas, and I am not impressed in the least. I have found that there are tons of other better tex-mex places to eat in the Orlando area.
(2)J.t. W.
I've always heard this place is a hidden gem so we decided to give it a shot. $30 later I've found out that Taco Bell would have been a better option. The people were nice but the food had zero flavor. At least mix in a few packets of taco seasoning or something. This was well beyond bland except for the salsa which actually proved to be the star of the meal. Serious disappointment.
(1)Joe O.
Ive been here 3 times. By the third time I realized they weren't having bad days or too busy, they were just generally rude and bossy to me every time. I asked for hot sauce and she rolled her eyes and sighed. I asked to modify a menu item to add/ subtract certain things like chicken and cheese, and they proudly told me I have to order from the menu as is. Look I get it. Modifying the menu makes it taste not like your restaurant, and it complicates things in the kitchen. But i also get that I am the customer and if theres not a huge sign proclaiming you'll refuse my modifications, you might not wanna be bossy knowitall about it. Just sayin. There are plenty of places to get different shapes of tortilla, meat and cheese and they will gladly change my order to provide personal service. The plates, forks, silverware, chairs, tables, cups, you name it are all mix matched and look like they came out of an 80's dishwasher. AKA the thrift store. Not unique or likeable in my opinion its more like lazy and cheap. But thats the vibe there so I don't discount them wholly on that. Lastly, when the bus boy/cook/waiter? tried to sell my girlfriend knock off purses and handbags table side I realized this place has been around for 30 yrs because the lot of the employees live in a compound behind the restaurant and do what they can to survive... not joking they live in the units behind the place. Charming little find that I wont be revisiting.
(2)tiffany w.
Pacos is a decent little Mexican place. The ambiance is like your mother's house for dinner. There is usually a line (which is a good thing) The Back-porch burrito is a good deal. The cheese sauce lives up to its name. The margaritas are not very good. The owner is a character. Overall, a fun, yummy place for home cooked Mexican.
(4)W O.
This is the best hole in the wall in Central Florida. The menu, the prices and the quality of their food has been the same for 30 years. As a matter of fact , so have many of the staff who are featured on the menu. Try the enchilito, its the best thing there. Sort of a flat burrito smothered with cheese and their delicious green chili sauce. Wow!! I cannot wait to return. We love Paco's!!
(5)Sharon A.
This local spot is still the best around. Moved away to DC, so miss Paco's quite regularly. Always find a reason to stop by on my visits back to winter park and order my beef enchiladas with extra spicy salsa. Their food: enchiladas, cheese quesadillas , chili relenos, taco salad, tortilla chips. They are all good.... Always piping hot (!!!!!!) with goodness. Marianne, Monica and everyone else are always awesome. Thank you Paco's for sticking to your style of good. Don't change !!! Would you please have a Paco's good truck in DC???? Pretty please !!!!!
(5)Joy D.
I have been going to Paco's for years, 13 years to be exact. I have always loved the food, and I love the servers who work there. I used to work around the corner from this place, so this was our go to for Mexican on our lunch break. It got that I was there so often, the servers knew my order before I even got the menu! I don't get there as often as I did when I worked in the vicinity, but we usually went there at least once every 3 months. Over the last few years, I have noticed that the service is getting less and less stellar. The food is still on point, but the service has been lacking. Maybe it's because I am in there at a different time than I used to go (I always went at lunch, and now I go at dinner), but things are just not as good as they used to be (slower, not as friendly). The most recent experience I had (and regrettably maybe my last) was about 3 months ago. My husband, my 2 kids and I arrived and had one group in front of us. They had already seated and were serving a pretty large table, and apparently had used the majority of their chairs to do this. So let me reiterate: they had tables open, but no chairs. They seated the group in front of us, and we waited for chairs to open up. Here is where it gets ridiculous. Whenever a group smaller than us walked in the door (party of 2 and 3), they would seat them and make us wait. I understand that under normal conditions (i.e. they were short tables, not chairs) this would be the right thing to do. But how in the world are you supposed to gather up 4 chairs if you're constantly giving those chairs away to smaller parties? Simple answer: you can't. As I have sentimental attachment to this place, I was patient and waited. We waited for 40 minutes with everyone who had come in behind us being seated while we just sat there with no table. They must have seated 10 people 2 to 3 at a time while we were waiting for just 4 chairs. We finally gave up and went to a barbecue joint. It was ridiculous. It made me sad to see it because I love this place. I love their food. I always loved the wait staff. Now I'm not sure if I plan to go back, not because of this one incident but because of a steady decline that culminated into the final incident that made me rethink my choices of ever selecting this restaurant for my dining needs again.
(2)Carolyn C.
When I want a good solid Tex-Mex lunch that doesn't break the bank, I go to Paco's. In fact, I used to go once a week when I worked in the area -- precisely because of those qualities, and because it's the kind of place where the staff will remember you. As many other reviewers have noted, Paco's is a Fairbanks institution, and many of the staff have been there for decades. That's starting to change now, but the core group is still there, especially at lunch. I really enjoy the beef tostada salad, the quesadillas, and the tacos, but it's hard to go wrong. There's a reason that so many people go back year after year: Paco's keeps serving up a warm friendly environment and delicious affordable food.
(5)