
Pancho's Takos
A beloved Puerto Vallarta taqueria since 1989, famous for its legendary al pastor tacos and lively sidewalk dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Pancho's Takos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Puerto Vallarta taqueria since 1989, famous for its legendary al pastor tacos and lively sidewalk dining.
"Believe the hype. Best Al Pastor tacos. Who cares about the line."
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Lines can get long, but they move quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Order a Variety of Dishes
Try ordering multiple items to fully experience their flavorful offerings. Staff may suggest ordering less initially.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$
Phone
+52 322 222 1693
Address
Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Legendary Al Pastor Tacos
Indulge in some of the best al pastor tacos in Puerto Vallarta, featuring slow-roasted, marinated pork topped with fresh pineapple.

Flavor Explosions
Experience a lively dining atmosphere filled with unique dishes like stuffed avocados and pork chop tacos.

Lively Sidewalk Dining
Enjoy a vibrant street-side atmosphere where people-watching is part of the fun, especially as tables spill onto the sidewalk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Lines can get long, but they move quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Order a Variety of Dishes
Try ordering multiple items to fully experience their flavorful offerings. Staff may suggest ordering less initially.
Don't Miss the Dips & Sauces
Enhance your meal with their complimentary, flavorful, and sometimes spicy dips and sauces.
Cash is King
This popular spot operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to have pesos on hand.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
Lines can get long, but they move quickly. Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
Order a Variety of Dishes
Try ordering multiple items to fully experience their flavorful offerings. Staff may suggest ordering less initially.
Don't Miss the Dips & Sauces
Enhance your meal with their complimentary, flavorful, and sometimes spicy dips and sauces.
Cash is King
This popular spot operates on a cash-only basis, so be sure to have pesos on hand.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pancho's Takos is celebrated for its authentic, flavor-packed tacos, especially the highly-praised al pastor. Diners often remark that the food is 'worth the wait,' despite potential lines and a bustling, sometimes hot atmosphere. While many rave about the generous portions and lively vibe, a few reviews mention that some dishes, like carne asada, can be a bit bland or dry, suggesting the al pastor remains the star.
"This little eat-and-go taco joint had everything—the sauce, the spice, and a whole lot of sass. And honestly? I was living for it.
The al pastor? Worth writing a love letter over. I ordered way too much and have no regrets. The pork chop tacos? An all-out flavor explosion—like a fireworks show in your mouth. Pro tip: just order the whole menu and thank yourself later.
Heads-up: it’s tiny, and yes, there will be a wait. But try not to drool on the sidewalk—it’s not a good look (unless you’re drooling over the tacos, then carry on)."
Vu Nguyen
"We were told that they don’t do “to go” when we walked in. It was packed inside and outside and it was sweltering hot. None of that took away from how delicious the pastor tacos were! We also ordered beef and chicken but honestly, I wish I had ordered more pastor, because they were that good. Cash only."
Abby (STR Host)
"The waiter said the order slip we filled out was too much food (10 tacos). He said to order the plate of 4 tacos. If still hungry, order more. That was the best advice. They were great. We were fortunate that there was a table available when we arrived. Usually, there is a line. I can't wait to return."
John Gleason
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Pancho's Takos is most famous for its exceptional al pastor tacos, which are slow-roasted and marinated to perfection.
No, Pancho's Takos does not take reservations. They operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
It's best to arrive early, right around their 4 PM opening, or be prepared for a wait, as lines often form throughout the evening.
Yes, Pancho's Takos is a cash-only establishment. Be sure to have Mexican pesos with you.
While the focus is on meat-based tacos, options like guacamole, mushroom tacos, and cheese quesadillas are available.
Pancho's Takos generally does not offer to-go orders; it is primarily a dine-in establishment.
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Pancho’s is the most popular place for authentic Mexican tacos in Puerto Vallarta with tourists and locals (who are up for the wait). The charm of this taco joint lies not just in its mouthwatering offerings but also in its relaxed, alfresco setting that draws in fans. Despite the inevitable queues that start forming early in anticipation of its 4 pm opening, the experience of indulging in their signature dishes, including the amazing al pastor tacos and cheese-laden gringa taco, is a culinary adventure.
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Why it is the best: They say that the best sign of whether a taco stand is good is the number of people who frequent it, and Pancho’s Takos confirms this premise. Since 1989, they have been offering tacos al pastor so delicious that they attract both residents and visitors. Over time, their specialties grew to include items such as avocados stuffed with beef, chicken or mushrooms, au gratin potatoes with steak, chorizo or al pastor, quesadillas, cheese alambres and a variety of melted cheeses.
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Al Pastor tacos are a staple in Mexico, so it should come as no surprise that one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta is to visit the most popular Al Pastor taco restaurant – Pancho’s Takos!. This hole-in-the-wall taco joint would be easy to miss, except for the fact that there is always a line down the street of people waiting to eat here. It’s unassuming and nothing fancy, but the constant line of people tells you that the food must be something worthwhile.
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With generous portions and an excellent selection of dishes, this taco spot is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Without a doubt, the standout here is the tacos al pastor. Since the restaurant’s interior space is so limited, the tables spill out into the sidewalk, making for a lively dining experience where people-watching becomes part of the fun.Since it is so popular, there is a line for a table most nights, but the food is definitely worth the wait!
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If you’re visiting Puerto Vallarta, chances are you have seen the line down the street all coming from Panchos Tacos. This place is a staple in the community and locals and tourists alike come here. I got the battered fish tacos of course, and doused it in salsa BUT beware when I say that some of these salsa options are hot, and when I say hot I mean if a Mexican tells you its hot you might just die when you consume it (jk but you will be in pain).
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With generous portions and an excellent selection of dishes, this taco spot is favored by locals as well as tourists. Without a doubt, the standout dish here is the tacos al pastor (pork meat marinated in pastor sauce, which is slow roasted and topped with fresh pineapple). Since the restaurant’s indoor space is so limited, tables spill out onto the sidewalk, making for a lively dining experience where people watching becomes part of the fun.
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Pancho’s Takos offers excellent food, generous portions, and inventive combinations to people of all ages. The Tacos al Pastor are the standout dish in this lineup; the slow roasted, pastor sauce marinated pork topped with fresh pineapple makes for an unusual and wonderful taste sensation. Since the indoor space is so limited you may have to sit outside, or even wait for a table, but trust us when we say that it’s worth the wait!
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Pancho’s Takos is a Puerto Vallarta favorite, serving up delicious tacos and quesadillas until midnight, and sometimes up to 2am. Their menu will appeal to all types of customers – they even serve pork chops and cheese fondue – so no matter what your tastes are, there should be something on offer for everyone. And if that weren’t enough already, their mango habanero salsa is not only a delicious option but a must-try as well!
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Beloved by locals and tourists alike, this taco haven is a favorite thanks to generous portion sizes and a wide variety of scrumptious dishes. Despite so many options, their tacos al pastor (marinated pork meat that is roasted slowly and finished off with fresh pineapple) are by far the best-selling menu item. Indoor seating is minimal, so tables are also set up on the sidewalk where you can people watch while you dine.
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Pancho’s Takos is a popular spot for al pastor (marinated pork) tacos and there’s always a long lineup for a table in this quaint restaurant. Tables spill out from the venue onto the sidewalk, creating a lively atmosphere for devouring delicious tacos and sizeable margaritas on a warm Friday evening. While the traditional al pastor tacos are arguably the best in town, a must-try on the menu is the volcanoes.
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Puerto Vallarta residents may roll their eyes at this one, but Panchos Takos needs to be on the list. Located on the buzzy Basilio Badillo in Zona Romantica, Panchos Takos is a legendary hole in the wall that has received considerable (and much-deserved) attention for its succulent tacos al pastor. Wait in line (it moves quickly!) and snag a wooden table next to the rotating spit of achiote-marinated meat.
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We finished off the day by having dinner at one of the best restaurants in Puerto Vallarta – Pancho’s Takos. If you are out on a Puerto Vallarta food tour or looking up the best tacos in Puerto Vallarta, you cannot miss this place. As we were walking towards the restaurant, there were at least 30 people in the queue and that has always been the case every day we have crossed this restaurant.
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Located in the Zona Romantica, this beloved taco spot is divey and super casual, offering great options for both meat and veggie tacos. It’s a small restaurant with a line typically out the door, but if you’re a taco aficionado it’s well worth the wait. If you’ve been sweating all day in the beating Puerto Vallarta sun, you’ll also be happy to hear that the margaritas are massive.
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Pancho’s Takos is known for their tacos al pastor, which come on fresh, hot corn tortillas with coriander and grilled pineapple. The restaurant is small, but it has a vibrant ambiance and is often crowded. The centrepiece of the menu is the charcoal-roasted pork that is chopped to order, although the quesadillas and queso fundido with chorizo or mushrooms are also quite popular.
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This unassuming taco shop has held strong as one of the most popular and well-known eateries in the entire city. When planning a trip to Puerto Vallarta, don’t be surprised if someone asks you if you plan to stop at Panchos Takos to try their famous tacos al pastor. Walking by on any given evening, you’ll find a long line of hungry patrons waiting for the first available table.
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Pancho’s Takos was above and beyond the top choice, even though many people refer to it as being too touristy. However, overlooking the fact that it seems to get a lot of PR on sites such as Trip Advisor, it’s also a spot-on favorite with Mexicans. You’ll find Pancho’s on Basilio Badillo, next to the famous Café de Olla, at the most crowded area on the street.
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I’ve had a lot of great Al Pastor tacos in my time – including at the first-ever Al Pastor tacos restaurant in Mexico City. However, there is one place in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone that just about trumps them all. Panchos Takos (no, “takos” is not a typo, that’s actually the name of the place) is a small taco joint that sells huge Al Pastor tacos.
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Pancho’s Takos is a humble taquería near the beach that attracts the taco cravings of the night owls in Zona Romantica. Pancho’s Takos is at Calle Basilio Badillo #162 Zona Romantica casi Esquina Olas Altas, Puerto Vallarta 48380, Mexico. The location of Pancho’s Takos is only less than a kilometer, approximately 0.8 kilometers from Centro Historico.
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Located in the heart of gay Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romantica, Panchos Takos regularly appears on “best tacos in Puerto Vallarta,” lists. It’s the taco stand that has received the most media coverage over the years. In the evenings expect to wait in line to be seated, especially if you’re visiting for a late night snack after gay bar hopping.
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Panchos is a beloved taco restaurant located in the Romantic Zone of Puerto Vallarta. They are best known for their flavorful Al Pastor tacos, which are made with marinated pork that’s been cooked on a spit and topped with pineapple. They also offer other taco options, including beef and chicken, as well as a variety of salsas and toppings.
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Pancho Takos has some of the best (and biggest) margaritas in Puerto Vallarta!. They are reasonably priced and just about 2 will be good for the night :) Grab food while you're there too---Greg LOVES the al pastor at this place. It gets super crowded so plan to get there around 4:00pm if you're like us and don't enjoy waiting!
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Basilio Badillo 162, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. If you’re an al pastor lover, Pancho’s Takos should be at the top of your list. This small but wildly popular spot in Zona Romántica is easy to find—just look for the long line of people gathering well before they open at 4 PM.
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Spend enough time in the city and one thing becomes clear, Pancho’s Takos is one the most popular restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. They open at 4PM and if you aren’t in line by around 3:30PM, then be prepared for a long wait. I got in line a little past 3:30 and by the time they opened, the line went down the block.
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If it’s meaty tacos al pastor you’re looking for, don’t miss Pancho’s Takos!. It’s worth the wait… and wait you WILL because this is a popular joint. They’re open from 4-11.30pm and the latter half of this is busiest because tacos al pastor is typically a late-night dish, often eaten after leaving a bar.
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Pancho’s Takos is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most famous taco restaurants. Since it is located in Zona Romantica, the location is convenient, making lots of people come to queue for their tacos. It has outdoor seating and a down-to-earth vibe, making it a staple hangout spot for locals and travelers alike.
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Panchos Takos was the only place our cab driver mentioned when we asked where to eat on the day we arrived and he was not wrong. Panchos opens in the evening and specializes in tacos al pastor. There is usually a line along the sidewalk waiting to be seated in their indoor/outdoor seating area.
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Panchos Takos: Everyone likes tacos, and as kids love to use their hands, what better way to enjoy lunch or dinner than savoring the best finger food in town. Pancho’s Takos is situated in the heart of the Romantic Zone where street performers entertain you and your kids whilst you eat.
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Pancho’s Takos is so great we actually ate there twice during visit. They have a large food and drink menu with indoor and outdoor seating. This is one of the best places to eat in Puerto Vallarta, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait a few minutes to get seated.
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Meanwhile, Panchos Takos is one of the popular restaurants that you will find in this city. It opens at 4 pm but you should still arrive early since there will be a long line that will greet you if you arrive past their opening time. This is how popular this shop is.
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I can not say enough good things about our favourite taco joint, Panchos Takos, which is just off Olas Altas on Basillo Badillo. It has become our tradition that when we arrive in Puerto Vallarta, we change into shorts and head down for some simple pork tacos.
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Take a walk on the Malecon, visit the church, wait in line for Pancho’s – these are some of the things one must do on a trip to Puerto Vallarta. There’s always a crowd at this popular Puerto Vallarta restaurant, which specializes in tacos al pastor.
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Here’s an inexpensive can’t-miss spot when you’re craving tacos. Pancho’s Takos is known for their tacos al pastor – tacos with thin juicy slices of pork shaved off a vertical rotisserie. The mango pineapple salsa adds sweet and spicy flavors.
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Here are some rules of tacos that we found when we were looking for a Foodies Top 5 Restaurants in Puerto Vallarta. Check to make sure the cooks are wearing gloves!. We saw a lot of Taco shops where they were just using their bare hands.
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Pancho’s Takos is one of the most popular taquerias in Puerto Vallarta. It’s known for its famous tacos al pastor. Located in the heart of the Zona Romantica, you can see tourists, expats, and locals all enjoying these terrific tacos.
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This is one of the most popular taco places in Puerto Vallarta, and is always full. Pancho’s Takos is open from 6pm until 2am and there’s always a queue of customers waiting to be seated. Therefore it must be really good!
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Some visitors list Pacho’s Takos as their favorite taco spot. It’s very well known and, consequently, hard to get a table during peak dining times. Diners can sit inside or on the sidewalk in the heart of Zona Romantica.
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Web: http://pachostakos.restaurantwebexperts.com/ Phone(s): +52 322 222 1693 Hours(s): Monday to Saturday 16:00 - 00:00 Address: Basilio Badillo # 162. The best tacos"al Pastor" in the romantic zone.
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Friends just got back from Puerto Vallarta and loved Pancho’s Takos and went several times. They said to go early as the lines are out the door. It is in the Zona Romantica at Basilio Badillo 162
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At least once during your visit to Puerto Vallarta, eat at Pancho’s Takos. You won’t spend more than $3 on a full meal there, and you simply can’t leave without trying the tacos al pastor!
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They’re cheap and have lots of meat so I’d recommend you order 1 less taco than you normally would. There’s always a line so either go early before they open or be willing to wait in line.
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Pancho’s Takos is famous, and therefore this little Zona Romantica restaurant will almost always have a long line. Is the food good, yes. Is it worth the 45 minute wait, that’s up to you!
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A small hidden gem restaurant that is known for Tacos and quick drinks. The food here is economical and delicious. Personally, I love this place to grab a quick lunch with my better half.
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The two that most people share are Panchos Takos or Pepe’s Tacos. Pepe’s is also known for their Al pastor tacos. The Hawaiian style with pineapple chunks were so good.
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My husband and I returned to Pancho’s Takos twice in our six day vacation to Puerto Vallarta. You’ll have to wait in line for these tacos, but I promise it’s worth it.
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Pancho’s Takos is a must-stop tacos location in Puerto Vallarta. It’s a trendy spot for tourists and locals. You’ll understand once you bite into your tacos.
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Pancho's Takos was our favourite taco spot in Puerto Vallarta. It had delicious guacamole and al pastor tacos. Their frozen margaritas were also phenomenal.
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Use these coordinates to pin on maps.me | 20°36′07.09″N 105°14′15.39″W. Opening Times | Monday – Saturday 4pm-11:30pm. Expected Cost | 35 pesos per taco
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit