Not your papi's Salvadorean restaurant!. This is one of my favorite nouveau Salvadorean restaurants. Come to think of it, probably the only one. But don't let that dissuade you from trying the restaurant out. I first came to this restaruant in 1999, so it's been around awhile. The service is great. We always get the same gal, and she's sweet. Whenever I come I always order the Pollo en Mole, which is very delicious and under $10! I have made mole at home -- a 4-hour process that is worth every second -- and Panchita's gives me the same gustatory satisfaction without the endless cooking. They do pupusas here, but it's all very haute cuisine and better as an appetizer than a meal. If ya want pupusas, El Zocalo or La Santaneca are a better value. But the attention to detail, ambiance, and delicous new takes on old Salvadorean favorites is sure to please.…

super good neighborhood food bitches. Hey bitches, I live the mission and it is tragic how many of the Mexican/Salvadorian places are trash. You heard it. However, there is a dolly yummy place, right across from the garish and wonderful Buddhish catherdral on 22nd and Capp called Panchitas #3. I know, that number thing is very beaner, but the food is super good, the atmosphere, despite the occasional visit form very untalented and loud mariachis, is funzy. Raphael, the chef is a doll and I highly recommend this place. A true mix of old school Latinos on beer (imagine that) and a dose of Bay Areaized decor and presentation. The Pupusas rule and the guac is worth every last dime.

Go bitches!…

Great place to hang out and dine with a bunch of girlfriends!. I have been going to this place for quite sometime now and it is always a wonderful experience. You can't find a better deal, great food (the pupusas and guac are excellent), tasty drinks, great wine list and excellent service. The owner/cook Rafael is a charming host with great wait and bar staff. This place is definately worth trying and maybe it will become your favorite place, too!…

The Epic-Curion Trinity. Atmosphere: An industrial-minimimalist decor hinting of Soho steeped in interesting lighting and snazzy napkins. Aside from the decor, the presentation was stunning: as aesthetic as Salvadoran food is hearty. The presentation is what you might expect an Iron Chef to conjure if the magic ingredients are papusas and plantains. Though Panchitas has the look and food of high dining, its like the other great Salvadoran restaurants in the city. You can save a lot of money at this spot without skimping on food. Eddie and I had 4 papusas, 1 order of plantains, 1 glass of wine, 2 cokes, and 1 chocolate mouse cake for under $35. And the waitress was so lovely.…

Panchitas and no service. I went to the panchitas on 16th street. the place is easy to get it as it is usually not packed. The food is great BUT the service is TERRIBLE. With only 2 other tables seated in the whole restaurant, they took forever to serve or even take your order for that matter. I think the customer service there is terrible, no one is friendly or asks if everything is ok. Even if the food is good its the customer service that makes people also want to come back and I think this place has lost that. I already have brought 3 different people there to eat and they hated the experience, saying that it was unfriendly and a dull place to eat. I have to agree I finally have made up my mind to not go there any longer due to this. Customer serivice needs to improve big time.…

why the long wait with reservations?. we had reservations for 7:45. we had to wait for almost 2 hours (we were seated at 9:40). it was nearly impossible to get someone to even open a bottle of wine for us let alone have someone manage our expectations or offer to get us some chips or something on the house. there seemed to be no one in charge of the dining room. still, we had a nice time once we were seated so i would still recommend this place as long as you are not worried about getting somewhere afterwards. it's probably best to just try and walk-in and expect to wait.…