Pancho’s Mexican Taqueria
9658 Allisonville Road
Indianapolis, Indiana  46250
http://www.panchosmexicantaqueria.com/

It seems like we review a lot of taquerias around here and that’s with good reason: they are usually plentiful in Indianapolis and both WIBIA and I love Mexican food.  Pancho’s has a second location on the northeast side to go with their original location on the northwest side, so I decided to give it a shot.

Now, I don’t go to a lot of taquerias, so this one kind of surprised me.  When I walked in, it was clean and had a fútbol game showing on the plasma television at decibel levels that would have drowned out a jet engine.  Also, I was the only person in the place whose native language was English, so I felt that this boded well for my chances to get some quality food.  But, since I’m always hesitant at new restaurants to order anything out of the ordinary on my first visit, I went with the boring route…

What I Got:  Pancho’s Burrito (chicken); served with Mexican rice and refried beans $9.99

My first glance when I opened my package (they do have a very nice dining area, but I opted for carry-out) was that this burrito was huge and I knew there would be no way that I would go hungry.

The burrito was filled with grilled chicken and also sautéed green peppers, red peppers and onions.  Everything was fresh and cooked perfectly.  I’ll mention it again, but this thing was plentifully stuffed.  As for the taste, it was just as good as it looked.  It truly was one of the better burritos that I’ve had in a while.

As for the rice and beans, well they were pretty much average but I wasn’t expecting a whole lot out of those.  The burrito was the main attraction and it was exactly what I was looking for.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes and I’m anxious to go back and try some of the other items on the menu to see if the quality carries over there as well.

Also, FYI, they have a salsa bar in the restaurant with salsa/hot sauces varying from a very weak green sauce to several sauces that they label as X, XX, XXX hot.  I wasn’t feeling all that great that day, so I didn’t venture above single X (I had that and everything below), but I will say that all of them were quite tasty.  On my next visit, I’ll be giving the XX and XXX a shot.

-IndianapolisEater

Hacienda Mexican Restaurant
2148 North Karwick Road
Michigan City, IN 46360
http://www.haciendafiesta.com/

You probably know this by now, but Mexican is my favorite type of food.  When it is done well, you just can’t beat it.  I usually look down upon Americanized Mexican or chains like Don Pablo’s, On the Border (they do have killer tortilla chips at the grocery store though) etc.  However this small chain based out of South Bend, IN has a secret weapon, meet the “Wet Burrito.”

What I Ate: Wet Burrito.  Smaller, Shredded Pork $ 8.50

This bad boy is stuffed with pork, refried beans, lettuce, tomatoes and topped with cheese and a secret “Hacienda” sauce.  I am well-versed in mexican cuisine, but I still have no clue how to replicate the secret Hacienda sauce.  They have me hook line and sinker.

The burrito is outstanding, what else can I say?  I should hate it though, it is about as mild as Frank Calliendo and as authentic as…well…Frank Calliendo.  The cheese offers little flavor, but it does glue everything together.

I would recommend the larger size for a $1.00 more.  The small still packs in over 500 calories and 27 grams of fat.  Complete nutrition information is listed on their site.  My recommendation, skip the shredded beef and chicken, try the ground beef or shredded pork.

Would I Buy It Again? Yes.  Hall of Fame too! The closest Hacienda to my house is an hour away in Kokomo, IN.  Once in a while I can talk my wife into making the drive.  She likes Hacienda ok, but complains (a lot) about the pureed salsa.  She said it is salsa for 85 year olds that can’t chew and it reminds her of ketchup.  Look at this pic, she has a point!

This is for you babe!

Oh yeah, I ate some Churros too.  They come with a chocolate syrup and caramel.  Pretty Good.

-WIBIA