Restaurante El Panzon

Restaurante El Panzón has a charming ambiance that initially raises your expectations, but unfortunately, the experience doesn't fully deliver. The staff are friendly, but the food left me feeling underwhelmed, especially given the price point.The menu offers a variety of dishes, but the flavors felt somewhat lackluster. While the presentation was appealing, some items were over-seasoned, while others lacked depth. For the price, I expected something more refined or memorable. The portion sizes were decent, but the quality didn't quite justify the higher cost.That said, the service was attentive, and the drink selection was decent, offering a good mix of cocktails and non-alcoholic options. The location is convenient, and the restaurant has a nice atmosphere for a casual night out.Overall, Restaurante El Panzón is a decent spot if you're looking for a lively setting, but the food doesn't quite live up to the premium pricing. It's worth a visit if you're curious, but there are better options in Madison that deliver more bang for your buck

Since my original review, El Panzo has expanded its interior with more seating and a full service bar and I couldn't be happier. It has become my fave in the Madison area. Their cemitas are still stellar but don't sleep on their tacos. They are all well seasoned and extremely flavorful. I love their tacos arabe. Served on a flour tortilla, this precursor to El Pastor is outstanding. Friendly staff and great drinks round out the experience.

Right beside a competitor and another restaurant we frequent for tacos but the flavors and even the entrees offered are unique. Flavors are so strong and satisfying!Everything I've tried here has been consistently good. Staff are friendly and communicate effectively with each other. You can tell the team is on the same page.Their shrimp dishes are phenomenal and they do not skimp on quality or quantity!Very clean each time I visit, and with it being such a small space they're full and busy every time I go.

Came here based on the reviews on Yelp and glad we did! This place is outstanding in food and service. We had:Shrimp quesadilla - 9/10Tacos (can't remember, but they were the Pastor one and the Steak one) - 8/10 Beans and Rice: 11/10 - couldn't get them anywhere in the US any better than we had - truly outstanding Drinks - house marg was great, Paloma was made with strawberry mix, and we would pass on that 7/10Chips and salsa: spicy, fresh and delicious 9/10 Service: 10/10 - perfect. Ambiance: 9/10 for a local spot, excellent. Nice decor for DDLM. I would come back here any time. And we will!

Considering they have a competitor right next door, I would probably choose this place over the other.Tacos were seasoned well. I got the campechano. Not a huge fan of their tortillas, but they did seem slightly bigger than other street tacos I've had.Their rice was mushy and lacked flavor. I did, however, enjoy their beans.

Finally made it back to enjoy the expansion that they made! The area is so nice! A large bar area, lights and music. I had the "tacos de lengua" (cow's tongue) and they were delicious!!! The drinks were great as well. Service was fantastic and quick!They also have karaoke starting at 10pm!

El Panzón is in a little strip mall off Midvale just N of the beltline. I've heard that if you want to know how "authentic" a Mexican restaurant is, see if there is a statue of the Virgen de Guadeloupe respectfully displayed. Check! Service was prompt. When I saw they had lengua, tripa, cabeza de puerco, and other kinds of meat usually shunned by gringos on the menu, I thought I could have been in a restaurant in Mexico City. I ordered three tacos, one each of the aforementioned meats. The taco de lengua was outstanding! Best I've ever had. The taco de cabeza was also very, very good. The tripa was disappointing, but perhaps only because when the server asked me if I wanted them crispy or "medium", I chose the latter. Too chewy. I had Sidral Mundet for a drink. It's a carbonated apple flavoured soda, one I have always favored since my first trip down to Mexico as a callow youth in 1963. If your Spanish, your voice, and your familiarity with the Mexican Top Ten music hits are good, you might want to have some fun there on their karaoke night each Thursday starting at 9 pm. Overall, I thought the menu items were kinda pricey--but then again, we're in Madison, Wisconsin in 2024, h not el D.F. in 1963!

So good! I think we found our go-to Mexican restaurant on the west side of Madison. It's fairly small place, maybe 12-15 tables, but looked to be doing brisk take out business too. Chips (they come warm) and salsa are free, and the salsa has a nice kick, which I loved. Wife had the the platillo de carnitas (on the salty side but delicious) and I had the molcajete served sizzling with shrimp, beef, chicken, chorizo, nopales, cheese, charred onions, jalapeño, etc. huge margaritas and a full bar with a decent selection of tequila and mezcal. Service was good. We'll definitely be back.

We really like this neighborhood place. The staff is super nice, the service is lovely, and all the food we've tried has been good. My companion enjoyed the mole enchiladas and the carnitas; I've had the tacos and the pollo a la plancha; all were great. Portions are generous. They'll bring you some individual portions of homemade sauces, these are delicious and spicy, as is the salsa that comes with your chips. Family friendly and excellent.

Great service. Very hospitable and family feeling. Can guac be seriously good? YES!