Pancheros Mexican Grill - Walnut Creek

Situated in the Safeway shopping center in the newer area along Oak Grove, this burrito chain provides a dining experience akin to Chipotle. A notable highlight is that the tortillas are pressed and cooked to order right before your eyes, and the ingredients are combined just before being wrapped up. They offer an excellent variety of fresh salsas and guacamole. I typically go for the Carnitas, but their Chicken with corn salsa is also quite delicious! You can enjoy a regular burrito for less than $7. The restaurant is clean and well-kept.

The staff were friendly and efficient. The food was very good; we ordered shrimp tacos and steak tacos. My only complaint was that the chips were overly salty. I usually like to add salt, but these were so salty that it was hard to eat more than a few.

This chain originated in Iowa City, IA, about 20 years ago and has become quite popular in the Midwest. While it resembles other burrito chains, what distinguishes it is that their tortillas are made by hand and pressed right in front of you when you place your order. The burritos are fantastic, and the quesadillas are delicious as well, although I do wish they were a little larger. They excel at mixing the ingredients in the burritos, so you won’t just find a clump of beans. I highly recommend it!

Better than Chipotle! Especially if you like having the various ingredients of your burrito all mixed well, rather than in separate spots throughout.

I like it better than chipotle. Especially the tortilla. Looks like a rebranded chipotle. I don't know why but it tastes better. Worth a try!