PonchoNo8 have constantly been filling my inbox with their deals (which are indeed welcome) but the location is just far enough from work I'm unable to go their for lunch. Crossing the bridge one evening, I decided to stop by the Steward street branch and expected an experience close to their extremely personable email marketing teams spiel. The shop is extremely well decorated. Modern, like a candy shop selling burritos. There was nobody at the front, a an "ahem" did the trick. I asked for the low carb box which I'd received a QR code voucher for. Something I noted was that the staff are perfectly pleasant, but don't really chat to you much. I was pretty much expecting somebody really chatty taking my order which the emails sort of indicate with their tone. The most I was asked were the ingredients I'd like and my phone to scan the code. No pleasantries or small talk. That said, the guy creating my box was generous with the portions of everything, so fair play. The food itself. WOW. I've never had a naked burrito before, but wow. You don't miss the empty carbs from the flour tortilla and you don't miss the rice that feels like a brick in your stomach afterward. If anything you get more beans and chicken as a result (more protein \o/) The salsa, salad and other toppings are quite standard, The chicken however, is by far the highlight of the meal. It's cut into big chunks. No small crumbled pieces of dried out frazzled chicken here. The grilled chicken is chunky, just charred to give it that bbq taste and moist real pieces of part breast, part thigh. So the shop is nice, well designed and clean. The food even better. I just wish there was one south of the river in Bankside Southwark so I could head here for my Low Carb Box after hitting the gym :D read more

Poncho 8 - Low Carb Box Agua de Fresca and Choc Brownie - Mexican Near Me - London, XGL

Poncho No 8 is the sort of eatery that I call a Chipotle-alike. Chipotle is a wildly successful and oft-imitated chain of fast food burrito joints in the US with a distinctive setup. You queue for your burrito across the counter from a parallel queue of employees who will make your burrito in an automobile factory-esque line. One guy puts chicken on the tortilla, who hands it to the rice applicator, who passes it to the salsa dispensation engineer and so on. If you're not a people person or if you're worried that your shirt clashes with your tie today then restaurants like this will drive you mad - there are half a dozen social interactions that you must brave before the last person on the assembly line hands you a burrito. I happen to like this setup, but I'm a chatty American so your mileage may vary. It's hard to judge Poncho No 8 on its own merits and without comparing it to other Chipotle-alikes. Chilango here in London is similar, and if the signs on Charing Cross Road are to be believed then Chipotle's arrival on these shores is imminent. Poncho falls a little short in this company. The rice tends to be just a tad under-cooked. The cheese has a slightly odd sweetness to it. The salsa at the extreme end of Poncho's heat spectrum will produce a scalp sweat or two but it isn't meet-your-spirit-animal-and-ancestors hot. (The sign in the restaurant that favourably compares their hot salsa to riot control gas had raised my hopes.) It's not the best burrito you can get. It is, however, the best burrito you can get in East London, so far as I am aware. It's also the only Mexican place in lunch hour reach of Spitalfields, the Land of 1000 Lunch Places (Boho Mexica nearby is outstanding but it's not really a take-away sort of spot). The chicken and beef are uniformly delicious. There is value for money here, too: £4-6 spent at Poncho No 8 nets you a burrito that approaches the size and shape of a rugby ball. Three stars seems unfair for a place that I've been to a few times and am likely to visit again, but the memory of and future hope for finer burritos keeps me away from granting four. Poncho No 8 is pretty damn good, though, and for the moment it's the only game in this part of town. Burrito lovers and queue fetishists should give it a try. read more

Never before have I met a burrito that I can completely eat, that was until I met Poncho no8. It's a little bit cute, a little bit hidden from the tourists but unfortunately, it's also a little bit generic. A bit weird that they put white Basmati rice in it but who am I to judge, it tasted good. As I mentioned, I actually managed to eat the whole thing, it's a little smaller than your average burrito, or maybe it was be just being really hungry. Still £5 seemed steep for what it was. It fills a whole and I'd go back, it just didn't knock me out with awesomeness like I wanted it to. read more

As far as lunchtime burritos go you could definitely do a lot worse than this place. I went for the chicken option although they had the usual selection of beef, pork, barbecoa and veggie for varying prices (all very reasonable). I felt like I was carrying around a new born baby in a bag such was the weight of it which is always a good sign and it left me with a very content feeling once I'd eaten every single bit of it. Only downside for me was the roasted/fried peppers that were added to the burrito as an option. In my opinion they weren't cooked for anywhere near long enough but it wasn't enough to stop me enjoying it read more

The best burritos I have had were in small Mexican restaurants in the Bay Area. Poncho No.8 does an okay imitation of those, but isn't nearly as satisfying either in taste or size. They basically do burritos, tacos, or salads (the insides of a burrito sans wrap) all with a choice of steak, pork, or beef plus rice and beans and sauce. You can customize what you get as you order, although the downside of this if you go at lunch when it is busy is you get moved along a production line and bombarded with questions. I went for a burrito with baracoa. I hadn't really heard of this meat before, but a search online suggest it is meat slow-cooked over an open flame then torn into strips. Poncho's menu described it as beef cooked overnight then shredded when soft. It was nice and tender and slightly watery here, reminding me of carne mechada in cheap places in Venezuela, but the 'slow cooking' hadn't added any depth to the flavour which was slightly bland. The other ingredients weren't that high quality either. Diced tomato could have been chopped a big smaller as the big cold chunks stood out, while like others who have written about Poncho here I wasn't quite sure about the type of rice chosen. It doesn't really matter much, though, once all of these ingredients are mixed together inside the wrap. The finished burrito was fairly good. Some I've had bulk themselves out with too much rice, but this was nicely balanced - the fresh crispness of the lettuce and tomato standing up alongside the rice and beans. It wasn't quite the mega-heavy feast that American burritos are though, perhaps needing more cream and cream and cheese and earthier meat. Poncho No.8 makes quite a big thing of its fuego hot sauce and this was good, adding a potent, if slightly overwhelming kick to the Burrito. A few people on here have commented about the small size of the Burritos at Poncho No.8 and its true that while as wide, they're definitely not as big as some of the huge, stuffed wraps that you get in the USA for less money. For me, a lot of Mexican food's appeal lies in quantity rather than quality, so it would have been n ice to get a bit more. But at the same time I'd rather they stayed small than just padded it out with more rice or salad that upset the taste. And the burritos here are still better value than the wraps sold in some of the chain restaurants around, although charging an extra 70p for guacamole is kind of frustrating. read more

As long as you avoid this place between 12 and 2 p.m. you're alright. Just outside the side doors of Spitalfields Market, it's in prime territory for those venturing across Bishopsgate from the City, or from the huge law firm across the street. I like it. First thing to say is compliments on the guacamole - very tasty. Also, the staff are friendly and accomodating. The place is squeeky clean, and is extremely well lit, almost too bright. I've come back a few times, and I'm working my way through the ingredients, I think the chicken is best so far. I had the vegetarian option, and it didn't really work for me, especially with the red onions. Basmati rice, though?? Seriously?. Quick lesson: basmati rice is great for Indian food, not so good for Mexican food. Long grain baby! Basmati is like a fat, creamy rugby ball, whereas the ridges in long grain rice hold the sauce, and it tastes better in that context. Poncho, you need to get you some long-grain, then you'll get another star. read more

Good, solid burrito place (for London). It's gotten massively popular now so expect to wait in a 10-15 minute queue almost any time you go, especially around lunchtime. I usually have them put in more beans and a bit less meat so that it's more like the burritos I'd get in California. The salsas are pretty good, especially the hot one. A bit overpriced for a burrito if you ask me, but I'm so thrilled to have a decently good burrito close to work I'm willing to pay it. read more

Ok starting to think my first visit was a fluke. The subsequent trips have not been as tasty. The food hasn't been as hot and the tortilla is just not soft anymore. I don't know why :( Also the tofu tastes delicious to me, but I'm also no vegetarian. The vegetarians I do venture here with do not like it. I do, but opt out for the steak almost always. read more

The queue for this place at lunch time is enormous, so you are better off waiting until around 2pm. The beef barbacoa burrito is very pleasant at at around £5.50 with an extra 70p for guacamole. They also sell a rather violent Poncho No.8 chile sauce which should be treated with caution and respect. Unfortunately this breaks the City lunch time take-away for a fiver rule, so it won't be a run-away winner on my weekday circuit, but it will definitely get a visit now and then. read more

The wraps here are phenomenal! My favourite has to be the Fajita Burrito with Babaoca which is so tasty and succulent, and when covered in their hot sauce, is enough to make your eyes water as well as your mouth! I have to admit, I fell out with this place about a month back after a sub-par Burrito but as a result of passing on my feedback, they have clearly taken my points on board and are now back up there as my number one lunch spot! The queues are big if you hit it at 1 o'clock but, it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Staff are happy to customise your wrap if you're like me and don't want it filled with extra carbs, the only downfall is that it is quite pricey once you add the yummy guacamole extra. But the meal keeps you filled up all afternoon so justification complete! read more

One of the better burrito places in London I would rate it considerably better than Chipotle further west, although the model is more-or-less the same ( burrito, taco, or salad with chicken, steak, pork, or barbacoa). The other bits , as in rice, beans, etc. I would say are definitely of better quality. The two sorts of quesadilla on offer ( chorizo and mushroom) are both however rather disappointingly greasy and insubstantial. The price point is a touch lower than Chipotle's, too, although it depends what you choose. For example, a pork burrito is 6.30 compared to the standard 6.85. I would however contend that it's a bit cheeky to charge extra for guacamole, which I always think of as integral to a decent burrito. The brownies are superb, if you need something sweet, and they deliver too ( for free, within the area easily accessed by bike). Perhaps because of the encroachment of competition ( Chilango just opened round the corner), Poncho 8 is offering 10% off food in January) read more

Solid, but not amazing, burrito served up in a overly clean, overly lit white room by foreign robots wearing the same immaculate t-shirt and perma-smiles. Authentic Mexican this is not. I'm a bit baffled by the rice they use... but that doesn't detract too much from what are otherwise very decent fillings and tasty guacemole. I enjoyed my lunch from here (thankfully I took it elsewhere, for fear of being blinded) and the long queues over the lunch hours do tend to move quickly (see reference to robots, above). read more

I have tried burritos at both branches of Poncho, and have to say I found them underwhelming. Whilst nicely packed, the chicken lacked flavour and was dry on both occasions. I also had a coffee at the St Pauls branch because I thought it was really neat that they had decent coffee as well, unfortunately it wasn't prepared very well and tasted off. It's a shame because I was expecting more from these guys! read more

OK so this is more than I usually would spend on lunch before I get branded as a lady of expensive tastes, but sometimes you just need a massive pile of rice, salad, meat, guacamole & cheese to last you the afternoon! Not huge subtleties of taste, leaving it less than authentic but what's not to love really? Their marinated chicken is a great shout and never, NEVER say no to guacamole. That would be sacrilegious. read more

I love burritos beyond measure. Having been spoiled for life after two trips to San Francisco I find myself constantly hunting for what feels like a burrito that can match up to the ones I like over there. Please note that the best burrito is found in the Mission District of San Fran. But now dear old London is starting to catch onto what the burrito thing is all about and it's a case of about time too! The things that mean a London burrito will ever be a San Fran one is down to something geographically out of our control. We don't get avocados and produce like they get in California. I love Californian avocado. It has a particular buttery and flavorsome quality that you just don't quite get over here. Same applies to the tomatoes too and other key components of Burritos. That aside we are learning how to make good mexican food at long last! The quality of ingredients at Poncho are excellent as is the choice of chilli and freshness of the salsa. I also like the loyalty card scheme. It is also worth queuing for as you won't be disappointed. Although I tend to go in the middle of the afternoon, just after the lunchtime rush as it means I can sit down and have a near religious experience with enjoying my sacred burrito and teleporting myself back to the memories of California I fondly have with each bite. read more

Judging by the queue from the door and the sightings of green bags from office workers around Spitalfields, Poncho No 8 is certainly popular. Don't let the queue put you off, the staff are very fast and you'll be rewarded with a very filling and tasty burrito. Burritos aren't my natural food of choice, but the salsa in this was very refreshing & herby. The spicy black beans not overly 'spicy' but added a good texture to the burrito. Interesting branding, decor and loyalty card scheme too, so I'm sure I'll be back. read more

First, my Mexican food credentials: I'm originally from Phoenix, Arizona (where there is unbelievable Mexican food all over the place), and I've been to Mexico many, many times. Mexican food is what I grew up on. That stuff is life-blood for me. But those of you in the know realize that places like Poncho No 8 aren't really trying to recreate authentic Mexican food -- this is a San Francisco-style (specifically, Mission-style) burrito place. And guess what? I lived in the Bay Area for a bit more than five years. So I feel qualified to be snobby and judgmental about that kind of Mexican food too ;-) To my surprise (and delight) Poncho No 8 absolutely hit the spot! You do have to take a bit of directorial control over your burrito -- i.e., "no salad," and "after you wrap it, please grill it for a minute" -- but after those bits of editing I ended up with a lovely chicken burrito with pinto beans, three kinds of salsa, orange rice (yes, really!), and a nicely grilled tortilla. Look, will London (or New York, for that matter) ever have a taqueria that is every bit as good as the ones in San Francisco? Probably not. But Poncho No 8 gave me a very yummy burrito that absolutely satisfied my craving. I'll be back for sure. read more

Another new gem at Spitalfields :) I heard of this new mexican place about a month back, and i have been a regular since then. The burritos are good ... at least the meaty ones (i have tried the chicken, steak and also the pork). Priced at between £5 - £6, i think it compares reasonably well with the other lunch alternatives we have around. Unlike some of the other reviewers, i feel that the wraps are big enough ... or maybe my appetite has gone down recently :( Its usually a long wait to get food from Poncho ... but they try to make the wait a pleasant one. I once saw them offering nachos to the people waiting. On another occasion they offered umbrellas to the waiting customers as it had started to drizzle. But don't forget to return an umbrella that you take ... you wouldn't want to steal a bright lemon yellow umbrella with the words "Nicked from Poncho" written on them, would you ? :) The primary reason why i am docking a star is their operational inefficiency. Poncho is good ... but not good enough for a 20 minute wait. The service is slow. I am not sure what their constraints are, but they should look at ways of serving their clientèle quickly ... i will be back more often when they do :) read more

Good mexican style take away.

Passed this place many times and often noticed long queues around lunch time so thought I'd give it a try. I was very disappointed. Wrap was rather cold and not at all filling and there was very little chicken in it. The staff were very pleasant though. Over-priced and probably the worst Mexican food I've had in London. I won't be going there again in the near future.. Example of their prices - they sell 'Bounce protein balls' for £1.90 and a one minute walk away, on Commercial Street, you can get the same for £1.49. Try Pilpel's around the corner on Brushfield Street - not Mexican but very filling and better tasting and much better value. read more

Made this place my regular since I moved office, and it is way better than I originally gave it credit for. It's become my favourite burrito in the area. In fact, it is difficult not to go every day. This place is damn good, proper Friday lunch food, the type of food that you celebrate the end of the week with, but lucky lunch-goers in Londontown, like me, can enjoy a burrito slam-down any weekday. Charles. read more

A colleague of mine recommended this place, just a stone's throw away from Liverpool Street Station, and as an avid burrito lover, I had to check it out. I arrive to find there's a decent amount of seating and the server made my salad box in record time. So far, so good. The salad box turned out pretty awesome (even if I was slightly annoyed that they didn't check if I wanted lettace in there and just dumped it in). Lovely tender beef with just the right kick and amazing guacamole. Not the best burrito I've ever had, but still a solid choice if you're in the area. read more

This wasn't the best burrito I've had, by a long way. Lacking in flavor, steak was chewy, and staff (all seven of them) were definitely concerned about speed over quality. I'll be heading around the corner to Flying Burrito in future. It's cheaper and tastes much nicer. read more

I have been eating burritos long before the advent of Chipolte in America, and would like to think I can make a pretty decent one myself. With the exchange rate these days, spending 5£+ on a burrito seems a bit steep if I can just do it better at home. That being said, Poncho No. 8 is definitely one I would break out the wallet on, my favorite so far in London. London has a long way to go when it comes to burritos, but Poncho is a great start. Different ingredients like coriander and tomato rice add a new flavor dimension, and the tofu here is really amazing. My girlfriend said, "Uh, I think you burrito has chicken in it." Seriously, the tofu is well prepared, not mushy and flavorless as it has a reputation for being. However, the salsa could be hotter, the guac could be improved, and for crying out loud can someone in London please melt some cheese on my tortilla before making the burrito? PS. listen to J K.'s review: The assembly of a burrito is done in front of you for a reason! If you didn't get enough of an ingredient in your burrito, there is honestly no one to blame but yourself. read more

I am not a Burrito person, so for me to give them 4* is saying something. The filling is fresh and taste... Their medium and hot salsa are amazing, full of flavour and just not hot! Staff are out standing even during busy time.... read more

Definitely the best burrito in or near the city (or the rest of London for that matter). Very well executed, not too sloppy and holds its shape well. Go for the pork and guac with black beans. Not convinced by the peppers and the onions as an extra but everything else as standard. The nachos are also very good however you do need at least 2 bowls of guac to help their passage into your mouth. read more

One of the best burritos I've had in London. You can mix two types of beans AND veg in a vegetarian one - and what's more, the vegetable dish comes with tofu which makes it even better. So much variety. Everything very fresh and tasty. Plus absolutely huge - I've not been able to finish either of the two times I've eaten here. Very well priced for what you get. read more

I'm a big buritto fan and Poncho 8 is the best I have had in London. Both the chicken and the pork is very good and the guacamole is perfect! Cant get a better fill at lunchtime for the money as they are loaded full of meat,rice,guac,salsa and more... Off to get one now in fact! Highly recommended. read more