Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

4.8 (16)

$30 and under

Mexican

4050 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116-2504

Make a reservation

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

4.8

$30 and under

Mexican

Kensington

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 6, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

About this restaurant

Gluten-free-friendly
Great for happy hour
Neighborhood gem

At Ponce's Mexican Restaurant, we believe enriching the lives of those who walk through our door is the primary purpose of being in business. This includes:
Our Guests; who are able to shed their stresses when they sit down to a comfortable & affordable meal at the end of a long day of work, establishing traditions by gathering for a weekly meal with loved ones, share a post-game lunch after little league, host a holiday party, meet their mate and propose marriage, learn about tequilas, meet neighbors, network at a business lunch, and so on.

Amazing food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere help us accomplish our goals. We've strived for this in the tradition of Ponce Meza Sr. since 1969, and look forward to sharing that experience for many years to come.

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 282-4413
Website
https://www.poncesrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Business lunch, backyard parties and weddings, Ponce's is happy to help make your next event special and delicious! Ask us about our Mobile Taco Cart, pop-up Margarita Bar, and Catering Delivery Services. For more info, contact: Catering@PoncesRestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for over 50 years and is the perfect setting for your private event! Our Catering Team is happy to assist you in planning and selecting the best options for your event and budget. Minimum expenditures for food and beverage vary. For more info, contact: Catering@PoncesRestaurant.com
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
4050 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116-2504
Neighborhood
Kensington
Cross street
We are located on Adams Avenue between Kensington Drive and the 15 Freeway.
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Ponce's is on the #11 Bus Route!MTS: Adams Av & Kensington Dr, Stop ID 10594 #10594
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Offers

HAPPY HOUR - now twice daily*!
4 - 12 people
Multiple dates available
Fri - Sat - 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Enjoy Ponce's Happy Hour and our new Late Night Happy Hour! Mon-Thu: 2pm-5pm & 8pm-9pm! Fri & Sat: 2pm-5pm! Offering $7 House Margaritas, 3 Tacos for $9**, and $1 Off all Beer **Must purchase any beverage to receive Happy Hour Taco discount. +$1/taco for choice of shrimp or fish.

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Mason Jar EL VETERANO$26.00
El Veterano pours Emerald Spear Blanco tequila, OJ, lime, coconut cream, and orange liqueur with a chile-cinnamon sugar rim. - Served in a mason jar, one jar contains two 5oz margaritas ready to pour over ice. Each month, our Ponce’s Cares campaign raises money for a local, 501c3 in our community. This month, we are proud to support the Military Officers Association of America, California Council of Chapters (CALMOAA).

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington.

4.8

(16)

4.8Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.9Value

Noise • Moderate

16 Reviews

B
Bridget Gold
San Diego9 reviews
5.0
Dined on September 24, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We love Ponce’s! It’s a crowd pleaser that we often choose when we are hosting international colleagues. Fun atmosphere, friendly staff, great food and something for everyone on the menu.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on September 28, 2026
Thank you for the kind words! We're delighted Ponce's is your go-to for hosting colleagues, and we can't wait to welcome you and your guests back soon.
Is this helpful?
D
DAVID Gold
San Diego49 reviews
3.0
Dined on September 4, 2026
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Quality and prep of food and drinks not consistent. Each time it's hit or miss.
Is this helpful?
K
Kyndel
San Diego2 reviews
4.0
Dined on August 4, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 3
Margs are great! Food is good. Service can be a little slow. We still eat there often. Its in a good location and has a fun vibe.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on August 26, 2026
Thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Kyndel! Please don't hesitate to "flag" down service as needed! We will definitely share this with our team. See you next time!
Is this helpful?
E
Elaine Gold
San Diego69 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 30, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Always a treat to come to authentic Mexican food. Brought out of town guests who loved their dinner!
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on July 27, 2026
Thank you so much! We love being part of the memories you make with your out-of-town guests. Nothing beats sharing authentic Mexican food with the people you care about. See you all again soon!
Is this helpful?
M
Michelle Gold
San Diego7 reviews
5.0
Dined on June 27, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Had a great dinner with friends. Food and drinks were excellent and very reasonably priced. Service was great and food came out quickly.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on July 27, 2026
Thank you for the kind words! So glad you and your friends enjoyed the food, drinks, and quick, great service. We look forward to serving you again soon.
Is this helpful?
J
Jeff Gold
San Diego23 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 24, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A local hangout for meeting up with friends. Reliable comfort food and excellent margaritas
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on July 27, 2026
Glad we're your local hangout and our comfort food and margaritas keep you and your friends coming back. ;) See you soon!
Is this helpful?
H
Heather
San Diego1 review
5.0
Dined on May 31, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Been coming to Ponce’s for over 20 years. Great service, good and people! Highly recommended.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on July 27, 2026
Thank you so much for 20 years of loyalty — that truly means the world to us! We're so glad the food, service, and people keep bringing you back. See you again soon!
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R
Rex Gold
Las Vegas18 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 28, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
One word "FANTASTIC". The service was so warm and friendly. The food was great, the queso is so good. Thank you all so much. We will be back for sure.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on May 22, 2026
Thank you for taking the time to leave a review, Rex! We could pour that queso dip on anything, and we are thrilled you could experience the hospitality our staff encompasses. See you next time!
Is this helpful?
A
Alex Gold
San Diego11 reviews
4.0
Dined on April 18, 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Margaritas are great as always but food was just ok
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on May 22, 2026
Hi, Alex! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and we apologize for not responding sooner. We'd love to hear what it would take to earn that 5th star and if you're open to sharing more about our food, please email us at info at poncesrestaurant dot com - we'd like to make it right if we can. Thank you for your honesty and we hope to see or hear from you again soon!
Is this helpful?
A
Alicia Gold
Los Angeles3 reviews
5.0
Dined on April 17, 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Great Margarita & food! Love the staff & ambiance.
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- KensingtonResponded on May 22, 2026
Thank you, Alicia! We don't mess around with those margaritas - glad you enjoyed! See you next time!
Is this helpful?

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Mexican
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm
Phone number
(619) 282-4413
Website
https://www.poncesrestaurant.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Catering
Business lunch, backyard parties and weddings, Ponce's is happy to help make your next event special and delicious! Ask us about our Mobile Taco Cart, pop-up Margarita Bar, and Catering Delivery Services. For more info, contact: Catering@PoncesRestaurant.com
Private party facilities
Ponce's Mexican Restaurant has been a San Diego favorite for over 50 years and is the perfect setting for your private event! Our Catering Team is happy to assist you in planning and selecting the best options for your event and budget. Minimum expenditures for food and beverage vary. For more info, contact: Catering@PoncesRestaurant.com
Delivery & takeout
Order direct

Location
4050 Adams Ave, San Diego, CA 92116-2504
Neighborhood
Kensington
Cross street
We are located on Adams Avenue between Kensington Drive and the 15 Freeway.
Parking details
Public Lot
Public transit
Ponce's is on the #11 Bus Route!MTS: Adams Av & Kensington Dr, Stop ID 10594 #10594
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Ponce’s has a patio for casual outdoor dining, and guests have sat and enjoyed meals outside there.

Yes, reviewers note Ponce’s has two locations: the original Kensington location and a second spot in Del Sur.

Ponce’s feels like a warm, neighborhood Mexican spot, cozy, colorful decor with vintage oil paintings, a busy, convivial dining room that can get quite loud, and a casual patio option.

Casual dress, comfortable, informal attire is appropriate for dining at Ponce’s.

Ponce’s is at its liveliest in the early dinner hour, guests note it felt very lively around 5:00 pm, while evenings around 7:00 pm can be noisy with waits; it’s open Mon–Sat 11:00 am–9:00 pm.

Yes, Ponce’s is family-friendly: reviewers mention crayons and coloring sheets, a kid-friendly menu with generous portions, and staff who are attentive to kids and large groups.

Portions at Ponce's are generally generous, many guests describe dishes as shareable or 'massive', noting fajitas, quesadillas, enchiladas and burritos large enough to split.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a reservation

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

4.8

$30 and under

Mexican

Kensington

Make a reservation

2 people

Nov 6, 2026

7:00 PM

Booked 4 times today

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

Make a reservation

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Additional information

Offers

HAPPY HOUR - now twice daily*!

Concierge
AI Beta

Menu

Seasonal Food Specials

Cochinita Pibil$22.00

Seasonal Cocktails

MASON JAR SPECIALS$26.00

Ponce's Cares

Mason Jar EL VETERANO$26.00

Reviews

Additional information

FAQs

Does this restaurant have outdoor seating?

Does this restaurant company have other branches or locations?

What's the ambience/atmosphere like in this restaurant?

What is the dress code for Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington?

When is the best time to go to Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington?

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

What are the portion sizes like at this restaurant?

Make a reservation

Ponce's Mexican Restaurant- Kensington

Make a reservation