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Laguna Beach, CA

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Avila's El Ranchito

3.8 (626 reviews)
ModerateMexican
Closed • 11:00 am - 8:00 pm

Order Avila's El Ranchito Takeout or Delivery

Avila's El Ranchito Photos

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AVILA'S EL RANCHITO ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Casual
Moderate noise
Good for kids
Outdoor seating

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Recommended Reviews - Avila's El Ranchito

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Asada Taco
Cathrine S.

This Avila's location is the smallest one I've been to, but still has that Avila's charm and delicious chips and salsa. They have a much smaller menu than other locations, but still offer a few favorites. Indoor, outdoor and bar seating available, and walking distance from other shops and the beach.

ceviche
karla m.

genuinely the best ceviche ever (number 2 to my mom's hehe) but so so good!!!! the shrimp was so tasty and fresh and it had the best lime flavor. my boyfriend and i ate it all so quick and would come back again when we are back in the state our server also offered us two rounds of chips and salsa and was so nice and attentive!

Avocado Bowl, California Burrito, & Mayan Burrito
Jina K.

I came with my family close to opening on a weekday, so there was absolutely no wait and we were able to pick our own table! We got a spot right by the window where there was an ocean view. Our server was so kind, and she gave us free chips and salsa as soon as we sat down! The chips were so good and the salsa had a nice kick to it. We even got a free refill. I got the Mayan Burrito, and it was massive and so incredibly delicious. It was drenched in salsa verde and topped with cheese. I got shredded chicken inside, and it was so yummy. One of the best wet burritos I've had. There was so much filling inside, and such a good size. My sister got the California Burrito with carne asada, and she loved it too! My mom got the Avocado Bowl, and she enjoyed it too. I would absolutely return to this place and order the same burrito! Excellent service, a pretty view, and a nice relaxing ambience!

Blackened Wild Atlantic Salmon Tacos
Brooke T.

Food was amazing! Everything was served warm. The salmon tacos were not super spicy but had a little but of heat. Shrimp tacos had some heat to them. Rice and beans were also good! Rice was a little dry. Food tastes authentic. The service was ok. Took us a while to get our food and drink refills. Everyone was kind. Ambiance was fun! This is a great place to sit outside or at the bar. Locals do come here, and it is a fun place to hang out! Would definitely recommend this place!

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Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the flavorful food, friendly staff, and pleasant ambiance with ocean views.

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24 days ago

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7 months ago

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2 months ago

Had a nice experience. Food is always good. Our server, David was very pleasant. I like the ambiance in the outside seating.

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Business owner information

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Michael A.

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6 months ago

Great food to pick up ! And eat there can't beat the Ocean view ! I love the chicken soup & crispy Tacos

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4 months ago

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4 years ago

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1 year ago

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8 months ago

Melissa had the best service. Fantastic tacos and salsa. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area.

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2 years ago

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10 months ago

Service was great, the restaurant itself was beautiful. I had the cerviche and it was delicious! Can't wait to go back again!

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1 year ago

The food and staff are totally amazing! Every time I order from them, the food is delicious.

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1 year ago

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Page 1 of 16

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Carmelita's - Birria Tacos

Carmelita's

4.2(2.7k reviews)
0.9 mi
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Came here for dinner around 7 pm on a Tuesday and we were able to be seated right away on the patio…read morewith our dog. They start you off with complimentary chips, salsa and beans. I really enjoyed the beans and liked that it was offered as something different. I also ordered a spicy michelada with Modelo which was really good. For food we shared the pollo à la chipotle and seafood enchiladas. Both entrees were really good! You could taste the crab in the enchiladas and the sauce on the chicken was really good. The chicken was also moist and not dry. I enjoyed the chile relleno but felt like it wasn't needed. My boyfriend really liked the rice. They offered us more chips once we ran out and brought out a fresh batch. Oh my, the chips were amazing when they were still warm! If I wasn't full I could've eaten the whole basket myself. Our server was also friendly and brought water for our dog without us having to ask. Great location near the beach for a nice dinner with a breeze. We would definitely return!

I should have taken photos! Every bite was delicious. The fresh tortilla chips were warm and the…read moreguacamole was so tasty and was served with chopped cucumbers and a wonderfully smoky chipotle sauce on the side. Why? Who knows. Who cares. They were delicious. We ordered several types of tacos, on both regular corn tortillas and crispy tortillas. WOW! Each bite was better than the one before. Is that possible ? Yes, it's possible. The food was so delicious, we ordered food to take with us for later. ( photos of take out attached. We were too busy eating out sit down meal). The service was exceptional. My water glass stayed full. The room is nice and cozy. We had no problem with parking, but I can imagine it may get tight during the dinner hour. We will return, because I look forward to trying several other menu items. I highly recommend Carmelita's.

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Carmelita's - Inside

Inside

Carmelita's - Chef's Combo Platter

Chef's Combo Platter

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South of Nick's - Tres leches

South of Nick's

4.6(1.2k reviews)
0.7 mi
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I booked a reservation for two on a Sunday night. I was able to check in on time. Team members were…read morewelcoming and nice. We were greeted by our server Delia. We ordered food and drinks which were delicious and were very full at the end of dinner. We ordered the shrimp tácitos, pork carnitas and the birria tacos. 100 percent recommend these dishes. But overall our server Delia was great checked up on us and made sure our food and experience went well. I will be returning for sure!

You simply cannot go wrong dining at South of Nick's in Laguna Beach. We've tasted so many dishes,…read moreand every visit gives us another reason to return. The La Tablita and shrimp taquitos are standouts, and the chips with their trio of salsas are divine. They are the kind of fresh tortilla chips you keep reaching for even when you promise yourself you're saving room for dinner. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with thoughtful attention to every little detail. Add the spectacular ocean view, and you have a setting that makes you want to settle in and savor the evening. Our server, Paul, was exceptionally attentive, making sure we had everything we needed and helping us feel truly cared for throughout our meal. The toasted coconut margarita remains a favorite, and the wine list has all our go-to choices. Between the delicious food, gracious service, and beautiful setting, South of Nick's is a must every time we're in Laguna Beach.

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South of Nick's - Bar area with chips and dip

Bar area with chips and dip

South of Nick's - Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

Pork mole enchilada and chicken chipotle enchilada

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Mexican Mule

The Taco Stand

The Taco Stand

4.1(596 reviews)
0.4 mi
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The Mar Y Tierra burrito is my favorite burrito of the year. I haven't had a single burrito in…read morealmost 10 years but this pregnancy had me craving for some, so after hubby and I enjoyed our date at Laguna Beach, he found this place for us and it did not disappoint. Usually, I'd expect burritos to feel heavy after eating, but this one was full of shrimp & steak (surf & turf - my fav) with cheese & cabbage instead of rice & beans. Some may prefer the rice, beans, and cheese combo in their burritos, but I much prefer the protein-heavy, and veggies forward type of burrito that the taco stand serves. I split the burrito with my hubby thinking it was big, which I borderline regretted after taking a bite, because I'll need my own next time. It's just that good... & feels light on the tummy :) Service was no frills, and glad they have their own parking lot. Ambiance is super chill.. not an actual taco stand but there are plenty of seats both inside and outside the restaurant. Only one bathroom for all customers so that's not exactly the best for a pregnant woman like myself, but the burrito makes up for that too! The salsa bar was also quite extensive--we got everything to try, but the classic pico de gallo, smoky salsa matcha, and the green sauce did it for me. Chips and guac were classic delish as an appetizer, and so was the carne asada tacos, but the burrito is worth coming back for.

Did not know how famous this restaurant was in California , but after my visit , I understand why!…read more The California Burrito ! The California Burrito! THHEE California Burrito with a mix of great flavors and well seasoned tender meat. I went there twice and if I'm ever across a taco stand I will definitely go again but now I need to try more next time around. -4.5/5

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The Taco Stand - Great spot

Great spot

The Taco Stand - Pollo Asado taco

Pollo Asado taco

The Taco Stand - California burrito- good carne Asada in there

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California burrito- good carne Asada in there

Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Best Tacos ever!

Chelas Mexican Kitchen

4.3(101 reviews)
1.2 mi

This place has a great location right off of PCH, but up on a hill away from most similar…read morebusinesses. It has a unique feel. Walking upstairs gives a nice ocean view and is good for small groups. It's a great option for Taco Tuesday. They are quick and high quality. The service was welcoming and will encourage a customer to return and try more menu options. This place is well worth a visit.

Chelas is a local Mexican Restaurant near Gallery Row in North Laguna beach, offering delicious…read moreMexican fare with a smile at a reasonable price. I ordered for my takeout the La Calle Taco Kit ($80), which included 2 pounds of meat (half steak, half chicken), cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, salsa, onions, rice, 2 dozen tortillas, and limes. Bangers all around. The chicken was superbly spiced and tender, the beans soft and well spiced, the tortillas hot and fresh. Of the lineup, the strongest contender was the guacamole, which had the perfect mix of cilantro, lime, and creamy avocado, one of the best guacamoles I've ever had. I found the steak a little weak, being more beef shavings which were a little tough. Everything came together well to feed our group of five with plenty for leftovers the following day. Service was friendly and very, very fast. When calling in our order I was quoted 12 minutes. For such a large order during the dinner rush, this is commendable. Service was effusive and friendly, tailoring the order to our liking (half and half meat, half and half tortillas, the mildest of mild salsas, etc). Price, above, was very reasonable for the quantity of food in an expensive area. I went in with modest expectations but left quite impressed. Te felicito, Chelas! You have my highest recommendation for anyone looking for quality Mexican in Laguna at a fair price. Food: 4.5/5 Service: 5/5 Value: 4.5:5

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Chelas Mexican Kitchen - Inside

Inside

Chelas Mexican Kitchen
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Javier's - Jalapeño Margarita

Javier's

3.6(4.7k reviews)
4.3 mi
•$$$

Let's start with the exceptional: the restaurant is absolutely gorgeous with stunning ocean views…read moreof the PCH. The interior is bright, airy, and upscale due to a recent remodel. The lush indoor palm trees are nice focal elements. Service is also very attentive and pleasant. Does Javier's offer the best Mexican food in Southern California? No. You do sometimes get the sense that you're paying for the vibes and the views. But there are still tasty options! On a recent visit, the pescado crudo was very fresh, bright, and flavorful. I also really enjoyed my pina margarita. While the trio of seafood enchiladas were tasty, I thought the lobster meat was a bit too finely chopped for my liking. The crab enchilada was actually my favorite of the three. The mole poblano was decent, although I've certainly had more complex moles. But not terrible by any means! I'd recommend Javier's for a date night or a special occasion with family!

Javier's - Newport Beach (Crystal Cove) 7832 E. Coast…read moreHighway, Newport Beach, CA 92657 Date of visit: October 2026 Disappointing Service at Javier's Newport Beach - Crystal Cove I recently visited Javier's in Newport Beach and was extremely disappointed with the service, especially considering the restaurant's reputation and prices. I ordered the Aguachile de Camarón, a dish I absolutely loved at Javier's in Las Vegas. It was listed on the first page of the appetizer menu, and I specifically pointed it out and made it clear that I did not want octopus, I wanted shrimp. When my food arrived, they brought me ceviche instead. I remembered the aguachile in Las Vegas being served in a stone bowl, so I politely asked one of the waiters whether the Newport Beach location served the same dishes as the Las Vegas location. He assured me that Javier's in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Orange County all served the same dishes. I explained that what I received looked and tasted completely different from what I remembered in Vegas and that the ceviche was extremely sour. He then asked, "Did you order the aguachile?" I said yes, and he confirmed that what I had been served was actually ceviche. At that point, I realized my order had been taken incorrectly. What disappointed me most was that nobody acknowledged the mistake or apologized. Instead, the interaction made me feel as though they thought I had ordered the wrong dish. It was honestly embarrassing having to send the food back in front of other diners. I felt like people were watching me return a dish simply because I didn't like it, when that wasn't the case at all. I knew exactly what I ordered. I wasn't changing my mind or being difficult. I just wanted the aguachile with shrimp that I had requested from the beginning. They eventually brought out the correct dish, but I had to wait for my food twice because of their mistake. Not once did anyone take responsibility or offer an apology. To make matters worse, they even charged me an additional $5 for habanero sauce. Considering the inconvenience, the extra wait, and the confusion caused by the incorrect order, I would have appreciated a small gesture of goodwill, even something as simple as waiving that $5 charge. It's not about the money. It's about customer service and how a restaurant treats its guests when something goes wrong. I understand that mistakes happen, but what matters is how they're handled. A simple acknowledgment, an apology, or a small gesture would have completely changed my impression of the experience. I genuinely enjoyed Javier's in Las Vegas, which is why I was looking forward to visiting the Newport Beach location. Unfortunately, this experience left me feeling disappointed and embarrassed over something that wasn't my mistake. For a restaurant with Javier's reputation and pricing, I expected much better attention to detail, accountability, and hospitality. Customers should never be made to feel embarrassed or responsible for a restaurant's ordering mistake. Sometimes a sincere apology and a little consideration go a long way.

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Javier's - Newport Beach Location

Newport Beach Location

Javier's - Filete Ladrillo

Filete Ladrillo

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Newport Beach Location - Tacos

Reunion Kitchen + Drink - Short rib cheese grilled sandwich with warm potato salad

Reunion Kitchen + Drink

4.4(789 reviews)
1.4 mi
•$$$

Came here on Mother's Day. This is always a tried and true. We got a little of everything and it…read moredid not disappoint. Would come back here again, no questions asked!

Decent New American/Breakfast/Brunch spot in Laguna Beach. I came here for a friend's birthday with…read morea big group on a Sunday and the experience was alright. Going down the list of dishes I tried here: -Miso Garlic Noodles: Solid and good flavor. Nothing special and overpriced for what they were. -Avocado Wontons: These were interesting. It was like a vegan poke only that it's watermelon. Not bad, but the 'wontons' weren't actual wontons. -Ahi Poke Stack: Solid poke and I enjoyed the creamy avocado. Also a bit overpriced considering the portion size. -Matcha Martini: Pretty disappointing. Couldn't really taste any matcha. Only tasted like a sweet and creamy cocktail. -Chilaquiles: Overall enjoyable. I liked the crispy chips. However, the servers forgot my eggs which was annoying, but they brought it out later with an additional egg. -Crispy Fried Calamari: Tasty and I liked the sauce. Calamari wasn't the greatest quality itself though. Service was pretty slow and the servers seemed to forget many details when taking orders which caused service delays wasn't optimal. The interior was decent and not dirty. For parking, there's a good amount located at and around the Pavilions parking lot. Overall, I probably wouldn't come back here again. It just seemed like a standard chain restaurant. It is located walking distance from the beach though.

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Reunion Kitchen + Drink - Warm butter cake

Warm butter cake

Reunion Kitchen + Drink - Brussel sprouts appetizer

Brussel sprouts appetizer

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Avila's El Ranchito - mexican - Updated October 2026

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