This is my favorite location because of the ambience and the decor! It's super cool and so much fun inside! The staff is very friendly and our hostess and waiter are very helpful and quick to get a seated and our food came quickly. It's just a fun environment to be at and great for a date night! We went for a Valentines dinner but the night before Valentine's Day. The chips and salsa are really good and those are complementary. Normally, I would get the tableside guacamole, which is really good, but I didn't want to fill up too much so I could eat dinner. They also had a special valentines drink. I got it as a mocktail style and it was so delicious that I want to make it at home because this was just a specialty drink that they had. So me and my husband both ordered fajitas he ordered the steak and I ordered the chicken. The rice and beans were incredible! But I have to say unfortunately my chicken was did not taste very good. It was just kind of dry and not juicy and flavorful. And way too many bell peppers. I love bell peppers, but it was overloaded. But the portions are big and the price is competitive for the area and for this type of food and the amount. Will I come back here again absolutely but maybe I'll try something else like the soup! The soup looked really yummy read more

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Year 3 of coming to Avila's for a work Christmas party and they are still treating us like royalty! You're always welcomed with a smile here and the food is still so delicious. Our entire party of 25 was going ham on the guacamole because it's just so good (and so is the salsa)! Several people in the group enjoyed margaritas - this time I went with a hibiscus tea and it was so refreshing! I really enjoyed it! As always, I got my favorite, a shredded beef hard taco and a cheese enchilada and it was a comfort meal for me. We hosted our annual white elephant gift exchange and had a great time here. Appreciate Avila's for always doing a wonderful job! read more

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We visited this location on 16 November 2025, and we had a really great family meal. On this occasion, we had 8 family members, all of whom really enjoyed their time. The restaurant is absolutely chalked full of all kinds of statues, decorations, murals, etc., and it is a really fun atmosphere. My 9 year old son was very entertained - which was an excellent bonus. I had the strawberry margarita (small), which was great; sweet but a little light on booze. My wife had a large margarita, which was ridiculous in size. My brother had to help her, and the two of them didn't even finish it. My father-in-law had a little too much Bravado and wanted it "mucho caliente" - and he could barely drink it... lol We had the tableside guacamole, which was delicious. Plenty of chips and salsa - the staff brought us various types of salsa, all of them good and different (some of the HOT). The staff were very helpful - really a nice group of people and a nice atmosphere. They even changed the near TV to play my father in laws favorite football game. I had the steak and shrimp fajitas platter. The beef was tender, and the shrimp had a good flavor, but a few of the shrimp still had their entire shells- which was messy. I would try the chicken tortilla soup or the carnitas next time - both of those looked good. Sister was very happy with her Carnitas burrito, and the wife was happy with her Chimichanga, the burritos are a ton of food! They were both really happy with them but left a lot behind. Kids were happy with kids' and regular size taco combos - they were hungry! They both really liked the beef tacos better than the chicken. The Jacob Street Tacos were a lot of food - almost too much beef for the tortillas on the plate (in fact my F.I.L. left the tortillas). My S.I.L. had the Mama Avila Soup, and she loved it. There was a lot left over to take home. I would absolutely come back - great atmosphere, great food with large portions, reasonable price. read more

Yummy again. Went around 3 on a Saturday and it was nice and empty. Got my fav caddy marg and this time I tried chicken in mole. Really good sauce, on the sweeter side. There wasn't enough on the chicken for me so I asked for a side and they happily brought me a good amount to add. Beans were good this time! Kids liked their choices too. Restaurant was clean and had plenty of seating options. I like trying new things on our visits. read more

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Came here for a work event. Everyone if a great time. We had our own area sectioned off and the staff waited on us but did not pressure or rush us to leave. It was festively decorated. The portions are huge and heavy. It was delicious, I definitely needed a nap afterwards. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great food, great atmosphere, great portions. Service was amazing, my server was Edward he deserves a raise he was great. will be coming back read more

Avila's El Ranchito - red chilaquiles - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Visited this Mexican restaurant for the first time. We were in the area and the scent of their delicious cooking is what lured us into picking this place to eat. I will definitely visit again if am in the area. Staff were friendly and welcoming and the restaurant decor was beautiful and so authentic almost felt like I was visiting Mexico again. Everyone's food was delicious and authentic and amount of food serve per plate was shareable size, we had a lot of leftovers to tame home. Only complaint is that their horchata and jamaica drinks did not taste fresh and were more instant or ready box bought and the sizzling skillet had about 8oz of steak and 3 jumbo shrimp and the amount of veggies ratio was a lot larger for the amount of protein serve, however it was delicious. read more

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On April 19, 2026, we were attending a couples retreat through our Church. We decided to go eat at this place during the break time. The environment looked nice. I ordered Camarones A La Diabla, unfortunately, the food was not tasty at all! The shrimp had the taste of faucet water or bad. The shrimp did not taste right? others in my table tasted and also thought they were bad! My wife had taquitos, she had an upset stomach throughout the night! read more

We've been to several Avila's. This is our first time at the Lake Forest location. The decor surrounding this place gives it a very unique vibe. Love it. The servers here are very attentive. The food came out hot and quick. There was a mix up with our drink orders and our server quickly rectified it. Overall, enjoyed our time here. The food is pretty decent, not the best but comes in a pinch when you're craving some delicious Mexican food. Thank you for having us! read more

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I came here for lunch on a Friday afternoon with some coworkers. It wasn't crowded so we were seated right away. The table was set with chips and salsa (each person gets their own small salsa bowl so you don't have to worry about double dipping). We also ordered a side of guacamole. I didn't realize that they literally make the guacamole fresh right at your table. The guy came over with a setup of fresh avocados, onion, cilantro and a few other things and mashed it all right in front of us which was pretty cool. I ordered the camarones plate ranchero style, so it came with tomato and peppers sauce, plus beans, rice and tortillas. Their corn tortillas were so fresh and delicious! They taste like they're made from scratch (although I'm not sure if they are). The shrimp was okay. They served it with the shrimp butterflied open but still attached to the tails and shells, which made more work for me to cut them out of the shells. The shrimp also tasted very shrimpy and it seemed like the flavors of the sauce didn't really soak into the shrimp. The dish was very filling though so I took some home. One other thing that could be slightly improved upon is a bit more spice in their food. It was pretty mild for Mexican food. The only thing that had a bit of a kick was the salsa but even that was very subtle. The vibe here is very unique. They have a ton of Mexican decor but with a slight surfer/beach twist. It's very in-your-face traditional Mexican decor so if understated is more your style, it may be a little much. But I personally enjoyed it. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Camarones el ranchero style - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great owner. I had a chance to talk to him, and he was friendly and clearly cares about the quality of food and service at his restaurant. Fantastic service and food. I'd had a negative experience (about a year ago when I got the runs) with this place the last time I was in OC, but I thought I'd give it a try since my wife and sons love the food and atmosphere here. We were greeted in the most friendly way by the staff, and the service was attentive from the moment we arrived. Great guacomole, chips, and salsa. Even better drinks! The margaritas are exceptional. I had the sampler plate and highly recommend it. Outside heat lamps make the patio quaint and cozy with its fresh air, fountain, and cute blackbirds chirping nearby like in a Disney movie. This place has fully redeemed itself, and I will return with my family. Now I think I'll go here for Cinco de Mayo instead of the other restaurant I'd considered. Maybe I'll even break out my sombrero! (And before people start screeching about "cultural appropriation," one of my best friends, a Mexican buddy, gave it to me). So chill the effffffff out. ;) read more

Came here for taco Tuesday and wow was it fun! The place was jam packed and I love all the decorations they have on the walls. They range anywhere from surfboards to sea creature skeletons. The food was very well portioned and I left very full. My only ding is for the staff sometimes not being very prompt or forgetting things we had ordered. Overall I would return again and would order the Azteca burrito any day of the week! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Menu - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Came here on Tuesday night and it was surprisingly crowded. We had about a 15 minute wait before being seated. The indoor seating area wasn't too small but there were a ton of people there. The restaurant was decorate very festively which was lovely. I got the Baja bowl with chicken and it was a sizeable portion with some to take home as well. The chips and salsa were also yummy! read more

Always excited to discover a new location of this brand. This location has a more intimate vibe. I remain amazed that no matter which location; the quality and taste are proudly preserved and maintained. Truly a remarkable feat and it's telling that there so many successful locations. Affordable, huge plates of deliciousness. Servers like Jacqueline O are the icing on the cake and their salsa should be its own food group it's so great. Don't hesitate! read more

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We like it here. We've only been here twice - on a late Saturday afternoon (it was empty) and on a Saturday evening (it was packed). Def recommend making reservations if you're coming on a weekday. Authentic Mexican food for sure. I love Mama's soup and the crispy tacos. The large margaritas is a killer - proceed with caution and maybe think about sharing that bad boy. Love the ambiance - lots of decoration and character. read more

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Good food good price good service. The company had lunch and all were satisfactory. For others, not the first time and recommended read more

Very disappointing that my daughter spent $16.50 for Albondigas soup that had only 2 meatballs and the shredded beef taquitos for $17.00 came w a small guacamole, not lettuce or anything. The small container of sour cream was $2.50. I have NO problem paying for meal out but the quality and presentation was 1 star. At least for that price throw a little lettuce in there. Help to make it look presentable. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - $17.00 Beef taquitos - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I came here tonight with some friends. I ordered the chicken enchiladas. The chicken enchiladas were terrible. The tortilla was rolled up with boiled chicken, very bland with sauce poured over the tortillas, The tortilla were not cooked. No cheese inside. Worse chicken enchiladas I've ever had. Such a disappointment. The Avilas in the city of Orange is so much better. I won't be back here. read more

To start with - I just love the bright, cheerful atmosphere of this place. I've never had a bad server - everyone seems to be at least enjoying working there and taking care of the guests. 1st Get a house Margarita - I like frozen but you won't be disappointed either way - oh yeah and table side guacamole - Delicious- Frankly I could do that with some chips and salsa and call that a meal. Shredded beef tacos are my fave - but all I can say is I've never had a bad meal here. I can recommend Carne Asada, sizzling fajitas - take your pick. read more

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Food was ok but not so good service. We had to track our waiter to get a refill, more chips etc... finally we asked another waitress from the other room for help. Finally, we put our card into check folder to pay, but no one came to get it?? We needed to leave so we went to track our waiter to give it to him, but as we stood up the woman manager tells us "don't forget your card, you didn't pay yet". Handing her the card, we let her know we didn't forget to pay, no one came and got it. She was apologizing as she ran our card, but no one wants to be told that. It was our first time and it'll be last time at this place. read more

I paid $23.00 for a plate of beans , rice and scant cheese, two spoonfuls of vegetables - divided for two people. This was the Monday night special. You choose two items for $15.90 + are required to buy a drink ($4.50).The plate was flat barely any rice and beans. Ordered two of the same item: vegetable enchiladas. Pathetic. Like being feed on a food line for the homeless. I know bc I've volunteered at several. Plus my gf very clearly asked to get hot chocolate. She even repeated it. The Hispanic waiter assumed she met a popular drink that sounds like hot chocolate. We paid bc it was required to get a drink. I tipped generously. read more

Likes: + Delicious meals. The Camarones Al Mojo de Ajo-Style, particularly the shrimps, was absolutely scrumptious. You can ask for no rice so they'll give more beans (more protein in lieu of carbs). + Lavish interior decor. + Bustling ambience. + Plenty of parking. + Polite, helpful staff. + I also enjoyed the chips 'n dip. Always a nice touch to Mexican cuisine. . Leaving the shell on is an aesthetic touch, but would've been nice if they were more edible. The shell was hard, so discard. Non-likes: - Very loud interior. read more

How can anyone give this place lest than five stars? This is our Go-To place for Mexican food. They are generous with their chips and salsa, their food is consistent, and price is reasonable. Though this is a chain, we love the Muirlands location the best because it is a large space and has great energy and vibes. We always get their table side guacamole which is always perfectly seasoned and fresh! I always ask for a side of minced jalapeños which they give me (free of charge). Other places I've tried CHARGED ME EXTRA for this. This restaurant does NOT nickel and dime their patrons and that is a huge plus in my book. Husband always gets their crunchy tacos a la carte and I always get the steak fajitas which come literally sizzling on a cast iron pan. The fajitas come with a side of guacamole, along with rice and beans which I give to the husband. Overall, we love the food, the energetic vibe and spirit of generosity that this place embodies. read more

I have visited their other locations and this one is definitely a favorite. First off, the staff is awesome! That's important. And of course, food taste is just as important. Outside is very cute and decorative as soon as you walk up to their entrance. Indoors is a good ambiance if you're looking for a nice Mexican restaurant. It definitely passes as such since their food is authentic tasting. They even have their famous fajitas special on Wednesdays! Their margaritas are a must if you like to enjoy a drink with your meal. You should definitely try out their chingolingas. Sooo good. I personally preferred the chicken ones over the beef. Good tasting refried beans and their Spanish rice is good too. Check them out! You won't be disappointed. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Chingolingas - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Always a great experience at El Ranchito....food is amazing, staff friendly and our go to!!

Amazing food. Cadillac margaritas and salsa are AMAZING!!! We order take out for lunch often!!

Found myself in Lake Forest and have heard what I thought were good things about Avila's. I decided to give this place a try. Super cute decor, reminds me of restaurants in Mexico. Food, meh. The menu is a little on the pricy side. My go to's in places where I haven't been are generally chicken tortillas soup or fajitas. Fajitas, being basic are fairly hard to mess up and a generally edible. I ordered the steak fajitas. Awesome presentation huge pile of peppers and onions. I'm thinking great! Unfortunately, that's pretty much all it was. Barely and I mean barely any meat at all. A few random scattered pieces that look like maybe enough for a carne asada street taco. At almost 30 I would expect at least a half pound of meat. I will not stop here again for a meal. Drinks and chips? Sure. Food? No. Hubby's taco salad seemed decent, meat was a bit over done and dried out. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Steak fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

No, not the best Mexican food I've ever eaten but adequate in taste and in serving quantity. Service is very good. Overall I'd say that the food taste level is about average. Prices are up since last visit. Mama's soup had a peculiar odor to it and was served cool. Soup should always be served piping hot. Guacamole dip seemed watery and overly salty. Chicken tacos were so-so in flavor and crunchiness. Margaritas had a fairly high level of potency and flavor. Service was excellent as always. As I reiterate, you can do better. read more

Luis is amazing and the Margarita diamond is by far the best! The g Food is so good from burrito to taco salad by far the best Mexican food. We come from HB to eat here in Lake forest read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Amazing steak - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I heard from a Mexican friend that the atmosphere and food tasted very similar to the locals. The food was also good. However, I felt the servers were too lazy and slow. They weren't very friendly either. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

I'd say this place is good for the vibes and social aspect. I have tried a few different things here and they were all just ok. the drinks were good and the company was great which made it all worth it. oh i think when you are famished a free basket of chips and salsa also makes this place worth coming back to. If I were to revisit this establishment, I'd probably do chips and beer. That sounds like a good time. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Grande Taco Salad w shredded beef - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

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I've been to multiple Avila's location. This is become a must stop when I visiting from Washington! My goal is to visit all the locations. The way the staff welcomes. It's not just about the food, which clearly is a highlight with the famous caldo and the must-have crispy taco, but also about the feeling of connection and warmth. The streak and garlic shrimp is also another favorite of mine. read more

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Decided to go to this location to try a different location. I originally went the one in Huntington Beach but it closed down! I wonder what happened. So I went to this one before family Halloween event and it was so decorative inside. We ordered the appetizer sampler and some potato taquitos. For drinks we had the Coors Light and Blue Hawaii. Everything was good and would definitely recommend the appetizer sampler for 2 people. The potato taquitos were just okay, i've had better in other places honestly. Their chips and salsa were good and service was good. I loved my drink, not to strong and it looked pretty. read more

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Best Mexican Frijoles we know! And What FABULOUS Raspberry Martinis and Margaritas Julio makes!! TIP HIM! read more

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Been coming to Avilas for probably close to a decade. This location in Lake Forest has the best chef(s) amongst the different locations. The drinks and food is always delicious, reliably consistent. Problem is, fighting off the flying uninvited pests. Please Avilas, get this taken care of. It was better during Covid when the tent outside was an option. Thank you. read more

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Came here yesterday, and had an overall bad experience. I have been to the Avilas in San Clemente many, many times and the Newport Beach location several times, and always had good experiences. I thought this was a family owned company, so I expected the same quality of food and service from all locations, but turns out it's very different. Waited 40 min for a table. Which was fine - it was Cinco De Mayo so I knew Mexican food places would be busy. Got sat at a dirty table. They didn't bother to clean up in between guests. My feet kept slipping around under the table because of the greasy food left all under the table. The table top was also all sticky. My friends also noticed and were grossed out. If you can't keep the dining area clean, how bad is your kitchen? Also, we were sat where there were animal heads mounted on the wall. Very unlike the vibe at their other locations. My friends and I found it pretty offensive. Strike 1. I ordered a Banana margarita. Was told that they don't make those anymore. Yet it was on their menu still. Strike 2. The chips and salsa were terrible. Chips had no flavor and the red soupy water they brought out with a few floating onions was unlike any salsa. Totally different quality than their beach locations. We pushed all the soupy red waters (sad excuse for salsa) to the outter side of table to be cleared out of the way, but our server never bothered to clear it. Strike 3. I ordered Nachos, figuring I wouldn't notice the flavorless chips with the cheese and sour cream and guac on them. Took 20 min for my food to arrive and then there was hair in it. Even if it wasn't for the hair, I would have sent it back anyway. The whole bottom of the nachos were soaked in that red soupy water so they nachos were getting all soggy. I believe the menu said they would have rancheros sauce. This red water was nothing like rancheros sauce. Strike 4. I asked them to please bring a 2 cheese enchillada plate (in the hopes of no more red soupy water, and hold the hair please.) You would think they would put a rush on this, since they had just served me nachos with hair, but no. I sat there for 30 minuted with no food while my friends finished up their food. I was just getting up to tell the server to cancel my order, since my friends were just finishing eating, when my food finally came. Strike 5. My food again lacked flavor so I asked for a small side of pico and sour cream. They did bring 2 small sides. I took most of my food to-go since my friends were done eating and about ready to leave. Finally our server asked how we were doing and if we were needing anything. This would have been appreciated earlier on. Not right before you hand us our check. We could have used more drinks, but nobody stopped by and bothered to ask. I know they were busy, but for how expensive they are, the service should have been much better. Strike 6. Got my bill and was so disappointed. They hadn't offered me any sort of discount for serving me hair, then making me wait for 30 min for new food to come out. I came here to eat with my friends and I just got to watch them eat. My food came at the end of the meal. At any decent establishment the manager would have come over to check on us after an incident like that, would have offered a discount or a free drink. But no, they did nothing. Then they charged me $5 extra for the tiny (not large) sides of pico and sour cream. Seriously?? I go to a nice mexican restaurant in San Clemente far superior to this one all the time, and they have NEVER charged me for a side of pico. When you are charging $20 for a plate of bland enchillads already, charging 2.50 for a small side of pico is just absurd. .50 cents would have been acceptable for a small side of pico, if they insist on nickle and diming customers who are already spending a lot. But after you serve someone hair, and then make the person wait another 30 min for clean food? Seriously? I hope their manager is aware how they have really dropped the ball with their service, atmosphere, and food. Strike 7. I won't come back here. I feel totally ripped off. And I will warn others not to waste their time and money here either when there are way better places that are clean, serve good food, have way better service, and don't nickle and dime customers who are already spending $20-$30. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Nickle and dime you on already overpriced low quality food - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Great food and ambience. Our male waiter was great! He was very friendly and attentive. Food was yummy. Will come back again. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - (15) Shredded Beef Flautas ! - Mexican Near Me - Lake Forest, California

Good comfort Mexican food! Love their chips and salsa! Staff was friendly and we stayed a long time and they were ok with it!

My first time to this location. I always like the food and service at any Avila's. This one today was pretty busy for lunch, but everything was very good. Really cold beer! Ordered a shrimp quesadilla, and it was the best I've had in many months! Perfect spices, cheese, shrimp ratios!!! I order shrimp quesadillas everywhere in OC, this was super good. My server Xochitl was very attentive. Great choice for Mexican food. Awesome collection of surfboards here too!!! Some valuable ones! read more

My husband and I had a wonderful time at this restaurant last night. We ordered a fantastic fish taco, amazing chile relleno and an order of flautas. It was a large amount of food, and it was so delicious. We felt like This restaurant is really doing well. The servers were outstanding. The hostess, and all of the helpers and servers were attentive and kind. Even when we moved tables. We would definitely love to go back to this restaurant. Thank you to our waitress Litzy for being knowledgeable, and very hospitable. read more