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    Avila's El Ranchito

    3.7 (503 reviews)
    ModerateMexican, Salad
    Closed • 11:30 am - 8:30 pm

    Order Avila's El Ranchito Takeout or Delivery

    Avila's El Ranchito Photos

    Business Info

    AVILA'S EL RANCHITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Dogs allowed

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    Shrimp Enchiladas $24 - supposed to come with sour cream
    Kris B.

    We walk by here a lot on our semi-regular Seal Beach Main street walks. So we decided to give it a try. No wait and plenty of open tables inside. I ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas ($24) which was supposed to come with sour cream. When it was brought out, no sour cream. So I ordered sour cream - an additional $2. Also when we got the bill, I was charged for a Two Item Combo ($28) instead of the Enchiladas. But did not notice until just now as I'm writing this review. Annoying. My husband ordered the Chile Colorado plate ($23) which had steak that was not tender. I think we'll stick to SuperMex.

    A little about the history of their restaurant on the menu
    Will L.

    I usually avoid chain Mexican restaurants like the plague, but was convinced by friends in the area to check this place out. Avila's El Ranchito is a SoCal chain. We were in Seal Beach, and stopped by this one. I ordered their street tacos, and got three chicken ones. They weren't the best street tacos I've ever had, but they were still tasty. My girlfriend ordered a 2-taco plate, getting both soft and hard tacos (who ever heard of such a thing!). She really enjoyed it. Our friend ordered their chicken soup, which I tried, and really liked. I regretted not ordering it! Place was hopping, but service was still fast. Our table was central, just outside the restaurant and the patio, and it was a bit busy around us. I kept having to move my chair to accommodate others nearby. A little annoying, but it didn't detract too much.

    Brenda R.

    It was a beautiful summer day ad they offered the perfect patio accommodation to feel better you were part of the ongoing beach scene! Just a half a block from the pier it's the perfect spot! Our waiter Joseph was extraordinary and we took all f his recommendations! Coconut margaritas-shaken Guacamole -OMGOODNESS yum! Best ever and I eat alot of it! Chili's Relleno-cooked to perfection with fluffy rice and beans! We will be adding Avias to our rotation! Street parking was easy!

    Best chips and thick salsa anywhere.
    Chris P.

    I still love this location and the food is amazing. Been awhile since we ate here and it's gotten better if you ask me. The salsa is just the way i like it thick and chunky without allot of liquid vinegar. The chicken was so tasty and everybody's plates are big generous portions. You can then walk off the meal on the Seal Beach Pier.

    Taco and tamale combo
    Dari P.

    Although this is the day before Mother's Day, we didn't have to wait very long for a table. We got a round wooden table with wooden chairs in the center of the room. When somebody left a booth, they let us move to the more comfortable seats. It really helped our backs Service was excellent. They brought drinks right away and kept them refilled. Our orders were combo plates and one beef fajitas. I had a crispy taco and a tamale. They were also plenty of chips and salsa. They kept our drink glasses filled and we're very attentive with their service. Definitely five stars.

    Festive Exit.
    Lynnann W.

    Have never met an Avila's that I didn't love; today was no exception! Set along a quaint thoroughfare, with free angled street parking. It has a small footprint and they utilize every inch of it; so much charm, family/community history. Lauren J was the epitome of this brand; I was welcomed and treated like family. Adore their homemade salsa, chunky with fresh yumminess and a nice bite. The Grande Taco Salad with grilled chicken and a side of fajita veggies was delicious, huge - you get your money's worth! This is a home run with filling, super delicious, affordable Mexican food in a fun location.

    complimentary chips & salsa
    Timmy S.

    Walking along Main Street in Seal Beach I decided to stop here for an early dinner. I stepped through the patio to the interior and stood for a couple minutes, looking at the cool original brickwork of this old building. Eventually one of the waitstaff yelled "sit anywhere!". The booths were taken so I sat at a table in the center of the room. My waiter brought a menu and immediately asked what I'd like to drink. I asked for horchata but they don't have it so I went with an iced tea. Some subpar chips and salsa were dropped off and I ordered the beef taquitos plate (2 taquitos with the obligatory rice and beans). At some Mexican restaurants you give your order and it seems like they go through a revolving door to the kitchen and come right back out with your plate of food. Here it took about 20 minutes, delivered with a casual, "here ya go." I was impressed with the large amount of guacamole and sour cream on the plate to accompany the taquitos which were quite good with a crispy exterior and tender shredded beef inside. The rice and beans were standard Mexican restaurant sides, nothing special. My waiter never checked back until he dropped off the bill. It was a slightly above average experience - 3.5 stars rounded up.

    Steak Fajitas
    Garett Y.

    Finding decent Mexican food at a reasonable price can be tough to find in some parts of OC, but my mom recommended this place, so we decided to give it a try. I'm stoked we did! This has been one of the best meals I've had in a long time. The service was excellent; we have a huge family, and they were incredibly patient with us. The guacamole was the standout! **Fajitas:** These were good--not the best I've ever had, but the meat was tender, well-seasoned, and generously portioned. Surprisingly, i can't believe I'm saying this, I think they could have used more veggies. **Enchiladas:** Absolutely delicious! The green and red sauces were perfect--not too spicy, but packed with flavor. I will for sure get this next time I go. **Two Taco Plate:** The tacos were really good I hate when tacos fall apart after the first bite, but these were crunchy and held together perfectly. **Quesadilla:** My kid is a bit picky, but even they loved the quesadilla. We requested grilled chicken as a substitute and it was simple but good. I was not mad I paid what I did for something I could have "made at home" **Guacamole:** I have never been so happy to pay for an appetizer! Words can't describe how good this was. Once again, simple but really good! We mixed the house salsa with it! For sure putting this on the rotation!

    Pineapple Jalapeño margarita

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    3 months ago

    One of my favorite Mexican restaurants. I've been coming here since a young girl. Love the ambiance and love the food

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    3 months ago

    I really enjoyed the Avila soup it was delicious. The service was great Edgar was great. I loved the decor.

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    3 years ago

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    Elyse A.

    We truly appreciate your review and hope to see you soon!

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    7 months ago

    One of our little favorite hole in the walls in Seal Beach. Food does not disappoint and the portions are large and reasonably priced!!

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    10 months ago

    Authentic Mexican food. Highly recommended by family members who died at this location.

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    Avila's El Ranchito Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Avila's El Ranchito

    Do they have Lunch Specials?

    We are vegan - Is your rice made with chicken stock? Thank you!

    Yes

    What type of outdoor dining do they have and how many tables?

    They have the patio area at the front of the restaurant with maybe four tables. They have the street area with maybe six tables.

    Do they serve posole every day or just on weekends?

    Just call them and ask.

    Do they have gluten free menus?

    Do they cook with lard?

    Some things do.

    View All 7 Questions

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    Avila's El Ranchito - mexican - Updated September 2026

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