First, let me begin by saying I'm not a Mexican food girlie but if I got to eat at El Ranchero every day I would be. The service was wonderful & warm. Beautiful seating, lighting, & exceptionally clean. Oh & the service was five stars. The food though...I think I cried for a moment out of pure joy when they brought the Mexican street corn to our already overflowing table. My fiancé & I actually high fived over the fajitas texanas. The margaritas were so big i had to use two hands to hold my glass & I have zero complaints. To sum this up. I would live there if they let me. read more

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I love El Ranchero. I've been a customer for years and through 3 location changes. It's my go too for Mexican food in the NRV. Down through the years I've never had any meal that wasn't a great experience. They have a great location and the restaurant is beautiful with an outside dining area. I order takeout a lot and I'm never disappointed. The dish that I order the most is the ACP Texcano. It's delicious and reheats very well. Recently I tried the Mango Habanero Wings and I think they are delicious. You get a great portion for the price. I would also recommend trying the white sauce with the chips and salsa. When eating in I've found the staff to be courteous and helpful. read more

Food is always delicious Usually, we eat in Took it to go this time and of course it wasn't what I ordered online However, it was still very good The ceviche was amazing. read more

The veggies to the fajitas were raw, the sides were wrong, server was very distracted..nothing was the same as listed one the menu. Not bad food just not what was expected read more

El Ranchero - This was there fajita salad severed with all raw veggies, not horrible just not what is to be expected. Ranchero Salad - Mexican Near Me - Dublin, Virginia

We were passing through for the holidays. Food is average, nothing special in presentation as SW Virginia goes. Ambiance is casual and families. Service is excellent our waitress and server kept checking in on us and a manager greeted us as well. Overall not spicy flavored food and good enough for family dinner. Location is near to interstate 81 ramp, plenty of parking, conveniently close to Walmart, ABC, Smoke shop, Fast Foods, and Gas Stations. read more

Not a lot of choices when it comes to restaurants in Dublin a small town in SW Virginia but this spot is great for those who like Mexican. Typical decor, pleasant staff and a twist on entrees. I had Carne Asada, the salad was spicy and included strips of cactus and that little touch enhanced the meal. My wife had the Taco salad and the added touches made her a happy diner. Bar seemed a little short on selection but adequate. Our waitress was from Columbia and eager to talk about her native country and her just accepted offer to attend Radford. Conversation with her was enjoyable and her service was spot on. For us dining is not just an eating experience it offers, if you take it, an opportunity to engage with people, other cultures and embrace a new learning experience. So if your around exit 98 on Rte 81 stop by it's just off the highway. read more

Service was very good. Server was very responsive for the group we had. Food was very good for the entire group, though one entrée was slightly missed. read more

There must not be many options in this area if this place is rocking 4 stars. We stopped for lunch to break up our long drive from Tennessee to the east coast, hoping for some tasty Mexican food. Unfortunately, everything about our visit was lacking. They clearly weren't prepared, or hadn't staffed correctly, for the lunch rush -- we came in at 2 p.m. and nearly every table was dirty. Someone finally cleaned one for us and we got menus. It took another 15 minutes for a server to acknowledge us and take our drink orders. But I can usually get behind poor service if the food is tasty. Alas, it was not. SO incredibly bland - perhaps the most bland Mexican food I've had in my life. My four year old wouldn't even eat the corn chips! Now that's really saying something about the quality of the food. The "spicy" street tacos people are talking about? Sure, they had "spices" on them, but they weren't good - not well proportioned at all, and the chicken was like chewing on rubber. The "spicy" salsa it was served with was watered down and tasteless. Refried beans were devoid of any flavor. My partner got fajitas and had similar complaints. Then, as we are trying to get back on the road, the server disappears and we can't get our check. Tables being waited on by the one other server we saw got their food more quickly and their checks when asked. The lack-luster food combined with our poor service experience makes this place one we won't be revisiting. read more

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Really nice interior and fast service. You can call in or order online for carry out. Got the enchiladas poblanas lunch special. read more

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Very nice waiter and the food was delicious They speak English and Spanish and the food was brought out in just a couple of minute 10/10 would recommend read more

I visited it two times while vacationing in Virginia. The local is nice and clean, and the service is great. All the family enjoyed their food. Good portions and very tasty. Overall it was a great experience, and would return if we are in the area again. read more

A good Mexican restaurant with a very extensive menu and ample options for both tex-mex and authentic Mexican. The restaurant itself is very bright and clean and also rather large, with a separate cantina portion off to the left. My tacos al pastor and carne asada were both pretty good, and the salsa verde, while more a brown salsa, was extremely tasty. They had soccer on the television so really, what more could you want? The restaurant is located in a strip mall next to a Walmart and not hard to find off SR 100 if you just look for the entrance to the Walmart. read more

El Ranchero - Authentic Mexican tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Dublin, Virginia

Great, spicy authentic Mexican (street) tacos at this place. For that reason, and the always-friendly and prompt service, I rate this the best Mexican place around. I've tried them all many multiple times, and El Ranchero continues to impress. If you're in Dublin and don't feel like driving to Radford or Christiansburg for a good meal, this is your spot. The place itself is nothing too special, but I like the layout and the decoration. Good seating, seems clean, and prices not too high. A very solid choice! Around here, you can't ask for much more. I don't know how they could improve, so that's why I'm giving them five stars. read more

El Ranchero - Mexican Tacos (Pollo Asada) - Mexican Near Me - Dublin, Virginia

Worst Mexican food I ever had. Could not finish my meal. Frozen margaritas were old stale like they've been sitting in the machine for weeks. read more

Great find just off I81. Nice variety on the lunch menu, great prices, good staff, fast service. I had the lunch Fajita Quesadilla with beef tips. Delicious! My husband had the Burrito Mexicano which was pork burrito w/ salsa verde. Good chips and salsa too. read more

One of my favorites. Food is always good and staff are very attentive. Now offers outdoor seating

I have been to this restaurant a couple of times. The first time the service was awful. But the food was awesome. We went again last week service was way better the food just melts in your mouth! If you're in the area check it out!! read more

me and my family came in and our waitress was very impatient. before we finished ordering she walked off and didn't add extra stuff we wanted.steak and cheese sub didn't haves mayonnaise,lettuce, like i wanted it to and was disgusting that i didn't finished food was very bland I do not recommend this restaurant this restaurant. read more

Sadly the new building has made things terrible, it was great before . The last 3 visits were a disaster. Cold food , rude servers, bad service, long wait for everything. Unless you want a large bill and leave upset don't go there . I'm sad to say this :( read more

Everything was good as old timer Mexican menu and presentation. I had ordered veggie fajitas / good for two persons . Chips were fresh and warm with salsa in jar. You have to stir it with fork or knife to blend it. Service was good it was Sunday evening. I Was surprised to find authentic good. I have been to several states and amazed to find this gem! Note: it is in Walmart parking lot my iPhone google map goofed.,. read more

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I've been going to this business since they first opened at the very first locatio.. the staff here are so nice and polite the inside and out is kept clean of you like good Mexican food this is the place for you read more

I thought about reserving 5 star review to leave room for improvement but after thinking it over. I couldnt think of much they could do better. MICHELADAS! MICHELADAS! They make the best ivee had other than my own i make with Zing Zang. If you like red beer, beer n tomato juice or the pre made can varieties. You should love these. Now onto the food. Their food is great. I usually get 2 things. Alvarros Special steak tacos but what makes theirs special is the ranchero sauce. Most places in our area dont have this. I also like their tortilla soup. It taste really good. Its healthy. Its also very visually appealing. They say we eat with our eyes. Enjoy! They also have a location in Pembroke. read more

First off WOW! I have to say this place is very authentic and very well priced! We came in not knowing what to expect and what we got was an amazing atmosphere and friendly wait staff! We got the sampler which gives you pretty much everything on the menu! It was only 10.50 per person their tamales were perfecto along with the chili renos! I even got my tres leche cake for desert and it was beyond amazing can't wait to come back 38 dollars well spent thank you El Ranchero read more

My wife and I love eating here! The food is always outstanding and the service has always been fast and friendly!

Ordered 4 dinners, drove 15-20 minutes to pick it up. It wasn't ready when I got there, but paid for it ($60) and then stepped to the side to wait on it. A lady brought me the food. My mistake was not checking the bag before I left. Got home and one dinner was missing. Called and they were absolutely worthless. Said I could come back and pick it up. Really, so drI've another 15-20 minutes one way, then have to drive back home and then not eat with my family. Horrible service. read more

Something has happened to El Ranchero over by the WalMart and it is a very good something. I had eaten there before and found it to be decent but nothing special Mexican. Last night's visit suggested they have crossed the line to quite special -- as good as any Mexican I have had in Atlanta, but a little less spicy in deference to local tastes. Last night, the wife and I went for the special, chili colorado with salsa verde. Service was friendly, required use of my extremely limited Spanish, and maybe a touch too unhurried. Gave us a chance to sample chips and salsa. Salsa was definitely homemade with fresh ingredients. Ate too much of it. The chili was really pork in a green sauce that had a rich home made flavor and was flavorful without being hot. The taste was subtle enough for a New York foodie. Just to show this dish was not a fluke, the guacamole that was part of the combination was similarly outstanding. I believe the cook is from Vera Cruz, so I think this regional Mexican cuisine rather than the usual rice beans and burrito. The menu is full of unusual items (as well as The Mexican take on the shrimp cocktail, which is one of the best hot weather dishes evah) If there is justice, the cook will move on to bigger and better things. So, I would get over here quick, while something this good stays well under 30 bucks for two. read more

During the quarantine I ordered the 15 taco family pack and the fajita family pack. So awesome! I want this place to remain open so I will be ordering take out every week! I always go here on my birthday! read more

The food is always really good. Every now and then they will mess up your order, but I think it's more of a communication thing. Service is hit or miss. We used to eat there frequently 2-3 years ago, but the service declines each time I go in. This past week, we almost to beg our waiter to take our order, for refills and they never brought the check after 15 minutes of asking for a box. We finally had to go to the register and they tracked him down. I think my days as a customer are numbered. Might eat there in a bind, because the food is good, but poor service can ruin any meal. Also, a couple sleaze-bag waiters stared at my girlfriend the entire time and made her uncomfortable going to the restroom. If you're gonna eat here, go with take-out! read more

Food is good but service is not. Slow with not that many customers, gave our food to a different table, forgotten drinks and they charged us dinner price when we ordered the lunch portion. Won't be coming back. read more

Got seated and waited more than 15 minutes w/ no one showing up to even get a drink order...employees just standing around and store not even busy. Extreme disappointment. read more

Pretty good food, but terrible service. Things used to be much better, but the last several times we have visited we have had horrible service. We waited a long time after being seated to have anyone take even our drink orders. Then we've had to go ask for refills because they never came back after bringing the food. When we asked for the refills, the servers had a bad attitude about it. If you're in the mood for Mexican- I recommend Compadres in Pulaski or Roca's in Fairlawn/Radford. Both of those have better food and much better service! read more

El horrible. The food does not have seasoning. The service is lack luster. We have went two times thinking the first time was just a bad night. Nope. El horrible. read more

Stopped by for lunch and to watch some football while staying the weekend at Claytor Lake one Sunday. Service is excellent and very timely. All staff was extremely friendly and helpful. The food was fantastic. Genuine quality Mexican style food. Complimentary chips with homemade salsa (a bit mild but good). I got a chicken burrito which was amazing, excellent flavor balances. Everyone else at the table only had positive things to say about their food. For a party of six most of whom got a meal and alcohol the price was only $80 so everything is very reasonable. Overall I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants authentic Mexican. Enjoy read more

Omg this place was so yummy! We were traveling from Jersey to Georgia and needed food late at night at a safe location. This place was typical Mexican food next to a Walmart so we knew we'd be very safe. The food was delicious and came out quickly. We ordered the steak fajitas and the enchiladas that came with 1 steak, 1 chicken, 1 cheese, and 1 beans enchilada. Yummy! read more

Used to be my favorite Mexican restaurant in our area. Tonight we got take out when my sister went, and I got my tacos and went to put salsa on them the hamburger was pink and bloody. we called to tell them and they insisted it was the "seasoning" and wanted us to bring it in to show them. So she took them back and they told her they were OVERCOOKED not raw... hamburger doesnt turn grey when its cooked and turn back into raw hamburger and become bloody again when it's over cooked. If they honestly believe when meat is over cooked it becomes pink and bloody again and is safe to eat then someone needs to seriously educate them on food safety. None of us will be eating here again. read more

El Ranchero - And my raw tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Dublin, Virginia

Worst dining experience I have had in a long time. Very clean restaurant and initially we had great service. I ordered street tacos with guacamole. Guacamole never came and I didn't get the correct meats in my tacos. The sangria tasted like nail polish remover. My friend and I let the rest of our group try them and everyone agreed they were not drinkable. We let the waiter know we did not want the drinks and the whole environment changed after that. He became very short with us and other staff members were hateful when dropping things off. Another plate at our table had a chicken bone in her meal- she let the manager know and he offered a free desert and she said no thank you to sweets so he said he would give a discount. When she checked out he removed .25 cents from her bill. Very disappointing experience. read more

Was looking for a good Mexican restaurant This is not one The salsa was pasty and had little flavor . Thought I was eating marinara Ordered carnitas the lack of of flavor was unbelievable Felt like the rice and beans were left over from the night before The flour tortillas arrived with meal in customary aluminum foil but were cold. The only thing I can compliment on was the chips Would not come back read more

Everything they make is quality. By far the best food in the Pulaski/Dublin area. Everything is fresh and delicious with fast service and full bar. read more

Sometimes, you find yourself in the middle of nowhere and need a beer. And thankfully, a place like Rancheros exists. Stopped in early on a Friday evening for, yes, a beer. They have the standards, plus Sam Adams and, on this occasion, the Devil's Backbone Vienna lager. I had that fella, in a 22oz (vs the other option of 16) frosted mug. Super fresh chips and salsa arrived unprompted. Staff was incredibly friendly. Definitely check this joint out if you find yourself in the decidedly non-Irish Dublin, VA. read more

The food is good, but the service was horrible. There were only one other table in my section and the waiter never came and checked on me. I ran out of my drink twice and had to stop the waiter to ask for a refill. Sorry but if the place was packed I could totally understand, but when the place is empty I should never run out of my drink. read more