We were riding 158 out of OBX across the top of the state back to Raleigh and we needed a place to have lunch that would have some gluten-free options. We randomly chose this place versus another Mexican restaurant in Roanoke Rapids 40 more minutes away. We were pleasantly surprised with the selection, service, and how fast our food was prepared and served hot. For starters they give you chips and salsa like most other Mexican restaurants. I'd rate the salsa 3/5 stars...more onion and cilantro please. However, they go the extra mile and give you queso with the chips and salsa. It's not your typical queso either, it's queso with creamed cheese in it giving it some extra flavor versus plain quesos. I got the lunch quesadilla fajitas with beef and it was tasty. Not really a pickup and eat type of meal especially after I piled on the guac, sour cream, and lettuce. It was crispy, hot and delicious. Perfect serving size for lunch. My girlfriend got the lunch fajitas. They came out sizzling hot in a small cast iron pan. Probably half the size of the dinner portion if I had to guess. Again, the perfect amount for lunch. She ate it with just the rice and beans to make it gluten-free as it was served with flour tortillas. The corn chips did not give her any problems either. All in all it was a fast stop in a small town. It was very inexpensive as well. When we were leaving a sweet old man in his Sunday best came over to look at our bikes and chat us up about the "Jap" bikes he used to ride back in the day. So not only was the staff friendly but the townspeople as well! Would definitely stop here again. read more

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We had a delicious meal at El Ranchero Restaurant in Emporia, Virginia. The food and drink menu there is extensive. There were new Mexican dishes there that I had never seen before on menus from other Mexican restaurants. Our server, Carlos, was so nice and helpful. There was nothing at all to complain about. Such a blessing to enjoy a great meal after a long road trip! read more

El Ranchero is my favorite place to eat in Franklin, VA, which is about 20 minutes away from me. Then, last summer, they opened another one in the town I live in, yay!!! I go here as often as I can, this place is fantastic! My go-to order that I ALWAYS get on every trip here is the "chicken alambre"; it's the best! Also, the white sauce they serve with the chips is delicious! If you are ever nearby, be sure to stop here, it's one of the best places in town! read more

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So, my fav Mexican eatery is "El Ranchero", and I must be one lucky lady that they recently opened up one just 7 minutes from me...which in "down the way" terminology means "really close". I use to travel about 20-25 minutes to get to my closest one but now.....the luxury of it all! I love this place...I mean like I truly LOVE this place with a heartfelt passion!!! Clean interior, great service, amazing food (and plentiful)!!! What's not to like?! This place is absolutely fabulous, and I am so over the moon happy I can finally say now, "It's REALLY opened!". After a year long wait of renovations that they painstakingly did, the place building looks gorgeous. This is my go to, tried and true, best ever Mexican eatery, and I am SO thankful it's finally near me! read more

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Amazing food chicken quesadillas are my favorite and I bring my friends here all the time!

We were passing through town last weekend looking for a place to eat when we noticed all the cars in the lot there so we gave it a try. On the inside it was just another small restaurant but almost every table was full, at 2:45, on a Sunday. Looking the menu over we got to the Specialties page and were blown away by the variety. It actually took some discussion to pick two meals (the Three Amigos and El Trio for the record) and both were outstanding. Not just great Mexican food but great food! The sauces for both were amazing and unique. We ate every bite! If you live near there then you are very fortunate. If you are in the area don't miss it. read more

Great, authentic Mexican food. Excellent service, friendly people. And we KNOW good Mexican food. This was excellent. Clean restaurant, clean bathrooms. Thank you!! read more

El Ranchero - Beef Burrito w/ Rice & Beans - Mexican Near Me - Murfreesboro, North Carolina

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We have been here multiple times during the last few weeks. The food is always fresh and good no matter the day or time. We have noticed on Friday nights the service is less attentive due to how busy they are. But the staff is always friendly and kind! They have two homemade hot salsas that are not on the menu that you can ask for. One is red and one green, they are spicy but oh so good! Try an iceberg which is a twist on a margarona (beer and margarita). If you are looking for a small portion size you can order off the menu any time of day. My favorite is the Burrito Mexicano with chicken. All and all great place to eat for a couple, family or large group. read more

An interesting restaurant decoration wise. The chips were warm served with spicy tomato salsa and a white milk base sweet dip. The food was cheap and served hot and fast. I like the chile relleno and carnitas are wonderful. The enchilada and burrito was a sad hamburger type. The rating is based more on value for the money than quality of food. read more

Received this $5 off coupon from Saturday's Murfreesboro Candlelight Tour 12/10/22. Only picked this restaurant because thought it was nice of them to offer their customers this discount. Right after the tour we went to this restaurant. I immediately showed it to our waiter who showed it to the management on. Management came to me saying yes it is for $5 off your order. We had 5 people, so $5 wasn't much considering but I was appreciative nonetheless. Since we didn't live in the area I then gave the remainder coupons to another family to use at another visit. They were so happy I gave them the coupons. We ordered & right in the middle of us eating, the same management on at the time comes to our table with another staff member telling me they can't let us use the $5 coupon because their manager says he didn't give the town permission to put their name on the coupon this time. I was like well this coupon is the only reason we even came here. Needless to say I was in shock & will never go back there again. I will also be contacting the head person of the Murfreesboro Candlelight Tour to tell them if I were them I'd never advertise for this place again !!! Just poor business. read more

El Ranchero - Coupon - Mexican Near Me - Murfreesboro, North Carolina

Food is a little salty, but has the cultural flavor I like. The restaurant is very clean and staff is hospitable and knowledgeable of the menu. Excellent menu choices. read more

Very nice and professional and food is delicious It is a must try I love everything on the menu especially the wings and the sauce