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    El Ranchero Restaurant

    3.5 (29 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican

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    EL RANCHERO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Enchiladas Tijuanas
    Taryn R.

    We had plans to go to Tropical Grill but unfortunately they were closed due to a family emergency. We weren't quite in the mood for Knife and Fork. (We love Knife and Fork, just weren't prepared to drop $100+ on dinner this particular evening.) With those two spots ruled out, that didn't really leave many other options. Spruce Pine isn't exactly over run with restaurants. In fact, there are only 5 or 6 in town that serve dinner on a consistent basis. So, off we went to try a new place, El Ranchero! It was packed when we walked in around 8pm on a Saturday night. We took that as a good sign and settled in, ordered some margaritas. After the drinks arrived, things started going downhill. Our server, Jose came over in a rush, and when we tried to order just guac and queso to start, he stormed off. I guess he was upset we didn't want to place our dinner orders, yet? I'm not sure. The "guac" arrived first and was some odd, whipped concoction of sour cream and what I can only guess was avocado as it was pretty green. Inedible. It took almost 15 minutes for our queso to come out and our table of 4 had to practically beg for another basket of chips to eat it with. Eventually, Jose warmed up to us enough to take our dinner order. (He ignored us for a while after his initial hissy fit.) I ordered the Enchiladas Tijuanas. They were gross. The corn tortillas were stale. The chicken and steak filling was tough. The rice was cold and hard. And, somehow, despite the plate being about 1,000-degrees, everything was just lukewarm at best. My mom ordered a combination and everything on her plate was cold when it arrived. She waited 10-15 minutes to get someone's attention to have the food warmed. By the time anyone came back to the table, we were all just so ready to leave, she asked for it to be removed from the bill. This is where the evening totally felt apart. Jose looked at my mom, smirked and said, "I don't think so." After a bit of a scene, he finally obliged and took the $6 meal off the bill. But was sure to tell us, "I only took that ONE off." Great, Jose. Thanks. That's all we asked for. Avoid our mistake and stay away from El Ranchero! With any luck, Tropical Grill or Knife and Fork will be open. If not, you'd be better off just driving to the next town for dinner.

    Fajitas del mar & burrito texacano

    Delicious food! I was honestly surprised because I thought there's no way that there could be a good Mexican restaurant all the way up in the mountains but I was wrong! My boyfriend got the Burrito Texacano and loved it! And I got the Fajitas Del Mar and also loved it! Would definitely go back if i'm ever in the area again!

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    Photo of Mark W.
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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Yummy food and service was great had a good time I recommend a lot quality restaurant

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    3 years ago

    Has went downhill over the years. Staff is always friendly but food quality isn't that great.

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    Photo of Kim S.
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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Was expecting imitation Mexican food but this place is the real deal! Clean restaurant, great service and delicious food.

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Very good food. Generous portions. Friendly, quick staff.

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    5 years ago

    The food here is incredible!! The staff is always super nice. The chuey special is always amazing!!

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    Photo of I'sata Y.
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    8 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Photo of Gary K.
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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    The Mexican guac is to die for! It is soooo good! I also like their chips and queso! I get it almost every-time I am in town!

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    4 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    Photo of P C.
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    4 years ago

    Food had no seasoning to it, very bland. Asked for guacamole salad and got a tablespoon of creamy avocado on lettuce.

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    8 years ago

    Friendly, fast service; good tasting food in hearty portions and great prices! This place is a gem.

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    Photo of J C.
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    8 years ago

    If you've never had good Mexican food, you may think this is the best you've ever had...worst ever

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    Photo of Marie H.
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    8 years ago

    For the small town, it is decent food. Typical Mexican fare. The waiters are nice and no issues.

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    9 years ago

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    Photo of Paulo R.
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    8 years ago

    Not very friendly staff. You are not even able to use the restaurant's WiFi. Useless manager but amazing chips!!!

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    Photo of B F.
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    11 years ago

    Very good! Authentic Mexican food at a great price. Margaritas were great! Kid friendly.

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    Ask the Community - El Ranchero Restaurant

    Review Highlights - El Ranchero Restaurant

    I also like their chips and queso!

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

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    El Ranchero Restaurant - mexican - Updated May 2026

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