ABSOLUTELY LOVEEEEE El Ranchero!! :) The best! They are always super nice and attentive! Their food is always hot and sizzling when they bring it out to you! Full of flavor and tasty! They're always checking on everyone, getting refills, making sure the order is correct, etc.! I love this place and will always come back! (P.S. they love when you converse with them in Spanish, haha) -also (for Yelp's review system) it is a bit loud when they're busy, but overall the noise is bearable.- read more

I've been going here for years and the food is always great. Even takeout is always hot and fresh. The waiters are very kind and attentive. The fajitas are my favorite. read more

Ate here earlier today. Wasn't too bad. Quite a few less options that I like compared to every other Mexican restaurant I've ever had. Final ordered something. Not what I wanted nor was it something I would normally get. Shrimp fajitas. They weren't too bad but it wasn't has hot as I expected. In fact is wasn't really hot all. Luke warm maybe. I ate it anyway because I was hungry. Wasn't bad but it's not what I'm used to so I wasn't a huge fan. Inside was clean, chips and salsa came immediately, service was good, and the tables, or at least the one I was seated at was a bit higher than most other restaurants. (Which is actually preferred so I liked that) over all, I might eat here again, but it won't be my 1st choice. read more

My wife and i eat here quite often and consider ourselves fairly regular customers, at least every week or two. Chips and salsa are prompt when you arrive and the queso is a pretty good serving for the price. You can eat pretty cheap too if you order off the daily specials menu, or we get our food alacarte and spend between $5-10 for a filling meal each. I like the margaritas but my wife does not, she prefers hers from that other restaurant. As always some servers are better than others but most have been there for a very long time read more

Typically all the staff is friendly. There are a few who don't understand English well but still will get your answers to questions. I had to ask for red wine out of bottle that wasn't cold. It's actually meant to serve non refrigerated. The dining area is festive and tons of beautiful color with dimmer lights? In the evening. The food is good and you get your money's worth every penny. read more

I was a frequent customer prior to the pandemic. As with other businesses, they madated a 'charge' to use your debit/credit card. I detest the fact they charge a fee to use a card based on the fact that is a BUSINESS expense for them. It feels disingenuous to do this in this economy just to make more money. Don't go there much after this change. read more

This little place is hiding behind Dairy Queen. There is more than plenty of parking. It is decorated like a typical Mexican restaurant, in America. The menu has a wide variety. Kids menu has a little but of everything. Tacos, quesadillas, grilled cheese, chicken strips. There is definitely something for everyone. They have good drink specials too. The food was delicious and the service was amazing! Everyone was friendly and our drinks were never empty. read more

El Ranchero - Seafood Platter - Mexican Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

Friendly staff and good food. I love a chimichanga and this hit the spot!! Menu has everything you want when craving Mexican food.

Salsa is soupy and not spicy. We enjoyed it although it is not our normal. Service was quick and kind! Drinks are $2.29 which are pricey in my opinion. We also bought three drinks but they charged us for four. They also charged us $2 for a SMALL 2oz of sour cream?! My husband had a burger which is where the two stars are from! He was so surprised there was a burger at a Mexican restaurant and it was very good and only $8. Idk if id visit again by choice just due to the over pricing. read more

What a wonderful experience for our family reunion at McCormicks creek!! They put together a to go meal for us that fed 60+ and we were able to eat on the leftovers for several more days. Extremely generous portions and service, as they helped us load our car full of all of the food. read more

We love Mexican and eat it everywhere we visit. This was very good for those of us used to California Mexican, it was a good find in Indiana. The carnitas dinner was good, large portions and very reasonable. The veggie quesadilla was generously loaded with veggies. Could have used more cheese. We would recommend. read more

The food was really good on a Sunday, late lunch. We had our go-to orders for when we are trying a new Mexican restaurant: Chile Rellenos for me and Mushroom Quesadilla for my husband. Lots was left from the large portions for lunch the next day. What was outstanding here was the incredible amount of carved, painted decoration. Every surface was covered! I know others have posted photos, but I'm posting some more anyhow. It's an explosion of color and details. Just... WOW! read more

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Skip the salsa (aka canned tomato puree) and arroz con pollo (tiny, overcooked chicken pieces smothered in watered down fake cheese sauce. The prices and flavor index categorized as low. Honestly, this restaurant used to serve more flavorful food. The vegetables in any fajitas are completely overcooked. However, if you have to go here to satisfy your friends, the mushroom quesadilla is recommended. Although sometimes too greasy, it has good mushroom flavor. read more

Good food, good service. I usually get carry out, I never wait more than 15 mins for my food. my bags are usually correct. Which is all Delicious and fresh. read more

I took the family to try the Mexican in Spencer. We thought it was good. The service was good and the restaurant was clean. The prices were average. The food is on the spicy side but had a good taste. We would eat here again. read more

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What a fun and festive place! We had delicious food and excellent service. Friendly staff! Chips and tasty salsa on the table as soon as we were seated. I had the carne asada and it was great, served on a sizzling platter. My husband and his cousin had shrimp quesadillas and steak and shrimp fajitas. Everything was delicious, hot and fresh. And the decor is something to see! If you don't want a meal, come to the colorful bar and have a beverage. read more

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nice job, good food and always have left overs when we order carry out. easy parking, clean, easy to work with staff. beats the pizza and hilltop restaurant any day of the week. read more

Great Mexican food. Went for lunch and service was fast and courteous and food was fantastic. The portions are very generous and the plates are warm. After asking for a hotter salsa I was given a container of green salsa with the consistency of sour cream. It tasted much like roasted jalapeños with tomatillos and was very good. The decor inside was very unique and reminded me a lot of being in Mexico. They also have outdoor seating. read more

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Nope when I ask for a fish taco I don't want a big slab of fish with nothing else I suggest you order one from casa brava on east 3rd street and they'll show you how to make a fish taco thanks but no thanks read more

We rent cabins in the park every year for our annual family get together. There's always one night when no one wants to cook and for many yrs since they opened, we choose this place. Never gone wrong with the great food and service, not to mention the Mexican decor & furniture. They always accommodate me with my bell pepper allergies and that is rare in a Mexican restaurant. We noticed this yr. that Spencer has experienced a small growth & other biz's are cropping up. -good to see & best wishes to El Ranchero for continued good service to the community! read more

Food is just on the border of edible. Service was fast but lacked warmth. We rarely order dessert but kids wanted fried ice cream...just don't. It wasn't fried. Most of the time you know what to expect when you go to a small, local, Mexican restaurant..don't expect that here. read more

Always fantastic! Good service and great food. Mushroom quesadilla side of shrimp, tortilla soup are some of the best food in Spencer!

We ended up a El Ranchero because no place else in town served food and alcohol on Monday. The service was fine. My only complaint was that the waiter did not point out drink specials ($3 for a regular 16 oz. Margarita) and let us order $6.99 27 oz. Margaritas. Our food was quite good. The complimentary chips arrived warm and had a mixture of yellow and blue corn. I ordered beef fajitas ($9.99) and the portion was huge! My husband's carne asada ($11.99) was served with onion bulbs and a roasted poblano pepper. The guacamole was okay - I've had better and I've had worse. Our bill came to $38 and if I was in Spencer again, I'd eat at El Ranchero. read more

Ate here on way home from French Lick day after Christmas. Was looking for your normal Mexican food & found it here. Portions were large, service was extremely quick, good margaritas were only $2.99, chips seemed to be made in house as they were a little overbrown (just like my wife likes them) & they even had WI FI. Highly recommend if this is what you are looking for. read more

El Ranchero - Enjoying $2.99 margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

I enjoy the food fiesta tacos with carne asada is my favorite! Make sure and try it next time your there. read more

El Ranchero - Mexican Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

I this place. The salsa is the best. The fajitas are delicious. Great decor, service , and atmosphere. When I am in spencer I always stop here. They have a good vegetarian selection as well. read more

El Ranchero - Fajitas and a coconut margarita. Yum - Mexican Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

Great Mexican food with a full bar in this little town, but wait until you see the colorful artwork inside, it makes you feel like you just walked into Mexico! read more

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We went for a dinner with friends celebrating their anniversary week. We were warmly welcomed and they practiced safety regarding the covid. The menu is huge and the food was excellent. Great place to eat. read more

Great Mexican food for the area. Service was thorough and prompt. Men's and women's restrooms have baby changing tables.

FYI: if you order the taco salad fajita, it will come out looking like a plain ordinary taco salad. They bury the fajita under the lettuce. Not understanding this, I sent it back. Once it was cleared up, the waiter admonished me to be careful with what I order. He's lucky I was with family. My food was a tasteless mess and the service from one waiter rude. read more

This is the Best Restaurant that I have been to in over 13 years! Their food is EXCELLENT! As is their Service! They are completely Authentic! Their employees are mindful and polite, The SALSA is to die for!!We LOVE IT! Our favorite is the Chili Relleno. I always get carry out, and my family and extended family has also fallen in love with their food! We are there about every 3 weeks. The prices are very reasonable. Going there tonight for more!! read more

Small restaurant with a bar in the middle of it. I liked the decor. The food was very good and the service even better. I would definitely stop by next time I'm around Spencer. read more

El Ranchero - Nice decoration - Mexican Near Me - Spencer, Indiana

In town to meet my parents so they picked our early dinner/late lunch spot. This place looked familiar. I have come to realize they must but the decor from the same place. They had the large Colts art and a lot of very colorful wall decor, tables, chairs, and booths. But this isn't just an ordinary place, it was excellent! We had amazing service. Our waiter was super ton top of our large and very needy party. He was always running after something and kept our glasses full as well as the chips and salsa. I think they were drinking it the way the bowls were always empty. My husband I split the double chicken fajitas. It was so much chicken with peppers and onions. I was in shock! I have never seen so much food. Plus we both got our own plate with the fajita toppings. We took over half of it home! It was cheaper to get the double than both get our own. I love the chicken came with lemon! Our waiter got everyone boxed up and even brought bags and refills for the long drive back. We won't really be back that way often, but I know where I will vote for if we are! read more

I love this place! Very colorful, nice staff, excellent food. My favorite is the Chimichanga with a glass (or two) of Chardonnay. Great for families. read more

This restaurant is part of the El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant in Bloomington. The food is great and the portions are more than generous. The decor and atmosphere is about the same as most of the other restaurants in the area of the same genre. There are ample seating and able to house large parties. Food is always hot and fresh. I would have give a 5 star rating if it wasn't for the lack of friendly customer service. read more

Hubby and I eat here frequently, especially hubby. There is a nice mix of Mexican born and American staff so you get pretty authentic Mexican style food and staff who can explain the menu and handle variations. Hubby almost always gets beef fajitas with veggies on the side which I take and put on my salad with extra cheese. Portions are generous and to go cups/take out boxes not a problem - interior recently remodeled in a vibrant hand carved and painted décor. Many of the staff have been there for years. Yes, the staff will sing Happy Birthday and put a fancy hat on you! This is a down to earth, friendly place with good food which is simply wonderful to have in Owen County...it is actually open seven days a week and later than 8 pm - LOL! read more

We just left there, on a mini vacay at the nearby McCormicks Creek State Park and saw this establishment on the way and decided to try it for a dinner. Started off good, seated, food came and then all down hill from there. Never came back to see if we were doing ok, asked our waiter to come back so we could order dessert and he said one minute and we watched him wait on everyone around us except us. We waited 45 minutes to order dessert because the kids really wanted to try the fried ice cream and still never came to help us, we finally gave up and walked to the register to pay without getting a bill and when I let him know how dissatisfied we were he pointed to the busy restaurant and said look we are busy. That should never be reason to be ignored, it takes two seconds to stop at our table. That is why we pay $11.00 for a cheese and steak quesadilla, the big portion of that cost is paying for service! Very disappointed and thank goodness there was a DQ for the kids, wasn't fried ice cream! Living in the Chicagoland I see busy but there is a difference between busy and being ignored. read more

The food was okay the Raiders were not attentive at all could not get a drink refill. Food came out not much on the plate for the price it's a little expensive. And if you need good service that's not going to happen, how to go drink refill had to get up and ask for it to go box and a ticket. Not our favorite Mexican read more

Never had a bad meal or poor service here and my family has been coming to this restaurant since it opened. The chicken chimichanga is my favorite thing to order and the guacamole is always fantastic! Very reasonable prices and affordable meals for children. read more

Food was good, lunch prices were good for the portions you get but man, 5 bucks for a small bowl of cheese sauce for your chips?? I thought that was a bit outrageous.... read more