Rolling into Buffalo for a UB visit with our daughter, her friend, and their whole crew -- full minivan energy. After a quick flex over the border into Canada (just to say we did), we swung by this spot... and wow. Certified sleeper hit. Place is super nicely decorated -- warm, cozy, "yes I am a responsible adult who eats at respectable places" vibes. Service? So good it was borderline rude. Like, relax bestie, how are you reading my mind and delivering everything before I even know I want it? Absolutely elite. And the food? When I say quick, I mean lightning-fast like they had a plate waiting for each of us before we even sat down. Flavor was on point, portions were perfect -- not "I need a nap," not "where's the rest?" Just right. Drinks? Cold. Like "Canadian winter sponsored this ice" cold. Bathrooms? Super clean but a little tight, so let's keep it real -- handle your "big jobs" at home before you pull up. This is not the arena for extended performances. All in all, this place slaps. Great food, great vibes, great service. Would 10/10 hit again on our next Buffalo run. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Carnitas Rancheras - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

Came here recently and tried the Hawaiian fajitas. They came served in a pineapple, which was such a fun and unique touch! The dish itself was really flavorful and overall delicious. I do wish everything had been grilled just a little bit more for that extra char, but it didn't take away from how much I enjoyed it. Also tried the queso and it was a little watery but ok good to eat. We were greeted right away at the door and told to sit anywhere, which made things feel super relaxed Our server was attentive throughout and checked in just the right amount. One thing to note, the online menu is not even close to what they actually offer in the restaurant. There are so many more options in person! As someone who likes to plan ahead, I really wish their online menu was updated because I would've loved to look everything over beforehand. Overall, good experience, tasty food, and I'd definitely come back to try more of the menu! read more

Excellent Mexican food and service! I had the steak fajita burrito and my husband had 3 steak tacos. We were both very pleased! Cute little restaurant. read more

Very fresh. I got a Chicken Rice Bowl, was first served with black beans when I said no black beans. Five minute wait till one without black beans came. Not a problem. Wasn't busy inside. Delicious, filling meal. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Chicken Rice Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

Normally this is a great Mexican restaurant but on cinco de mayo they wouldn't serve lunch specials and they more than doubled their prices for queso and guacamole. The guacamole is normally 8$ and now they are asking for 15.99 for guacamole and 15.99 for queso!! So over 30$ for getting some chips. You would think they would have specials for people not try to bury them financially when going there for lunch. Unreal how people try to take advantage. read more

One of my go to spots for delicious Mexican in the area. Staff is friendly and food is always great. A repeat customer always. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Pick 2 Combination Beef taco and cheese enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

My favorite Mexican place. The chicken enchiladas are always amazing. The fajitas and salsa are also always on point. Plus, they're open late on Sundays when all the other Mexican places are closed. read more

Service was good, very polite server. Enjoyed the chips and salsa. Enchiladas were good, not my favorite. The pork had great flavor. House Margaritas were ok. Cute decor! read more

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FYI: in a plaza with parking; had high chairs. I absolutely loved it. I got arroz con pollo and the chicken and veggies were very flavorful, perfectly cooked and came out piping hot on the skillet. The servers were very helpful and patient with our little ones. The restaurant is large and, although it got busy, it didn't feel too loud to have a conversation across the table. read more

Good food, ordered enchiladas, fajitas, and nachos and had a great meal. Good vibes and pretty cheap! read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Nachos Supreme - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

Update: the owner called and made it right. We have always ate here and had good food. We usually have a great experience at this restaurant and come often with our family. But tonight was a different story. My son and I both ordered the fish tacos--we eat fish all the time and love it--but these were clearly spoiled. I took one bite and immediately knew something was off. It was super fishy and just bad. My son, unfortunately, ate almost a whole taco before running to the bathroom to throw up. I flagged down our waitress and explained what happened. I had only taken one bite and even spit it into a napkin. She offered to replace the meals, which I appreciated, and I accepted. But my son wasn't going to eat anything else--he ended up in the car throwing up outside. When the bill came, they still charged us for everything, including the full plate of spoiled fish that we sent back. That was pretty shocking. I get that it's only $15 or $16, and it's not going to break the bank, but it's the principle. Charging someone for spoiled food that made a kid sick is terrible customer service. They've lost us--and our family--as regular customers. read more

1/5 stars If I could give zero stars, I would. This lunch was one of the most emotionally exhausting dining experiences I've ever had. From the start, we weren't given drink menus until we asked. We ordered guacamole, but were instead brought cheese dip. When I politely corrected the mistake, the waitress acted annoyed rather than apologetic. For my meal, I ordered the al pastor burrito based on my boyfriend's recommendation. The waitress offered the "lunch special," which I assumed meant a smaller portion of what I wanted -- but instead, she brought out a chicken burrito. When I tried to clarify, I was met with a condescending and argumentative response, asking me "why have you changed your mind do you not want what you ordered," and gaslighting me into thinking I had made a mistake and ordered the wrong thing. Then, when new chips and salsa were brought to the table, I found a hair in the salsa -- which I photographed because by that point I honestly couldn't believe how badly everything had gone. Despite all of these mistakes, not a single item was discounted or comped. I ended up paying over $100 for a meal that felt humiliating, stressful, and completely disrespectful. I even left a tip -- because despite everything, I'm the type of person who struggles to be "rude" even when I've been treated poorly. I've recently made a personal promise to stand up for myself when I'm being disrespected, and I'm tired of being gaslit by people in customer service who refuse to take accountability. I deserve better. All customers do. I would never recommend this restaurant to anyone who values being treated with basic kindness, respect, or professionalism. To quote the Reportoftheweek: My disappointment is immeasurable and my day is ruined" read more

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I've visited this storefront since it was Mama Colucci's (Italian). We came here Saturday for lunch and it did not disappoint. We were there around 2 pm so it was fairly empty; however, the lunch specials ran till 3. I had the burrito verde; carnitas in a burrito shell, with salsa verde on top and a side of rice and beans. I found it very good; some of the pork was a bit on the dry side but otherwise terrific. C had the vegetable fajitas; a huge portion, perfectly cooked. The vegetables included broccoli and carrots as well as the traditional veggies. Chips and a delicious salsa were offered to start. I will be back again! read more

Me and my boyfriend had a wonderful time here there were great reviews which is what brought me here it's small but family friendly and relaxing service was quick and on top of things will definitely be going again! read more

Food, service and ambiance was all great! Employees were very friendly. Highly recommend!

Great mexican! Great quaint little place. We love it here. If I had to give a critique I don't love the salsa that comes with the chips. Other than that the servers are always friendly and quick. read more

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Ordered through DoorDash , steak quesadillas which came with rice and beans and chips. It was absolutely delicious. My only regret is not getting queso for the chips. Highly recommend. read more

Have had good, great and so-so experiences here with the food. Tonight- average at best. Had a simple 3 taco dinner- 2 steak and 1 chorizo. They were dry, salty, not creative nor was there anything in the taco other than the meat. The steak more like ground beef and chorizo salty... I suggest the owners take a look at the menu and the quality- a taco should be easy... read more

9/4/22 Dine In Food came out super quick. Staff was friendly and attentive. Poblano Enchiladas 7/10. Switched the mole with regular Enchilada sauce. They were decent, nothing special. Slightly bland, could use some spices to add flavor. I'd order again. Primo Special 7/10 Kyle's rating. He would prefer more chorizo in it. It had some flavor, not a whole lot. He would order again. Rice 8/10 Kyle's rating. He says it's good. read more

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I love El Ranchito!! the service is always wonderful and it's always very clean. The food is phenomenal and I've never had anything from the menu I didn't love. 10/10 would recommend this place! read more

Service was very good, restaurant clean and nice decor and the food excellent. I also had a margarita to go with my tasty tamales. Highly recommend this restaurant. read more

I will give them no starts if I could. We ordered two arroz con pollos which cost almost $40. The pictures attached are exactly how a real Hispanic arroz con pollo does not look in any other Latino restaurant. No only the dish is completely wrong but you barely will see any rice on that dish. I called to complain and basically told me that I do not know how to read the "new menu" and they will just give a credit if I didn't bring that back. Oh well I do not have time to waste and bring that back. Also couldn't even if cause it was spicy. It was garbage food. So it was a horrible experience. Save your time and go somewhere that you will get the food that you pay for. I ordered from them like a year ago and their arroz con pollo was a legit arroz con pollo. Who knows what happened read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

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Always delicious! Authentic, good portion sizes, amazing Quesadillas, all chicken dishes I have tried have the juiciest white meat I've ever had! The soups are amazing! Never have I been disappointed! read more

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I'm always on the look out for GOOD Mexican food! When my co-worker recommended this place I had to try it! This hidden gem is tucked in a corner plaza on Niagara Falls BLVD, it's very easy to pass! There is plenty of parking and an extra lot behind the restaurant. When you walk I'm the decor feels very warm and inviting and authentic to Mexican culture. The menu is diverse and they have a variety if options for everyone including vegetarians. There are authentic dishes along with traditional and even American-ized Mexican food if you are not that adventurous. I had the El bandero enchiladas. Three different enchiladas with three different sauces. The combination was great! The rice was fresh and fluffy extremely flavorful and not greasy. The enchilada filling was outstanding. My favorite was the chicken enchilada. The chicken was so tender and seasoned just right! I was impressed with the plating and presentation too! A lot of times some restaurants will bring out your food and it looks like, well, unappetizing. When our server brought out the food I couldn't wait to dig in! Make sure you save room for dessert! They have homemade churros, flan and more! I definitely will be back and working my way through the menu. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - La Bandera Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

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I stopped again and my favorite Mexican restaurant for the fifth time and I tried their volcano dish. It was even too much for me. Outstanding tasty, well presented. Loved it read more

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My husband and I ordered take out yesterday. I ordered a Taco Salad. It was the worst taco salad I was ever served. I ordered ground beef. What I received was mushy puréed beef (at least I think it was beef). It was impossible to differentiate between meat and beans. They also were mushy. I ate about 3 bites and tossed in garbage. We have eaten in the restaurant several times and the salad has been good. I don't know if quality is going downhill or if it was because we did take out this time. Regardless we will not be returning read more

i wanted to give a 3 star but i feel like this place was below average. it was just plain bad, you can't tell in the picture it is so deceiving as the plates look nice and big and cute. but the tacos were dry, hard, fell apart when they shouldn't, we didn't finish and didn't bother packing the food home. the place was packed though so maybe i'm weirdly picky. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

Hangry after a round of golf and bickering about where to eat I remembered a recommendation and we made our way to El Ranchito 3. The location is pretty small and had a steady flow coming and going during our visit early in the dinner hour. I would say what they lack in ambiance they more than make up for in food quality. We ordered a pitcher of margaritas and they were just ok. I would try a different beverage if I returned. The server was attentive and helped the picky boyfriend order the most basic tacos. Even he knew I would order tacos diabla. They just screamed my name with steak, chorizo and diced jalapeño. I subbed extra rice for the beans without an issue. The "salsa" that came with this was SPICY! I asked for cheese ($2 up charge) to cool my spicy tacos down. I finished every morsel of food. The picky eater enjoyed his tacos as well. Sad fact is, this place is across town. I highly recommend this restaurant, as all of our food was delicious! read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Pitcher of margarita - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

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Came here with all of my co-workers today to celebrate my birthday and my other coworker's birthday that's tomorrow. Everyone really enjoyed their meals and everything came out very quickly. I especially like their homemade salsa and their homemade hot sauce. Our waitress was polite and quick with service. It wasn't very busy around lunch time with only one other table suited so we were seated and fed quickly. read more

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The food was decent. Not my favorite in buffalo. Not my least favorite. 3.5/5. Service was quick and no wait to get in!

We just moved here from Texas. The food and the atmosphere helped to ease our homesickness. The entire staff was lovely, but our sever Lily was fantastic! We'll definitely be regulars here. read more

Not the best/worst Mexican, but GREAT VALUE on the Lunch Menu - everything was under $10! AND they have free tortilla chips/salsa when you sit down. :) Whenever I'm in Buffalo, I hafta scoop out eateries PRIOR to my arrival 'cause the good dining options are few and far between...depending on the area that you're in. Aside from chain restos, I never really find much in the major shopping areas. El Ranchito was like a 12min drive N from Trader Joe's, so location-wise, it works! I ordered the Chimi lunch and it was more like a burrito with shredded chicken. Not a complaint, but chimi wasn't deep fried. And although the chimi wasn't huge - as it normally is - the whole dish was more than enough food for $8.99! The Ranchero Burrito Special - I can't remember the exact name - was BIGGER at $9.99. Again, everything tasted fine, especially for the cost, but it isn't to die for or anything like that! I'd definitely go again esp for their Lunch which is on weekends before 3pm! read more

Food was very good. Service was very good. I really enjoyed my dinner and my husband had very good burrito which was huge go there again I'm sure. read more

Do not order from here I paid $7 for 4oz of guacamole. There are many Mexican restaurants that will give you a decent size portions. Do not order from here. For prospective this is a salad dressing size container. Acapulco in Tonawanda gives 8oz for half the prices read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Do not go here. I paid $7 for 4oz of guacamole!!!! - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

Had the chicken fajitas, good flavor and cooked well. Solid atmosphere and the servers and staff were friendly. Great restaurant and will definitely be coming back. read more

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El Ranchito is hands down the best Mexican food in the area. From their salsa to their fried ice cream. Just can't beat it. All three of their locations are pretty consistent. El ranchito 3 has a very loud atmosphere and restrooms and subpar. But, the food and the staff are still great. I would recommend the arroz con pollo, fish tacos, or fajitas. Although anything I've ever had has been full of flavor and leaves me waiting for the next time we come back. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Steak Tampiqueña - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York

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Wonderful lunch today. We were beyond hungry and service was quick and great! Thanks again! Love that we have this in our neighborhood. read more

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Great service with exceptional margaritas! The molè was okay. A little cinnamony for my taste. But overall pretty good! read more

We've been back several times after the ordering snafu. The food is always fresh and delicious, staff are all friendly, and the online ordering has been working great when we don't feel like going out. Solid 5 stars for this place. read more

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I was craving soup and decided to give this restaurant a try. The soup was absolutely delicious and was more than enough for one person. I will definitely return and try other dishes but based on my first meal and the reviews it should be delicious. read more

El Ranchito 3 Mexican Restaurant - Chicken soup - Mexican Near Me - Amherst, New York