I love this place: festive, unpretentious, and comfortable (well, until the mariachis come: they are a gang of girls selling long-stemmed roses but louder). The chips and salsa were fine, and greatly appreciated in an age where they end up as pricey appetizers. The food was good and reasonably priced. The Diet Coke was crisp. Service was fine but friendly. The drinks were tasty and strong. I got the fun Jarrito-rita, a house margarita with a whole bottle of fruit punch dumped in. Mmmm liver damage AND diabetes in one drink! read more

El Ranchito - Mmm. Liver damage and diabetes in one drink! - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Went in for my wife's birthday month celebration. She wanted mariachis. Good food and great service. Was a great crowd at 5pm on a Sunday. Inside is filled with memorabilia and a fun vibe. Mariachis were ok. Felt a bit flat that day and didn't know how to get them started so I started with a tip. read more

El Ranchito - Parrillada cool presentation just a bit too well done for my tastes - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Everything we ordered was delicious our service was great. We sat in a room that was close to a tablet where our server could submit our order. Many staff members came to our table to sing happy birthday to us. The ambiance was this cozy Mexican restaurant. Full of colorful pictures and decorative pieces read more

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Every time I visit Dallas from San Antonio, I make it a point to eat at El Ranchito. It did not disappoint. We had Tacos Al Carbon (Beef Fajita), Combo Plate, and delicious Menudo. read more

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Our server, Jasmine, was so nice and accommodating. No wait. It was early. I had menudo and my hubby had chicken mole. We started with a new appetizer, - choriqueso. They heat it up and serve with tortillas. Not a fan. Oh well. First try and now we know. It was margaritas night. All good. YaVe was the best I've ever had. Of course they ran out. Still good food, drinks and service. The ambiance was on point! read more

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Food and service is still great, its been around for a very long time and continues to make good food. If you want to enjoy a meal with family or even something more personal. This is the place read more

Walking in, this place has that kitschy decor that was prevalent of the '70s and '80s. I was concerned this place was going to be past the prime and mediocre the best, but I was actually wrong. Coming in on a Friday night around 6:30, it wasn't crowded, but still had a good amount of patrons, along with live music. Our servers are nice and check on us at a reasonable pace. Their chips and salsa are actually really good! I'm usually not exciting for the table salsa, but it had a hefty body of tomatoes and peppers, without being watery or bland. The chips had a nice golden brown tone that also came with a decent corn oil coating. They don't salt them, but easy enough to salt them myself. Their nachos are what I was in the mood for! Gooey shredded cheese that's not a solid sheet but also not too soft that it slides all over the place. A solid dollop of sour cream, with a slightly smaller dollop of guacamole, but the avocados taste fresh. The ground beef was well seasoned and not overcooked. The chips held up fairly well structure wise without getting soggy. The horchata has that taste of a powdered mix. It wasn't terrible, but I've definitely had better. The queso flameado seems gimmicky, but it's actually necessary because of the panela like cheese they are using. Without the heated skillet or the flame they produce, the cheese would be a solid brick. Even closer to the end, the cheese was becoming too hard to scoop with a chip without breaking, so finish this dish sooner than later. It was nice to slice off some cheese with a knife and add it to a tortilla. Tastes wise, it's delicious, but can easily be a gut bomb if you eat too much of it. Definitely better to share with a couple of people. My partner ended up getting guiso carne and it was pretty good. It tasted like chopped up strips of steak tossed in enchilada sauce. The rice and beans were a step up from what most places serve them, but they aren't anything amazing. They give you a decent portion so either share or expect to take home leftovers. read more

Great food. Local favorite. Enjoyable eclectic atmosphere. El Ranchito has been serving up great Mexican dishes in South Dallas for decades. When you see droves of the local Latino community being served, you know you're in the right spot! TexMex is on the menu, but back of the page at the bottom. You can order randomly and not go wrong or select a favorite Jalisco dinner, either way the food is great and their service is prompt. I especially enjoy how they celebrate every holiday and make it something special. I visited this time on Halloween and everyone was dressed for the occasion and having fun. Meals are reasonably priced but it's not low budget. Visit solo on a week day for lunch, or take the family for a Friday night. Live music happens often. read more

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This place was disgusting with rude waiters. We were the first ones to get to the dinner party and yes they served the chips and salsa but did not ask us once if we needed a drink. About 30-40 mins passed until they finally ask us what we wanted to drink. We ordered Mexicana burger and it was very messy and tasted like the way a bathroom smelt Our fries tasted old and like freezer burn. I do not recommend this place. read more

Not street tacos and $5 a taco with no sauce is disrespectful. They didn't have a drink menu asked if they had margaritas man's cup was big however mine was tiny for the price. Loud restaurant mariachi was okay service haha I had to ask another sever for my ticket. Will not be returning read more

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We used to go to El Ranchito almost every week. We haven't been in about 10 years because we moved. We decided to do lunch today. It was just as good as it used to be. I got the Tacos Al Carbon lunch special. It only had one taco, but that was ok for the lesser price at lunch. It came with delicious refried beans, rice and a yummy green onion / cilantro / pepper medley with a little bit of tomato. Everything on my plate was great. Chips were fresh, salsa was tasty. Hubby got Menudo and he thought it was one of the best he had eaten. Good tripe, no very much hominy (which he was happy about) and not at all greasy. The tortillas were made there and were just as good as I remembered. The food came out so quickly and service was very good. The prices are very fair based on the quality of the food. read more

El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Not like it used to be. I love that it still has the same ambiance and the same wait staff for years, but the food is definitely lacking flavor. Our parrilla for two wasn't sizzling. Everything was cold. Mariachi still performs nightly. read more

The food was just okay, but the staff were sweet. I came in with really high expectations because of how busy it is all the time but overall it was okay. read more

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I'm telling you the honest truth, one of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever visited. The fajitas were absolutely amazing. Chicken and steak were tender and the setup to go with them had some of the best pico I've ever eaten. Absolutely freshly made. If we are ever in this area again, we will definitely eat here again. read more

El Ranchito - Handmade fresh flour tortillas. I usually forego the carbs but couldn't resist. - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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This was our first time here. Bringing my mom for her birthday celebration. We looked for restaurants that had mariachi bands play live music and this was one that showed up. I was able to make a reservation online. Once we got there the parking is a bit difficult since it's small but we managed to get a spot. Once inside they sat us right away and attended us. Our server was Ignacio. He was very sweet and was always there to assist us. We ordered our food and drinks and they didn't take long to serve it to us. Food was nice and hot and fresh. The chips and salsa were delicious and nice homemade tortillas. I ordered the Chile relleno filled with chicken. Very good and filling. I also got a michelada and that was good too. Nice and refreshing. The mariachi band came to our table and played 4 songs for my mom. Very nice people and also took a picture with her. They charge $25 per song request we paid with cash. We took lots of pictures since the inside of the restaurant had lots of legends painted on their walls like Pedro infante, Selena and Elvis. Overall our experience was great and we will definitely be coming back. Food and ambiance is nice! read more

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El Ranchito is a cultural vibe with beautiful scenery showcasing Latinx culture. The food is authentic and not Tex Mex. We had an rsvp and were promptly seated even without our entire party being present - I loved that! We had some delicious, vibrant dishes that came out fast and the waitress was really good and exceptionally attentive. I sampled everything of course as I thoroughly enjoyed a guava margarita & a tequila shot. Good place to eat with reasonable prices and authentic food. read more

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The star is only for the server. He was very attentive and very nice. We moved away from Dallas for a bit, came back to the area about 17 years ago but had just forgotten about this place. We used to frequent quite a bit back then. Even had work lunches here. It used to be good here, I'm not sure what happened. The food is terrible. This definitely isn't Mexican food, and it isn't Tex-Mex, but something UNDER Tex-Mex. I can't explain. It's a disgrace to the legacy it's supposed to carry if you know the back story. We ordered the Choriqueso to start and maybe we should've stopped there. It lacked flavor and was extra greasy. I'm sure it's the reason for the bad heartburn this morning. We ordered 2 dinner plates, Enchilada Suizas and Beef Fajita Nachos. How do you mess Nachos up?? The beans were stale and the meat was just unseasoned rubbery meat. The guac was dark in color and looked like slop. The enchiladas were just watery and had no flavor. I tasted the corn tortilla more than anything. We tried to eat because we didn't want to waste food and money but heck no. We got through maybe, MAYBE half of everything and stopped. We were basically force feeding ourselves and making ourselves sick. I'm starting to think that the 5 star reviews are either AI generated or maybe people who eat slop for food. There's just no explanation. What happened?? I'm so disappointed in El Ranchito. This ain't it! read more

So good, recommend for a good night out with the fam and great for big parties with 30+ people love the chicken fajitas

Traditional TexMex restaurant near downtown. Has a full menu of food and beverages you'd expect to find. Ambiance is what you would expect for old school TexMex place, including a mariachi band. Service was quick, efficient and attentive. We went for early dinner before catching a flight and the food came in a matter of minutes after ordering. The size of the steak and chicken portions for the combo fajitas for one was enormous. The meat was cooked perfectly, steak was tender. Overall it could have used a little more salt and lacked some heat (spice) we expected, but still tasted great. The rice had great flavor. Plenty of food for two of us. We're TexMex snobs and this place didn't disappoint us. read more

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The food was ok and not my preferred place to eat. I had better Mexican food that is more Tex-Mex more than anything.

HORRIBLE!!!! HORRIBLE!!!!! I swear I should've listen to the reviews of the other dissatisfied customers but noooooo I wanted to give them another chance but that's it, no more me and my family will NEVER return. We took our son to El Ranchito for his birthday dinner last night and when I tell you the queso cheese was sliced cheese they "TRIED" melting but it didn't melt (must've been from Dollar Tree) as their cheese NEVER melts either. Then we ordered beef fajitas and a order of chicken fajitas neither one came out sizzling hot, the food was COLD --there was NO sizzle and the meat was tuff like jerky! The worst --then they nickle and dime you for refills and sour cream, I don't mind paying the extra BUT tell me it's extra --don't just add charges to my bill. Last night we all were on the toilets--then Today we wake up and the entire family has been going to the restroom ALL MORNING with messed up stomachs from that AWFUL, disgusting so called food. No authentic Mexican food--it was so called Tex-Mex! Please listen to the reviews and take your money and appetite somewhere that has fresh AUTHENTIC food and fresh ingredients because this place has fell all the way off!!! read more

El Ranchito - Run away don't walk!!! - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

When you walk in you are transported to Mexico. It doesn't feel like your in Texas anymore. The decoration and theme reminds me of being in Mexico. The have mariachi band every night from 7-9pm. It does cost $25 a song. I got the Camarones A La Oscar. I asked if they use oil outside of the butter to not use any or very little. It had such good flavor and wasn't grease. My fiancé got the Pollo En Mole. He usually has to ask for extra sauce but this place gave you a lot of sauce. The sauce was sweeter then other places. My step daughter got Camaron A La Parrilla. The shrimp had a lot of seasonings...a little to much for my liking. The place has a lot of seating and can accommodate a big group. read more

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This place is good for groups. The margaritas are good and reasonably priced. The queso was lacking flavoring so I wouldn't recommend it unless you're prepared to doctor it up. The chips and salsa were a hit. A mariachi band comes in around 7pm. read more

El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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My family made a reservation in advance. The mariachi music was great!!! However, nothing else seemed to be worth the money. The tortillas were all hot, except one order. The food wasn't hot enough. The food had no flavor. The server brought a limited amount of salsa to the table. No one brought a menu for adult beverages. I saw customers drinking Corona and Michelob. Not sure how anyone knew what they served as far as adult beverages are concerned or if they just come often enough to know. I will not be returning. This restaurant use to be good. It has lost its touch. read more

A little bit of a wait but the food was worth the wait. Service was great! They kept the chips and salsa coming and our drinks full. They weren't stingy with the liquor either. My margarita was popping! There till almost closing time but they kept us entertained. read more

El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

The people here are amazing! The food was good. The service was exceptional, especially considering that every table in the house was full for the Elvis karaoke night. It was non-stop Elvis all night long, as everyday Joes took the stage in tight white jumpsuits and grabbed the mic to belt out their favorite tune. Parking was obviously tight on a night like this. We were able to find street parking that wasn't too far away considering we arrived late for the event. Although we weren't seated in the main room which was crammed, we were seated right away in an adjoining room where we could still see the stage and the singers perform. The Texas sized plate of food could have fed a family of four, but I was hungry and reluctant to even share it with my hubby because it tasted so good. I enjoyed a few margaritas while listening to the "The King" crooners do their best hip gyrations and lip snarls on stage. The staff was on point despite having such a large crowd. They were pleasant, prompt, and attentive throughout the night. I would wholeheartedly recommend coming here again, especially for big party events like Elvis night. read more

OH MYYYYY! The food was SOOOO delicious! We couldn't stop eating. Our server Carlos was amazing really generous and quick even packed our food for us, well deserved tip. Was sat down right away. Food and drinks came too quick, also received complementary salsa and chips. I'd recommend anyone to come here! A lot of options on the menu. The parrillada mexicana stayed hot the whole time, ordered for 2, generous amount of meat we ended up having left overs. They had music playing good vibes all around! Most definitely coming back when visiting Dallas. read more

El Ranchito - Parrillada Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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We enjoy the service, ambience, flavor and portions a at El Ranchito. Some of our favorite dudes are guiso, mollejas, parrillada, chips and salsa. read more

El Ranchito - Camarones Ixtapa - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Old school Tex Mex. The food is delicious. Fantastic bean soup with sausage. One of the best salsas in Dallas. Really enjoyed the rice and milk with cinnamon dessert. Took me back to my childhood. The staff is very friendly. Service is quick. I felt like I was back in South Texas. If you're looking for real Tex-Mex look no further. read more

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Food was bland. Price definitely did not reflect the food. Very bland for a authentic Mexican restaurant

I adore this place because it has been here in Oakcliff for decades. The architecture is significant and the decor is very tasteful, Mexican. They have mariachis in the evenings for 25 bucks a song. Inside is a bit dark but the coolness is welcome during hot summer days. The parking lot had adequate free parking. The food is decent Tex-Mex. Tasty and spicy enough. Free chips and salsa are good. Plenty of selections and choices. Prices are reasonable, but no longer what they used to be. Table service is courteous and friendly. read more

Our first evening in Dallas and we came here for dinner. No one was disappointed. The chips were fresh and crisp, the salsa was a great flavor, enough onion and spice without so much heat to overwhelm. I went for the chicken mole enchiladas, the flavor was great and was surprised that I could eat the full serving. My wife went for the enchilada suiza, also very tasty and a lighter meal than the mole enchiladas. The service was quick and professional. The prices were very affordable. We were seated right away when we arrived. The place was full, a lot of people were enjoying their meal and we joined then. I'm eager to go back and try it again sometime. read more

They were able to seat our table of 20 the food has such big portions and there was even live music. And the staff was super nice and bilingual. read more

El Ranchito - Shrimp and rice - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

We had some family visiting from France , they wanted an authentic Mexican food experience, complete with Mariachis and a festive atmosphere. So being raised in Southern California, I knew exactly what they wanted, I performed a quick Google search and came across this place looks like an old adobe with tables covered in Mexican tile , eclectic, colorful. I called the restaurant to confirm that they had Mariachi music that night and she assured me that yes they did starting at 730. Our party of 6 arrived and where sat immediately, it was pretty dead , with one other table of 6 nearby. The Mariachis where playing on our arrival and I was happy...for about 10 minutes. The menu is extensive and not entirely Tex Mex focused, which is a good change for me from Mesero and Mi cocina , our HP go tos. Great chips and Salsa. So we order , waiting on food for about 25 minutes- and strangely- the band seemed to be on break - sitting around like clients- drinking and flirting with girls. No music-NONE - not even a radio. So I decided to get up and ask the hostess about the music situation, she conveniently ignored me until she cleaned a dozen menus, only to learn that the Mariachis only play requests... at $25 per song . So these guys got all dressed up in their tight little suits carrying their instruments to come sit around and make $4 an hour . And honestly, I don't feel like paying for the whole restaurant to be entertained by dishing out $125 or more. I hope they at least get free drinks. So now for the food. I wasn't expecting too much, and I was a little surprised to see that the menu prices where almost exactly the same as Mi Cocina , or Mesero. I ordered a steak tampiquena , basically sliced skirt steak with a Cheese enchilada , rice and beans. What I got was basically a overcooked Chinese stir fry with tiny slivers of beef drowned in onions and peppers, enchilada was a C + , margaritas are good, big, a little sweet for my taste, but good. Overall im really sad for this place , it has the grit , the wear and tear, the classic style, but it appears that there is nobody who cares anymore. My guess is Mom and Dad retired years ago and the kids are just happy to have a good houses. and the payments made on their Escalades . Adios - read more

What a great experience. Saw a few less than stellar reviews before going but we gave it a try. The environment is amazing and fun. We consider ourselves pretty serious foodies and are always looking for unique dining experiences that are not crazy expensive. This place hits the spot. We will be back. The service was first class. We were greeted with a smile and were immediately seated at 6pm on a Saturday night. Don't think my glass ever got even close to empty. Our waitress was on her toes. They had some very interning items on the menu. This is definitely more Mexican than TexMex. Everything was delicious. We even enjoyed the mariachi band. read more

El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

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The food is sooooooo good and they have some delish margaritas. I had the Tamarindo one and i wanted more. I will most def visit again when I go back down read more

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A good Mexican place has to have good salsa with chips!! Not pace salsa!! We had the Enchiladas Suizas they were ok - like not good good but not bad- and we had Tacos De carnitas- I have had better carnitas , not a fan of the meat cut in squares - the rice was not good at all!! And the beans were not bad!! I was expecting really good food from the reviews and other friends telling us to go to this spot!! I might give it another chance if I'm around there but not going out of my way to come and eat!! read more

El Ranchito - Victory and chips - Mexican Near Me - Dallas, Texas

Such a fun place to take friends and family. Vibes are A+++ with lots of mariachi music throughout the night, the staff is so friendly and nice, and the food is solid. We love the fajitas (the fajitas for one will easily feed two people), and the quesadillas are good too. The steak meat is tender and so flavorful! They also have so many fun drink options including a delicious coconut margarita! Horchata is perfectly sweet and delicious too. read more

TEXAS ROAD HOUSE IS CHEAPER AND BETTER ALSO ITS FRESH!!!!!!! Food was cold, meat wasn't cooked fresh more like they had it sitting there and expected the parrillada to heat it up, shrimp rice beans were cold aswell, they should have some type of noise control, terrible place to go out to eat, our server was great and got us exactly what we asked for, Total pay was like 250, save your money and time go get some Steak with a loaded potato read more

Despite living a little far away, this is probably our go-to for Tex-Mex in Dallas. You just can't beat the decor and the vibe and this place. You really feel like you're sitting in an old-timey Tex-Mex restaurant, complete with Mariachis on the weekends. We love their Tacos Al carbon, which is served with a different kind of take on pico de gallo. Absent are the jalapenos, which are replaced by lots of finely chopped green onions. Although I would usually complain about missing the heat, it brings such a unique flavor to the tender and juicy cuts of beef. I usually do not order alcohol when I am going out to eat, but their mango frozen margarita is absolutely amazing. read more