We have been going to this restaurant since the late 80's. The food and the service is great. Before they built the current building, we stood outside in line to enter . My daughter and I celebrate our birthdays there every year. Always, a great meal and welcoming . read more

Second time there Was today. We were standing at the front desk waiting for a few minutes to be seated when the hostess, (owner) came out and completely ignores us and seats the couple standing behind us, and proceeds to sit them in the only booth in the restaurant available, (that I was going to ask for) When she comes back she walks right past us like we weren't even there. i say something to the waitress and she goes to get the owner, who comes out and I explained what had happened. instead of being humble and apologizing, she says you can wait till we get you another booth and "I'm sorry" in a real snooty way. , We walked out never to return. food was just ok the first time anyway. read more

Let's start with the fact that mostly know who you are getting a table takes a act of Congress. I was a paying customer just like anyone else there but because I didn't grow in the area I guess I was treated like why am I even there. The food was unflavored, I grew up with homemade Mexican food and with some of the best Mexican restaurants in this one sadly disappointed. I will never go back as loud and could not enjoy the food. I was happy to get out of there. read more

This food is decent at best for something quick. Extremely expensive for the quality of food.

The food is amazing I love the ambiance the theme is amazing the workers are incredible 5stars no doubt

Not open - Always enjoyed my food selections here and have always had great service but it appears they are Temporarily Closed?

Menu is unclear as to the options of burrito fillings. Menu is missing burrito fillings so they just fill your burrito with whatever they want in the kitchen. Server was good, but lacked training. All sauces were watered down, bland. Chips are very greasy. read more

We've been eating here for several years. Always delicious food, amazing service, and the margaritas OH MY!! The juice is real. Family owned and ran adds to the ambiance. You feel like you're at home with the fam. We love El Ranchito :) read more

My family & I have been going to El Ranchito since 1977 when they were in the old building. My parents, kids & now my grandkids have celebrated many birthdays & Friday nights there. We love the Tinajero family & feel like home when there. If you haven't had their margaritas & chips salsa, you haven't lived. It's a must if you live or are traveling through the area Wednesday- Sunday. Enjoy!! read more

El Ranchito Restaurant - Bars Near Me - Riverbank, California

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Food: Let's start with the reason we all would stop at El Ranchito. Their food is delicious, served in abundant portions, and is as fresh as it gets! Each visit will find a waitress/waiter visiting your table and bringing some fantastic salsa and a blend of flour/corn chips. My kids love the flour chips and almost make it their meal. My wife and I are creatures of habit, so we order the same things usually. We order off the menu, omitting what we don't want and adding what we do (like extra cheese). The Big Burrito is enough food for two people, or two meals. I love the Chile Colorado, and my wife enjoys cheese enchiladas. My two boys' go-to is bean/cheese burritos (and didn't I mention, the flour chips?) Service: The staff are family and treat you like their own. If you go more than once, they might even remember you! My own family has been coming here for decades (as in 40+years). First my grandfather, my parents, my family, and my boys. There's a reason to come back again and again, and it's the great combination of great food and friendly service. We have often called in orders to bring home when we are passing through. Orders are correct and so are the charges. Ambience: My boys call this place the "train restaurant" because you often see, but not hear, trains pass the west side of the building. Memories since childhood for them! We have brought friends, family, and out-of-state visitors here for one reason: you can not find a better family atmosphere, with great food, and friendly staff serving the best Mexican food around. No. Where. Else. Negative reviews: You don't get to go into any restaurant and tell them what to make and how to make it. If they can make accommodations to your meal, they most certainly do. My wife is one of the "those people." She is very particular, but she is also reasonable. Some who complain of one bad experience, an accidental overcharge, or other nonsense are missing out. You went there for a reason. Don't let one off-day let this one get away. And don't let these few Karens/Kevins dissuade you from a great meal. If you want to find negativity in life, it's out there, but you won't find any negativity inside El Ranchito. They are great people serving up a family meal (and they have a bar, too). read more

This is hands down the best Mexican food in the valley. Homemade dishes from a long standing menu using quality ingredients. Also the absolute best margaritas I've ever had and I've had lots of them from many different places! It's very comfortable and always have a great time there, very fun place! read more

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The customer service is always great, you're viewed as family, & that means so much! They'll remember your name, your kids, and your order. We've been going for years and majority of the staff has been there a super long time! The vibe is very authentic and family inspired, as it is a business run by family. The food is always great, we normally get a full order of rancheritas, which is enough for 2 people, and so delicious! You won't find them anywhere else! The kids plates are a great size and come with a scoop of ice cream, which is my kids favorite part! The original margaritas are literally the best!! They definitely pack a punch! Get a pitcher, you'll want more! Enjoy this place with friends or family, you'll love it! read more

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We were greeted my a nice older woman. Our waiter was a young girl that acted like we were in her kitchen uninvited. She was so rude from beginning to end! No condiment at all. That buser refilled my son's drink. I have never been treated so poorly. My husband gave her a $26 tip and she just walked away. We used a gift certificate which is the only reason we didn't raise some hell. We will never ever go back to this establishment and we will make sure none of our friends, family members or anyone who will listen NEVER SUPPORTS THIS BEHAVIOR! It was really dark and the soup sucked! read more

I just didn't enjoy it at all I don't know what the hype is all about me and my friend was very unpleased the margaritas what bland and the food had no taste it's just my opinion I would have rather had Taco Bell read more

I went here on the recommendation of a friend because I was craving homemade flour tortilla chips. The first thing I noticed when I parked at 3:48 PM on a Saturday was the parking lot was completely empty. Apparently they open at 4 PM. No big deal I waited til it opened. I was promptly greeted by a very friendly server in a very outdated uniform from the show "Alice" kiss my grits kinda uniform but in mint green. Very strange but not a big deal. I was immediately approached by a woman who was my server and said water was on the way and asked if I wanted anything else to drink. While I was mid-sentence requesting the flour tortilla chips, here come a young woman with a basket of fresh hot corn and flour tortilla chips with salsa. Nice! They were delicious. Now here is where I will break down the pros and cons: Pros: EVERYTHING before the main entree. The chips, the salsa, the salad with homemade thousand island dressing and the carrot soup (OMG was that sooooo good) and excellent service by all I encountered. Plus at the end when I was at the counter paying my bill there is a window that looks directly into their immaculately clean kitchen. Many workers in there hustling around and plating food and they clean as they go. Not one crumb of food or drop of sauce could be seen. Cons: I ordered the combo with a shredded beef taco, pork tamale, and cheese enchilada. The rice was flavorless and dry. The shredded beef was burnt, like charcoal black burnt to a crisp. The pork tamale had little to no pork and mostly masa and corn kernels. The enchilada was paper thin with very little cheese at all so mostly a tortilla smothered in sauce. Refried beans were just ok. The decor is old and boring, and the uniforms are just silly in my opinion. The prices are reasonable compared to other restaurants, but the main course is just subpar and disappointing to say the least. I would go back but only for drinks and appetizers. Again, great service and pre-main course food but that's about it. read more

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A lot of the food is pre-made so it is dishonest to claim this is authentic Mexican food. Called and asked if they had shredded beef and we were told that they did. While ordering I was told that shredded beef was not available in certain items such as a burrito or an enchilada. What? I asked for carne asada and was told that was not an option in a burrito or enchilada either. In talking to the manager I was told that the meat option is limited so they do not run out. We entered close to closing so I told him, I would understand if I was told you had run out for the day but to flat out say we don't do it in certain items raised a red flag to me. While they initially denied that the tacos and tostadas, which had a shredded beef option were premade they later answered in a way leading me to believe that they were. As I thought about it on my way home, the burritos and enchiladas only had 3 meet options as well even though others were available for other menu items. When it is all said and done, I am convinced they are selling us Jack in the Box style tacos where they make them, freeze them and deep fry them. The ground beef Chimichanga and enchilada I ordered where not even as good as a Taco Bell Grilled Stuff Burrito or Enchirito. (Worth pointing out as well that the enchilada was supposed to be made with a flour tortilla but it came out with corn. Another sign that they can't make items as ordered.) The two managers I talked to didn't have a good answer. The women was at least nice about it but the male was rude. He insinuated I didn't understand the restaurant business telling me how long they have been open. My history as a costumer at Mexican Restaurants has however taught me that that ordering an item you usually get to select one of the available meat or tortilla options. El Ranchito survives on old school, long term regulars who go there out of loyalty. Good for them. For everyone else, just know there are better "fast food" options in which you don't have an $80 bill and are expected to tip afterwards. read more

Great service and good food. We'll go back for more. The Chicken Mole was missing flavor tho. But recipes do differ.

Great Service and the Best Steak Fajitas Ever!!! The Fajitas are not served on the weekends but are available Sunday thru Thursday. But well worth going during the week! Thanks you guys for years of Great Food and Service! read more

El Ranchito Restaurant - Steak Fajitas - Bars Near Me - Riverbank, California

To begin with the service was great! The food would be really good except for the fact that the food comes to the table barely warm, as if it's been sitting out for awhile! This has happened my last two visits there... So if you go ask them to serve your food hot! read more

Great margaritas, awesome wait staff. Family run, food is excellent. Weekend shrimp is killer, made different ways for all taste buds!

07/01/23 Saturday 6:00. The good, the bad and the nearly inedible. Great service! The good- carrot soup, light and savory. Even in 103 degree weather still delicious. The flour chips were the bomb, the salsa just the right amount of spice for the chips. The bad-flavorless enchiladas, dry meat in my beef taco. So pretty bland. Rice and beans needed salt. No distinguishable flavor. Veggies or something to give flavor in rice. The almost inedible- corn tortilla chips. Stale. Flour tortillas thin and flavorless. Disappointing that I made a special trip (visiting from out of state) to eat here. read more

All of the above. My husband have watched the kids grow up-they are special to us. We pray for this family they have endured many obstacles, yet are kind and caring. read more

Appetizer was good Waitress was friendly and good. My dinner was not good. I asked for a flour tortilla soft taco and it was fried. I ate the inside and left the shell. Then we were charged $523.45 plus 43.84 in tax so bill was $567.29. The actual bill was $ 25.41 Thank God my husband did not sign the receipt and called them on it. They voided it but the owner was very rude about it. Everyone in line was checking the receipts after hearing how much we were overcharged. The owner wanted me to check my bank on the phone in his restaurant to see if I was charged. I told him I don't bank on my phone. Thats when he got snappy and said we aren't going to rip you off. All I wanted was proof or something stating if I get charged they would refund me my money. NEVER going back there! read more

El Ranchito Restaurant - Bars Near Me - Riverbank, California

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This has been our "go to" restaurant for years. Service is always wonderful, everyone is so friendly & welcoming. I challenge you to find a better margarita !! No other restaurant comes close. We always compare others to the El Ranchito margarita, El Ranchito's always comes out the winner. Food is great. The halibut served on Friday/Saturday is amazing. The food in general is wonderful. If you want a true "local spot" Mexican Restaurant look no further than El Ranchito!!!! read more

They have the very best Chili Verde. They also make the best Long Island's around. I always love going there

George is horrible. Very rude. After 45+ years of giving them our business, we're done. Sad, because we love the food and margaritas and friendly service, mostly. If George doesn't like you, he shows it! He needs to retire. read more

I'm partial to weekends They have seafood Love all the waitress I have been going here since 1984 My kids and granddaughters grew up going here read more

Food, Service , Ambiance !!! The very, very best ever!!! My family and I have been going to El Ranchito Restaurant for many, many years!!! Thank you El Ranchchio Restaurant for the many years of very fine food !! The very best !!! read more

Authentic delicious Mexican Food, Depends on your cravings, but our family favorites are... Pollo Asado, Chile Verde, Shredded beef or Chicken Tacos, Chicken Enchiladas Verde, Steak/Shrimp Fajitas, Pork Chops, Garlic Shrimp just to name a few entrees... oh yes and Their signature Margaritas on the rocks, oh yes and the Strawberry Margaritas Great customer service too read more

I love the beef shredded tacos I have been coming to El Ranchito for at least 50 years never had a meal I didn't like and love the family

First time here. I had steak tacos. The food was very good but the service was even better. All employees were super accommodating and friendly. They asked if we could move tables for a party of 10 coming in. We said sure and they offered us a margarita on the house, we declined but appreciated the gesture. All in all, I will be back. read more

In love! We heard about this restaurant by word of mouth and we're so glad we did! The restaurant is family owned and that dynamic shows, everybody is in harmony and smiling faces met us at the door. The food was beyond amazing, I did not expect to get that much flavor out of a quesadilla! The soup of the day was potato- amazing. The dressing on their salad- amazing. And I noticed the owner making rounds around the restaurant saying hello and that was also appreciated. Everybody loved their plate- we will be going back! read more

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El Ranchito is a family favorite of 2 generations of my own family. The food is excellent and the Chili Colorado is top-noch. The flour tortillas are a favorite at our table and the salsa is good enough to fight over. The ambiance of the restaurant is family friendly and can feel boisterous at times because everyone seems to be having such a good time and so happy. There are friends that have moved away and when the come back to visit, dining at El Ranchito is a must. El Ranchito is family owned and operated and that's the vibe we yern for. Service is fast, friendly and accurate. read more

Last night we celebrated my son's 49th birthday at El Ranchito restaurant in Riverbank. The food was magnificent as he remembered going there as a child for every birthday. My entire family went and we were very well treated at 5 PM Friday night so pleased that the recipes have remained as good as the past with their very homemade split pea soup as we were leaving. We noticed another group coming into the restaurant with birthday presents as well for their birthday celebration. Best place to go for good food, friends, and family and memories. read more

Authentic Mexican food, delicious! I love coming here. Staff is friendly and efficient.

A really liked my margarita and the flour tortilla chips. The shrimp fajitas were good as were the rice and beans. Really good service and the decor was nice . Drawbacks were the noise level and the salsa was painfully hot. I appreciated that the staff support when a belligerent and apparently mental I'll patron aimed his hatred of life at me. read more

This place is the best! Love the food, margaritas, and people that work here. One of my favorite things is the consistency. It's always good, and it's always the same. read more

Good food and good service! George and Carlos are great bartenders and always get the bar laughing

I went to this restaurant last month only to be ignored by the restaurant's owner. My family and I were waiting to be seated and the owner, Ana, ignored us and seated the people behind us because they were "friends". She's welcome to run her restaurant however she wants, but I will not be patronizing her for it. There are plenty of other better restaurants nearby, with better food and far better service. My family and I left immediately after this incident and headed to El Mesquite Bar and Grill (also in Riverbank). Head there if you're looking for authentic Mexican food, fantastic drinks, and they also have live music on Friday nights. read more

My husband has been going for almost 25yrs. And we go there at least 2-3x a month. Outstanding service and food. No substitute! Family friendly and feels like home. The margaritas never disappoint. read more