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    El Rancho

    4.7 (25 reviews)
    Closed • 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    EL RANCHO ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - El Rancho

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    Menu P1 Oct 25
    Steve B.

    Ordinary Surroundings, Extraordinary Food. I live in Texas, so I approach Mexican food north of the Mason-Dixon line with some trepidation, but while visiting my former hometown our visit to El Rancho was delightful. The simple laminated menu gave me pause, but one look revealed a thoughtful and extensive menu of traditional favorites, grilled items, seafood, stews and soups. There's a little bit of everything and even a large diverse group of diners is sure to find a favorite. There's a robust (and moderately priced) cocktail menu and the entire menu presents a fair value, especially since the portions were large and called for some take-home containers. My Camarones al Diablo were spicy and hot, and a taste of the Tacos Camarones was also delicious. Everyone enjoyed their respective selections and drinks. Two minor quibbles: it is bright enough inside to do surgery. A dimmer or fewer lights on would improve the ambiance. And, like so many places these days, it can get quite loud, with all the reflective surfaces echoing. The lights are an easy improvement, the sound-dampening a bit more challenging. Regardless, a visit to El Rancho will not disappoint.

    Enchiladas del Rancho
    Erin D.

    Amazing new spot!! Authentic Oaxacan cuisine in Albany. Grilled entrees are especially good. Full bar, and great specialty cocktails. Owners also own and run Viva Cinco de Mayo on Madison Avenue - another Albany gem

    Lisa A.

    Everything was EXCELLENT!! The food, drinks, and service was great! Even the music and decor was beautiful. I'm so glad I found this place nearby. Plenty of parking in the back. Would definitely recommend and come back!!

    Small order of guacamole
    Arlene G.

    I honestly just went in for a couple of beers and wasn't too hungry. Look how cute this little snack is! The chips are home made and delicious. The staff is so pleasant. I'm going back when I'm more hungry!

    Patti D.

    I went last night for dinner with friends. Services was good, the food was good as well. When I asked for my check there was a $28 charge for two Johnny walker black. When I questioned the charge I was told that's how they charge for liquor. We did get two shots of jack fire~ it quickly changed my opinion of El Rancho

    Enchilada tacos, black beans and rice

    We were in Albany two nights. We wanted a good Mexican restaurant and there appeared to be several good ones nearby. We liked the extensive menu and decided to go. Complementary chips and salsa were warm and fresh. Excellent. My wife ordered the Birria, essentially delicious beef tacos and loaded with meat. I had the regular tacos with enchiladas (spicy pork). As good as any tacos I've had in the Eastern US. Both entrees came with black beans and rice, hot and seasoned. Our drinks were also great. Service by Jeeny was attentive but not obtrusive. It's a large room with a few beautiful murals/paintings on the walls. So good we went back the very next night. I had the exact same tacos, just as good a night later. My wife had the alambre and it was a very generous portion. Really great restaurant. Our server, Nancy, explained the one painting on the wall of seven Mexican women. We'll absolutely return the next time we're in Albany.

    Allyson R.

    Everything here is BOMB. Tastes like home cooking in my Hispanic household. I just had the best birria of my life. Also, the ranch water is great! YUM!

    Mango front, peach in the back
    Cindy R.

    Our lunch was excellent today. This is my second time for lunch here and I was not disappointed. I brought a friend. It was her first time and she really enjoyed it. The plates are always presented so nicely. The food was hot and tasted fresh. We will definitely come back.

    Potato Flautas
    Deb G.

    Second time having dinner at El Rancho. We love it! Food is fantastic, service is outstanding! The staff is very friendly and attentive. Prices are reasonable for the large portion sizes, my enchiladas were delicious, just the right level of heat for me, a nice kick of heat but the layers of flavor still came through. My child had the potato flautas, very mild, but deliciously satisfying. I had the tamarindo to drink - it's wonderfully refreshing. We were too full to even consider dessert- oh well, next time. There is no kids menu but there are plenty of kid friendly options on their menu. ** I highly recommend this restaurant!

    Lots of fun!!
    Lee S.

    Just real deal food!!Stop show love for this different Mexican stop!! Octopus dinner,drinks and authentic feel!!g

    Guacamole 8 oz, Al Pastor, Ground Beef

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    9 months ago

    The best mole I ever had. The fact the building looks like a Swiss chalet gives it more charm. Good portions and prices.

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    6 months ago

    Great food, authentic menu delicious. Huge margaritas. Great service quick. Cool authentic Mexican ambiance we will be back

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    1 year ago

    Plentiful, tasteful portions combined with excellent service!! I recommend this establishment highly

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    Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina

    Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina

    4.5(88 reviews)
    4.6 mi

    First time coming here on our way back from Herkimer, New York…read more Jose was our server and he was amazing. We saw a sign on the door that if you danced your way to your table, you got something free... So we danced! We got a free taco and a free shot! We started off with the patron tree and ordered mango, peach, raspberry, and strawberry. We opted for on the rocks versus frozen. All of them were very good not overly sweet. For apps, we got chips and homemade salsa with the diablito queso (jalapeños) We ordered the Birria tacos, and the three taco combination with Carnitas and tacos al Pastor. There's a cute little photo station and a chill bar set up.

    Have been twice or three times and had good meals and huge…read moredrinks. Service is shaky - hit or miss. Both visits, our server disappeared and left us waiting and needing things. On our second visit, we asked for napkins 3 times, and the server said sure and just never came back with them. Without any explanation our server was changed out mid meal with another, and she was much better. Immediately had our empty waters filled and asked if we were ready for another round of drinks. The contrast was adult identifiable. Food here is good and comes out fast and piping hot. Service needs some tuning and it wasn't slammed during both of my visits. They seem ti have plenty of servers and help on duty, but they all seem running around but not doing what is needed to tend to the tables/guests. I will go back and again, the food is good and value/price for portion and quality very reasonable.

    Photos
    Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina - Bar

    Bar

    Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina
    Las Margaritas Mexican Cantina - Decor

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    Decor

    El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina - Tres Leches (strawberry)

    El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina

    3.8(207 reviews)
    2.6 mi
    •$$

    We came in 58 minutes before closing and it was empty. I was sure I'd be turned away, but no. I was…read moregreeted with a warm smile and amazing service. We couldn't decide from the awesome choices but I finally decided on Carne Al carbon tacos and beef nachos and my husband got the chicken fajita quesadilla. OMG we haven't eaten here since we first started dating in 2021 and it was mid. This time it was absolutely amazing. So amazing that everything looked so good and we forgot to take a picture. But trust me when I say every flavor was on point. We argued about who's driving home so the other can sleep. Thank you for an amazing date night filled with good food, good vibes, great service and amazing food.

    One of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the capitol region. The food was flavorful, spicy,…read moreand delicious in all the right ways. Upon arrival you'll receive complimentary chips and salsa. It was fresh as the chips were warm and I could taste the fresh ingredients in the salsa. We ordered the carne asada and the Baja tacos (and the enchiladas verdes to go based on hot good the food was). The carne asada was fantastic, and it came with rice, beans, and tortillas. The Baja tacos were delicious and came with a super spicy sauce (they did have a lot of onions which was my only drawback). We ended the night with a special strawberry tres leches for Valentine's Day. It's not something I would have typically ordered but I do love tres leches and this did not disappoint - it was amazing. All in all excellent food you'll be glad you came for the food! A few other notes- the inside of the restaurant is pretty and draws on what I've seen in other Mexican restaurants. Staff were so friendly and had the perfect balance of checking in with us to letting us eat our meal. There is a small bar area that is separate from the dining area. Street parking only but there seemed to be plenty of spots. However, I would try to park as close as possible to the restaurant as the neighborhood itself didn't seem like the greatest. We had no issues during our experience but just something to consider. Overall I really liked this place and will definitely return!

    Photos
    El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina - Dining area

    Dining area

    El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina - Sizzling fajitas chicken and shrimp

    Sizzling fajitas chicken and shrimp

    El Patron Mexican Grill & Cantina

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    Taqueria Tren Maya - birria quesadilla

    Taqueria Tren Maya

    4.4(48 reviews)
    6.1 mi

    Do you want a small family homey atmosphere? This is your place. Inside has multiple tables…read morewith Mexican vibe to get you in the mood for your meal. We've had a meal at Taqueria a few times and thoroughly enjoyed both. Always flavorful, and always plenty to eat. A picture is worth a thousand words. Staff are very pleasant. Adequate parking in a small strip mall. But I always forget about them because I don't see their shop everyday. Go and enjoy.

    This is authentic as it gets. We came on a Saturday afternoon, ordered at the counter and waited…read morefor our food to be delivered to our table. There was a consistent steady flow of customers, eating in and picking up orders to go. On this frigid day I think that is a testament to the quality of the establishment. The decor inside is delightful, they have potted plants hanging from the ceiling with vines sprawling out, growing along strategically placed lines across the ceiling. Several playful piñatas are strewn about. It was a quiet, calm atmosphere. Even with the grills and ovens clearly cranking the dining room was chilled. Handmade signs are everywhere most in Spanish, with some English translations underneath. Laminated menus are also available. We waited what I thought was an appropriate time for our food, the items were brought out at separate times. One item completely forgotten, so we took it to-go. Fine though we were stuffed with what we had. We had ordered one steak and one shrimp taco (3 of each came out) definitely a miscommunication but sour cream on the side was noted and came on the side. We also enjoyed chips with a spicy green salsa, along with a voluptuous chicken quesadilla.

    Photos
    Taqueria Tren Maya
    Taqueria Tren Maya - Inside the beef tamale.

    Inside the beef tamale.

    Taqueria Tren Maya - Reading the window menu from inside.

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    Reading the window menu from inside.

    TORO Cantina - Chicken tortilla soup

    TORO Cantina

    3.7(272 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    •$$$

    I decided to try Toro for some tacos. The host and bartender were very nice and welcoming. I cannot…read moresay as much for the food. It was $47 for chicken thigh tacos, flan and a coke. But this meal would have been disappointing at any price. The tacos were inconsistent. My first taco the meat was shredded nicel, but the second and third had large chunks of meat in them. The chicken was very dry and almost without flavor. The rice and beans were decent. The flan tasted old and was way more firm than other flan I have had. For what seemed to be a more upscale establishment, especially for their pricing, I truly would have expected a much better meal. I took my order to go and after working a 12 hour shift I just didn't feel like driving back up there for a refund.

    First of all, Toro! No one, and I mean no one, told y'all to be this much of a vibe inside this…read moredarn restaurant! The design of this place is so intentional and curated. It somehow manages to feel upscale while still being approachable and relaxed. Everything works together beautifully. The decor, the atmosphere, the energy. The design screams that it feels Bonita. I stopped by during happy hour and ordered the guacamole, the nachos, and a soft drink. Now look, I know. I KNOW! Who goes to happy hour at a brand-new restaurant and doesn't order one of the cocktails when they looked exceptionally good? Me, apparently. I'm on a fitness journey, so I stuck with a soft drink - and a ridiculous amount of chips that came with the guac and nachos. #DontJudgeMe The food was great, and the happy hour menu was definitely worth it. I walked over from a nearby hotel, but I did notice they have plenty of parking available. The restaurant was clean, the atmosphere was welcoming, and the service was excellent. Sorry, I don't remember the name of the person who helped me at the bar, but they were fantastic. Apparently everything was so good that I completely forgot to take pictures, which honestly might be the highest compliment I can give. 10 out of 10. Definitely recommend.

    Photos
    TORO Cantina
    TORO Cantina - Chicken Tiga bowl

    Chicken Tiga bowl

    TORO Cantina - The revolution mocktail

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    The revolution mocktail

    El Rancho - mexican - Updated September 2026

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