Service was great! Food came out in a timely manner and tasted amazing. Will definitely be back! read more

El Rancho - Front side of menu - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

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Bar area is small and the lady taking care of the area was inattentive. No draft beer selections and the prices for bottled beer were high. While the serving sizes were good, my tacos were just ok and definitely could have used more flavor/ seasoning. Salsa tasted like it was out of a jar or large tub. It's also dimly lit on the inside, so be prepared if you have a hard time reading in low light conditions. read more

The food is always good. They have been there over 35 years. My husband only likes their Chili Rellenos and no where else. I've had most everything on the menu and it's all delicious. Also their prices are good compared to other places. The Ambiance is totally Mexican. read more

So as I started this review, I was only going to give a 3 star rating based on service but then I realized that one person should not influence my overall score. I will say the El Rancho is one of our favorite Mexican Restaurants to go to and while we haven't visited much during Covid, it is one of our "go to" places as the food is always good, the owners are friendly and it's 7 miles from home. We went for a Friday Date night without our son so we could relax and enjoy some cocktails with dinner. We got there around 6pm and crowd was a little light but it was still early and "off season". They get a bigger crowd in Summer with horse enthusiasts and winter with ski traffic. We were seated right away and we ordered their signature frozen margaritas. I ordered frozen lime and my wife got the black raspberry. Both were delicious with a good amount of tequila. We ordered our entrees and apps and I got the fish enchilada and she ordered the chicken tacos. We also ordered the shrimp stuffed pepper app as well as an order of guac. They are know for their homemade salsa and chips so we were also given a small serving of that. Apps came and between the guac that we ordered and the complimentary salsa, we had finished the chips and still had guac left. I asked for more chips which the waitress brought over soon after. (More on this later) The stuffed pepper was delicious and the guacamole never disappoints (it's served in a tortilla bowl. Entrees came out and mine was as expected. I'll note that they are a bit heavy on the fish and not on the shrimp but it's consistent and satisfying and is served with beans, pico and lettuce. I noticed my wife picking her tacos apart. She had ordered chicken but they brought her steak tacos. She said to me that she didn't mind because the steak looked good and she considered ordering that instead of chicken. Small mistake but no problems and she enjoyed the meal. Mid meal I had finished my second margarita and ordered a third. This drink never arrived even after asking for it a second time. We weren't charged for it and after asking twice I gave up but again, no big deal as the night was young and he had plans to stop elsewhere. So this may sound petty but it really struck a nerve. We got the bill which was just around $100 including 4 margs. The price seemed about right but I noticed an extra line on bill for $1. They had charged me a dollar for a second basket of chips! We ordered guac as an app which doesn't come with its own chips so it wasn't like we were over consuming their delicious chips. I fully understand that they probably have a bar crowd that sits there for hours and they can't just give out free chips and salsa all night but we had spent $50 each for dinner. Not expensive but it should have been enough to cover the chips that should have been included with the guac. Okay sorry for the rant. I definitely recommend this place but bring some spare pocket change if you want extra chips. Kid friendly, some outdoor seating (covered) available, ample parking in side and rear. Cadillac Margarita and Frozen Margs are the star. (Wednesday nights are margarita night)! They offer salsa and chips to go, definitely something consider. Salsa has a sweet and hot feel that is a real treat. Most meals come with guac but order the guac app too, it's worth it. read more

El Rancho - Steak Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

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The food is always good. It's been the same forever no reason to change things. The margaritas are tasty and the Flan is to die for Yummies

Be careful! They add 18% to parties of 6 or more it says in the menu, but when the bill comes it's more like 22% added and that on top of the tax, and then they add another'4% for CC use on top of all that. Even if you dispute the tip on top the tax they don't understand and won't change the check. read more

Our table was so sticky the stainless stuck to it. Food was mediocre but drinks were good

Have been going here for more than 20+ years. Wednesday night is Margarita night & they've always been very good. I have to say in those years, the food has gone down hill a bit & prices have gone up tremendously. The salsa is good but it used to be amazing with a nice sweet but little kick at the end. Now it's so damn hot that 3 chips in and your belly is on fire. The guacamole is always good & they have the BEST pico de gallo ever !! Never had a problem with their food - until it seems like they got a new cook & it's just not been the same since. We still go here once in a blue moon - wishing it had the same cook from way back when & that the prices reflected what you get read more

My first time in this restaurant after a recommendation from a friend. We did not have drinks other than water, but the food was delicious. the Parrrillada Oaxaqueña was something special. The service was good as well as the ambiance. My friend and I could have a good talk without too much noise and interruptions. Really good food and service. I recommend it. read more

Haven't been back in years. Ordered a seafood dish, and got extremely sick. Should have reported it. Apparently, place hasn't gotten any better. Much better places to eat in Saugerties. Main Street Restaurant, and The Avenue are both fantastic. Going for pizza or Italian dishes, Two Brothers, and D'Elia's are terrific. read more

Great Guacamole! The salsa is just perfect. This place is spacious, clean and wait staff is friendly. The bar area looks like fun. There is festive atmosphere. Something we all need now. The outdoor porch is really cool. We both had the Enchiladas Suiza and they were really tasty. My margarita was perfect. The margarita specials on Wednesday nights . Closed on Mondays and good parking. read more

El Rancho - Decor - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

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first time coming in and me and my friend got the vegetable enchilada which was delicious as well as the shrimp quesadilla which was also amazing. the service was very good and it is kept nice and clean. I would definitely recommend this great Mexican restaurant which also has a nice fire place and an overall spacious ambience read more

The food was good but the Check left a sour taste. You don't get the option of deciding on tip. It is automatically added to the Check. This is a shady practice if you don't notice. You might tip twice. Even with party of 2 people, it was a forced tip. Also, their math puts the tip on the whole bill including tax not just on the subtotal. This is now the second time I went through this issue. Both times when I brought it to the attention of wait staff, there was a lot of finger pointing at management. It's a pretty shady practice. If you go, check the math on your check read more

Authentic Mexican local spot with delicious food and outstanding customer service. After an entire day in the slopes, it's great to find a cozy and family friendly place on our way back to Jersey. Highly recommended read more

El Rancho - Tables and stunning original Mexican decorations - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

The food was delicious and fresh. The service was friendly and prompt. I hadn't had that good a Mexican meal since I left New Mexico. The Cadillac Margarita was perfect. read more

We tried El Rancho for the first time last week, and we were not disappointed! We had nachos, chips and salsa, burritos, and softshell tacos. All super delicious! Homemade guacamole was on point as well. Cute environment. We're so glad we tried it, and we will definitely be back! read more

When my parents moved up near here, I had serious doubts about there being any decent restaurants in the area, let alone a good Mexican place that serves THE BEST SALSA EVER. It's fresh, cilantro-y, and delicious. They sell it to take home as well; my parents always have some, and I carted a container all the way back to the city, because it's worth the shlep. El Rancho is the definition of a family joint; It's run by the sweetest, nicest people ever. All the daughters are all serving/hosting/bartending, and I believe the son is in the kitchen. Since life moves forward, they now have pictures of the grandkids all around the hostess stand....and they are adorable. If I had been to most restaurants as many times as El Rancho, I would've worked my way through the entire menu by now. But here, my family tends to stick to what we know and love. I get the fajitas, which are big enough to split, but I always stuff them all into my fat face. (You're going to need extra tortillas, so order them. And sour cream if you want it, because it doesn't come standard.) My dad always goes with the chimichangas (both beef), and my mom is usually good with an order of guacamole, because she is a tiny little woman, with a tiny little appetite. My brother's the only one who isn't a sure thing; who knows what he'll get? He's a wild man, that one. read more

El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

Full bar, nice beer selection- specialty margaritas too. Chips and salsa ( spicy delicious) start for the table. We had enchiladas (came with guacamole, sour cream and rice) and a pork(came with tortillas ) combination that include beans. Service friendly and attentive. read more

Do not eat here! The food is terrible, service is even worse and over priced. I would have preferred to microwave a frozen dinner. Find another place to eat, in fact that's what "management said". Trust me I am not hard to please but this was just terrible. kitchen nightmares should make a visit! read more

I placed a takeout order and asked the exact amount because we were sending our daughter with cash to pick it up. When she got there she was told it was more than what was told when we placed the order. The owner came over and told her that she needed to pay $4 more to get the order. I called the restaurant since my daughter didn't know what to do, as we gave her exact cash, and the owner yelled and hung up on me! Nice way to run a business! read more

What's not to love at this restaurant? It's locally and family owned, and the food is always flavorful and fresh! We are always greeted and welcomed with a smile! The chips and salsa are super fresh and the first batch is complimentary! Price is very reasonable for the portions that you receive , frequent spot for my family and continue to recommend it to people from out of town! read more

A party of 6 they gave us 1 bowl of chips and wanted to charge for more but a table of 2 got same amount. No refills on drinks. 18% tip included on bill. Prices were overpriced. For 6 people chips should be included read more

The chips and salsa alone earn a 5-star rating from me. It has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember and I fear the day that I'm unable to eat it again. It is such a great blend of sweet and spicy-truly the perfect salsa. Having gone here since I was a baby, I haven't had a single poor experience. The food is always fresh and delicious, and the staff has always been very kind. Please, never change your salsa, and if you do... PLEASE send the recipe. read more

Wonderful and authentic Mexican food. I grew up in the Southwest, and the flavors of Puebla, which is where the owners/chef are from, take me back. The beef tamales are something we can't get in Brooklyn, and were just right, from the amount of masa to the flavor of the beef. I was especially happy with the hard shell beef tacos, which are almost impossible to find at home. My husband had the chilis rellenos, which were stuffed with cream cheese; unusual, but tasty. We rarely order guac in a restaurant, because our homemade is better. Well, the rellenos came with guac, and it was every bit as good as what we make ourselves. Our service was excellent, and the portions were large. A note about Mexican food: Mexico is a large country, with significant regional differences in foods and flavors. If it doesn't seem authentic to you, it might just not be what you are used to. read more

We came in as a party of 4, we were seated, took 15 minutes to get a drink and then we ordered, 1 hour and 23 minutes later we got out food, i was told that they had big tables and it slowed them down. I asked for a manager and they never came. Don't go here! Food is sub par, my plate came out hard from sitting under a heat lamp. I asked for manager for a third time an this time very sternly, the bar tender said he is too busy and she is going to call the police. I said go ahead. She ran back into the kitchen and my waitress cane out and said whatever you ordered it is free you just leave. This is insulting, i am a business owner working in the area with 3 of my employees with me, they are from Hondas so I was translating to them what was happening. I am also a United States Marine who served in Desert Storm. UPDATE: After we left one of my employees forgot his phone, he went back in and was told we slipped out of the bill so they would not give him his phone. To avoid any issues I returned to our hotel and contacted the local police. I returned to the restaurant with the police where they lied and said she never told me to leave. I paid the bill which included 18% gratuity. BEWARE WHERE YOU SPEND YOUR MONEY read more

El Rancho - Hard stale food from under a heT lamp. - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

Was with another family during pandemic on a ski trip to Hunter Mountain, drove 20 mins from our hotel because they had a great Yelp rating. Good service, great food. It's like being at mommas house! Authentic tasting Mexican food. Their fried ice cream is a must! Vanilla ice cream with Frosted Flakes wrapped and deep fried. Food came fast and hot! Starters, entrees and dessert for 7. Came out to $218 with 18% tip automatically added to the bill due to parties over 6. Had our own private room due to covid. read more

Found this place by accident while staying down the road at the comfort inn. Loved it!! My husband and 2 kids shared a chicken fajitas and I shared the chicken quesadilla plate with my 6 year old. We loved all of it!! And it's hard to please 3 kids with very different tastes!! Their salsa is awesome!! We had churros with ice cream for dessert, delicious! Prices are great too!! read more

For an app, had the shrimp which came in some lemon butter sauce, and some slices of bread. SO GOOD. Fir my main course had the Enchiladas Suizas, minus the sour cream, and I could only finish two of them. It was topped with a tomatillo sauce and was excellent - I think that next time I'd get it without the cheese just to bank on a few calories... :) We also split a pitcher of sangria, which wasn't too strong, but yummy nonetheless. Food was excellent! read more

El Rancho - Mexican Near Me - Saugerties, New York

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Last few times we've been there our food has been cold and they only toss it in the microwave. We used to go there all the time not anymore

Not only is the food here overpriced for the quality and quantity given, but the service here is atrocious! Our server barely uttered a sound to us the entire uncomfortable time we were there. We felt very unwelcomed and awkward. The decor is another atrocity. The place is decorated like a tacky Mexican carnival booth. I felt the urge to ask our server what I'd win if I tossed a ring over one of their gaudy chandeliers, but then I remembered he wasn't speaking to us. I was sure things couldn't have gotten any worse, that is, until the dreadful food arrived. Skimpy, bland, fake Mexican food and with no sides or condiments unless ordered $eparately. We couldn't wait to get out of this place! It was a most unpleasant dining experience on every level. read more

I went back a second time a couple of months later. The food was still good, but the service was sub-par & unacceptable. We waited 45 minutes for our orders (which were tacos, enchiladas, & things like that). When we finished the chips on the table the bowl was not refilled. Getting a glass of water was an ordeal requiring the patience of a saint. I'll probably hit the joint next time I'm in the area because there are not too many choices in the area & this place was on my route. Hopefully, they will have corrected the serious deficiencies by the time I return. I'm giving it 3 stars because I liked the food . . . but consider the quality of the service . . . or more accurately, the lack of service, before picking this place. The bathroom was clean. read more

It was a foggy rainy night at a great place with great food. We had tried another restaurant which was closed and recalled passing this place on the way back from Skiing. We were thinking it was getting late, going on 9pm but the door said 10 and hurrah!! They had 2 stoves warming the dining rooms which led to a cozy ambiance. There was a party of what looked like after-skiers which made it seem like you were at the place to be too. We weren't that hungry so we split the seafood chimichangas and a half carafe of Sangria. The Sangria was fresh, the chimichangas were stuffed with 3 kinds of seafood, the salsa and chips made a spot on snack while waiting. The staff was worried we were going to have to wait to long for the food with the party but heh, it was not bad at all. Just a wonderful ending to the day! read more

Absolutely fabulous food and friendly service. Enchiladas Suiza were the best I ever had. Got stuck in the area due to bad weather. Found El Rancho and it made a grey, icy day bright! Thank you, El Rancho! read more

Family owned Mexican Restaurant where the food is always delicious and consistent! It's a bit pricey but I think it's worth it. You're given one complimentary basket of house made chips and salsa (I believe you have to pay for refills). The salsa is so delicious, I could eat it with a spoon! Cadillac Margaritas and La Flaquitas are exceptional as well. Love it here, I can't stay away! read more

Amazing service and food. Wish I lived closer-- i'd be here daily! Deserves more than five stars

This was the first and last time I will be here. Saturday night so it was a little busy which was fine. The woman who sat us rushed off really fast when we were trying to follow her to the table, and she threw the menus down without a word. Water had a sulfer taste to it. For an appetizer we ordered Mexican pizza, it was literally pizza sauce and cheese on a flatbread. When we finally got our dinners everything was so bland and tasteless we kindly explained to our waitress that it didn't taste good. She acted shocked and angry stated she had to charge us half and did not even apologize or anything. When she came back with our check I thanked her again but did not receive a single word from her. If I could give less than a star I would. Authentic Mexican food for this restaurants description is far from accurate, I would suggest traveling into Kingston for better authenticity and quality read more

My favorite restaurant! The food is amazing and always have great service. The staff is pleasant. I come here at least once a month and never have had bad service or wasn't satisfied with the food. The chips and salsa are to die for. Try my favorite the Enchilada Rancheros or the steak fajitas you will not be disappointed! Oh and the wings are AMAZING. read more

Usually very good, last time food was very cold we sent it back, they microwaved it. When we got it back still luke warm. It was first week of indoor dining, but there were only 2 tables including us.. First time ever we complained. read more

We didn't look at the reviews before coming here but it wouldn't have mattered since all these positive posts do not accurately reflect what we experienced! To sum up the experience I've created some one-liners; "I've had microwaved meals from a box more edible than this" "There's enough salt to kill a family of snails!" (Pollo Asado) "I feel like I just wiped my ass with a $20 bill" (ridiculously overpriced for the poor quality of food) I'd probably choose Tbell over this place and that's saying a lot since the last time i had Tbell the toilet nearly runneth over. Flee this place fast! P.S. I gave it 1 star because the waitress was very nice, had a unique laugh, and reminded me of the fairy Godmother in Cinderella. Also, the utensils were clean. read more

One word: Disgusting. I went here with 6 other people tonight and it was probably the worst dining experience of my life. I got 3 beef tacos. The "beef" was identical to taco bell's meat. The "cheese" was non existent. I never had worse tacos in my life. I only ate 1 and will be chucking the rest. The rice and the beans were nothing to write home about. Everyone else enjoyed their meal. The drinks and salsa were really good. Since we (3 of us) split the bill, I paid 26 dollars for one taco, half a sangeria (I don't drink but we were out of our birthday's ect) and a spoonful of rice and beans. Never again. Also, the waitress was a mess. She was very confused about our orders and how we wanted to split the check. It was horrible. She was an older lady. Maybe she was just new or filling in for other people, but it was not worth her 18% tip because we had a party more than 6 read more