Well I usually think that most Mexican restaurants are the same and the food is always the same but from time to time I am surprised by a standout. This is one of those places. I have been to dozens of Mexican restaurants in the Lexington area and there are two that stand out. This one and the me in Midway, KY. This place is like the Cheesecake Factory of Mexican -it's a big menu. If you talk to Latin American people or the employees of the restaurant, they will tell you that this place is exceptional. I had the Camarones A La Diabla and it was spicy!! Great flavor! Most Mexican restaurants don't show any heat or spice in most all of their dishes, but this is fire! Not only do they have a large menu but also have a lot seating. There are so many tables and they open another room on the weekends. They have a great patio when the weather is right and it is covered! We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was packed. They also had margaritas two for one and I don't know when they offer that but they had it when we were there. I look forward to going back and trying more dishes! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Camarones a la Diabla -very spicy!! - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

This is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in Lexington because of its authenticity and the food and service is always amazing. Ordered a lingua and barbacoa taco and the steak tacos with cheese sauce. Plenty of meat on the tacos and the lingua was very tender. The steak tacos are always great mostly because of the cheese sauce and good amount of steak. The chips and salsa always hit the spot also read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Taco lingua and barbacoa - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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As always food is fantastic and lots of it, I'm always getting a to-go box. Server was super nice and made sure we had everything we needed. Been going here for over 12 years now. read more

Service was great. Had the enchiladas verde and they were great. Have never been disappointed. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - enchiladas verde - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Really lively and fun ambiance ! A few friends and I went on a Friday night and there was a great energy - there even was a full mariachi band performing around the restaurant, it was amazing! The service was friendly and efficient, our food came out promptly! The menu has a wide variety of dishes to offer and I don't think you can go wrong with any! This is a great spot to go to with friends for a fun night! read more

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Authentic and delicious Mexican food. Service was friendly and meals were good sized and restaurant was hopping!

I arrived mid-afternoon having skipped lunch, and was surprised by the number of people there. Someone was slowly working on a meal while attending a zoom class, but there were several other small groups. Needing a quick fix, this would be a good choice, as my veggie combo appeared in less than ten minutes, and the tortilla chips (which tasted fresh) before I'd even ordered. They had a decent vegetarian menu (though very heavy on the dairy, if you are someone who is trying to avoid that). My combo yielded a small enchilada; frankly I was confused because it had beans inside and not the avocado the menu promised, but there was nothing wrong with it. A substantial cheese and pepper pie and sides of rice and beans, again with cheese on top, completed a very filling combo. And the chips were included. It wasn't some kind of delicate nuanced flavor with a squash blossom on top, but it was satisfying and a large portion size when you count the chips. They seem to have an affiliated restaurant downtown (judging by the similar vegetarian menu), and while I may try that one, I figure this one gave me pretty much what I asked of it. read more

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disgusting and terrible service . I don't recommend at all. I had my 4 year old daughter with me . security came and started yelling at us to leave and kicked us out ! my babygirl was shaken and crying ! I can't believe it at all . NEVER COMING BACK ! food wasn't good at all and my order was messed up! just so horrible read more

The food was great.Try the black bean and queso they go together well. I had the 2 tacos for 9.99 the plate was full and I enjoyed every bite. read more

El Rancho Tapetio never disappoints. We went for a pre Cinco de Mayo lunch. The Tacos Dorado, their version of Birria Tacos, were delicious. The tacos were stuffed with meat, and I could only eat two. Leftovers tomorrow. 44 read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Tacos Dorado - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The food and drinks are winners! Came out with full stomachs from the big portions, and had a great time. Mariachi night was a blast!!!!

Love this place. Their queso is my favorite. I got the Pollo California and it was great as well. Service was quick and kind and the environment was fun! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Pollo California - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Fun place for families. Kids loved service wonderful. Food is always great. Drinks best margaritas. Never disappointed. read more

El Rancho Tapatio is one of my families go to Mexican restaurants! The restaurant is much larger than it looks from outside as they have expanded in to the strip of shops over the years! We've never received a bad meal or service. The food is authentic and fresh with tons of affordable options on the menu! They are sure to have something for even the pickiest eaters! It's nothing fancy by any means but it's consistently good food and a clean atmosphere! read more

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Food was great! Atmosphere was great. Margarita tower was amazing. Cheese dip was the best! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Margarita tower - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I'm in love. Stopped in for my first time during lunch. It was packed! Got a great booth in front and the delicious chips and Salsa came right out. Excellent flavor in the salsa and crunchy, salty chips complement it perfectly. Beef chimichanga totally hit the spot. Creamy refried beans, tasty rice, fresh shaved lettuce and sour cream all came with it. For lunch you can choose one or two chimichangas. I chose one and it was plenty. The cheese sauce on top is dreamy! Cannot wait to come back! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Lunch beef chimichanga plate - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Love this place! Great waiters, all so fun, great service, drinks are terrific and food it great. Fridays they have a wonderful mariachi band. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Burrito I ordered bigger than my arm. - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Visited El Rancho Tapatio on Friday night and it was mariachi night! There was a 35min wait for a table, but loved the live music and quick service. The streets tacos were delicious, however I would not recommend the mojito. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Street tacos - chicken, carnitas, asada - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Delicious Mexican food. They were very accommodating for our large group despite having a first come- first serve policy. It is a large restaurant with outdoor seating too. Our waiter was polite and the food came out fast. I ordered the shrimp and grilled chicken tacos. Although both were delicious, I enjoyed the chicken better. All of the tacos were loaded with toppings and for $3 a piece, you can't beat it. The frozen strawberry margaritas were great too. Overall, if you're looking for Mexican food in Lexington- this is your place. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Grilled Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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We had an early dinner to celebrate a birthday and really enjoyed this place. Their menu is HUGE!! The tacos, enchiladas & quesadilla were all great. Our server was friendly and attentive. I love that they make several hot sauces in house & provide them with the meal to spice it up! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Comida Mexicana autentica! Excellent food at a fair price. You will find food tipico of Northern and Central Mexico...

El Rancho Tapatio is my go-to for the stereotypical "Mexican Restaurant." Their food is great quality with great flavors, and the prices are reasonable. They have a huge menu and good drink specials as well. 2/1 Margs 3 days a week and live Mariachi on Fridays! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

In town for the weekend and noticed that there are lots of Mexican restaurants in the Lexington area - so we had to try one. Looked at Yelp and the map, El Rancho Tapatio was near our hotel and ranked #2. End up being a great choice... This restaurant was large, tables not crowded together, very clean and appeared to have plenty of help/workers. Everyone was very nice, service was quick. Portions were huge and prices were very fair. We had enchiladas (great fillings and just the right amount of cheese and sauces on top) and steak fajita a quesadilla (filled with quality strips of steak lots of veggies). If we are ever back in the area, we will visit again! read more

I loved the colorful look of this restaurant.A quick restroom break was needed and I found the tiled sinks so pretty plus the bathroom was stocked and I appreciate doors that push out so your hands stay clean. Where we were seated was so loud we couldn't hear each other and with kindness they moved us . Our waitress was kind and efficient not overly at the table too much.The food was tasty and as it came to the table hot and well presented. I tried a combination my husband a seafood burrito that had a vegetable. I like when restaurants have a child's menu that highlights their cuisine not just macaroni. All and all it was a fun night the fountain as we entered,watching tortillas being rolled out and the chips and salsa as we were seated. read more

This place has extraordinary food and great ambiance. The staff was very friendly and they took great care of my wife and I and our two small children. Their selection of salsas is really wonderful. We had to specifically ask if they had some other salsa options but they brought out 4 more that were really amazing. The fajitas for two was what we ordered and the portions were huge. We love this place and will definitely be back! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - My wife and very excited 4 year old. - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Good food and fast/friendly service. Parking lot was packed but just a 20 min wait for my table of 4 on a Friday night. Mariachi 10/10

I came here as my friend comes here regularly and swears how amazing this place is. I ordered 2 tacos: Asada & pastor and 1 tostada mixed ceviche with shrimp and octopus. My food was mediocre to be honest. I've made my own ceviche before and it was way better than the restaurant so I was disappointed. Also, the tacos weren't seasoned as well but the grilled onions that comes with tacos made up for the flavor. My friends ordered: carnitas and he wasn't very pleased with the food. Another friend ordered enchiladas, and steak fajitas and they loved their meals. So some meals seem to be tastier than others. The service was great and the staff was friendly, but the food could use some improvement per my tastebuds. read more

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This is my favorite Mexican restaurant I have ever been. The food is amazing and I have never gotten a bad dish. Great service and friendly atmosphere as well. read more

This is a more authentic Mexican Restaurant. This was my first visit, but won't be my last. The salsa was very good, and the enchilada filling was excellent. I got the enchilada potosinas, which had potatoes, carrots, and cojita cheese. This dish was a little out of my typical comfort zone, and the potato and carrots didn't seem right to me on an enchilada. My wife's stesk burrito was very good. The service was slow on thr day I was there. Hopefully that was an oddity. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - a plate of mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Stopped in at El Rancho Tapatio on a Saturday evening before a concert nearby as my sister in law said this is the best place in Lexington for Mexican food. When we pulled down the street, its a good sign when a parking lot is full and people are circling the lot to find a parking space for dinner. We found a spot and then made our way inside. The restaurant is huge we were walked through several rooms before we were seated. Their menu has lots to choose from from fajitas, enchiladas, tacos, carne asada, quesadillas, tortas and so many more. My sister in law went with the chiles rellenos, she said its her favorite dish there and I had a hard time deciding I went with the burrito ranchero. We were given warm chips & salsa to enjoy, the restaurant was filling up and it seemed to be our waitress was new as she didn't know much of the menu and went to another server for help while we waited for our food. Once our food arrived about 20 minutes later it was okay, I've had better, but it was a Saturday night and the restaurant continued to fill up and our waitress got busier and busier it was hard to get our bill, we had to ask someone else to get it for us. read more

The best Mexican in lexington! It's not a "high end" Mexican type of place like Corto y Lima, but if you're looking for the staples: burritos, fajitas, quesadillas this is the place the go!!! read more

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As good as it gets for Mexican food in Kentucky. This place was hopping on a Sunday night but the food was great, the servers were friendly, and it was a good value. Rather than get the more expensive fajitas combination platter, she got the shrimp fajitas and I got the chicken and beef fajitas and we shared! The place is enormous and that makes it a little bit chaotic --minor downside but something to be prepared for. On the positive side, we learned Sunday is two-for-one margaritas! Overall a festive and satisfying meal. read more

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We've been several times and it has never been a good experience. Service has been slow to non-existent - waiting 20-30 minutes just to have our order taken when they were not busy. The food is mediocre at best - I've had better Mexican food in Lexington for sure. The ambiance is awful - we've had roaches on our table, flies everywhere, and a lack of clean environment (floors, bathrooms, etc). We do not sit outside, so all of this occurred indoors. We will not return. read more

Awesome Mexican! Heard about this place and needed something new so went to try it, and boy was it wonderful! Normally I go to Hacienda for Mexican food but what I tasted here honestly put Hacienda to shame. The enchiladas mole is so delicious and the chimichangas as well. Come check this place out and show them some support! #smallbuisness read more

It was good that only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because I don't speak Spanish and our server did. So I had to use google translate

Always on spot. Margs 2-1 M, T, Su. Polite staff, great chips and salsa. Go now, don't wait.

It was two for one margarita night! On a Sunday no less. In Kentucky. BF and I had for fajitas. He had steak and chicken, I had shrimp, and we shared. He had corn tortillas and I had flour. The flour tortillas were better despite his protest. This place was hopping on a Sunday night. The servers were really, really hustling. They did seem to slightly rush us out of there, but they were pretty busy. read more

Good food but they forgot the drink i ordered !! I ordered an online delivery and my drink was forgotten

This place is amazing! The food and drinks are great. It's like Drakes with the table taps but Hispanic/Margarita style. You can't beat that! My only complaint is the price and the price differences and special differences that are posted on their social media as opposed to what it actually is when your in the restaurant. I'll go back. read more

Inspired to eat Tacos for Crave Taco Week, we sought out a local restaurant that we had always talked about visiting but had never had the opportunity. Boy was it packed, to the point where droves of cars were circling for parking, and dozens were turned away by the wait. We decided to wade into the madness, put in a reservation, and were seated in about 90 minutes. We walked around a nearby shopping area while we waited so it didn't seem like long to us, and we could tell the staff were doing an incredible job turning over tables and keeping it all flowing. The waitress was prompt, and the food came quick and tasted great. The menu was deep, and there was a lot more variety than you typically see in similar restaurants. Although it was "taco week", I had enchiladas, but the wife enjoyed the barbacoa taco and a glass of sangria while I sipped a corona. Our son had chicken tenders because that's all he really eats anymore, but he enjoyed the chips & salsa, and a kind gentleman who rounded, bussing tables, kept us swiftly restocked, before we even knew we needed anything. Overall great meal, very filling (we got a to-go box), and reasonably priced. read more

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