For a limited time remaining, this is my local Mexican restaurant in magnolia. (They aren't going anywhere, I am) Located in the downtown magnolia area, it provides the setting of a typical Mexican place. The food is authentic and although a bit on the higher priced side, it's a good place to eat and enjoy great margaritas. In my few visits, the staff has been great and readily available for whatever you may need. read more

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After we ordered our drinks and meals with our friendly server, we were given complimentary chips, which were thin and crunchy, and salsa. It was too bad the watery salsa was hard to dip or scoop onto the chips. For drinks, the margarita leaned much more on the sweet side and couldn't taste the tequila at all, which might be a plus for some, but not exactly what I was hoping for. The michelada, on the other hand, was good, but I added more spicy sauce to it for my own preference. As for entrees, the wire steak was delicious. It was flavorful and came with melted cheese on top and a side of tortillas. The beef was marinated in soy sauce, and the seasoning was spot on. The beef fajitas came in much bigger cuts of meat than the wire steak dish, and to me, they didn't have as much flavor so I added salt to it. Sides were rice, beans, a little shredded lettuce, and a bit of guac, which were overall less generous than other spots I've been to. Service was friendly and efficient, but we were seated next to a big family who was celebrating something over FaceTime with music blasting from their phone the entire time. It seemed like the staff was okay with it, and it made it hard to enjoy the meal. read more

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I love the food and people here. But it is really on the expensive side of things. Been going here since I was a kid and it's still the same great food as always. read more

Very good Customer service. It was clean inside and most importantly the restroom was clean as well. read more

Solid neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Friendly staff. Great for kids. Easy going. Big menu with all the staples

The service is amazing and the food is excellent. Ambience of fun, laughter warmth. This is not a place of quietness and looking into each other's eyes hoping for that perfect moment of bliss. This is a place to celebrate be happy and eat really good food read more

Why a 3? The food and service were very good. Chips and salsa not so much. Tres Mexicans was solid, but the chicken mollea and beef tips were awful. read more

El Ranchon - Vegetarian burrito - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

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On the plus side, service was friendly, there was ample seating and a nicely designed interior. However, the food was very mediocre. The tacos were not at all what I expected from a Mexican restaurant. I thought they would be tiny and have chopped up cilantro and onion on top, but instead they were a traditional, American style taco -- large and piled up with shredded lettuce and shredded cheese. read more

Great service. Always so friendly. Ranchon Platter is my favorite. Our kids love it too.

Friendly staff. Try the "Fresh" margarita. Servings are always plentiful. They gladly substitute whole beans or Black Beans for refried beans. If you like roasted pork, try the Pork Carnitas. The Carne Asada is also very good. read more

We live in Magnolia and have been to this restaurant many times. They have never failed us! The food comes out fast and is always hot and excellent! The portions are big, and the margaritas are great too. We've always had very friendly and efficient service. It's always clean, and I've noticed that they also have takeout. There's just street parking, but generally that's not difficult. Probably a little more challenging on weekends. Highly recommend! read more

A nice family friendly mexican restaurant. Perfect for parties of 2-4 people. Getting a larger group will be limited so plan ahead. Ordered the nachos and the portion was huge and very filling. Make sure if you order this you plan on sharing unless you are eating as an entree. The enchilada combo with taco was also a good size portion. Got the shredded chicken and al pastor meats. Very good seasoned and juicy. I tried their margaritas and I really enjoyed them all. Had the strawberry, peach, fresh, and the mango. Some of them are sweet so if you like sweet margaritas its perfect for you. Finished off the meal with the deep fried strawberry ice cream. I wish the batter was a little thicker but overall it was good. The service and the preparation of the food was quick and fast. Just note, it is a little more pricy than some of the other mexican restaurants ive been to but it may have to be the location. read more

This is a nice neighborhood hole in the wall Tex Mex restaurant. They have a bar, indoor seating, and then the business district has put out some tables and chairs that don't have table service but you can order take out and just eat right outside the restaurant. Their lunch deals (11am-3pm weekdays) are fantastic! They have a selection of plates priced at about $10-12 - incredible for Magnolia. We stopped in on a whim around 2:30pm on a Monday and got a burrito and carnitas tacos from the lunch menu. Sure it's not gourmet, but it is tasty and it's a great deal. The host/server who was there was also super friendly and very accommodating. Will definitely return when in the area again. read more

Magnolia is an area I 100% don't even consider. Getting to it isn't what I call easy and I just don't get a welcoming vibe from the community. It's amazing place and probably one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Seattle. It's like the best features of West Seattle with a much smaller footprint. That said, I was on a date here about 20 years ago and decided to return to the scene of the crime. We ate at a Mexican restaurant, however, I'm not sure if it was this place or not. Service was top shelf. I serious was impressed by the kindness and professionalism of our server. Chips and salsa were ok. Salsa needed salt, I think it could have also used some cilantro, but to each their own. I requested something hotter and what I got was a smokey paste that they then mixed with something. It was also okay but was missing a rich flavor. I had the Carne Asada. The first thing I noticed was the portion was on the small side. It wasn't a lunch portion, but if I had 2 strips of beef, 3 would have been better. I was well seasoned and tasty. Ironically, the two tablespoons of rice and beans was not only stingy, but the rice had no flavor. The beans should always taste like pork and the rice should always taste like chicken. A small dollop of guacamole was also served, and it was really good. Service, A, Food, C+ overall and Value is about C. If this was my neighborhood, I'd consider returning, but date night or not, I wouldn't make the drive back for the food, it just didn't impress me on enough levels. read more

Great food great people. Every time I come in it's like family. Saul, Lisett, and Elba are always so friendly. My grandpa loves to joke around with the staff and everyone has so much fun! The food is fresh and not greasy or heavy. Clean, homemade, and yummy. Hope it stays for many years in magnolia read more

This is not authentic Mexican food- for Seattle, it is fine- if you were anywhere near the south of the border it would be kind of not included as real Mexican Cuisine. With that being said It is good for what it is- the restaurant is cozy, with a semi-friendly atmosphere. Why I said semi- is some of the folks seemed a little nicer and more welcoming than others. However, the service was fast and just OK on the taste spectrum- The prices were ok for the amount of food and they do use fresh ingredients....the interior was just big enough with looking too crowded and they have booths and tables inside. I did enjoy my tortillas (they appeared maybe homemade) they were warm and yummy...I could have just had them as my meal with a little salsa and rice. Better than some but not as great as others. read more

Great neighborhood spot. Staff is super friendly, portions are great. Love the enchiladas ranchon. Queso dip was delish! We will be back again. read more

Had Pollo a la crema. Split it with my mom. Handmade tortillas! Good quality chicken. Wonderful crema sauce! Warm chips. It comes with 2 large handmade tortillas. We got 2 extra. Excellent. Will be getting it again. -Jennifer King read more

El Ranchon - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

I can not believe some of the reviews. This food is a joke. I live in Magnolia and have eaten here 3 times. The food is absolute garbage. Do yourself a favor and go to McDonald's. I lived in the Mission in SF for years and the food was excellent. This food is complete garbage. 0/5 stars. read more

Everyone liked what they ordered! I called a few days before to ask if they could seat a large (15) party and it was no problem. Raoul was very pleasant and accommodating. Service was excellent and food was generous and tasty! I'd go back again! read more

Was working in this area and decided to try El Ranchon, wow! Glad I did! The place is small and it was packed, but the service was still good and we got prompt attention. By the time we left there was a considerable line of people outside waiting for a table. Their fresh margarita was great, would definitely order again. I had their chicken in chipotle sauce and it was delicious. I like hot, so I asked the server if they had a house hot sauce. He brought me some sauce from the kitchen that was super spicy and delicious. Really kicked off the meal. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal here and if I'm back in the area I will come back for more! read more

We have returned to El Ranchon many times over the years. For our family it reigns supreme over all other local Mexi-US eateries. And by Mexi-US I mean sort-of-Americanized-Mexican food: cheesy goodness and refried beans accompanying most items. Is this authentic Mexican? Oaxacan? Michoacán? I DON'T KNOW. But it tastes great. Moving on: we've never had a bad entrée at El Ranchon - and as in my previous review from a mere 10 years ago - we love love love the 'Chiles El Ranchon' appetizer - please see photo. Lime and spice goodness. I don't know of any other restaurant with this. El Ranchon is also super family friendly and always bring you a basket of treats to choose from after your meal. read more

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Trying to save others from going here for the food given all the stars this place has. The food is almost inedible. Do not go out of your way to come here. It gets stars cause it's been a neighborhood spot for years and I think the folks working here have great relationships with the people in the neighborhood which I think is honestly very charming. I would rather have bad food and great people/service than great food and bad people/service any day. Just don't go out of your way to come to magnolia for this spot. Leave it to the locals who love it. read more

Not the most glamorous photos I've taken, but don't let that stop you. If you want authentic Mexican food then you need to stop at this Magnolia spot! For sure. Very nice service and we got lucky and went a little early before it got crowded. Street parking is available. But let's talk food. I try not to get the same thing as my boyfriend, but it just happened. The Steak Ranchero was so good. Im so happy I didn't go with something different! But first, the chips were yummy and yes get the Queso It's creamy and cheesy and oh so smooth. Chips were warm and crisp without all the oil. Dinner was hot and very flavorful. The steak was not over cooked and the flour tortillas were so good. Soft. They just rip so easily and you dip them into the beans! The heat was not to much as some places can be. This is a must try if you want some good Mexican and your in the Magnolia area! read more

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For the amount and quality of food I think the food is a little over priced. I may be biased because I had some of the best Mexican I've ever had not to far away for half the price and double the quantity in some hole in the wall. The service was great here, I just wish portion size was a little bigger or prices a little lower read more

Great service and authentic food. My favorite was the guacamole, but I also liked the taquitos. Super yummy and reasonably priced.

This restaurant is fantastic! Authentic Mexican food and some of the best service around. Other restaurants could take a page from their book. We've had various servers and each one of them has been so nice and professional. Maybe they are family? I'm also a big fan of consistency and they have definitely delivered in that department. Not once has anything come out under cooked, cold, or wrong. Oh and did I mention they have frozen margaritas?!! So good! read more

This has been my go to for over two decades. Food is consistent and very good! Service is amazing and they don't have much turnover, so their servers start to remember you and it makes it feel like you're at a friend's house for dinner. They're so great! I also recently ordered their takeout and was super impressed with the freshness, warmth of the food, and good packaging so nothing was soggy. My usual items: Fresh margarita Carne asada Pork carnitas Chicken chimichangas And of course, strawberry fried ice cream! read more

Homey, welcoming American-Mexican restaurant in Magnolia. Easy parking (for now!). I hesitate to recommend this restaurant, but only because I want to keep it to myself... Seriously, you almost never have to wait for a table, unless you have a very large group. Friendly service and delicious food. Margaritas could be stronger, so order an extra shot - cheap and worth it!! read more

I just love El Ranchon's Mexican food it has always been great their chicken tacos are the bomb. They always have very nice workers clean restrooms and cool sports jerseys. The dessert ( Churros and deep fried ice cream ) is over the top. The food is fairly priced the beans and rice is sooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

Ordered the shrimp wrapped in bacon and a beer. The bacon and shrimp were over cooked, the bacon was crunchy, not crispy, crunchy, the shrimp was very dry. Meal and tip was close to $40. Service was ok, if you like sarcasm. read more

Food was great, extremely fast and attentive service, cozy family atmosphere. Highly recommend

Always delicious food. My boyfriend and I love going here for takeout cause it's super close by. Friendly staff and whenever we dine in they're always so sweet to us. I love ordering the enchiladas and my boyfriend absolutely loves the beef taquitos with a side of queso. read more

The worst restaurant in Seattle.I did a to go order of a half order of chicken nachos.I told the guy about 3 times I want a half order.i got a full order.They refused to charge me for a half order.It was close to $21 with tax.I should have left it there and not paid since it was not what I ordered.It was burnt and tasteless.I took about 3 bites and tossed the crazy overpriced disgusting nachos in the garbage.Hospital food tastes better than this place.Their margaritas are watered down and overpriced.They don't care about their customers.I told them I would never ever come in here again.The dumb waitress laughed.They charge what they like because it's Magnolia and they feel like they can get away with charging beyond high prices..La Palma is the best Mexican nearby.Their prices are about half the price good margaritas and great service.I would give this joke of a restaurant zero stars .I hope they go out of business soon they suck! read more

I will start off by saying that the guacamole was excellent. My daughter enjoyed her cheese quesadilla. Chili Rellenó is my favorite food and this was the worse one I've ever had. Enchiladas were not very good. I would come here just for chips, salsa and guacamole, but not an entree. read more

Solid Mexican food in Magnolia. Friendly, clean and warm. Chile Colorado burrito is recommended.

Just dropped in the other day. Pollo con crema lunch special. Yummy!! Food and service is as good as always. read more

El Ranchon - Pollo con crema at el ranchon... so yummy - Mexican Near Me - Seattle, Washington

This is my absolute favorite restaurant since I moved to Magnolia. It's not snobby, the whole wait staff is so friendly. I'm definitely not rich but for some reason I always overtip here. It's a quaint little family establishment and they really take care of you. I recommend the El Ranchon platter and the Cadillac margarita. read more

Great food great service the food came out nice and hot It was so yummmmmmmmy I would go back

So delicious, my family and I just enjoyed a relaxing, delicious lunch. Everyone loved the salsa and chips. Service is excellent, we didn't have to flag anyone down, our waiter was on top of everything. The food was delicious, everyone enjoyed. Can't wait to be back :) read more