3.5/5 for me. Came by for a quick lunch on Tuesday of this week while passing through. Solid, straightforward food and satisfactory enough service. I parked a few blocks up the road to avoid having to back out into the Main Street of downtown Arab. The walk over was pleasant. The door into the restaurant isn't super clearly marked but the yummy smells were a pretty good clue. The inside is a sort of funny toss-up of like...lodge and sports bar. They have lots of wings and beer offerings. Somewhat limited seating -- it's not a huge place. Random weird thing: I'm like...optimistically 5'4" and noticed that even I was getting close to bonking my head on an overhang near the entry and then again when using the restroom inside the restaurant. Taller folks, watch your noggin! Anyway. Stepped inside, waitress/hostess (who was posted at a hostess stand squarely in the middle of the restaurant) asked if I was dining in. It was kind of close to close -- I'd say about 1:40, and they close at 2:30 -- but I figured I could probably squeak it in since they weren't super busy and I'd come prepared, already knowing what I wanted to order after peeking at menu pictures online. Here's my major hang up with my experience: it was very clear that was...not the response she wanted. She sort of grimaced and told me to sit where I liked. I selected a two-top since it was just me. She came by with a menu and as soon as it was in my hands, she asked me if I knew what I wanted to eat. I actually happened to know because I'd read the menu before coming, knowing I'd be cutting it close, but the vibe was pretty unwelcoming. Once my food came out, she pretty much ignored me until I was about 75% done, at which point she dumped the check on my table. The time was about 2:15. She wasn't expressly unpleasant, and I truly am sympathetic to wanting to close on time, but a little more friendliness would've gone a ways. I certainly didn't intend to keep her beyond closing time, and I didn't. Anyway, I wound up ordering the Flaming Hen sandwich, which is a fried chicken cutlet with lettuce and tomato, tossed with ranch and buffalo sauce, and served on Texas toast. It came with French fries and I had a Diet Coke to drink (no Coke Zero, sadly). The Texas toast was nice and buttery. The chicken had a crispy, crunchy coating but wasn't too dry, though the cutlet was a little thin. Personally, I wouldn't have been mad at a little more buffalo sauce and/or ranch, but it probably would've caused the sandwich to be too soggy, so I get it. The fries were quite satisfying and were nicely salted. I do think the portion size was a little small for the price, especially at lunch time. All that said, this is a solid option in the area for simple bar/grill type food done well and done quickly. Worthy of a try, for sure. read more

L’ Rancho - Flaming Hen sandwich with fries and extra ranch dressing - Comfort Food Near Me - Arab, Alabama

Another great meal! Homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese! An absolute must try! They continue to have excellent food and service every time I come here. Give it a shot it will not disappoint! read more

I am giving three stars because that is neutral. I showed up after looking forward to trying a new breakfast spot all week, only to find they weren't open. Not sure what their hours are, but it is NOT 6-2. They was a cheesy "Be in at x:xx" jammed in the door's window, and it was obscured so I could see when they would be back. read more

Delicious menu with fresh food items, great service, and friendly hometown environment.

Nice place. They have good food and really try and work with people like me, vegetarian. In small town Alabama we are as rare as a democrat. They check to make sure that there are no dead animals parts ( my wife's words). in the veggies . And very nice about it. read more

We had a wonderful taste of local color here! Yummy southern breakfast and friendliness! read more

L’ Rancho - Comfort Food Near Me - Arab, Alabama

Great southern cooking! Good food, good prices. Cozy dining area. Friendly staff. Part of historical Arab. Parking in front and back of building. All around great place for breakfast or lunch! read more

L’ Rancho - a buffet with a variety of salads - Comfort Food Near Me - Arab, Alabama

best service in town, best baked beans I've ever eaten, and the music from the radio is always a hit.

Good food this place has been around a long time in Arab. The staff is friendly just like a cozy little town cafe should be. Ok so Arab is not a little town as I thought it was but still is a cozy place to live. Well back to the review. They make a good breakfast and a good BBQ pork sandwich. If your going thru arab and you want breakfast stop in. The only take cash or checks. read more

Great place doing something right they been around since the town was built home cooked meals

Great place to go for breakfast or during the annual polk salad festival. Love their giant bisquits. They also do a mean bacon cheeseburger for lunch! It's a local hangout for the older gent's known as the "liar's" club. Actually I think they now own the place, possibly saving it from demolition. The seating can be a bit cramped, but it's a great lil nostalgic diner that has been in business for a very long time. Don't be afraid to step back in time and give it a try! read more

I've lived in Arab for twenty years. I've never been to L Rancho Cafe because I work in different city and the restaurant is not normally open during the evening hours. However, they are open later during the Polk Salat Festival. My wife and I attended the festival this year so we decided to try them. It has an old style country atmosphere, the food was delicious and the service was excellent. Not only were the employees very kind but also the other customers. It was clear that they have a well established base of regular return customers. We felt so welcome. I highly recommend you drop in for an early breakfast and/or a late lunch. If you want to go for dinner you'll have to wait until the next Poke Salat Festival, you won't regret it. read more

I went to Polk Salat event for the first time May 19, 2012. Had a wonderful time with GREAT food at L Rancho Cafe. The first time I have eaten Polk Salat, they were terrific cooked just right and the owner a really nice nice person. The "Doorman" handling the large crowds during the event was very funny and entertaining. We had a fantastic time ,good food, a lot of vendors, can't wait until next to do it again. See Ya Later Frank . read more