As we continue our travels across the United States, we found ourselves in Cody, Wyoming, looking…read morefor a place to enjoy dinner. My mother--who happens to be a very tough critic when it comes to Mexican food--suggested that we try a local Mexican restaurant. After looking at several options, we decided on Rancho Chico, and we're glad we did.
Parking a 29-foot RV was a bit of a challenge, but once we got settled and walked inside, we were immediately greeted by Jose Luis. Despite the restaurant being busy, he made sure our group of seven was accommodated with a large table. His hospitality set the tone for a very enjoyable evening.
The atmosphere was welcoming and comfortable. The music was at just the right volume--present enough to add to the ambiance without making conversation difficult. My mother especially appreciated the interior design and decor.
Shortly after being seated, we were served two baskets of lightly salted corn chips along with bean dip and a mild salsa. We requested something with a little more heat, and the staff promptly brought out a flavorful tomatillo salsa that hit the spot.
As we reviewed the menu, Jose Luis proved to be extremely knowledgeable, answering every question and offering helpful recommendations. Everyone in our group ordered a different entrée along with drinks. A quick note for future visitors: the horchata is delicious, but it does not come with free refills. The restaurant also offers a full bar, although none of us ordered alcoholic beverages during this visit.
The food arrived surprisingly quickly, which can sometimes raise concerns about quality, but in this case, both the presentation and flavor exceeded expectations. Every member of our party enjoyed their meal. The highlight of the evening came when my mother commented, "There's not many places that can make a good red chili sauce, and this one is good." Coming from someone with more than 70 years of experience cooking Mexican food, that's high praise.
Overall, our experience at Rancho Chico was excellent. The staff was friendly, the food was flavorful, the atmosphere was inviting, and the restaurant was clean and well-maintained. The restrooms were clean, though the only downside was that there is just one restroom per gender, which could be inconvenient during busy times.
On the Luis Scale, this one earns a solid 7.
If you're passing through Cody and looking for a welcoming place to enjoy Mexican cuisine, Rancho Chico is definitely worth a visit. On to the next stop--and don't forget to tip your servers!
