Beautiful and comfortable atmosphere with great decor. They have very pretty patio seating as well and a full bar. The service was topnotch with much attention to detail and good energy. Id happily return for drinks.
Excellent food and service. Highly recommend. Had 7 mares soup (variety of fish soup). Amazing
Got a chimichanga to go. It was big enough to split with a friend and it was tasty. Came with rice and beans, sour cream and guacamole. This place does have a full bar. I’ve been here many times and have even dined in at the bar. So I figured it was do for a review. The service is always very good.
They made the best chile rellano and crispy chicken tacos Ive ever had, and Im 61! Their flautas are awesome! Actually, everything Ive had has been delicious! The only downside is their alcohol drinks are too expensive!
We only recently started eating at El Rancho and we are sorry we didn’t do it sooner. Their chile rellano is the best I’ve ever had. They have great indoor and outdoor seating, a bar, decent beers, and great service.
This is our go to place for Sunday brunch. The staff is very friendly, the food and drinks are very good, and we always have a lovely time.My only nit pick, is that some parties seem to just show up with 15 + people without warning it would seem, and this slows down service for the entire rest of the customers. This is a relatively small establishment, and while I love people wanting to have big unannounced parties, the staff is just not up to accommodating this while still giving proper service to the rest of the customers.I generally go there on off hours, so I dont usually have a problem with this, but it has happened that Ive had to wait a long time for just a drink when a huge party comes in.I cannot conceive of a solution. But, what I am sure of is that they are doing their best to figure it out. And the food is the best sit down Mexican in Santee. And Ill keep going.
Grew up right down the street never knew this place existed.Food was pretty good. Not the best but better than Taco Bell.Prices for the bar were over the top.But the service probably the best Ive had since the 90s
The dining was great! Food was excellent. Atmosphere really nice. My husband used the mens room & got a nasty gash on his arm from the latch mechanism on yhe inside of the door. Bled quite a bit, but waitress provided bandaides.
Had a great dinner best Cix Flautus my wife has ever had and my Carnitas plate was fantastic…pork was moist no fat perfectly cook. Rice and the refried beans were outstanding. It will be our go to Mex restaurant.
Went here on a Friday night with the family (6 of us) and it was hopping! Almost all the inside tables were taken and several outside, had a fairly short wait for a table big enough to open up and were seated and drink orders taken right away.Really like this place because the staff are not only welcoming, helpful, and friendly, but fun/funny too.Non-alcoholic drinks came up right away, the bar was at full buzz with orders and took just a bit longer.Food orders were taken and repeated back (no note pad!) and were delivered about 10 minutes later all correct and good.We ordered several things: tacos, burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, combo plate, and carnitas and it was all very well flavored and cooked -very filling too.Regretfully no pictures, godson knocked over his soda and the phone got some of it.
Great local spot with traditional, simple, Mexican favorites. This restaurant is simple and just off Mission Gorge Rd. They have a nice outdoors seating area and the format is order at the counter/quick serve. The tacos (both rolled and traditional) are great and the meat is very tasty. Good food, good service, definitely a solid quick stop after hiking Cowles Mountain.
This place has really gone down hill lately, ordered 5 rolled tacos which are pretty hard to mess up. Received rolled tacos close to burnt, no cheese, brown lettuce and sour guacamole that was nearly black. A disappointment
This place is usually really good. I’m disappointed that my chilaquiles plate is missing the potatoes and was overloaded with beans.
This place is a great hidden gem in Santee. My usual is the carne asada burrito and it’s delicious!! The service is great and the staff is friendly. This is my favorite Mexican place in town because you can’t go wrong with any of the options here. Come check it out, you won’t be disappointed!!!
Food is very good, waitresses are amazing, kitchen very slow, restaurant voncentrates on to go orders and the dining room suffers. It took us approximately 45 minutos to get our food.
Best Mexican food in town. The pasole, hands down, is the best and warms the soul. Nice chunks of meat, amazing flavor, and hardly any fat or bones. The salsa selection, especially the guacamole salsa is amazing!! The ceviche is authentic, cooked in lime. I wish I could give this place 10 stars... just good Mexican food.
Everything on the menu is great, we did a work lunch 12 people, they took very good care of us.
Since COVID, this place has become much better with an incredible dining room and really nice outdoor seating which fills both Mexican niches of cheap and fast Mexican food and nice sit down restaurant. The prices are quite fair and the food is extremely good. If youre wondering if you should go here, the answer undeniably is yes.
I used to come here before it became sit down restaurant styled. The food is decent enough. Its like a taco shop that you sit down like a restaurant in. My issue is how expensive it is. We spent $55 for a chicken burrito with rice and beans, a Carne asada burrito and 2 Dr peppers. The price does not match the quality unfortunately.
Place was awesome, bartender was real cool and straightforward. Chips, salsa, rice, beans on point. Get the carnitas. Cant go wrong stopping by here after spending the day on Mission trails.
Loved this place, both the food and people! Some of the best huevos rancheros I ever had, so flavorful and great value. A must stop
Excellent food, excellent service, excellent atmosphere . Great place for a sit down meal, or takeout
They need help as of 10-23, but God was amazing. Best micheladas and ceviche Ive had in awhile!
Im here on vacation for a week and have been to El Rancho 3 times already! Excellent food and service. The rolled tacos are phenomenal as are the fish tacos.
The food was the best Ive had in CA. The chimichaga was huge.
Rolled tacos came out extremely fresh. Loved them. Husband liked his California burrito. They gave us 4 different kinds of hot sauces which was awesome.
Best taco shop style Mexican food in San Diego. Most places have one or two things that are stellar but El Rancho crushes it across the entire menu. I’ve yet to have anything here I didn’t like. My go-to is the Cali Burrito, enchiladas, and fish taco. I come here every time I am in SD and it never disappoints. 🤘🏼👨🏼🦰 don’t forget the salsas! Best all around- red, green, hab, avocado, they are all 5/5 no question.
First time! The chilaquiles were great! Very tasty and service was fast and friendly. The total price would have been cheaper but I had a second glass of jamaica—and refills aren’t free 🤔☹️
Very understaffed at lunch. This was a problem when we went to dinner there once too, its just way too long to wait. You cant expect two people to cover takeout orders, inside tables and the bar, that was one server and one busser who could not take orders. Whoever owns this place needs to staff it correctly. The food is good, not inexpensive. Unfortunately by the time you get it its not hot because once again goes with being understaffed.We had a fun time meeting for lunch,However 2 hours is way too long. It was not the fault of the server.She was covering the whole restaurant with the back room closed. And it was busy.
Great little Mexican Restaurant. They have an in person menu not posted online. I tried a variety of items here and they were all excellent.Removing 1 star as the credit card system with built in 18, 20, 22% tips is ridiculous. Shows me the owners here will not pay a living wage. The food portions are small enough that the profit margin is likely pretty decent.
They Greet you with a welcome and a Smile with the service being over the Top!!!The food is also phenomenal!!!/rA Very Satisfied Customer!
Visited evening of 5/30/19. $1.25 for a side of pico that was same size of a small sauce 2 different burritos unlabeled. I wouldnt be so upset but these 2 issues along with horrible customer service (cashier).
Nice outdoor seating after a hike at mission trails with my doggie.We stopped for some rolled tacos and loved them. We had chicken. Good selection of hot sauces they bring you along with chips. We later came in for breakfast. I had machaca and my love had chorizo and eggs. I liked his better than mine.
El Rancho is the REAL DEAL! Excellent portions, quality food, very good service, reasonable prices. Carnitas burrito was super delicious. My friends had fish burritos and beef burrito. We all loved the food. Highly recommended.
One of my favorite restaurants. Best Carne asada on the Westside of Santee
The selection of food is great! They have your typical taco shop favorites as well as proper Mexican dishes! The deck is dog friendly and service has always been great!
The people that work here are absolutley fantastic! Great location for a simple meal or large party.They bring 5 homemade Salsas out with the Chips.Great Food! Wonderful People!
Food was okay, definitely not worth the wait. We were seated and waited 40 minutes to receive our food. Had to ask for constant refills on our drinks and chip bowls were the size of my palm so needed to be refilled frequently. We were given our food after the tables seated after us, and were not waited on like other tables. The manager (I think - she was in a white shirt and dress pants 8:00 pm 3/3/23) was eating at the register. As someone who has worked in food for 10 years, if the Food Inspector was here, would be an immediate flag, especially since she would run plates after eating and not washing her hands. Huge red flag. Our server was rude and wore an airpod while working which I thought was unacceptable, you’re not 16 years old bussing a table, you’re representing the company and brand. We just moved down the street and I am so beyond disappointed in our experience here. I will NEVER come back. My fiancées food had a pick in the middle of the burrito, not in it to keep it together, but like as a filling and he almost broke a tooth biting into it. Horrible service, horrible people, ok food. Don’t come here again.
Their carne asada torta is super, very clean and well organized. Nice bar also.
I was so excited to see this place expanded and has a beautiful full bar and large outdoor patio. The owner is very sweet. The food was delivered quickly and was delicious. I got the shrimp diablo plate.
Best dishes: Carne asada fries, surf & turf burrito, & california burrito* (best one in San Diego). A little overpriced but addicting lol.
Food was great however service was very poor. Stood in a line of 2 people with many tables open for 20 minutes.
This place is my go to taco shop. I havent had one thing I didnt like. If you dine in you get chips and salsa. Which they make their salsa from scratch.
The older lady with blonde hair is very strange. Ive been coming here almost every week to support local businesses but Ive noticed that she wont say hello to me even when in nice bit will say hello to others and go out there way to go e them their order. Also I would get 3 and 3 salsas for my food with no problem before but everytime she takes my order she now changed it to i can only have 2 per order which has neve been a problem. Honestly its fine theres other business who need more support. Pretty weird as Im very respectful to workers but I noticed this is a trend every week. Wanted to give it a try but I guess they just have attitude with people that they dont seem to be good customers lol Im. It tipping 5 dollars just because someone charged me my food and handed it to me lol. Why would I tip a cashier Im not sitting to get served hahah its just weird when they act nice to one customer then act weird with the other. I guess customers have to tip cashiers because they hand you food.
Excellent tasty well presented food at a good price. Thanks for the lovely wedding reception dinner 👍
Surf and Turf burrito was delicious. My daughter got the #8, 2 soft tacos with rice and beans. Tasted homemade. Definitely recommend this place.
Great food, good service and the tortas were 🔥!
Amazing food at a reasonable price point! Also very clean inside. Nice service.
Charged over $16 for a burrito priced at $12 on their most recent to-go menu. And another time, was charged over $20 for a single burrito because they thought I said extra shrimp, when I actually said the meat I wanted was just shrimp.Oh, and theres a messy handwritten sign taped in front of the register now that says a 4% markup is charged when paying with plastic. All this for a place that wont throw in tortilla chips when you order to go.¡Adios, muchachos!
First lunchtime trip and Im hooked. Chicken bacon chipotle burrito was delicious. I am stuffed just eating half of it. Cant wait to be hungry again to have the other half!
U cant go wrong with this place. They have a wide variety of food and drinks. Everything we ordered tasted amazing. I used to have to drive south to find this kind of taste. Great service! The only thing that was missing was the chile seco for my menudo, but thats the Mexican in me lol my new favorite spot
I cant believe that I had to pay $70.00 for 2 margaritas & food.
After sitting for 40 minutes no one had come to take our order, it took 20 minutes to get our drink order in, they seem to be more concerned with to go orders than dine in customers; do not dine in here unless you have the time to wait.
We order food from here about once a week. We love the carnitas, carne asada burritos, fish tacos. Minus 1 star because the portions and quality aren’t always consistent.
Everyone has their favorite neighborhood taco/burrito shop and this one is ours! We loved to see them persevere through COVID and are excited to see the updates they are making to the establishment. Weve never had a disappointing meal here and the service is always super friendly! Looking forward to watch this place grow and succeed.Our favorite is their street taco special! Great deal and good portion!
Staff was super friendly, was a busy day but food came out quick and hot ready to eat. Purchased the Californina Burrito for myself, food tasted great. Recommend you give this place a try.
Our server, Caesar, was friendly and helpful. Enjoyed my wet burrito. Kids meals were ample and enjoyed.
Ordered lunch today for me and my sister. Ate outside in the patio. When I left I realized that $22 was just way too much for a burrito. Will go in tomorrow and get that corrected. Otherwise very good.
Do yourself a favor and if youre looking for Mexican food, dont ever go anywhere else, but here. Leave it to these people to perfect food.
Fantastic burritos! We were only in Santee for 3 nights but they were that good (we ate there 2x for breakfast and 1x for dinner)! Will crave it until I can get down there again.
I ordered vegetable burrito, it was great. They have for different salsas and they were ok. When I visited the place, it was understaffed. The last at the counter used to serve as well. She did a great job though handling the orders. They are renovating the place. So, had to go around and find a makeshift restroom. The food is not so expensive. Would definitely visit this place again if we plan to go on a hike to mission trail regional Park.
Always delicious. The employees are always friendly and do great work. I am a returning patron. The outside patio is fabulous on a nice day and they have great hot sauces and serve bottles of cold beer. Its very clean. I enjoy coming here.
Lots of choices here! I had a chicken enchilada with green sauce and it was delicious. They also serve sopes, pozole, and albondigas. Everything is made fresh. The cashier was friendly. She said they recently got a liquor license so margaritas are on the way!
My friend and I visited the New Sports Bar here Sunday and the service with the Owner and Everyone was Excellent & entertaining👍 We will return and its an easy walking distance from home 🏡 Beautiful patio outside and special room for parties inside. Great drinks and menu items to pick from ‼️We were Very impressed 😁 I would highly recommend El Rancho to anyone & Thank You for the very personalized Excellent service ‼️😊 Well be back with More friends 👍
Delicious food and good service. Generous portions and served quickly. Nice variety of sauces for chips.
Margaritas were good, bistec ranchero was delicious as always. Kinda pricey though but will definitely go back.
Recently remodeled and it is beautiful! The Chile relleno was top notch and the margaritas were hand made, not from a mix. New favorite Mexican restaurant!
The food here was very savory. I ordered the chicken fajitas. The chicken was tender, the veggies were fresh, and the service was friendly. My flour tortilla was steaming when it arrived at my table. I also enjoyed the casual, yet family friendly atmosphere. I will be returning.
This was kind of hard to find as the signs and location dont jump out, but we ended up going three times in one week because they were so good. Everyone in our party of 4 said the same thing, GREAT FOOD. Camping at Santee Lakes there were closer Mexican Restaurants (Estrada) but they didnt offer outside dining or dog friendly but expecially turned us off with their signs saying they dont follow Covid guidelines. Worked out well for us though as El Ranchos food and service were outstanding.
One of the best California burritos in San Diego, IMO. I love all the food here. They recently remodeled and its much larger and they now have a full bar.
You will love El Rancho! Every time I come here the service is top notch! The food is delicious and the outside seating is really nice! This place has everything they also just opened a bar!
Went there twice for lunch while visiting the area. Excellent basic Mexican food. Good prices and friendly service (order at counter and pick up when called). Our grandsons wanted to go there every day.
This place is a gem and Im upset I havent stopped and eaten here sooner. I got a combo #1, Chile Rellano with rice and beans. The Chile rellano was full of cheese and covered in a delicious ranchero sauce. The rice and beans were very flavorful. Finally the salsas they provide are all delicious, especially the avocado based one (pro tip, mix it with the habanero salsa for extra heat).
Used to come here a few years back when I was in high school all the time. Me and my buddies would get tacos after school a few times a week. Decided to come back today for the first time in a while. Young lady upfront was super nice and friendly. Food came out hot and delicious. No complaints, will be back soon.
Excellent food. I had the shrimp burrito. My brother-in-law took us because it is one of his favorite places. Great family atmosphere. If we lived here in Santee, this would be a weekly stop for dinner.
They do not honor their pricing. yesterday I saw an item on their menu. I live 1/2 mile away, repeat customer. Today ordered 3 Sopes priced at $6.99. This price is online as well. they charged me $11.84. When i showed the menu to them they refused. Most likely the price is still there today. Shady. It is illegal not to honor your own price.
This place has always been amazing, great food, great service, at a great price. I moved to Kansas City 2 years ago, came back on vacation and the place was renovated with more space, a nice bar and the food is still amazing.
Just in town for the night and dropped in based on online reviews. The atmosphere is pretty minimal, but the food was outstanding. The whole family enjoyed their meals. I dont know if or when Ill make it this way again, but Im really glad we stumbled on the place. It was a very good surprise.
Was so not impressed with service or food all 5 of us were nauseated after eating there -my fish tacos were dry n burnt -no one smokes there super bummed was hoping for a new place to go too I did give my food back still was replaced with dry burnt fish tacos -the chips n salsa rock n the beans but definitely a no go back too place
Great aervice and gotta be the best Mexican restuarant in san diego, ived lived in Tijuana for a year and mexican food is different then what we get here. The taste and textured was the closest to actual mexican food. Also the price is much better then other Mexican restaurants, and ontop of that the atmosphere is way better, its its an actual restaurant atmosphere not like other Mexican restaurants that feel like a Mexican fast food.
They use to have the best burritos around. But I had to change my review because the last time I was there they had change their cooking method and the burritos were soggy and super drippy. The Taste was nowhere near what it used to be. We were very excited to go there but we left very disappointed. Will try one more time to see if anything has changed. Then I might change my review again.
This place is great! The food is authentic and very delicious. Service is amazing! And they provide fresh chips and salsa after you order. I will definitely be returning many times in the near future.
First time at El Rancho and ordered the sausage/egg breakfast burrito. Very impressed with the quality and taste. I also loved the avocado and the hot sauces. I will return to try out some other items.
We like it here. Their guacamole salsa is delicious. The food is good, not mind blowing, but consistently good. Its a great I dont want to cook dinner tonight and want something fast and simple kinda place.
EDIT: I updated my review because they really are worthy of 5 stars. Theyre the best in Santee and theyre more generous with their salsas these days! 🤣Original review:Im sorry but they are SUUUUPER stingy with hot sauce. Spend $30+ on take out and get 5 sad little containers of hot sauce even though I asked for 8. Meanwhile, eat in and they bring tubs of the stuff. Ask for a larger size hot sauce to go and they wanna charge 8 bucks!!! I wouldnt be so upset if their dang hot sauce wasnt so delicious! Cmon guys!!!
At the first bite of a Bean and Cheese Burrito from El Rancho, I could taste the love and dedication the staff puts into their food. The beans were fresh and flavorful, the tortilla was just the right thickness, and the red salsa was the best I’ve had. When I arrived, there was a line and several large parties eating in the restaurant. El Rancho is a must visit.
Ive been trying to find my go to Mexican food and this place is it. The staff are extremely friendly and are very nice. The food has some good spice too it (not fast food spicy meaning not spicy at all) and its a nice quiet area. Will be coming back at least monthly.
They seemed a little short staffed, but the server was really nice. The food was very good.
Food is great! Service can use some help but what restaurant these days does not need some extra hands.
I’m a repeat customer sometimes coming here twice a week. This was my favorite Mexican food place but I hate to say it the prices have gotten outrageous. The bean and cheese burrito doubled in price and when I asked them why they said it was because the cost of beef had went up. I said there’s no freaking beef in a bean and cheese burrito. 🤔 see ya later
Delicious! My favorite Mexican restaurant in all of East County! They have the craziest burritos ever, yet very very tasty! I try to order something different everytime Im here, but my favorite meal is, hands-down, the Carnitas Nachos! Seriously, Carnitas on anything, thats the way to go!
Probably the best burrito I’ve had in SD (got the El Jefe) but lost a star because picture of menu from 5 months ago said it was $12.99 but I was rung up for over $16
They have the best nachos around. And with 4 different hot sauces, they cannot be matched. It is a great hole in the wall joint, just dont tell anybody, or my secret place for the best Mexican food will get out!, 🤭
This restaurant is clean, and has a great vibe. We usually pick up to go but it is a great place to dine in. Beer, wine, TV, unique burritos, and delicious salsas. It is our new favorite in Santee and we have eaten at them all!
By far my favorite Mexican food spot. They have some really interesting special burritos. Their chips are homemade and the red salsa is on point
Theres nothing small plates about this place. I had an outstanding and humongous Surf and Turf burrito, and the guacamole sauce in little cups was really good. I also like the restaurant itself, they have Mexican wool blankets on the tables covered in clear vinyl. So cool.
Someone that we had brought for dinner in is very picky... Especially picky if it is salty and greasy Mexican food... Final vote: loved it. 💕💕💕💕A good nitch for Santee area.
Wonderful food! Old school flavers, from Cheese enchiladas, to tamales, to Combo selections to 4 types of delicious savory Salsas delivered to your table made fresh daily. Order at the counter and they will bring your meal to you. And its always a pleasure to tip them after you eat 😄 Enjoy a great view of the rolling hills in the background as you eat, adds to the experience. You wont be disappointed .This little place grabs your heart❤️. PS dont forget to take home some Pineapple tamales!
It was good Mexican food when I was younger and its even better now and now that theyre bigger with their natural patio it makes it really nice
Service is great burritos are amazing
Food is really good.The margaritas are excellent.
I want to love this place as much as most of the people in the reviews but as someone who has eaten here a number of times here are some takeaways - First, youll probably want to dine in because they are terrible at getting your order correct. The last phone order I placed every single item was incorrect in some way (pollo vs. carne, hard shell vs. soft shell tacos), one time I ordered five rolled tacos and got four, a burrito missing from the order, etc. Second, the food is actually really good but consistency is a problem. Ive gotten burritos that I could barely finish and the next time ordering it was about half the size. Lastly, the hot sauce...youre going to provide dine in customers with the serve yourself bottles but limit take out orders to a couple per item? Considering the cost being slightly above average thats just ridiculous. Not the best taco shop in Santee (Cazadores in my opinion) but its definitely good and I would advise dining in if you eat there.
Ordered the ok beef taco with guacamole there probably was only a small spoonful of guacamole in it and took 15 minutes to get the beef taco. Taco very chewy.They werent that busy.Second time.Met owner.What a lovely person.Will come again
This is not just another southern California taco shop where you can get average southern California mexi. This place is better. The food they serve up tastes better. For instance, you can get something called the Angus bacon chipotle burrito, which tastes so good I almost didnt put salsa on it.
The Google Machine is requesting that I tell you why I loved this place...So because the owner and proprietor of this establishment I know, I feel compelled to divulge the results of this evenings meal. After almost 4 years of frequenting this restaurant, I can tell you it is like a good scotch or wine. It gets better with age! I enjoyed the Bistek Ranchero plate as it has been awhile. It was the exact same as the first time. Served at the right temperature with the right ingredients and the right atmosphere! I have yet to try something that is not made with care and personality befitting the namesake! As always, this is still my favorite Mexican restaurant in San Diego!!! Try it, youll see why for yourself....
This is one of my staple food locations when Im out in the Santee area visiting family. The food is authentic Mexican style with delicious red chile Pozole and Menudo served on the weekends. The beans are really delicious and so are the hard shell beef tacos (some of the best Ive tasted) and you get chips served with 4 variations of salsa, from mild to really spicy (Habanero). The owner and wait staff are very friendly and the food is just great. Im sorry I dont have a picture of anything currently on my phone but Ill try to remember to come back and update this post with one. Happy eats here!
No pretentions, just good Mexican grub. Love their street taco special. The staff is friendly. My husband says that they make the best chili rellanos in San Diego!Update Nov 3, 2018: Theyve started making handmade corn & flour tortillas on the patio. Fresh off the grill. Yummmm!
Food is delicious and gets to you quickly. There are amazing seating options and I am excited to see the expansion they have going on!
Excellent, atmosphere. Food quality to match. Easy parking. Great spot, will be returning soon and regularly.
Excellent taco salad in a fried flour tortilla. Their taco was freshly prepared and the meat was great in it. I will be back
The food was horrible.The worst Mexican food I ever had.I asked for salsa verde (pork) and it was very salty and mashed consistency.
This is the only real Mexican place in the whole east county. Its consistently the best food ever time i try somthing new off their menu. Staff is amazing. Food is superb.Please do yourself a favor and try it.
Had the fish taco special and it was delicious. Friends had various burritos and all enjoyed them. Selection of sauces was also very good. Prices are a tad high.
Really good Mexican, not greasy. I didnt get to chat and find what region they are from, but the ceviche was different (but tasty). And the special burrito was amazing!
Lame! Just ordered egg bean cheese burrito from here. Got home no beans! So I payed $11.00 for eggs and cheese in a tortilla. Never again. They just lost a regular customer. aothemexicana
Great breakfast burrito. I prefer my bacon cooked a little longer but it will do. A little pricey but it is what it is. 4 burritos for $30. Going to go back for taco Tuesday to test out their street tacos.
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Stopped by on Cinco de Mayo. Delicious food and festive atmosphere.
This place is our new #1 Mexican food spot. Food is GREAT and the staff is even better! Mostly family that runs it, and they are always super friendly. We used to go to Cotijas up the street, which used to be good too, but Cotijas got to be hit or miss. El Rancho is ALWAYS a hit! If you haven’t tried them yet, youre missing out on the best little Mexican food spot in Santee!
Their chicken bacon chipotle burrito my favorites in Santee. They have unique and creative burrito options. Theyre all great.Very nice staff and good prices. Love the red hot sauce too.
I really enjoy their rolled tacos because they are always fresh and crispy. They also have a good variety of sauces to choose from. I just wish they put a little more guacamole on the rolled tacos.
I had crispy tacos with rice and beans, and it seemed like everything down to the salsa was made with a high standard of quality. Really tasty and outstanding food.
¡Muy rico! Wonderful indoor and patio eating or just something wonderful to take home! Walking distance from Mission Trails east entry!
Awesome local taco shop. Everything I have gotten I have thoroughly enjoyed. Priced well and the portion size is good.
An excellent place to get out of stress, good service, delicious dishes, wonderful facilities and not to mention its beautiful pool, they meet 100% of my standards for a good vacation tour
Tasty meal and kind staff. The homemade house margaritas were the shining part of our meal though, seriously delicious!
Good small neighborhood Mexican food place. Genuinely good tasting food that has lots of non-California taste (not Westernized to sell lots of food). They do have the Cali norms like a California burrito, but they have classics like the Machaca burrito, tamales, and Posole.
We had the carne asada fries there. We got them and it was mostly fries. A little cheese and ok amount of meat. The first time we had them they were better but this time not so. Just ok. Maybe try again. Rolled tacos good but theyre the same whenever you go.
One of the best habanero hot sauce Ive had. Add that to amazing food and this place is one of the best taco shops around
I ordered a shrimp cocktail and it was to spicy to eat. They should ask if you want it spicy or not, or give the salsa separate.
You need to update your photos. It has been remodeled n us beautiful with full bar. Food is great.
My favorite place to eat in Santee, come here a couple times a week. Service is great, family owned restaurant makes you feel like youre home! Try the guacamole salsa, muy bien!
Great food right off freeway and well I love to eat here with my oldest who lives nearby... When I asked him what Mexican food is good around you this is his go to. Delicious chips and salsa too and bomb horchata ... Probably spelled it wrong but still good !
This has been my go to restaurant since I moved here four years ago, definitely my favorite place for dinner
You will not find a better recipe for rice and refried beans!..the pineapple tamales are so good..great guacamole!!.. The owner has the most tried and true recipes around..the aroma of carne grilling is a symphony of smells..
I have gone to El Rancho multiple times now and I can say for certain that it is my favorite Mexican restaurant. The ambiance, atmosphere, and food is invigorating and absolutely amazing. I will be going back for more very soon
I ordered a shrimp cocktail and when I got it it was so spicy it was impossible to eat. They should ask their customers if they want it spicy or normal.
Soo good! I have had the Red Tide burrito which is basically a giant quesadilla wrapped around a california burrito. If you like it spicy have them add chipotle sauce! Also their avocado salsa is out of this worl. They have burritos that have rolled tacos or chiles rellenos! Their adobada fres are CRAZY! I totally recommend it people.
Meat wasnt flavored enough for me and had too many vegetables which made me feel like they are cheap with their meat. Decent size burrito and the salsa was good
Most excellent fresh food, great attention to decor, cleanliness and super nice staff. The combo I ordered was perfect, I recommend the potato tacos!!!
Loved it nice people, great food fun atmosphere. Full bar inside :)
This place has excellent Mexican food along with an outstanding salsa selection.They have burritos that are also outside of the standard carne asada/Cali burrito options that are really tasty as well.
Fish plates, 7-seas soup, carne asada, carnitas, are just some of my favorites here. Always tasty fresh food and always Real guacamole (without having to ask for the real stuff like some other places)!
Best Mexican food in Santee. The tortillas and the salsa stand out to me. My favorite burritos are the Al Pastor and Camarones a la Diabla.
Delicious authentic Mexican food!
My favorite taco shop. Prices are a bit higher than Id like, but you get what you pay for. Great place to pick up and go or dine in.
This is a great taco shop I go out of my way by 5 miles just to get here and passing a lot of other less impressive taco shops on the way Ive had several things on the menu and everything is great the avocado salsa is like crack I just cant stop eating it
Delicious food and very thoughtful staff. Really appreciate the spacious outdoor eating area.
The place is gotten really cheap I asked for extra sauce for my rolled tacos because they only give me two. I bought five rolled tacos. She tell me she only gives two. REALLY!
Food was good, nice patio area to sit. I had never been here before. I stopped to check out the patio lights.
Great carne asada. Mouth watering salsa. Worth it. Wished they gave us more than 2 small containers or salsa with our food.
One of the best Breakfast Burritos in San Diego (Potato, Bacon, Egg, Cheese). Great salsas, and free chips to snack on while you wait.
The cashier was very nice and the horchata is super delicious.
Pozole was pretty good, so was the chimichanga. Their salsa and agua frescos were amazing though.
You want real good Mexican food made with pride. Go here. One of the best machaca plates in town. Everything is good. They serve cervezas too!
Visited after a long walk in mission trails.Orderd shrimp tacos and a beer and sat out side. Food was amazing, plesent friedly staff .would defantly recomend .
Good place, stuff is very friendly. But i think food quality depends on chefs mood. One day its amazing, next day its just meeh
Excellent food, huge portions, friendly service and dog friendly. Husband had chicken chimichanga and wife had fish plate. Deliciouso!!
I got the California burrito and it had the perfect fry to meat ratio. We also got a bucket of beers, 5 bottle of Corona for $15.99.
Expensive for size of portions, but good had good flavor.
Great service and best of all the Mexican food does not have the taste that the chains of Mexican establishments have. Truly a mom and pop atmosphere.
The prices are fair, and dare I say the portions are are reflected in the price. The food is great, and place is pet friendly if you dont mind sitting outside
Good but not great, service is awesome, food was kinda average, I had a chicken burrito and a aside of guacamole, Ill give it another shot with different food..
3 star food, 5 star people. Great spot to grab lunch if youre bouldering at Santee or coming back from the park.
I ordered a soup from here a few days ago i got home and to my surprise it was very cold with some what warm spots i am definitely not coming back here ever again
Great food and nice patio setting. Their Cantina is finaly open.
Our family frequently goes to El Rancho, Ive never ordered anything here that I havent liked. Great food, and awesome service.
Really great find. Fresh, delicious Mexican food!
Great food in a casual environment with table served orders. The regular taco stand fare is excellent.
My family thinks the best Mexican hands down in Santee. They have beer and wine and free chips and salsa if you dine in.
Hidden gem! Under construction but their food is so good. Can’t wait for the bar expansion to be open.
Delicious food, reasonable prices, very nice staff and really cute building with a nice atmosphere.
Mediocre, cheap, friendly. Would call it Place to eat at if you are fed up with eating cheeseburgers and not feeling adventurous
Great little spot in santee love the staff and food
The owner always goes above and beyond to make us and our kids feel welcome and the food is always delicious. Love this place!
Ordered food 20 min ago and still waiting 😟Edit: Been another 5 min still no food. The regulars who came in after me just got their food tsk tskEnded up taking 40 min FYI. Wont be returning here
Great mexican food but make sure the order is right before you leave. At least for us there was a language problem but oh the food!!!!!!
The carne was delicious! burritos were huge and the price was cheap for what you get and the guy running it, was nice as can be .
Great food. Great service.Good Cheladas!!! I always get the specialty burritos...thy all good
Always woderful good and service do excited for the new expansion.I take EVERYONE I KNOW here and my out of town guests are guaranteed to be impressed.
Very good Mexican food! Wouldnt call it the best but we prefer it over any other Mexican food in the area
We have been going here for years now. Really good food and service
Food is always amazing, me and my girlfriend come here every Friday . Very nice people, excellent food.
Lots of great food for an excellent price. One of the best Mexican restraints in San Diego.
Sauce is really good, red is a lil weak. Decently priced always very good. Food size is dependent on whos working
The Best Burrito, The Best Price, The Best Hot Sauce in the whole California so far!!!! Lucky to have them next to home
Had an enjoyable time with friends. Service was great and the different entrees were top quality. Will definitely go back...
Casual yet very refined flavors! Their salsas are the best!!!!! Dont forget to check out their special of the day!
Potatoes tacos and guacamole salsa are the best weve ever had. The rest of the food is solid.
Total reviews rating 4.6
199 Reviews for El Rancho 2024:
Review №1
2023-07-21 15:11:12I wish I knew what food some of these reviewers are eating. We tried the rolled tacos and quesadilla. The rolled tacos were completely bland with very little beef. Mostly thick, dry fried tortilla with some mediocre toppings... lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole. Nothing of particular interest, the quesadilla was not very good either, I question if the cheese is actually cheese... couldnt quite tell. Regardless, this place is completely passable.The service wasnt terrible but definitely wasnt good. Hence 3 stars. The lady just didnt seem to want to be there.
Review №2
2023-12-05 01:29:23The food is absolutely amazing 🤩 I haven’t step foot in this location in years since the remodel .I ordered the California roll it was so delish it’s the way every California burrito should be put together definitely returning in the near future
Review №3
2023-11-17 23:18:54The prices were a little higher than I expected, but we really enjoyed the food, the service was great, and I love the bright colors. The only thing I would complain about is that they wouldnt tell us what time happy hour is. They said that theyre not promoting it because they are working out the details. We cant wait for them to work out the details!
Review №4
2023-10-01 02:15:33The food is great! The service seems to lack due to not having enough people staffed, which is understandable. However, communication amongst the staff would provide a better experience. There are many team members picking up each others slack. Weve dined 3 times in the last 3 weeks and continue to do so because the food it great. Service can use a little guidance. Cheers!!
Review №5
2023-07-06 02:44:44Ive always loved El Rancho...since the first owner. The new design and fancy sit in option is a perk! Great job on the renovation! Love me some California Roll Burrito. Lol
Review №6
2023-10-21 04:15:33After a long week of helping seniors with their Medicare, we felt like someplace new. El Rancho is a place we will visit again—good food, good service, reasonably priced.
Review №7
2022-06-23 03:55:29Best Mexican food in San Diego and Santee. Seriously great food, awesome atmosphere with friendly service and tasty margaritas. Nice to finally find a place to sit down with a good ambiance to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. Plus (unlike most places around San Diego) they serve free chips and fresh salsa while you wait for your food. Their new outdoor deck is awesome, too. Looking forward to when they finish their remodels and their new bar. Definitely worth checking out.
Review №8
2022-12-28 18:47:13Shrimp cocktails and burritos took my breath away kept coming around to experience their unique burrito menu havent been dissatisfied yet, they have a new bar great for lounging while sipping on a margarita, side of Grand Marnier and two fish tacos, watching sports.👑 A variety of homemade salsas keep the chips interesting 👌
Review №9
2022-12-21 08:21:54Delicious meal!The service was great and the food was delicious! We had the enchilada combo that came with beans and rice. The portion was hearty and the enchilada sauce was bursting with flavor.The avocado salsa was our favorite salsa provided.
Review №10
2022-12-05 03:59:49Good food, great service! Friendly hard working staff. Ive watched el rancho grow and am impressed with their new look. If your looking to dine in or just a quick pit stop, i highly recommend this cozy restaurant!