PIII
Worthy of its average 4.5 rating, although more of a 4 for me. The quality and portion size is very good, and the salsa bar is a definite plus, there just isn't enough to make the experience stand out over the many, many, many Mexican restaurants and taco shops in the area (and is nowhere near as good as Taco Shop 760's birria). If I was in the area and looking for lunch, I'd definitely go back. But it's not a destination spot I'd drive to just for lunch/dinner.
Jenni Asciolla
THE BEST!!! Absolutely my favorite place to eat every time I’m in Palm Springs. Cali Burrito, Carnitas Tacos/ the carrots/onion/jalapeños on the salsa bar are the best. ❤️
Tyler Anderson
Damn good food. 13 bucks for a burrito is a little pricey but it makes sense when you get it. It's a good amount of food (enough for me to take 1/3 home). There's plenty of sauces and the horchata is great. I really wished I got more before I left for home.
Michelle Blair
Foods always been great with nice portion sizes.
Love the choices at the salsa and condiment bar.
Great soda fountain and authentic drinks offered.
Only draw back is there isn't table service, but they do have a tip option when paying.
Can get busy. There's approximately 10 booths so eating in might be difficult during the busy times.
You can call in an order and pick it up to go. You'll have to go inside to the counter to get it.
It's a favorite stop when going to Sam's Club or Walmart. So many businesses in that complex to shop at!
Jeremy Cho
Fresh, tasty Mexican food at a good value with well flavored salsas & decent service is always a win for me.
ITEM'S ORDERED:
El Ranchito Special (beef enchilada, chicken taco & bean tostada)
Combo 5 (cheese enchilada, beef taquito & chicken taco)
TASTE:
All the food came out quite quickly & was very hot. Everything was decent while my favorites were the bean tostado & chicken taco. This is not some pretentious or higher end restaurant, just straight forward, simple, good food.
I found the beef to be a little bland compared to the better seasoned chicken and I'd opt for only chicken next time. I was pleasantly surprised on how much they filled everything up with meat & cheese. Honestly, compared to similar places I've been to I got maybe 2x the meat here.
The tortillas were a little more thick than I'm used to having which I enjoyed, especially in the tostada I had. Also, I like that the fried items did not seem overly greasy which is quite common.
The sides of rice & beans in Combo 5 was perfectly decent. Not the best I've had, but still good. Maybe could used a little more seasoning, but that's where the salsas comes in. For me, it's many times the salsas which take Mexican food to that next level. Although I would have liked more heat overall, all the salsas had a good flavor & made the food just that much better. Some of the cream sauce they had with the salsas atop my tostada was my favorite bite.
As I mentioned, portions are good here. Literally, if you are not that hungry, you could probably spit a combo among 2 people & just add an extra taco or something.
SERVICE:
This is more of a fast casual restaurant. Similar to Rubio's but with a more homely vibe. The cashier was friendly when I ordered & I was actually surprised on how quickly my order was called up considering how busy it was on a Saturday night on Labor day weekend. There's maybe 12 booths in this place & they were pretty much all taken the whole time I was dining there.
LOCATION & PARKING:
They are located in Desert Gateway, off Monterey Ave, somewhat ironically in between a Del Taco & El Pollo Loco. Parking is abundant & not an issue here.
Being that we're in SoCal these type of Mexican spots are a dime a dozen but the value, & freshness make this one of the better ones I've been to. I want another tostado with extra salsa!
Cheers!
Monnick Antilla
Yummy tacos and beans served here! The self serve salsa bar and chips are also delicious! Very reasonable prices, and sometimes you’ll have to wait for a table.
Scotty Brown
One of my favorite Mexican places in the Coachella Valley. Good service good food good prices large portions. What more could you want? A great salsa bar with jalapeños and carrots
Sarah Northrup
Great service and delicious food. The #4 2 tacos handmade soft corn tortillas (carne asada or pollo asado) were perfect and a great option for gluten free folks. Highly recommend!
Akhil B
Best place to eat authentic Mexican food! We got the combos. It was really quick service and they've a self serve bar for all kinds of salsa and sides. Quantities were not huge but big enough. Food tasted amazing a little bland but with the salsa and sides it could get pretty hot.
Lili Mars
We were here to meet up a friend that recommended this place and I am glad he did! We got the combo plate, the enchilada was humongous!! Everything was tasty and the portions are big!! Must have if you’re in the Palm Desert area!
Michael Wicherski
I was introduced to this place by a family member who brought it over when they were coming to visit. I opted to try the asada fajita burrito. If you like fajitas, this is the s!*t. The peppers, onions, and greasy meat. It's like they slide the entire fajita cast iron contents into a fresh tortilla and rolled it. Ever since that time it was tempting me to get it again, and I finally did tonight. It's just as amazing as I remembered it so that's high praise in and of itself when something lives up to a hyped up memory haha. Food comes out quick too for fresh, made to order, food.
Mini Hsu
A Mexican cafe you have to try. Authentic little CaliMex place with a Latin flare. The smiling staff offers great service. Self serve condiments station has various selections from mild to spicy hot. The restaurant is clean including the restrooms. Food portions are medium large that can easily satisfy a large appetite. Great Mexican cuisine for less than $ and for a few dollars more you can help yourself to the never ending soda fountain.
Eugenio Sanchez
Shredded Beef Tacos is what I recommend! Food is made quick. Sometimes, there are no seats, but if you wait a little, a table becomes available.
Ken Privett
Nice casual Mexican restaurant with the typical menu of Mexican food - tacos, burritos, otras, combo plates. Fast friendly, helpful staff. Good place for a quick bite.
LAWRENCE T
This place is a gem. Everything we orders was awesome, the food is superb, the service is nice and quick. Horchata is delicious. They have a few good specials. The meat is so tender and flavorful. I am definitely coming back to El Ranchito to try more items on their menu. I highly recommend this spot. They have breakfast items too on the menu.
Shireen McCleary
Delicious food! I love the shredded beef tacos that come in a fried hard shell. The street tacos with carnitas are super filling and to die for. Six tacos, an enchilada, and a horchata and all of the sauces we could manage came to under $30. Will definitely be coming back!
Tracy Martinez
Good food, great prices. Salsa bar. They sell beer.
Andraus G
Excellent food and great customer service. Great value for the price.
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