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El Ranchito Taco Shop
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
14149 Twin Peaks RdSte 10
(between Roberto Rio Rd & Espola Rd)
Poway, CA 92064
Neighborhood: Poway
(858) 679-1154
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
41 reviews for El Ranchito Taco Shop
Review Highlights
"I absolutely LOVE the beef flautas here."
(in 13 reviews)
"I've tried the fish tacos, carne asada, and carnitas."
(in 9 reviews)
"Service is fast and the salsa bar is great too."
(in 6 reviews)
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41 reviews in English
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Review from Candice A.
Poway, CA
Updated - 1/5/2012
UPDATE: I've been frequenting El Ranchito again since their food is back up to par!
Their tacos have lots of meat and lots of cheese and their Flautas are AMAZING. If there's anything you're going to order here, order the flautas. It's probably the best thing on the menu.
If you like Tijuana-style carne asada street tacos, order the carne asada soft tacos with a side of guacamole. They're the closest thing to what you'll find in TJ.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/13/2011
This used to be a 5 star Mexican Restaurant.
My family and I have been frequenting El Ranchito at… Read more »
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Review from Nancy W.
Philadelphia, PA
10/28/2011 1 photo
Was recently out in San Diego area and my friend raved about this place before taking me. My first burrito experience was here and I must say...it was awesome!!! We have Mexican places in Philly, but none of them can really compare to El Ranchito Taco Shop.
I got the carne asada burrito that had lettuce, tomatoes and guacamole. Also got flautas, which were fluffy compared to the regular taquito. And jamaica juice, which tasted like really sweet sorrel juice.
My next trip out to SD, I will have to make a stop here to grab burritos and flautas again! -
Review from Tam P.
Escondido, CA
8/29/2011
I've been eating here for at least 15 years now and there's a reason that I return. I love the flautas. I've never been able to find flautas anywhere else. I've introduced all of my friends to this place and every single person has said good things about it. The carnitas is really good. It can get a little bit salty sometimes, but I like salty. If you don't, then just make sure you've got a bit of guacamole on the side to balance. The carne asada is standard. It's a bit dry, but it's really hard to find carne asada that's juicy unless you get it from the butcher.
The hot sauce is probably the best I've ever had. It's almost like a salsa but it's definitely a hot sauce. The thing that bothers me most about hot sauce is that it's all hot and no flavor. This stuff has a lot of flavor and for those of you that are big into the spice, I regret to inform you that it is not the hottest sauce. There's also a chipotle salsa that's amazing and highly recommended. It's a recent addition to their salsas from what I remember (recent being a couple years). The agua frescas are the old style dispensers where it's always mixing, unlike the soda machine syrup dispensers.
The walls in this place have changed a lot over the years, but it has never been less friendly and accommodating. The place is quiet enough where you can talk with the person in front of you without raising your voice, the walls aren't decked out in a bunch of busy eyesores, and it's kept clean.
There's another location in the same city, which I find a bit amusing, and they're pretty much the same. Highly recommended and definitely a place to bring the family. Everything here is good. Even the burgers. -
Review from Alvin B.
San Diego, CA
1/8/2012
Best flautas in San Diego. I go out of my way to go here when I'm yearning for some. The TJ tacos and bunuelos are good too but it's all about the flautas. Perfect for after a hike too.
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Review from Mike C.
Poway, CA
2/6/2012
been going to el ranchito since i moved out here in late 90 something... had my first carne asada burrito in this very spot... popped that mexican (food) cherry in this very establishment... flautas have always been my favorite here, but have kinda went downhill in the last couple years -- cheese is never melted all the way and they are just not the same! hope they fix that, 'cause it's one of their main attractions that sets them apart from the 4,000 taco shops in a 5 mile radius -- no one else prepares their flautas like el ranchito... seems like they changed the carne asada up lately, but that is a good thing! it's more fresh and moist... used to be kinda dry -- i've never met a fan of dry anything! feel me!? not a fan of their hot sauce either... tastes more like an italian sauce with peppers in it... overall, this place is good... one of the better places around the way... girl at the register is pretty fly too... i'd like to take her out and treat her to a steak dinner... maybe a candelit steak dinner with a sweet dessert treat after the steak... but then it's like -- that could be way too much on a first date - if she rejects me, i gotta come in and be that guy that got denied and hear the workers speaking in spanish and laughing at me, but pretending like they're talking about something else - i wonder if she even likes mexican food anymore since she works around it all the time - i've never tried a machaca buritto, wonder what that tastes like - what is machaca anyway - who am i in a world... so many thoughts. anyway... goodbye.
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Review from Jimmy T.
San Diego, CA
5/6/2011 37 Check-ins Here
Great little spot to pick up breakfast or lunch on my way to work. I think they have the best tortillas in Poway. I usually get the Machaca (Shredded beef and eggs) and it usually never disappoints.
The horchata is pretty good as well.
Cons: The parking is easy to find, but getting back on the road can be ridiculous at certain times of the day (mornings 7-8, afternoons 2-3) cause of schools getting out. -
Review from Aimee M.
Escondido, CA
9/30/2011
I will always remember walking here in the 8th grade and ordering in Spanish and all of our cultural eating days in high school with profe. I love the flautas, carne asada (everything) and flying saucers.
I literally cannot eat hot sauce anywhere else, I love everything about this place and we always get it for family gatherings (20+ people) and we phone order it in and they always get everything right!! They are great! -
Review from Minh L.
1/13/2011
Besides Lolitas, I think this is the best Mexican food place north of I-8. Their guacamole is divine. They must whip it up or something cause it's got a light airiness to it, with all the creaminess you would expect.
That being said, I only get the California burrito or tacos. The carne asada burrito is steak, guac, and LETTUCE?! I like carnitas too, but I can only imagine it would be like the carne asada burrito. I guess you could ask for it without salad, but you'd probably be given a flat burrito.
Wash it down with a horchata, and you're good to go.
**** -
Review from Eric G.
Santee, CA
11/24/2010
Not great, not bad.
Ordered a quesadilla and some rolled tacos. The quesadilla was alright, not the best cheese in the world, felt kind of heavy on... (cheddar?) Not sure. Just not what I'm typically used to from most taco shops, reminded me a bit more of something my folks would have made in the microwave.
Rolled tacos were alright, they went NUTS on the sour cream. I kind of felt that I'd ordered some rolled tacos with my sour cream rather than the other way around. Next time I'm asking for no sour cream.
That said, the content of the rolled tacos was on par with my expectations. Filling, and a good size. The prices seemed fair, and the employee behind the counter was very friendly. The cooks make everything right in front of you, which is kind of cool too.
All in all, I'd be hard pressed to recommend it over another taco shop. I've yet to try their cali burrito, but they're very close to me so I'll probably be back.
As I said, not bad, not great. Just... Good. -
Review from Randy C.
1/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Now THAT is what I am talking about... The FLAUTA is killer. Machaca very good. The rolled tacos are real tacos.. not that those taquitos with almost zero filling. The creamy guac... oh yes.
Looks clean. Service was good and fast. The only negative is parking can suck dead bunnies up a straw at lunch time. But it was worth waiting for a parking space.
Going to try the other location on Stowe next time and just pray it is as good.Listed in: Hanging in Poway
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Review from Michelle Y.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2010
I was a little sick the day I came, so my senses were slightly handicapped to taste anything.
I ordered a pollo asado burrito and my friend ordered two soft tacos with carnitas and carne asada, and an order of menudo.
The burrito would've been better for me if it didn't have lettuce in it. I found it distracting from the warm soft flavors of the other ingredients, and not to mention the lettuce was a bit watery so I didn't enjoy it too much.
But the soft tacos were way better! If I go again, I'd order this instead. The combination of flavors was much more satisfying than the burrito. Not to mention if you love cilantro as much as I do, you'll find cilantro available at the salsa bar.
The menudo was interesting - never had it/heard of it before. Though, my taste senses were blocked I couldn't really taste much but the price was good for the quantity.
Lastly, you won't find salsa cups at the salsa bar because they want to deter take-out customers from mooching salsa (?) but just go up to the cashier or someone behind the counter, and they'll give you a few cups.Listed in: SUN DIEGO!!
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Review from April B.
11/8/2010
FLAUTAS!! FLAUTAS!! FLAUTAS!! FLAUTAS!!
Theeeee best chicken flautas I've had!
I also enjoy their carne asada burrito with sour creme, guac, & onions ONLY. Hmmmmm.... love this place! One of my top favorite mexican joints in SD.
Plus they take card! YEE.Listed in: Mexican Food!
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Review from Amanda N.
7/7/2010
Beloved taco shop...I absolutely LOVE the beef flautas here. I still have fond memories of ordering taco shop delivery to Profe Gil's class at Poway High & getting the 2 beef flautas combo. The beef tacos here are also VERY good (I got them in my order by accident once, but it was so good I didn't mind). I would skip on the breakfast burrito or CA burrito here (they use big fries, not shoestring), but you really can't go wrong w/ the flautas & tacos.
Prices are reasonable & you get your food fast. Not many people outside of Poway probably know about this place, but it is seriously one of the best Mexican food places in SD & I highly recommend making the trek out to North County if you haven't already.Listed in: Poway & RB, Legit San Diego Mexican Food
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Review from Benjamin W.
San Diego, CA
3/25/2010
Best Carnitas on the planet.
Crispy, salty, tender, but toothy, great guacamole, pretty damn good red salsa.
SImple. You go here for Carnitas. I don't care where you are in SD, this is worth a drive if you love carnitas. No joke. -
Review from Rayanna C.
Poway, CA
7/27/2011
It is good but overpriced.
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Review from Kaitie C.
Poway, CA
7/19/2011
Now this is what real californian Mexican food! Love the chips and guacamole. And bean and cheese burrito!
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Review from Christy V.
San Diego, CA
6/26/2007
My boss took us to lunch here last Friday, which was kind of a surprising choice, but still a pleasant change from the usual Chevy's or Islands. As we walked into the restaurant from the run-down parking lot, Francisco leaned over to me and said "Oh my god, what kind of food is this? I've never seen food like this before" because he thinks he's a wit (and okay, sometimes he is).
El Ranchito has an extensive menu, and pictures of all the combination plates taped up all around the register. We ordered and pushed a couple tables together to accommodate our group. The restaurant appears to have at one point been expanded from a little hole-in-the-wall into the space next door, so there's room for plenty green Formica tables and black metal chairs. They provide small plates instead of bowls for the pico de gallo, which is a little awkward, but it works.
Now I hear San Diegans speak with great authority and pomp about Authentic Mexican Food. While I can certainly eliminate the Taco Bells and Chevys of the world from the AMF title, and I know enough to gasp with horror "Why? Why did they ever dream of calling these 'Enchiladas' on the menu?!" at certain "Mexican" restaurants in South Carolina, overall I feel like a fraud proclaiming this or that restaurant serves Authentic Mexican Food. I mean, I grew up in a suburban neighborhood in San Jose--about 500 miles from Mexico. But then I haven't had much Mexican in SD that surpasses the food at Mexico Lindo in San Jose, you know? And I'd like to say that it's just because Mexico Lindo is the SHIT, but I'm not confident enough to establish myself as an authority.
So you know, my cheese enchilada and rolled tacos were good. The beans were that perfect balance of oily/cheesy/beany that I adore. But what does that mean? I guess I'll just say this: Francisco, of the "What food is this" snarky joke; Francisco from Guadalajara, started moaning "Oh my god, I am in heaven" as he ate his menudo. I'm going to go out on a limb and guess he didn't mean he had actually been slain by the food, but instead that the experience was rapturous. Ecstasy even. Not bad.Listed in: 5 Stars!
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Review from Erin L.
San Diego, CA
3/24/2009
Folded potacos in the RB area?!? There is a god.
These suckers are made with seasoned, chunks of potatoes, rather than mashed, but it is fun to switch things up, no?
They also have some delightful chicken flautas and a really nice staff. I'll be back!Listed in: Oh, Potaco. Te adoro.
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Review from Greg L.
Cardiff by the Sea, CA
2/9/2009
i ordered the 3 rolled tacos / flauta combo and Dios Mio this is a lot of food! Overall I think the food was good, but not great. It sat like a bomb in my stomach and nearly knocked me out. I think the cashier refried my Mountain Dew before she served it to me.
i'd go back, but next time would order things that weren't fried. it's a bit too heavy and oily for my taste. i have no doubt the other things are good though, because everyone else's meals looked delicious and there was consistent business. i think i just got the wrong thing this time around. -
Review from Mike D.
San Diego, CA
6/1/2011
Simply the best, #1 Mexican food in all of San Diego. Unreal how good it is. The pollo asada and the fajitas burrito are musts to try out. Great flautas and ground beef rolled tacos as well. Actually, everything on the menu is phenomenal. Only tip, MAKE SURE you ask for the chunky guacamole
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Review from Jessica L.
San Mateo, CA
7/13/2007
This was the only place near my High School to eat quickly at (2 stars by default). Once I had my pass that let me drive off campus El Ranchito was the only option.
Sad but true...
That said, nothing on the menu is good (no stars) EXCEPT this has the second best flautas I have ever had EVER!!! (1 more star)
ORDER THE FLAUTAS!!!Listed in: When in Doubt..., SAN DIEGO - but mostly Poway…
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Review from White R.
San Diego, CA
4/10/2011
Um, YUM. Awesome carne asada burrito. This is my second visit here and they are just as good as the first time. Not too expensive, get some great value for food, and YUM. Yummy. I'm still full on my burrito, and their hot sauce is awesome. I will definitely come back here!
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Review from Jonny G.
San Diego, CA
3/10/2008
Really good food, and great salsa bar. Prices are also pretty decent. Customer service is also good - they get your order right. The veggie options (I'm vegetarian) are not too bad. Their 'veggie' burrito actually uses no beans at all, opting for cooked potatoes as the filler (and it works pretty well!). The real tasty treat is their veggie tacos, which are also filled with potatos, but they deep-fry it. Not the healthiest option, but oh-so-good.
You can gorge on all sorts of salsa-related stuff (carrots, jalapenos, ciltantro, different levels/types of salsa, herbs, lemon, etc., etc.). For take-away orders, you can fill up a decent-sized Styrofoam cup with anything from the salsa bar for $1.
All in all, a good mexican eatery. -
Review from Antoinette P.
San Diego, CA
4/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Great Mexican food! I loved it because it was not only authentic but it was pretty good sized portions! The food is definitely worth the money here. I had the taquitos and enchilada combo and it was sooo good. The taquitos came with guacamole that had a light green shade to it but tasted oh so good! And the enchilada was great as well..as were the beans and rice. I found myself enjoying this meal more than others. Its in a good location in North Poway...near Twin Peaks Middle School and Poway High...and right next to the 67 if you're coming from or going to Ramona. I strongly recommend that you give this place a shot. It'll be worth it!
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Review from SubPrimeTime T.
Escondido, CA
Bright Orange Cheese, Crisp french fries, guac sauce, and some hot peppers for a kick...California Burrito, welcome back into my life.
I've been eating at Santana's almost exclusively with their "Healthier Mexican food". Ugh, Santana's is so boring compared to this. Yeah, there's some grease but this California burrito is one of the better ones you'll find. -
Review from Julie R.
San Diego, CA
I am surprised that it took me this long to write a review since I love this palce so much. I have been going to this particular shop since I went to Twin Peaks middle school and then I rememeber my favorite teacher in High school bribed us with mexican food. such a smart teacher. There is nothing too different about this taco shop. It is your typical taco shop without a drive thru. its always and I mean always packed and the food is always so good and fresh. I only have gotten the flautas in the past 5 years or so but they are always soooo good. They also have a location in Poway close to the dealerships. oh and there is always the fresh salsa bar which is actualy clean and full at all times. There is a sign about $! sign for all to go hot sauces but they have never charged me so maybe it is if you wanted to buy a big tub of that stuff??
try this place, guaranteed you will return! :) p.s. see that awsome picture that looks really good? flautas!! -
Review from Anne D.
San Diego, CA
8/28/2007
This is practically my favorite Mexican food place! I am a regular for sure.
I have a family of 11 and my entire family loves it- which is saying something because there are few places that every one of my siblings like to eat at.
Their bean and cheese burritos will rock you around the block, and the flautas are by far my favorite ever! I get beef flautas almost every time I go.
Overall, it's affordable with a decent menu of pretty authentic Mexican food.
The only recurring problems I have experienced are:
- Misunderstanding my order
- Other, more pushy customers have taken my order (hopefully honest mistakes, but the restaurant should have said something)
And even these only happen 1 out of 15-20 times you go.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Michelle C.
6/11/2010
Probably my favorite Taco shop! I highly recommend the flautas (both chicken and shredded beef) but I would probably eat anything from here. Word to the wise, they offer two types of guacamole. The chunky kind has cilantro, onions, and tomatoes. I believe the creamy is less, well, chunky and might have sour cream mixed in.
Oh, and I just inhaled a California Burrito from here. It was pretty much flawless. -
Review from David P.
San Diego, CA
2/13/2011
I've tried the fish tacos, carne asada, and carnitas. The only thing worth mentioning is the carnitas, although that was pretty middle of the road.
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Review from Ashley H.
Poway, CA
9/9/2011
I have lived in Poway my entire life, and I honestly can't remember going to any other taco shop growing up. This place has ALWAYS been amazing. Their beans are SUPERB! I remember my mom tried to bribe one of the cooks into giving her the recipe. Their salsa is out of this world...haven't found anything close to it. Basically, you go here for the FLAUTAS. Those of you who don't know what a flauta is... it's basically a really big SOFT rolled taco... kinda chimichange style, but so much better. Get 2 of those, with some guac and cheese, and a side of rice and beans, and TRUST ME...you're tummy will be very very happy! There's actually 3 locations in Poway now... this one, the one on poway rd by Stein Mart, and now there's one up in the Poway Business Park by Carls Jr. across from Home Depot. GO HERE GO HERE GO HERE! you won't regret it! Oh and i saw that someone said not to get their breakfast burritos?? OMG i LOVE their bkfst burritos! just ask for it without the potatoes, and to add beans, and POW! simply amazing.
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Review from Drew W.
San Diego, CA
1/28/2011
Really, really, realllyyyyyy good flautas and California burritos. This is probably my all around favorite Mexican joint.
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Review from Allison S.
Menifee, CA
4/16/2011
I would move back to Poway to eat at this place! There Mexican food is to die for
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Review from Darrell H.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2011
The food is generally great. They have both the creamy and original guacamole which is nice. There was a time they messed up my burrito order, but I called and they happily replaced it when I came in the next day. The only reason they get minus a star is they are slightly higher prices then the average taco shop, and their quantity of food they serve is also less (Carne Asada Fries in particular).
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Review from Jenn L.
Poway, CA
9/23/2010
So good. So cheap. A Poway Mexican food staple. I've been going here since I was in the womb. Greasy, cheap, and delicious mexican food! Plus, their been tostadas and potato tacos are perfect for a vegetarian meal / diet.
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Review from Christopher R.
San Diego, CA
1/17/2011
Best Flautas around anywhere, and i've looked everywhere. they have another location at poway & Community roads. been going here for 10 plus years and they have yet to disappoint
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Review from JESSICA J.
Poway, CA
10/3/2010
Great place awesome food but a little pricey
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Review from Adam M.
San Diego, CA
7/27/2010 1 Check-in Here
Some of the best mexican food in around. Carnitas is awesome, I have eaten her 1000 times and it is always great. Service is fast and the salsa bar is great too. The food here is just as good as any sit down restaurant but it's much cheaper. You will not be disappointed.
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Review from Caren B.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2008
Well since I already reviewed their other location on Poway Rd. (http://www.yelp.com/bi...), I figured I need to do the same for the Twin Peaks location. Both are the same great food. If you live in North Poway this place is great because it's the closest taco shop. It's supposed to be $1 for a cup to fill up at the salsa bar, but every time I've gone in there and pick up the order, the girls at the counter have always been really nice and given me little cups to fill with salsa to take with my to-go order. I think it should be free anyways to take salsa with you if you have an order to-go. I love their food, the people are nice and they take CREDIT. HA i mention that in all my reviews- I like NEVER have cash on me.
Listed in: Ole! SD Mexican food goodness!
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Review from Madeline D.
Poway, CA
5/1/2010
I love how I can order a breakfast burrito at any time of the day ! They have amazing horchata too !
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Review from C J.
Poway, CA
3/18/2011
Best taco shop EVER!!! Order the soft tacos. I usually order three or four carne asada and/or Al Pastor soft tacos. The Al Pastor soft tacos are just like Tijuana tacos, only loaded up with more food. Carne Asada Burritos are loaded with meat and other goodness. The rice and bean sides are perfect. They have a salsa bar that is loaded, and sometimes I feel guilty for how many items I take from there! Oh, and I'm talking about the one in Poway, I haven't been to any others.
