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Ranas Mexico City Cuisine
Category: Restaurants Mexican Mexican [Edit]
9683 Campo RdSte A
(at Conrad Dr)
Spring Valley, CA 91977
Neighborhood: Spring Valley
(619) 589-1792
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11 am - 9 pm
Sat 8 am - 9 pm
Sun 8 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- No
146 reviews for Ranas Mexico City Cuisine
Review Highlights
"The carne asada is quite possibly the best I've ever had."
(in 32 reviews)
"oscar told me to try the peanut butter chicken."
(in 9 reviews)
"i love the sopes and the cochinita pibil."
(in 12 reviews)
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146 reviews in English
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Review from Isaac Z.
San Diego, CA
Please do not make the mistake of judging Ranas ("Frogs" in Spanish) by their Spring Valley address. Athough it's true that Spring Valley is a foodie "no-mans-land", with crappy food everywhere...visiting Ranas is the exception. They offer consistently great service and outstanding food. We have been eating here for years now, and they have NEVER let us down. Even after close to 40 visits. And we are picky.
The staff here is multilingual, as they speak English, Spanish, and Chilango. They are very proud to hail from Mexico City. This is where they draw their culinary inspiration and their accents from. Since Mexico City is the historical birthplace of Aztec culture, the dishes and ingredients created here are linked to food that has been around for a very long time. This can be seen in the corn masa, the molé, the chile poblanos, and especially the huitlacoche.
People from Mexico City (Chilangos/as) have earned a reputation throughout Mexico, and elsewhere, for taking crap from no one (kinda like New Yorkers). They will fist fight over a futbol game at the drop of a dime.
That said...you are always greeted warmly and made to feel very welcome as soon as you step inside of Ranas.
My recommendations are as follows...
1. Sopes de Huitlacoche. What is a sope? They start with fresh corn masa, and fry it into a crunchy, chewy hockey puck sized foundation for the toppings. A sope is like a really fancy hand shaped corn tortilla, but better.
What is Huitlacoche? It is known as the "Mexican Truffle" for all you fancy French types. It is a dark corn fungus that would invade destroy corn crops in ancient times. Since it destroyed corn crops, Huitlacoche was never very desirable to have around. Until the Aztecs learned how to cook it.
Huitlacoche is smoky, intense, and earthy like a morel. But not exactly mushroom flavored. It is sauteed and served on top of the sopes here, with shredded lettuce, a squiggle of Mexican crema, and a sprinkle of Cotija cheese. I ate almost four today.
2. Huarache Azteca. What is a Huarache? It is a sandal. This dish is named this since the fresh corn masa base is shaped into an oval that resembles a sandal. The Azteca Huarache is topped with homemade beans, potatoes, lettuce, crema, and cotija cheese as well. Then it is finished with either green salsa(mild heat) or red salsa(hot heat). Order half red, half green. Jesus, these are filling and so good.
3. Ensalada de Nopales. This is a salad made of shredded cactus, tomato, onion, cilantro, Queso fresco, sour cream, and guacamole. It is very light and is a good way to start your meal.
4. Anything the servers recommend, just ask.
Just visit them once, and you will be converted. Go now! -
Review from Jack M.
Rancho San Diego, CA
12/28/2011 8 photos
When I place rocks, it ROCKS! Ranas has a unique thing going on here. I mean, today I got to order shredded pork rolled tacos. Shredded pork I tell yah! Not your ordinary beef or chicken. Anywhoo, I order the 4 rolls combo with rice and beans for $5.99, one of the specials of the day, and man was it good.
The pork rolled tacos were generously filled with pork and were very tasty. The pork stayed nice and juicy. The guac and cheese were perfect which were nicely buried under a pile of shredded lettuce. One thing I loved about the combo, in addition to the rolled tacos, was the re fried beans. The beans had that great re fried flavor and were topped with salty Cotija cheese. I love that cheese! The rice was not your ordinary orange Mexican rice, but it was white, fluffy, and flavored with a nice broth when prepared.
Over all this is an outstanding place to get Mexican food with roots from Mexico City. This place easily tops all the other Mexican food places in the area. So, if you do not live in the Spring Valley area and have been wanting some unique Mexican food, take a drive up or down, from where ever you are coming from, and check this place out.Listed in: Great Fast Quality Mexican…
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Review from Scott T.
San Diego, CA
10/29/2011
We went to Ranas last night after researching heavily here on yelp, on Chowhound, and all over the internet for a great Mexican sit-down restaurant and the words "Awesome" and "Amazing" easily pop into my head after eating there. Thank you fellow Yelpsters!
We walked in on a Friday night and it was moderately busy, but we easily got a table. I was a little hesitant at first - it looks a little more fast-foodish than a sit-down Mexican restaurant befitting the food they serve there. Don't let that fool you!
First, The service was awesome!!! You could tell right away that he was proud of the restaurant and food there - and you felt like you had known the guy for years already! He asked if we'd ever been there before...and 3 of us said no - and 1 yes (it turns out the gf unit realized she had actually been there before with a friend and she said we were in for a treat - and raved about how amazing it is...). He said ok, let me walk you through the menu, explain some things, and then I am going to bring you samples of some of the signature dishes to help you decide. I'm really glad they did that - the various dishes had such a wide variety of flavors - something for every palate - that's for sure! Some flavor combos that were extremely unique and yet so appealing! I asked him what the most popular thing on the menu is and he unhesitatingly replied "The first thing listed - the Ranas Huaraches." I ordered one of those for the table to share. It's a cactus and carne asada dish on a flatbread tortilla with some lettuce and real Mexican cheese...it arrived and they had already thoughtfully cut it into 4 pieces for us. It was excellent!
For my main entree, I had the Chicken Chipotle - it was so tasty that my mouth is watering just thinking about it this morning. The gf unit had the shrimp chipotle and I tasted that and it was just as delectable as my chicken, if not better. To round out the table our friend had the Cactus Alambre (I guess you could say the Mexico City style fajitas - veggie style) and our other friend got the 2 fish tacos. Oh and the tortillas were really yummy as well. They offered dessert - but we were so full and satisfied we couldn't go there, though the gf got a flan to go, and hasn't tasted it yet...but it looked incredibly delicious! Everyone was beyond happy with the food - I was the hero for the night for having done my homework and found this place. I can't wait to go back and try more dishes - our friends coincidentally live right down the street so I think we'll be visiting them more often in the future! Seriously, don't let the ghetto strip mall or the extremely casual atmosphere fool you. Thank you for an evening of culinary delights, Ranas!
On a side note, on a table by the door, they had a cake box for sale with Pan de Muertos in it...which is translated "bread of the dead." (Fun fact for the day: It's a type of bread traditionally baked in Mexico during the weeks leading up to the Día de los Muertos, which is celebrated on November 1 and 2. It is a sweetened soft bread shaped like a bun, often decorated with bone-like pieces. Pan de muertos is eaten on Día de los Muertos, at the gravesite or altar of the deceased. In some regions it is eaten for months before the official celebration of Dia de los Muertos.) For some reason it made me keep replaying Eddie Izzard's Spanish Inquisition bit over and over in my head..."Cake or Death?" hehehe Alrighty.... -
Review from Impala S.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 1/23/2012 2 Check-ins Here
One of the most authentic, flavor, really good Mexican food in San Diego county. We come all the way from lakeside just for the great food.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/27/2010
Ladies and Gentlemen, trust u me! this place is legit. I like to eat, and I like to eat good food.… Read more »
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Review from Cassie H.
Spring Valley, CA
12/7/2011
We tried a craigslist caterer for a baby shower, and they didn't show up. We called ranas and they quickly made four large containers of the alhambras, beans, rice and tortillas for a fraction of the price we were willing to pay for our original craigslist caterers. They saved our butts, time and money!
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Review from Amy L.
6/20/2011
I've always wanted to visit Mexico City! Being so close to TJ, sucks how TJ gives Mexico such a bad rep. Anyways, LOVE the cactus they serve there. I mean, it looks green and soggy and kinda odd, but boy is it delicious! It's like a non-spicy, pickled jalepeno. It's crunchy and so freakin' delicious. I suggest you order something with the cactus because how many mexican places serves cactus?
Their salsas and sauces are so good, I slathered all that goodness on my burrito, no shame.
If you feeling for a burrito: order Rana's burritos and here's why: 1) There's cactus in it 2) the meat is seasoned well 3) they use REAL mexican cheese, not that american cheddar crap 4) guacamole! (SOLD)
Chicken Enchilada (green sauce): Their green sauce is so tasty and they give you a hefty portion, with sides of rice and beans.
Fish Tacos are solid.
They also have this platter thing that had everything: cactus, shrimp, chicken, beans, etc. Where you get to make your own tacos.
I think what I enjoyed the most about this place is their service. They are super speedy and friendly. They know their food is delicious and they have no problem pointing out their favorite entrees. More chips? more salsa? SURE. -
Review from James D.
Lemon Grove, CA
6/17/2011
I never had Mexico City "cuisine" before trying this place. So after eating here, its kind of like comparing Coops and Phils and saying who has the best BBQ. Its pointless, two different styles and good in their own right.
This is how I feel about Ranas. Its not Baja style Mex or Tex Mex that you can get at any corner or chain restaurant, its totally different. There are influences in the dishes that seems more asian inspired than anything.
For example I tried the Pollo en Cachuate which tasted really similar to a peanut sauce you would find in a Thai restaurant but with a slightly different character. Amazing. Never had chicken prepared this way before.
Also had their Caldo Tlalpeno soup which is out of this world. But be careful, this bowl is massive and is easily a meal.
As far as prices, I think they are fair for what you get. Lets face it, if you dictate the value of your meal based on portion size alone then, go to an all you can eat buffet. For quality, expect to pay a little more for it.
When you come here its very quaint and in a nice quiet part of town in the corner of a strip mall. Its not quite a small taco shop, but more of a decent sized family restaurant. Its very clean and well kept.
If you want to open your taste buds to Mexican food prepared differently than the status quo here in SD, go to Rana's, you wont be disappointed. Definitely one of my 'go to's' now. -
Review from Allyson D.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2011
My boyfriend and I were craving enchiladas, but did not feel like eating at a "On the Border" or "El Torito" for dinner. We actually researched ENCHILADAS on Yelp and this place came up!
First of all, their menu is GIGANTE. Enchiladas sounded good at the time, but there was all this new Mexico City cuisine we've never heard of or tried. It was hard to choose what to eat. My boyfriend ended up ordering chicken enchiladas (their green sauce is so tasty!) and I ordered their Milanesa (fried skirt steak). The corn tortillas paired very nicely with the Milanesa and I would definitely order it again.
There are two reasons why I don't give it a 5-star rating:
1) They don't serve free chips and salsa
2) I wanted more rice :)
Overall, we thought the prices were decent for a Mom and Pop place. With two entrees, two horchatas, plus the free dessert (for mentioning Yelp!), it was under $30.
We're going to visit this place again! -
Review from Martin O.
Alhambra, CA
6/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG the Food and Service was Off the Wall! My GF and I had a great time there talking to the owner. We drove 20 mins from our trip from SD to here and it was 100% Worth the trip! We both left so happy and full (VERY FULL)
Awesome Tacos and the Tortas are to die for!
If you guys are in SD don't forget to check these guys out.
Even tho if its off to the side. This places knows how to treat there customers and cook there food. I can't wait to go back to SD and try this place again!
I was one happy fatty :D -
Review from Meta N.
Spring Valley, CA
11/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
YUM! For a small place in a strip mall this place has class. Very clean, nice atmosphere. All the staff are extremely friendly and attentive. I echo that the service is very speedy, but not at the expense of the product: the food which had a beautiful presentation but it also tasted even BETTER than it looked! Good sized portions, but not ridiculously huge. This was my first time here and I will definitely be back! Check them out! You'll be glad you did.
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Review from Danielle W.
Lemon Grove, CA
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Hubby and I stopped in to meet a friend for a late breakfast. I asked for a water and our friend immediately said "get the coffee". It was a bit late in the morning for that so I declined. Man do I regret that decision! I kept tasting hubby's coffee and it was amazing!! The spices in it made it so flavorful that drinking it other than black would ruin the taste. From there I had the chorizo con huevos. So good, not greasy and spiced nicely. It was a good size portion and I manged to eat it all. Then I continued to eat the chips and fresh salsa. I was beyond full, but couldn't stop eating. The food was amazing, the owner Oscar was very informative on the food, the beautiful artwork on the walls, and what I should order the next time I come in. Which I will because I'm dying to try something with cactus in it.
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Review from Cindy P.
La Mesa, CA
5/13/2011
We are regular customers and we are smitten with this place. In fact, when we visited Salamanca, Spain we purchased a little ceramic frog for their collection of frogs. (Ranas means frog in Spanish.) I think we have now eaten everything on the menu. It was all good. Recently, they started opening for breakfast. Again, everything we've tried here is very good. I love Oscar and Dulce. They are both great friendly people. Their children, who are often helping out, are also wonderful and got the friendly gene from mom and dad.
Try the guisados, the Mexican stews. You don't find these in many Mexican restaurants. The moles (not an animal) are very flavorful and Dulce once stood at my table for a couple of minutes listing the ingredients when I asked her for them. I have recommended this place to many people. Not one has been disappointed.
I make lots of Mexican food at home. I am somewhat of a "foodie." I am uber picky! My mom was a great Mexican cook as was her grandmother. When I have had enough of my cooking, I'll take a welcomed break and .have my husband take me to Ranas. It is that good
BTW The rice is NOT bland. It is not your Mexican standard reddish rice but rather a more subtle and perfectly seasoned white rice. My mom made it exactly that way. -
Review from Ernest B.
El Cajon, CA
10/16/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't want to disappoint some of my fellow yelpers here but this place is good, but not the best mexican food in town. I ordered the Milanesa plate which is very good but just a bit over priced. My wife had the carne asada plate that was just ok. My problem here is the set up and the prices. Not big enough to be a restaurant and warrant two waiters. My bill came to almost $38 bucks not including the tip. No appetizers on their menu? Just too pricey for the portions. Will not return and will stick with my cheaper more tastier mexican restaurant.
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Review from Maricela H.
Chula Vista, CA
3/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
Spicy goodness! I have been here twice and have not been let down with either of my meals. The only warning I have is some of the plates are super spicy.
A problem for me not so much but my friend couldn't eat his meal the first time. He thought the enchiladas would be like something he had before. Not so much they were super good but spicy as well. I ended up getting the cochinito pibil which was bomb and traded so he could eat.... light weight hmmph.
The second time I went I ordered the chilaquiles with a michelada on the side. My only issue was that the michelada tasted like it had bottle o lemon juice versus real lemon juice. Besides that I was stoked. My friend got the suggestion I made (something not spicy) and ordered the sopes.
I will be returning as the food and service I have received were damn good. Thank you Ranas! -
Review from Bianca R.
Los Angeles, CA
11/3/2011 5 Check-ins Here
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place!!! Best micheladas, friendly staff, and my favorite dish: Huarache de Milanesa!!! Mmmmmmm :) So dang good.
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Review from Tawny S.
Spring Valley, CA
11/12/2011
Exceptional service and delicious food!!! Wow!! We are fans!
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Review from Wade D.
La Mesa, CA
10/1/2011
We've been going here for years, and love it. This morning we went for breakfast and found they had a new breakfast menu. I've always had the chorizo con huevos for breakfast, since it is the best chorizo and eggs I've ever had (not as greasy as most places). I tried the chorizo wrapped in crepes and it was excellent. My other favorite dish there has always been the peanut butter chicken plate or burrito. My wife, being a vegetarian, has never had their peanut butter sauce before, but now there is a breakfast choice of chilaquiles with their peanut butter sauce, so she tried it and loved it. Also, their coffee is the best. It has some mexican spice in it that really makes it more than just a regular cup of coffee. I strongly recommend this place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The owner is great and treats us like returning family whenever we go.
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Review from Scott K.
Minneapolis, MN
7/16/2011
This is, hands down, the best Mexican restaurants I have ever eaten in. Sure it is in a strip mall, but aside from that.....
The service was prompt, friendly and informational.
The food was perfection.
I don't make it to San Diego often, but whenever I do in the future I will be eating here. -
Review from russ h.
El Cajon, CA
Updated - 6/2/2011
Yet again the Las Ranas team hit it out of the park. Lunch with my dad and he had the peanut butter chicken, which didn't sound real appealing to me, but was excellent. A very nice spicy zing and great, unique flavors. A for sure order again meal.
I had the fresh fish in the onion/poblano sauce and it was off the hook! They also had corn in the mix. The fish was sweet and succulent and the veggies were nothing less than superb. I will no doubt order this one again.
But still, there's more to explore on their menu. These folks never cease to amaze.2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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4/26/2011
So I've been back twice (so many places to try out there just can't get back enough) and each time… Read more »
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Review from Paulette G.
San Diego, CA
12/19/2011
Wonderful food and warm and loving atmosphere. Oscar, Dulce and the kids make this a great place to eat and spend time.
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Review from Kristi M.
San Diego, CA
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came across this lil place on accident one day after I moved to Spring Valley...so glad I did! 100% authentic mexican cuisine and it is DELISH!!
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Review from Lori M.
Lakeside, CA
12/26/2010 1 Check-in Here
This place has alot of unique dishes that i would like to try. But for now all I have tried is the Posole just because its been so cold and rainy in SD, and i need it to warm up my belly. It is definetly a great bowl of soup and they give you all the fixins with it like tortillas and a separate bowl of little goodies to go in the soup....really good stuff!!
I also tried a special drink called a Michelada, I think thats what he called it...its a beer of your choice with something added to it to make it kinda salty and spicy...very refreshing with my soup :) Goin back for more !!
5 stars for great service and great Posole!! -
Review from Deb B.
Ocean Beach, CA
3/10/2011
I first discovered this place on http://Yelp.com while looking for a new spot for my family and I to meet for dinner. This place had outstanding reviews for "authentic Mexican City cuisine." Like almost every SoCalinan, I am obsessed with finding delicious Mexican food and Ranas has it.
It is tucked back in a shopping center next to Fresh and Easy in the unlikeliest of places, Spring Valley. From the outside it just looks like your run of the mill Mexican joint, which probably makes the experience all that more surprisingly great.
The service far surpasses what you'd regular expect from a "taco shop" like setting and if it's your first time visiting they bring out a little assortment of their sauces to sample. My favorite thing to order is their Ranas Huarache. Huarache??? It's a popular Mexican dish consisting of an oblong, fried masa base, with a variety of toppings. The name "Huarache" is derived from the shape of the masa, similar to the popular sandals of the same name (Wikipedia).
Huaraches and everything else we've tried on the menu has been consistently yummy. Always when I've had my fill and stuffed myself into a food coma, I still have leftovers to enjoy for later. The only bad thing that i've found about Ranas is that it is so far from my house, but it is definitely worth the trip. -
Review from melanie l.
Lemon Grove, CA
7/2/2011
10/30/11
Just went there about a week and a half ago with my mother who is from Mexico City for lunch. She had the bisteak platter and I had the shredded beef huarache half green half red sauce. I hadn't had breaded steak in such a long time and hers was delicious. My huarache was huge, and though I kept saying, "just one more little bite" I ate almost the whole thing. Comfort food. Two Mexican cokes and we were set. I do wish the MexiCokes weren't so expensive, but oh well. You will leave very satisfied and feeling good. None of that gross greasy uhgy feeling you get with taco shops.
If you want rolled tacos or a chimichanga this is Not the place for you.
You know when you've had a good meal and you feel so content and happy? Eat here for that feeling.
My family at there last night. The kids stuck to the kid stuff, bean and cheese burritos and mixed burritos. No nuggets here buddy. I had the Camarones de Chipotle. I never eat mushrooms but I forgot to tell them to delete the shrooms. It comes with an amazing amount of shrimp, onions and mushrooms cooked to perfection with an amazing sauce. The rice was the perfect with it and the beans were real. Not only did I try the mushrooms, I enjoyed them greatly! Yummm.
The hubby had the Pollo de Cac-Chicken with Peanut Sauce. No Jiff here baby- just real really good. I overheard that they roast the peanuts themselves. You really can't explain it until you try it. It was spiced perfectly, but of course my husband added home made hot sauce. We had the cheese flan and that was nice too.
My only nose twitch was that they didn't replenish the chip basket nor take it away when the meal was served.
Overall, still a 5, great meal. We'll be back,for a really good and appropriately priced meal.
ps. thank god they didn't have a tv!! -
Review from Robert D.
Portland, OR
12/12/2010 1 Check-in Here
Amazing! That's all I can say! Great food! Great service! I love this place! I recently moved to Portland, Oregon. There's NO good Mexican food up here. When I went down to San Diego to visit my sister for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, I had to go back to Rana's. It was everything I remembered. My brother is law is such a regular there, that he's friends with the owner and his family now.
Everything I've ever had here has been good. If you're unsure about what you want, they'll gladly give you free samples of all the sauces. There's one that has peanut butter in it. It sounds weird, but it's incredible. The carne asada is quite possibly the best I've ever had.
So if you get the chance to go here......GO! -
Review from Ramy D.
El Cajon, CA
7/30/2011
Had a meal there with my wife for lunch. It was fresh and tasty great customer service. The prices are decent and not too expensive. They serve beer too which is nice with Mexican food. Would go back again.
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Review from Anne M.
San Diego, CA
This place is really good! If you're looking for Mexican food but not the fast food places that serve the usual carne asada fries, try their unique dishes served with cactus.
Small restaurant with great food and service. -
Review from cabie b.
San Diego, CA
6/7/2010
Really good...just like everyone says.
BUT....they don't clean & devein the shrimp...kind of expected when you pay someone else to prepare them for you......I ate them, but I won't order them from the menu again. -
Review from Patrick L.
San Diego, CA
9/14/2010
Wow. This place is good. 7 people. 8 dishes. All were excellent. From mild milanesa and pollo asada to fiery entomatado each meal was very tasty. Had a little sample of the pibil and that may have been my favorite of the bunch. Look. If you're looking for california burritos and carne asada nachos this probably isn't where you should go.
But, if you want to try some unique dishes (well, I guess they're standard in Mexico but unique here) then check out Rana.
The entomatado was very hot. Not so hot you can't eat it, but hot enough where you wonder how the hell you can! I can't eat shrimp but my sis said the shrimp poblano was the best mexican meal she ever had. And generally she's very picky - often she sends her plates back to get redone. The pollo cacahuate was also very nice (though the chicken was a bit dry the sauce was fantastic). The Pollo Asado and Milanesa are basic meals done very well.
Also, the place reasonably priced and the service is good. Little family run shop. Plates generally under $10 a pop.
I was totally bummed that they didn't have pulque. I've heard lots about it (mostly from books) but never seen it on a menu before. Hopefully they can get that back in stock soon.
Bottomeline this is my new favorite mexican restaurant - though I'm still going to Margos when I'm dying for some nachos, baby. -
Review from Isabel F.
Torrance, CA
3/26/2010 2 photos
I came to rana's expecting great Mexican food and it didn't disappoint, honestly I left wishing I had a bigger stomach.
From the outside, this place looks mediocre at best, very little decor not counting the frogs sitting on the flat screen. But what they lack in ambiance is offset by the amazing food that comes out of that tiny kitchen.
As soon as my bf and I walked in, the owner greeted us. We sat in a booth near the window and since it was our first time, the owner said he would bring out some samples of the daily specials. Maybe I've been watching too much Top Chef but when he said "samples" I was expecting some sort of small amuse bouche, instead what we got were tiny cups with different sauces, sort of like salsa, which we sampled with chips. After you've sampled the different sauces, you then pick your favorite and finally you choose your protein; chicken, beef, pork or fish/shrimp. Or you can select something from the set menu.
I was torn between the traditional mole (mole rojo) and cochinita pibil (marinated pieces of pork). I ended up going with the mole rojo with chicken breast with handmade tortillas and a glass of Horchata.
My mole rojo was down right delicious, not too sweet, with the perfect amount of chili peppers and chocolate, yes chocolate! It honestly brought back memories. And those hand made tortillas were so yummy.Listed in: Yummy Eats!, Delicious Mexican Food
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Review from Jacquelyn Q.
San Diego, CA
4/3/2010
As much as I wanted to LOVE Ranas (based on the name alone -- come on! I have nine frogs tattooed on my body!), it did not earn a five-star review today. It was three-stars "A-Ok," and that's about it.
This place is just down the street from two of my favorite quick places to get food in San Diego -- Sarita's Taco Shop and Sunrise Deli. We have driven past Rana's for two years now and always said we would stop in, then after reading so many glowing Yelp reviews, we decided today was the day.
The service started off impeccable with the waiter greeting us and bringing our drinks quickly, but kind of went downhill from there. We had to ask several times for drink refills and it wasn't very busy (about 1pm on a Saturday in a Spring Valley strip mall) and they brought my husband's food a good ten minutes before mine was complete.
While I do understand that chilaquiles are best served hot, it was pretty lame that I had to wait an additional five minutes for the flour tortillas to eat my carne asada alambres (Mexico City-style fajitas). And for $8.99, I had expected mine to come at least with rice and beans, no? No.
In hindsight, I should have considered the description of what I ordered more closely -- because, while fajitas are usually my hard-to-eff-up standby at a new place, when they include grilled pineapple and SWISS CHEESE smothered on top, the translation from Mexico City-style to my Baja California-style pallet wasn't quite right. It was weird, and not in a good way.
My man, on the other hand, liked his chilaquiles very much (although he said they should have had Mexican sour cream). His michelada, unfortunately, was not as good.
We went from loving the hell out of this place from the initial great service to feeling duped by the incredible reviews we read. Our lunch was A-Ok, but once the $35 bill came for what was essentially taco shop food, we fell out of love.
Meh, indeed. -
Review from William M.
Spring Valley, CA
Updated - 5/23/2011 25 Check-ins Here
Went there this evening and I had a ceviche tostada (very good) and the carne asada plate. Unfortunately the carne asada was pretty average as if it hadn't marinated very long. Too bad because the previous dishes I've had here were delicious and is it me or are the prices creeping higher?
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/5/2011
I tried the huitlacoche quesadillas and I was pleasantly surprised at how good they were.… Read more »
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Review from Julienne A.
San Diego, CA
This place is great. Had the opportunity to visit Ranas twice and both times I walked out very pleased and well, very full.
The first time I tried Ranas I ordered the chicken enchiladas along with a few glasses of horchata to help quench my thirst. My boyfriend ordered the chilaquiles verde with eggs and chicken. Great choice!
The second time around we brought a friend along. I inquired about the mole I heard so much about and was thoroughly enthused when the owner brought samples of both the mole verde and the traditional mole. Both were delicious. I ended up ordering the mole verde (which by the way, is not on the menu).... mMmmm! The chicken was so tender and the sauce was really, really tasty! Again, I ordered horchata but then later decided to order mexican coffee as the aroma coming from our friend's cup kept tempting me to do so. The owner said it was best served on its own, without cream or sugar and boy was he right! My boyfriend kept with his chilaquiles and our friend ordered the carne asada tacos.
We all left full and with good spirits. I already can't wait to go back.Listed in: Places full of indulgences, Breakfast time!
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Review from Mikey P.
San Diego, CA
Mexican Viagra?
On a recent episode of Anthony Bourdains No Reservations, Pulque ("pool-kay") was referred to as Mexican Viagra. Pulque,Tequila's mystical ancestor, is a fermented beverage made from the juice of the agave or maguey plant. Unlike tequila or mezcal, the agave sap is not cooked prior to fermentation for Pulque. Pulque is like beer - it has a low alcohol content, about 4-8%. The resulting liquid is milky and slightly sour tasting. Mexican Viagra ? I'm not sure about that claim but if you want to try an alcoholic beverage that dates back to the pre-aztec days Ranas is serving up four flavors.
The owners from Mexico City have created an extensive Menu, everything from standard San Diego taco shop fare, to the slow roasted pork specialty Cochinita Pibil. One of my favorite things on the menu has to be the Ranas Huarache. Huaraches (Spanish for "sandals" or "shoes") slightly resemble a shoe sole. Thick corn masa is shaped into an oval and topped with with a variety of choices. The Ranas Huarache is topped with beans, nopales, carne asada, lettuce, and crema. The marriage between Cactus and Carne Asada is a perfect one.
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The sopes are also just as good. The Azteca sopes are a carb lovers dream. Potatos, beans, and cactus
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Looking for a real sandwich? Try the tortas. On my first visit I ordered the Torta cubana and my fellow yelpers defined it as "The Pinnacle of Gluttony" ham, bologna, milanesa, frank, avocado, swiss chesse, and a fried egg!
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I have so much more to try here especially thier guisados. If you want to test the powers of pulque, or you want to try something beyond just tacos and burritos, give Ranas a shot. Im sure you wont be disappointed. -
Review from Jason M.
San Diego, CA
10/20/2009
I thought I might be getting my hopes up a bit too much after reading all these reviews, but this place still somehow exceeded my already-high expectations.
Oscar was incredibly nice and helpful, and he let us try samples of the tomatillo pork, annatto & orange pork, peanut butter chicken, and their special mole sauces (green and brown). Everything was incredible.
I was craving some seafood so I ended up going with the chipotle shrimp. Perfectly cooked shrimp in a creamy chipotle sauce with mushrooms and onions... yes please. My friend ordered cheese enchiladas with the green and brown mole sauce. Might be the best mole sauce I've ever had.
I will definitely be going back here soon. -
Review from Josh M.
12/21/2009
Ranas is in a Campo road strip mall, well within walking distance of four or five other taco-shop. The resemblance ends with the size, small and seats for 25, sparse but clean, with a frog-green emphasis. Moderate cost; high taco shop to low sit-down prices. They have the usual taco-shop items but also a lot more besides; regional items you're not likely to find elsewhere around town.
Ranas is obviously family-run with real care taken in the service. Example: when someone asks you how your meal is, often it's an obligation along the lines of "have a nice day," but here, the question is asked in a tone of voice sufficient to imply there's a quick fix is waiting if you respond negatively. While I was in for breakfast, the service has put it on my radar for my next meal in Casa de Oro.
My chilaquiles were the fully-loaded version with green sauce (you have the red/green choice) and chicken. They come with a side of refried beans, so the portion size is substantial. The base were tortillas, not chips! This is an unusually traditional ingredient. The tortillas had a good soak in the green sauce, but were not to yet the stage of falling apart; the sweet spot. The chicken was well-cooked white meat, tender, not dry. Eggs perfectly over-easy. In short, good, solid chilaquiles, presently in the top half of my ever-expanding list.Listed in: The Chilaquiles Hunter
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Review from Steven L.
Berkeley, CA
3/29/2009
I can get great Chinese food in SF Chinatown, Korean food down the street in Berkeley, and Vietnamese food when I visit my mom. Why would anyone travel to Mexico for great Mexican food when you have Ranas in San Diego?
Our waiter liked to flirt (appropriately) with the girls and tease some of the guys--all things which gave us an overall good time. He asked if we were first timers at Ranas and came back with some shot sized samplers of their food and pulque, an agave mexican drink. Although we had some trouble remembering what sampler was what dish and pronouncing some of them as well, he seemed happy to remind and help us newbies out.
I had appropriately sized carne asada sopes, a huitlacoche (mexican truffle. its a fungus, like mushrooms) quesadilla, and a smoothie textured mango pulque . I'm limited in determining what is good Mexican taste, but I can say the food brought me into another country. -
Review from Danna S.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 9/22/2009
Love, love, love the food here so much, it's in our regular rotation- you will find us here about every Friday night partaking of the deliciousness. There are new items on the menu which are wonderful; if you love spicy, the Huasteco Alambre which consists of carne asada, chorizo and nopalitos ( cactus strips ) is right up your alley. If you're hungover , a Caldo Tlalpeño with its chicken soup goodness, rice, garbanzo beans, creamy panela cheese and avocado slices floating about will soothe any headache, stomach ache or whatever ails you.
Highly recommend this place. Best Mexican food in San Diego !1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/12/2008 First to Review
This is authentic Mexican food ! Try their excellent guisados instead of
tacos or burritos ( though… Read more »
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Review from Anna F.
Chula Vista, CA
1/23/2009
Hubby and I dined here for the first time tonight. All I can say is I wish I could have tasted the whole menu.
The Torta Cubana had an amazing butter soft bolillo, perfectly cooked egg and a heavenly combination of meats. It just tasted sinful!
The Ranas Huarache had tender nopal and carne asada strips over frijolitos riquisimos layered on a savory, dense corn tortilla all topped with shredded lettuce and sour cream. The only thing, in my opinion, that would take this over the top of fabulousness is some crumbled cotija cheese.
The agua de tamarindo was light, yet flavorful and refreshing. Tasted freshly made.
To top it off, the ambiance is very comfortable with music in the kitchen, minimal but cheerful decor and the most amazing service I have ever encountered - even in an upscale restaurant. We were greeted from the moment we walked in by a friendly, warm lady who recommended the evening's specials and brought out dinners out promptly. Every staff member we walked by greeted us and thanked us for coming by.
I'm bringing my parents soon. Can't wait to try the cochinita pibil and platanos. Oh, and the pulque! Gracias! -
Review from J A.
San Diego, CA
7/17/2011
Love the "cafe" like restaurant and love the friendly service by the owners who also cook much of the food. Went to the aniversary party and the place was busy and the band was great! They charged $3.00 for soft tacos that were the best I have tasted in a long time. I will be a regular at this place.
