Ranchos Northpark
Categories: Vegetarian, Mexican [Edit]
Neighborhood: North Park3910 30th St
(between Lincoln Ave & University Ave)
San Diego, CA 92104 (619) 574-1288
- Price Range: $
- Accepts Credit Cards: Yes
- Parking: Street
- Attire: Casual
- Good for Groups: Yes
- Good for Kids: Yes
- Takes Reservations: No
- Delivers: No
- Take-out: Yes
- Waiter Service: Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
- Outdoor Seating: Yes
- Good for: Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol: Beer & Wine Only
120 Reviews for Ranchos Northpark
First, let me say, I like it here; I'll be back a lot. However, the food is admittedly substandard. I got a special once, lentil enchiladas, they were awesome!!! But the majority of my meals here are just OK. Free chips and salsa (good salsa!), decent service, nice atmosphere. Lot's of vegetarian/vegan options.
Marisol said I got a salad... but... um... is that even possible? I am pretty sure I ordered either a vegan or vegetarian burrito because it is sitting in my fridge as I type this. Oh well.
The burrito was freakin' awesome and huge and impossible to finish in one sitting.
Apparently I made a huge ass of myself but I gotta say I'm not surprised.
Note to selfs: Don't get drunk and think you can function. Just don't.
The server here must have thought me a complete, irrational mumbling fumbling bafoon. Thanks for reminding me, Marisol. Although I wasn't at my best, Edmundo was very polite and friendly and quick and... handsome from what I remember.
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After our visit to the Office, DD #2 and Linda had a case of the munchies- so Linda suggested going to Ranchos.
Upon entering, we were greeted immediately by Edmundo (who is an excellent server/host btw).
I love that they have fresh chips and salsa (like El Patio minus the rude service). DD #2 asked/mumbled/spoke jibberish to Edmundo asking for his recommendation for a vegetarian dish, and he suggested Tempeh (#161). It's a beautiful and supposedly tasty (I didn't try it, but Linda, DD #2 and HWMNBN did) salad that everyone who passed by our table seemed to covet.
I ordered a Pollo Asado enchilada and it was very good.
DD #2 somehow managed to spill salsa (among other things) on herself and Joel (another employee) was kind enough to provide her a small basin of warm h2o and a towel to clean herself off.
I think the highlight of our visit was when DD #2 offered to pick up the tab...while Linda and I were chilling at the table, we overheard Edmundo telling DD #2 he thought she had a "speech impediment."
OMG. Classic. I *heart* you, DD #2. Foreber and eber :D
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Ranchos still got it goin on!!!! I think the service is top notch. I wonder if I'm at the same place the people who complain about service are at. It's always friendly, plenty refills on the water, lots of smiles. I eat here every Monday night, and often another night of the week as well.
This past Monday they were slammed. I heard our server tell the table behind us that they were down a cook and the wait might involve patience. I wasn't in a hurry, so I didn't care. It was around 9pm and the place was packed and it looked like one lonely cook in the kitchen. I think we waited about 20 minutes for our appetizer to come out. Right after it was brought to our table our server ran by (only 3 people serving the whole place and still great service) and exclaimed, "You just now got your appetizer?" I didn't think it was really a big deal. But I guess he did, b/c when we got the bill he took off our appetizer as an apology for the wait and kept telling us how sorry he was. SERIOUSLY??? We got out of there with two dinners and an appetizer for $16. Generous tip on what the old total was though of course.
I'm sorry people. I'm just totally in love with this place and the people who work there!
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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06/15/2008
Holy Shiitake!!!!!!!
We went her last night for dinner before Ray at Night and fell so in love with… Read more »
I settled on one too many meals here.
Yes, i said ----- SETTLED.
I understand their concept.
Mexican food dumbed down to a "healthier" nouveau style.
BLECH.
Not really executed that well.
I wanted to give them 3 stars, but I just couldn't.
No really.
I couldn't.
Because in the end most of the food was bland.
So while they get an "A" for effort..the final execution is what brought them down.
I'm sorry people are going to lose their jobs but I'm glad that one less mediocre place will be open.
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The place itself is cool but their veggie burritos blow. how can a mexican restaurant have bad burritos? tisk tisk.
love, love, love the place! The best Mole Enchiladas!
Service is always friendly and prompt:)
Cons: Don't ask for sauce on the side, or to substitute this and that, they hate it, hehehe!
Bear with me.
I'm walking down the dark, damp, narrow street in North Park, a bit unnerved with the thought of me strolling by myself on a cool spring night in San Diego. I take in the environment. My eyes dart around to see prostitutes hanging out on the side streets near a dumpster smoking cigarettes and chatting casually to each other. I see two homeless people across the street squatting near their overfilled carts reciting discernable lyrics of an old rock song while adding an unrecognizable melody. And in front of me was a man wearing a sombrero and a blue zigzag patterned poncho blocking my path.
As I approach him, he looks up and whispers to me, "Hello amigo, give me a pinto bean and I'll tell you a secret."
"Who the hell carries a pinto bean?" I thought. I decided to entertain him so I dug inside my jean pockets anyway, probing for something that would probably give me something besides the secret. I was curious. So I decided to give him a single tic-tac that fell out of its container into the deep recesses of my pocket night before. I gave it to him. He said a single word to me: "Ranchos". Then I woke up.
Like my dream, Ranchos is strange. I mean "strange" in the context of being unconventional and original. In ambiance, taste and presentation is a departure from the routine. And elements makes it wonderful . I wouldn't go as far as saying its radically bizarre, at least not radical enough to make you worry about the ingredients in the food, but it is different.
Unlike those conventional Mexican places that serve you standard fare of burritos, tostadas and tacos that prevades San Diego, Ranchos comes from an angle of being wholesome, natural and authentic. Its definitely not a place where they salvage the grease from the night before and use it on those rolled tacos you devoured the night on the town.
Ranchos' menu has a slant for the vegetarian or vegan dishes, so those disciplined eaters would be honored to eat there. Whenever I go to Ranchos I feel clean and my stomach smiles. On the other hand, when I go to places like Los Panchos, all hell breaks loose. I have this urgent desire to take a shower and my stomach feels like it wants to do some immediately crunch exercises or sustain a flex pose for 3 hours to ensure digestion was complete.
One thing I love about Ranchos restaurant is that it has character. You'll see old Mexican arts and crafts hanging on the walls and trinkets crowd the narrow shelves to spark conversations or stir the imagination. I also love the fact that they position potted plants outside its front entrance that provides an atmosphere that seems alien to its urban location.
Overall, I would encourage you to open your palate and explore a different Mexican restaurant like Ranchos.
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Oh how I love Ranchos....so yummy. I am not sure what the shitake burrito is made of to make it so darn good, but it gets me everytime. Not the friendliest staff, but they make a mean burrito.
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I'm a little disturbed by that ad in the ladies room about the RE-USABLE TAMPONS!
If you're a hippie, more power to you, but that is just freaking disgusting. Food-wise, this place is pretty good...like others have said, you don't feel like you need to have a colon cleanse after eating here...I had the tortilla soup (loaded with avocado chunks-strange but really good) and a chicken tamale. They are a bit heavy handed with the chili powder but its okay. It took forever to get seated, the waiter was friendly even though the place was a clusterfuck at the time we went, it took about 25-30 minutes to get our food, and we waited another 20 or so to get the check....it was a Monday night too...
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Still a fan, although i haven't had coffee here in so long that i ordered one and well, sad to say their espresso machine was broken. awww
that makes me shed a tear or two.
I still love their food.
The service this time was a little hazy..kinda like the way i feel right now after eating their left overs. I ordered a Mushroom al a Rachero with Nopalitios and go no cactus. why would you say it on your menu if its not on your plate? sad again. Two disappointments in one day. One thing that lead me to this updated review was the when i asked her if instead of shitake mushroom if i can get button white instead.... i dont like shitake its kinda rubbery. the server smiled and said no substitutions? are you kidding me, this is the only person that has ever said no to me!
hmp!
i hope my next visit isnt like this... man it was like falling and then having everyone kick ya while being on the floor....
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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07/25/2007
Its the soy lattes that have me hooked... and the black beans with anything i get.. All organic is… Read more »
Way Yelped, you don't need anudder one of these but because I find my attitude towards this place a bit on the ridiculous side I need to Yelp it.
I have walked by this place for years, turning many a sunburned nose tip in the air as I have tromped on foot up to the coffee house that is now Filter. Muttering to myself: "meehehhh, "dirt clodville", eeeehhh friggin' hippies, acccccckkkk IBS..., and finally bleeeeeeeehhhh another "Veg N Out" a place that should be prosecuted for their talent for making food so bland"!!!!
However, like that nice, shy , quiet and good looking kid in high school who always said "hi" as I walked by...Ranchos stood there taking my snobbish abuse.
I went in there today for the first time, I was planning to head down to Colima's because of Mae's review. I had a change in heart and decided to say "hi" back to the shy kid. Now here ya go:
1) Tofu/veggie burrito on whole wheat tortilla was spicy and good. Spiced potatos on the inside with onions and jalapeno's. I like spice in my food.
2) Fresh salsa for my chips which I dumped on the burrito
3) The burrito was so large it could have fed two Yeti's very easily. :-D! I could only eat half of it.
4) Margherita on the rocks NO salt... .STRONG LIKE BULL! I could only drink about four sips of it before giving up.
I will go back, definitely. This place is NOT Veg N Out or Kung Food's for that matter. The vegetarian food here honestly has flavor and it is not greasy!
Note: Art lovers will enjoy the decor, I absolutely loved it inside! Beautiful artifacts from Mexico everywhere which reminded why I love having Mexico as my neighbor.
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I so had to ask twice, "this is no meat right?" so the Shiitake (i was expecting mushroom strips) look and pretty much taste like chicken (somewhat, but really really close). I was amazed. Recommendation: Mole Enchiladas with the Shiitake and brown rice with black beans, somewhere a Vegan is crying with joy. Friendly towards Herbivores and the meat eaters. The only reason i found to dogg this place is simply the rice was jacked up, but no way ruined my experience. At most it would drop the score to 4.7 stars - everything else was excellent. Recommendation get an Horchata (you should always try and rate a mexican food joint by their horchata, the better the horchata, the better the food) OUTSTANDING horchata, and if that was all this place served they would gain 5 stars. This place ranks up there with Pokez thats why they are both "Woohoo! As good as it gets!" HERBIVORES UNITE!! by the way - lunch for 2... ONLY 18 bucks !!
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For some reason, I have gone to Rancho's for my birthday 4/6 times since I turned 20. When its your birthday they serve you a little ice cream parfait with cinnamon sugar chips for free.
I love the atmosphere. I have gone on several dates here. The photos on the wall are a great distraction if your date bores you.
The garden on the outside is like a dream world for me.
That being said, the food can often be bland. With over 200 choices, it can often be hit or miss.
The Shitake mushroom (not vegan) is legendary. My friend living in Philly commented on how she overheard two girls discussing it on the East Coast.
Its not just Shitake mushroom. Its Shitake mushroom mixed up and ground into a fake meat. Its amazing. I cannot find the equivalent anywhere else.
In addition, anything with the Mole sauce is amazing.
This restaurants is very small, crowded, and quaint. If you are looking for something more spacious and room for a large group/quick service the Ocean Beach restaurant is more accommodating.
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After hitting up Ranchos Natural Foods for great vegan buys and a deli to die for, I hit up Rancho's Coina (which is next door) for the first time and I can't believe I waited this long to try it!
The decor is full of Zapatista pictures, La Virgen de Guadalupe and more plants and religious relics than my grandmammy's house. Our chips and salsa were refilled up the yin yang. I ordered a quesadilla and shit was HUGE, I love the waiter's sense of humor when he asked, "Just one quesadilla?" Had I been a neurotic easily offended woman I would have burst in tears and be talking about it to my shrink right now for hours. Instead I enjoyed my delicious food, couldn't chow it all down so I took the rest home and just ate it for breakfast this morning.
For a cheap price! I have yet to try their margaritas. I wasn't in the mood for alcohol at the time, but NEXT TIME! The service was amazing and then I got to walk next door to Rancho's for a 50 cent Tofuti Cutie for dessert! As a legit Mexicana, I approve this restaurant.
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The mole here rocks!
The sidewalk patio is sheltered by a forest of plants, and the inside is cozy with artwork. Service is usually pretty good. There are dozens of vegetarian choices on the menu, which is really exciting to find in a Mexican restaurant. I can't resist the mole enchiladas.
This is my favorite Mexican place in San Diego. Admittedly, I don't eat out a lot because I have a Howard Hughes-level paranoia about greasy, paramecium-laced restaurant food. But the food at Rancho's seems to make the grade. It certainly tastes good, and the vegetarian and vegan options are a nice option even for omnivores like me.
The decor is cool, but you must decide whether you prefer Pancho Villa or Frida Kahlo, because those are the two dominant themes. (If you love Pancho and Frida equally, as I do, you can always get a table in the center.)
Pros: Great food, nice ambiance, inexpensive for a sit-down restaurant.
Cons: Noisy, slow service at times.
The employees at Ranchos Market inspire me in so many ways. Besides living a healthier lifestyle, I'm in the final stages of patenting the first ever facial hair net.
Last year when I was experiencing sudden and unexplained armpit pains, I took a couple courses of action. One, I switched to Tom's Natural Deodorant, which I found causes excessive sweating and 8 hours plus of slick-sticky pits.
Two, I decided to embark on a detoxification plan in which I could only consume fresh juices for several weeks. To Ranchos I ran, pits barking in stinky pain, a market and eatery where several discoveries awaited.
Discovery one. People who wear Tom's Natural Deodorant (i.e. Ranchos employees/shoppers) stink just the same if not worse than those of us using the aluminum-ridden anti-perspirents. I'd rather end up with Alzheimer's later in life than reek of funk in the happy days of my youth. Thanks.
Discovery two. While Ranchos Market might seem kind of dingy a place, their produce is delightful and, for one dollar extra, you can have your fruits and veggies juiced right there.
Now because I was on a liquid diet, naturally I craved the flavors of solid food. For breakfast I would grab tomatoes, beets, celery and carrots. Lunch perhaps I'd splurge, grab 4 oranges, guava, mango, apple, banana. By the third day of beet juice and turnips I started getting crafty. Even the guys at the juice bar who smelled like garden fertilizer--the natural kind of course--raised an eyebrow at my tomato, bell pepper, green onion, celery, cilantro and jalapeno blend.
My butt was mad at me for a couple weeks, but the pain in my pits subsided and overall, I believe my glandular system benefited greatly from the cleanse. Thank you Ranchos Market, for not adhering to any social/societal standards of grooming/personal hygiene and just doing what you do best.
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There are like 200 different numbers of items on the menu and if you ramble off a number, they know exactly what you want. This is talent.
I hate their rice because I hate peas. And I don't like corn in it. I want it plain. For this reason i go to Ranchos less than I should because its a great place in my hood. Cheap, lots of veggie options for me, and one sexy waiter.
I have even taken my picky grandmother here and she loved it. I usually get soy taquitos. I even took a meat loving boyfriend here once and he ordered something vegan (it was a big deal) and he enjoyed it. I love their veggie tamales, they are filled with green beans and broccoli, and carrots and corn, and no peas! We always get the blue corn chip nachos vegan when we sit down, and usually a pitcher of margaritas as well.
I really hate getting stuck at the table thats teeny tiny by the door though on a cold night. It has happened more than once, and its not a pleasant experience.
Everyone has pretty much covered everything else. For as many times as I have eaten here you think I would have more to say.
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Rancho's broke my heart last weekend.
See, I really dig the food at Rancho's. I appreciate a menu with a wide variety of non-flesh options. I've had several dishes and enjoyed them all. I recommend anything with mole, or shiitake. I also love that it's quite cheap. Four of us ate dinner the other night for $50.
BUT. I had a super-frustrating experience recently that lands them a big fat minus-one-star. Saturday night, four of us roll in and get seated immediately (a pleasant surprise) and the dude who seats us brings us guacamole "on the house." Starting out great, right? Unfortunately, that was where the greatness ended:
1) My friend ordered a fish burrito, but he got a shrimp one.
2) We ordered a salad to share, in addition to the entrees. I am 100% positive that I asked for the salad "to start" (not that it is usually necessary to specify) and yet it arrived about ten minutes AFTER the entrees.
3) It took an extensive amount of time to get the bill.
4) That "on the house" guacamole ended up on our bill. WTF?
So, Rancho's, you really bummed me out Saturday. I think maybe you need to say ADIOS to that chick who was our alleged server. But I'll be back. Because where else can I get tofu enchiladas with mole? YUM!
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I have no idea why this place is so over-rated.
It's probably the freaky vegetarians who give it such a great rep with their Tofu this and Tofu that.
This place sucks.
It's rushed and the quality has consistently gone downhill for a while. I'm just forced to go there because of my girlfriend sometimes who works close-by. Could be worse, she could want some crappy desserts or starbucks across the way.
Maybe I should shut up and stick to my chips and salsa
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I will only say that a restaurant with menu items into the hundreds must receive only a good 4 stars until I have tried more of them for myself than just one.
The service is good, they have mucho vegetarian and vegan, and the servers are decent. However, the seats are designed to get you out of the place fast. The plain chairs are uncomfortable.
They also do not have Bohemia... Que pinche caca es esto? That is the beer to drink, my friends. They have Negra Modelo, which the waiter attempted to tell me was Modelo Negro. Grrr...
Bah, four stars because the food was good. I'll revisit and reevaluate for a fifth star or, if some maricon wants to lie to me again, three.
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Dining at Ranchos makes me feel as if I've trespassed onto an unassuming ranch in Mexico. The well known phrase "mi casa es su casa?" I get that inviting feeling here.
The hundreds of Frida eyes that follow your every move as you dine is a necessary aspect of Ranchos's charm. The entrees (the black bean and shrimp tostada and green tomatillo cheese enchilada are a couple favorites of mine) are extremely filling and there hasn't been an experience yet when I've felt the flavors to be anything less than fresh and authentic. The decent prices ($28.00 for dinner for two and two beers) are simply the icing on the cake. Or the flan, if you will.
Ranchos is most definitely a fantastic alternative to the greasy Mexican food establishments we all see on every corner in the city (and guiltily crave at 2am after a long night out) - you don't find a puddle of grease on your plate yet the food remains surprisingly authentic. Solid 4 stars for this neighborhood favorite.
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I need to address San Diegans obsession with this mediocre place. I understand that vegans and vegetarians love this Ranchos and I can understand that "Mexican" options are limited for people with these diet restrictions. Still, asking a vegan for dining advice is like asking a Michael Bolten fan for music recommendations.
I agree with every other Yelper that the service is atrocious at Rancho's. I submit that the food falls not far behind. During my most recent visit (my fourth total and the last time I will ever visit) I ordered sopes that were nearly as soft and mealy as English muffins. All the other food at my table? Bad hippy Tex-Mex disasters.
There is little authentic about this place and the authentic dishes just do not taste good. Support better more authentic places like Super Cocina, Mama Testa and Cuatro Milpas. If you must have vegan Mexican, go to Pokez downtown where the service is even worse (hard to imagine, I know) but at least the food is edible.
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I have mixed feelings on Ranchos. I have to say I love the food and we go there quite a bit, but the service is terrible. In fact it is probably consistently the worst service of any restaurant I go to in San Diego. After sitting down it usually takes half an hour to get our order taken regardless of how empty or full it is and another 20 minutes at the end to get your bill. I feel I waste a lot of time everytime I go here.
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Even with so many menu options, each of the last three times we've been to Rancho's we've ordered the same thing--sopes and salmon tacos. They are -that- good. The sopes seem homemade and are topped with a generous helping of meat, beans and additional toppings. The salmon taco plate (2 tacos) contain waht seems like at least half a large salmon fillet. The fish is grilled well, and they don't put too much stuff in the tacos to take away from the fish.
Next time we really need to try other dishes, but if it ain't broke...
Friendly wait staff, prompt service, good prices and veggie-friendly too.
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Are the chips and salsa constantly needing to be refilled??-THAT is the mark of a good Mexican food restaurant. Well...at Ranchos...they are. The hotness level varies, (I wish they would just settle on ONE level of tongue burn), but yes-they got it!
The food?-Careful here...Lentil burrito w/avocado- great. I'd go for the Organic Nachos with Soy cheese---Enough for two-and delicious! It's healthy(ish) and it's tasty! But you may not like everything unless you are a vegetarian. The service is usually great. The staff actually works as if they care. A great place to make your weekly stomping ground. **Mellow place to go casual, kick back, and enjoy a beer with some tasty healthy food.
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So many options, it can be overwhelming. But overwhelming in a good way, since many options for how you can stuff your face can never be bad. I crack up at the numbering "system" of the menu every time---there's no rhyme or reason to how things are numbered on there, but if it works for them, why not.
The portions are always generous. I've never left that place without leftovers. I enjoy the vegan burrito, and their turkey chorizo was pretty tasty. Their hot chocolate was delicious. although it took the waiter a while to 1) remember that I ordered hot chocolate and 2) finally bring it out as... well, HOT chocolate. So yes, I will agree with Tanya S. in saying that the service is definitely inconsistent. Actually no, I take that back, the service is consistently ....for lack of a better word, leisurely. The food is great, and I'm never in a rush when I go there anyway, so I have yet to leave disappointed.
I do enjoy the cozy, Mexi-kitschy decor inside, and I love how the outside seating is adorned with a jungle of plants, perfect for stealthy people-watching. :)
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I LOVE Rancho's. It's my go-to lunch place. But then, I get the same thing every time--the oh-my-Lord-baby-Jesus-this-is-the-best-burrito-eve r Shittake Mushroom Burrito. It's by far the best item I've ever tried on their menu. Not only am I hooked, but EVERY person I've introduced to its other-worldliness has become a SMB junkie like me. Thank goodness I live only 3 blocks away... Oh, and the guac is pretty damn good as well and all the Frida Kahlo art just make me fall even more in love. Viva Rancho's!
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This place has amazing breakfasts. They give you fresh tortilla chips with home made salsa and finely chopped fresh fruit for dipping. Order the multigrain pancakes with blueberries and bananas. Their tropical fruit smoothie is also worth ordering if you feel like taking a pancake or two home.
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I'm sure I will get lots of hate mail for this one.
I agree Ranchos is good. But am I the only person to notice the inconsistent service? Yes it gets extremely busy and it can take a long time for food, drinks, etc. But does it make it ok? I guess I'm still having my internal debate on this one.
I think the Sunset Cliffs location has better service but they both serve up good food. My favorite thing to order is the Tocho Marocho with a wheat tortilla, fish and lettuce. I LOVE it! Most of the food is 'healthy' and tasty. The sangria is a winner--it's blended and very similiar to their smoothies. All in all I like Ranchos but I never know what to expect out of service.
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Ate here yesterday for lunch and was pleasantly surprised.
I had the Enchiladas Trio with an Horchata and my wife had a Taco / Enchilada combination plate. We both thoroughly enjoyed what we ate.
The chips & salsa you get as you are deciding what you want to eat are killer!
Cool atmosphere, good service. Will definitely be back here
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The service SUCKS!!! When finally seated, you can watch as other tables are greeted, drink order taken and ACTUALLY recieved, all the while you wait for your server to finally wander into his section and briskly plop down a menu. After asking 3 times for a check, the bewildered server came back with 3 different check totals. "Yo quero Taco Bell."
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Pretty good food. The mole = amazing! Parking in that part of town on a saturday night is difficult. Not their fault. The wait wasn't too long to get seated. But the place was packed and Tanya S' review of 3/23 is right. The service goes down hill. We were pretty hungry and sat there for a really long time with the chips and salsa. Then the appetizers showed up with the meal. Would have been really cool if the appetizers would have come out before the meal. Any time under a half an our would be good.
Great food, pleasent people. Would recommend going there on a weeknight.
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I will say it once and only once for fear that I might go crazy at the thought of not having one for roughly a entire week...Shiitake Mushroom Burritotototototototo...
Fan-frick'n-tastical Batman...
the service is generally pretty decent...everyone is always nice...the food does take a little longer than expected but when it comes out it is Delicious...
go here and give me your left-overs
oh oh oh...and their mexican hot chocalate is to die for...but you can taste it better when alive
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Yum. I went here for lunch today and left feeling less guilty than after the normal mexican fix. I mean there were green beans and peas in my veggie burrito. How cool is that?
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Ranchos is hit or miss. The only tasty item I have had on their menu is the Shittake Mushroom Quesadilla. It was a bit on the salty side, but that's alright because they kept pouring water in my cup every 2 minutes.
Don't try their avocado enchiladas, unless you like to eat flavorless guacamole with a spoon.
The reason I gave it three stars however, is because today I went there and the server messed up my check and didn't have the decency to apologize for it. Funny thing is, when my boyfriend and I arrived there, there was a guy up at the register complaining how he had received the wrong bill too! Craziness!! So, bottom line, check your bill.
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NO WAY. I can't eat here. I wanted to like it but every time (3 to be exact) I ate here I got a yucky tummy. I've shared my story with several people and I've heard things like, "Well, that happened to me a couple times but I still like it" "Yeah I got sick once" Vegetarian friends who are very loyal to this place. Kudos to those who like it and don't feel ill but I just don't want it bad enough to keep trying. I gave it two stars because I didn't think it fair to give only one to a restaurant that has been catering to vegetarians for so long. Even if I think its not so wonderful.
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This is the first food stop on my Taste of San Diego tour whenever people come to visit. The menu caters to pretty much any reasonable dietary restriction and while I haven't even begun to take a reasonable sampling of all 100+ possibilities, everyone's always raved about the food. The servings are generous to say the least, and I'm constantly amazed when the bill comes that I still have money left over for the rest of the night.
I'm a big fan of the no frills style- plastic cups, overused plates, menus that haven't even survived being laminated. And the crowded walls packed with tons of Frida and other assorted bric-a-brac sets the perfect "it's-a-restaurant-but-it's-home" vibe.
So granted, people who visit me aren't getting anything fancy when I take them out to show them the city. But that would be weird in San Diego anyways right? And when I don't have someone to entertain, there's a lot to be said for grabbing something small on a weeknight and settling in with a book for a while. Nobody's ever seemed to mind, and it's better than your favorite study nook at the library.
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