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Review Highlights
“* For a Mexican place in Bloomington, it's not bad * La Charreda, La Torre, El Norteno, Casa Brava and more Mexican restaurants are popping up in Bloomington these days.” in 3 reviews
“Some of the booths are starting to show some age and you get to see a lot of soccer on several big screens...” in 2 reviews
“Dave got a combo platter which was delicious.” in 2 reviews
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Bloomington's Favorite Mexican Restaurant
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Overall rating
52 reviews
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1 star
- Kathryn H.Liberty Township, OH903Apr 30, 2021
Oh where to start. I placed a to go order and when I got home I noticed it was missing a bag of chips and my order was made wrong. I called them multiple times and they did not answer. I decided to go back in to talk to them and ask them to remake my cheese quesadilla without chicken this time. I also asked for new rice because the rice I took home over an hour prior was cold now. They took my entire order (chicken quesadilla and rice) back into the kitchen, reheated it and then reserved it to me.
I am in complete shock with this disgusting violation of sanitation laws and the health department code. It would be one thing if this was done before the food left the establishment, however that didn't happen. And on top of that, we are in a global pandemic. HA! You bet your ass I reported this shit to the local health department.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Alicia V.Charlestown, IN7371Jun 26, 2022
This El Ranchero is always quick with service and has friendly staff. No complaints ever and I go in about once a week!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Debra D.Mesa, AZ39314108Aug 24, 2021
Did not listen when I ordered so of course the order was wrong. Wrong food was ok but not good. Won't be back. Don't bother trying them out.
Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Abad C.Dyer, IN041Feb 20, 2022
Was disappointed with service and food. Waiters was kind but you can tell he was very busy. Food was the most disappointing, food is not authentic Mexican. Flavors were very bland from the rice to the seasoning of the food. We had a combo platter which included tamale, taco, tostada, chile relleno and chimichanga. Chimichanga was not fully cooked, tamale was very gritty tasting, rice was bland and tacos/tostada shells were soggy by the time we got them. Wife had shimp and rice dinner which she became sick from later that evening. This location was disappointing, seems locals enjoy it as it was busy.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - 1643471599Jul 3, 2016
The decoration and design of this restaurant is really nice but the location isn't so great. The whole strip mall is hidden behind a line of trees.
The food was like any other Mexican restaurant in my opinion, but it was good.
The waiter was hard to understand but it wasn't too bad.
Overall my stomach was full and happy.Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Laura R.Bloomington, IN1048217Jan 8, 2017
My husband and I had a fabulous meal at El Ranchero. I had the Acapulco Fajitas and they were amazing.
The restaurant was relatively empty when we were there and so there was no wait for a table. Regardless, I don't think we would have had to wait as the restaurant is huge.
I didn't have a negative experience like many other people seem to have had. The only issue I had was my water glass was neglected throughout our time there. However, the portion sizes are ginormous and my fajita leftovers will give me another 2 meals.
If you are looking for authentic Mexican food for a reasonable price, go to El Ranchero.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Carol W.Bloomfield, IN09Apr 3, 2021
I ordered a ground beef burrito to go and when i got home i found out they had given me chicken. It also came complete with a hair. I tried to call 4 times and they didn't answer. Finally got ahold of them on Saturday and told them the time and they said sorry if you do not have a receipt too bad. He did not give me a receipt! I told them the time and what i had ordered but they were of absolutely no help. They do not care about their customers! This was my first time there and my last! So disappointed!!!
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Mar 10, 2011
El Ranchero - the Bloomington edition! Below is my original review of the Ellettsville location - and it pretty much holds true for Bloomington. Funny thing is that it's on the outskirts of town, so it's probably just as difficult to get to from downtown as Elletsville would be! :) But for a good local Mexican joint, you still can't go wrong. My favorite, and there are plenty to choose from in Bloomington.
Might add that the space is pretty large and modern compared to the Ellettsville location. Televisions, high ceilings, and more make it a modern building with Mexican decor. But it's really about the food. See below for the details - they apply here just like E-ville. Not sure about the AYCE, need to look into that!
Ellettsville review:
4 stars is relative, but as far as local/traditional Mexican places go, it deserves it. I took my kids (6 & 3) for lunch, and they're the ultimate salsa judges and they loved it. Newly remodeled, nice staff and service. Great food. Now my fave Mexican place in the Bloomington area. If you're visiting, it's a bit of a drive so stay in Bloomington.....but if you're willing to head toward Ellettsville it's worth the extra 10 minute drive. Had a fantastic burrito, and the aforementioned chips and salsa were delish. Looking forward to trying the all-you-can-eat Tuesday special for $7. - they better watch out!!!!!Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Aug 18, 2016Updated review
I still go here for the food, which is well-prepared and flavorful and fresh.
But this time, the TV (the Olympics were on) clashed with the Muzak. Really noisy, this cacophony. Worse, surly and nearly absent service, the kind where you're motivated to leave a $.01 tip to get a message across. Yes, that bad.
Go for the food, not the ambience. Or go some place else.Helpful 1Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0Nov 2, 2013Previous reviewI've been here several times. I usually get chile rellenos, a favorite of mine. Before, it seemed ok. We returned. Tonight, it was very much more: meh. You can tell you're getting microwaved food. Then under the heat lamp. Plates come out hot. Flip the table. Flavor wasn't bad, just not as exciting as before. Chips are fresh and hot, salsa is good. Don't know about the drinks. Service is good. Just: not exciting at all, and nothing to write great things about. Not terrible, just not fabulous, leaning towards the two-star side. There are plentiful choices, and admittedly we were on the cheap side of the menu, which is extensive. Perhaps you get what you pay for.
- Wayne W.Bedford, IN0165Nov 14, 2020
I have been to El Ranchero maybe a half dozen times and have never been disappointed. The food is always awesome and fresh and the margaritas are out of this world. No skipping on ingredients here. Top shelf tequila and the service is prompt. I am always amazed at how fast the meal is served. Great salsa and free chips too.
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