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El Ranchito Reviews List

El Ranchito

In 1983, after the success of La Calle Doce, Oscar and Laura Sanchez wanted to open another restaurant but they didn’t want to duplicate their previous success nor did they want to open just another Tex-Mex restaurant. Oscar wanted something that wasn’t found in Dallas, something that reminded him of home. Since both Oscar and Laura are from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon in Northern Mexico, they decided to open a restaurant that specialized in Comida Norteño (northern food) and Tex-Mex featuring dishes such as cabrito, mollejas, and asado de puerco. Today El Ranchito is known for it’s authentic Mexican food, freshly made tortillas and festive atmosphere where mariachis play daily. These elements – the food, the music and the friendly staff – have helped El Ranchito achieve it’s ultimate goal of creating an atmosphere where the customer feels as if they are back home in Monterrey.
See more El Ranchito details
19 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.2 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.2 / 5
(19 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 19 reviews
5 stars
(8)
4 stars
(7)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(1)
1 star
(0)
Food 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Service 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Ambiance 
3.9 / 5
(Very Good) 3.9 / 5
Noise Level
2.7 / 3
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • good for groups(12)
  • neighborhood gem(10)
  • kid-friendly(6)
  • fit for foodies(5)
  • hot spot(4)
  • special occasion(4)
El Ranchito Reviews List
Review 1 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The mariachis were dynamite;

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The mariachis were dynamite; took my uncle from Maryland who is a classical saxophonist and he loved it! As always, food was great and service was very good. They always seem so glad to share their culture and cuisine with us as guests."
Dined on 04/21/2013
 2009
Special Features: good for groups
0points
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Review 2 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Wow, El Ranchito is the real

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Wow, El Ranchito is the real deal! It was very fun, very reasonable and full of locals and people of Mexican heritage. The margaritas were huge, the food was ample and pretty good. Very authentic. We ran a bit late but they held our open table reservation even though there was a big wait at the door. The mariachi band was very good. The lead singer could really belt out the songs!"
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2008
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, hot spot
0points
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Review 3 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great tex mex! Always crowded

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great tex mex! Always crowded so make sure you have a reservation."
Dined on 04/19/2013
 2010
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem, special occasion
0points
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Review 4 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Good, but not great!

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"This was a nice venue. Nothing special about the food, though, and the service was fair. Would I return? Sure, but I would not be in a hurry to do so."
Dined on 04/08/2013
 2011
0points
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Review 5 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Love El Ranchito!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"I have been going to El Ranchito for many years now. I just love this Oak Cliff spot. On this occasion we happen to be there for their 30th Anniversary. Margaritas, multiple mariachi's, and Elvis impersonators, could you ask for more? The food is always great, their queso is fantastic and not be missed. Another notable dish is the Parrillada Mexican which is chicken, beef, sausage and rib fajitas all served on hibachi. It's perfect for sharing with friends. TIP: If you are visiting with kids there is often women walking around with buckets of light up trinkets and glow sticks ect. Save some money and hit the dollar store first and bring your own, kids will still love it. And second, bring a few bucks to tip the mariachi's. They are amazing!"
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2005
Special Features: good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem
0points
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Review 6 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Fantastic tex mex restaurant

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Fantastic tex mex restaurant with live Mexican band and authentic foods"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly
0points
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Review 7 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Great Mexican / Tex-Mex menu

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Great Mexican / Tex-Mex menu with specialities you won't find that often in Dallas. Plenty of really good food at a very reasonable price. Colorful! Mariachi music in the evenings is fun...but there are 2 groups playing at the same time that can be a bit annoying. Overall, I highly recommend this Oak Cliff gem for a true Mexican-style experience."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, kid-friendly, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
0points
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Review 8 for El Ranchito
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Had a great time at the Elvis

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Had a great time at the Elvis event, look forward to next year"
Dined on 01/30/2013
 2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
0points
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Ratings-Only Reviews for El Ranchito
Based on the average of (11) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
1 out of 1 recommend this product
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
3.6 / 5
(Very Good) 3.6 / 5
Noise Level
2.5 / 3
Energetic