El Ranchito Michoacano

I decided to take my parents here for their anniversary. Mistake.

Margaritas were mediocre. I could have done the same with Smirnoff and pre made mix. We had the ceviche and there was a TON of salt in it. I'm Mexican and I know we like our lime and salt but oh my word, it was high blood pressure waiting to happen.
I had the shrimp and octopus cocktail, I was really craving some good seafood, plain nasty. The seafood tasted like thawed meat, no flavor or lime, salt, spice, nothing. My husband had the enchiladas, just as gross. Dad had sopes, flavorless and mom had the chilaquiles, which were un spicy and unflavored.
The food was MEDIOCRE to say the least. More like nasty thawed water. And our waiter was waaaayy dumb. Every question we asked he didn't know the answer of neither did he offered to find out.

DONT GO HERE FOR AUTHENTIC FOOD!!!

My family and I went here as was given a gift certificate.  As you can tell from my reviews, I like Mexican food.  It was a drive to Waukegan but worth the trip.  Nice, clean parking lot and someone in my family called it a "cute" building.

When we first walked in we were greeted with a nice welcome and were sat right away.  We did get a strong fish odor as we passed the kitchen but it dissipated quickly.   The restaurant was not very populated which had me a bit nervous at first.  (You know the saying, how do you know a good restaurant?  Look at the parking lot")

Complimentary chips, salsa and the peppers/carrots were served promptly. Others have commented that the menu is huge!  Maybe too much so but several seafood options for those interested.  

A couple went with the standard "usuals" you see on Mexican menus (but isn't that how you measure a restaurant against another?)  They were very pleased with their taco and raved about the flautas.  

I tried a combo which included a taco selection.  because of the wide seafood selection, I made sure to include fish tacos.   For those who like fish tacos know.  They typically come in two varieties, great and ....awful.   These were STUPENDOUS!   The fish was lightly battered and fried with very little topping other than a light pico.  Along with the happy reviews by my crew, I will return for these alone!  One thing I would have liked was a spicy sauce ... maybe a chipotle mayo or something but if I get them like they were, good deal!

I did notice they do carry a very good sangria (both red and white) but went with a standard margarita.   The flavored margarita I'm told was good (mango maybe?) but the standard was not, it tasted watered, rail tequila.  Next time sangria for me.

One more note, after paying (we made sure to exceed the gift card and tipped on the whole check) I accidentally left my wallet on the table while putting my coat on.  One of the bussers actually ran us down in the parking lot, yelling "Senior, senior...your wallet!"   Top notch!  

Open your mind, go, enjoy!

I have a hard time believing the negative reviews of this restaurant are legitimate. This is the best Mexican food in the Chicafoland area.  It is family owned and run.  The owner/chef went to culinary school in New York.  His delightful family helps run the restaurant.  It is spotless, and the food is superb.  I watched Teresa make my mango margarita using fesh mango and all fresh ingredients.  I travel 25 minutes to eat here or pick up carry out.  If this restaurant were in Lake Forest the prices would be nearly double.  They specialize in seafood dishes, and it is well worth the travel.  You will not be disappointed.  They greet you with a smile and make you  like part of the family. Don't be deceived by the humble exterior or the restaurant.