Best Mexican food I've had in over a decade, but too pricey to eat more than once a week.
I have a thing about quality chile verde ever since I had it almost a dozen times many years ago in Juan's Place in Berkeley. I mentioned this to the waiter when I asked for a recommendation, and he said, "We have many specialties." (suure buddy). I wasn't prepared for what came next: the chile verde sauce looked completely home made and the pork was perfect and tender as was the beef in the chile colorado I forced myself to order the very next day. I was so busy marveling at my girlfriends amazingly good shredded beef in her super burrito that I didn't even notice my mother's flank steak and it was actually grilled with a smokey flavor for half the meal. The meats carried us through and the homemade corn tortillas were top notch.
The chips, salsa, and mild beans are not spiced enough for my liking, but are good enough to carry you over to the main course, which is important considering how much it costs to eat here, an additional $10 for an appetizer shouldn't be encouraged. We were celebrating so it didn't sting much, but 4 margaritas at 5.95 a piece and main dishes being priced over $10 made for a final bill, without tip or appetizer, of $70, which is bordering on mid level steakhouse prices.
The service was very good and the wait staff was polished and attentive, I just wish it was a little cheaper.
The best thing about Ranchito Grill is the homemade corn tortillas and the live music. I haven't checked out the music yet, but they have bando and other bands from out of town on Saturday nights. It sounds like a lot more fun than drinking bitter cough-syrup-like beer and watching a guy with dreadlocks try and play banjo.
The food comes on huge plates that are burning hot, and it wasn't half bad. I had the chicken, which was a thin piece of chicken breast? cooked until it was almost jerky-like. It was charred and pretty tasty. The rice and beans and the guacamole and chips were all pretty great. The shrimp and vegetable fajita-like dish was pretty good tasting but a little heavy. It was pretty buttery if you like it that way. I thought the shrimp themselves were only okay: something a little funky to me, but I felt fine afterward. The service was excellent, which is often not the case in Eugene. But the corn tortillas were the best! They came in a little steamer that sits on the table (which I had serious trouble opening when I wanted another one) and stay warm and moist. They make a great compliment to all of the food on the menu. Next, I am going to check out the music. These people are working hard and hosting out of town bands for people who like to dance: It is Mexican music so try the nice dancing like you saw your mom and dad do (hopefully) rather than the whirling dervish kind. So, check it out; there are far worst ways to spend a Saturday night in Eugene.
It was my birthday, so what a better time to try a new restaurant when the meal is free, right? I went with a group of 7 people.
Very friendly staff, and I loved the chips and salsa's they had available, especially the bean salsa. But this was about all I could rave about.
I ordered the mix and match. (flauta's and chimichunga) and a margarita. I felt like this meal was priced just right for what you got, but the margarita was pretty over-priced and not even that great. A friend got a taco salad, and it was pathetic. Very small and not appealing to eat- just kind of blah. The others in my party got the super burrito, chorizo, chicken fajtas and chicken mole and were pleased with the taste, but we all agreed that the food was very over-priced.
Don't let the giant plates fool you. It's not that you are getting a lot of food, it's just an illusion. The beans are a bit runny, so they spread and you get this little sliver of rice. I had 3 tiny flauta (which were more like taquitos) and a tiny chimichunga that was piled high with lettuce and drizzles with cheese. They really should offer at least a small portion of guac/sour cream because those flautas are very dry and lacking in flavor. But if you want sour cream and guac it would cost you almost $5 (I think the sour cream was $1.25 and a side of guac was $3.25)
I'm seeing all these comments on here about how great the food is,and really think you guys should look around more. I am hispanic and have eaten a fair share of Mexican food, and this place is really nothing to write home about.
If you want to try some EXCELLENT mexican food go to Torero's on Main. I have gone there so many times and have never been disappointed there, and you won't be either. Instead of going  to El Ranchito, you will only want to go to Torero's.
Tried Ranchito Grill for the first time last week. I was impressed. The prices are great and it has a very clean and 'themed' dining room. They have room for groups and a full service bar.
The menu has lots of options and the service was fantastic! I ordered the taco salad with picadillo and it was huge! However our beef nachos weren't anything to order again- too much cheese (If there is such a thing).
Dont skip dessert- we usually do but decided to order the deep fried ice cream.
Dinner for three, including appetizer and dessert was under $40. wow. And one other mention: according to the table flyer, you can eat dinner free (up to $12) on your birthday.
Excellent food. I eat at there at least twice a month, for lunch. The portions are bountiful, served hot, very appetizingly arrayed on the plate, and not overpriced. Staff is friendly and attentive. I recommend the Enchiladas Rancheras (with the fried eggs on top!), and a large pitcher of Dos XX, served with a lime. The entire building, including the restrooms is immaculate. I never hesitate to recommend this place.
Review Source:Analogous to Chapala, Don Juan's, El Kiosko etc.
They share the "go-to" spot with Chapala - Chapala being the go-to in Eug and Ranchito holding title for SPFD for the Sit Down Big Combination Plate w/ salsa style restaurant.
Ranchito is probably better than Chapala due to the fresh tortillas they use. Â The food isn't "wow I need to ride a dinosaur" good, just like all the other similar restaurants. Â The 4* is to let you know that if you're in Eug/Spfd this is one of the better sit-down restaurant style options. Â The salsa is good. Â
Not a fan of charging $1+ extra for both sour cream and guacamole. Â tisk
More like a 3 1/2 stars. We are from SoCal so we are pretty jaded to Mexican restaurants. This had all the Yelpers raving about it. So I had to try it.
So walking in it had the feel and look of your average comfortable Mexican restaurant. We were politely greeted and had our table set before we sat....something I never see anymore!!! Our waitress was polite but not overly friendly.
Among the 5 of us we ordered the Chile Verde plate, Chicken Mole, Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Tortilla Soup and Flautas. Chile Verde was very good! Different from what we are used to but really good. The Mole was too sweet for our tastes. I think we prefer more of a chile flavor and a subtle sweetness. The Al Pastor was okay. Nothing special. The Carne Asada was dry....not good. Tortilla soup was okay but not the best. The Flautas were good. The chips and homemade tortillas were great! Â The the interesting bean salsa was really good.
All in all it was okay. I had semi high hopes with all the rave reviews but I never get my hopes too high. Will I be back? Absolutely. It has a full bar and the service was excellent! Â Friendly enough for the whole family. I am actually anxious to try other items.
Oh jeeze, I ate here a couple of times and I LOVE the little bean salsa dip they serve with chips. The red salsa is soso.
Well I did not know they made fresh tortillas. WOwowowow They are delicious.
I ordered Chicken Fajitas - very, very good and a good portion with the best seasoning ever. I highly recommend it.
Dude, you have to get some tortillas - carbs but live a little.
Deserts are soso. I will try the fried ice cream next. Flan was okay, not my style or flavor. Sopapillas are okay - more of a flour fried chip.
get some fresh tortillas....... seriously
It's not often that you find a place, with authentic food, large portions, and high quality. I had the Super Burrito, and not only was it HUGE, but it was perfectly spiced and the meat was cooked wonderfully.
Many places have good food, but Ranchito Grill not only had great service, but homemade tortillas too delicious to put into words. Also they have a free dinner on your birthday up to 12 dollars! It's nice to see a local place with such great food, and great service.
I happened to try this restaurant after learning that it was under new ownership. Â I was highly impressed.
I consider myself pretty knowledgeable when it comes to authentic Mexican food and this was at a much higher level than most. Â I ordered the "Tacos al Pastor" on the dinner menu and they were, hands down, the best that I have every eaten. Â And I have eaten this dish at a multitude of establishments, both in the USA and Mexico.
The dish came with 3 pork tacos, beans & rice. Â The tortillas were lightly grilled and filled with the succulent blend of marinated roast pork.
Others at my table were equally impressed with their dishes.
My hat is off to the new owners and cook(s). Â I can;t wait to come here again.
Foodies, it's about time. 100% good food. This is the best Mexican food in the Eugene/Springfield area. The secret - care and respect has been paid to the ingredients. When was the last time you ate at a Mexican restaurant that actually makes handmade tortillas? Let alone both corn and flour tortillas? Food is seasoned well, excellent execution. Enough said. Go out there and support this new restaurant. I hope that you will be as satisfied as I was.
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