Taqueria El Ranchito

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  This is my go-to taqueria.  Their tacos are delicious!!!!!!  They are made to order, fresh and authentic.  My favorite is the al pastor, but all meats available are delicious (especially the cabeza, lengua and tripe)!  They make their own sauces too.  Definitely worth a try.

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  Posted on 02.10.13 M M.

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  Awesome. About as authentic as it gets in Minneapolis. Not much for ambiance but man - delicious, fresh mexican food. I go here for lunch often.

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  Posted on 01.22.13 Clint C.

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  Went there for lunch and it was almost empty but we didn't mind.
  Menu is sort of hard to read but they explain it well.
  Chimichanga was HUGE and delicious, like half a plate size and came with about 4 chips and guacamole.
  Not sure about the quality of food though...nacho cheese reminded me of those low-grade melted nacho cheese that you get from squeezing a bag .

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  Posted on 12.28.12 K D.

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  $11.32 for a cherry coke. 3 nicely sized steal tacos. Chicken tamale. Mexican style rice with a side of beans. Awesome food, friendly staff. Nice sized portions, wide variety of authentic Mexican!

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  Posted on 12.20.12 King G.

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  I WILL be going back for some more tacos and I'm sure that my rating of this place will go up to 4 stars because these tacos are the best I have found at any place in the metro area.
  
  I came to Minnesota a year ago from California and I have been searching all over for good carnitas and great tacos and now I have found them, hands down the best so far.
  
  They get a 2 star from me because of the Torta Cubana.  This was probably the worst thing I have had in my life.  Just everything about that torta was bad, even the "sausage" was actually a hot dog, and not even a good hot dog.
  
  BUTTTT   This is a standard taco and burito shop, I should have stuck with the standard fair and i'm sure I would be giving a 4 star rating right now.

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  Posted on 11.10.12 Scott R.

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  Very good tacos, the tamales not as good. Split on beans and rice, beans are good, rice so-so. Zero ambiance but easy access off of Lyndale.

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  Posted on 10.27.12 Brendan T.

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  Holy cow is this delicious food!
  
  My partner and I stopped by El Ranchito tonight for the first time.  It does seem like more of a take-out place -- it's very well-lit by fluorescent lights, you know?  Ambiance is not the focus here.  Don't take your prom date here unless they're a foodie.
  
  But the food!  Holy cow.  Wow!  Waaay above expectations.  Clearly that is where all the effort goes, and it pays off big.  The tacos el pastor had great balanced flavor -- the sort of tacos we've had in Mexico.  I had the Enchilada al pastor combo with red sauce.  It was spicy and delicious.  We kept saying to one another, "Wow, this is so good!"
  
  Go eat there, or get take-out and eat their delicious food at home.  Truly.  It is inexpensive and REALLY GOOD.  
  
  Now that we've tried it, we definitely will be back.

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  Posted on 10.26.12 Erik D.

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  No frills hole in the wall with great food.  Had a torta the size of a football.  Friends had Chili Relleno and a Burrito the size of a toddler.  The menu is brief, but it seems as though they will make you just about anything you request.  Vegetarian Torta wasn't on menu, but was created for me and delicious.  Not in the area often, but hope to return.

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  Posted on 10.12.12 Austin L.

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  Highly recommended.  Excellent tacos and service.

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  Posted on 10.01.12 James M.

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  So I'm lucky to be close to Rusty Taco.  To me they are like an American take on Mexican food and I find it decent and the beer is cheap.  
  
  But this place.  This is it.  Here you are getting fresh authentic food cooked up in back.  The taco prices are about 70 cent cheaper then Rusty (they start at $1.88) and the carnita versions I had were perfect.  A little smoke, tender, and just plain simple goodness.    
  
  Plus with me walking in there I upped the diversity to about 25% gringo, the rest were Hispanic. The horchada I drank was excellent but I thought was over priced ($2.75 for a small).
  
  The tres leche's looked fresh and good but that is going to be for another trip.  
  
  The space is kinda funky as is the location but who cares.  If that helps keep the prices down, let it be and make sure you check the place out.

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  Posted on 09.24.12 Steve T.

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  So I'm trying to make it to a grocery store. I'm visiting from out of town, and everywhere I try to go I seem to encounter construction.
  
  I had checked Yelp earlier and saw Taqueria El Ranchito. I made a note to myself that maybe I'd swing by after going to the store. But in detour after detour, I found myself back on Lyndale Ave. Finally I took it as a sign: I was meant to eat tacos.
  
  I got the 3 taco combo plate with beans and rice. For the tacos, I picked chorizo, al pastor, and pork stomach (costs extra). They were all delicious. The chorizo had a nice burn to it, and with the orange (chipotle?) sauce really had a nice burn. The rice and beans were well done also!
  
  It was a great stop for a quick bite to eat. If I lived here, I'd definitely come back!

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  Posted on 08.20.12 Zachary Sam Z.

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  I really enjoyed this place. The restaurant itself isn't much to look at... in fact it is downright uninviting, but the food is really quite good. I ordered the three taco platter, one shredded chicken, one carne asada, and one steak. Each was more tasty than the last. The accompanying beans and rice were excellent too (lard?). Little expensive for what is essentially just a takeout place, but overall a nice choice in an area of town that has few.

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  Posted on 08.12.12 Cullen H.

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  Hard to tell if it is a restaurant or drug front.
  
  Seriously, this little joint is next to a place that sells rocks and a nail shop  - c'mon!
  
  The food was great. I was conflicted between the tacos; the tortas; the tamales; the flautas; the empanadas - damn it they all sounded delicious. I opted for the tacos. I ordered 2 Asada and 2 Carnitas tacos with all the works.
  
  The owner brought out the food as well as some salsa options and when I told him they weren't hot enough, he joked with he guy in the back and made and brought me a special reserve they cooked up in a few. It tasted like a habanero ancho blend - tasted delicious and provided that nice kick that the Carnitas needs after you spray a dash of lime on top.
  
  I definitely enjoyed the carnitas tacos better. The meat was tender, a bit caramelized and full of flavor - a sign that it was slow cooked. Every bite got better and better and I almost bit and chewed my index finger. Yes, that good.
  
  The asada tacos were good but not great. The asada was tossed and cooked with some onions that did give it some flavor but they were lacking....salt and lime?
  
  All in all, the food was more than what I expected. I came in expecting to have a quick mediocre bite and what I got instead was something to burp about, I mean, yelp about.
  
  Buen provecho!

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  Posted on 07.29.12 Fernando C.

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  If you've moved to Minnesota from the Bay Area of CA and you've been wondering something along the lines of "Where the Hell can I find one of those taquerias, you know, kinda Michoacan style, like the utterly authentic ones you would find in either the bustling Mission district or that weird little part of Redwood City where it's no longer Redwood City, but it's one block from Atherton and the richest homes in CA, but otherwise seems a touch colonia.  Where can I find the kind of taquerias that have seriously deefuckinglicious meats on small tacos: carnitas that make your eyes roll, al pastor that makes you gasp and moan - in a good way -, carne asada where you can smell the smoke and the the rich char elicits Cormac McCarthy visions of a cattle drive over a dusty field. A taqueria with salsas that don't apologize or dumb down. You know, a taqueria without pretentiousness where honest people eat honest lunches.  Where can I find a taqueria with a healthy amount of well-deserved bravado and self-confidence where not only do they remember every customer who has ever been there, but the first time you go they will be both simultaneously welcoming and happy to see you yet with a hint of disappointment that it's taken you this long to at last find them?  Where can I find a taqueria like that?"
  
  In Richfield.  
  
  At a place called Taqueria El Ranchito.

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  Posted on 07.28.12 R S.

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  Quick!  How do you say freakin' awesome in Spanish???  Heck, I don't have a clue either, but growing up in southern CA, I do know good authentic Mexican food when I eat it...and Taqueria El Ranchito does not disappoint!  Dang, my stomach is growling and my mouth salivating just thinking about it again!  So, I went the 'boring' route and got the chicken tacos, but these weren't just any chicken tacos, they were three little bundles of love prepared buy the cute, but stern looking guy behind the counter (who was VERY patient with us as we gazed cluelessly at the menu for five minutes! - Thank you nice man!)  Anyway, the chicken tacos were probably the best I've ever had.  The kids got the tongue tacos and tamales.  I didn't try any...not that I don't like tongue from time to time, but I was too busy enjoying stuffing my face with the yummies right in front of me... however, the kids said it was very good, well seasoned, and very tender.  But...you know there had to be a catch, rigth?  The crew was mixed on the tamales.  My daughter thought the chicken tamale was wonderful, but the manchild was a bit overwhelmed by the flavor and texture of the jalapeno.  I did try some of the jalapeno tamale (minus a mouthful of jalapeno, mind you), and from the few small bites I had it was very good and flavorful... so, don't let us keep you from trying them.  Last, make sure you try both of the secret sauces that are brought out with the meal.  For all you whimps - they are not really spicy, but they are both just really good in their own way, and while I don't know what the secret is, I'm guessing it has to do with the cute little guy behind the counter... and will surely keep us coming back for more!

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  Posted on 05.23.12 Andrea O.

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  I can't believe I've driven past this little gem of a restaurant so many times, and never once stopped in until recently.
  
  The decor is by no means fancy, but the atmosphere is welcoming -- your perfect hole-in-the-wall restaurant.
  
  The first time I went I tried a beef tongue taco, a chorizo taco, and a steak taco.  I had never had beef tongue before, but being the adventurous person I am, I wanted to try it.  It came cubed, and when I ate it, it was SO incredibly tender! I was in shock.  I was expecting it to be chewy, but it was quite the opposite.  The chorizo and steak tacos were both delicious as to be expected.  The chorizo had a really nice kick to it, and the steak was cooked well with lots of flavor.  All the tacos are topped with cilantro, radishes, and a lime on the side.  Definitely add the lime!  Also, the orange/yellow sauce they give you to put on these tacos is PHENOMENAL.  I really want to know what's in it.
  
  My second trip I got the combo of 3 tacos+1 tamale+rice+refried beans.  I forget how much the exact price was.... but I want to say around $8/$9.  Very reasonable.  I had a BBQ pork taco, a steak taco, and a chicken taco.  The chicken didn't wow me very much, but hey, what can you expect from chicken?  I guess just a little more seasoning would have been nice.  Not terrible though.  However, the BBQ pork taco was delicious!  I'll definitely be ordering that again in the future.  My rice and refried beans were scrumptious.  I especially liked the beans, served with a sprinkling of queso freso --- yum!  My pork tamale was somewhat disappointing...  I was a tamale virgin up until this point.  And I guess maybe I was just expecting something different.  But I didn't enjoy it all that much.  It had decent flavor, but there was hardly any pork, and the mushy texture got to be a little much after a few bites.  But I'm not giving up on tamales.  I will try them again sometime.
  
  Overall this quaint little Taqueria is delicious and definitely worth trying.  Their prices are low and the food is fantastic.  What more could you ask for??  A glass of horchata you say?  Well naturally, they have that too.  And for the record --- it is delicious!

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  Posted on 05.12.12 Chelsea K.

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  TRY THIS PLACE!  My fiance and I live nearby and always drive past....SO glad we finally stopped in!   The chicken tinga tacos were our favorite, followed by the pork empanada.    Nice presentation, authentic, and the sauces they provide have just the right amount of spice.  Great for take out!  They forgot our gauc and don't have a website, so we have 4.5 stars.

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  Posted on 05.05.12 Linz O.

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  Great tamales and empanadas ! Haven't tried anything else yet, and inexpensive.

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  Posted on 04.27.12 Colleen J.

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  I second the empanadas! The owner at first glance looks a little intimidating but after speaking with him he was so nice and funny! I've gone back 3x each ordering empanadas and chatting with the owner.
  
  The atmosphere isn't something to write home about but the food MORE than makes up for it.

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  Posted on 03.18.12 Rosalind C.

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  Our first time there tonight and we now have our new Favorite Mexican Restaurant. Very clean, tremendous selection of meat options from the regular chicken, steak and shrimp, to tongue, chorizo and so on. We fed four people for $20.00 and I'm a big eater.

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  Posted on 03.15.12 James R.

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  Four words: "TRIPA Y LENGUA TACOS", for those of you that do not speak Espanol, this means, "Tripa and Lengua tacos"...but in all seriousness tripe and tongue tacos are delicous (RIP Chris Farley).
  
  Probably sounds pretty gross for all you white meat chicken eaters, however, the tripe is fried crisp, and the beef tongue is stewed soft with excellent seasonings. They also have an accompanying yellow sauce that I believe the secret ingredient is actually magic. Rice and beans are above average, and a decent side with the meal.
  
  Withheld the 5th star due to the small portions and higher than normal Mexican food prices. Otherwise fast and friendly service, and a good place to practice your Spanish, some staff have a little difficulty with English, but don't let this be a deterrent for any of you Mexican food lovers!

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  Posted on 02.29.12 Mike C.

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  I REALLY wanted to like this place based on the reviews.  It's possible that we picked the wrong items.  We had burritos which were packed full of rice with a coating of refried beans on the tortilla.  Salsas were just okay and the quesadilla was filled with much too much cheese.  If I ever do return, I'll try the tacos.  Definitely a bigger fan of West St. Paul places like Burrito Mercado.

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  Posted on 01.28.12 Grey S.

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  I visited El Ranchito for the first time tonight, and was very pleased. The gentleman behind the counter was friendly, and helped me navigate the menu. The food was fabulous; it smelled so good on the way home! The chorizo taco especially rocked my world: it was pleasantly spicy, and so satisfying.
  
  I look forward to going back. I felt so welcome, and I really want to try that taco al pastor!

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  Posted on 01.26.12 Jennifer R.

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  I grew up in Texas and lived in Denver for 25 years. This is easily the best Mexican I've had since moving here, 8 1/2 years ago. The burrito pastor was great; the tamales to die for. Excellent! Be sure to accompany your meal with a Mexican Coca-Cola. They're still made with sugar, and taste much better than the h.f. corn syrup U.S. version.

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  Posted on 12.11.11 Daniel H.

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  The restaurant is a hidden hole in the wall in a strip mall, but I've gone past it so many times I thought finally I'm going to try it.
  
  First try was a just a basic steak and chicken taco.  It was really flavorful.  It reminded me of a meal that was served in Yelapa, Mexico and it brought a smile to my face.  Finally a decent authentic mexican restaurant within a mile or so from home.  Lucky me!  Next I tried a combination meal of chorizo and steak tacos with rice and beans and loved it!  The chorizo was super good and I would order that again for sure.  I love the bean and the rice was mild and lite.  I would say that their portions could stand to be just a spoon or two bigger, but I was happy just the same.  It's not the most inexpensive restaurant and based on ambiance I thought the prices were actually a little high for being "cheap", but I would still say to give it a try.  It's worth it.

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  Posted on 11.23.11 Molly S.

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  One of the better taco places I have found in the metro. Food is authentic and very tasty. Service is very good and there is very little wait. A little out of the way but worth it. I would suggest one of the taco/tamale combos. Their horchata is very delicious.

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  Posted on 11.02.11 Justin A.

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  Just got back from Phoenix craving more quick and tasty tacos, and this joint fits the bill and then some.  The meat is well seasoned...not relying on the salsa the tacos up.  The salsa, if you like it is complex, deeply flavored and delicious.  Did I mention we fed 2 adults and 2 kids for $20. And the smokey, yummy beans.  Get a few extra tortillas to sop up the goodness.

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  Posted on 09.17.11 darla k.

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  Great taqueria and our go-to for tacos al pastor. The owner, Juan, knows us now when we come in (note to self: must cook at home more often!) Tacos are great (corn tortilla, lots of meat options from carne asada to al pastor to chorizo to pollo...) cilantro, onions, the usual) with super-flavorful meat and better al pastor than some other supposedly al pastor-all stars in town. We mentioned that once and he kind of gave us a lecture on how other restaurants are doing it wrong! Funny. :)
  
  We've also kind of fallen for his version of empanadas - I am familiar with Colombian empanadas but these are more like empanadas who went to the State Fair and went on the tilt-a-whirl with a taco - think thick, deep-fried corn dough stuffed with meat, lettuce, sour cream....yum! A must-try.
  
  Everything has been really solid and home-made and fresh. The horchata is really good and we also tried a sample of the tamarindo drink last time we were in which was super refreshing. You can totally eat in (he recently installed some booths to make it more welcoming) although we always get takeout - and they're open super late on weekends (Juan told us he was experimenting with being open until like 3 am or something crazy!) When we're in the mood for an authentic taco with beans-and-rice combo, this is our stop.

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  Posted on 07.07.11 Jen R.

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  Awesome hole-in-the-wall authentic Mexican. I opted for yummy chicken tinga tacos and a delightful pork tamale, but if you're looking for tongue or tripe they've got all that real-deal stuff too (plus tortas, burritos, a pretty sizable menu). The place is dirt cheap but clean as a whistle; the staff is helpful, nice and quick; the food is delish. A hidden gem.

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  Posted on 01.07.11 Carolyn P.

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  Good

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  Posted on 12.23.10 Laura P.

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