El Ranchero Taco Shop

Mexican Restaurant $ 4.4 (470)


El Ranchero Taco Shop is renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine, with many dishes lauded for their homemade flavors. Frequent mentions of the quality and taste of the food, particularly the barbacoa and the various raspados, underscore its commitment to genuine culinary experiences. However, customers have noted that the atmosphere could use some improvement, often describing it as somewhat chaotic or outdated.

Overall:

4.4

(388 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

3.7

Service:

3.9


Phone number: (619) 476-8005

Address: 3344 Main St, Chula Vista, CA 91911, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Curbside Pickup Available

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Brunch
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Dessert

Amenities

  • Outdoor Seating
  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards
  • NFC Payments

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" If you're looking for a place to get authentic Mexican tacos in town, El Ranchero Taco Shop should be high on your list. The service was friendly and quick, and the tacos de barbacoa were simply divine! The seasoning was spot on, making each bite unforgettable. They have a nice selection of refreshing drinks as well. I highly recommend trying their traditional raspados to end your meal on a sweet note! " (*Curated Review*)

" Wow! El Ranchero Taco Shop is a fantastic spot for tacos. The carne asada taco was delicious—so juicy and flavorful! The staff was welcoming, and I truly appreciated their willingness to help with my questions about the menu. One of the best parts—I saved room for their famous mango raspado which was refreshing! I’ll definitely be returning soon. " (*Curated Review*)

" El Ranchero Taco Shop offers fantastic authentic Mexican food that reminds me of home. I particularly enjoyed the shrimp tacos, which were fresh and generously portioned. The service is friendly, but on busier days, you might have to wait for a table. It has that cozy, hole-in-the-wall feel that I love. My only complaint would be the cleanliness—the tables could use a good wipe down, but the food makes it a worthwhile visit every time! " (*Curated Review*)

" This taco shop is an absolute gem! From the moment I walked in, the aroma of grilled carne asada welcomed me. I ordered the tacos dorados de birria, and they were cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. I also enjoyed a pineapple raspado that took me back to my childhood. However, the tables were a bit sticky, and it could have been cleaner. Still, the food makes it worth any minor inconveniences. I can't wait to return! " (*Curated Review*)

" I was seeking authentic Mexican food and stumbled upon El Ranchero. The tacos de pescado were fantastic—lightly fried and packed with flavor. I also enjoyed a refreshing tamarind raspado that really hit the spot. The atmosphere wasn’t the best, very noisy and cramped. But the delicious food and friendly service made it a worthwhile visit. Highly recommend checking it out! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (378)

" I had a disappointing experience at El Ranchero Taco Shop. Despite the rave reviews, I found the tacos to be mediocre at best. The carne asada was chewy, and the tortillas didn’t feel fresh. Also, I was expecting better service; it felt more like an afterthought than a priority. The ambiance was chaotic, and I couldn't enjoy my meal like I hoped. I won’t be returning anytime soon. " (*Curated Review*)

" Wow! Just had a wonderful experience at El Ranchero Taco Shop. My husband and I decided to try their famous birria tacos, and we were blown away! The flavor was incredible, and you could really taste the authenticity. We also ordered a couple of raspados to cool down after our meal, and they were generously sized and made with fresh fruit! The only downside was the atmosphere—it could use a little sprucing up and felt a bit congested. Overall, a great spot for flavorful and authentic Mexican food! " (*Curated Review*)

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