Do you have a restaurant woven into your family's history to the point that it feels more like a memory you can step back into rather than just a place to eat? For us, that's El Ranchito in Huntington Park. It's a family-owned, authentic Mexican restaurant that has had the community on its back for the last 6 decades. They hand-make the tortillas right in front of you, serve up fresh chunky guac, and make their iconic Mama Avila's soup fresh daily. It's rare that a soup has me hitting a stank face, but here we are. The Camarones al mojo de ajo is a can't miss appetizer. It's succulent shrimp sauteed in butter and fresh garlic, made to be eaten with the piping hot homemade tortillas. They have all the traditional Mexican dishes, my brothers go to is the chile relleno, but I always just run the fajitas. I'm sure I'll get clowned for this, but nothing heals my trauma and existential dread like a plate of sizzling fajitas. My pops has worked in the area for longer than I've been alive, so El Ranchito has seen every iteration of me, and of my family. For that, I am grateful. I'll be coming here until the wheels fall off. EL RANCHITO ALL STARS!!! IG @johnny.novo Tiktok @jnov__ Substack @johnnynovo read more

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This place is a legend! But, it may have slipped a little. Went there on a Wednesday night. The parking lot was a bit full but there was enough parking. We walked in and it was a few minutes to get recognized by the hostess. Not a big deal but that bled over into the waitstaff. We were sat and ignored for quite a bit. We waited and we got chips and salsa and someone came for drink orders. The salsa was some of the best I've had. Drinks came back pretty fast but they were average. Something was off about them. We ordered the food and we got it fast! I was surprised how quick it came! It was good Mexican food. Not great but good. All in all, it was a good place for a sit down dinner with drinks. read more

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed with smiles and immediately acknowledged. The hospitality here is something you don't often experience anymore--it's genuine, thoughtful, and consistent throughout the entire meal. We never felt rushed and were so well taken care of. What stood out most was that this wasn't just true of one person--it was every member of the staff. Everyone was smiling, welcoming, and made us feel as though they were truly happy that we had stopped by to share a meal at their restaurant. Our food arrived piping hot and absolutely delicious. Before we could even ask, they checked in to see if we needed more salsa and offered additional tortillas. It's the little things and attention to detail that make all the difference. A special thank you to our server, Dalia, who has been working here for 23 years! When I asked her why she was always so happy and smiled at us with genuine kindness, she simply said that she enjoys working there and loves serving her customers. That answer perfectly reflects the spirit of this restaurant. Her kindness, warmth, and attentiveness made our lunch even more memorable. The décor makes you feel as though you've stepped into a real ranchero in Mexico. From the beautiful paintings to the live plants and carefully chosen details throughout the restaurant, everything creates a warm and authentic atmosphere. Five stars isn't just for the delicious food--it's for the exceptional hospitality, genuine kindness, and the care shown to every customer. Experiences like this are what keep people coming back. We left feeling appreciated and cared for, which is something that has become all too rare these days. We will definitely be returning! read more

It's a shame to say this but it's been weighing on my heart after I dined here tonight. I don't appreciate being called a - "chinito" behind my back. The waitress was smug and proceeded to "educate" me on what a tamale is, I don't need condescending instruction when I simply came in to dine and inquired on trying out your tamale. Furthermore I did hear you call me a "chinito" while I was on my way to the bathroom. Guess you didn't think I would overhear you. I'm a grown ass adult and I don't need to hear racial slurs at your establishment. The cashier/manager was kind enough to comp my meal but this incident tonight really irked me and ruined my experience of what I have otherwise have been proclaiming to my circle of friends of how wonderful the cuisine at your establishment is. I'm just very disappointed and hurt. read more

Happy mothers day! This place is so delicious the Chile Verde plate and the Azteca burrito is delicious here! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Feliz dia de madre - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Legit Mexican restaurant, with Mexican flavors. I ordered the carne asada plate and a piña colada. Meat was tender, and drink was worth the price. The place is spacious, with lots of seating, we didn't wait long to be seated. Waiters are very attentive, I'll definitely come back. read more

Great service, friendly environment; our server, Delia, was very sweet and constantly checked in with our table for anything we needed. Definitely recommend this family restaurant; the food was delicious. read more

I want to start of by saying how delicious this place was. Phenomenal! Exquisite! Authentic and over all delicious!! The customer service is the best part of this place next to its food ! Our waiter named Monica was very very attentive and helpful! She even made suggestions and recommendations. Without asking, a gentlemen named Luis brought us the second round of drinks when he noticed we were running out. To make things better, the owner her self came to ask us how the food was. How humble and inviting. Definitely a place to recommend . 10/10 !! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Oh Avila's...you're truly an institution! It's not very often that you're not on point. I absolutely love that you're not your typical, run-of-the-mill Mexican restaurant. You're rich in heritage, full of tradition, and you've stood the test of time...still coming out roaring! My go-to dishes are always the posole and the carnitas plate -- you simply can't go wrong with either. * The posole is consistently an 8/10 -- comforting, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. * The carnitas? A solid 9/10 every time -- tender, crispy in all the right places, and packed with flavor. * And those handmade tortillas... a perfect 10/10. Especially with butter The service here is always warm and genuine. You can feel that it's family-owned from the moment you walk in. They treat you like family -- especially on Sundays when the owner often stops by your table to chat, laugh with you, and make sure you're taken care of. It's that personal touch that makes Avila's so special. I love it here...the food, the people, the history...and that's why I keep coming back. read more

Came here with my family on my birthday and we absolutely loved it! This place is so beautiful and the service is excellent! The servers are so nice and the owners as well! They're very attentive and helpful. The food was delicious! Loved every bite. Will be coming again. This is my grandmas favorite spot btw. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

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Great food been coming here since I was a kid! Hand made tortillas, lengua guisada my go to plate. read more

Food was great our server Dalia was excellent! Highly recommend and will be back soon

La Comida NO!!! ES ....nada extraordinaria!!!! sus precios por 2 tacos dorados de pollo quemado son ridiculamente caros , ademas el servicio de las meseras es fatal , No lo recomiendo !!! para NADA!!!!!!! read more

Based on the yelp reviews I thought the food would have been better. First, salsa is very average at best. Chips were good. My pomegranate Margarita was warm and not rimmed. I ordered a cheese enchilada and beef taco. The enchilada sauce was thick and a bit sweet, more like mole. This is not how I like my enchiladas. My beef taco was good. The service was good. I highly doubt I will return. read more

Celebramos el cumpleaños de mi mamá en Avila's El Ranchito y fue una experiencia hermosa de principio a fin. La locación es excelente, muy bien ubicada y con un ambiente que te hace sentir cómodo desde que llegas. La decoración tiene ese toque mexicano auténtico, elegante y acogedor al mismo tiempo. El ambiente fue perfecto para una celebración familiar: alegre, cálido y lleno de buena energía. La comida estuvo deliciosa. Cada platillo tenía muchísimo sabor, bien presentado y con esa calidad que realmente se disfruta. Se nota cuando la cocina está hecha con cariño. Pero lo que hizo la diferencia fue el servicio, especialmente el de Delia. Su atención fue cálida, amable y muy atenta en cada detalle. Nos hizo sentir especiales durante toda la celebración. Su actitud y sonrisa hicieron que el cumpleaños de mi mamá fuera aún más memorable. Definitivamente regresaremos. Gracias por una experiencia tan bonita y por hacer sentir a mi mamá tan celebrada y querida. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

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Hermoso y acogedor lugar, con un ambiente vintage y relajante. Comida muy buena y con sabor casero. Excelente servicio desde que te reciben al entrar, y muy rápidos. Delia S nos atendió muy bien también, se encantó de que no nos faltara nada y siempre con una buena actitud. 10/10 muy recomendable. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Stop the car and eat here at Avila's‼ The food here is absolutely wonderful and authentic Mexican cuisine. The menu has a large variety of entrees and they also serve desayuno (breakfast!). Chili verde, enchiladas, tamal, Chili rellenos, and salmon were ordered and everyone enjoyed their meal immensely. The staff that took care of us and treated us like honored family-- although it was the first time having the pleasure to dine here. Avila's makes their own tortillas, too! So, don't delay coming here when you want delicious meals and lovely people. The atmosphere is very nice, too. read more

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Had dinner at Avila's El Ranchito and the experience felt very authentic from start to finish. The handmade tortillas were fresh and soft, and the carnitas plate had really good flavor without being overly greasy. We also ordered guacamole and chips for the table, and you could tell everything was made fresh. The staff checked in often, the portions were generous, and the whole place had that classic long-running neighborhood restaurant feel. It makes sense why this location has been around since the 1960s and is still family-operated today. read more

I love this gem...the service, food, atmosphere...went there yesterday, had the grilled fish combination plate, with the freshly made corn tortillas, DELICIOUS...I had an HORCHATA, HEAVENLY...the owner goes and checks on every table checking to see customers are enjoying experience, LOVE IT read more

Very disappointing experience. We arrived hoping for a booth, but the hosts asked us to wait while only one staff member was clearing tables. The busser appeared to be in training and was assisting with service instead. Meanwhile, the hosts stood by and made no effort to help--despite being able to simply clear a few dishes and wipe the table to seat us. After 10 minutes, we asked again, but there was still no urgency or support. As longtime customers of over 40 years, it's frustrating to see such a decline in basic customer service. Will rethink my Sunday breakfast location for sure. read more

Great food def coming back. Home feeling while eating here. Friendly and quick service. Prices are affordable and plates well served.

I'm not one to leave negative reviews but I'm honestly baffled by what I paid for and what I received . I went for lunch yesterday and ordered "chicken soup" and I even asked the waitress if it came with vegetables inside it , and she said yes . Ten minutes later she comes with it and I was served one small chicken leg , almost looked like whatever scraps they had in the kitchen and dumped in unflavored chicken broth , and one inch of a chayote and one inch of corn . Literally nothing else in the "chicken soup" and paid 18 dollars for it . It was a slap to the face . This was the worst caldo de pollo I've ever had in my life . Never coming back here again , overpriced and horrible food . read more

Childhood fave. I've been coming to this restaurant since I was a kid. My father would always bring us after church on Sundays. I hadn't visited the facility in many many years until a few months ago. And it's like taking a walk back in time. The place had some changes but otherwise looked the same. It felt like home. Of course the food was delicious, and my father often says how he hasn't been able to find a restaurant that competes with this place. We no longer live in Huntington park but will have to make the trip just to eat here. The place looked clean and service was prompt and attentive. All in all a must go type of place. Carne asada is a must try item for sure. read more

Try the mole with a Bohemia and for desert a carrot cake with some coffee. Good service and good music love it

Food is delicious and customer service is amazing. Delia was an amazing server even when there was rush she still made it a priority to keep us informed of where I food was. read more

The food here is always excellent! But i like to review based on customer service! Delia was an amazing hostess, kind and friendly. She had the patience to serve us (two young toddlers and one infant). Would make sure that my husband got his refill, and also ensured that everything was good. Thank you Delia for your service! read more

Pretty authentic mexican food. The vibes are nice in there. You always get greeted at the door And the hosts leads u to a table. Everyone is welcoming. I like that they play real traditional mexican music not generic circus music. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Salvador was an amazing host and Yolanda was an amazing server and was polite and respectful.​ read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Amazing burrito - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Got enchiladas verdes yesterday afternoon and was eating the leftovers for dinner. I noticed pink/chewy pieces of chicken that tasted funny so I threw away the rest of the plate. Having symptoms of food poisoning today... read more

Great service...chips and salsa i Are fresh...tacos are basic the way I like them. Server is friendly and approachable. Good home style Mexican food read more

The service here was great very nice authentic family style restaurant. The inside decor is very interesting and beautiful and cozy. The food was great! I had enchilada con queso and taco. My friend ordered something else it was great as well. read more

I wasn't even planning on coming to my old stomping grounds, but life had other plans for me, and I'm so glad to have arrived back home in HP. Growing up as a kid, this was always one of the spots everyone's parents took the family for an authentic Mexican meal. They make fresh homemade tortillas with pride, walk in and you'll see the ladies hard at work forming the tortillas by hand, and making them on the grill to perfection! We ordered Caldo due to the cold windy weather... man it hits the spot! I had albondiga soup, and my friend had the Caldo de Pollo! Mmm so savory, lots of flavor to warm the soul. Service was outstanding, I love the attentiveness, my glass was always full, my friends coffee was filled up a couple of times. Lots of space for big parties, family fiestas or a night out with your friends or significant other. I wasn't even supposed to be in HP but fate and circumstances had other plans for me. I highly recommend coming in for some drinks, lunch or dinner. Cash or CC happily accepted, plenty of parking on the side of the structure. read more

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The service was absolutely horrible and the food was just as bad. Staff were inattentive and unprofessional, and the meal lacked flavor, freshness, and quality. Overall, a very disappointing experience -- I would not recommend this place at all. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - It was horrible cold old guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

Thank you Amanda por El gran servicio The comida estubo delicious y ambiente estubo Bien muy rapido muchas gracias Sincerely ulises read more

First time here and my goodness food was DELICIOUS!!!! From the friendly wait staff to the relaxing music in the background, everything was amazing. Food came out quick and portions are HUGE!!! We ordered the carne asada plate and the two handmade tortilla tacos platter and both were so good!!! Meat was juicy, rice was flavorful and fluffy, and the beans (my god) were all delirious!!! Favorite part though was the handmade tortilla. If you're in the area, a MUST try!!! Next time we're bringing the hubs and kiddos!! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Carne asada plate & two tacos platter - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

1,001 reviews and 4 1/2 stars? Overrated! The service was very good. Their handmade tortillas were excellent but it ended there. I had their Mojarra al Mojo de Ajo. A deep fried fish covered in a garlic sauce that overpowered the fish.. Almost as if they were trying to tone down the garlic, Avila's fish sat on a bed plain tasting french fries and an even more ordinary side of salad. The best word to Avila is ordinary. Next time? There are an endless number of sidewalk taco vendors within blocks of Avila. That is where I will go next time I'm in the area. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Shrimp ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

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One of my favorite places for lunch. Great food and great service. Going there this Saturday for son's birthday brunch.

My 9 year old daughter Annalise loves posole so I'm always challenged with task of finding a good posole spot in Downey which is almost impossible. So we took a drive down to HP to Avila's El Ranchito and it was very much worth the drive. The food was excellent! My daughter had the posole of course and she loved it. My wife had the chicken tacos dorados which were delicious. I had the chilaquiles with frijoles and I they were very tasty. Crunchy, cheesy and spicy. I have to admit the beans were mouth watering. Delicious. They almost stole the show. The service was excellent. Sorry I forgot our servers name but she was kind, professional and helpful. The ambiance was just what we were looking for. Something for the family, filled with happy people but not crowded. We loved it. It was a family run restaurant for families that want to sit down and eat at a nice place with food that tastes like it came from your mom's kitchen. The owner, Margarita, even came and sat down with us after we finished our meal and told us her family's story and how the restaurant got started. Very humble and sweet lady who made us feel welcomed. This place is truly a gem. I highly recommend El Ranchito and will definitely be back with my family. read more

This is my 2nd time eating here. The first time was good, and my 2nd time was amazing! Had the chicken enchiladas combo. The enchiladas were so tender & flavorful. Rice was great. Service was outstanding. The A/C was blowing on this nearly 100' day. They have a private parking lot, but I found parking right by the front door. I will definitely be returning soon & recommending Avila's El Ranchito to everyone I know. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Chips & Salsa - Mexican Near Me - Huntington Park, California

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We stopped by for lunch, I got chicken and steak fajitas and my partner got combo #13. Everything was so fresh and delicious. My plate came with fresh and warm tortillas. They made my food so gooooood! Delia was our server and she was super helpful and super attentive! It wasn't too busy around 1pm on a Tuesday so it wasn't crazy loud which was nice. All the servers and busboys were super helpful with getting us to go boxes and getting our check paid. I love coming here with family any chance we get! 10/10 recommend! read more