Great spot, especially if you want Mexican food with an ocean-side atmosphere. I had the skinny margarita, which was refreshing and a perfect pairing with dinner. I ordered the steak fajitas, and they were pretty good! The steak was flavorful, and the fajitas came out sizzling with all the classic sides. Overall, a fun spot to grab some quick sit down Mexican food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful Laguna Beach scenery. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in the area! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Steak fajitas ! Large portions! - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Wish I could give this place a better review! We waited over 20 minutes for drinks while our server was tied up at another table. Another table that sat down after us received their drinks first. I eventually went to the bar to ask if I could order there and was told by the bartender, 'your waitress is right there' and then 'she'll get to you,' which came across as dismissive and unhelpful. We were also trying to order before the $3 mimosa special ended at 2pm. Overall, the service felt inattentive and the bartender's response made the experience worse. It's too bad, the view's beautiful! read more

Had a nice experience. Food is always good. Our server, David was very pleasant. I like the ambiance in the outside seating.

genuinely the best ceviche ever (number 2 to my mom's hehe) but so so good!!!! the shrimp was so tasty and fresh and it had the best lime flavor. my boyfriend and i ate it all so quick and would come back again when we are back in the state our server also offered us two rounds of chips and salsa and was so nice and attentive! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Service was really poor. Saw a bunch of servers who were just standing atound chatting and not paying attention much attention to customers. Food is good though read more

This Avila's location is the smallest one I've been to, but still has that Avila's charm and delicious chips and salsa. They have a much smaller menu than other locations, but still offer a few favorites. Indoor, outdoor and bar seating available, and walking distance from other shops and the beach. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Asada Taco - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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It's good but not great. Works for a quick non fussy spot for sit down standard Mexican food. Service is good though, so I'll be back to give it another try. read more

SOOOOO Bummed! I don't even mind being charged three bucks for the chips and salsa, because they're good. Seems like their food has changed. SOOOO, my wife and I each had a 2 item combo, and we both had an enchilada and the "ranchero" sauce tasted like a sweet molè sauce. (I don't like fvcken molè). My wife asked for a "impossible" taco on a flour tortilla and when it was delivered,...... CORN!!! Our waitress/bartender said they "always come on corn" meanwhile the menu says FLOUR! I have been to all (several times) the El Ranchitos in South County,........ on Plancetia in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel and Laguna Beach. San C, CdM and Newps. This is the worst when it comes to integrity of food. read more

Everything needs improvement. We were escorted to the side in the back of the restaurant with mostly empty tables there. A waitress finally appeared after a long time. The food was very forgettable and we would never return. read more

Overall, a bit expensive for bland food. Happy hour prices for margaritas are also not worth it. Why is a margarita only a dollar fifty cheaper during happy hour than during regular hours? The drinks we had weren't bad, but a bit on the sweet side. To be fair though, our server did warn us about that. We were a bit disappointed that the drinks were served in a pint cup, rather than a classic margarita glass. Furthermore, we found the decor to be a bit lacking compared to other Avila's locations. One last thing, we were disappointed being charged for chips and salsa, but refills were free at least! Wouldn't recommend but, the staff was very friendly. read more

The food was delicious, and the service was excellent and the staff were very friendly and polite, and the ambiance was pleasant and inviting. If you are in the area I highly recommend you check out this restaurant. read more

I came with my family close to opening on a weekday, so there was absolutely no wait and we were able to pick our own table! We got a spot right by the window where there was an ocean view. Our server was so kind, and she gave us free chips and salsa as soon as we sat down! The chips were so good and the salsa had a nice kick to it. We even got a free refill. I got the Mayan Burrito, and it was massive and so incredibly delicious. It was drenched in salsa verde and topped with cheese. I got shredded chicken inside, and it was so yummy. One of the best wet burritos I've had. There was so much filling inside, and such a good size. My sister got the California Burrito with carne asada, and she loved it too! My mom got the Avocado Bowl, and she enjoyed it too. I would absolutely return to this place and order the same burrito! Excellent service, a pretty view, and a nice relaxing ambience! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Avocado Bowl, California Burrito, & Mayan Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Been coming here for years. Used to be a fan but the prices now don't match the quality. $3 for chips? $25 for the chicken fajitas? Head to Carmelita's instead. Sure the fajitas are $31 but chips are free so at this point the prices are pretty comparable. El Ranchito has combined hole in the wall atmosphere with Carmelita's / South of Nick's prices (without the commensurate quality of food). Place needs a revamp. read more

Cinco de No Way ever again Taco Bell has better standards .. seriously the worst Cinco de Mayo experience ever tacos were shit so with the service. The only reason I say is cause I already ordered my beer. read more

Excellent restaurant. We had a party of 6 and everyone was pleased with their food and drinks. My husband had the Cameron el Diablo. The sauce was rich and nuanced, not the hottest we have ever had but definitely one of the best. I had the Chili Verde, also very good. Not super spicy either but very flavorful. He and I usually eat very spicy food but the flavor was so well rounded we did not miss the heat. Also ordered were the the tacos Mahi-mahi and tacos salmon. Very tasty. The pickled red onions were delicious. The taquitos were good and the shredded beef tacos were also tasty. The wait staff was very attentive and friendly. We ate on the patio which was lovely. Parking is about a block away which in Laguna Beach on Coast highway isn't bad. There is some nearer street parking. Not super handicapped accessible as there are a couple of steps to negotiate. They are service dog friendly. read more

Great food to pick up ! And eat there can't beat the Ocean view ! I love the chicken soup & crispy Tacos

Food was amazing! Everything was served warm. The salmon tacos were not super spicy but had a little but of heat. Shrimp tacos had some heat to them. Rice and beans were also good! Rice was a little dry. Food tastes authentic. The service was ok. Took us a while to get our food and drink refills. Everyone was kind. Ambiance was fun! This is a great place to sit outside or at the bar. Locals do come here, and it is a fun place to hang out! Would definitely recommend this place! read more

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long wait times, dirty tables/windows and they charge for chips and salsa? We had finished our food and waited probably about 10-15 minutes till the server came back, after seeing us being finished with our food and seating a table behind us, did he finally bring the check. what a disappointment. this is genuinely the worst location to go to! why does just about every else give you chips and salsa for free, yet you don't tell people and then charge them. what a joke. read more

Food was authentic mexican cuisine! Delicious! Service was friendly, exceptional & it made me feel right at home. About 200 feet from beach. I will remember this place next time I visit there. Seriousely happy 100 percent! read more

My husband and I have been coming to this Avila's since we started dating, in early 2017! Last weekend we came here per my husband's birthday request. They truly went above and beyond for us, which reminded us why we love this location so much! Thank you for celebrating my husband and making it so so special!! My husband, youngest son, and I got bowls while our other son got a quesadilla. All of it was delicious! Thank you for the amazing guacamole and the huge deep fried ice cream that was on the house for my husband's birthday!! We decided to sit outside as we enjoy it more! We will be back soon!! read more

Went for a work dinner they loved the drinks and food I ordered the Albondigas I'll let you El ranchito don't miss, also got a Chile relleano which was not spicy at all. Guac was good as well as the chips and salsa. Clean space during the day you could see some water from where we sat, fast service as well the guy with the hat was attentive and great. read more

I've been multiple Avila's location. This is become a must stop when I visit from Washington. This is my first time visiting the Laguna Beach location. It's probably one of the smaller locations that I've visited but it is the only one that has an ocean view. I love how the staff does an amazing job embracing you and making you feel like your family or friends. Even if it's your first time visiting one of their locations. This is real authentic Mexican food. Their food is always extremely consistent. read more

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Dropping a star because chips and salsa was $3 on the menu, waiter asked if we wanted to add guac. $15 charge for guac, it was good but not worth $15. Definitely should have price on menu, would not have ordered had we known. read more

This place has a good location in Laguna Beach. Service was very good. I had camarones a la Diabla. The shrimp were large, but I didn't like that the shells were partly attached. I prefer them to be removed prior to serving. Although I liked this dish it wasn't at all spicy, which a la Diabla usually is. The salsa that comes with the chips was surprisingly spicy, I liked it very much. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Check - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

Stopped by for takeout, always great shrimp tacos, salsa. Also we ordered fajitas and this is the second time in the last couple mos they forgot the tortillas but outside that solid meal, carne asada fajitas were a tad salty but still good read more

Great Mexican spot after going to Wood Cove Beach. Highly recommend the beef nachos big enough to share between 2 people. I looooooove the coconut margarita! I upgraded for the larger size. Servers were really nice and personable. Free chips and salsa. Salsa was yummy had a nice kick to it. However, 1 star off because we waited a long time for food. It was a busy weekend night. Street parking only and the restrooms were nice and clean. I would definitely come here again just for the nachos and the drinks read more

Avila's El Ranchito - beef Nachos - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Very disappointed by this restaurant. The chips and salsa were delicious but nothing else. The got the Asada and butter shrimp with Spanish rice and beans. The food was dry and the asada had no seasoning. The butter shrimp was delicious. The tortillas that came with it was directly out of a grocery store. For the price, I feel like I got Robbed. If Mexican food is what you're craving, definitely don't go here unless you just want chips and salsa. Don't waste your money here. I also got a Blood Orange Margarita that I couldn't finish, way too sweet and no tequila. read more

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Great service and food. Lunch on the patio was lovely. Portions for what we ordered were very nice. I had a vegetarian burrito, and he had a baja bowl. read more

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Unfortunately this reputable restaurant has gone downhill. The employees were nice, but the service was terrible. The tables were gross looking, paint chipped and unappetizing to look at for an expensive meal and drinks. We ordered when it was not busy at all. And after waiting 40 minutes for our food we had to ask the server, where is our meal? They told us the order was only put in 10 minutes ago but never admitted they forgot about us for 30 minutes. I live close to the Costa Mesa Ranchito on Placentia, and always a pleasant experience at that location, every time I'm there. Step it up Michael!!! We won't go back to this location again read more

The idea of margaritas to-go sounded perfect for a summer beach day, especially since it's advertised right outside. We grabbed a couple to take to the sand, but they were seriously disappointing. Each drink tasted like it had maybe half a shot of tequila, if that. We even watched her pour it and she barely flipped the bottle upside down... it dribbled out a sad little splash of tequila like an old man's pee. For $40 for two teeny margs, that's pretty wild. Great concept, but the drinks need to actually taste like they contain alcohol. Never again. Actually horrendous read more

We had lunch here and the food was excellent. The portions were generous, more than enough for a family of four, especially for this area. Service was quick and friendly, and they also offer complimentary chips and salsa. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, plus an indoor bar area for those who want to relax with a drink. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Laguna Beach, California

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Melissa had the best service. Fantastic tacos and salsa. Would definitely recommend if you're in the area.

Outdoor and indoor seating. Nice bar to sit at. No view as it faces the street, but few short steps to the beach. Complimentary nachos and salsa, very tasty. Friendly servants. I wish I could give it a better review but my beer glass had food stuck on it and i totally lost my appetite. read more

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Across the street from our hotel La Casa del Camino and steps away from the ocean beach. Our waiter was so friendly, attentive and nice! Our nachos, dinner and drinks were all very good. Will come back again plus pet friendly. read more

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The salsa was perfectly spicy. The tacos were solid, and the margarita was very strong. Overall, it was a good bang for the buck. It's a tourist area so expect a little bit higher prices than a taco truck, but I can't be disappointed with solid food and service. read more

Service was great, the restaurant itself was beautiful. I had the cerviche and it was delicious! Can't wait to go back again!

We were staying in Laguna Beach for a few nights and decided to explore some good eateries in the area around where we were staying. We happened to be walking past this place and thought, yea, we have a craving for some good Mexican food. As cozy as the outdoor patio was, we decided to dine indoors this time as it was still early and not too busy.....it was a bit hot outside anyway. As soon as we entered, we were greeted by a very nice and friendly hostess who seated us right away. Shortly after, our server came along and greeted us and asked what we'd like to drink......really nice, helpful, and attentive throughout. As we usually do for any Mexican restaurant we try for the first time, we went ahead and ordered the Chicken Fajitas and Chicken Flautas.....chips and salsa is complimentary. Not a lot of detail is necessary here as the food was really very good! The chicken fajitas came with 3 freshly made steaming hot tortillas, and a side of guac, salsa, and sour cream. When all wrapped together in the tortilla, wooow....delicious! The chicken was cooked perfectly ....moist, tender, and not salty at all.... not tough and dry like some other places we've tried....and everything kept nice and warm on a hot plate atop a bed of sliced bell peppers and onions. The chicken flautas was very good too.....went great with the salsa and sour cream. Ok, everything we ordered was very good, but the real standout that we were most impressed with is their salsa.....yes, the salsa that came with the chips. It is perhaps some of the best salsa we have ever tasted, and we have tasted a lot! It was thick with ingredients and not watery with little ingredients like some other places, not salty at all like many other places, and had just the perfect amount of spiciness. So, our experience doesn't end here as, the following night, after we finished our dinner elsewhere, we decided to come straight back here for some chips and salsa, beers, and a Chicken Quesadilla.....on the small outdoor patio. Yes, everything was that good....we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience, including very nice, friendly, and attentive service. Ok, the whole experience was mostly good, except that the outdoor patio was right by the PCH where we had to put up with very loud cars and trucks roaring past on the PCH.....I guess if you simply focus on the good food here you can almost tune out of all the annoying noise. read more

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The food and staff are totally amazing! Every time I order from them, the food is delicious.

The food is always hot. Chips are fresh. Salsa is good. Tables are clean. Staff is friendly and greets you when you walk into the restaurant. read more

The food was great! Just what I expected and the service is always exceptional ! The drinks are delicious and even when it is busy, you get seated pretty fast. read more