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    Avila's El Ranchito

    3.6 (666 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm

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    Avila's El Ranchito Photos

    Business Info

    AVILA'S EL RANCHITO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Happy hour specials
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Avila's El Ranchito

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    Reviews With Photos

    Bar menu
    Lisa A.

    We have been coming here for years. It's a mainstay when we are in Newport. One of my favorites is the chicken tortilla soup. It's so flavorful, I miss the Huntington Beach location and having access to it. The tortilla chips at the Newport location are the BEST! They are thin and crispy compared to other El Ranchitos. Of course the salsa is 5/5 too. My husband had the mahi veggie bowl which didn't have enough seasoning. It was a hearty size but lacked flavor. The service is always good, they check in with us repeatedly during our dining. The restaurant is kept very clean and has an old charm to it. It's definitely our go to as a sit down Mexican restaurant. There's something to be said that it has been around for 50 years.

    Menu - Platters, Traditional Entrees, and Favorites
    Chris A.

    Family stopped by here for lunch, before heading to the marina to do some kayaking. The food here is incredible. Straight up. It's so damn good. Staff was so friendly when we came in, and thankfully it wasn't too busy on a weekday afternoon, so we were sat immediately. We were loving our waitress, she was so happy and pleasant to interact with. She brought over some chips and salsa, made some recommendations, and already had our drink orders being delivered within the first 5 min. I am happy to say that the entire menu, healthy or more indulgent, is fantastic. I had to eat a little lighter this particular day, so I went with the Baja Bowl with chicken and no rice. Healthy? Check! Absolutely delicious? Check! Possibly one of the best taco bowls ive ever had? CHECK CHECK! So much flavor for being on the lighter end of the dining spectrum. For the record, the day added to the experience too, because this restaurant is open air. Especially if you're sitting right by one of the open windows, you get that refreshing, ocean air coming through, the entire experience makes you feel like you're on vacation. Great spot, highly recommend, we need one of these out in Arizona. It would be the best Mexican Food spot in all of Phoenix valley!!

    Combo platter
    Sam E.

    Decent Mexican food! They certainly have really big portions and lots of options on their menu. Chips and salsa come with the table as well which is always nice. They have indoor and outdoor seating so it was dog friendly which was important as we brought our fur child with us. I went with the California chicken plate. It came with grilled chicken served over a bed of onions and green chiles. Came with tortillas and your choice or of rice & beans or veggies. The chicken was a bit bland and did not taste like the highest quality chicken. It had a more shredd-y texture which I was not expecting. It was topped with a green salsa and overall had a tangy flavor that might've needed something else to counterbalance it, maybe a creamy component or slightly sweet flavor would have helped. I enjoyed the chips and salsa and they refilled them for us. They also refilled our drinks without us asking so the service was great. Our waiter was very friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a very casual atmosphere. The prices were also reasonable especially considering the good portion sizes. Next time I would probably considering getting one of their combination platters.

    Love the sunset from here
    Kerry K.

    I cannot believe this place does not have 5 stars!?! It's so good. The food is excellent and the service is fantastic. I love being served by Manny, Gustavo and Victor. I frequent happy hour but also love their Saturday and Sunday afternoon. Definitely give it a try.

    3/2025 about $30 with tip for a cup of soup and deep fried ice cream- no whip cream/no chocolate sauce???
    Jen S.

    Compared to other restaurants in this area, the service I've received here is lackluster. Not impressed for the caliber of clientele that frequents here. Maybe one has to be a local to be given a friendly service. I came in for takeout a few times now and I'm never greeted- maybe they're busy. Who knows. But the service hasn't impressed me yet. On the first visit back here I remember I stood at the host/hostess stand several minutes -oh it was just before Super Bowl weekend- not one table occupied to my left and the bar area was a a small crowd. I do believe this is a popular restaurant due to its location two blocks from the beach and just around the corner from all the yachts and group boat excursions. I remember I used them for a catering service on one of our yacht events and they were accommodating for large groups. The food has been decent. It's not the best Mexican restaurant I've visited, but the ambiance and menu selections seem nice enough. I've only tried their enchiladas and my family enjoys their red sauce, but it's not one of my favorites. I'll venture to try something else another visit I am sure if I revisit. Maybe the fine-in experience is very different. I did order a cup of tortilla soup and a deep fried ice cream that came to about $30 after tip (shown in photos). I hate to say it, but I've made the tortilla soup better at home in my opinion. It was bland (like it was watered down???) on this particular visit. I later learned I do not get the whip cream and chocolate syrup unless I remind them or ask for it as I had on the last visit ordering the deep fried ice cream to go. Is that customary? For me to ask for these toppings on their deep fried ice cream? For the area, I just expected better attention to details as I've experienced at neighboring restaurants. ie a sushi restaurant I get takeout every couple nights and the utensils and sauces I get every visit I never have to check their bags or ask for. I had to ask for utensils when I checked my takeout bag.

    Steak fajitas with rice & beans with pineapple margitini
    Tara G.

    My partner & I were welcomed when entering and the staff was kind to find a spot for us in the sun, as requested! We got seated right away & I noticed there was plenty seating inside and outside along with a play area for kids to freely engage with toys and other kids. There was also a banquet area where there seemed to be a business party or gathering occurring. Our table did have a toy and crayons underneath it but we didn't mind. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves & the vibes of the patio were easing going & social. The food arrived fast & was pretty good! I also got the pineapple margitini & it had good ratio of coconut and pineapple & tequila. Our server was friendly but often didn't check in with us and forgot some of our requests for more water, chips, etc. The bathrooms were clean as well. Overall, we had a great experience & would stop by this place again after a beach day!

    The special. Delicious & comforting for the gloomy beach day!
    Paulina Alejandra G.

    Dear Jodie, Thank you for being so attentive, efficient, & caring, your hospitality is what draws me back! Thank you for recommending the special. The "Mama Avila's soup" is always very comforting, and delicious. It's very soothing for a nice beautiful day off. It's exactly how my Mother would make it growing up so the nostalgia is real here... Thank you for recommending the half green/half red enchilada sauce mix, it was absolutely banging! This has got to be my absolute favorite location and spot. Perfect service, great for walking the Newport Pier afterwards, burning off those Skinny margarita Calories. Jodie, don't stop being you. Simply amazing. Ooh, and screw the bad reviews because shredded chicken quality is top notch. Who cares if food isn't loaded with grease, it's good for a cheat day. The only slight complaint is less salt on the Chips, but they're still fresh. Sincerely, Previous "Elite Squad" chick but got booted off. So need to get back on my Review game. Paulina Garibay

    Kids play area
    Annie P.

    El Ranchito has the yummiest Mexican food & the best vibe! It was the most enjoyable meal we have had out in a long time with our young kids thanks to the play area!

    Brian C.

    Wow such a great place. Originally going to crab place up the street. My wife and I decided to pick this establishment. A young host staff seated us to see the Newport foot traffic, a beautiful warm Saturday as my wife celebrated our marriage and friendship of 31 years The menu was well set with so many temping dishes. Chips and salsa served and the salsa was mild and tasty. I ordered a watermelon cooler(great job liz) and my wife ice tea. This establishment was very clean as it being a semi indoor outdoor restaurant. Christina the manager giving shout out to you on good ethics with your host staff as well as wait staff and runners. You keep your staff content and busy with necessary projects for the function of the restaurant no one twiddling thumbs. I chose a platter with carnitas side of rice of beans the patter was filled with fresh tomato's, peppers, onions and Pico de Gallo had a side of rice and beans. Like mom would make so good beans ans rice puffy. Carnitas we crisp well cooked chunks of meat. My wife had carne asada with shrimp great plate. Our wait staff was also a bartender she was help out with the wait staff. Thank you Liz for your great customer service you made us feel welcome. A nice little gem in Newport Balboa just a little distance from the Newport pier I will return and maybe try there Costa mesa location Thanks for helping us celebrate our anniversary

    Inside

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    Thanks for visiting Annie, glad you enjoyed your meal and Kids Zone!

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    10 months ago

    First time here. Amazing service and food was delicious!! Best Guacamole! Thank you Maldonado.

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    1 year ago

    Impressive service and hospitality. I mainly hung out at the bar area but it was great atmosphere and the food smelled amazing.

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    7 months ago

    Excellent restaurant the food is just delicious, prices are fair, the service is really good and employees really friendly

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    Page 1 of 17

    Ask the Community - Avila's El Ranchito

    For a party of 7 are reservations suggested?

    You can walk in anytime with a group of 7 but we do take reservations via phone. (949)675-6855

    I use to come here a lot on Tuesday's, but it's been a few years. Is there still the taco Tuesday buffet?

    Hey Josh! Thanks for asking, and yes we still have amazing Taco Tuesday deals! We have 3 street tacos for $9.95, it comes with your choice of chicken, steak or carnitas, guacamole and fresco beans. We also have $8 margaritas. Both specials go all… Read more

    Is there a happy hour? If so what times?

    monday to friday 3-6pm, I believe : )

    Did you guys start doing the $5 Taco Tuesday buffet again?

    No, the deal now is 2 tacos for $4.

    View All 6 Questions

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    My wife and I loved this place! Came on a Friday and got the taco Friday special (Also on…read moreTuesday!). The mahi mahi was especially good! We also saw some dude try to get a drink for what may have been his minor girlfriend. And the manager on duty shut it down HARD. Kudos to you! But seriously, the tacos were so good! Thanks!

    It was my first night staying in Newport Beach and I was looking for some dinner. To be honest, I…read morewasn't feeling most of the places I encountered - however a family friend said they had tried Great Mex and had good things to say. Mexican sounded good, so I decided to check it out. Great Mex is located right on the main strip on the Balboa Peninsula. It's very much a hole-in-the-wall space - with a super simple/casual set up. The space isn't large - you order your food at the counter and then there are a few tables where you can sit. I was lucky that the place was empty when I arrived - shortly after I sat to eat a bunch of people came and filled the tables. They have a good variety of Mexican dishes - nothing too outrageous, mostly things familiar to the American palate. I decided to get the two taco combo dish and chose al pastor as my protein. The tacos were super tasty - generously filled with two being enough if you're hungry but not starving. The dish came with rice and refried beans which were also good. They carry Mexican Coke, so I got one of those to finish the meal off. Service was great - they were super friendly and the food was ready relatively quickly. They also went above and beyond - two people in my party got fountain beverages but they noticed they were too watered down and were quick to replace the syrup and provide us new beverages. Overall, I had a good meal at Great Mex - definitely a standout on Balboa Peninsula.

    Photos
    I dig the layout
    I dig the layout
    2 taco combination
    2 taco combination
    Dinning Area

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    Dinning Area

    Avila's El Ranchito - mexican - Updated June 2026

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