I'll just say it... I don't like Mexican food. It looks and tastes exactly like something that comes out of the other end in the morning after you eat it. I was invited for lunch to this restaurant, however so had no choice but to come. Yes, sure the ingredients are cheap as per all Mexican dishes: rice, beans, flour, meat, not too much gourmet there, but it tasted pretty good. Waay over-salted though , once again to create any flavor. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was clean, the waiters were very attentive.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Not my favorite but it'll do for lunch. read more

-Plenty of parking -[[HIGHLIGHT]]Restaurant was clean and had a cozy feeling[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] -Server was friendly and super attentive -Food was absolutely delicious -Ordered the flautas, burritos and fish bowl -5 stars all around read more

Avila's El Ranchito in Huntington Park is a special place for me since it's somewhere my family and I visited growing up. I was happy to come back and give it another try. Our server, Jose, was friendly and attentive, and the food did not disappoint. I always say the beans tell you a lot about a Mexican restaurant, and theirs were delicious! I was a little disappointed they didn't have freshly made aguas frescas, but overall, it was a great experience. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I also loved the authentic Mexican décor it brought back a lot of good memories.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

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We love coming to El Ranchito. Kids eat free on Wednesday so we love to stop by and enjoy a meal together as a family. The fajitas, chingolingas are delicious. staff is always very friendly and food is fresh! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The service was wonderful and we enjoyed the ambiance.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, the food was just average. I wasn't a fan of their ceviche nor enchilada sauce. The ceviche was a bit pricey at $25 for the quality we got. My 5-year couldn't eat her enchilada because it was too spicy for her. On the plus side, my husband loved their chips and salsa and coke. I also enjoyed my Crispy Ground Beef and Potato Tacos. I was in the mood for greasy tacos and they delivered. [[HIGHLIGHT]]And my kids enjoyed coloring, so thank you for providing paper and crayons for them.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Because of its convenient location, we will come back and give it another go. Their other dishes might be good. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Surf & Turf Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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All the Avila's locations deliver great food; yet, this location recognizes you and sincerely treats you like family. Kathy remains attentive and bartender Edwin is phenomenal when you're solo. Best salsa ever, grande taco salad on point, affordable, lots of hunting mounts and really great people. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Clean, warm and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Plenty of free parking; right off the 5. Wish they were the closest Avila's to me but worth the drive! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - You'll feel like you've been invited to a family dinner gathering! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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We used to eat here all the times and always like food from this location (and their Costa Mesa location). We recently ordered El Ranchito catering finger foods for our office event. We had chicken flautas, beef flautas, crispy chicken tacos, crispy potatoes tacos, and mini burritos. I didn't try the burritos but had a bit of everything else. Mini tacos are good but not too much meat in them. Chicken flautas and shredded beef flautas are all good, as well as their salsa. read more

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I ordered Avila's soup with extra salsa and flour tortilla via phone for pick up. When I arrived, they did not seem to have gotten the order. I made sure I called the Santa branch too. Anyways, the guy said it will be few minutes and asked me again what the order was. When I got home, no extra salsa and gave me corn tortilla instead. I was so very disappointed. I never experienced this before and I am a regular customer. I always order same item, no mistakes so when I got the food, I did not even bother to check at all. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was also getting crowded in the reception area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I hope the staff preparing the food-to-go would really thoroughly check before giving it to the customers. We trust you guys to do your job well. read more

Got the egg and chorizo burrito no cheese, sour cream and guacamole on the side. Gave me a bunch of chips salsa. I enjoyed the guacamole with chips and the salsa. The burrito was over the top pictures. Tell 1000 words great rice and beans #PhenomenalMeal read more

Avila's El Ranchito - My meal before I dug into it egg and chorizo burrito no eggs, rice phenomenal - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Went right after lunchtime. So it was empty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Lots of parking. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant was clean and decorated appropriately.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the two item combo. Taco with shredded beef and chicken enchilada with green sauce. And it was really good. Their salsa was fresh and the chips were warm. Service was good. They also have lunch specials. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Not a very good picture, but the food was amazing - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Our server wasn't that friendly and she got our order wrong. Food was honestly just alright... We had a group of 6 and only 1 person really enjoyed the meal. read more

I normally go to the Costa Mesa location however after trying this location, the food taste so much better! This will now be my location.

I've been here twice for lunch because my mom enjoys a good chili relleno. This time I had their appetizer platter and it was a good portion. Overall I would go back again and try something else, but I would advise look T the photos to see if the plates are what you expect. My first time I thought my plate would be more food for a combo, but item wasn't as much as expected. So this time I picked something that was posted on Yelp and enjoyed my dish. If you are ever in the area, enjoy, and try Avila's El Ranchito. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Entrance and dining area - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Ordered and online take out order here and it was great. Quick turn around time and everything I ordered was just as expected. We were craving albondigas soup and this location was serving it. It was delicious. Friendly staff at the front to hand off the food too. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The location is very nice with old architecture and a nice surrounding area.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Parking is on the street and can be a little difficult depending on the time of day. The servers were all friendly and checked on you at good intervals. The food however left a lot to be desired for me. I ordered a very basic chicken quesadilla and it came with slimey chicken and a drenched in water tortilla. My wife loved her food so points for that. read more

I rate this place a 4! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was nice, and inside was so spacious.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It looks alot bigger inside then I thought. We drove by here and my husband's been wanting to try it out. I had my fa write Chile Verde it was okay. My husband had steak and garlic shrimp. I tried the shrimp and it was buttery not so much garlic flavor. Rice and beans were okay couldn't say authentic but the chips were fresh, however the salsa was all tomatoes. We had drinks, green mermaid was delicious ! It had cucumber, lime, Serrano and mint. My husband had his regular mojito. If you visit I highly recommend the green mermaid. I would of Gave a 5 if the sides taste more authentic including salsa. The pico de Gallo that was served with the meal was awesome including guacamole, it was the salsa served with chips that didn't hot the spot. Appreciate all staff, thank you! read more

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I came here for dinner with my family last night. 9/10/25 Avila's El Ranchito Santa Ana is my step dad's go to place for mexican food. We were warmly greeted and promptly seated for our party of 3. My mom got the one item combo chicken tamale with rice and beans while my step dad ordered the two item combo beef taco/beef taquito with beans and rice and I got the Chimichanga with beef which also comes with rice and beans plus a raspberry ice tea to drink. The food came out quick and it was hot and delicious. Service was top notch. I will return and highly recommend. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Chimichanga with beef. - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Lovely old building right there in a residential area of OT Orange. Met some friends for Saturday lunch and did not even need to wait. Gotta love that. We had great service, attentive nice people work here. Chips were meant for gringoes but salsa was nice and spicy! I didn't mind. Had the chicken tostada with all the accoutrement- cheese, beans, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, onions on a crispy tortilla. It was fresh, flavorful and generous. Everyone served at the table was happy with their meals. I would return! Good place to take family, meet a friend, with no annoying waits or crowds. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Super cute inside and out! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Always a good time at El Ranchito! I've been here over a dozen times, and never been disappointed. On our last visit, we were seated in the bar area, even though we had kids with us. Lots of tv screens in the bar, which allowed us to watch the Lakers game while eating! Promptly after being seated, we were given tortilla chips and water - service is always on point. I had the Mama Avila's soup and the skinny coconut margarita. These two are my go-to items at El Ranchito! As usual, our food came out quickly, and was served piping hot. The soup is so warm and comforting, and surprisingly filling, since it has rice and big chunks of chicken in it. If you haven't tried it, it's a must! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mama Avila's soup - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Went here last night. Awful service, incorrect plate served, no one checked in on us. And my potato tacos had beef in them, which is no where on the menu. We won't be coming back here, we will try out the Orange location and hope for better. read more

The Cadillac margarita was perfect. Food and service was great. I highly recommend this place

We just started coming here and have now been 4 times. Each time we had a different server and all 4 of them were fantastic. There are a lot of people working and they are constantly refilling chips, salsa, and drinks. The food has also been great. Our new favorite spot! read more

The go to place for great Mexican Food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Full Bar, great atmosphere & service.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Multiple fireplaces & the best ranchero sauce ever[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

I don't write many reviews however Avila's El Ranchito really stood out to me. Came here for Mother's Day with the family. Hostess was efficient and polite only a 15 min wait. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place was packed, but the service and food were incredibly good.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Some of the best drinks we've ever had. Staff walking around were all very friendly and everyone kept checking in on us for refills etc. Great job all around - will be coming back. read more

Attention to detail is obviously lacking. Just drove 30 min round trip and spent almost 80 dollars on a pick up order (something they had actively sitting in a bag ready to go but didn't spend the time to double check) and had missing items. Paid cash so no offer of a refund and I'm not going to drive another 30 minutes round trip to pick it up. Would not recommend this place as it's apparently like chancing your order at Taco Bell or McDonald's j less you want to go through each and every single item to ensure what you ordered and paid for is there read more

He'll yeah I recommend this restaurant. First the red salsa is absolutely amazing! I don't know how they make that flavor but I would drink it through a straw. This was my first time here and I loved it. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Fast and friendly service amd loved the decor.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I ordered the albondigas and it was delicious. So much flavor! I will be coming back and see how the menudo tastes. read more

Avila's, Santa Ana is our extended family's gathering place for birthdays! They are ALWAYS so accommodating for our group of 11. Service is seriously outstanding. The extensive menu has something for everyone, always freshly (& quickly!) prepared and served (important with a 4 yr old and infant!). A complete full bar serves wonderful margaritas of all flavors. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Large facilities accommodates many families with ease.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My go-to Carnitas plate is delicious. My wife's seafood enchiladas are always the best, and enjoyed for lunch the following day due to generous portions. Just give them a quick call for a reservation for any large groups, they WILL BE READY for you! Enjoy!! read more

Our neighborhood go to! We love every location. Best chips and salsa around and the crispy tacos and enchiladas are the best! The service is always great and [[HIGHLIGHT]]such a cute restaurant[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]. read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Taquito and Crispy Taco! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

I've been multiple Avila's location. This is become a must stop when I visiting from Washington! I love how the staff does an amazing job embracing you and making you feel like your family or friends. Even though it's often my first time visiting one of their locations. This is real authentic Mexican food. Their food is always extremely consistent. I always make it a point to find a location when I am in the area. The Avila's famous caldo is worth it! But I always need to get throw in a crispy taco. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]I love the ambience, decor, and food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] About two Sunday evenings ago, I went with friends. The tortilla chips were old and greasy. The waiter service was wonderful. I enjoyed the chicken soup and ordered my Tamarindo Margarita without the serrano chillies. It was great! My friend ordered a chicken mole dish. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Had a great evening with my family member today, while getting dinner.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The waiter was very kind and friendly! His worker was awesome too, and the food was fantastic. Totally forgot this places was tucked away in Santa Ana. Looking forward to coming back, especially for the drinks! read more

Ordered the albondigas soup and flautas. The soup was so extremely salty I couldn't eat it and sent it back. Got the chicken soup instead and it wasn't as good as the last time I had it. The flautas were more like taquitos but very dry and tasteless. Will not be back since the quality of food seems to have diminished. When I sent back the soup I asked the server if the chicken soup was as salty and he had a bit of an attitude. Not impressed at all. read more

If you're looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant with delicious food, Avila's El Ranchito is a great spot! The chips and salsa are great! Good flavor! Friendly customer service. Sizzling Steak Fajitas- Steak tender and cooked well. Delicious! Came out sizzling, which I love! Makes for a great presentation. Grilled veggies still crisp. Guacamole tasted fresh not the best I've had. Refried beans had a good flavor. Chicken and Mole- Mole was a little sweet but flavorful. Chicken was tender- fall apart tender. Rice was super dry. Chicken Enchiladas- the red sauce is fabulous. Best thing about these enchiladas was the red sauce. Not as cheesy as other enchiladas. Skinny Tacos - fish wrapped in spinach. So delicious. Azteca Burrito- huge! Took 1/2 home. Soft drinks are a little pricey! This is Mexican restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Family owned and operated. Btw...They also have weekend brunch!! read more

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Our go too for Mexican always. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Been to all the locations locally and this one is always tops.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Great specials on Tuesday and a solid kids menu. read more

Best mexican restaurant in all of Orange County! Been going there for years!! Unfortunately we moved to Texas so only get to eat there when we're back in town. Avila's PLEASE open a restaurant in San Antonio!!!!! read more

This place gives an authentic vibe. Definitely great customer service here. They've got a lot of good options. I'd recommend the wet burritos, with double meat, topped off with the enchilada sauce!! read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

We paid $32 for two drinks, two crispy tacos, and rice and beans. When we finally receive the bill, we were missing $10 from our change when I asked for it back, he proceeded to get the missing $10 from under a booklet behind the register. Definitely would recommend everybody count their change at this place. The chips were very stale and everything just tasted kind of old. read more

Can't get enough of the good food here! The service always on point, waiters go above and beyond to please the customers! Ambiance pleasant and family oriented. The menu is full with good food however I keep going for the Pepe's grill platter! OMG I'm totally in love with the good taste! Husband loves the Carne Asada plate! I can't go pass my choice Definitely a 5 and above star if I had a choice read more

Avila's El Ranchito - Pepe's platter a must try!! - Mexican Near Me - Santa Ana, California

Large order for a corporate meeting, no utensils or napkins were sent (I did request it). Food was very bland.

Update Nov 2023: The chicken quesadilla is $18 for a la carte and is not offered as a combo. While I do love their chicken quesadilla (the chicken is marinated and has great flavor) I don't know if it's worth $18 before tax - basically $4.50-5 per slice as it's cut in quarters. Also, the price of the small bag of chips has increased to $8. Rather than getting the pint of salsa, I have begun asking for 4 or 5 smalls containers of salsa that come free wity the chips and the meals. Still good food but getting more expensive for the quantity and the quality. For example: Chicken enchiladas combo, 2x chicken quesadilla, 1 small bag of chips was $70. read more

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