The condiment containers are dirty and empty, as are the napkin holders. The outdoor plexiglass sign is half gone, the banner tangled, strung above a shattered terra cotta pot. The rear service yard is strewn with all number of random objects; unsightly, the umbrellas on the patio are ancient and dirty... Chipped and scratched walls and doors abound. The place needs a complete makeover!! The salty hot avocado sauce is eye-poppingly flammable, the chicken burrito is unremarkable ... Clean this place! The men's room is RANK! You're sitting on a gold mine! read more

El Rancherito - A paltry cluster of dirty condiments: but I the oregano... - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

I would give them 100 stars! This is the most delicious Mexican food we've ever eaten. Tacos, wet burrito.. mmm I couldn't stop eating people who work there are super nice, polite and friendly. We'd definitely come back to you! Wish you good luck and lots of customers read more

See all

We've been going to The Rancherito on Woodman for decades, enjoying their home-style cooking, their wide variety of dishes. At all Mexican restaurants, I look for tasty sopes, and Rancherito doesn't disappoint! I get mine with Carnitas! My husband likes their chile rellenos. It's encouraging to see dozens of Spanish-speaking customers selecting their dinners, too. In the dining room, they have the TV showing soccer games. A bonus is a grocery store directly behind the restaurant, where I can get fresh ready-to-cook nopales (paddles of prickly pear cactus) to prepare Nopales Salad. You can prepare your own Jamaica tea with dried hibiscus petals available in bulk in a bin. read more

Fresh food, clean , friendly staff and the food is delicious there is nothing to complain about here , maybe hire some eye candy while waiting for food... lol jk read more

Whenever I get out to the valley, i'm always on the hunt for good Mexican food. This place is great! Large portions of fresh, home made cookin. I'm not looking for agave marinated wild baby goat tacos in vegan blue tortillas. I want home cookin. El Rancharito is on hit! Very nice staff as well! read more

Ugh finally! My boyfriend and I had been looking for our neighborhood Mexican spot for sometime now since we moved here. We're both from the Bay Area, and I recently left San Diego. AKA we have high expectations for our Mexican fix. This place is soooo good, bummed because they're not really open late, still looking for that place for after a night out... But great flavor, friendly staff, clean environment. read more

El Rancherito - Shrimp quesadilla, carne asada burrito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

This place is a straight 10/10. The torta de Milanesa is nostalgic and 100% authentic. The atmosphere is positive, layout is so classic and definitely worth the trip back. read more

Never disappoints, always delicious, best burritos and tacos around. The salsas are always fresh. The staff is always helpful with quick service. read more

I ordered from this place through Uber Eats earlier and I cannot say it was yummy. I got 2 enchilada plates with rice and beans and a flauta plate. The enchiladas were tasty but the rice and beans were below average, in my opinion. The rice was salty and the beans didn't taste as good as the usual refried beans from traditional Mexican restaurants (I'm not sure if they were smashed canned beans but they were definitely not the refried bean taste that I was craving). The meat in the flautas was hard and dry. They serve good portions at an affordable price. The only thing I liked was the enchiladas, so sadly I won't order from them again because I can't say no to rice and bean combination plates. read more

Sad I waited so long to try this place!!! Friendly service and delicious tacos The red salsa was soooo bomb!!! Definitely coming back!

Oh my gosh.... FRESH JUICES!!!! Yay! So excited that there's a place close by that sells fresh juices for a reasonable price. The serving size is huge and it's so good! Breakfast burritos for $4.99 are served til 11am. I ordered two over the phone and they were ready in about 5 minutes for pickup. There's a self serve salsa bar that has the normal red and green, and also another sauce that's super flavorful...slightly yellow and red. The service is nice and the food portions are large and tasty. NOTE: debit cards only! read more

See all

My new favorite place. The guys in the kitchen are very professional and even came out to personally hand me my food . I ate all the food lol sorry no pictures. read more

They have large menu with plenty of choices. I ordered 6 tacos (chicken and beef). They came with nachos and beans. They were really good. The presentation was good. They also have some drinks, I ordered the watermelon drink it was good, refreshing and decently priced. $2.99 for the drink. $1.39 for the regular tacos. They also have fish and shrimp tacos however they are a little more. The place is clean there's plenty of seating. There also an ATM machine inside. read more

El Rancherito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

This is one of those taco places you want to like. The people are nice there and at the risk of sounding totally like a hipster has that sort of dive, greasy spoon, hole in the wall vibe that you hope means will be better food. But sometimes a dive is a dive is a dive. Again this is not a huge knock on them or their food even, but it just wasn't very good compared to a lot of what is out there. There's an endless array of taco places, trucks, stands, etc. out here in the Valley. And while this place has a large menu of items from the many we had, nothing was very good. We ordered your fundamentals in tacos, asda, al pastor, carnitas, cabeza, as well as some nachos and a breakfast place. It was night but hey BREAKFAST ALL DAY YA'll!!!! Annnnyway... sorry I get excited for breakfast at non morning hours. We had chorizo migas, ya know eggs and chorizo that came with rice and beans and one of those little make shift salads of iceberg lettuce and tomatoes roughly chopped. Personally I don't care for that on my plate unless there's some dressing. It's like when Korean places throw some shredded cabbage and call it a salad. It's just odd to me. But the tacos were ok. Sadly nothing to call home for. They were not very flavorful. Same for the nachos. We had beef nachos and they just were that bad combo of stale too hard chips that quickly became really soggy. The sogginess came again from the makeshift iceberg lettuce tossed on top and not the meat unfortunately. There was a lot of filler in lieu of meat. That was all ok but the chorizo migas was just awful for me. Maybe I don't know good migas and chorizo, but this place was just way too sweet for me. The chorizo had a weird texture and in these really big chunks. Not wrong per se, just I enjoy the small bits more. Also this chorizo was VERY cinnamony. Again not wrong since chorizo is made with cinnamon like a lot of Mexican cooking, but this was super over powering for me. Just tasted kind of gross to me. I felt like I was doing a cinnamon challenge. The bright side though is my gf ordered some melon drink. I think it was a watermelon one. I love aqua frescas and this was delicious.  Maybe I went on an off day or just maybe this isn't the place for me. I just wasn't impressed and would rather get tacos elsewhere. read more

See all

I think it's important to try the fare more than just once in order to give a fair rating and my god... this place is clutch. I am new to The Valley and was a bit sad to see the lack of quality or even quantity of food locations other than the typical Food Desert options. I typically try to go for their morning special which is seriously an insane value for the quality food you get at such an affordable price. The staff is top notch in my opinion. They are always busy yet manage to give you full attention while communicating with them. I can rarely hit an expensive restaurant and get that type of service. I'm so glad to see that they are flourishing still during these uncertain times. I have and will continue to spend my money at this location. Proud to be one of their many patrons. read more

This might be the best tip you ever get from Yelp. Come get this chicken soup (caldo de pollo). If you have a sick wife or boss or friend, come get them some of this soup and they will remember it and be grateful. Every sick person wants to be taken care of, and this soup is a home run. The first time I told my wife that I loved her was after she brought me a cookie when I was sick. If she had brought this soup I would have proposed a year earlier than I did. 2 or more whole chicken legs in the soup along with a lot of other great stuff too. Everything else has been very good too. I haven't had the breakfast yet, but it looks pretty awesome. Great prices and very nice people too. read more

El Rancherito - Me, happily waiting for some chicken soup. - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Been coming here since they opened their doors! The place is like Cheers, everyone knows your name! Amazing carneceria, fresh produce and home cooked style food! My entire family comes here. We Love this place and our friends that work here! read more

Yelp Challenge 2018 26/100 (I'm the turtle, not the hare.) This is one of those nondescript places you drive by thinking they may sell tires and offer an oil change. Not quite. Yes, it's in a working class neighborhood on a Main Street. Don't judge a book by it's cover. Sure, there's a private school across the street just below the Jack In The Box. Those children of privilege most likely won't come over here for dollar tacos 3 times a week, or the 4.99 breakfast burrito that will shatter your fitness goals for the day. But that's okay. You walk in and you see all the offerings and it's rather extensive. They also have a Mercado- that's market for all you whetos. Which I am one. Behind the restaurant selling authentic Latino fare. Generous portions, with an affordable price point and great customer service. read more

El Rancherito is a Restaurant and Market separate buildings.... I stopped by the restaurant strictly for some tacos but after looking over their large menu selection.... I didn't know where to stop! Peeps are super friendly and food didn't take much time to be served, though all the food was good, I gotta keep it real and put them on blast for one item and I'll explain later. Tacos - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#Uwib8YqWzNTMyKrAN_uRvw Carne Asada - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#daZbZqvPYbUq4GBhzvpYKA Nicely grilled lean meat with good flavor, they have a variety of salsa's from their self serve salsa bar! 4-Star Al Pastor - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#M9E5nn2Y-ze4g7101HOzCw Heavily marinated piggy, caramelized onions and pieces of pineapple, they must use pineapple juice in their marinade it was overkill.... 3-Stars Birria de Res - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#KE2vlpV2KrEubOliLzaiOg For you gabachos that's Beef, the broth was clean and had great flavor, beef was fairly lean just a little fat http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#tfdnHwfaqnPWMvzkCXJMcQ an excellent dish that I'd recommend to anyone. 4.5-Stars What time is it, Time to Keep it Real...... Torta Ahogada - IF I were to review the torta for flavor only, I'd have to say 3.5-Star... so what's the issue, say you? A Torta Ahogada is a typical sandwich from Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico and SHOULD look something like this http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/la-chiva-torta-santa-ana?select=pCc209b8Q-SKf5d2atkvvQ#A9BTsV1LhzfSsccM-HQhOg a birote salado filled with pork carnitas, the torta is dipped in a tomato based sauce which is slightly spicy, the torta is generally ordered media ahogada or bien ahogada and if you wish it spicier they have a spicier sauce they dip it in, but as you can see from the photo it's a thinner sauce. El Rancherito's version of a Torta Ahogada - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#4JFyVl5B9bDLYBnerPYYBg Again YES it tasted good, the point is it's far from what it's supposed to be. 1) They use a Boilillo and NOT a Birote Salado, the difference is the birote is more like a French roll, firmer outside and the dough is salted, it holds up to the wetness, the boilillo get's soggy. 2) The Ahogada - for you gabachos that's the drowning or Wet, NOT the traditional style sauce they just dump salsa on top. 3) Non-Traditional toppings, Lettuce, Cheese, Tomato, Sour Cream, Avocado..... Torta Ahogada - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancherito-van-nuys#h6rJqim5UUfhq4CiOiZ8ZA Authentic Torta Ahogada it's NOT = #Fail But if you could care less about having an Authentic Guadalajars Torta Ahogada, this one is pretty tasty! the Carnitas were real nice, the salsa was HOT, the only mess was the soggy bread. Torta Ahogada - Zero Stars Taste - 3.5-Stars read more

See all

The best Mexican Food ‼ Never get sick they are nice and friendly Very clean place to eat! read more

DELICIOUS TACOS !!!!! It was Cinco de Mayo and my gf and I were looking for a legitimate taco. So we got on our Yelp map and decided to look for taco spots outside our area. We decided on El Ranchito. . . We arrive, order 12 tacos(they're street size with double tortilla) 2 orchatas and get down to business. I suggest you guys try the chicharron tacos and carnitas. Regardless they're all good. read more

El Rancherito - 4 Asada, 1 carnitas, 1 Chicharron - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

See all

Followed fellow yelp reviewers advice and got the tacos. Boy were they delicious! Tacos are $1.39. They have a special I believe on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for only $1. The taco plate was presented well, they give you loads of protein and a portion of chips with beans on top (I love beans). Service was great, they were calling my friends and I all their amigos. It's located right next to a carniceria, so you know they keep that meat fresh. It's a bit of a drive, however I plan to be back for the taco special sometime! The tacos were that good.. It gives me a peace of mind that they have an A rating(: The downsides are that there were no apparent restrooms and they only had fans, no AC. Food is definitely authentic and great quality. read more

El Rancherito - Tacos! - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

This review is way overdue... After two years of coming here I have decided to review this awesome place...So the first time I came here was about two years ago and I was like "Where is this place?" I almost passed it and if not I passed it.. fast forward to 2019 this is one of my favorite places in the valley. They even know my order awww (I frequent places I love). I have had breakfast plates as well as their dinner plates and must I say "very decent prices". You get a lot of food and let me tell you I eat a lot. There have been times where I have had to throw the towel in lol. They have a huge menu with various Mexican food plates to chose from. They have aguas frescas. My favorite is the Horchata, Melon and Pina you can get them extra extra large. They make sure you are pleased when you pick up your food (they repeat and double check your order). So if you ask for no cebollas they don't take it lightly. The employees either really love their job or make you feel like they do. They have such great customer service! Just that alone gives them three stars. They also have a carniceria in the back or you can have them cater an event... I might have them cater my wedding JK. read more

See all

This review is just for their menudo It totally SUCKS You can tell that they cook the meat separately and then they just added to semi hot semi colored water when you order totally tasteless undercooked colorless looks like caldo Really disappointed Try the Azteca menudo in Atwater way way better read more

Great food ,pricing is fair , and friendly service , second time coming . and will definitely recommend this place ! read more

So it was lunch time, and my colleagues and I were craving tacos.  A quick Yelp search lead us to this place.  Located in an old Taco Bell building, this "blue-collar" establishment seemed very authentic with most, if not all, of their patrons being of Latin decent.  This meant we were at the right place to taste some good Latin food. I ordered the Carne Asada and fish tacos, a Carne Asada burrito, and a Jamaica drink to wash down the food.  I could say that the fish taco was one of the best I ever ate.  The fish was a grilled red snapper.  The fish taco was neither oily nor heavy.  On the other hand, the Carne Asada tasted a bit too salty. This place does not skimp on quantity.  The meat on top of my tacos were enough to make two separate tacos, and that is what I did with the provided two tortillas per taco.  I asked them to hold the rice and beans from the burrito and they packed the burrito with so much meat, onions, and cilantro (more meat) that I had a hard time keeping the burrito together.  There was so much food that I was unable to fish the burrito. One thing that stood out for me in this was their Salsa bar.  The flavors were fantastic and all homemade. The prices were very reasonable: $1.39 meat tacos and $1.79 fish tacos. There was a slight language barrier, which I did not mind at all.  All of the employees were pleasant and accommodating.  I would have given this place a 5 Star if it was not for the salty Carne Asada.  I will definitely go back to this place again! read more

El Rancherito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

Well what can I say. This place is across the street from where I live and I have never been in it before. I had to try it out so I went ahead and ordered the wet burrito. It was huge and way more than enough for me. The meat, cheese, rice, and salsa tasted good. I have no complaints about this place but the food didn't pop out at me. I have been to a lot of Mexican restaurants and this place was better than most. I would recommend getting the horchata drink and the tortillas which are made in house. The problem with the tortillas is that they tasted more like pupusa tortillas than regular tortillas. (Pupusas are thick filled tortilla with either meat, cheese, or both or anything you can fit in them) The chips were not good and very greasy and stale. The restaurants portions are very large so you do get your money's worth. If I get an urge for Mexican I will go back. read more

See all

Best Mexican food I had in awhile!! Enchiladas were fire and very friendly service. My friend got the homemade horchata and said it was really good. Perfect service and good food deserves 5 stars every time. Next time I'm trying multiple items to give a even better review! read more

Best al pastor and carne asada ever! My go to Mexican restaurant so good! It's a small place but if you're craving a burrito or tacos, this is the place to go! read more

Omg don't eat this food . We ordered take out , taste of food is not good. We noticed something on the piece of carne asada plate and found out if was fly eggs that had been layed on it . Thank god we saw this before giving it to my kids . Just the taste of other food we ordered didn't taste right and food looked sloppy . If you still decide to eat here check you food really good . Especially if your kids will be eating this food . Never again ordering or eating at this place . Just to think a fly was on my food who knows if we ate something we didn't catch makes my stomach feel gross . I also noticed the shrimps are not cleaned . If I can post the pic we took I will post . It is disgusting . hopefully Yelp allows to post pics . read more

I was there a few months ago and found a roach in my drink. I showed it to the lady at the cashier and she just took it out of the cup didn't offer to give me my money back read more

I got two carne asada tacos and a Jamaica to drink. The tacos were ready quickly, piping hot and yummy. The carne asada was tender and flavorful. They are street taco size so depending on your hunger, you may need more :) The Jamaica comes in a large size (or maybe I just looked thirsty lol) and it was light and refreshing. It was perfect for a hot day and just sweetened enough to be pleasant and not super sugary. The gentleman at the counter was nice and professional. Note that the food comes out the same place you order, so if it's busy, it might get a little clogged there. If there's a lot of people, ask to see who has ordered and who is just waiting for food so that you are not waiting longer than necessary. I didn't have to wait very long but I could see how there could be confusion. There is street parking and possibly a parking lot, but I think that is on the side. I parked on the street in front and there was plenty of parking there. read more

Came here for taco Tuesday w/ my brother, and the food is so good. Pros: Employee's are respectful w/ great customer service. Cooked on the spot Big man portion for the budget Restaurant is clean Cons: Parking is ok but sometimes full Wait may take long(cooking the food on the spot) read more

The carne asada tacos are so good. We also get the carne asada burrito and bean and cheese burrito. Everything is large, delicious, snd fresh. The staff is very nice. We usually like the green and hot red salsa on the salsa bar too. read more

This is most times are go to Mexican food. When we first ordered it a few times it was yummy. But now it's a hit and miss.

It's basic Mexican food. Nice people. Sorta greasy and if they don't clean the oil often you can taste the dirty oil in their tacos de papa. Last time I went I couldn't finish my food bc it tasted like dirty old grease. Salsas are good but quality of good is basic. read more

I come to this place for tacos whenever i am in van nuys and its always good eats,especially those $1 tacos read more

See all

First time here. Just happened to pass by and let me tell you, this place tastes like they have generations of abuelas working in the kitchen. If it wasn't for covid I might have licked the whole damn plate. Incredible service and authentic flavor. I had the plate of rice and beans with carnitas and asada. Highly recommended. I will definitely be back for no other reason then to eat here and i stay in the inland empire. Straight FIRE read more

Found our go-to taco spot! Living around the Van Nuys area, you're bound to come across many many taco spots. After a few failed tries at different restaurants, my boyfriend and I both agreed that this would be our taco spot. The tacos are pretty hefty and considerable in size. I tried the carne asada and ruled out that it was the best I've had around here yet. The carnitas aren't too bad either. Boyfriend said the adobada was solid as well yet I didn't have a chance to try it but I trust his judgement! I didn't try any other tacos but I'm sure they're tasty as well and for tacos under a buck fifty you can't go wrong here! The restaurant itself is a little rundown and it could use a little tender loving care, but that wouldn't stop me from coming back here to have their carne asada tacos. Thanks El Rancherito, we will be coming back again and again. read more

This Mexican restaurant probably has the best Carne Asada I've had! It seemed like it was marinated to perfection. I usually either get the carne tacos or in a burrito form and they are both really good each time I have it. The staff is super friendly and respectful and even throw in free chips! read more

El Rancherito - Mexican Near Me - Van Nuys, California

See all