I little expensive for lunch. Ours were $16 for the Chimichanga and $20 for Chiles Rellenos Queso. Decent dinning area. I might come back for dinner. read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Service was fine, but the food was some of the worst Mexican I've ever had. Rice and beans were so bland they made plain oatmeal taste exciting. The red "salsa" was so watered down it was thinner than V8 and had no taste. It's like someone dumped a cup of tomato sauce in a gallon of water and stirred in some chili powder for kick. Seriously, buy some hamburger, a box of Old El Paso taco mix and it'll be 10 times more flavorful than the food here. The manager needs to hire a new/better cook. Whoever was on deck the day I was there (4/22/2026) was awful. read more

Hidden gem for sure. Delicious and authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. Ambience is simple, nothing fancy and the service is good. You can bring your own and we've been here a few times and have bought wine and homemade margaritas. They also have virgin margaritas that you can add your own tequila to. They have an extensive menu but my favorite is the Fajitas. On this visit I went with a steak and shrimp combo and it was one of the best I have ever tasted. Came to the table sizzling and it was flavorful and filled with tender, delicious steak and I believe four nice sized shrimp mixed with grilled tomatoes, peppers and onions. Also came with tortillas and rice and beans, also good. My wife went with the Bistec a la Mexicana which was also excellent. Tender skirt steak made with peppers, onions, jalapenos and tomatoes, served with a side of guacamole, rice and beans. Like I said, we've been here a few times and every time everything is on point. This will definitely be our local go to spot when we have a hankering for great Mexican food. read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Bistec a la Mexicana - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

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Favorite local spot, the enchiladas and the jumbo quesadilla are both go to items. The portions a large so the food doesn't feel overpriced and the flavor is solid. read more

omg I went here to eat for My daughters birthday and we were NOT disappointed. The food was absolutely amazing and delicious it tasted so natural and real, I recommend this to anyone who is tired of these Mexican rip offs because I promise you, you would not be disappointed. The service was also amazing, the workers are lovely and patient. i absolutely love this place and definitely plan to come back again read more

We randomly found this place on yelp and I'm so glad we did! Food AMAZING and fresh. Restaurant was a perfect size with stunning artwork and pottery pieces all on the walls. Our server was beyond amazing as well! He was efficient and has amazing work ethic. Would definitely recommend! I will be returning for sure! You cannot beat the prices for the quality of food! Go support this business if you can and if you love authentic Mexican food :) read more

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The service very attentive, the food very authentic, a great place. I had the poblano enchiladas with steak, my guest the Fajita Chicken Salad, and the Birria Tacos. All the food was excellent and the portions huge. We shared the Chocolate Tres leches for dessert a must try. I highly recommend this Restaurant and will definitely be back read more

Wow! The largest portions and value I've found in the northeast. Everything is fresh and made to order. Delicious salsa and fresh chips on the house. Chiles Rellenos were spicy and freshly made- red sauce and refried beans were delicious. My husband and I love to pig out, and never ask for to go boxes, but had to get them here because we were so stuffed! Will be back the next time we're in the area. read more

Awesome food!! Got the birria tacos and they were delicious and flavorful. And the horchata was amazing! read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Birria tacos were awesome - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

I ordered steak tacos and two kids' chicken quesadillas for pick up. I was NEVER greeted upon entering the restaurant and waiting for a "few" min, I had to greet the lady at the register and let her know I was there for a pick-up order. I ended up waiting about 45 min to an hour for my order. I wanted to add something to my order, and I was asked to wait.. which is fine, but then I was ignored until my order was finished. THEN they took my add on order for churros, and that prolinged my wait to 20-25 min extra. The tacos were mediocre at best, steak not seasoned well, and cilantro was wilted as heck. Kids didn't finish their meal either, and the churros were warm, which is nice... but lacked any sweetness. Service was horrible, and the food was mediocre, I'd rather spend my money somewhere else. read more

Their place was pretty good! The guac dip was interesting and the tacos were good! The wait staff was very nice and attentive, even though they were quite busy read more

Legit authentic Mexican food, we had chimichangas, the quesadillas, guac and chips. A bit of a long wait but very good

Dont even know where to start. It looked good authentic, good reviews, guy standing outside grilling, food on tables looked good. We ordered. I asked for burrito without meat. I did not want fajita burrito, so I asked a burrito with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, avocado, sour cream. We waited 30 min, food still hasn't come out. We asked to take it out because we had to be somewhere. Another 10 min went buy. Finally I got the bag, went to a car, no fork, went back to grab utensils, beans were in container and I wasn't about to eat it with my bare hands. Drove 30 min to out destination. Took my burrito out of a bag ans what do I get? Freaking fajita burrito with no rice, no sour cream. Seriously? read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Specifically said no fajita burrito. Rice, beans, cheese, sour cream. - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

We went there last night and it was absolutely delicious . The birria tacos were tender and just perfect, the steak chimichanga was also really, really good. They were very busy with takeout and uber eats , but it didn't affect the friendly service , looking forward to going back soon read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Birria tacos with consome - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Sorry for this a delay in posting but what a great spot! From the front it is a restaurant front in a indescript strip mall but it is so much more. The food here is delicious. The place is clean and the service was good. They do inside seating, take out, delivery and catering all at the same time. The place is decorated in simple, Mexican decor. The food is very fresh. Creamy avocados, slightly chunky salsa, homemade chips, all made for a excellent experience. If it is hopping prepare to be flexible and wait. It is worth it! Big festive platters with tasty, authentic food. From tacos, burritos, appetizers, tortas etc.. The menu is 5 pages of crazy good choices! Check it out! read more

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Was very authentic and huge portions. The staff was incredibly friendly. Will not disappoint! I have leftovers for days. Yummy!

Went for lunch today and it was simply amazing.! Friendly service, colorful and some of the most delicious Tacos AL Pastor I have ever eaten in a long time. Great sauces also... Homade Jamaica drink and a fantastic spicy pork Cemetas! So many other dishes I want to try... I will be back soon.. They also have Mexican breakfast too.... Do It now! read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

Delicious & authentic. Best Mexican I've had in while. Superb service. Cute vibe. 11/10 recommend. Birria was amazing, chips and salsa, al pastor tacos, beef tacos. Everything hit the spot. read more

Picked up take out for the first time. The food is amazing and you get a big portion. I have enough leftover for lunch today. I ordered the bistec ranchero. Comes with rice, beans, tortillas, avocado, grilled cactus and a spicy jalapeño. So good and authentic. read more

El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant - a plate of food - Mexican Near Me - Toms River, New Jersey

as authentic as I think one could hope for. it doesn't appear that they had a liquor license however that the tracks very little from the experience. service was great and the food was outstanding. My wife enjoyed the quesadillas very much. everything there is homemade and again as authentic as one could ever hope for. definitely a good find even though it doesn't look like much from the outside. read more

Muy mal servicio,10/04/2022 La mesera de lentes una tremenda floja , Despídanla por favor , muy malo para el negocio,, Que se quede a dormir a su casa La comida buena , read more

Very authentic Mexican restaurant. We came to vacation in Seaside Heights and El Rancho was the best authentic Mexican food we found so far.

First and last time here. Waited an hour for our food, with only 2 other two tops there. Food was good. Then the bill arrived and we were charged for water. Seriously ?? Water ?? It comes from the sink. They should at least post it somewhere. Unless it was and I missed it. But having worked in restaurants my whole working life.... I've never in that time have seen this. It's water. Ridiculous. And yes. I'm basing my experience on this and the hour time it took. read more

We were traveling, looking for lunch, when we found this place on Yelp. Yummy! Places say the are "Autentico", but this is the real deal. My husband had carnes de enchilada, he said the best he has had in ages. I had chicken sopes. The sopes had just the amount of crunchiness to complement the chicken, lettuce, beans, and avocado. I like salsa verde. Theirs was perfect on my sopes. It is BYOB. Looking forward to the next time we are in the area to come here again!! read more

Great tacos!!!!! The food was great !! I had tacos and they were perfect!!! Def enjoyed

Tried El Ranchero for the first time today & it was amazing. Do yourself a favor & try this place! I sampled 3 different tacos; carne asada, chorizo, & al pastor. Each one was more delicious than the last. My favorite was the chorizo; it was spiced just right. The tacos were offered with red & green salsa. I didn't use them on the tacos, instead opting to eat them with chips. Both salsas were outstanding, as well. The salsa verde (green) had a nice cilantro flavor with a hint of heat. The red salsa was Chipotle pepper-based & had a smokey kick. Prices are reasonable & service was quick & friendly. I hope that this place sticks around; it's a good one! read more

This place is the go to for Mexican! Extensive menu and authentic. Most importantly fresh and made to order. Tacos are amazing. Try the salted beef or tongue. Fajitas were excellent. Service was attentive and its a great clean space! Well Done!! read more

Food was delicious and fresh! Good portions. Friendly staff. Will be back soon. Definitely my go to taco place now

Todo estuvo muy Rico el servicio necessita mejorar yo tuve los sopes y mi esposo los tacos de asada.

Stopped by on New Year's Day. This place was awesome! Service was on point, As well as the food. We was Just looking for a late night snack. So I had the quesadillas and a steak burrito the sauces were awesome everything was hot fresh! Definitely going back for a full dinner. read more

Amazing Mexican food. Tried it once and went back 2 more times in the same week! A great local spot that I'm happy I found! Everything was delicious, and great portions. read more

Comfortable environment, good food, nice staff! Very attentive! Great chips and salsa a lot of different flavors! The sandwiches have great bread, tacos are authentic! Nice addition to the area read more

This little restaurant is a gem!!! Food is excellent and very fresh!!! One of my new favorite restaurants in Toms River