El Ranchito Mexican Grill

(49 reviews)

0.4 mi

Little hole in the wall off of 44 in Crystal River. It was cozy and warm inside, with chips and…read moresalsa at table side. I ordered the floutas and they were delicious. The service was friendly and it wasn't terribly expensive either.

6/27/26 We must have went on a busy night. Service was…read morerunning all over. For was great! I got the pollo loco with grilled jalapeños and they did a great job on my jalapeños! Yummy.

Puffy tacos Huge

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Los Magueyes Crystal River

Food was really good, large portions. We shared a plate and brought home some food.Service was…read moregood. Wifi was down for a while, we had cash no problem. Wifi up and running when we left.

The food was EXCELLANT, the service was great as was the chips and salsa…read more There were 4 of us 2 had the enchilada lunch special. It came with a cheese enchilada and a chicken enchilada also rice. 1 had the alambre with beans which was EXCELLANT 1 had the lunch special with an enchilada a taco and was also EXCELLANT. The servings are large for bring lunch specials. The chips were warm & the salsa was flavorful without being too spicy. It's clean and bright inside and the employees are great.

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El Matador Restaurant

(2 reviews)

3.5 mi

What a beautiful restaurant. The food was very good as was the Margarita's and the service was…read moregreat!

The chips are deep fried tortillas and the salsa is more like tomato sauce with seeds and hot…read moresauce. We didn't enjoy them, but they were free. But, everything else was delicious!! My husband got the Chimichanga and he said it was awesome, cooked to perfection with lots of filling. My taco was also really good. It's small with not much seating so next time we will probably get take out. There was a great article about the owner recently in the Citrus Chronicle. You could probably find it on their website. Prices are also very reasonable.

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Chimichanga

The Biscuit Barn

Amazing. Spectacular. We've been talking about this place the entire weekend…read more We stumbled across Biscuit barn as hungry tourist. We were immediately greeted with a warm "hello" by a lovely waitress who put us on a 15 minute waitlist. About 10ish minutes goes by and my name was called, the place was very busy and the staff appear very attentive like they were pros at handling a little chaos. My boyfriend ordered the chicken co-op and I ordered the country eggs Benedict. These were some of the best biscuits we've ever had. This is a no frills kinda place but delicious. For 2 extremely full breakfast, a side of corn beef hash and 2 iced coffees (they even put ice on the side for us) with tip the meal was $43 and we took home half of our plates.

We were visiting Crystal River for the weekend, and wanted breakfast/brunch food before heading…read moreout. We had a short wait and were seated in about 10 minutes. The Biscuit Barn delivered! The grits and biscuits were delicious. The biscuits were golden brown, soft on the inside, and perfectly paired with the sausage gravy. The grits were also very well made, and perfect in the bowl! Three complaints: (1) parking was limited but definitely of size for the seats available in the restaurant; (2) the coffee was WAY too strong, bitter, and lacking normal coffee notes; and (3) they added a restaurant fee on the ticket. Still, we'd go again!

Receipt showing restaurant fee.

Interior

Clean plate club award!

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Taco Bell

I visit this place often (20+ visits) and I have a consistent experience with freshly prepared food…read moreand friendly staff. Inside is clean every visit. I would recommend this Taco Bell if you enjoy their food!

The workers were friendly and the food is abously would recommend hope your experience is as good…read moreas mine

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Cracker's Bar & Grill

We e been a couple of times now. The inside dining are is cavernous, filled with tables and booths…read more Outside, there is seating under umbrellas and damn right near the water at the bar. Service can be slow depending on how busy it is. Their fried shrimp is my favorite thing!

Excellent food. Great service. Wonderful place to enjoy your lunch!…read more I was here on vacation and it added to a wonderful visit to Crystal Springs.

Bar/eating area outside

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Iced tea

Chipotle Mexican Grill

1.4

(26 reviews)

6.1 mi

I swapped out the sour cream for the new cilantro lime sauce, and wow! My steak bowls just reached…read morea whole new level of deliciousness. The flavor combo is seriously top tier. I really hope this sauce becomes a permanent menu item!

They close at 11pm. I arrived at 9:42pm. All chairs were stacked. The employees were visibly and…read moreaudibly annoyed that someone came in an hour and 20 mins before closing. Waited 5 mins or so before being acknowledged just to be told...we are out of cheese, rice, chicken, lettuce, onions/peppers. I don't believe that was true. I think they had just pulled every item from the service line in preparation to close. All food bins were pulled from the temperature controlled bins and sitting out on the prep counter to grow bacteria. Folks went in as I was leaving. Not sure if they were helped. You would think the store was closing in 20 mins, not an hour and 20 mins. If the employees are that upset about customers coming in to patronize the store they should find a new job.

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Chili's

So I ordered an ultimate trio on my way home from work. They said it would be ready at 6:04 p.m. I…read moregot there at 6:06 p.m. and they said somebody with dementia picked it up and gave the same name that was a woman. My name is Frank and they said an old lady said their name was Frank and took my meal. They said it'll be 2 minutes to make another one because they had me pay first well I've been sitting here now for 30 minutes in the parking lot after I get off work and they're telling me oh we're busy now. When they came back out to tell me this so-called dementia riddled lady took my meal they said it would be 3 to 5 minutes. Now they won't give me my money back so I can leave and go somewhere else and they are making me take the meal that they do not have for me yet and I am still waiting

Haven't been to Chilies in quite awhile, husband and I stopped by for dinner, around 7:30, they did…read morenot disappoint. A pleasant young woman opened the door for us and welcomed us, I thought that was very nice. We were placed in a booth in the bar area. Our waitress, Haley came right over and greeted us. We were interested in the 3 for me special that they advertise on TV, we both got Cokes to drink. She brought our drinks and we ordered. She told us the soup choices and we got the Tortilla and the Potato cheese soup which was hot and very tasty. We both love Smash-burgers, so that's what we ordered with fry's. It took about 15 min, the restaurant was busy. Our food came to us, made to order and hot off the grill, fry's hot out of the fry basket. We both were very impressed with the size of the burger and large portion of fry's. That Smash - burger was perfectly cooked and delicious, fresh and the sauce was like a thousand island tasting sauce, Excellent I must say. Haley took great care of us and we enjoyed dining at Chili's again. Our bill was $23 and change, that 3 for me special is a real deal , never take it off the menu! We will return again soon. When we left , two employees standing there, thanked us for stopping by. Debbie

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Michael Anthony's Pizza

Best Pizza in Homosassa Fl. so far . Delivery too. Friendly people too…read more Don't miss out on the good Pizza. Oh did I forget to mention , the Pizza is Great.

I've only have had the pizza which is great! I have never dined inside but pick up is easy and fast.read more

My Calzone after cutting off the corner - good flavor even without my Spinach. On the side is their Jalapeno Poppers which we enjoyed.

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Peck's Old Port Cove

We had a large group today (probably 30 people) and they handled us with excellent service!!!…read moreEveryone raved about how fresh and good their lunches were. I got the Seafood Alfredo (from the dinner menu) and it was FABULOUS!!! Chock-full of seafood. Perfectly cooked fettuccine. And great Alfredo sauce. Im a bit of an Alfredo sauce skeptic because I make a great one at one, but this was even better than mine! My garden salad had a house-made ranch dressing which I love that they didnt skimp on. AND they bring their fabulous onion straws out to nibble on beforehand! Kudos Peck's! Exceeded my expectations. P.S. As I was leaving a pod of 5 dolphins were feeding in the inlet among the mangroves. So great atmosphere too! P.S.S. The drive down Ozello Rd to get here in very old Florida scenic and lush vegetation too!

My wife and I make it out to Crystal River for her orthodontist visits. For this visit, we resolved…read moreto seek out Peck's Old Port Cove for lunch. First of all, the drive out there can take some time, especially if you get stuck behind a driver who seemed to almost stop at every hairpin turn...not just slow down but crawl to almost a stop. There aren't a lot of spots where you can legally pass so we just had to hope they get off the road or take a turn before we get to our destination. As luck would have it, they turned right into Peck's Old Port Cove. Doh! Upon entering, we requested outdoor seating and the hostess gave us a couple of menus and two sets of silverware and instructed to head out and find a table we liked. We secured a table right by the water. After reading reviews and checking out the menu, my wife and I both ordered the almond crusted fish with lobster cream sauce and with fries, cole slaw and hush puppies. Service was a bit slow but we weren't in a hurry and the views and refreshing breeze more than made up for it. While waiting for our food, we were served some complimentary fried string onions to munch on. The fish was prepared well. Flaky white fish (which we were told was farm-raised swai, aka basa which Google indicated is related to catfish but didn't taste like it) in a nice almond breading and a sauce that perfectly complemented the fish. The cole slow and hush puppies were also good. My wife and I thought the portions were generous and we wouldn't be able to finish it...but we ended up part of the clean plate club as we ate all of it. We're so glad we made it out here...good food and good ambience. Lunch for 2 with tip came out to just over $46. NOTE: We drove out to Ozello Community Park after reading that it's a worthwhile visit. Nope! Save yourself the time...nothing to see there.

Best soft shell crab salad EVER! :)...

Outdoor bar

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Excellent soft-shell crab appetizer & captains salad with 1000 Island dressing & fresh lemon :)...

The Biscuit Barn

Amazing. Spectacular. We've been talking about this place the entire weekend…read more We stumbled across Biscuit barn as hungry tourist. We were immediately greeted with a warm "hello" by a lovely waitress who put us on a 15 minute waitlist. About 10ish minutes goes by and my name was called, the place was very busy and the staff appear very attentive like they were pros at handling a little chaos. My boyfriend ordered the chicken co-op and I ordered the country eggs Benedict. These were some of the best biscuits we've ever had. This is a no frills kinda place but delicious. For 2 extremely full breakfast, a side of corn beef hash and 2 iced coffees (they even put ice on the side for us) with tip the meal was $43 and we took home half of our plates.

We were visiting Crystal River for the weekend, and wanted breakfast/brunch food before heading…read moreout. We had a short wait and were seated in about 10 minutes. The Biscuit Barn delivered! The grits and biscuits were delicious. The biscuits were golden brown, soft on the inside, and perfectly paired with the sausage gravy. The grits were also very well made, and perfect in the bowl! Three complaints: (1) parking was limited but definitely of size for the seats available in the restaurant; (2) the coffee was WAY too strong, bitter, and lacking normal coffee notes; and (3) they added a restaurant fee on the ticket. Still, we'd go again!

Receipt showing restaurant fee.

Interior

Clean plate club award!

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Waterfront Social

We loved this place…read more We were a little skeptical walking up to due to the hotel being renovated on the outside but we are so glad we committed. The inside is extremely clean and the outdoor patio has great waterfront (queue the name) views. Our drinks were cold, and my watermelon margarita was sweet. My shrimp po boy was HUGE and our wonderful server brought me extra remoulade on the side without me even asking because "that's what she likes". I thought it was really sweet that she thinks of her customers. We will be back.

This place was recommended to us after kayaking to see the manatees, we asked for a spot with a…read morewater view, and this was the place to come. The building nearby is currently under construction, but surely the location would be much more welcoming once the construction is complete. We ordered the smoked fish dip to share, and I had the fish and chips. The smoked fish dip came with round crackers. I liked that it had a hint of smoky flavor without being overpowering. I'm always a fan of fish and chips, and the portion was generous! The only downside was that the fries were placed under the fish, so by the time I got to them they were a bit greasy and soggy. The view is truly a great selling point -- we spotted birds, fish, and what we believe were dolphins!

Strawberry marg (tajin rim!) with a view

Outdoor dining area

Blackened Grouper bites

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The Crab Plant - Restaurant

The Crab Plant is exactly what you think of when you think of "Crystal River". It's a cash only…read moreseafood establishing nestled on the water with probably 100's of crab traps sitting on the outside. There was a wait for a table but my boyfriend and I were able to secure 2 spots at the bar. The waitresses/bartenders are BUSSSYYY but they never let our drinks be empty. We both ordered 2 low seafood boils which had sausage, corn, potato's, crawfish, shrimp, mussels/clams and a blue crab in it and covered in old bay with a side of garlic butter. We could not stop talking about this dinner the next day. Everything was so fresh and juicy. For 3 beers, 2 seafood boils with tip we paid $82 which is not a bad deal at all. We absolutely will be back.

It pains me to write this review as 2 years ago I went to this restaurant with my mother and had an…read moreamazing meal and experience. I'm thinking management must have changed because wow the staff has been better. We both ordered the same thing which we loved from our last trip 2 years ago, the Royal Red Alfredo. We get our dish and it is clearly not what we ordered last time but figure we haven't seen our waitress for 10 minutes and she never even checked on us. We had been out all day so we're starving. Oh, worth mentioning...it was my Birthday. Didnt even get a "Happy Birthday" after mentioning it to our waitress. My mother had to get a refill from the bar. The more we eat the more we realize this wasn't what we ordered, but rather the Shrimp Scampi variant. We call for the manager who argues with us over what an Alfredo sauce is which clearly it is not...he swears it is and that it has separated into God knows what as all we see is a soppy mess of butter and garlic. I show him a picture from Yelp of another customer's Alfredo from the restaurant we are CURRENTLY sitting in and told this is an old picture...We both realize we're getting gaslit as we know what an alfredo sauce is and had the exact dish so we know what it looks like. We agreed that we ate the food and will pay the price for the scampi dish they served us which is $2 cheaper than what we actually ordered. They refused to lower the bill so we left and paid without tipping. I've never had an experience quite like this where the manager will not even work with you. Not even an apology...we will never be back here again. You can judge for yourself if that looks like Alfredo to you. If you want straight seafood, this place might be alright, but the service we received was absolutely terrible.

Blackened Grouper Sandwich.

Inside

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The view from the dock in the evening

Breakfast Station

Each Breakfast station is a place unto its own. This is the one on Crystal River…read more The staff is always friendly, watching them with their regulars is sure ro make you smile. But let me be absolutely clear, the reason I go is for the ciniswirl pancakes. They're my favortie food obsession.

This was my first time in and I loved in. Breakfast is my favorite meal of the day and it didn't…read moredisappoint. The food was cooked perfectly and the coffee was hot. The staff was friendly and the service was awesome. This joint was spotless and the menu was priced right. If you come across one of these stations, be sure to pull in.

Waffle breakfast sandwich

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Great local spot for breakfast.

Cattle Dog Coffee Roasters

4.4

(124 reviews)

0.6 mi

Great coffee shop with pastries and sandwiches too! Lots of seating with indoor and outdoor…read moreoptions. Books inside on the shelves for those who want to linger. Cozy inside and outside seating.

Lovely friendly staff, quick service, dog friendly, tasty breakfast sandwiches, tasty lattes, lots…read moreof coffee essentials, cool branding, bright sheik ambience in historic setting, amazing pastries

Hot white CD Mocha - 12 oz.

Cozy little corners

Farm and Sea Toast

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6 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

John L.

1

7

0

11 years ago

I enjoy myself every time I come here. The staff is friendly, the food good, and the chips and salsa are free. My lunch here today was no different. read more

Waterwagon J.

0

10

0

7 years ago

Been stopping here for several years....always enjoy the food and friendly service... Prices right and lots to eat.

Yossy L.

39

61

35

14 years ago

We have ordered takeout from here several times and the food was always good. Great food and prices.

Braxton K.

0

1

0

4 years ago

great food, great service! I got the super burrito, would defnitely recommend.

Barbara G.

0

1

0

15 years ago

Terrible service, order incorrect.

Chop007 L.

0

1

0

3 years ago

the steak fajitas are amazing!!!

El Ranchito Mexican Grill - mexican - Updated July 2026

People who viewed El Ranchito Mexican Grill also viewed

La Casita Mexican Restaurant

(49 reviews)

Little hole in the wall off of 44 in Crystal River. It was cozy and warm inside, with chips and…read moresalsa at table side. I ordered the floutas and they were delicious. The service was friendly and it wasn't terribly expensive either.

6/27/26 We must have went on a busy night. Service was…read morerunning all over. For was great! I got the pollo loco with grilled jalapeños and they did a great job on my jalapeños! Yummy.

Los Magueyes Beverly Hills

4.3

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Great food and service Have eaten there many times…read more Best Mexican food in this area. The menu is very expansive and the drink choices are plentiful.

Great food, fast and hot, awesome customer service. Great…read moreplace for a couples night out or take the hole family, very good decor!

Los Compadres Mexican Grill

3.7

(92 reviews)

One evening we were simply too tired to go out, so Los Compadres came to the rescue with delivery…read more We ordered enchiladas and tacos, and everything arrived promptly, hot, and satisfying. Good food, smooth service, exactly what you want when the couch has already won the evening. A small piece of friendly advice: order your tacos with corn tortillas. I made the innocent mistake of asking for flour, and they delivered burrito-size tortillas with small taco filling, which created a slightly amusing tortilla-to-filling ratio. Still, a tasty and convenient dinner when energy is low and comfort food is calling.

My husband and I have been here a few times, and when my daughter and her husband and sons were…read morevisiting, we took them there. They all enjoyed their meals, and I hope to take them back there when they visit again. I myself have not been as happy, but I'm not as fond of Mexican food as they are. Their guacamole dip, which they prepare at your table, is excellent! I think their soft drinks taste a little off, so I just order water when we go. My husband always enjoys his meal, but I will let him write his own review. Even though I am not overly fond of the food, the service is always prompt, even when busy, and the staff is always professional and accommodating.

El Mezcal Mexican restaurant

4.3

(68 reviews)

The best Mexican restaurant I've been to in a very long time…read more I've been to both Los Magueyes several times and El Mezcal is at a whole other level compared to the Quality and variety of food. Service was excellent. Margaritas were delicious and potent without overpowering the taste of the drink. It felt like they actually cared about what was coming out of the kitchen.

Food and service is great. Our meals were delicious…read more My son had chicken rice & beans bowl.forgot to take pix. My wife & I enjoyed our meals. Barria tacos are delicious. We also had guacamole & chips . They bring out chips & salsa on the house. Definitely worth the price and great in homosassa.

El Mezcal Mexican Restaurant Ocala

3.6

(142 reviews)

My husband and I go there on a regular basis. We love the food and the margaritas are incredible!!…read more Great service, and the outside patio is lovely.

My husband and I have been there many times before. This time we were stuck in a little teeny tiny…read morecorner booth, if that's what you want to call it. VAC blowing on high and it was filthy. Our server didn't speak English. We tried to ask questions she had to go get someone else. They were not much of an improvement. We ordered the cheese sauce for the tortilla chips. It was cold and clumpy within 1 1/2 minutes. It was so cold that I shook so bad and could not even eat let alone enjoy the food. We will never be going back. Clean up the filth and stop putting people in a little teeny tiny cubby hole.

Ricky's Tacos

5.0

(24 reviews)

New spot in Crystal River. The husbeastie was hangry and needed food. We chose Ricky's, for lunch…read moreand were happy with our choice. Its small on the inside, with lots of tables outside. Inside smells so good! The food, a small but efficient menu, is made right in front of you. The burritos are humongous! I could not finish mine, and my husband got to eat it the day after and said it was even better. We will be back

I came to this place when it had no reviews. I heard comments from people leaving the place and…read moreeveryone seemed extremely excited, more than normal. I ordered tacos and my gf got a chicken burrito. The tacos came on double corn tortillas. There was a lot of meat on the tacos, despite the variety I had ordered. I got al pastor and beef. They were amazing, not gourmet, but tasty and plenty. The burrito was also very good and plentiful, with nice rice and beans inside. Everything was well cooked. I would say the food was not exotic or outrageous, just perfect. I ended my meal with a in-house flan. It was delicious just like everything else. I can't believe I would find this gem in this small town. I highly recommend it.

Mariscos Vallarta Mexican Grill

4.6

(10 reviews)

Food was great! Prices very reasonable!!! And the restaurant was clean and nice. The staff was…read moreattentive and friendly. Very impressed, and I plan to eat there again. Parking is limited.

Second trip and still really great food and service. This is the o ly Mexican restaurant I will go…read moretoo in Ocala area.

Las Margaritas

3.4

(259 reviews)

The decor is nice. Reminds me of a gathering in a family hacienda with tables set up for countless…read morefamily members. Loved the paintings on the chairs. The margaritas were okay. The taste of the liquor was weird. The chips tasted like they were made in house. Really good and not overly greasy. I didn't try the salsa but the others liked it. For entrees we had the chicken tenders, chimichanga, carnitas mexicana and something with carne asada. Food came out piping hot. Good taste. My chimichanga ground beef tasted a little salty. The cheese used should have been different maybe instead of a mozzarella.

Really nice Mexican restaurant close to where my mom lives in Ocala…read more Terrific service, well thought out decor and seating, fun vibe, clean restaurant, food was delicious and good for the price. Would definitely go back next time in town.

Pico De Gallo

3.3

(16 reviews)

Great customer service, they serve you as quick as possible, very attentive and their food,…read moreportions and prices are really good. Not my first time, definitely coming back

Worst salsa, ever, tastes like pureed tomatoes. We asked if they had anything hotter, they gave us…read morea bottle of tabasco sauce???????? Food was very bland, nothing sI guess I got spoiled living on the west coast where Mexican food is awesome.

El Matador Restaurant