I'm a local, and while it's nice to see all these great reviews from tourists, it can be a different experience when trying to shop here regularly: 1. It's quite literally 3x more expensive than any other grocery in the SYV. I only go when I need something in a pinch and don't feel like driving into town. 2. CHECK THE EXPIRATION DATES. El Rancho is notoriously bad at removing expired products. I've purchased an $11 bottle of mayo that had expired 9 months - 9 months! - prior. Yogurts that expired two weeks prior. A literal shelf stocked with spinach dips that expired a week prior. When I've emailed the store each time about it (rather than leaving a bad review) I've never received a response. Come on, guys. Do better. 3. OLD MEATS - great when they're fresh, but beware the packaged ground beef. At least 5 times have come home and opened a "fresh" pack of ground beef to cook and have been met with a full rancid smell. Do better, again. 4. Cashiers are lovely, except for the one younger brunette (not naming names). Never a hello, never a thank you, zero engagement - she just looks mad you're there, and for years. I've just stopped trying and now avoid her line because it's so unpleasant. Luckily, all of the others are truly amazing. They have some good offerings, but the lack of consistent quality control coupled with the greedy prices is a huge turnoff. Lovely for 1-off tourists, but definitely not the way to keep the locals happy. read more

Their Caldo de Res is the best. I love that I can pick up some quick groceries while I indulge in the caldo. read more

My favorite place to go get lunch or dinner when I'm on the road close to Solvang. Best sandwiches, Southern pulled pork is my husbands favorite. Coffee beans while in great flavors too. My favorite is the coffee bar next door with my favorite hot and iced drinks. Their specials can't be beat read more

I usually am a big fan of everything from the deli at this market. However, the meatloaf is so full of breading. There is very little meat and a lot of filler. Maybe they think we won't notice but I will not buy this item again. For the price they are charging they could do better for their customers. read more

Great ready made food and salad bar. Would definitely recommend. Stayed in Solvang and brought food back to room. Can't wait to return.

I go to El Rancho most visits to the area. It's the perfect place to grab a few things for a picnic while out in wine country. Sandwiches, unique deli items, sushi, and tons of different snack and beverage options. It's fun to walk around to see the other tchotchkes they have in the store. My wife always manages to find something for around the house that she loves (is that a good thing?). Being a beer lover, I always check out the good selection of 22oz and other things we can't get in San Diego. All of the staff are always super friendly and helpful. You can eat out in front on their tables and people watch everyone going in and coming out. There's even a coffee shop out in front if you need a little breakfast pick me up. read more

The market was well stocked and the employees are friendly, but this review is really about their liquor Dept, especially their whiskey selection. They have some nice store picks as well as some harder to find bottles. I'm told they have some good stuff, and I wasn't disappointed. And their prices are decent, considering some places charge ridiculous secondary prices. read more

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The have the best selections of meat, vegetables are always nice and not rotten like a big chain store. The deli is also great.

Where do you get the best meat in the valley? Everyone agrees El Rancho with the caveat that they aren't cheap! Used to be true!! Unfortunately they continue to be expensive but their prime beef is now on the scale of COSTCO choice. We purchased a prime ribeye steak today for $26 a pound ($33 total) and were blown away at the poor quality - chewy with grizzle. Talked with Chris at the meat counter and was told to come in "tell our story" and they will give us another. Really?? You'll give us another lousy steak to make up for the first lousy steak? At least their policy is close to Costco pricing at $13 a pound - if we choose to take them up on it. Don't waste your time or money - they have changed. Riding on their past reputation. Their prime meat isn't what it used to be. Too bad!! Find another place. read more

If you are hoping to come here for the cvr redemption recycle center - please note: They are Located right in the parking lot of El Rancho Market: 2886 Mission Dr. Solvang # 805-686-8802. They have limited hours of operation, so check before making a long trip.. Per a sign posted: They are open from 7am to 4pm, on the following days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and saturdays. (They are CLOSED on THE FOLLOWING DAYS: sundays, Monday's and thursdays.) I've been here twice and they are super friendly and seem fair and competitive. I was assisted with the process including mild/light sorting and explaining the process in general.. I'll be back again for sure.. There is one other center in this immediate area: Which is at Waste Management. They also have limited business hours: Wed through Sunday 830am - 530pm and closed 11am - 1130am daily (I guess for lunch break). They are also closed on holidays: New Years, 4th of July, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day... **** Information on crv redemption centers by location is provided per the States website: https://www2.calrecycle.ca.gov/BevContainer/RecyclingCenters/ The above Website provides location information of state certified crv redemption recycle centers located near you, or the zip code you provide and other informative information regarding the redemption program... Please excuse all the typos. It bothers me too. It's cold and my hands are not working well. I would fix the typos, but my hands are really hurting. The fact is that I read reviews too, even my own, like this one for hours of service or for schedules, or in general just to remember the specifics. Otherwise, this review wouldn't have happened. read more

This place is definitely worth the visit if you are wine tasting in the Valley and need some food for your adventures. They have great prices and tons of option for anyone in your party. Everyone will find something to take to a Vineyard and share with their friends. From sushi, to tri tip burritos and sandwiches, to desserts and drink, they have anything for anyone. Plus, the staff are gracious and easy going. This time we tried pesto pasta with the salami grinder sandwich with olive tapenade and everyone loved it! I can wait to go back for another trip to the Valley and I won't forget my BOGO for sandwiches or coffee drinks from Axxess Card. read more

Wonderful market and great butcher - highly recommend their Korean beef and bacon! This is a fun place to grab wine, fresh meat, and campfire wood (don't forget kindling and a lighter!) read more

This is a great market in the Solvang/ Santa Ynez region. Great place to pick up regional wine/cheese/ fruit for hotel noshing. It also has fantastic and cheap picnic fare--sandwiches for 7.99. Fish and chips fir 5.99. Full dinners for under $15. If you're on vacation, you're probably going to go to the local chic restaurant. But, if you need a break from the rich fare, this us definitely worth a stop (or two...) read more

Amazing customer service and so much variety! Everyone is so nice! This is the best grocery store I have ever been to! Thank you El Rancho!

El Rancho is a solid 4 plus! Think Whole Foods meets Dean and Deluca on a smaller more intimate scale. It is a boutique gourmet style market with tourists and locals alike grabbing everything from all the specialty items from the well stocked Deli and meat counter to the simple necessities. This is a great place to pick and choose what may sound appealing and appetizing at any given moment. The selection of cured meats and cheeses is just what the wine tasting Dr. ordered and we supplemented our picnic basket with several of their other goodies. Full service deli and yes you can sample before you buy. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancho-market-solvang#E-FiTvjiR98LSfyO-yPS8Q Mightly fine assortment of sushi with a chef making it right there on the spot. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancho-market-solvang?selected=A85N90uHdA4xP_BLGWyI9g#05SBAtwr3cqHSNUPuUXhhg Sweet tooth anyone? http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-rancho-market-solvang#0KFcUoWNkK4hAZGN0anXdQ Plenty of choices and somewhat reasonably priced given the location and the quality of the food. The service was very good too, busy but efficient, we never waited long. It's a toss up between Los Olivos Market at El Rancho for the areas best specialty market, either way I don't think you can go wrong. read more

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This market prides itself on quality and service. They carry quality ingredients and their deli is phenomenal. Not only is this a great place to get picnic food while wine tasting, but we regularly go here to stock up on the following: - Angus tri-tip (way better than choice tri tip at Costco!) - Freshly ground Wheat Montana flour (the best) - Freshly roasted coffee (absolutely perfect) - Local wine (impressive wine selection) - Quality cheeses A must-try in the deli is their tri-tip sandwich. This sandwich induces instantaneous tunnel vision while eating it. It is so good, only you and the sandwich exist at that moment in time. For about 7 dollars, it is stuffed with a generous amount of thinly sliced red oak-laced beef, muenster cheese, roasted red bell pepper, and addictive BBQ sauce. It is a messy beast, so ensure you have stocked up on plenty of napkins! I don't give out many 5 star ratings, but I assert that this market is tops in its game! read more

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Buyer beware! Ongoing issue with this market. I appreciate the sale items they list each week as this is a convenient local place to shop BUT more times than not I find very large $ errors on the checkout receipt. Often several dollars difference is charged over the posted price. Not very ethical. Oh, of course they invite me to "bring it back" What about the hundreds of other shoppers that are getting ripped off daily ? read more

During our stay in the Santa Ynez area, we wanted to get a feel for the area. El Rancho became our fantastic "ground zero" place to go to...First, the most amazing sushi bar I've ever seen in a grocery store. Second, the absolute best sandwiches I've ever had - and I mean ever! Third, great beer and wine selection. Fourth - fantastic cheese and meat departments. It was a foodie's delight! read more

Awesome place. They have a really good meat selection, their hot foods are delicious and have a whole liquor section that has pretty much all that you're looking for. read more

El Rancho Market - Hot Food Menu - Grocery Near Me - Solvang, California

Amazing deli for takeout. Nice selection and helpful personel. I stop there often on my way through town.

Okay so I have a lot to say about El Rancho, good things. I've worked here as a bagger when I was a sophomore and junior year, and the mangers were incredible, funny, and helpful. Back then my english wasn't that good especially being born in another country, the fact I wasn't fired the first day was a miracle, I new they were good people ever since. They took their time in teaching me what to say and how to work properly plus treating people and even taught me about American culture a little bit. Long story short El Rancho is the place to go for anything you want and need. They even open up on holidays! I don't even have to recommend this place to the valley because everyone loves it as much as I do. read more

Ordered 3 sandwiches yesterday, need better quality breads, & deli workers need to be a little better talking to people, you have a job be happy. Don't be mean or rude to customers. We pay your salaries , don't ever forget that. Upset customer... Also, should mention I bought 2 pieces of fried chicken, that had no crunch on the skin and pretty flavorless, wing & thigh for $6.66 WOW.... We have visited about 10 times fix the deli dept... read more

Had a day trip to Cachuma Lake and on the way there made a detour to this market to get some goodies to eat for snack. A must place to stop for ready to eat food or a butcher cut to BBQ. I had the carne asada burrito, it was tasty and large enough to satisfy someone with good apetite. Got some of their fresh salsa's which were too mild for my taste but the flavor made it up. read more

El Rancho Market - Soup area - Grocery Near Me - Solvang, California

I visited this place plenty times and it's always the same bs. The main issue here is the kitchen staff . They are always distracted and perhaps they urgently need a customer service training. Today was the third time I got to wait for over 40 minutes for my food to be ready . This time was a side of onions rings. I overheard the cooks gossiping in Spanish and how they forgot to start my order because they were busy cleaning the oil. I did comment the cashier about this insistent on my way out and she made a big deal about it and wrote a note on my receipt but did not discount it . I was too embarrassed by her way of talking about it. I was afraid to go back to the kitchen/ food area and collect the onions rings. After 10 minutes I went inside and stood next to the sushi bar waiting for the order. When I was leaving one of the attendants/ employees with the silly braided hair, start taking rudely comment as I walked away from that place . Please if you are reading this don't not visit that place unless you have and extra couple hrs to spend. And patient to take a bad attitude from the employees there. The food is good . read more

Amazing selection service and quality food and other items for the local community. It makes life so easy to find what we need at the legendary El Rancho! read more

I just went in there to do some shopping half of the people weren't wearing masks they don't seem to care I saw one guy at the salad bar wiping his nose and then helping himself to the salad bar disgusting I just left my cart and left I wouldn't shop there no way read more

This place is a nice little gem! After wandering through the market looking for the cafe, we purchased some wonderful smelling Buellton homemade Orange Cranberry Loaf and Pumpkin Loaf, then left feeling bummed and coffee -less. To our surprise we found the little "coffee spot" on the way out! We picked up an Iced White Mocha, a bit on the sweeter chocolatey side but still smooth and subtle. I got the Mexican Hot Chocolate with Breve and an add shot of espresso... super delicious!! I taste the cinnamon the most so if you're into that this is a great Mexican Hot Chocolate to try! read more

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After a long drive, we were tired and hungry, and didn't want to cook. We decided to get hot food at the El Rancho market. We tried the beef ribs, the roasted turkey, the beef brisket, broccoli cheese and veggies. It was awful. All of it. It was not fresh. It was at least from two days ago. The ribs were dry as well as the turkey. The brisket was also dry and slathered with BBQ sauce that didn't help. You need to press reboot and start all over. Don't sell people that crap anymore. You have such a nice market and a great set up for hot food, but it is awful. Hire a new chef and press reboot. Any culinary student could do better than that. We are still hungry but too tired to go anywhere else. read more

Wow! This has never happened to us before!!! We were here for some hot food for lunch before work, after paying our food at the register, a lady stop us and accuse us stealing blueberries!!! We weren't even anywhere close to the fruit section!!! That was embarrassing!!! Im sure this will be the last time we give them anymore business. read more

For those saying it's so expensive because "it's the only thing around"...there's a New Frontiers 2 miles down the road and an Albertsons 6 miles down the road...so you clearly aren't from the area or didn't try to even look. It has the essentials but also has its uniqueness, especially the ready-made items in the deli area. The sandwiches are particularly amazing and very reasonably priced (most $8 or less). read more

I'm an out of towner. We stopped to grab a couple items for lunch on the road and I REPEATEDLY said I with I had a store like this where we live. I want to go back just for the pastries!!!! But fresh hot premade meals, sushi bar, amazing salads, deli, locally made items, ALL the meats looked fresh and priced well. I was in love with this store!!! read more

Two tri-tip tacos were served ice cold. The thoroughly- chilled lettuce and tomato just completely covered the warm meat and cooled the meat off even though I ate it within 3 minutes of it being served. The fact that they don't warm the tortilla at all didn't help. Also avoid the "grab and go" burgers, you'd think they'd be fairly decent at 1pm which is busy-lunch-time, but they had apparently been placed under the heat lamp at 10am. They were hours old, the bun had completely dried out and become hard/toasted. There was no beef flavor as after hours under the heat lamp the meat had just absorbed the dill pickle flavor. This was a toss-away burger after two bites. The "hot food bar" (chicken nuggets etc) is usually all dried up by 1pm as well. If you want lunch at 10am you;ll have good choices though. read more

Great market, very clean and well stocked. Found they're open early to very late - a bonus for visitors to Solvang where pretty much everything closes early. Went last night to grab some snacks, and back early this morning to their Coffee Spot. Nothing else was open before 7:00 am and coffee was great! Noticed a few law enforcement vehicles in the parking lot, always a good sign when you see officers grabbing coffee and a bite to eat. read more

Great location, friendly service in this grocery store that has everything you'll need and then some. Exquisite assortment with a good sense of quality. read more

Found this place on a trip to Solvang- just needed some water and decided to pop in. Good prices, lots of variety, the produce is so fresh, and the salad bar is amazing! I actually made a trip to San Luis Obispo the next week and made a special trip to go back. read more

This has got to be the best market in the US. They have home cooked hot food, brisket, smoked chicken, tons of local wines and an awesome vibe. The Market is very local and fresh, with groceries, organic local farm produce, fresh brewed coffee with some local made desserts and crafts. I visit every time I'm in Santa Ynez. read more

Excellent place great selection, fresh food great prices! We are from Ventura can't wait to come back

My favorite grocery store in the valley. Not only do they sell everything that you'd need (including many gluten free and vegan food items), but their deli and sushi bar are really good. The vibes are immaculate and I always enjoy shopping here. In comparison to other places like Whole Foods or New Frontiers, it's pretty affordable. read more

Enjoyed them previously for their variety of everything, both grocery and take out, but this time it was during quarantine. Whether shopping for groceries or hungry for take out, you will find what you want there and more temptations. The food was good and satisfying. No wonder the parking lot was full. We returned later in the evening in order to avoid the crowd. read more

Deli: simply amazing that they offer so much variety of great tasting food. This is a very popular / busy business and it's easy to why. The food is great and at a fair price. There is something for everyone! read more