Great margarita specials on Monday and Tuesdays (2 for the price of 1). I also enjoyed their tacos (both chicken & barbacoa). The few times I've visited, the service was consistently great, the waiters were very attentive. read more

Great margaritas. Waiters are very nice. Quick service. Wonderful deals on margaritas on Sunday-Tuesday!!! Food is very affordable, yet good. Great place to go get a casual dinner and drinks with friends. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Tacos Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

It's my family's go-to Mexican restsurant in Lex. Their sub-specialty is Guadalajaran-style Mexican, not the fiery-spicy Mexican style you might be more familiar with. Their seating and carry-out are both prompt. Their hostesses are outstanding for friendliness. Go on Fridays and enjoy mariachi as you dine in. read more

Best Mexican restaurant in Lexington hands down. The best Mexican soup beans-I literally dream of them! Margaritas are flavorful with the perfect bite of tequila. Street tacos for forever and the spicy salsa has a kick! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Great food reasonably priced and great service can't go wrong for authenticity and taste a must try in Lexington read more

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This is my favorite Mexican place. I pretty much get this same thing everytime.. I think this may be the 20th time yelping the same thing. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Chicken jalapeño fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Still one of my favorite "to go" to places. Always friendly service that keeps me coming back as a repeat customer. 2 for 1 margaritas on a Monday and Tuesday all day are a plus! Always enjoy my time dining here. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - 2 for 1 every Sunday Monday and Tuesday - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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This is my friends and I's favorite Mexican restaurant in Lexington! The food is delicious, service is good, and who could forget the unlimited chips and salsa? The employees have always been accommodating of our groups no matter how large or small. read more

We're in Lexington a couple of times a year and we make a point to go to this restaurant. They have this Special called Chamorro (de Puerco). It's a braised pork shank, so tender the meat falls off the bone. Huge dish usually 14.99. I like it so much that when I went back to Missouri, I looked up a recipe and have made it several times - but I would still order it when I go there. Their tamales are steamed in plantain leaves and their sauces are authentic. This place is a jewel and also has a great Bloody Mary and of course Margaritas. Best Mexican outside of Mexico. read more

Since we were going to be in the area Friday night, I started looking on Yelp for a place to eat. Hubby was in the mood for Mexican food and I found this restaurant. The prices seemed very reasonable and it has good reviews! The parking lot was full when we arrived a little after 6 pm on a Friday, but we found a place to park on the street. After a short wait to be seated we were impressed with the extensive menu, although the prices were higher than the reviews indicated ($$ vs $). Hubby ordered the quesadilla and I ordered a chili rellano and rice a la carte. We munched on chips with salsa while waiting. Hubby liked the crispness of the quesadilla tortilla and we were both impressed with the quantity of food on our plates. We both must have been hungry since we both cleaned our plates!! Although we paid more than we originally expected, it was worth the money and we will probably return another time! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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Service and food are hit or miss. Go on Fridays for the mariachi and a margarita tower.

Rancho Tapatio is right off of Nicholasville Road, if you're in the Zandale area it's easy to grab a bite to over there. They are almost always packed at dinner time. We had completely forgotten about Lexington Taco week so they were even more busy as usual. We've always had really great service and I like their tacos! I usually get the chicken tacos and they put fresh cilantro and onions on them. My husband disagrees, but I think they have the best salsa in Lexington! His favorite is from Jalapenos. We eat our fare share of Mexican food, we love it! Check out Tapatio :) read more

I haven't been recently, but the times I have eaten there were good experiences with tasty food in hefty servings. I would recommend it.

This is by far the BEST restaurant is Lexington. What makes it so great? I don't even know where to begin! The margaritas are always a favorite (never short poured). I've probably tried ever menu item and the top favs are the quesadilla, burrito Vallarta, fajitas, and the queso dip. This is a great place for friends, families, date night, and BIRTHDAYS! I love when they sing happy birthday and being out a sombrero. This is a family owned restaurant and you can really tell by how friendly the staff is and how they take care of you while you dine there. Even though I have reclocatd I always make sure to make a stop at el rancho! Thanks guys! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - THE QUESO DIP. This is a MUST. - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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I would be willing to bet that El Rancho Tapatio is the most popular Mexican restaurant in Lexington, especially on the weekends. It's a large restaurant that is family-owned and run. All of the dishes are homemade and really good. On the weekends they have live Mariachi bands. The tamales are so nice, wrapped in leaves. Very fresh. Be sure to ask for the hot sauces to go with your salsa; they will bring you a series of different homemade hot sauces in order of heat. The sauces each have different flavors, too. One is smokey, one is avocado, etc; I like the enchilada specials. One has three different enchiladas with different sauces. I can't decide which one I like best, so it's a good one to order. The burritos are huge. My boyfriend had one and could barely finish it. The restaurant is in a small shopping center and has plenty of parking. read more

The empanada was too bready and not crisp. The tamale was made of pork and red sauce, a bit dry and need more seasoning. Chiles Rellenos (Stuffed Peppers) was delicious and it was lightly breaded and quite yummy. read more

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This place... in my opinion, you can't beat the Mexican food that they serve here. I've never gotten anything that wasn't delicious and piping hot, and everyone who works here is very personable. The owner is a great guy, and is always up for conversation, making you feel welcome. And I'm not a big fan of chicken in general, but they have chicken soft tacos that are amazing. I tried one on a whim once, and I don't know what they marinate the meat in, but the flavor is out of this world. For me, that says a lot that I can enjoy them that much. Definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant in Lexington. read more

Delicious authentic Mexican food!!!! Salsa is fresh and homemade unlike some Mexican restaurants. Empanadas I ordered without the sauce and you can pick any meat. Reminded of Puerto Rico!!! read more

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Had lunch there today with family members. As always food and service did not disappoint. It's our favorite Mexican restaurant in town.

Very good! I recognize some others have experienced issues here, but I never have. Hot chips and good salsa came immediately and I put in my order for a side of cheese dip. Cheese dip was very good and plenty of a portion to justify the cost. Chicken fajitas were plenty to eat and came out sizzling hot - too hot to eat. The waiter was very friendly and accommodating to bring more chips and salsa near this time too. Overall, would recommend it to others. I've only had great experiences here! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Amazing tacos. Very authentic and not as pricey as other places in the Lexington area are. The serving size for the price is also really good. Will definitely be a go to restaurant from now on. I got some birria tacos during this visit. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Tacos Dorados de Barbacoa - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Best place in town for authentic Mexican food...Hands Down. Well prepared, bountiful portions at very reasonable prices. The service was exceptional all around. Four adults in our party... all had different menu items and each of us were totally pleased with our selections. Highly recommend read more

I can't believe I've never reviewed my favorite Mexican place in Lexington! I love, love, love everything about this place...except the parking. The parking lot is crazy and very small compared to the size of the restaurant, but it's worth it to deal with the crazy parking in order to try the amazing food served by great staff in a lovely environment. As a vegetarian, most mexican restaurant food is exactly the same everywhere. I love that El Rancho offers some different vegetarian options. I'm a big fan of the veggie quesadilla and the entomatadas. Both are amazing...and I've never seen anything like the entomatadas on any other menu. The cheese dip is always great...and the margaritas are the best in town! The staff is always friendly and (especially when we get recognized as regular customers), they make us feel like family. The restaurant is HUGE...like, bigger than you think when you first walk in. So, they haven't had a problem spacing out tables for COVID guidelines. We got takeout from here a few times before in-restaurant dining returned and they handled that process well, too. If you do decide to dine in on a Friday night, though, be warned, they have mariachi every Friday night. That doesn't bother me (because they're very good), but it is sometimes loud and hard to have a conversation while they're playing. They've got them on a stage now rather than roaming the restaurant, so it's probably easier to request a table farther away from them if you need more quiet. Overall, I could not recommend El Rancho enough. Definitely check this place out...they're the best! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Quesadilla Vegetarianas, Cheese Dip, and strawberry margarita - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

First I want to say I've been to lunch or dinner five times in the last two months. Giving the menu a workout on dinner, lunch one occasion. When I say the consistency in product is different every time I've been, I think I'm being fair. My issue is one time it's incredible and the next inedible. Last night I ordered the porch chops, like three times before they had be plump and delicious, last night they subbed in breakfast size pork loin chops that were inedible. If you can't get what you normally serve, wouldn't it be better to say it's not being offered tonight. I go along with another couple who patronage is unmatched, I've ask them many times why we keep accepting this. Not to long ago I bought a ceviche tostada and the creama was left off the tostada, when I picked up for the first bite the entire mess fell off. Geez that was a key component to forget. Service has always been good. The restaurant decor is very nice. I can't afford to keep giving Lexington restaurants so many chances. Like so many I'm just about out of patience with dining out. read more

(3.5 stars) This place is still one of my favorites and I still enjoy ordering from their a la carte menu of tacos and sopes.. But I'm saddened by the lack of consistency in their cooking. On more than one occasion, I had not-so-great asada or pastor while other meats were as good as they have been. I really hope that they can find a way to make things consistent. Until then, I will enjoy coming here but also keep my eye open for other mexican places in town offering authentic dishes. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Assortment of sope and tacos - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Went on the weekend. The live music was entertaining. The chips and salsa were good. The raspberry margaritas were excellent with Don Julio silver. Service was a little slow but it was packed so, understandable. The food was probably 4 stars but as a whole I'd give it 5. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Chicken floutas are huge - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

The food is excellent and come in very large portions! I really enjoy their fajita quesadilla. The service is exceptional as well and I've never had a bad experience. read more

Definitely the best Mexican restaurant in Lexington! This comes from a Yelp Elite writer. It can be a little confusing to find this place off Nicholasville Road, but when you find this place. It is pure Mexican heaven and there is even a bakery next door that sells goodies for a mere buck or two. The food made want me to scream VIVA Mexico.... They have excellent variety of food selections including vegetarian options. The service and lighting of the restaurant is excellent. The decor is simple but cozy enough where you can get a good meal. Who can resist free chips and homemade salsa. You can easily have an excellent meals (minus drinks) for two for under $20. I have heard that the margaritas there rocks, but I have not tried those. I have tried tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, etc. and I have been to this restaurant at least ten times or more. I have not been disappointed at all. If you want an excellent homemade meal, reasonable prices, free chips/salsa and Friday nights, they have a Mariachi band blaring music on Friday evenings making it a spicy date night. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for Lexingtonians to eat here. Definitely deserving Five Stars. Can I scream, "VIVA MEXICAN FOOD" every second I hear of this restaurant's name? It has been named Lexington's Best Mexican Restaurant according to me. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Tequila, anyone? - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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OK. I have eaten at El Rancho Tapatio several times - weekends and weekdays - and my overall view of this restaurant is that you will get reliably decent food. I know, that doesn't sound like a big endorsement, and it isn't meant to be. Before I give you tips about this restaurant, let me give you my Mexican food background: I grew up in Colorado, where all Mexican food was served with "red or green" chile...if you were adventurous, you chose the green chile. If you needed paint thinner or something to remove blood from a driveway, you chose the red. I then moved to California, where "Fresh Mex" is the thing...lots of cilantro (which tastes like soap to me), no chile on anything, and served with cocktails that will knock your socks off. In both places, I have eaten outstanding Mexican cuisine, so now I am more than a little bit jaded. El Rancho Tapatio food seems to be made by people who don't care very much about their product. The pros: margaritas are potent and plentiful, the fresh tortillas (weekends only) and the posole soup (also weekends only) are my favorite things here. The cons: well...the food is uninspiring. We had a neighbor in Colorado who used to make tamales every Christmas. She would bring them to our house and my mother would say "Oh, you shouldn't have!" And she really meant that. I usually leave El Rancho with the same feeling...we shouldn't have. If you go on a weekend, try the posole. It's the best I've had since I last dined at El Aguila in Pleasant Hill, CA. read more

Best Mexican food in Lexington, in my opinion! I always judge a Mexican place by their chips and salsa, and El Rancho's chips and salsa are delicious - and so is everything else I've tried at this restaurant. The owners are super nice and the service is fast and friendly as well. read more

I have been to El Rancho a few times before last night and every-time was wonderful. However, when I went last night I had one of the best meals of my LIFE!! I usually order the carne asada tacos or some type of quesadilla, but last night I wanted to treat myself so I got the Carne Asada plate and a strawberry daiquiri(not pictured). The steak served is a flank steak and that made me nervous but last time I went my friend ordered it and I tried a bite and loved it. Anyway, when I got my steak it was cooked to P E R F E C T I O N! Even though it was thin, it was full of flavor and still a little pink on the inside so it was also tender and juicy. The rice and beans were so good and even though the steak has a TON of onions on it I wasnt even mad because I personally loooooove onions. The daiquiri was huge and delicious as usual and our server was great. The steak was $14 and the drink was $6.50. Can't beat those prices for a truly amazing meal. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Out of all the places in Lexington, this is my favorite Mexican restaurant!! The tacos are the best I've ever had and they come with corn tortillas which is perfect for gluten free people. The chips and salsa never end and I get an original frozen margarita practically every time I go. I've been so many times the mariachi band knows what song I want to hear. Make sure to stop by on Friday nights to hear them and request Twist and Shout! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

I've been to a few Mexican places and this is the best one overall with consistency. Food- I have ordered several things from here and they are always good but this last visit I got a tri color burrito that was amazing! The burrito is very larger and filling. They could add more chicken to it as it seemed it was filled with lots of beans and rice, but it was very good. The salsas they put on top give it even more flavor. Service- hit and miss here sometime it's good and fast but other times you have to wait a while for your food even if they are not busy. Another side note is they charge you 89 cent for lemons. I think that's petty considering anywhere you go and ask for lemons it's not charge. The 89 cent is not big deal but it's the point that I come here and spend 30+ dollars and you Nickel and dime me for lemons for my water. Overall good Mexican place. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Tri color burrito - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Based on many Yelp reviews, I was expecting authentic Mexican food--the best in Lexington. However, what my husband and I experienced was far from that expectation. The salsa was bland, the enchiladas were mediocre, and the iced tea tasted like water. The only good thing I can say is that service was very good. As for the bakery next door that so many have mentioned, if you enjoy stale baked goods with little flavor, knock yourself out! read more

I love this place!! My new favorite whole in the wall!! I have visited El Rancho Tapatio four times within the past month. I admit I've become obsessed. The menu is large with so many options, vegetarian included. We have gotten Ana as our server 3 of the 4 times and she has always been outstanding. Food has always tasted amazing, come out hot, and come out within an exceptional time frame. I would highly recommend the tacos and tamales. Also 2 for 1 margaritas Sunday-Tuesday... who can beat that?! They're large and strong too! read more

So, my dad recently discovered this place and said it was good. And then I start to hear more and more from him about it, and soon he's coming here for lunch 3 times a week. Then some chef pals and I are lamenting the loss of the Panda (a Chinese place down the road that's bombed out), and one of them points out that though we've lost one great restaurant off Nicholassville Road, we've gained another: El Rancho. So at that point, my curiosity reached fever pitch and I went there for lunch the next day, then again a week later. I don't speak a drop of Spanish, so sometimes I am intimidated going in to the places where there isn't an English menu, but conversely, when a place has an English menu, I often feel that it's a little too Don Pablos, if you know what I mean. (Which isn't to say Americanized versions of various cuisines are bad, just not necessarily what some people are looking for in certain circumstances.) El Rancho has definitely mastered the fine line of being accessible to those who don't speak the language and/or are unfamiliar with anything beyond the ubiquitous tex-mex fair, yet authentic to Mexican culinary traditions. The racial diversity of the lunch crowd seems to reflect this balance. They have a great website and online coupons, etc, at http://elranchotapatio.com/ Strangely, their online menu (both regular web version and downloadable PDF) doesn't include the vegetarian menu. Never the less, they have a good selection of meatless options at the back of their printed menu under a vegetarian heading. I've had great vegetarian chiles rellenos, enchiladas, and another dish that I will have to go back for just to get the name right. (edit 5/22: I've been back now! Vegetarian mystery item is called "Entomatadas" and is still amazing, corn tortilla filled with quesa fresco and refried beans, then smothered in a tomato sauce! Another tasty veg item was the Enfrijoladas, so good!) Vegans and strict vegetarians, be warned: the deliciousness of the refried beans hints of lard... I will try and come back with a bit more of a concrete review- I've only been here for lunch and I'd like to come in for dinner to get a better grasp of the scope of the menu. read more

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Had the lunch #6 "Burrito Vallarta" Very good burrito with grilled chicken, rice and beans. Little too cold inside for shorts. Service was nice. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - Lunch #6 - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

Vegetarian or Vegan? Don't Dine Here! I have been dining here for years and recommend this establishment to all my friends and family, but NO MORE! I used to love going here because of my dietary needs, they would easily accommodate. The accommodation you ask? In place of meat, I would ask for vegetables in their place. I wouldn't ask for a price decrease for my substitution, just happy they would substitute them. But now, even though vegetables cost way less than meat, they won't substitute them without an Up Charge! So if you are Vegan or Vegetarian, Definitely do NOT support such an establishment! They don't support YOU! read more

I found this Mexican restaurant based on its other yelp reviews and they were not wrong. This place is fantastic. Their food always taste fresh and delicious and they somehow manage to make the Mexican food staples extra tasty. As a vegetarian I usually have five options at Mexican restaurants and they're all a combo of beans and cheese. This place incorporates other flavors and foods into their veggie options and I feel like they actually want their vegetarian customers to be happy with their meal. The hot salsa options are on point and a variety of flavors and spiciness levels. The food usually comes out quickly and hot. Their margaritas are pleasantly strong. This place is so good they've recently expanded their seating and it's huge now. Unfortunately their parking lot is still tiny, but they are worth the parking hunt. read more

El Rancho Tapatio - House margarita. - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky

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The BEST Mexican in Lexington, hands down. I love coming here with friends or family for a really good dinner and excellent service. The salsa is so fresh and delicious. My personal go-to order is the fish tacos. They are some of the best I've ever had! I have also had great experiences with the veggie quesadilla and chicken fajitas. On top of the amazing food and great service, they have the best margaritas in Lexington. This is a staple for me in Lex and I come here at least twice a month! read more

El Rancho Tapatio - The BEST fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - Lexington, Kentucky