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    Pollo Ranchero Restaurant

    4.2 (69 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open • 8:00 am - 8:45 pm

    Pollo Ranchero Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    POLLO RANCHERO RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

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    Tina G.

    Pollo Ranchero on 1st in Santa Ana is good and does not disappoint. Today we had menudo (sin grano) and chili verde. Menudo was good however they don't add grano for us lacked a little flavor but honestly it beats out most menudo spots. Now for me the star of our meal was the chili verde...this meat was chunky, tender, and flavor-the chili was filled with flavor and spice (perfect heat level). Not to mention, yes the tortillas made with lots of love. Our waitress was helpful and patient- service with a smile that will bring you back! Parking can be tight but accessible. One huge recommendation that would bring in a variety of people....restaurant needs a deep cleaning - vents, fans, window ledges, outside areas which will attract many others. Enjoy this spot ....we will be back!

    Hand made tortilla
    Alex C.

    Always friendly taste amazing hand made tortillas I come here 3 times a month at least

    Tasty Menudo
    Juan J.

    Excellent service.. The menudo was great and the torta too.. The waitress was very attentive and friendly. Worth the 40 minute drive, Will definitely be back..

    Menudo con pata // Jugo de Piña
    Byrom Z.

    The most wonderful cafe de olla, tortillas a mano, and menudo. The Family here is so incredibly warm and welcoming. You can experience the love in all that flows through here.

    Chips and Salsa with Beans (amazing)!
    Mikae Y.

    This place has so much to offer. You get chips and salsa with amazing beans, my favorite cafe de olla and Gorditas! I don't know how authentic it is, since I am Japanese, but to me, it's as authentic as you get in outside of Mexico. I can't wait to try more dishes!!!

    Sope de asada
    Boss L.

    This place is so goddamn good Jesus Christ. Checked in for the first time today even though I've been here 10 times. The sope tastes exactly like Native American bread.

    Cafe de Olla
    Jeanette S.

    I love the way this place has fresh handmade tortillas. Its one of a few places that I've gone to that make it this way. The tortillas are so delicious, you would think they were flour! Anyways, this place isn't fancy but the food is good. I will definitely return to try out other dishes. It was a nice place to have a quick lunch. The pork in the Chili Verde is tender. The tacos al pastor and carne asada were good. If you havent tried this place out, try it one day. If you like this review, please let me know. Have a good day.

    Menu
    Esperanza P.

    Came in around 10:30am and there was already a wait to be seated. Once sat they truly have speedy service took 2-4 minutes for items to be brought out. Half of my party had the menudo which was delicious according to my mother and others in my party had asada tacos and they were so flavorful. I had the alpastor burrito man that was HUGE!!! But so flavorful. I absolutely loved it. And I'm quite picky when it comes to the meat. The best part was the cafe de olla, coffee from a pot, I wanted a pot full lol it's the traditional black coffee with cinnamon. You don't need any more sugar nor creamer it's perfect as it is. Can't wait to go back and try other items!! 5 star service & 5 star food!!!

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    3 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Food is delicious great service. Menudo is fire . Coffee so good. If you want menudo come here this is the spot

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    6 months ago

    Menudo las 2 últimas veces que les compré estaba muy malo salado ,picoso, y sin Sabor de menudo no lo recomiendo.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best food ever! They're menudo is bomb! Especially with the homemade tortillas, chips and beans!! Chilaquiles are also really good!

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Their dishes taste authentic and super homey, I love it. And their service was great didn't wait to long!

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Great food if you are nearby! Extremely high quality. Probably top 3 Mexican food I've had in Orange county!

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    7 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Best cafe de olla in town. Menudo sat and Sunday. Hand made tortillas every day. Soooo delicious!!!!

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    5 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    12 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    13 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    8 years ago

    Good "hole in the wall" restaurant.. food was very very good.. the coffee was excellent... the only thing its small but worth the wait

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    13 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

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    Rosa Madera

    Rosa Madera

    4.0(1.3k reviews)
    2.0 mi
    •$$

    We visited Rosa Madera in Santa Ana at the last minute for a business lunch, and what a pleasant…read moresurprise! This place is truly a hidden gem. The exterior does not do justice to the beautiful interior. Once you walk inside, you're greeted by a spacious restaurant with beautiful, authentic, and very well-themed Mexican décor. The food was amazing! I had the shrimp fajitas, and they were absolutely delicious. We also tried the mole flautas, which were another excellent choice. Everything was flavorful, fresh, and beautifully prepared. Great atmosphere, delicious food, and a place that definitely exceeded our expectations. We'll be back! 5 stars all the way!

    Unfortunately, our first experience at Rosa Madera was very disappointing. We came as a party of 14…read moreto celebrate both of my parents' birthdays, so we were really looking forward to having a nice evening together. 09/15/26. The biggest issue was the service. Our server rarely checked on our table throughout the night. Several of us needed refills and wanted to order additional drinks, but we couldn't get our server's attention. At one point, we looked over and saw our server wiping down glasses and laughing with other coworkers while our table was still waiting to be attended to. With a party of 14, especially one celebrating two birthdays, I would expect the server to check in periodically and make sure everyone has what they need. Instead, we felt overlooked and had to constantly look around for assistance. The service continued to be frustrating when it was time to leave. We waited for the check, but it never came to our table. Eventually, we had to get up, and I stood by the door waiting for our server to finally bring me the check so I could pay. When I was paying, I directly told our server that the service had been pretty bad and that we had a bad experience. I expected at least an acknowledgment or apology, but there was none. He didn't apologize or really acknowledge my concerns at all. On top of that, an 18% gratuity was automatically included because of the size of our party. I understand automatic gratuity for larger parties, but considering the lack of attention and overall service we received, I absolutely did not feel the 18% gratuity was deserved. For our first visit to Rosa Madera and what was supposed to be a special celebration for both of my parents, this was an extremely disappointing experience. Having to repeatedly look for our server, wait for refills and additional drinks, and ultimately get up and wait by the door just to receive the check is not the level of service I would expect--especially for a special occasion and with an automatic 18% gratuity added.

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    Rosa Madera - Bar area

    Bar area

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    Birria Chimichangas (Los Favoritos).

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    Casa Ramos Restaurant - Ceviche Mixto

    Casa Ramos Restaurant

    4.6(288 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    •$$

    This place has really good food! My family stopped on by after going to the Discovery Cube and it…read morewas a hit ! The staff is very friendly and inviting. I had the duo chicken and steak fajitas and it was pretty good. They do give free salsa and chips, the salsa has a slight kick to it and then they offered a spicy one which was good too. This restaurant was well maintained and had all the classic old school Spanish songs playing. They have ice cream with bunuelos chips and some chocolate syrup that was pretty good! We don't live in the area but wouldn't mind stopping by again.

    Honestly, I have no idea how this restaurant has nearly 5 stars…read more We arrived around 6 PM with a party of 6 adults and 3 toddlers, and we didn't receive our food until almost 8 PM. To make matters worse, one of our meals was completely forgotten. The service was extremely slow throughout the entire visit. Every time we needed something, whether it was a refill, an update, or assistance, the wait felt excessive. The restaurant may have potential because the food itself was flavorful, but it seemed like they were either understaffed or unprepared for the number of customers they had. Another disappointment was the drink selection. We were told they don't have a liquor license, so hard alcohol isn't available. Their sodas were canned, and when we asked for juice for the kids, they told us they were completely out. As for the atmosphere, the restaurant is on the smaller side and felt more like a converted house than a traditional restaurant, complete with a fireplace and television in the dining area. The food had good flavor, which is the only reason I'm giving more than one star. Unfortunately, the long wait times, missing meal, lack of drink options, and poor service made the overall experience disappointing.

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    Casa Ramos Restaurant - Inside New location Main Place Mall

    Inside New location Main Place Mall

    Casa Ramos Restaurant - Pork Belly Tacos

    Pork Belly Tacos

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    Restaurante Las Cazuelas - Pupusas

    Restaurante Las Cazuelas

    4.2(153 reviews)
    1.0 mi
    •$$

    I used to LOVE coming to this place... until I realized their customer service seriously sucked…read more First off, the food is honestly a little on the salty side, but I kept coming back because I liked the place. Then this happened. I brought my family here for dinner, and when we were closing out the check, the server failed to mention that gratuity was automatically added for a party of 6. I didn't realize it until I was about to sign and saw that I was about to leave ANOTHER tip on top of the automatic gratuity. I was like, oh HELL NO, I'm not tipping $80+ So I asked the server to refund the entire transaction and rerun the payment correctly. She told me she couldn't do that, but said she could refund the extra tip instead. I said okay, trusting that she knew what she was doing. We left. Fast forward about 4-6 months later. I come back with different family members, and the MANAGER comes over and tells me I have an outstanding balance of around $150. At first I genuinely thought he was joking. Nope. Apparently, when the server was supposed to refund the extra tip, she accidentally refunded the ENTIRE BILL and kept the tip. ‍ Now explain to me HOW that was my problem?! I specifically told her I wanted the entire transaction refunded so we could start over, and SHE chose to handle it differently. That was THEIR mistake, not mine. And the worst part? Instead of pulling me aside privately and explaining what happened, the manager brought this up IN FRONT OF THE FAMILY I WAS WITH. So now I'm sitting there being told I owe $150+ in front of my guests because of an error THEIR employee made months earlier. Talk about embarrassing. Thank God I'm in a position where I could afford to pay it, so I paid the outstanding amount AND my new bill that day -- over $300 out of pocket -- just to resolve the whole situation. I paid everything they said I owed for both visits, and I have never gone back since. And I WILL NEVER go back. Between the salty-ass food and the customer service, I'll take my money somewhere else. Just sharing my TRUE experience because I think customers deserve to know what happened.

    Las Cazuelas was okay -- not bad, not amazing, just somewhere in the middle. The food had good…read moreflavor, but it didn't really stand out the way I expected. Service was good, fast & friendly. The restaurant itself is clean and comfortable, and the prices are fair for what you get. I can see why people like it, but for me, it was more of a "good if you're nearby and hungry" kind of spot rather than a place I'd go out of my way for.

    Photos
    Restaurante Las Cazuelas
    Restaurante Las Cazuelas - Chips and salsa.

    Chips and salsa.

    Restaurante Las Cazuelas

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    Pollo Ranchero Restaurant - mexican - Updated September 2026

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