This review is based on the restaurant and not the actual grocery store. Being new to the area and being in the mood for Mexican food, we decided to eat at Ramirez because of its strong and amazing reviews. Wish I could say we loved it but we did not. The service was lacking. We were seated and brought menus but never given a smile or a "welcome" to the restaurant. While we were waiting, our waiter brought chips and salsa. I happen to love homemade tortillas and chips so I was really excited to try theirs. Wow. What a disappointment. The chips were SO hard, dry, thick and when I took a bite from it, it literally felt that I was going to chip/break my teeth. Eek. Strike 1. I was actually going to order the nachos because it is one of my favorite meals but due to the inedible chips that was no longer an option. Moving on. The burrito was somewhat decent. If you got the perfect bite of meat, rice, lettuce, onion, etc., it was actually quite good. But I've had better. Seemed to be a burrito full of "fillers" instead of anything else. Strike 2. My husband loves fajitas and these were just an utter failure. There was no seasoning. Period. It didn't taste like anything. The chicken was all dark meat and was not cut uniformly so there were many hard and overcooked pieces. No dollop of guacamole or sour cream to go along with it? Boo. Strike 3. Being super disappointed thus far I decided to try one of their tamales hoping that the tamales would be a redeeming factor. I asked the waiter which he recommended: the pork or the chicken. I ended up ordering the chicken due to his suggestion. Having grown up in Southern California and having been to Mexico several times, I have tried homemade Mexican food numerous times. And that includes tamales. Well, all I have to say is, Strike 4. No flavor. No texture. Just very boring. I wanted to love this place but it just fell flat. Sad to say it, but we won't be back. read more

Haven't eaten in the taqueria yet, but I'm happy that they had (almost) all the necessary ingredients we needed to make tamales. The people working there were helpful, they sell awesome tortillas, and they have Mexican Coke in the glass bottles as well as a bottle opener so that you can pop it open right away. And they sell banana leaves in the freezer section! Puerco pibil, anyone? On the downside, I was disappointed with the chorizo we bought from the meat counter. I thought it was pretty flavorless and not very spicy. I'm looking forward to trying the baked goods, even if the cochitos cookies weren't immediately recognizable. Did they have empanadas? I can't remember! Now I need to go straight back! read more

My husband and I decided to try out Ramirez Mexican Store this last weekend and we were definitely surprised at how good the food was! I had the vegetarian wet burrito and my husband had 4 chicken tacos. The wet burrito was HUGE, really good cheese, whole tomatoes and avocados inside, and really good beans. It was one of the best burritos I have ever had! I had to take half of it home because it was so giant. My husband also LOVED his tacos, they were doubled up (two corn tortillas per taco) and he said the chicken was fresh and perfectly cooked. I am one of those people that puts Tabasco on everything and likes the spice to be cranked up, that said, the food was very mild and I didn't even mind. I actually appreciated the flavors more without all the hot sauce. All in all, this place was great. I will be back and I will be telling people about it, it's truly a hidden Olympia treasure (way better than burrito bus). read more

I am so sad to have to write an update to my previous post. The prices have gone way up and the quality has plummeted. I am wondering if it is under new management? I recently ordered the chicken burrito and I was disgusted with what arrived. I picked up the burrito and water started dripping from the burrito. It was as if the lettuce (which was not fresh at all) had been washed but then not dried. I could tell that the chicken came out of a can and there was no guacamole. The real kicker is that it is now more expensive and tastes like crud all around. I will not go back here to eat. read more

Overpriced for dry food. Got tacos and tamales today and it was super dry I ended up getting a different lunch elsewhere. Not to mention their pan dulce is very overpriced I will not be returning read more

Very authentic food! New to the area and was skeptical because of other "Mexican" restaurants. But this one was definitely a test from home! Had the menudo and it was delicious also tried the barbacoa tacos and they were Also had a stroll through the grocery aisles and they had everything for a Mexican kitchen. Recommend this spot and will definitely be going back for more. read more

We like the food ok, but the service is horrible. Send like there's been no training for the wait staff at all. So sad.

Great authentic Mexican food nice employees and great mini mart that's with it. The store is wallet friendly so don't worry about that

Bobby Flay is an doucher. Having grown up in a sleepy, seaside surf town just a few miles North of the border for most of my youth, when I think Mexican Food I do not think blue corn. I think Carne Asada. I do not think "Roasted Corn Chiptole Infused Mango Crema de Leche" or whatever. I think El Pastor. Ramirez is good, authentic, this side of the border Mexican food. And now that you can enjoy a beer inside their newly expanded dining area, Ramirez is the American Dream. read more

This is a hard review to give, because in the past I've been a big fan of Ramirez. But it seems like they need to figure out how to run the new and larger restaurant side of their business a lot better as they are racking up negative reviews pretty quickly. I'll put it out there that I love the store, and they have the best churros on the planet! 5 stars for their pastries and the shop. I went on two separate date nights. The first time was okay, it was actually the first time I had been to the restaurant section at all. I was sitting close to the bar and it was hard to hear over the music from in there (and around 6 pm, so you wouldn't expect it to be that loud yet as its still dinner hour). Basically ordered the food and never got much attention after it was served. I probably would have ordered additional margaritas but since the wait staff didn't check in much, it didn't happen. A 2.5 star night. I went back a month later and they ruined date night completely. My boyfriend and I placed our orders, then the wait staff came back one time with his food awhile later. I inquired where mine was, and the waitress said 'we bring it out as its cooked.' So we waited...and waited... He was hungry so he ate as his food was getting cold. And the wait staff never came back. He finished his food and they still hadn't come back. It had probably been about 45-50 minutes at this point. I could tell most of the restaurant was pretty annoyed. Every table with people had empty water glasses, and dirty tables weren't being cleaned, a group of around 6 people nearby were getting their food at weird intervals (like it looked like half the table was eating, some waiting). At this point we were waiting for a bill to leave, which also never came. Finally gave up on waiting for food or a check to pay and left $10 on the table and went to Jack and the Box for my dinner. :( I might try it again in a year or two and I hope they step up their game, because there are two other Mexican restaurants within a block who wouldn't treat customers this poorly. read more

I love their tamales. I get mine from the store side. A bag of chicken tamales, a tub of the verde sauce, and a bag of their tortilla chips and I have enough for three or four meals. Great place to have lunch too. They their wet burrito. read more

Ramirez Mexican Store - Huge tamales! - Mexican Near Me - Tumwater, Washington

I was not impressed with the food here. I ordered rolleneo and they brought out steak fajitas and since I did not have the time I just took it but it was very tough and dry and rice was very blend. Not my favorite Mexican. For the food they serve, they should charge half of what I paid. It was not worth the money I spent. read more

Spent all week looking for a good place to eat and finally came across a place that defied the odds. I had the Jamaica (Hibiscus) agua fresca, pozole, and flan. Everything was tasty and clearly home made. Anybody ever try to make flan at home? Not an easy task, but at this place they have perfected the "baño María." Feeling a little homesick I'll probably be back tomorrow for breakfast. I'd recommend any knowledgeable Mexican food connoisseur try this restaurant. Also, they have a cute little shopping area stocked with delicious Mexican products (limited selection but more than any other small shop in town) and a carnicería. They have a small bakery area, stocked with fresh bread and an in store baker. Plus, another cute perk is their piñata selection. Nearly a one stop shop for a Mexican feast. read more

I ordered to go. Rice was mushy (like, wayyyyy overdone mushy) and beef extremely salty. Maybe I should've stuck to the tacos but given the salt level of the beef I don't think I would've faired much better. All I could taste was mush and salt, unfortunately unpleasant. read more

The food is not authentic. Me being Mexican, I can definitely say not authentic. The food is served cold. Not happy about going there. Maybe the Caucasian folks around here think it's authentic because they don't know any better. I asked if the food was microwaved, the young lady just smiled. I was so close to going back to the kitchen and showing them how to cook it correctly. It's sad how the employees are from Mexico but it seems that they don't know how to prepare authentic Mexican food. Staff are friendly. But food, I will give it a 2 out of 10. read more

Delicious! I have only been here twice, but each time has been great. The staff was really friendly and quick to get our drinks and food order. I love that they have a store portion as well. Overall, great food, great service. I will definitely be back to try their breakfast menu. read more

I stopped in here on the way down to Portland last week. Only reason I stopped was the great reviews here on Yelp. The place is a classic low budget mexican joint. BUT, it does have an excellent choice of all the things you would need to make your own great plates. I did purchase some tortilla's to take home as well as some spices. Yesterday I made tacos from local, organic ground meat, added my spices and more... heated up the tortilla's and ate 6 of them... Excellent all around. Here is where I think I got the "mexican revenge".... I couldn't get off the pot all the next day... WoW! I havent had that kind of carnage after eating a meal in a long time. I think the tort's or spices were tainted with e coli, no joke! And this was the only place I ate all that day... so, it must be from them. Ramirez store, please keep the place clean and watch cross contam!!!! Thanks..overall, nice little family run joint. Then again, they barely spoke english, so.... It must cater to a "selected" race, no? read more

Lake Sara L said, it feels like a convenience store, but there are plenty of tables, it's very clean, lots of space. Upon sitting down, I was given a menu, asked if I wanted something to drink. Then came a fresh basket of homemade tortilla chips and salsa. Yum! I ordered the Monday lunch special which consisted of (2) gigantic tamales garnished with sour cream, pork (red sauce) and chicken (green sauce), rice & beans, and a sprinkle of salad and slice of fresh tomato. There was so much food, I could only eat half and had to get the rest to take home. An excellent price of $6.95. I can hardly wait to venture back to the gem! read more

AMAZING! We love their food and their margaritas are great! They have such a great selection of fresh food! It's one of our favorite places! Our kiddo loves it! Don't let the outside appearance shake you. You will love it. read more

This is real deal, homemade Mexican food! I love how authentic and fresh the food tastes and just how cheap it is. Whenever I visit Olympia, there seems to always be some sort of consumption of Ramirez, whether it be snacking on their spicy baracha salsa, carnitas tacos or stopping by for a fresh, hot tamale or tostada! On top of the food being some of the better Mexican food I've had, I appreciate Ramirez for the simple fact that it's a small, family-owned business and I love to support them. A must visit hole-in-the-wall in the Olympia/Tumwater area! read more

After a meal at Ramirez I want to curl up in a ball and suck my thumb. It's that good. I can't decide whether the chile verde tacos or the al pastor tacos are my favorite. The barbacoa is fantastic as well. Oh and the carnitas. Such a great selection of fillings, all prepared wonderfully. And yes, now served with radishes. And for $1.49! Cozy little place to eat-in or swing by for quick take-out. Beautiful selection of fresh meats and obscure grocery items as well. Service is friendly and speedy. I can feel myself developing a healthy addiction for this place. read more

I have only been there twice. Both times the food was good the people were nice and I intend to keep coming back. I had the siete mares and the macho nachos, both were good. Will try the coctel de camarones next time. read more

The handmade tortillas are worth the trip. Seriously. Just mosey up to the counter and help yourself to a dozen from the container by the register. They'll be warm. We come here regularly for the tortillas, pico de gallo, and meat from the case. We have never been disappointed. I've also eaten at the restaurant and enjoyed their food. Reasonable, filling and authentic. I feel fortunate to have this store in town. read more

This place is in a little strip mall, and an easy exit off 5. We ordered the three tacos special and a vegetarian wet burrito and thoroughly enjoyed the food and friendly, quick service. Good prices, too. This is not a place to miss. The chips are thick and crisp, and their salsa is hot. Search for it on google maps using "ramirez". The link from Yelp iphone app will send you in other direction. read more

Now when I saw Mexican store, I thought to myself they have to serve food, because in NY, bodegas have awesome food , this is the first one in WA that I have found to be up to NY standards , especially with Mexican food , staff was a little rough at first , but they were very attentive to everyone's needs , and by the time we left we were having conversations with them , now on to the food , extremely filling and delicious , I ordered the Nachos , and a tamale , Although I didn't make it to tamale because the nachos filled me up , but my buddy who I eat with almost everywhere I go was impressed. I have to say I can't wait to do visit number two and explore there menu some more . read more

Ramirez Mexican Store - Tamale w/ pork, and red sauce - Mexican Near Me - Tumwater, Washington

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What a treat to find this place as we were traveling up the 5 on a vacation. I had a Mulita which was light and delicious. My compadre had a chile relleno and they were very happy. The store was also fun to go through and we purchased fresh salsa and tamales. We are definitely coming back when we make this trip again next month. *also, the wait staff were very friendly, prompt and the place was very clean read more

Homemade. Real. Authentic. Delicious. This place is amazing! The restaurant and the store are fantastic! I love getting the wet burrito! It takes up the whole plate and can be eaten for several meals. They are quick and friendly. From the store I love buying their pre made fajita mix. Such a good deal!! You can get beef, chicken or pork. read more

GO HERE!!! their bfast burritos are greatest on planet. Huge, packed full of flavor and great service.

I come from California, so I know what Mexican food should taste like. This place is awesome because they have a little restaurant AND a mexican market. Double bonus!! I knocked off a full star for being expensive. Authentic mexican food is cheap. $8 for a basic burrito is robbery. Their saving grace was the unbelievable tamales! Holy crap they were amazing. Also, their lunch specials are a pretty good deal. It's the only was I will eat here, since Mexican food should be cheap!!! read more

I don't leave Yelp reviews after just one visit. I am this time. We moved to Oly a few months ago to be closer to all our family that's been here many years. Been in N Seattle areas for ages, Eastern WA and New Mexico, and have favorite spots in all of those. Ramirez is among the best of those. We had a couple mercado/restaurants we ate at a lot in Greenwood, but this place is better. Was there with my dad and fiance and everything we got was fresh and authentic and not overpriced - this is a rarity in Washington state for pretty much any kind of latin american fare. So many places with mediocre-at-best dishes that are priced triple their worth simply because mexican flavors are hip. And the more authentic spots are always littered with Yelp reviews by people from San Antonio or San Diego or [insert city or state here that is within a 10 hours drive from the Mexican border] all claiming they *know* what the real stuff should taste like, disregarding that mexico and latin america are larger than the whole of the US with a huge variety of styles and flavors. All that said - this is real food, real Mexican food. Real good food. And I don't care if you like your fish tacos from 2 trucks in Tuscon better. Shhh. Eat your food. It was made with love here. read more

One visit wasn't nearly enough to get it all! Tried the carnitas tacos which are my benchmark for any new taqueria and these did not disappoint, tender, juicy pulled pork piled high on warm house made tortillas, with cilantro, onion and just-spicy-enough salsa verde. Served with lime slices and radishes, these tacos easily surpassed my usual taco truck and gas station haunts! What really caught my eye, though was the grocery part of the establishment, with authentic pantry staples and fresh salsas, spices, snacks, fresh meats, cojita and queso fresco, housemade tortillas and pastries, a very welcome change from the tired old 'international aisle' at my local supermarket. I picked up a giant bottle of Tapatio, fresh pico de gallo, and a few Jarritos for the road and I'm already writing a grocery list for a return trip! read more

This is the best authentic Mexican food in Tumwater! Tacos are amazing! Tamales, burritos, tortas, mulitas, everything! Service is great and there's a cute shop with Mexican grocery items. I love their LARGE flour tortillas - you can't get them anywhere else around. Love this place! read more

Ramirez Mexican Store - Tacos al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Tumwater, Washington

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Okay, I don't get it. I thought I'd give this place another try since so many people give it high ratings. I checked out the menu and asked the server what the combo was. She replied (in perfect English) that it was two items from the menu, served with rice and beans. So, I ordered a carne asada taco and a chicken enchilada. Within a couple of minutes, one of the kitchen staff sulkily sauntered over and placed what was obviously an individual order of a dried out carne asada taco in front of me. Nothing special about it at all. After a few more minutes, the server came back with a plate with three chicken enchiladas that were absolutely smothered in melted cheese. Gross. Maybe I'm ordering the wrong stuff? Maybe I'm being too picky? I doubt I'll be back. read more

LOVE this place and I keep coming back every few days. Great and really authentic food, inexpensive, and friendly people. read more

Ramirez Mexican Store - Wet burrito, delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Tumwater, Washington

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Oh my word! This place came highly recommended by some friends. New to WA, we have been on the hunt for really good Mexican for almost a year. FOUND IT! The wet burrito was out of this world. The chicken salad is my FAV! Their green salsa (they have red too) is the best ive ever tasted! Dont forget to order a few churros while you're eating, they take 6-8 minutes, as they drop them fresh! On your way out, do yourself a favor and grab a piece of the tres leches cake as well! They're in the refrigerator, by the register. read more

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What a disappointment! In town for work and wanted something yummy for breakfast. This place had really good reviews so my expectations were set. Should have re-set expectations when the "cook" came running in from the parking lot and asked if "they" ordered something. (Just me...not a they) Ordered a bacon and potato breakfast burrito, long story short - the beans were runny and the potatoes were still crunchy. Yuk! Took two bites or slurps and tossed it. Gross! $7 worth of garbage, not happy. Guess I'll settle for a powerbar I have in my computer bag. :( read more

Pretty good Mexican food. I used to get the "wet" burrito, a little on the expensive side. Sure miss California taco shops 5/21/16 Decided to try again. Food was still pretty good. We sat back close to the kitchen and found that was a mistake. We smelled a foul odor, like sewage most of the time we were there. Made it hard to enjoy! The walls were very dirty and wondered what kind of trouble we were in for later .... I was up till 4 a.m. with stomach pain and in the bathroom many times... tums and gas x didn't touch the discomfort... I have been to every food truck in town and been known to have an iron gut, but dinner was not worth this... think before you pay for this stomach churning mess and good luck. read more

What a great Yelp find! We were driving through Olympia heading to a camping weekend when hunger struck. We fired up yelp, and chose this place based on the reviews. It is has a market atmosphere, and the menu is little more than a list of standard Mexican fare. There are pictures of plated food on the wall to help with decision making. We ordered up, and were knocked over by how good the food was. There was nothing fancy about it, but it tasted super-fresh and interesting. I had a veggie wet burrito, with no cheese or sour cream. Whatever was in the green sauce, it was crazy good. Thank you, Yelp community. We will definitely stop here again. P.S. When I was standing in line to pay, the person in front of me was buying home-made tortillas dressed in the uniform of a mexican restaurant down the street. It looks like even the competition shops there. read more

Get the Ramirez wet burrito. It is huge, tasty, melty, meaty awesomeness in a flour tortilla. The salsa and guacamole are awesome, too. And Ramirez does delivery via Uber Eats. read more

We were traveling through on our way to Olympic and decided to stay in Tumwater. Found this restaurant and thought we'd give it a try since the meals sounded good and the pictures looked good also. Not the best choice to make. The meals were overpriced and looked nothing like the pics. The portion sizes were small and not worth the money. I got the salad and it was VERY watery and not at all tasty. So sorry to give this a one star but not good compared to what we get at home for the same price. read more