Rancho Cantina has quickly become one of my favorite spots for Mexican food. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance is warm, inviting, and relaxed. The indoor-outdoor layout is a huge plus--it's the perfect place to enjoy a meal whether you're grabbing a casual lunch or meeting up with friends for dinner. The food is consistently excellent. The complimentary chips and salsa are fresh, flavorful, and honestly hard to stop eating. Their burrito bowls are packed with fresh ingredients and generous portions, making them both satisfying and delicious. If you're looking for something a little different, the wood-fired plates are definitely worth trying--they add a great smoky flavor that really stands out. Between the welcoming atmosphere, great food, and comfortable indoor-outdoor seating, Rancho Cantina is a place I'll keep coming back to. Definitely recommend checking it out if you're looking for quality Mexican food in a fun, relaxed setting with impeccable service. read more

- where to start. We were seated right away. Chips & salsa were brought to the table, the chips were off, while both salsas were okay, but nothing really memorable. Drinks were had, quite tasty: the house old fashion & the hibiscus paloma. The mains: an order of the red sauce enchiladas with chicken & the salmon with chimichurri sauce. The red sauce tasted more like a tomato base versus a red chile sauce, not my thing. The salmon was prepared well. Ambiance - casual; there's both inside & outside seating. Willing to try again. They're opening a second restaurant in Danville, hoping to try it once they open. read more

Rancho Cantina - Chicken Rancho Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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I haven't been since the switch over but I'm glad I got to come back! The menu has a lot more options now. The portions seem to be bigger and chips and salsa are complimentary! I really enjoyed the house salsa (the table even got some to go). I ordered the burrito bowl with carne asada. There was SO much guac and I loved the crispy cheese on the side. Flavor was okay! I think I would want to try the tacos next time. Someone got the seafood tacos and that looked good too! Service was okay for a Friday night. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were seated by some stack of plates which was pretty loud.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall it was good! read more

Rancho Cantina - Ranchero Burrito Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Sat at the bar and was brought chips and 2 salsas. The green salsa was delicious but I did not try the spicy red salsa. I had a very flavorful bowl of tortilla soup and it hit the spot because it was a chilly day. I was disappointed in the quality of the fish tacos, bland taste of fish and cabbage slaw. I will try to come back and try other items in the menu. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Definitely the best outdoor covered patio with heaters for a chilly night.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We accidentally landed up on a Tuesday night. Two for one margaritas are great value. The $5 tacos- instead of 3 for $22 - not so great! The tortilla chips felt oilier than I remembered and the red salsa seemed to need a little salt. We shared an order of chicken fajitas. They still need to figure out how to serve tortillas so that the second set doesn't get cold! The staff were friendly, kind and the kitchen crew looked relaxed and happy. Definitely one of our favorite Mexican date night places! read more

Came here last night with my friend and daughter. We shared the shrimp tacos with a cabbage slaw. The sauce was delicious and had a kick! The Carna Asada burrito was delicious too. Loved the mole sauce. My friend ordered the tortilla chips soup that came in a huge bowl for 13$ it looked amazing with sliced avocado on top. The service was great and the vibe is very relaxed. [[HIGHLIGHT]]We sat inside and the oven fan had broke so it was a little smoky for me.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] However, They have a beautiful patio that I'm going to take advantage of next visit ! read more

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We went on a neighborhood walk and as we were strolling, we came across Rancho. It looks and like a fancier Mexican cuisine place, so expectations were low. I initially just wanted my enchilada fix, so we sat at the small corner bar they had since we weren't going to order much. Or so we thought. The bartender explained the menu to us as we were served some salsas and chips. Apparently, they're known for their wood fired entrees. And given the price of an enchilada plate with rice and beans, it made more sense to get the wood fired chicken to share. It was DELICIOUS! The chimichurri sauce was excellent. The chicken was moist while the skin was nice and crispy. The dish also came with tortillas, but tbh I didn't really need them, it took away from all the flavor the dish had. Needless to say, we were impressed and still talk about going back to get their other wood fired entrees. This was an excellent stumble upon find! read more

Rancho Cantina - Amazing dish! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

Great Mexican restaurant in the heart of Lafayette. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice outdoor seating on their patio in front and some indoor seating as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Solid service and friendly staff. Pretty big menu (drinks and food). Salsa and guacamole were both quite good, as were the chips. The carne asada taco salad was large with a good amount of meat and with a super flavorful dressing. The carnitas burrito wasn't huge, but it was densely packed and tasty and full of ingredients that were all well mixed and well made. The mezcal margarita was smokey and tasty and also well made. All around great food and decent price for the quality and quantity. We definitely want to come back and try more of the menu! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]We like the tables outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] When they have them, the grilled artichokes are amazing. Love the mixed fajita skillet read more

They were hitting on all cylinders the Saturday night that we dined. It was around 6:30 PM and we didn't have reservations but elected to sit outside. [[HIGHLIGHT]]I was reluctant since it was getting chilly, but they had two powerful heaters positioned behind our chairs. It was actually quite toasty.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The Mater D actually brought out some blankets to put on each chair which was a nice touch. They greeted us pleasantly and I overheard them being quite accommodating to many of the guests. Our server was excellent. I think his name was Justin. Never intrusive but always patrolling the area if you needed something. I decided on the Carne Asada, and ordered it medium, which was perfect! It came out closer to medium rare, which I actually prefer but as of late lately have gotten chewy pieces of beef at restaurants. The beef was very well rubbed and clearly they charbroil it because there was a good smoky taste. It was juicy and no fat or gristle! Loved it. The pinto beans were seasoning very well also and the Mexican rice was a good performer. The tortillas are not house made, but they didn't taste like your regular store-bought either. My wife got the brick chicken, and that was very juicy and tasty. She brought half of it home... For me. The chicken also had a good rub and was smoky and juicy. My wife had the Mezcal spicy margarita and she said it was very well prepared with fresh citrus. All this and we got a parking space right out front. We'll be back. read more

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[[HIGHLIGHT]]Rancho Cantina in Lafayette is a great spot. it's a little more upscale than your typical Mexican restaurant, which makes it feel special while still being relaxed and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Their BOGO margaritas on Tuesdays are a huge win and always a fun excuse to stop by. I've tried pretty much all of their tacos...fish, shrimp, carnitas, asada, and pollo, and every single one has been delicious. The chips are good (not life-changing), but the salsa def steals the show. it's so flavorful and addictive and I add it to all of my entrees. A friend of mine always orders the chicken enchiladas, which are incredible every time, and another swears by the fajita plate, which always looks amazing when it comes out. The sides of beans and rice are also really good. The bartenders and hosts are always friendly and welcoming, which really adds to the experience. I'm already planning my next visit because I still need to try their churros!! read more

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Margaritas were fantastic, the food was great, and the staff truly made the night memorable. (Thanks Allie!) [[HIGHLIGHT]]We were there for a date night but there were plenty of families too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

We came here for a birthday celebration. We all enjoyed the appetizers but had a mixed review on the entrees. The carne asada was a bit over cooked. I wished the chicken enchiladas had a bit more sauce to them. And while the fish tacos were good there were only 2 to an order with no sides. It was bit on the pricier side. I liked the decor of the restaurant and the service was ok. read more

Great local restaurant. The inside feels like you're in Mexico. They have a bar and tv with sports if you're interested in that. The food is very good I had the carnitas and guacamole with chips. Burrito was good too made with a soft tortilla. The service is excellent they take care of you. read more

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Food - chips were sugared not salted as confirmed by our waiter, Justin, tasted from our bowl and confirmed for not one but two batches. He was shocked that no one notched , Luckily our quesadilla and ranchero bowls were palatable. Service - Justin, my buddy. Offered no resolution after saying f food was not as intended. Wasn't very proactive. Ambiance - [[HIGHLIGHT]]luckily the weather was nice. Thanks. No citronella or anti-mosquito options, so I got bit multiple times by mosquitoes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Unfortunately, will not return. Cheers though! read more

Very disappointed in their customer service. They didn't fulfill our Door Dash order in which I sent an email explaining we did not receive the chips and salsa $6.50 bit did get our $18 guacamole that we wanted to complement the chips. Our order was well over $100 and simply no response reflects a vibe that I'm no longer interested in giving my business too. read more

The service was nonexistent. Our family felt like we were interrupting their work schedule. Food was delicious, but the service was horrible. read more

Great food, really great staff. My boyfriend and I go here often. Every time I get something different and it's always good. The guys who work there are super friendly and accommodating. Make a reservation if you can! read more

Could be my new favorite Mexican restaurant. My partner and I were thinking Mexican food a couple of weeks ago and ended up here. Little did we know it was the first night under new ownership. We met Nico, the new owner, as we walked in and were promptly seated. We knew him from before with his other restaurant ventures. I had a trio of tacos and my partner had a veggie burrito. About a week later we popped in again and I had fish tacos and my partner had enchiladas with mole sauce. OK for fans of mole this is the place. I scoped up every drop of this stuff. Today we had lunch there.I had the taco salad with steak and my partner had a veggie burrito bowl. So 3 times there and all were excellent. The drinks are great, the service is great and the food is awesome especially when fired on the wood grill. read more

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Inspired by traditional Spain, modern Mexico, and of course contemporary America - Rancho Cantina is your one-stop-shop for some good Mexican dining. With a perfect blend of presentation and taste, almost every menu item is carefully curated and prepared ready to anchor the highlight of your day. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Stop by and celebrate yourself, your friends, and the scenery of Mount Diablo Blvd.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Extra props to their salsa, not as hot as El Diablo sauce. read more

The food and service were excellent! My family and I ordered dishes made in their wood-fired grill and our meats were so tender! We also tried their different margaritas. My husband had the jalapeño margarita, our son had the Top Shelf margarita, and I had the pomegranate margarita. They were so delicious, we ordered seconds! [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio with heaters so you can dine al fresco with your friends and fur babies.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]When we were there, the weather was so warm there was no need for a heater.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I highly recommend this place! read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great vibe good service[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I got chicken tortilla soup huge bowl for $13 and my friends shared the shrimp tacos and a wet steak burrito. Service was fast and great. read more

Rancho Cantina - Soup - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

Imagine you are in the Wild West...in a cute cantina, where all the locals enjoy relaxing and chatting with the staff. This is the place. All of the items I've tried, including the tortilla soup, taste like a Spanish grandma made. Great patio, and well placed indoor tables/high tops along with the small but lively bar area, make for a cozy retreat on the farther end of the downtown area. Complimentary chips and salsa to boot! (We ordered the guacamole). read more

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Stopped for dinner in a Friday and it was pretty packed but we managed to snag a table outside with our two dogs. I got a spicy margarita and we started with some chips and salsa. It came with two dips which were both great and the chips are the thin, crispy kind. I went with the carnitas plate which came with tortillas and toppings that you can build yourself. It was delicious and I had some leftovers after too read more

Rancho Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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The food was really good and waiter was excellent. The surprise was the cost for a casual mexican restaurant. For two meals (combo fajitas and a burger) our bill came to $120 (before tip - no alcohol or dessert). We did order guacamole ($14) to accompany the chips. There are NO SIDES included with the fajitas. Everything is extra so if you want rice, beans, sour cream, cheese etc... with your fajitas, it will cost you. Our single order of fajitas ended up being around $60. read more

we went for lunch last Saturday. The food is served at room temperature. My wood fired oven cooked meat platter tasted good, but no difference from other types of oven. The hamburger was not tasty. The guacamole dip was good. read more

I've eaten at many Mexican restaurants in the past. What I can tell you is that this has a blend of authenticity and style that captures upper middle class white people mexican food excellently. Don't go here for authentic, but definitely tasty food! read more

Rancho Cantina - Chicken Tinga Burrito Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

Excellent service, followed up with excellent food. I truly enjoyed the chicken fajitas, I have haven't had any better anywhere around the Bay Area. Really hit the spot. The food is consistently good after going back many times. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The indoor and outdoor options create a great ambiance for those wishing to eat inside or out.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We will be back time and time again for excellent food. read more

I have been here a handful of times already and each time the food was amazing! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The vibe on the inside of the restaurant is very cozy,[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the lovely server has always been very kind and accommodating. read more

Rancho Cantina - The wet Rancho Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

We went there later afternoon on Mother's Day. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Was given a "beautiful" (not) table facing large bushes outside.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It would've only been a sort wait to get a table with more visibility. Salsas were outstanding and a nice start once we finally got them. It took at least 10-15 minutes for a waitor to attend to us even while others who were seated after, got approached first. We had to ask for water...it was not automatically provided. My husband had the shrimp tacos that he said were "ok" and I had the brick chicken that I knew and the waitor confirmed was a "signature dish". It was very dry and I didn't even eat half. When we were done, the waitor saw that my dish was not even half eaten and started, but stopped abrubtly I assume to ask how it was. It was clear I was not a fan and he wasn't going to go there. I thought it was a bit expensive for what you got, but that's life. We will not be back. read more

Typical suburban Mexican food. Food sort of hit or miss. Service fine. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Patio was nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Came for my birthday. The salsas and appetizers were delicious! We got the chicken wings which were super juicy and flavorful and the bean dip. I don't usually like bean dip but this one was really tasty! The entrees were not as great. We got the wood fired chicken and chimichurri steak. Both were very overcooked. I asked for medium rare and it was pretty tough. The verde enchiladas were nothing special either. Overall I would come again for the drinks and appetizers! read more

Amazing staff, food and drinks! The authentic wood fire grill makes the food that much better. Ownership and staff always so welcoming and attentive. My fav dish is their brick chicken and their hand made guac. Staple in the bay! read more

Mr.Nico and Mr.Kevin are awesome! Delicious food, wonderful service, and a great atmosphere! Will be back for sure! read more

Rancho Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Food is good, service is good. We've eaten there several times but this time I was shocked to see the new menu pricing. We each had tacos, split a salad and had small guacamole. We only had water as well. $78 plus the tip! We're not going there again. read more

Went with friends on a Tuesday afternoon. Lived in Lafayette for several decades and had never been here. We were seated right away by the owner, Nico, and was told about Tuesday tacos. 2 for one margaritas! I had the tacos that were very good and my friend had a quesadillas with veggies. She said it was excellent. [[HIGHLIGHT]]They have both indoor and outdoor seating with heaters.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We had a very enjoyable lunch with a nice attentive waiter named Wesley. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It was busy with most sitting outdoors.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I would recommend and will definitely be going back. read more

Margaritas were sensational! The Mole Chicken was also great. The sauce was perfect. The chips were really good, and the salsas were house made, and unusual but good flavors. The service was great. They obviously take pride in that. We will definitely be back. Everything was so fresh. read more

Rancho Cantina - Mole chicken. Fantastic. - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Craving Mexican so we popped in for an early dinner this week. The food was fresh and delicious! Fantastic service from Wes and Avery... they were both very attentive and total sweethearts! We ordered the Bone Marrow Brûlée w/Shrimp, Chicken Enchiladas (verde, red chili & mole), Blood Orange Margarita, Churros and the Guava Cheese Roll. Can't wait for our next visit! read more

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We were seated quickly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Outdoor seating was nice and warm with the outdoor heaters.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our server Avery made the meal a great experience. Salsa is one of the best I've had. read more

A bit pricey but the food was amazing. Two absolutely delicious salsas with the chips- mmmmm. I will definitely be going back.