I'm Mexican, born and raised. This isn't Mexican food, folks. I rarely write reviews but I have to for this place because it is the most overpriced, mediocre restaurant claiming to serve Mexican cuisine. The server brought us guacamole, chips and salsa without us ordering it, so obviously we thought it was on the house. When we got the bill, he included the guacamole ($10.) The worst part though, was his attitude when my boyfriend told him that we didn't order it and we shouldn't pay for it. Much love to the sweet busser and runner. Brown folks always be working the hardest and being the most humble. To the owner standing around drinking wine, invest in quality food and maybe educate yourself on the art of Mexican food. You're running a disgrace. read more

Had a great dinner. The Vaquero entree was the highlight. Our waiter Avery was super thoughtful and FUN. Definitely recommend! read more

Who: A server named Avery What: unknowingly invited us to the "Avery Show" When: Friday 10/11/2019 Why: Because I was a guest Where: Rancho Cantina Lafayette, California, USA Breakdown Food: 2.5stars Service: 1.5 star Drinks: 2.5 stars But I'm rating a one star because my experience was not worth the overall value Part 1 of 3 I was really thinking I would have an experience that was memorable as I often do when I eat in Lafayette. This time around there was an exception, an obvious one. To start off I would like to state that I usually only come to dine on this town if I expect to spend a pretty penny. This time around that did happen, how ever my experience was unlike any other that I've ever experienced in all the years of my 29 years of life. I was greeted by the host, a mature a gentleman in a traditional cowboy hat. I was so overjoyed you know Matchbox 20 style. I was in awe actually because I have a strange obsession with Texas lol so I figured I would be in a for a treat. Upon entry things appeared to be very classy, you know when the lighting is dim, and the knife and fork is wrapped in a serviette on the table. I thought to myself I couldn't have picked a more perfect place to come to do what I intended to do. There weren't many people in the establishment, I would say a third of the restaurant was filled. I thought wow, I'm going to be able to hear and I'm going to be able to communicate effectively because the noise level wasn't too high. I needed to have a serious talk with my partner about our relationship, this was to be an intense convo. We were then greeted by a gentleman who came off as very casual and because of the initial interaction I didn't realize he was my server. He introduced himself as Avery and proceed to kindly ask if we would like YES, he offered us chips, salsa and guac I said sure. I've been to many establishments where this kind of dish would be on the house as a thank you for your patronage. Maybe a smaller portion of guac but still I had no idea we would be charged for it. Way to up-sale, unfortunately I was unaware of this and feel like I was suckered into buying something I had no interest in purchasing. I literally had organic guacamole earlier, for free where I work.... long story short I knew this would be an instant subtracting of a star on this yelp review. It's very unprofessional to go around offering things and not indicate that there's a FEE!!! Yes, it does say it on the menu as I read the owners response to another yelper. I'm guessing I'm not the first person to be swindled into this gimmick. I honestly had no time to look at the menu before I was offered it though. Maybe they're all in cahoots. Who knows? Shoulder shrug emoji. I had no time because Avery greeted us immediately which I'm not mad about because being punctual is good in the service industry. He asked if we wanted drinks and I looked at the drink side before I could zero in on the food side which is the side that indicates the $10 guacamole. Sneaky, slick, conniving and calculated is how I come to make sense of this. Posting the rest of the review shortly read more

Very friendly staff. Quaint with both indoor and outdoor seating. Great cocktails and your typical beer selection. This is our regular Mexican food restaurant and a must when we have out of town guests. read more

Ok for what it is, where it is. I live in San Francisco and have my local Mexican spot in the Mission. Nothing will compare to authentic Mexican in the Mission. Came here on a Sat evening for dinner with a large group, 4 adults and 3 kids. We were seated quickly (staff combined two tables) and waiter was very lively. Chips and salsas are not free. Both of the salsa were meh, spice level of zip. If you want spicy by any means, it won't be here. The wet burrito I had was underwhelming. No choice of beans - I love my black beans, but nope. Pricey food because of the pricey area, so that's expected. Indoor area was super loud, I could barely hear the people at my table talk. Happy to have tried this restaurant but won't be back for any Mexican cravings. read more

We love coming here for delicious food and cocktails! The spicy grilled shrimp starter is fabulous, and the chicken tortilla soup is the best soup ever. The enchiladas, fajitas, and wet burrito are super good. Everything we've tried here is great, especially the various crafted cocktails which are a perfect complement to the fresh food served here. read more

Rancho Cantina's niche is the era when spanish and mexican californian's cuisine integrated with mexcian cuisine in mexico. i'm having trouble accepting new stuff. old stuff also problematic since it's disrupts my status quo re: food. curious that pricing is in new $$ not old $.. eats: chile relleno(13) ;"grilled problano pepper filled w/oaxacan cheese, ranchero sauce, grilled spring onions, and jalopenos" -chile relleno melted in mouth like pepper didn;t exist. melted? casing was a thin coat of grilled flour. -beans was a spicy mix of garlic, herbs, and onions -rice a mix of onions, spices & tomatoes. -fresh tasting with a kick of spiciness -food tastes ok, regular food acceptable at 1/2 the price.. foodnotes: -passed on chips & salsa since it was $4. (not a fan anyways) -not a liquor drinker at lunch. passed that too. -waitstaff friendly, service leisurely. read more

This place is outrageously expensive for what they charge. Ordered 2 pitchers of Margaritas during happy hour and was charged $80 (incl 20% tip). We ordered 1 more pitcher during dinner and we drank them between the 4 of us and didn't fel a thing (maybe that is good because no hangover) doubt there was ANY tequila in those pitchers. On line it says that the restaurant closes at 9 on Thursdays but we were shooed out at 8:30 and were told the restaurant was closed, so much for a finishing a conversation. We were 4 adults with somewhat quiet voices. Food was so so. I will never go back. read more

Went last week for the first time and can't wait to go back! All four in my group loved what they ordered - tacos, enchiladas, burrito bowl. We started with the chips and salsa and guacamole which were delicious. Three of us had three different cocktails which we all enjoyed. The special quality about this place that makes us want to go back soon is the warm, inviting, super-friendly service. It was the friendliest and most attentive service we have had, thanks to Avery and the other staff. And all the tables received the same excellent service from what I could see. Makes for a very positive experience while enjoying their yummy food and fun drinks! read more

A unique experience and true treat. The service is excellent and welcoming - you feel like a local the minute you walk in whether you live in Lafayette or not. The Adobe Brick Chicken is fantastic and worth ordering. I have been three times in past month and have added this special place to my rotation. read more

Mexican Meets Barbecue. I had the tostada plate and mí espośa , a pollo burrito. The chicken has a nice smokey tint to it and the tostada was refreshing although lacking in any kick or flavor I'd expect from the Mexican side. The burritos here are served wet and the sauce had this familiar yet strange finish to it. I want to say it was cardamom, but am not positive about it. They asked if we want chip and salsa and we declined because it said on the menu they want $4 for something I'm used to getting as a complimentary 'starter'. The service was really great as compared to a previous visit to this site. Hence the extra star. $35 including 2 iced teas and tip. A little pricey for a mediocre lunch that's usually about $25. But hey, you're in Laf-about-it, right? read more

This is a very welcoming place... due solely to Avery who is about the warmest person on the face of the earth. Even though he doesn't know who the hell I am, I am always greeted with a hug and a kiss. He needs a serious promotion. In addition, the food is fabulous. Only criticism..add some actual alcohol to the margaritas... those in the know can tell. read more

This has been our favorite "date night Thursday" restaurant since we discovered it quite some time ago. It's also our favorite place to bring our out of town guests. The menu has something for everybody. Everything on the menu is sooo good. I usually have my one favorite dish at most restaurants. However, at Rancho, I always get something different because everything is delicious! The margaritas are absolutely the best I've ever had. We are so happy they are open for takeout during these trying times. We still go there at least once a week. Not sure what MD was talking about in their review about the masks?? We have not witnessed anybody at Rancho not wearing a mask properly. We highly recommend this restaurant. read more

This place is ok food wise but beware if you order a "special". I had the chicken / shrimp fajitas. Like 4 shrimp a little chicken. DEFINITELY not worth $30.00!!! My fault I should have asked price prior. My girlfriend and I had one pitcher if margaritas thinking we'd save a little $$ rather than singles. Well I almost fell off my chair when we got our Bill. Two people for okay Mexican food came to $132.00!!!!! Last trip there for me Chico. Only one star cuz had to give something. read more

The restaurant was extra quiet on a Saturday night. The food was decent and the drinks were ok, so no big complaints there. The waiter took our last drink order and less than 15 minutes after delivering them to told us "it was time to wrap things up"...keep in mind, it was about 8:40 PM on Saturday night. Of course he let us know it was time to leave after he received a very nice tip. Not only won't I be going on Saturday nights, I won't be going back any other night of the week. read more

We really liked it! First of all, I think we had the best margarita there in all of Lafayette and Walnut Creek combined. No kidding. The food quality was outstanding. We started with guacamole, which was very good. Spanish olives, tasty. And a modelo light and margarita to start both were great. We split a Carne Asada which was cooked at a perfect medium rare. It comes with tortillas rice and beans. The rice is actually very good. Normally I wouldn't even think of it, but it is worth noting. Some marinated vegetables come on top almost like a chimachurri. The dish is excellent. It was so good I returned to have it twice in one week. We'll explore more of the menu next time. A very welcome addition to the Lafayette scene... read more

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Yummy chips & guac + shrimp Great service & pitchers of Margaritas Though I've never been to a Mexican restaurant where they charge for salsa and chips. read more

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Not your typical "Mexican" joint. The high end, contemporary atmosphere is what sets this cantina apart. That trend continues to the menu as well. U won't find multiple pages of burritos and gut bombs here. More a concise menu of well thought out dishes; though personally I would like to see a few more items. Having been here a few times I could see getting tired of the same few items to choose from. So far the service has been awesome. The bartenders and servers have all been upbeat and willing to engage in conversation. Which is nice while sitting at the bar. Although if u are sitting at the bar, the open fire grill a few feet away feels like a furnace. I'm guessing that was a design flaw that was not very well thought out. The selection of tequilas is pretty good too. There are several I have never even seen before. And they are more than willing to give u a little sip to try. Maybe it's just me but I would still like the option of one of those "jumbo" margaritas to sip on rather than the small "craft" style margs in a typical mixed drink glass. Aside from a limited menu and fairly high prices, rancho is a welcome option contrasting the low end mexican options in the area. read more

Rancho Cantina - Fish tacos. Made with rice flour so not too greasy. Very good! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Always a welcoming crew with delicious food and tasty cocktails. Check this place out!

Love it! First time here in down town Lafayette! We decided to eat here coz they got seafood selection because I'm observing Lenten Season! Ordered Fish Taco Yummy! Ceviche Super Yummy!and Spicy Shrimp! Mega Yummy!! read more

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Not sure there was one redeeming quality from food, maybe the service and ambience was a 3 star? chips and salsa (not on the house) was decent. I didn't get any wood fired flavor and the food overall was just not very good. C'mon, Lafayette! We can do better. read more

I used to LOVE this restaurant. The food is probably still good - but I wouldn't know because, even though they are a client of Door Dash, they refused to fill the order when the driver arrived to pick it up. Worse, they were extremely rude to her. Manager - if you're not going to fill orders via Door Dash then get your name off the list - and in the interim... Fill the orders and treat your loyal customers (and everyone else - including drivers) with respect! read more

This place is fantastic. I always feel so welcome here. Avery and Israel are the best waitstaff ever. They have lovely outdoor dining complete with warm heaters. Their food is reasonably priced, but I guess cheap for the area. read more

Not authentic-inspired "Californio" at all, and gives both Mexican and Spanish foods a bad name. Overpriced with too much sweet in all their sauces. You'll have to pay $4 if you want chips and salsa. You can get a single can of soda for $3.50. A cup of carnitas for $18 (with the worst rice and beans you've experienced). The brick chicken ($20 for half) was nice, but not worth the money. Yet one more mistake we'll make only once. read more

We had the most delicious dinner and cocktails tonight. Avery was our server along with other very attentive individuals. He even sang Happy Birthday and his voice is absolute magic! The cuisine and vibe is amazing and we'll be back. read more

We walked upon this somewhat tucked away restaurant. Unique place with Mexican food. We ordered lemonade, torta and enchiladas. The lemonade was watered down, torta had most of the meat on one side of the sandwich and the enchiladas were okay. The slaw that came with the torta was good but spicy. I'll come back to try more if the menu. The have indoor and outdoor seating. We sat outside. The restrooms are nice, clean, have great soap and the door slides open. read more

10/10 once again. Avery is seriously the BEST, he's most of the reason we go there. The service and experience is great every time.... The food is great too! They have the best guacamole we love this place. read more

I do not write many reviews. Typically something has to be phenomenal or truly grim. Well... this review is on the low side of the scale. When Rancho Cantina first opened it was a bit rough... ok. Just opened, need to sort things out. Ok. Now move forward to yesterday. The scramble to stay afloat is on! What to serve your Sunday patrons? Watered down margaritas... a cardinal sin! ... oily carnitas, oily rice, oily beans, oily everything... ok, put the Pennzoil in the car, K! The beans had no flavor, the rice had no flavor, the carnitas' flavor was... peculiar. The up side, no one got sick and the two of us were out of there for just under $120. A bargain I suppose... Wish things were better for the only other sit-down Mex restaurant left in Lafayette... sigh... read more

These guys have great food. Their serving sizes are so generous and the food is so tasty. They have a good amount of vegetarian options which made it especially great for someone who's trying to eat less meat. I know its really tough with things just having shut down again too so I will definitely be ordering out again soon! read more

Always wonderful food and service, I've been going here for years now, and haven't ever gone away unhappy.

The staff was nice but the carne asada was over-cooked and lacked flavor. We won't be back.

Lafayette just got a whole lot cooler. The mixologist Adrianna is stellar (just let her choose your libation), the manager knows his stuff, and they offer a unique selection of hand-picked tequilas. The small plates we tried included muscles and fish tacos (mmm). This place is stylish, fun, and the service is attentive. They actually have personalities and they know what gluten free really means. Have a laugh and savor (sip rather than shoot) before heading over to the sweet Gallery next door. Pass the lime! read more

Rancho Cantina - Shrimp and asparagus are deeeelish! A fun evening. - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

First time trying this restaurant. Ordered take out, arrived and we were delightfully greeted. Our order was ready as the place even smelled delicious....a woodsy, chipotle season smell...mouth watering. We ordered the family meal and extra chile rellanos. Everything was so delicious@!@@!!! I highly recommend this place. The family meal had carne asada, shrimp (grilled perfectly) and moist chicken....grilled onions with cilantro for the fajitas. All the food traveled well.....sometimes to-go don't taste the same at home, but this did. Can't wait to go back! I think next time, we will enjoy the patio and try the bar!! thanks so much, Amy read more

Entrees seemed to be well done with good ingredients. Nice atmosphere and good service. -Paying for chips at a mex place? Need to pay extra for beans and rice with entree? Don't nickel and dime me! -A bit pricy for what you get, but that's becoming standard with dining in Lafayette. Will try again in a several months to see if any change. read more

Rancho Cantina is a wonderful owner operated local restaurant that we love. We ate there before then pandemic and get to-go food often now. You can easily order online without an app! The food is clean and very flavorful! Everything is home made, the sauces, chips, and marinades. Our favorites are anything off the mesquite grill, the grilled fish tacos and carne asada burritos are my go-to. I get grilled chunks of marinaded beef in every bit. They age the steak for the carne asada three weeks. Yes, this is an upgrade over other burritos. It's so good I can't stop ordering it! They have a solid bar. The drinks are balanced with a lot of choices for tequila and mescal. Of course you can get a martini. The space is nice, contemporary and relaxed. They have a great patio! The owners work to know their customers care running a great place . This is why we love locally owned restaurants. I'll see you there! read more

Rancho Cantina can really be hit or miss. There are a few dishes they do really well: the brick chicken, the steak, and the fish tacos. There's the ones that are so-so: the guacamole (so overpriced, often rotten avocado and small portion), the ceviche (way too acidic). Also the service is hit or miss. They do have a good happy hour menu but they don't give it to you, you have to ask for it. Also the menu's are often overused and dirty. Still, I do think it's the best house margarita in town and for $28/pitcher on happy hour it's a good price. read more

Rancho Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

Read a review about this place mentioning no water service. PSA: California is in a drought, no one gets water unless they ask for it. FYI As for my experience the service was good, prompt, and precise. The atmosphere is alright, a little noisy but ok and the decor is quaint and fits in with the area but lacks the feel of a cantina. We started with chips two types of salsa, and guacamole. The chips with thin and Crispy but the salsas lacked a punch. The guacamole was on point with a little Verde flavor. I got the Rancho burrito with slow braised pork and my bf got the two chicken tacos. My burrito was served wet (I knew it was served wet but wanted to try it the way they wanted to serve it) and the sauce overpowered any other flavor there could have been. I dissected it to try everything inside individually and found the pork to be juicy and flavorful. I wished the burrito had focused on that instead of the bland sauce they drenched it in. The rest of the ingredients such as the rice, pink beans, and what ever chilis they used were flavorless. The chicken in the tacos was dry, tough, and primarily tasted like fajitas. All in all the meal was pricy, bland and disappointing. Won't be eating here again. :( read more

Rancho Cantina - Chicken tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

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Do not miss this place!!! The ambiance is spectacular. The front patio is perfect on a summer's evening . The service is impeccable. We had the pleasure of being served by the charming Avery he is awesome and so much fun. Bradford, the general manager, is very present and it was nice to see him interact with every table!! Now the food!! Rancho Cantina is a mix of early Californian, Mexican/Spanish, ranch style cuisine. familiar dishes but heightened to a delectable level. The guacamole was so fresh. We had the spicy shrimp starter which is a must have!! For dinner my husband and I had the chicken enchiladas and the barbacoa. Everything was so flavorful and satisfying. We ended the meal with the most decadent flourless chocolate cake. To die for!!! Can't wait to come back!!! Loved it!! read more

Rancho Cantina - So amazing!!! Must try Rancho Cantina!!! - Mexican Near Me - Lafayette, California

I've never been here before... But compared to the other one down the street that I've been to 50 times this cantina was 10 times better... What a treat I had a chicken burrito and it just melted in my mouth, all of the ingredients the beans the rice the chicken the cheese everything was done to perfection and Avery our waiter he makes the place in addition to the food. I'm Nancy White and I'm not afraid to put my name on my review read more

My favorite Mexican food in town. Let's start with Avery! Beyond welcoming and wonderful. He makes you feel like family. The food is wonderful. Ingredients are fresh and grilled to perfection. The drinks are outstanding and made from scratch. Rancho Cantina is truly a local Lafayette gem. read more