So I was very apprehensive to go to this location, especially because of some of the reviews that spoke about ICE and I in no way wanted to deal with any shenanigans on our trip to New Jersey, but I took the risk anyway. They would have to take the whole restaurant because that's all there was there was Latinos maybe a small handful of Caucasians. This place was pretty packed on Friday with a DJ and karaoke but it's big enough that we didn't have to wait when we got there. When I say this food was amazing, I will have to say that it is the juiciest meat all across the board, the ribs, the beef, the pork, you name it and big portions of food. We all had an amazing time and left with leftovers that I was able to cook the next day and it tasted still as juicy and tender. I'm definitely looking forward to going back to New Jersey and going back to have some food!!!! Go Colombia read more

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Very hard to find parking so I recommend doing valet -- there's no set price so just tip what you feel is appropriate. First walked into this huge, upbeat, bright, airy space. The place is massive, so I can't imagine there's usually much of a wait to be seated. Huge screen was playing soccer games and this place is definitely going to be packed during the World Cup. We ordered a couple of drinks and honestly they felt more watered down than anything else -- not really worth the price. The appetizers were good, but the service was lacking. We couldn't find anyone to bring us plates and it took so long that our entrees arrived before we even started the apps. The entrees themselves were good though -- generous portions and solid flavor. When the check came, I was disappointed to see a mandatory 20% gratuity included, especially since the service definitely didn't feel worth 20%, and we were only a party of four. Overall, it's pretty pricey as well. I might come back for the ambience and the food, but I won't exactly be running back. read more

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This place is undeniably beautiful. The décor is stylish, the space is huge, and the overall ambiance is definitely the standout feature. It's the kind of spot that immediately feels impressive when you walk in. As for the food, it was fine for the price. Not bad at all, but nothing particularly memorable either. The small downside for me was the service. It wasn't as quick or attentive as I expected, and it took longer than I'd hoped for our order to arrive. A side order was also forgotten which wasn't a big deal, but it's just unfortunate it never arrived. With that said, I can absolutely see myself coming back for large group events or gatherings because the space is perfect for that. Just keep in mind that you may need to be patient when ordering, as things can move slowly. Great atmosphere, decent food, but service could use some improvement. read more

First & last time here! Food was horrible I ordered empanadas a they tasted like mush there was hardly any chicken I don't know how you mess up empanadas. Service was horrible they never checked on me. Gratuity is automatically included so I guess they figure why bother with providing great service read more

Rancho Mateo - Horrible chicken empanadas tasted nothing like chicken - Steakhouses Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

Came to try the food ordered wings, they were super dry and very hard, also ordered calamari and it was extremely chewy! They don't even do frozen margaritas anymore so I got mango margarita on the rocks but the drinks was good. I couldn't get a refund on the wings that I didn't eat, I only took a bite to try it was not good, really mad they couldn't give me a refund! read more

Really great local spot for authentic Colombian food. Food portions are insane and you can't complain about not being full!! I got the bandeja paisa with a Moscow mule and it was truly chefs kiss! Waitress was really nice and it was nice and lively at 5pm on Saturday which is to be expected. Can't wait to come back with my girlfriends for another girls night! :) read more

I can to New Jersey and my friends brought me here, i ordered the Colombian flag, it consist of rice, beans, skirt steak, ripe yellow fried platano and fried pork skin it was delicious. No complaints here! The place is very big and full of people. We had to wait 40 minutes with no reservation. I'll give it 3.7 the meat was very flavorful read more

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I came here on a Saturday night with a party of about 20 people. We had a reservation and didn't have to wait too long for the tables to be set up. The waitress was very nice but looked mildly overwhelmed taking the order for our whole group. Everyone got a round of drinks, and the pina colada was a favorite for us. The cup was bigger than my little niece's head. There was also a martini that had little liquor shot glass bottles for decor. We got the empanada platter for an appetizer and it was amazing. They don't use the usual dough/pastry type of wrapping for them, I think they make it with a maiz/corn mixture. In any case, they were fantastic. I ordered a bandeja paisa platter. It was one of the cheapest items, but my serving portion was much bigger than everyone else's, lol. It came with a sunny side up egg, beans, rice, a steak, a very rich pork item (not sure what this is called sorry) and it was enough to feed a small army. Everything tasted impeccable. Taking off 1 star because the table needed more than one server. Not the waitress's fault at all, we had a big party of non-Spanish speakers with a whole slew of different orders and requests-- and I'm sure we weren't her only table too, but operationally I think it would have been quicker and less confusing if we had two waiters. There was live music, beautiful decor, and it was the perfect place for the birthday dinner celebration. read more

Authentic Colombian cuisine with lots of flavor and generous portions! First time here and if we ever return to NJ, we will make sure we stop here to eat again! Delicioso ! read more

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Dry food, poor service, and way too much ICE. Not worth your time or patronage. Undeserving of being in Elizabeth.​

Besides the fact that the managers have been calling ICE on their own workers to avoid paying them because they wanna be greedy, which best believe God dont like ugly, the food is VERY DRY. Violently horrible management that could and possible WILL end a life some day if they keep welcoming ICE like that, but the food is not even worth it being killed for. Remember, they don't care for citizenship, they care for skin color and nothing more. THIS SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN. read more

El ambiente y el trato es de los mejores que eh recibido.... El volumen de la música no es tan alto. Es perfecto para poder hablar y poder disfrutar de la música a la vez...... en cuanto comida le doy un 10 de 10 Y los cócteles están en su punto son súper ricos Probablemente restaurante favorito de NJ read more

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food not good, service amazing(only good thing about the experience) ambiance Ok i just dont get why they have to "include the tip" on the check even when there were only 2 of us, its understandable if its a big group.. I will not go back for sure nor recommended for anyone else. place was a lot better when it was around the corner a few years back. read more

Great service. Loved the music and food was delicious. Family had a great time. Drinks are good. read more

The new place is amazing.. it has alot of graffiti art-- inside it looks like a discoteca- they really made it beautiful. The food is alway delicious-- from the pandebonos, empanadas to the meals-- my favorite is the chuleta or lechuga empanizada -- they also have chunchulo read more

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So some friends and I decided to get lunch from this restaurant. When I arrived I found parking not too far away. I walked into a really big, nice restaurant. So Alejandro was our server and he was cool until I realized there was a language barrier. I don't speak Spanish and so he didn't understand anything I really said. My friend does so she was able to translate a bit. I started with the red sangria and it was good. For my meal I got the chicken and shrimp. Here's where the issue lied, the waiter told us we can get two sides but he failed to mention that my meal in particular came with 2 sides already. So I picked sides from the menu and he didn't tell me there was an upcharge. The fact I couldn't communicate with him killed everything! The food was good but it did take forever for my sauce to come out! That extra money that was put on my bill definitely made me mad. I won't be back! read more

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Definitely would recommend coming here. The empanadas and chicharrones were great. There was great music as well. Very cool place read more

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Service was good there are many servers and attentive The appetizer came and it was a good size kids meals big size no one complained about the food and we ordered a small picadera and there was still left over. If you want to hear live singing the performance was good female singer this night I don't know about other nights our first time there. Place was clean nice very bright like a club. Adults and kids !! read more

Visited this restaurant on a Wednesday night with my bf. I was kinda skeptical because some yelpers said it was a language barrier which is my most pet peeve when ordering at these restaurants. However that was not the case . Our servers spoke and understood English and they were very attentive . We ordered the fried whole red snapper with white rice salad, plantains, and yuca .. The fish was delicious and well seasoned. We also ordered the red sangria which was good and strong ! The prices are reasonable and not too pricey . The ambiance of the restaurant was a little loud with the music playing but the decor was nice and the restaurant is huge with plenty of dining space. There is a valet parking lot that only charges for tips . read more

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I am from Elizabeth NJ and Rancho Mateo is one of my favorite places to bring friends and family to. The place as soon as you walk in feels warm and inviting. the food is excellent and will dine here again with the money and the experience! Love me some Columbian food variety and waiters are super friendly. read more

Food quality used to be at thing at this Colombian restaurant but now it's a about quantity. Food quality as just merely ok, I have been coming here for years but very unsatisfied today. Meat was half cooked for bistec al caballo y lengua was under cook, tostones taste old and they wouldn't change them because they say all were the same. read more

Great experience, excellent food. This is one of the best places to eat in elizabeth. Music and service were top notch !

What a cool experience eating at Rancho Mateo was. We drove all the way to NJ to eat at Rancho Mateo and it was worth it. The ambience, music, decor and vibe all stayed true to the Colombian culture. The rich colors, vibrant music and the energetic staff, made it a cool experience. They have PLENTY of seating, but I highly recommend you call ahead for a reservation. They have valet parking, so that is a big relief. The restaurant was full and my only feedback is the level of noise, but nonetheless, the food was worth it and we had a wonderful time. The mini empanadas, tostones con guacamole, arroz y frijoles were all delicious. Colombians eat a lot of meat, at Rancho Mateo, it is a meat eaters paradise. They also have a cafe/bakery on the first floor and it is a dessert eaters paradise with different mousse pastries, torta negra, buñuelo y different other Colombian delicious pastries and breads. I loved the desserts. Highly recommend Rancho Mateo. read more

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Approximately 15 of us came here for lunch. The restaurant is spacious and has their own parking lot. The service was excellent, as the staff were friendly and patience. The meat platters that is supposed to serve 9-11 people were presented nicely and definitely was a lot of food. The meats were good but some were quite rough. The highlight was definitely the beef ribs. The individual platters came with two sides so everyone left extremely full. Overall, it was a fun experience and definitely would recommend. read more

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Delicious food!! It tastes like home like my beloved Colombia. Service was amazing and fast and the ladys very nice and welcoming drink are huge lol with 2 I was happy! Very recommended the guacamole with chicharrón wow delicious. read more

Rancho Mateo - Guacamole con Tostones. - Steakhouses Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

Love their new location! Rancho Mateo opened here about a year into this much bigger location. Two stories, bar, DJ, bakery and still the same great food! I visit Elizabeth once a year with a group and we always visit to share one of their large platters. Worth it every time. read more

I've been going here for years. They never disappoint The drinks, food and service are really good. They have Karaoke nights on certain nights and live music. Very nice ambiance read more

Rancho Mateo - Seafood soup Delicious ! - Steakhouses Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

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I love coming here for the atmosphere. Nice crowd and the wait staff is aways kind and courteous. For that I give 3 stars. No stars for automatic gratuity. read more

Rancho Mateo - Receipt - Steakhouses Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

My friend's tempting food photos finally lured me to this newly built restaurant, and I'm so glad I came! I brought my wife and a friend, and we were all impressed. The interior is lovely, and our server Andre provided excellent service. My Bandeja Paisa with ground beef was incredibly flavorful, and my wife raved about her seafood soup. Our friend equally enjoyed her Hawaiian chicken dish. We finished with delightful desserts, each one a treat. Well done to this fantastic spot - we'll definitely return! read more

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La peor experiencing del mundo. Mala atención. Le sirven lo que ellos quieren sin preguntar. Como por ejemplo pedi un cuarto de pollo y cuando me lo sirvieron era pechuga y yo queria pierna. Lo que me preguntaron fue si yo le habia dicho a la mesera, cuando la miserable era la que me debia haber preguntado. Estaba haciendo un frio terrible y ni la calefaccion tenia trending. Que horror de sitio, ni una Estrella se merecen. read more

The service was really good , along with the atmosphere. Very entertaining restaurant with live music and festive servers. Overall I enjoyed it and the food was not bad either. I would come back to visit if I am back in NJ. read more

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The food was really good with good portion size. The way they put together the different flavors was superb. The service was really good and came often to tend to our needs. I will be going back again so i can try out some drinks. read more

Rancho Mateo is a large restaurant that even offers valet parking. The entraña steak is pretty good paired with rice and red beans. Their empanadas are good but isn't an empanada that triumphs over any others one could get nearby. Their bar is large serving multiple drink options and they even have a bakery. They also serve breakfast and have a live band sometimes later at night. This place is a must try. read more

Usually I have a great time in rancho Mateo, but when it comes to sitting at the bar, if you're not a man, the girls working behind the bar will barely give you service and when they do, it seems like you're bothering them. read more

Good vibes here, good music, service has been great too. Food are large portions. And they come out pretty fast. Also appetizers are delicious as well such as the avocado shrimp appetizer. Honestly one plate can feed two people easily. Eat half, get a box and you have dinner for the next day read more

A Colombian spot that is open pretty late. They have a decent menu anything from small plates to huge family style entrees. The music is always upbeat and vibes are always great. Best chicharron in Elizabeth hands down. It's huge and meaty! Beware of the beautiful Colombian women lol read more

This spot was absolutely wonderful. I had a traditional Colombian dish name Bandeja Paisa. ? Everything on that plate was just delicious! It was like going on a 7 day and 7 night all inclusive vacation at the finest resort in Colombia in my  mouth. It was really good!!! read more

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I entered by the bakery door by mistake. The person at the bakery asked me to exit the restaurant and go over around to use the restaurant entrance, even when the bakery and the restaurant are in the same main salon separated by a small hall. read more

Rancho Mateo - Interior - Steakhouses Near Me - Elizabeth, New Jersey

This is a huge steak house on Elmora section, great atmosphere, I only had appetizers which were delicious, and a Mojito, but I'll be back for more. read more

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First timer . We actually passed by this shop and wanted to eat something quick .. got some pastries and short eats like empanadas. I loved the ambience of this place . So much space to sit and eat. Outdoor was also good . Pastries were ok . Not that sweet. It was different though. Parking is major issue . Road side parking is difficult to get and I'm not sure if they have visitor parkings. Overall good for a one time visit .. read more

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