El Ranchero Mexican

21 Sturgis Corner Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA

Address:	21 Sturgis Corner Dr, Iowa City, IA 52246, USA
Phone:	+1 319-338-4324
Site:	elrancheromexrest.com
Rating:	4
Working:	11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–9PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–10:30PM 11AM–9PM

Location

Photos 91

Reviews 50

A Private User

I have eaten at El Ranchero for over a decade. For much of that time many of the same employees worked there. Today I saw all new faces and the food was absolutely horrible. I had the Taco Fajita Salad. It no longer includes a scoop of guacamole. I ordered it as a mix of beef and chicken. It was served quickly - in just a few minutes. That is not possible if the food is fresh. The shell was very stale tasting. The chicken meat was dry and very old. The beef strips were raw. None of the meat was seasoned. It was so bland I had to drown it in salt. The portion sizes were dramatically smaller and yet I could only eat a few bites. I contemplated getting a to-go box to give the leftover to the cats and realized I would not even feed the scraps to a pet. Something tasted rancid in my food and I had to go buy a slice of pizza to settle my stomach. Due to various roles, I am well known in the area by the Latino community and I frequently eat at many Mexican restaurants. We have many good eating establishments to be proud of. El Ranchero was once the best in town and won many awards. It is sad when a restaurant has gone downhill to this extent. I saw the Cancun restaurant follow the same trend just prior to its demise. I have no allegiance to either restaurant but would recommend trying Los Portales (across the street). They seem to do a better job at maintaining their standards of quality.

Jarol Duerksen

I have been going to El Ranchero since it opened 14 years ago, [1999]. I usually get Chicken Fajitas and my wife often orders a guacamole salad. We judge a place by the salsa and theirs is terrific. It is good enough to eat with a spoon as a cold soup. We share and it is plenty for both of us. The service is always great and the food is fresh and on very hot platters. The portions are certainly adequate and the price is reasonable. In my book, it is the best Mexican in town.

Stacy Crum

First time I went waiters were rude.. Smiled at every table was doing a great job. Came to our table was rushing us not one smile was cracked. Ignored my request for queso after saying it twice decided to give it another try ate there last night .. Got the same result.. Tell your staff everybody should be treated the same but thats all.. food was good I guess!!

Alex Steele

El Ranchero has always done a fantastic job with their food and service! This place easily has some of the best Mexican food in the IC area. I have not had a dish that did not enjoy. It is always hot and fresh with quick service. I am always excited to go back!

cyndi waters

We go here a few times a year! We really love it! Went there tonight for two for one lime margaritas Thursdays and as usual the service was stellar! The margaritas arent weak and the chicken nachos are off the chart!

Megan Jensen Zalzala

This is a decent place to eat. I know many people rave about it. I found it really good. The service was excellent. I love the decorated benches and fun atmosphere. Parking can be tricky when they are busy.

Eduardo Molina

Not very Happy first they make us wait for around one hour fifteen minutes, because they serve other family that sit after us and second they make a double charge to my credit card 49$ twice be careful

Jen Simpson

These guys have been doing business right for several years. I was thrilled to go back and get the same great taste, and friendly service. Hot and fresh food! Great flavor!

Michelle Fountain

Polite and friendly waiters, food is fantastic, they are flexible with seating preferences and the musica is fun. My favorite Mexican restaraurant!

Nathan Feltes

The service was great, and it is easily the best Mexican food in town. Well done. The salsa is perfect. The pricing is very reasonable.

David Hyatt

Great food. Friendly staff and atmosphere. I went for lunch and had my food within 2 minutes. I highly recommend eating here.

Menstraysha Leeks

Very rude found hair in food said they did not do it and was from me and the hair was not the same color are length as mine.

McKenzie Gilbert

Our regular go to Mexican restaurant was closed so we decided to try this place. It was OK but we probably wont be back.

Aaron Van Noy

I had the beef chimichanga and it was good. Salsa was ok as well... nothing spectacular honestly. Service was friendly.

Shanna Jenks

This is my favorite mexican in IC. Great authentic food, fast & friendly service, reasonably priced. Recommended!!!

Shenae ThePiña

Food is great of course but I know a little Spanish and it seems they are always arguing or they are low on staff

zigashane joseph

I love the T Steak from el ranchero and the service is also good. Nice place for lunch and dinner as well.

Amelia Akers

Ive only been here a handful of times, but each time the service has been good and the food was yummy.

jaymes2ski123

Great food! Good prices! Great portion size! Decent service. Overall a good experience.

Marissa White

Wonderful service and food is really good. Would come back again if ever in the area again.

Nazira Coury

This is the worst Mexican food in Iowa City. Service was terrible. Food was even worse.

April Cline-Jones

Pretty good food. Fast service. Weird access, typical Iowa City thing.

Michelle White

Love this place! Always good, friendly staff and great margaritas!!!!

John A Wasendorf

Wasnt near as good this time , usually wed give it 4 or 5 stars .

shannon eden

My family eats here quit often and the staff are very friendly.

Shawn Partridge

Great authentic atmosphere and great service. Excellent food

Ryan Nielsen

Great place to eat authentic Mexican with your family

Kimberly Bockenstedt

Always yummy food.. great service.. not to expensive

Jeremy Kaemmer

Typical Mexican restaurant, exactly what you expect.

Scott Barbich

Had lunch there today. Very good. Service was great!

Joseph Cerrone

Never disappoints, great food at a great value

Nathan Hale

Delicious and fast friendly service everytime

Mark & Amy Smellie

Good food, friendly service, colorful decor.

Ruth Dane

Good quality Mexican food. Good service.

Matt Aquila Luciano

Mediocre food and bad service for lunch.

Joey Lande

Good quick place to have Mexican food.

paul whalen

Solid place for food and drinks.

Mary Goldsberry-Troyer

Delicious but not too expensive.

Sarah Furnish

They dont have spicy salsa here

John Johnson

Good inexpensive Mexican food

Adonis Lorenzo

Amazing food and great hosts.

Eric Denison

Good food for a good price

Jeff Sorenson

Very good food and service.

Erika MB

Get their chicken nachos.

Richard Keimig

Great place, good food.

Robert Reynolds

Good, authentic food.

Travis Swartzendruber

Not good but not bad.

Bob Neiers

Excellent food

Clark McKey

Good food