El Ranchito Taco Shop

Worthy of its average 4.5 rating, although more of a 4 for me. The quality and portion size is very good, and the salsa bar is a definite plus, there just isn't enough to make the experience stand out over the many, many, many Mexican restaurants and taco shops in the area (and is nowhere near as good as Taco Shop 760's birria). If I was in the area and looking for lunch, I'd definitely go back. But it's not a destination spot I'd drive to just for lunch/dinner.

Damn good food. 13 bucks for a burrito is a little pricey but it makes sense when you get it. It's a good amount of food (enough for me to take 1/3 home). There's plenty of sauces and the horchata is great. I really wished I got more before I left for home.

Fresh, tasty Mexican food at a good value with well flavored salsas & decent service is always a win for me. ITEM'S ORDERED: El Ranchito Special (beef enchilada, chicken taco & bean tostada) Combo 5 (cheese enchilada, beef taquito & chicken taco) TASTE: All the food came out quite quickly & was very hot. Everything was decent while my favorites were the bean tostado & chicken taco. This is not some pretentious or higher end restaurant, just straight forward, simple, good food. I found the beef to be a little bland compared to the better seasoned chicken and I'd opt for only chicken next time. I was pleasantly surprised on how much they filled everything up with meat & cheese. Honestly, compared to similar places I've been to I got maybe 2x the meat here. The tortillas were a little more thick than I'm used to having which I enjoyed, especially in the tostada I had. Also, I like that the fried items did not seem overly greasy which is quite common. The sides of rice & beans in Combo 5 was perfectly decent. Not the best I've had, but still good. Maybe could used a little more seasoning, but that's where the salsas comes in. For me, it's many times the salsas which take Mexican food to that next level. Although I would have liked more heat overall, all the salsas had a good flavor & made the food just that much better. Some of the cream sauce they had with the salsas atop my tostada was my favorite bite. As I mentioned, portions are good here. Literally, if you are not that hungry, you could probably spit a combo among 2 people & just add an extra taco or something. SERVICE: This is more of a fast casual restaurant. Similar to Rubio's but with a more homely vibe. The cashier was friendly when I ordered & I was actually surprised on how quickly my order was called up considering how busy it was on a Saturday night on Labor day weekend. There's maybe 12 booths in this place & they were pretty much all taken the whole time I was dining there. LOCATION & PARKING: They are located in Desert Gateway, off Monterey Ave, somewhat ironically in between a Del Taco & El Pollo Loco. Parking is abundant & not an issue here. Being that we're in SoCal these type of Mexican spots are a dime a dozen but the value, & freshness make this one of the better ones I've been to. I want another tostado with extra salsa! Cheers!

One of my favorite Mexican places in the Coachella Valley. Good service good food good prices large portions. What more could you want? A great salsa bar with jalapeños and carrots

Best place to eat authentic Mexican food! We got the combos. It was really quick service and they've a self serve bar for all kinds of salsa and sides. Quantities were not huge but big enough. Food tasted amazing a little bland but with the salsa and sides it could get pretty hot.