El Rancho Cantina & Grill
If you're in the mood for a delicious, casual dining experience in San Diego, El Rancho Cantina & Grill is the place to be. Located at 8001 Mission Gorge Rd, Santee, CA 92071, this lively spot serves up mouthwatering Mexican dishes that will leave you craving more. Whether you're stopping by for a quick meal or gathering with friends, this restaurant has something for everyone.
One of the standout features of El Rancho Cantina & Grill is its relaxed and welcoming vibe. With a moderate noise level and a casual atmosphere, it's perfect for both families and groups. Plus, you can bring your furry friend along since dogs are allowed on the outdoor patio. Speaking of the outdoor seating, it's a great option if you enjoy dining under the sun, adding a special touch to your meal.
When it comes to food, the menu at El Rancho Cantina & Grill has a little something for all tastes. For those who love bold flavors, try their California Burrito, a filling masterpiece that will satisfy your appetite. If you're in the mood for something lighter, their Fish Tacos are a must-try, offering a fresh and tasty option. Don’t forget to sample the Rolled Tacos, a popular favorite, or dive into their Street Tacos for a true taste of authentic Mexican street food. And if you're an early riser, their Breakfast Burrito will fuel you up for the day.
Whether you’re coming for the delicious food, the great atmosphere, or both, El Rancho Cantina & Grill is a must-visit. From the tasty tacos to the welcoming environment, this spot delivers an all-around enjoyable dining experience that’ll have you coming back for more.
Reviews
This was my first time and we dined on the patio. Carlos was our server and did a great job. Hubby ate the beef taco plate and said they were so good he didn't share. I had shrimp enchiladas with salsa verde which were also tasty. They offer several sauce choices like poblano cream, ranchero, about 5 total. Salsa is also good. Parking is a little challenging for someone in a wheelchair since there is hardly any flat surface.
Great service, vibes, and complimentary chips and salsa. Got their flautas and nachos and both were huge. You can use my pics with my hand for reference for the size of the plates. The server was accommodating to my toddler who also loved the decor. We were here with a party of 10 on a weekday for lunch and service was quick. Food was good.
Really delicious Mexican food! The inside of this place is very nice and they have a nice outdoor patio. The chips and salsa were good, the chips tasted home made. The salsa was spicy but very flavorful. The enchilada was delicious, the crispy taco was perfectly crispy. Food was all around really great, the enchilada sauce had great flavor as well. The only downside was I felt like the portions were on the smaller side. The basket of chips was tiny and I was able to finish my whole meal with no problem. Overall great spot for some sit down Mexican food.
Just left El Rancho with a very full belly and a smile! We were in the area, and I woke up craving chilaquiles, and hubby searched Yelp and found this place. So glad he did. The chilaquiles were FANTASTIC! The sauce was fresh and flavorful, without being overly spicy. The eggs were scrambled into the dish, which is how I like them (some places just drop the eggs on top) Hubby got the beef rolled tacos and a potato taco, and loved both. The chips and salsa were good too! Fresh chips, and two choices of salsa (both good, but I liked the chunkier one best) We sat outside on the cute little patio since we had our pup with us. Service was quick, friendly, and attentive. I'm not in this area often, but if I might just have to come back to get some more chilaquiles!
First impressions are crucial, both outdoor and indoor. I always look for cleanliness, and the decor here was impressive. The service was well-presented and friendly, which added to the positive experience. The food tied everything together beautifully--it was delicious! I ordered the carne asada breakfast burrito, and it did not disappoint. To top it off, I always check the restrooms, and I'm happy to report they were clean. I highly recommend this place. Even though I visited for breakfast, the ambiance is perfect for lunch, dinner, or game nights, with a bar and big screens. Come and check it out!