Verdes El Ranchero Reviews

Great crispy chicken tacos. A weekly treat for our family and not too bad on the price either. We've been calling it the ranch for several years and they always seem to accommodate when they change their name. A nice surprise for La Jolla.

This restaurant really reminds me of those that exit in Mexico. It is quaint and cozy and very authentic as is the food. My only regret is they do not serve mole sauce. We had a wonderful pomegranate margarita and great enchiladas. The guacamole was great as well. We have enjoyed this restaurant in the past and were not disappointed this time. We will return!

We decided to stop for lunch and we enjoyed it. The servings are very large, so keep that in mind when ordering. They started us with chips (made in house) and salsa. The chips were very good…thin and not greasy. The salsa was also pretty good. I had the shredded beef tostada and my husband had the #1 combo which consisted of 2 shredded beef tacos with rice and beans. The beef was a little on the salty side…but it was still very good. We left very satisfied and with enough food to have for dinner (all I had to add was a salad). We'll definitely go back (probably during happy hour!). The server was excellent. He quickly took our drink orders and watched to see when we were ready to order our meals since it was clear we were looking at the entire menu. He was happy to honor our special requests and let us know that the portions were large so we didn't over order.

Been coming to this place for a long time. On my third owner. The current proprietors have ramped up the food and service and are usually on the premises. My favorite is a carryover from the original owner, the cheese crisp special. Yum! And get a killer margarita to go along with it.

We had the Tortilla Soup and the Albondigas (meat ball soup). Amazing. Would come back in a heart beat. 😊

Stopped in here as we had arrived early for another engagement. Ordered the $5.00 house margarita. The drinks were very good and potent. The chips and salsa went well with the margaritas. Atmosphere is that of an old cantina. Service by Andrew was friendly and efficient. Will stop in for drinks again.

This place is really colorfull and the food and service were great! We ate green tamales, De la casa salad with chipotle raspberry vinagrete and burritos, enchiladas,etc Really good!

Great crispy tacos: shredded beef, ground beef, carnitas. One of the best I’ve ever had. Soft tacos: Shrimp, fish soft are fantastic too. Chips and salsa: delicious. Must try!

This place is always busy, and parking is tight. I'd call first to see how busy it is. Lots of choices

Stopped in on our first night of a 5 day trip to the San Diego area. David, our server, made us feel right at home and as though we were the only ones in the restaurant even though they were busy. His suggestions for both food and drink were spot on and the portions were not disappointing to say the least! Even though I have been enjoying chiles rellenos for decades, it was though I was tasting them for the first time. The filling and sauces they come up with are out of this world. My wife's house specialty that has been on the menu since 1945 was also awesome. And yes, we did have a take out box. The food and service was so great, that we had to go there again on our last night, even though we were staying South of the down town San Diego area. We were again blessed with David as our server and again, the service and food did not disappoint. We will always go back to Verdes El Ranchero whenever we are in the area! This was a fantastic find.

Not bad food... not the beat in San Diego but the best in La Jolla. A favorite of the locals so come and meet people.

San Diego Mexican food is becoming LA'afied. Roberto's now serves big burritos for 6.50+ and everywhere has the cali burrito which contains fries. Verdes El Ranchero is a happy throwback to the golden era of sit-down Mexican food in San Diego. My carne asada burrito was perfect! Generous portions of medium rare tender flank steak and fresh house made guacamole made for a meal size burrito with no beans, rice or french fries needed. Came back another night and tried the shrimp ceviche which is more like a coctel de cameron, but equally good in its own right.

This is a local favorite. Cheese crisp, carnitas tacos , chicken tortilla soup and margaritas are go to dishes.... negro modelo on tap is a rare find...San Diego does not have many very good Mexican restaurants. If Cynthia waits on you she will remember your order on your next visit. Amazing!! Whoever is in the kitchen will determine whether you say " wow" or OK... so go more than once before you reject this good place..

A local recommended the place and we were psyched for authentic Tex Mex. The portions are large, but are bland. The beef in the burrito didn't seem to have any seasonings on it. The chips were good and salsa had a nice kick. the margaritas were just ok.

Excellent food, great service. Probably one of the best chilie rellenos I’ve ever eaten. (And I always judge Mexican restaurants by their rellenos, because they are hard to get right!) The ingredients were fresh and tasty. The Ranchero sauce was perfection. I would return in a heartbeat!

My La Jolla amigo has been talking about this local neighborhood institution for quite some time. Finally had chance to go with him for lunch last week. Love the vibe of combo local watering hole with smattering of high tables and stools. Chips and salsa fresh with fresh ingredients, not processed. Enchilada verde was best I have had in all my Mexican Restaurant wanderings over the years. Fully stuffed with white chicken meat and the verde salsa had just the right spice blend and picante kick. Draft Modelo Negro to wash it down and there you have it folks. 5 stars

One cannot beat this place. Menu is huge, food outstanding. The burritos are fabulous and so large, you’ll need to take some home. Don’t miss this place!!!

Outstanding menu and food. Service was excellent. I had the chili releno. I loved the fresh made pepper sauce. The enchiladas plate was a great choice but be hungry because they give you two meaty enchiladas and sides.

Unless you like mediocre food and poor service, skip Verdes El Ranchero and go to Chipotle, instead! The atmosphere was very much like Mexico (and I don't mean that in a good way). Furnishings were old and outdated. The complimentary chips had a slightly burnt taste and the salsa was very watery (but HOT). The burritos had ample meat, but very little anything else, including taste. Service was very slow and she didn't check back very often, drinks sat empty, we had to wait for the check. I contested the 20% gratuity that was automatically added to the bill (we were 5 adults and three children). I don't mind paying 20% gratuity, but I would like good service. We wouldn't go back.

A friend advised me that Verdes El Rancho was sold, and the quality has gone way down! I was surprised, so I called the restaurant, and asked them if they had a new owner recently. They claimed, "No, we had a new owner about 8 years ago." Good, I thought... So I tried them on Sat 3/4. I got an order to go, and the food has definetely gone way down!! The chicken taquito plate always comes with 3 BIG, nice, taquitos that are a whole meal. I received three small taquitos, very small, and also cold! A chicken taco we ordered was also very skimpy in chicken, and nothing like the usual El Verde chicken tacos!! The cheese enchilada we got was also not hot... not sure what has happened there, but not the quality we expected from our old stand by Mexican restaurant!! Anybody know if they did change owners???

After reading the amazing reviews, we drove from a visit at UCSD to this little spot. Spent $15 on this pollo asada cheese crisp (their specialty) and I honestly liked it, but could’ve made it better myself as the chicken wasn’t seasoned enough and it was over-cooked/very dry. Salsa was good, but chips weren’t homemade tasting (they were warm though). I had super high expectations and rarely write a review like this, but I was slightly disappointed. My son ordered the chimichanga and it didn’t come with guacamole which is standard in Southern California. So while we did have a decent lunch, we will try some other spots before returning. Good service though:)

I was stuffed 4 bites into my enchiladas suizas. The portion is big!! It was very delicious and the server was quick. I ordered queso which wasn’t the greatest as the consistency was kind of clumpy but the main entree made up for it

Since staying in La Jolla we have visited this restaurant several times but tonight chose the best dish of all. It is their Chili Rellenos stuffed with shrimp and Spanish rice. This dish is to die for. Neither me nor my wife were able to finish the meal. The happy hour $6 margarita placed us in a very happy mood and the free chips and salsa lifted our spirits. I would totally recommend this place for Mexican because of the atmosphere, expressed in my earlier review, and the price and portion sizes.

All from scratch and delisous, outstanding service. We are six-six different selections and we were delighted with each. Best salsa you will ever have

We popped in without booking. No drama. A quick 15 minute wait and we were seated. The service was friendly and slick. Our hosting team were second to non and helpful in answering our questions. The food was of high quality and I would have no hesitation in recommending this establishment for a bite to eat and a few beers. The atmosphere was relaxed and not rushed. A true gem in La Jolla. Thank you for looking after us so well.

This used to be our favorite Mexican restaurant; we would drive from Coronado to have lunch there. Because of the pandemic we had not been to Verdes in about two years. It was pretty awful. The first sign was the salsa: it was hot but had little flavor. Our favorite dish used to be the enchiladas suizas. This dish is now horrible. By definition, enchiladas suizas are made with Swiss cheese--on this version, now, there was no cheese. The chicken was stringy and very tough, like badly canned chicken. The sauce was almost nonexistent. The refried beans and rice were OK. We are never going back.

The cheese enchiladas with verde sauce are world class. The chicken enchilada with red sauce was tasty--but not in the league of the other one. And, the tostada with cheese was, also, very good and healthy. The hot sauce we got was VERY picante--so, beware!

We have been to this place twice. The first time we ordered Enchiladas Suizas, and they were excellent. The second time we had decided to order something different--but we ordered Enchiladas Suizas, and they were just as good ! This is a small, old place, too cold in the winter but just right in the spring. Service is friendly; since the food is fresh and cooked to order it is not fast, but who cares?

Excellent service, excellent food, in this small but cozy restaurant just a short drive from the bustle of Prospect Street.

This was one of our favorite meal experiences while staying in La Jolla! The restaurant and bar areas were brimming with people that Friday evening, and a sizeable group milled around on the sidewalk. The lady by the cash register said it’d be about a 15 minute wait, which wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be given all the people. Even better, she grabbed us at the 7-minute mark. It appeared the first wave of diners was leaving as we, along with two larger groups, were all seated about the same time. The servers were very busy, but they were on their toes: our margaritas showed up in no time, water glasses were kept filled, and they were kind enough to ask if we wanted more tortilla chips (which, by the way, are lightly salted and addicting!). My Perfect Margarita was delicious and had a faint orange-y flavor. I’m not a tequila person, but it was dangerous in that it was very smooth. We started with the plate of Jicama con Chile y Limon. I’ve never thought of eating jicama this way, but it was actually refreshing – I want to try it at home! They cut it up into thin rectangles like fries, dusted it with chile powder, and squirted lemon juice over it. I went with Combo #10 (Taco & Tamale). I’m a sucker for both of those items, there’s not much else to say except that both were amazing. Hubs picked Combo #6, and it came with one of the best enchiladas I’ve ever tried. I kept saying WOW as I chewed through it. We found street parking around the corner on Marine St. Would love to return!

Oh my word, the food was fantastic! Service was wonderful. We felt very welcomed. We were visiting from Dallas. One of the best queso dishes we’ve ever had. Ugh, now I’m craving it!

We live nearby and have been going to El Ranchero for nearly 20 years. It is always good, but it just seems to get better, since the Mr. & Mrs. Green (verde, get it?) took over. The chef, George, is there every night, but Friday. I say chef, because is not merely a cook. We especially like his Chile Verde, La Jolla Crisp, Chile Relleno and knock-out rice and beans! The best anywhere in San Diego. T T

Great local spot for good Mexican food. The cheese crisp is always a favorite and their taco Tuesday is a good deal! Washed down with a Paloma and it's a perfect meal!

If you are searching reviews for a good place to grab some great Mexican food- GO HERE. I am a huge Mexican food fan and this is hands down the best I have ever had. The guacamole was fresh and so so delicious, the queso blanco was wonderful, the margarita was mixed perfectly and the food was out of this world. We are from Florida and have a couple good places for food but nothing even slightly compares to this place. We told a friend from Florida where we ate lunch and they immediately knew where we were talking about and also said this was their favorite restaurant in California when they visit. So if it is good enough to have a great reputation on the complete opposite coast, then you know it is worth trying. Our table had the California burrito with steak and chicken flautas. Both were amazing but the California burrito really was a hit. The steak was good enough to stand alone and then adding all the other ingredients just took something great and made it spectacular. Can’t wait to go back to Cali just to eat here again.

Even though we waited for a table for 7, everything went super fine. Service was outstanding and very efficient and friendly. Food was very well presented and very large portions. Everyone ordered different dishes and we shared like a banquet. Would definitely recommend and return.

I met up with my friends for dinner. The guacamole was freshly made, the environment was cozy and friendly. The service was fast and the restaurant was clean. It reminded me if cheers but with a very close to authentic Mexican food menu.

This is a funky little joint where locals come as much for the bar as the food. Both are just fine. This place has been in La Jolla forever and the cheese crisp is a long-time favorite. Nice, relaxed atmosphere and the waitstaff is very friendly and know all the best dishes. After the cheese crisp, I think the chile rellenos are the best...crispy batter on the green relleno and great cheese and rice. Chips and salsa are excellent. The chips are a little thicker and the salsa is spicy; just right.

Locals know El Ranchero as The Ranch. This is a solid Mexican restaurant with a good bar. It is a true local hangout and family restaurant. The food is good, the drinks are generous and the atmosphere is that of a fun beach bar.

Recommended by our Airbnb hosts as a restaurant where the locals eat and our first experience of Mexican food in California. It was really good. Our waitress (Zoey) was superb. Able to walk us through the menu and when I opted for enchiladas she suggested half red and half green sauce toppings so I could try both - only a little thing but really nice touch and much appreciated. The fish tacos and chips/salsa to start were also delicious. A very good experience overall and happy to recommend.

We are not really familiar with Mexican food, but we wanted to go somewhere within walking distance of where we were staying in La Jolla, and just came across Verdes ER. We sat down and were immediately given a bowl of warm tortilla crisps and a salsa dip, and some iced water. We followed that up with a great house Margherita and a cold beer. The food was generous in portions and very tasty (and not too spicy). Great service as well. I would recommend this restaurant.

Hot chips with mouthwatering queso and guacamole. Great margaritas, and outstanding shrimp fajitas. Can’t wait to go back.

I really enjoyed my food here (Chile Relleno) as well as the margarita. The inside atmosphere is cool and somewhat unexpected compared to the rest of the neighborhood it is in.

This restaurant has a very Mexican feel and is extremely noisy. We started off with a 30 minute wait for a table on a Sunday night. The bar and restaurant was buzzing. Once seated we ordered Cadillac margaritas and then gave our dinner orders. Everything was delicious and this place reminded me of my years in Juarez Mexico when we would spend weekends after school at NMSU. The only thing missing, thanks GOD, was the smoking. We will return for this authentic Mexican food.

Another day in La Jolla and we were starving and voted for margaritas and cheese dip. We sat in the colorful courtyard and started with drinks. The first margarita was okay but the second was very watered down. We switched to beer. Cheese dip and chips were average at best and the rest of the meal was regrettable. I would eat at one of the other GREAT restaurants in La Jolla and go into to Old Town, San Diego for mexican food!

You'll go back! Old school Windansea/ La Jolla Mexican. Family dining or hang in the bar to eat etc!!

Went with family 18 in all and were accomidated nicely. All food was prepared and delivered together and for a large party that is unusual. Will return when in the area again. Biggest surprise was the price. Real cheap for La Jolla.

We go to The Ranch a couple times a month. Good to great food and world class service. I noticed the bad reviews come from Maryland and Cincinnati. With all due respect, if you are from either of these two culinary Meccas you should reserve your comments for crab cakes and the Bengals. The place rocks! Great ambiance and a damn good time. I suggest you take an Uber because you might not be in driving shape when it is time to go home. The good time vibe can get the best of you.

every time we travel to the Us we have Mexican on our first night - this did not disappoint! servings were big service great and cocktails amazing! they provide you with home made chips and salsa when you arrive. Dangerous but so worth it! Not overly expensive. Good local eatery

This is the real thing- a small(er) restaurant that serves generous portions of delicious Mexican food. As a local La Jollan, I can assure travelers this is THE place to go for Mexican food. ( I've tried them all and none can come close). The Green family, including Gloria, Megan Green- Murphy and Sean Murphy, know how to prepare quality food and top notch Margaritas ( or a virgin strawberry which my grand-kids and I prefer). My menu fav (served by my favorite wait person- Cynthia) is the "El Ranchero cheese crisp" (with chicken, carne asada, etc.) has been on the menu since 1945". All the home style tacos, burtitos, and enchiladas, are yummy. The salsa is fresh and served with warm homemade chips- it's hard to not consume several baskets. For those who love very spicy food- ask for the hot, hot salsa. If you can save room for dessert, flan, lovingly prepared by Gloria, is not to disappoint.

this is very much a neighborhood experience. Try the Posole soup bowl and you'll be full! I couldn't even get to the single tamale I ordered. have had the fajitas and a burrito here, and true to form - large portions, cheap price and top flavors. Service can be slow as the kitchen does get overwhelmed, but indulge in a TJ Mule or one of the House Margeritas with the copious chips and salsa, and you'll be just fine

Are you after crazy good Mexican food served in a quaint, cozy spot that doesn't break the bank? THIS IS YOUR SPOT.

Absolutely authentic sit down Mexican restaurant with great food and exceptional service. We thought the pricing was very reasonable. They had specials on food and drinks. It's nice to see a restaurant in business that long that is still giving top service.

Had a co-worker lunch here Friday afternoon. The drinks were great and the service was a little slow. Delicious.

We ate here a few times during out month long stay in La Jolla. Excellent food, great service and the best margaritas. The food is generous portions and they also provide a warm bowl of tortilla chips and salsa dip to get you started. Highly recommend this place.

The ranch is the place just up from Marine St this quaint Mexican joint offers family friendly dining and a great bar atmosphere. The food is authentic and yummy I always recommend the Crisp with Carnitas their mexican slaw is the Bomb Looking for a good Marg always order the Clutch and if Cynthia or Charlynn are there tell them Lorrie sent you

This restaurant, on La Jolla Blvd at Marine Street, offers decent Mexican food. I think it suffered a bit when it changed hands last time, but you can still get a very good meal at a reasonable price.

The food and service were very good. Often crowded but well worth it. If you want good Mexican food this is the place to go in La Jolla

A quaint and charming little place. The famous cheese crisp seemed like just the same stuff we always get but piled up and covered with cheese. Good flan.

El Ranchero is deceptive from the street, but once inside the restaurant is a colorful, comfortable place with fantastically good Tex-Mex food. The enchiladas and tostada were excellent. The chips and salsa were very good and fresh, not oily. The tamale was average. The guacamole dip was delicious and very, very large! The cabbage slaw is a tasty treat. The service by Matt was excellent - friendly and efficient. The beer was ample, but the glass of wine was small for the price (similar to most Mexican restaurants). We found street parking directly outside the restaurant, but it was a quiet Sunday afternoon.