El Ranchon

Super friendly atmosphere. We popped in last night on a whim and it seemed to be quite the popular place for locals. The food was tasty and filling. Large portions and the staff was so nice and attentive. Definitely would visit again.

I can’t believe this place has 4 stars.
It’s like American Mexican. If you want real tradition Mexican go to El Camion in Ballard, which is much cheaper, too.

I’ll be back. They deliver predictably good and authentic quality food in a familiar and comfortable environment.

I couldn’t say enough good things about El Ranchon. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is comfortable and cozy, but it’s truly the exemplary service that sets the restaurant apart. I’ve been to the restaurant a handful of times in the last year, and after my first two visits, the waiters and staff all remembered me by name and my food preferences without even having to be reminded. Every time I go in I feel like I am a part of their family. The delicious food and margaritas are just an added plus to the experience that is El Ranchon. I’d recommend it to anyone and everyone and it has definitely become a group favorite. Thank you again, El Ranchon, for reminding me what great service and food really is.

This was a favorite back in the day but I just came back here after many years and the price really shot up. I suppose that gave a bad feeling in me cause it was such a good reasonable price before. I almost feels like they’re taking advantage of the fact that people who live in magnolia are a bit more wealthy, so they amped up the price. This used to be packed every night before and now it’s definitely an emptier restaurant. Basically, I would go somewhere else for Mexican food unless you need to stay within magnolia.
My Personal Restaurant Rating Key
One star: the food was bad and I had a negative experience.
Two star: I had a more negative experience and would not come here again but the food was good so I may.
Three store: Everything is good except one thing. Example-​the food is good, the price is more reasonable but the atmosphere is lacking class. Or the food is good, the atmosphere is good, but they over charged us. These three stars are actually my favorite types of restaurants to go eat at if the reason is due to the atmosphere because they are usually delicious and reasonably priced.
Four stars: Everything is great, food and experience. However the price is definitely on the upper end. I would not recommend this first to Obama unless he didn’t like my five stars. These are restaurants you can take your boss or your mother-​in-​laws to impress them, however they still don’t fit into the five star category. A bit fancier than my three stars, hence I don’t often eat here unless there is an occasion for it or there is a groupon that gives me a bit of a discount!
Five stars: I would recommend this to Obama. The price may be on the upper end but the experience and the taste is so exquisite, it is actually worth every nickel and dime.

We miss this place, as we have moved from Seattle. I did want to update my original review, since we came here many times while we lived in Magnolia. This is a true neighborhood restaurant — the staff will recognize you and you will recognize them, because they are all long-​term (we lived there for 8 years and there seemed to be almost no turnover). It’s kid-​friendly and everyone seems genuinely nice and happy all the time. The food is solid, but go for the local vibe and great experience every time.

Such a great place!
Food was great tasting, flavorful, and fast. The staff was very friendly and made sure we were well taken care of. We will be back!

This is a neighborhood restaurant with a City best quality menu. I wished I knew of it earlier. My family is from Texas and this is how I like it. Only a few places in Seattle make it on my list in this category. It was a welcoming atmosphere with great service. Only wish it was in my neighborhood.

Fantastic place to dine. I have been a regular fir over 20 years. The owner
And staff are excellent. The food menu is wonderful. Bernie

Ordered Enchiladas to go and they didn’t give me any sauce. None. So they were just greasy and cheese. So I called to let them know what happened and they offered to give me extra sauce next time at no charge. Ummm, no thanks.
Plus ordered an order of quacakole. They charged me $ 9 and it was exactly 4 bites. Sweet, Like 2 bucks a bite.
Food was gross. Mgmt /​Owners couldn’t care less that I spent $ 25 on take out and threw it out. Won’t be back again.

This place is great the food is good. but the service is fantastic. Great little charm in the heart of magnolia.

This place is mediocre — really disappointed me here.
The food is similar to Tex-​Mex style. However, it’s fairly flavorless. Also, dishes are about $ 12-​$ 14 so it seemed a little expensive.
I got a vegetarian burrito & the Spanish sauce on top was totally flavorless — very bizarre. My date got the chicken mole enchiladas and said they were OK. Mole was kind of watery & very peanut-​y.
Service was fast, there seemed to be a TON of regulars and there was no wait. Also vegetarian friendly.

I have visited this restaurant many times over the last 15 (or so!) years. My family and I love it. The food is wonderful, the atmosphere neat and clean and very authentic Mexican (with a picture of Jesus over the door :-)). But really, it is the family of employees that really makes it. They are so warm and friendly and make you part of the family, too.
All of the food I’ve tried here is good, but it’s the salsa verde that I love the most!

Incredible.
Very authentic & the service was excellent.
I couldn’t find anything wrong the place.

Being from an area that is laden with authentic Mexican food, I have definitely gone through Mexican food withdrawals since moving to Seattle.
Taco Bell and trendy bars with modern, Americanized variants of Mexican dishes have never done it for me. I stumbled upon this place near my neighborhood and I was so excited to have that family restaurant atmosphere with fresh chips and salsa served right away.
I ordered the enchilada lunch special — it came with a decent-​sized enchilada (I chose ground beef), rice, and beans. It was plated similar to every other family Mexican restaurant: rice on one side (though a bit overdone and soggy, had a great flavor), enchilada in the middle, and beans on the other side. I understand that it’s not really «pretty» presentation-​wise, but I never really came to expect that of a Mexican restaurant, so I can’t find it in myself to knock off a star. Everything tasted wonderful and I look forward to trying more items on the menu.
The staff was very friendly, the service was prompt, and the food reminded me of home. While a little bit on the expensive side, I have to remember that I’m in Seattle, and not at a taco truck back in the middle of nowhere, like I’m used to. I would probably not suggest it for folks specifically seeking something new or trendy, but for those looking for that traditional, home-​cooked goodness and a personable staff, El Ranchon is just a delight!
I would definitely recommend this place to my fellow Mexican food fiends, and I very much look forward to coming back!

Food is standard mexican fare. Being from Arizona this is a little different than what I’m used to. Most menu items include rice, beans your entrée choice covered with cheese. Now that’s not really a bad thing, but almost every menu item I have ordered here is presented in the same way. Not much originality to offer here, but if you are hungry and have a love for Mexican food definitely come here. The owner and his staff are a delight, and they seem to love interaction between customers and the staff.

I’n the 5 years I’ve lived in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, I never tire of eating here! My wife and I had our first date there, brought our daughter for her first birthday there, so this place has a lot of sentimental value. The staff get to know you well and treat you like family. I’ve never had a bad meal or service there.
There is an off menu item I order that I recommend asking for. «Tacos Raul» (named after the owner): two steamed corn tortillas, carne asada, raw chopped white onions, and cilantro. Be sure to ask for a side of lime slices to squeeze into it. I’m hoping this will become a regular menu item!
The drinks are excellent with a lot of great margarita flavors available.

Service was excellent
Food was OK. The chicken in the tortilla soup was really dry but the broth was really good. The chicken in the kids tacos and the enchilada was much more tender.
Overall a tad overpriced for the food served.
Still not a bad place if you are craving Mexican food and you happen to be in Magnolia.

El Ranchon is a North American style family Mexican restaurant. Why the five stars? They do it exceptionally well.
Best chips and salsa in the city. They also provide fresh pico as well as pickled jalapeños and carrots.
Great menu with fresh ingredients.
The lamb on the menu is fantastic. Soaked over night in lime juice this dish is a must try.
Very friendly and attentive staff.

My favorite American-​style, Mexican, sit down restaurant in the area.