Rancho Viejo

I’ve been called a ho. If I was ex-​military, I guess that would make me a V.A. ho. But I’m not ex-​military, so on with the review.
The same owners as the one in Clarence, the one in Batavia, and the one in Rochester. Excellent Americanized Mexican food, much better than the likes of Salsarita’s and Cantina whatever… yes they have the Margaritas and the free nachos & salsa, which are good. But their dishes are a little more authentic than some, and the owners are lovely.
I don’t like this location as much as the tasty one in Clarence, but if you want Tex-​Mex style food out in Spencerport or the west Rochester burbs, come here. I especially recommend their lunch specials. Their burrito with steak, chicken and chorizo (you usually choose 1 or 2, but I ask for all 3), smothered in sauce, really goes down well when hunger strikes.
Just don’t ask for Rancho Dressing.

I am deeply regretting choosing this place to celebrate my brothers birthday dinner. I should have went with Monte Albon as initially planned, but it was snowing and icing and the drive would have been longer than we wanted. So, I did some Unilocal searching and chose Rancho Viejo in Spencerport. The photos of the food were pretty decent, but the red lights along the wall had me. I knew my brother would love that!
We walk in and there are only 2 tables and many handwritten signs everywhere stating they will «not honor entertainment book coupons». Seriously there were excessive amounts of signs. I also noticed there was no red lights running across the ceiling as pictured in some Unilocal photos. I asked if they could turn it on since this restaurant is still open for 2 more hours. The young man said, «sure».
We’re quickly seated and someone drops off salsa and warm chips. Shortly there after a young man comes over and says, he «can’t turn on the red light» and then proceeds to take our drink order. He does not write it down so I am already worried.
He comes back after 5 minutes, no drinks in hand. «He forgot what we ordered.» We go through the drink order for the 4 of us again. He returns 5 minutes later: my margarita is wrong, they do not have the specialty mixed drink my husband order off the menu, they failed to bring the birthday boy his ice-​T or anyone’s water for that matter. So basically we received one drink and it was incorrect.
My husband orders a beer, and we remind the man about the 2 waters and the ice-​T. He returns with the iced-​T and tells my husband they do not have his beer. He asks «what do they have?» and the young man said «I don’t know». My husband stands up to look over the bar and into the drink cooler to see whats in stock. The beer arrives… still no waters.
I’d also like to note that we have zero silverware, napkins, plates etc. I would at least like a napkin… this is some watery salsa and I can’t help but drip it all over the table.
The food arrives… most of it. All but the birthday boys… but his finally arrives… and its wrong. All he wanted was 6 soft tacos with ground beef. He got 6 hard tacos instead. We sent it back… and waited. We still don’t have any silverware or napkins. Still haven’t seen any of those waters. Finally his meal arrives, correct this time. The server hasn’t noticed that we don’t have silverware… so we have to ask for some once the last meal is dropped off. NOW, we can eat!
Halfway through our meal 1 sole water arrives, FINALLY. We asked a total of 6 times by the way.
Zero music was playing in this establishment, doesn’t make for a very warm atmosphere.
We’re clearly done with our meals and we’re the last table in this establishment, but that doesn’t faze our server. He is busy sitting at the counter reading a paper with his back to us. Finally we capture his attention and ask for boxes. It would only be natural to bring enough boxes so each person at the table could have one… but of course not, why would he? So, now we have to ask for more.
There is no other way to put it. …the service is awful. Overall, this place is horrendous. I will not be back!
The 1 and only good thing worth noting was the refried beans. I can’t believe how tasty they were. I’ve never actually enjoyed refried beans, but these were great. But this place is still the worst overall and the beans are not worth dealing with terrible service.

Went here craving Mexican. Was partially disappointed, I really wanted enchiladas, was not impressed with the cheese enchilada or the beef with green sauce. Chicken was good, should have just ordered a plate of those.
My bf got the fajitas and they were awesome. They could have given u more than three mini shells, but we took half of the meat home. The chicken was perfectly juicy and seasoned. Would be willing to go back and try again

Good food, quoted 25 minutes… Over 55 minutes later they finally brought it out… Called ahead because we didn’t wanna wait, shoulda just ate there

Food and service used to be good. Never go on weekends. They only have two waitresses at most. We used to love their food. But it’s hit or miss now. Not sure what happened. I still love their tacos ala Diablo. I guess you can mess up beaf and chorizo. Lol.

I was born into a family of Mexican food-​cravers. The unfortunate side effect of people like us is that we often set-​out hungry into Friday night, like an enchilada-​craving wolf pack, just hoping if we close our eyes and point our fingers at Unilocal’s list of Rochester’s Mexican food restaurants, that just maybe that next one will be better than the last. The latest conquest: Ranch Viejo, met expectations.
Rancho Viejo is in a small strip plaza across from a field that excitingly has pumpkins in the Fall. The atmosphere here is right: restaurant was packed with people, smells like beef and there are pretty clothing and decorations on the wall that bring Mexican tradition to mind. The paint color is cheerful and bright and the place is clean. They bring you a basket of hot, shiny yellow chips and a plastic mini carafe of blended salsa when you first sit down. Pretty much this is what meets my expectations for a Mexican restaurant in Western New York.
People filed in from the minute we got there. What I appreciated about the service was that the waiters brought the chips out first, in order of when you sat down, then came to get your drink order in the order you sat down. Fairness was orchestrated flawlessly and even though the chips preceded the drink, the salsa was refreshing and mild. My only recommendation would be to increase the speed on the drink delivery.
The menu is extensive and I would recommend you look at the list of dinner combos for deals and variety. I ordered the chicken fajitas for about $ 13. It all came in two plates, one with what seemed like fresher tasting corn tortillas hot and folded in foil, yellow rice that was great except my only complaint was the carrots and peas mixed in (yellow rice purist, right here), puréed kind of guacamole, pico de gallo, sour cream, and refried beans. Now, I expect the basket chips and carafe of salsa. I expect the yellow rice. I expect the refried beans with the sprinkle of white cheese, BUT! – these refried beans were GOOD! Not the grainy off-​beefy taste of refried beans. These had a great velvety and oniony flavor that I can’t explain the reason for because they looked like what I expected.
The chicken was cut up and cooked with onions and green peppers. It was served on a skillet with a little mit on the handle like it just came off of the stove. The portion was large, and it did the job. I enjoy fajita platters that taste like they had been sizzling for some time, even to the risk of the meat turning dry. This platter could have used more time to sizzle and onionize, in my opinion. That being said, it’s a lot to eat and you’ll leave full with satisfying leftovers.
What I’ve settled on is that we’re never going to have the quality and freshness of California Mexican food in upstate New York. I know what I’m expecting for Mexican up here and this place did the job.

so my husband and I went there last night for dinner. sat down order our drinks i ordered a piña colada they were out okay so i order margirita so those came right out… While waiting for our waitress to come back to then take our meal order I noticed the lady kiddie corner from me returned her meal not once but twice because it was wrong.
Another waitress was wandering around with food in her hand asking people if this is there order.
Still waiting for waitress to take our order…
the guy across from us they didnt have what HE ordered…
Still waiting for our waitress to take our order.
Now mind you the lady taking care of those other 2 is OUR waitress as well… We FINALLY walked out!!! NEVER to return again!!! We went to Los Gallos on W ridge rd Were they HAD pina Colada!!!

Honestly, I’ve been here twice, food is good. tonight though they were very ill prepared, empty tables while there was a crowd at the door waitng without being acknowledged. At this point I have been here for an hour and 45 minutes and have consumed two beers, no food yet, though we ordered 45 minutes ago. Here we sit, waiting… the place has cleared out, but here we sit waiting. Nice people but a poorly run restaurant
And, got the food, NOT WORTH THE WAIT
Oh, and tax should have been 3 bucks, they charged 8, watch your bill!

They were really, really understaffed.
There were two servers, both of whom avoided eye contact at all costs and ignored us completely after we placed our order.
After 15 minutes trying get someone’s attention for water and chips — our food came out.
A cook came and dropped off my plate (not my husband’s) and I asked her for silverware, chips, and water. She said I’d have to ask my waitress. I asked her to get the server for me, as we hadn’t been able to flag him down in almost 20 minutes. And I pointed at my plate and asked to her at least please bring me silverware. She did.
Almost 10 minutes later, my husband’s plate came out. Then we got water and chips as well.
The food was fine, but definitely not worth the wait. Very lack-​luster. My husband’s ground beef was very gringo… But we cleaned our plates, so it was definitely edible. But very underwhelming as well.
If not for the miserable service, we might have considered giving the food a 3.

I try to keep expectations low when it comes to Mexican in Rochester. This place reminds me just how far north of the border we are. The portions are small and the flavors are dull. Uninspired. Not gross or anything, just kinda boring. Not quite my husband’s «cheese things» (two tortillas with cheese… microwaved…) but I’ve made better enchiladas on my worst day. My husband’s burrito was way too small to be considered a «special». It was just a tiny chicken burrito with green sauce. Ok, not *tiny*. But not what I think of when I hear «burrito». Perhaps I’m being too harsh on the portions, as my favorite lunch spot years ago served very similar plates. But they were amazing and came with a drink and half the price. This was blah almost blegh and no drink. For our plates and a kids quesadilla, total was $ 28. Not horrible for good food, but definitely not worth what this place serves.
It was a ridiculous day to be out of the house so I won’t give too much concern to the empty dining room, though the location is set to accommodate probably three times the amount of customers this place would likely ever get on their busiest days.
Unless you’re desperate for chips and salsa (which came in a larger than normal basket and handy little carafe) and really dislike grocery stores (cause it wasn’t anything special), skip this place.

We’ve frequented other locations and found the food to be delicious at all three. We always order the brewed iced tea. There was only one server at lunch but I was surprised to see very few patrons. Our regular location is in Batavia and it is often packed. I had lunch fajitas with steak, rice, refried beans — yum!

Visited twice. Once on a Saturday, early in the day. Service was OK — food was good. Decided to try it again on a Friday night about 7:00. We waited to be seated (5 minutes). Waited for a waiter (5 minutes). Waited for drinks (5 minutes) Waited for chips & salsa (5 minutes). Order taken. Waited… waited… waited… Looked around at 8 other tables on the west side of the restaurant; people who had been there before us and no food was coming out of the kitchen. Waited… waited… waited… and LEFT. Over 45 minutes waiting for Mex food? Unacceptable! I don’t care if it’s the best food in Rochester (which, it is not) I would never again grace this place. Advice to the owners: hire more staff. I realize it affects your margins but you’ll have ZERO margins if your customers are fleeing because of horrible experiences.

Excellent Food and Service! Came here with 7 other family members. The chips, salsa and queso was excellent and they kept the refills coming. The food was fresh and seasoned well. I had a chicken burrito with lettuce and Pico on top — it was excellent and saved half for my lunch the next day. Waiters very attentive and appreciative. Highly recommended!

This place can be hit or miss. I have been several times. The food was good each time. When you sit down, they give you chips and salsa. The service, on the other hand, can be super slow when it is busy. I waited a ridiculously long time for my check the last time. Other times, it was quick, but I was one of the only customers there.

Solid Mexican food with fierce Mayan décor. The menu is extensive but I always get the chicken chimichangas. Meat is tender and spicy, cooked with peppers & onion. Bf liked his chicken and steak burritos. Fresh chips and homemade salsa, tasty guac. We’ve always had good service. Going back to try their margaritas soon

I would absolutely, 100% wish this dump on my worst enemy. We went there today with a fairly large party after the lunch rush, of which I am fairly certain does not actually exist at this place. Our server didn’t seem to understand english. I ordered a bloody mary and had to repeat it three times to her, until she glared at me, then brought me the shittiest margarita ever made. When I told her it wasn’t what I ordered she insisted she followed the recipe that was ‘in the book’, then said ‘it’s good right?’ I said no. Wasn’t worth the effort to send it back.
Half of us got our food while the other half waited. We were long finished with our meals by the time they got theirs. I thought the food was greasy, sloppy and overly salty. I liked the salsa that came with the chips and that’s about it. Waitress never came to check on anyone or even try to give us some b.s. line about why the food was taking so long.
Towards the end of our experience another server came over to shout at me in spanish. I told her I didn’t understand what she was saying, to which she responded by turning and shouting some more to her cohort clear at the other end of the bar. It’s times like these I wish I didn’t take four useless years of french.
This place sucks the big one and for those who reviewed it as wonderful, you really need to venture out of your tiny town more often. Jesus.

Third time here. Food is very good. This time the Burro Ranchero (pictures uploaded). Chicken meat in flour tortilla with cheese sauce and pico de gallo sauce on top. This was ordered off the lunch menu. As before, the authentic salsa was fantastic and the melted cheese on top of the rice is a nice touch. Service staff today was very friendly and attentive (I believe other Unilocalers were dissatisfied before). I have enjoyed every visit here and have left satisfied. This is an inexpensive, casual restaurant that serves good food.

I have been to Rancho Viejo about 6 times now and feel that the food is consistently good, but the service is usually mediocre. It is definitely a good place to check out if you are out in Spencerport since there isn’t too much around there that competes with it. It is a pretty good value and the quality of the food is good as well.

Mexican is one of my favorite types of food. This was my 1^st time here I had to give it a try. The service was average unfortunately better than the food. I had the chicken and steak fajita the meat was grizzly and covered with some type of white cheese sauce & guacamole was far from fresh. There are far to many excellent Mexican restaurants in area I won’t be coming back.

Have dinner there tonight and the food was really good. I had the steak quesadilla which was very large and served with rice and beans. Free chips and salsa and a medium margarita, I was all set for dinner. I highly recommend you try this place.