Authentic flavors and generous portions are the hallmarks here, but the bill at the end depends on your choices. That is why you need to check the El Ranchero Menu with Prices before you go. This guide breaks down every section so you know exactly what to expect.
You will find classic Mexican dishes, combo plates, and fresh sides. We also cover the breakfast hours and the lunch specials that change daily. Let’s walk through the whole menu item by item.
El Ranchero Menu With Prices
Below is a full breakdown of the current menu. Prices may shift slightly depending on your location, but this list reflects the standard rates at most outlets. We have grouped items by category for easy reading.
Appetizers And Starter Plates
Start your meal with something shareable. These are the most ordered starters at El Ranchero.
- Nachos Supreme – $9.99
- Cheese Quesadilla – $8.49
- Chicken Quesadilla – $10.29
- Guacamole Dip with Chips – $7.99
- Bean Dip with Chips – $6.49
- Flamin’ Jalapenos – $8.79
- Taquitos (3 pieces) – $8.99
All appetizers come with fresh salsa and a small side of sour cream. If you want extra guacamole, that will cost you an additional $1.50. The portions are big enough for two people.
Soup And Salad Selections
Lighter options are available if you are not in the mood for a heavy plate. The salads here are not tiny side bowls. They are full meals.
- Taco Salad (Ground Beef) – $10.99
- Taco Salad (Chicken) – $11.49
- Chicken Fajita Salad – $12.29
- Caldo de Res (Beef Soup) – $13.99
- Caldo de Pollo (Chicken Soup) – $12.99
- Menudo (Weekends Only) – $11.99
The taco salad is served in a crispy flour shell. Ask for extra dressing on the side if you like your salads wet. The soups come with fresh tortillas and lime wedges.
Breakfast Menu
Breakfast is served until 11:30 AM on weekdays. On weekends, they extend it to 1:00 PM. These are the classic morning plates.
- Huevos Rancheros – $10.49
- Chilaquiles (Red or Green) – $10.99
- Machaca con Huevo – $11.29
- Breakfast Burrito – $9.79
- Carne Asada y Huevos – $13.49
- Pancakes with Eggs – $8.99
Every breakfast plate includes refried beans and your choice of potatoes or rice. The chilaquiles are the most popular item on this list. They are not too spicy, but you can ask for extra salsa on the side.
Burritos And Wraps
Burritos at El Ranchero are rolled tight and smothered unless you ask for them “dry.” A dry burrito comes without sauce on top. The wet style is the house favorite.
- Bean and Cheese Burrito – $7.99
- Ground Beef Burrito – $9.49
- Chicken Burrito – $9.99
- Carne Asada Burrito – $11.99
- Chile Verde Burrito – $10.99
- California Burrito (with Fries) – $11.49
- Super Burrito – $12.29
Most burritos come with rice and beans inside. The California burrito is the exception, it has french fries instead of rice. You can add cheese sauce for an extra $1.00.
Tacos And Tostadas
Tacos are sold individually here. You can order two or three and mix the meats. This is a good way to try different flavors without committing to a full plate.
- Carne Asada Taco – $3.49
- Chicken Taco – $2.99
- Pork Carnitas Taco – $3.29
- Al Pastor Taco – $3.29
- Fish Taco – $3.99
- Tostada (Bean or Beef) – $4.29
All tacos come on corn tortillas with onion and cilantro. If you want flour tortillas, just ask. They do not charge extra for that swap. The fish taco is battered and fried fresh, so it takes a few extra minutes.
Fajitas And Sizzling Plates
Fajitas arrive at your table on a hot cast iron skillet. The sound and smell are part of the experience. They are served with warm tortillas, pico de gallo, and a small bowl of beans.
- Chicken Fajitas – $14.99
- Steak Fajitas – $16.49
- Shrimp Fajitas – $17.99
- Combination Fajitas (Chicken and Steak) – $16.99
- Vegetable Fajitas – $12.99
- Fajita Quesadilla – $13.49
The combination plate is the best value if you cannot decide between meats. The shrimp fajitas are the most expensive item on the entire menu. They are worth the price because you get at least ten large shrimp.
Combination Dinners
This is the section that most regulars order from. You pick two or three items from a list. The price stays the same regardless of what you choose. This is where you can build your own plate.
Choose any two items for $11.99. Choose any three items for $13.99. Your options are:
- Taco (Hard or Soft)
- Enchilada (Cheese, Beef, or Chicken)
- Tostada
- Tamale
- Chile Relleno
- Burrito (Bean or Beef)
Every combination dinner comes with rice and beans. The chile relleno is a stuffed poblano pepper that is battered and fried. It is the most labor intensive item on the list, so it takes longer to prepare.
House Specialties
These are the signature dishes that you will not find at every Mexican restaurant. They are the chef’s personal recipes. The portions here are noticeably larger.
- El Ranchero Plate – $15.99
- Carne Asada Plate – $15.49
- Chile Colorado – $14.29
- Chile Verde – $14.29
- Enchiladas Suizas – $13.49
- Pollo en Mole – $14.99
- Camaron a la Diabla – $18.49
The El Ranchero Plate is a mix of everything. It has one taco, one enchilada, one tamale, and a small tostada. The Camaron a la Diabla is spicy shrimp in a red chili sauce. It is very hot, so order it only if you like real heat.
Kids Menu
Children under 10 can order from this section. Each kids meal comes with a small drink and a scoop of ice cream for dessert.
- Kid’s Taco – $5.99
- Kid’s Quesadilla – $5.49
- Kid’s Burrito – $5.99
- Chicken Nuggets with Fries – $5.49
- Mini Cheese Enchilada – $5.99
The kids portions are not tiny. A child can easily share one of these with a parent. The ice cream is vanilla and comes with chocolate syrup.
Side Orders And Extras
Sometimes you just need a side dish to complete your meal. These are the ala carte options.
- Side of Rice – $2.99
- Side of Beans – $2.99
- Side of Guacamole – $2.49
- Side of Sour Cream – $1.49
- Extra Tortillas (3) – $1.99
- Chips and Salsa (Refill) – $2.99
- Jalapeno Peppers – $1.29
You can order a side of queso blanco for $3.49. It is a white cheese dip that is thicker than the nacho cheese. Many people pour it over their burritos.
Beverages And Drinks
El Ranchero serves both fountain drinks and traditional Mexican beverages. The drink menu is simple but covers all the basics.
- Soft Drinks (Coke, Sprite, Fanta) – $2.99
- Sweet Tea – $2.99
- Horchata – $3.49
- Jamaica (Hibiscus Water) – $3.49
- Tamarindo – $3.49
- Mexican Coke (Glass Bottle) – $3.99
- Coffee – $2.49
The horchata is made in house daily. It is a rice based drink with cinnamon and vanilla. The Mexican Coke comes in a glass bottle and uses real cane sugar. It tastes different from regular Coke.
Dessert Options
Do not skip dessert. The fried ice cream is the most popular sweet item on the menu. It is large enough to share.
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.99
- Churros (4 pieces) – $4.99
- Flan – $4.49
- Sopapillas with Honey – $4.29
- Cheesecake – $5.49
The flan is a traditional caramel custard. It is smooth and not too sweet. The churros come with a small cup of chocolate sauce for dipping.
Daily Lunch Specials
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on weekdays, you can order the lunch special. This is a smaller version of a regular plate, but the price is much lower. The special includes a drink and a soup or salad.
The lunch specials change every day. Here is the usual rotation:
- Monday – Enchilada Lunch – $8.99
- Tuesday – Taco Lunch – $8.49
- Wednesday – Burrito Lunch – $8.99
- Thursday – Chile Relleno Lunch – $9.49
- Friday – Fish Taco Lunch – $9.99
The lunch special is the best deal on the menu. You get a full entree, rice, beans, a drink, and a small cup of soup. The soup is usually chicken broth with rice or vegetables.
How To Order And Save Money
You can save a few dollars by following some simple tips. First, order the lunch special if you are eating between 11 and 3. Second, skip the appetizer and order a side of chips instead. Third, drink water or horchata instead of a soda.
Another way to save is to order the combination dinner with two items instead of three. The portion difference is not huge, but the price difference is about two dollars. You can also ask for extra salsa and chips refills, they are free.
If you are dining with a group, consider ordering a few appetizers and sharing. The fajita plates are big enough for two people if you also order an extra tortilla. Do not forget to ask about the daily specials, they are not always written on the menu board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Ranchero Have A Senior Discount?
Yes, most locations offer a 10% discount for customers over 60. You need to ask for it before you pay. The discount applies to dine-in orders only.
Are The Prices On The Menu The Same For Takeout?
Yes, the prices are the same for takeout and dine-in. However, takeout orders may have a small packaging fee of 50 cents. This fee is not always charged, it depends on the location.
Can I Order El Ranchero Menu Items For Delivery?
Yes, you can order through third party apps like DoorDash or Uber Eats. The prices on those apps are higher because the app adds a markup. You will also pay a delivery fee and a service fee.
Do They Offer Gluten Free Options?
Yes, many dishes are naturally gluten free. Corn tortillas are gluten free. You can order tacos, tostadas, and enchiladas with corn tortillas. The rice and beans are also gluten free. Avoid the flour tortillas and the fried items if you have celiac disease.
What Is The Price Range For A Full Meal For One Person?
A typical meal for one person will cost between $12 and $18. This includes an entree, a drink, and a tip. If you order an appetizer and dessert, expect to pay closer to $25.
Now you have the full picture of the El Ranchero Menu with Prices. You can plan your order before you arrive. That way you know exactly what you will pay and you can enjoy your meal without any surprises.
Remember that prices can vary slightly by location. The menu items are consistent, but the cost of ingredients may cause small changes. Always check the printed menu at your local branch for the final word.
If you are trying El Ranchero for the first time, start with the combination dinner. It gives you a taste of several different dishes. If you are a regular, try the lunch special on a Thursday. The chile relleno is the best one they make.
Go hungry because the portions are big. You might even have leftovers for tomorrow. That makes the price even more reasonable when you think about it.