Comparing dinner options at El Rancho Mexican Restaurant involves weighing family-style platters against their listed prices. Before you head out the door, you likely want a clear picture of the **El Rancho Mexican Restaurant Menu with Prices** so there are no surprises when the check arrives.
This guide breaks down the most popular dishes, combos, and sides. You will see exactly what fits your budget and your appetite. Let us walk through the menu section by section, so you can order with confidence.
Appetizers And Starter Prices
Starting your meal with a shared plate is always a good move. The appetizer list is pretty standard for a Mexican spot, but the portions are generous. Here is what you can expect to pay for the most common starters.
- Nachos Supreme: Loaded with beans, cheese, jalapeños, and your choice of chicken or beef. Priced around $9.99.
- Chile con Queso: A creamy cheese dip served with a basket of warm tortilla chips. Costs about $6.49.
- Guacamole Dip: Fresh avocado mixed with onion, tomato, and cilantro. You will pay roughly $7.99.
- Quesadilla Appetizer: A large flour tortilla filled with cheese and your choice of meat. Served with sour cream and pico de gallo. Usually $8.49.
- Stuffed Jalapeños: Four peppers stuffed with cheese, battered, and fried. These run about $7.49.
Most appetizers are designed for two or three people to share. If you are dining alone, the quesadilla appetizer is often enough for a full meal. Keep in mind that chips and salsa are usually complimentary, but they might charge for a second basket.
Combination Dinners And Platters
This is the heart of the menu. Combination dinners let you mix and match your favorite items. The pricing here depends on how many items you select and whether you choose ground beef, shredded beef, or chicken.
Prices for the combination plates have shifted slightly over the last year. You should expect to pay a little more for steak or shrimp if those are offered as protein options. The standard combos are the best value for a hungry customer.
Two Item Combinations
If you are moderately hungry, the two-item combo is a solid choice. You get to pick two items from a list that usually includes tacos, enchiladas, tostadas, chalupas, and tamales. This plate comes with rice and beans on the side.
- Two Tacos: Crispy or soft shell with lettuce and tomato. Priced at $8.99.
- Two Enchiladas: Cheese or beef, topped with chili gravy. Costs $9.49.
- Taco and Enchilada: A classic pairing that gives you a bit of everything. Runs about $9.29.
These plates are filling but not overwhelming. If you have a big appetite, you might want to upgrade to a three-item combo for a couple of dollars more.
Three Item Combinations
This is the most popular category on the menu. You get three items, which usually means you will have leftovers for lunch the next day. The price increase from two to three items is typically around $2.00.
- Enchilada, Taco, and Chalupa: A great mix of textures and flavors. Priced at $11.49.
- Tamale, Enchilada, and Tostada: A heavier option for those who love masa-based dishes. Costs $11.99.
- Chile Relleno, Taco, and Enchilada: The chile relleno is a stuffed pepper that adds a unique taste. Usually $12.49.
All combination dinners are served with a side of refried beans and Mexican rice. You can usually substitute charro beans or vegetables for a small upcharge. Do not forget to ask for extra tortillas if you need them.
Specialty Platters And House Favorites
These are the signature dishes that the restaurant is known for. They are often larger than the standard combos and come with a specific set of toppings. The prices are higher, but the plates are substantial.
El Rancho Burrito
This is a massive burrito stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, and cheese. It is smothered in a red enchilada sauce and topped with melted cheese. The burrito is served with a side salad and rice.
You can get this with chicken, beef, or pork. The price is around $10.99. If you add sour cream and guacamole on top, it will cost an extra $1.50. This dish is easily big enough for two people if you are not starving.
Fajita Nachos
Do not confuse these with the regular nachos. The fajita version comes with grilled peppers, onions, and your choice of fajita meat. The meat is cooked on a flat top and has a smoky flavor.
- Chicken Fajita Nachos: $12.99
- Beef Fajita Nachos: $13.99
- Shrimp Fajita Nachos: $14.99
These are served on a large platter and are very shareable. The cheese is melted evenly over the top, and the vegetables add a nice crunch. This is one of the more expensive appetizers, but it is worth the price.
Steak Picado
This dish features tender strips of steak cooked with tomatoes, onions, and green peppers in a savory sauce. It is served with rice, beans, and warm flour tortillas. The steak is usually cooked medium well, but you can ask for it to be prepared differently.
The price for Steak Picado is typically $14.49. It is a hearty meal that satisfies a craving for something savory and rich. The sauce is great for dipping your tortillas in.
Seafood And Shrimp Dishes
If you are in the mood for something from the ocean, the menu has a dedicated section for seafood. These dishes are priced higher than the beef and chicken options. The shrimp is usually the star of the show here.
You will find that the seafood section is not as large as the traditional meat section. However, the options that are available are prepared with care. The most common seafood item is the shrimp cocktail.
Cocktail De Camarones
This is a chilled shrimp cocktail served in a tall glass. It contains shrimp, tomato juice, onions, cilantro, and avocado. It is served with saltine crackers on the side.
This is a refreshing option, especially during the summer months. The price is around $13.99. The portion is generous, and you get a lot of shrimp for the money. It is more of a light meal than a heavy dinner.
Shrimp Enchiladas
These are two enchiladas stuffed with sauteed shrimp and covered in a creamy white sauce. They are topped with a sprinkle of cheese and served with rice and a small salad. The creamy sauce is the main flavor here, so it is quite rich.
Expect to pay about $13.49 for this plate. If you are not a fan of creamy sauces, you might want to stick with the red sauce options. However, if you enjoy seafood and cheese, this is a top pick.
Kids Menu And Sides
For younger diners, there is a smaller menu with simpler items. These are served in smaller portions and at lower prices. The kids menu usually includes a drink and a small side of rice or fries.
- Kid’s Taco: One crispy taco with ground beef and cheese. Priced at $4.99.
- Kid’s Cheese Quesadilla: A small flour tortilla with melted cheese. Costs $4.49.
- Kid’s Chicken Strips: A nod to American tastes, served with fries. Runs $5.49.
If you are just looking for extra sides for the table, you can order them individually. A side of rice or beans is usually around $2.50. A side of guacamole or sour cream is about $1.99 each.
Beverages And Desserts
To wash down your meal, the restaurant offers standard soft drinks, sweet tea, and horchata. The horchata is a cinnamon rice milk drink that pairs well with spicy food. A large glass is typically $3.49.
For dessert, the options are usually limited to fried ice cream or sopapillas. Fried ice cream is a scoop of vanilla ice cream coated in cornflakes and fried briefly. It is topped with honey and cinnamon. The price is around $5.99.
Sopapillas are fried pastry puffs served with honey. They are lighter than the fried ice cream and cost about $4.99. These are good for sharing, but you might want to order one per person.
El Rancho Mexican Restaurant Menu With Prices: What To Know
Now that you have the details, you can plan your order before you arrive. The prices listed above are based on the current menu, but they can change without notice. It is always a good idea to check the physical menu at your table to confirm the final cost.
Here are a few quick tips for ordering:
- Ask about the lunch specials if you are dining before 3 PM. They are usually cheaper than the dinner portions.
- Check if the restaurant offers a “light” menu with lower-calorie options. Some locations have this available.
- Do not be afraid to ask for extra sauce or jalapeños. Most of the time, they are free of charge.
- If you are on a budget, stick to the two-item combinations. They offer the best value for the price.
You should also factor in the cost of drinks. A soft drink or iced tea will add around $3.00 to your total. If you are really hungry, the three-item combo is the way to go, but the two-item plate is enough for most people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the menu and pricing at this restaurant.
Are chips and salsa free at El Rancho?
Yes, they bring a basket of chips and a bowl of salsa to your table as soon as you sit down. If you ask for a refill of chips, they might charge a small fee of about $1.00. The salsa is usually mild, so ask for the hotter version if you want more spice.
Does the price of the menu include tax and tip?
No, the prices listed on the menu are before tax. You will also need to add a tip for your server, usually 15-20% of the pre-tax total. If you pay with a card, the tip line will be on the receipt.
Can I order a half order of a specialty platter?
Most of the time, the restaurant does not offer half orders on the specialty platters. You can, however, ask for a to-go box and save half of your meal for later. The portions are large enough that this is a common practice.
Are there vegetarian options on the menu?
Yes, you can order bean and cheese burritos or cheese enchiladas. You can also ask for fajitas with just vegetables instead of meat. The restaurant is usually happy to accommodate dietary restrictions if you let them know.
What is the price range for a full dinner for two?
If you both order a combination dinner and share an appetizer, you can expect to pay around $35 to $45 total. This includes two entrees, one appetizer, and two soft drinks. Adding desserts or alcoholic beverages will increase the total.
Now you have a solid idea of the costs involved. You can walk into the restaurant with a plan and avoid sticker shock. The menu is extensive, but the prices are fair for the amount of food you receive. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch or sitting down for a long dinner, there is something on the menu for every budget.
Remember to look at the daily specials board when you walk in. Sometimes they offer a taco special or a discount on margaritas that is not listed on the printed menu. This can be a great way to save a few dollars while trying something new. Enjoy your meal and the generous portions that come with it.