El Ranchon

Magnolia is an area I 100% don't even consider. Getting to it isn't what I call easy and I just don't get a welcoming vibe from the community. It's amazing place and probably one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Seattle. It's like the best features of West Seattle with a much smaller footprint. That said, I was on a date here about 20 years ago and decided to return to the scene of the crime. We ate at a Mexican restaurant, however, I'm not sure if it was this place or not. Service was top shelf. I serious was impressed by the kindness and professionalism of our server. Chips and salsa were ok. Salsa needed salt, I think it could have also used some cilantro, but to each their own. I requested something hotter and what I got was a smokey paste that they then mixed with something. It was also okay but was missing a rich flavor. I had the Carne Asada. The first thing I noticed was the portion was on the small side. It wasn't a lunch portion, but if I had 2 strips of beef, 3 would have been better. I was well seasoned and tasty. Ironically, the two tablespoons of rice and beans was not only stingy, but the rice had no flavor. The beans should always taste like pork and the rice should always taste like chicken. A small dollop of guacamole was also served, and it was really good. Service, A, Food, C+ overall and Value is about C. If this was my neighborhood, I'd consider returning, but date night or not, I wouldn't make the drive back for the food, it just didn't impress me on enough levels.

The best Mexican restaurant in the United States of America. Bury me at El Ranchon. -Chester Eats

Great neighborhood spot. Staff is super friendly, portions are great. Love the enchiladas ranchon. Queso dip was delish! We will be back again.

This is a nice neighborhood hole in the wall Tex Mex restaurant. They have a bar, indoor seating, and then the business district has put out some tables and chairs that don't have table service but you can order take out and just eat right outside the restaurant.Their lunch deals (11am-3pm weekdays) are fantastic! They have a selection of plates priced at about $10-12 - incredible for Magnolia. We stopped in on a whim around 2:30pm on a Monday and got a burrito and carnitas tacos from the lunch menu. Sure it's not gourmet, but it is tasty and it's a great deal. The host/server who was there was also super friendly and very accommodating. Will definitely return when in the area again.

Was working in this area and decided to try El Ranchon, wow! Glad I did! The place is small and it was packed, but the service was still good and we got prompt attention. By the time we left there was a considerable line of people outside waiting for a table. Their fresh margarita was great, would definitely order again. I had their chicken in chipotle sauce and it was delicious. I like hot, so I asked the server if they had a house hot sauce. He brought me some sauce from the kitchen that was super spicy and delicious. Really kicked off the meal. Overall, I really enjoyed my meal here and if I'm back in the area I will come back for more!

This is not authentic Mexican food- for Seattle, it is fine- if you were anywhere near the south of the border it would be kind of not included as real Mexican Cuisine. With that being said It is good for what it is- the restaurant is cozy, with a semi-friendly atmosphere. Why I said semi- is some of the folks seemed a little nicer and more welcoming than others. However, the service was fast and just OK on the taste spectrum- The prices were ok for the amount of food and they do use fresh ingredients....the interior was just big enough with looking too crowded and they have booths and tables inside. I did enjoy my tortillas (they appeared maybe homemade) they were warm and yummy...I could have just had them as my meal with a little salsa and rice. Better than some but not as great as others.

Great food great people. Every time I come in it's like family. Saul, Lisett, and Elba are always so friendly.My grandpa loves to joke around with the staff and everyone has so much fun! The food is fresh and not greasy or heavy. Clean, homemade, and yummy.Hope it stays for many years in magnolia

A nice family friendly mexican restaurant.Perfect for parties of 2-4 people. Getting a larger group will be limited so plan ahead.Ordered the nachos and the portion was huge and very filling. Make sure if you order this you plan on sharing unless you are eating as an entree.The enchilada combo with taco was also a good size portion. Got the shredded chicken and al pastor meats. Very good seasoned and juicy. I tried their margaritas and I really enjoyed them all. Had the strawberry, peach, fresh, and the mango. Some of them are sweet so if you like sweet margaritas its perfect for you.Finished off the meal with the deep fried strawberry ice cream. I wish the batter was a little thicker but overall it was good. The service and the preparation of the food was quick and fast. Just note, it is a little more pricy than some of the other mexican restaurants ive been to but it may have to be the location.

Trying to save others from going here for the food given all the stars this place has. The food is almost inedible. Do not go out of your way to come here. It gets stars cause it's been a neighborhood spot for years and I think the folks working here have great relationships with the people in the neighborhood which I think is honestly very charming. I would rather have bad food and great people/service than great food and bad people/service any day. Just don't go out of your way to come to magnolia for this spot. Leave it to the locals who love it.

Homey, welcoming American-Mexican restaurant in Magnolia. Easy parking (for now!). I hesitate to recommend this restaurant, but only because I want to keep it to myself... Seriously, you almost never have to wait for a table, unless you have a very large group. Friendly service and delicious food. Margaritas could be stronger, so order an extra shot - cheap and worth it!!