El Rancho

My wife and I were in Columbia Missouri for a couple of days for a Christmas event and found ourselves hungry late at night and looking for food. We decided on Mexican food but were limited on options at 9 pm with most places closing by 10 pm. I discovered El Rancho on Yelp and we decided to give it a try. The place was small with most people getting to go orders. We ordered a Chicken Chimichanga and the Guadalajara special. The food was delicious and the portions were so big we took about half of it home. The service was great, the people were nice as well. You have to give them a try if you are in or passing through Columbia, Missouri.

The food quality is still consistent as always and for a restaurant as busy as they are, the service is very fast. However buyer beware. I hope it wasn't because they believed they could take advantage of inebriated patrons, but I was charged $18 for a menu item listed at $11. I don't think this is the first time it's happened. Not just to myself, but others in front of me in line seemed to have problems too. And no, there's no markings indicating automatic gratuity or a substantial credit card fee or late night pricing. So if you're going after 11pm, check your receipt.

I am so confused how I've never left a review. This is literally our Columbia spot, my husband is obsessed. My guess is because we're usually drunk, stumbling in and I always forget to check in. But, I digress.This is a Columbia staple. If you went to Mizzou and don't like El Rancho, you're a monster.Their nachos just hit different. There's nothing like crispy chips loaded with chicken, queso, fajita veggies, and rice at midnight. And sometimes for lunch because we feel like it. This is cheap Mexican food. The place hasn't been updated in years, can be a little sticky, and sometimes you get yelled at. But, it's still the best of the best, and brings back great memories for alumni.

El Rancho is far better than anyone says. The food is always good and as long as you're not going after 12am then the service is very fast. It is a small restaurant and I wouldn't plan on eating inside. This is my go to place after a night out though. Go to order is beef nachos with extra beans and rice. Go try it out!

This place....don't let the hole in the wall, run-down look of the outside deter you. I've only been here during the wee hours of the morning after having 1 too many tequila shots, but this is some of my favorite mexican food I've ever had. They are open till 2am Thursday, Friday, Saturday so this place gets flooded with drunk people on the weekends. They handle it beautifully though. Never once have they gotten my order wrong or seemed annoyed at all the sloppy, obnoxious people in their restaurant. They are always SO NICE and despite how long the line gets late at night, it always seems to move pretty fast. Their food is fresh and authentic. I haven't been able to convince my friends to go with me during the daylight hours yet, but you can just tell from my picture it would taste just as good sober as it does after the bars. I always get shrimp tacos and a side of rice and beans, but I think you could order anything from here and it would be delicious. 10/10 recommend!!!!

Oh yes! Fajita chicken nachos. They are delicious during the day and even more delicious after cocktails! The chimichanga is also spot on. Just go and don't look back!

Great food and it's pretty quick too. This is my favorite place to get Mexican food in Columbia.

Order was made incorrectly. I asked for rice, and when I got home there was no rice in my meal. When I called and inquired about it, I was told I would have to pay for rice.

Really delicious food made to order while you wait. Casual atmosphere. Always look forward to the comfort and simplicity of this place. Nothing fancy just good comforting plate of Mexican food.

Americas most honorable business. This is award was given to the most perfect business because wow. Open until 2 am is amazing. I love it. My friends and I were hungry and we knew just where toGo.