El Ranchito Resturant

No longer el ranchito it’s now cantaritos mexican grill food is up to par and inexpensive given the area that it’s in very clean and the service is grateful friendly and atwntive=))

this is going to be a short review, but wanted to make sure to add one because I’m very happy I found this place. was waiting at the doctor’s office around the corner and was starving. I remember seeing something that had Mexican food off 10^th/​Pacific, but didn’t know what it was called or anything. I saw some very reasonably priced stuff posted add specials on a board outside. the only thing I recall was $ 1 tacos and $ 2 shrimp tacos. already had my heart set on tacos, so I ordered carnitas and asada. the asada wasn’t the best I’d ever had, but it easily could have been 2 tacos and some change with all the meat they packed onto the tortilla. the carnitas was excellent. the place is really tiny and located next to a carniceria /​grocery store. 2 small areas to sit outside and I think 4 tables inside. there’s also a salsa bar with your option of r different types of salsa, jalapenos, carrots, limes and salt packets. wasn’t expecting much but looking forward to going back soon. oh yeah, the guys that were working were very friendly and provide excellent customer service.

Great mexican food. Salsa is spicy. The food is made a certain style — might be a hit or miss for you.

This hole-​in-​the-​wall is a true gem! I’ve been here on two different occasions and have enjoyed both experiences. They are a family owned establishment with authentic (according to my Mexican friends) recipes, that include a typical menu. ie. combination plates, burritos, tacos, tostadas, chille rellenos, etc. Good sauces and decent portion sizes. Great Cadillacs and Margaritas!
Very clean restaurant (not sure what their Public Health Rating was), and restroom as well. Great service and decent décor!
This has been the best Mexican Restaurant I have had in Long Beach. I’m just talking about sit down restaurant because there are a few great taco shops in Long Beach.
I gave them only three stars because I have had better Mexican food in Gardena and Torrance.

I loves a hole in the wall. I also love sopes. So maybe this is why I love this place, and a sistah NEVER does that.
This is within walking distance of my apartment. It’s so close that I will walk down the street in a do-​rag and some mix-​matched clothes.
It so hard to find a place that makes good sopes. Either they don’t rally fill them up, or they are all lechuga, I mean lettuce. Not El Ranchito. My favorite is Carnitas. They have pretty generous portions and they are made to order. Did I mention that they are $ 1.25? That’s like a dollar less than everywhere else!
The owner and his wife are great. Always very attentive. They will speak to you no matter what, even with the language barrier. Their son, however is a different story. You can always tell when he is there before you walk in, because they place looks like it is closed 3 hours before it is supposed to be and you hear the distinct sounds of Rap/​Hip-​Hop or Regagaeton. (I didn’t know that Tupac liked sopes) He is not as nice as the ‘rents and his sopes always seem to come out greasy.
I have had other things on the menu. Their refried beans are very good, and the rice is pretty decent. A word on the refried beans. They are made fresh, everyday and you can go in and buy a cup of them, (like a 20 oz drinking cup) for like $ 2. Same with the rice. Guess what I do on lazy taco night?
The tortas are good and filling. The burritos are pretty good, the nachoes are okay. They have breakfast, but it’s mostly eggs and I don’t eat eggs. 20 oz cup of orange juice is 99 cents.
I recommend eating in. On the one table that they have on the inside, they have a tray with freah codiments like radishes, cilantro and onions. Plus they usually keep a bowl of the salsa roja near. (Umm, spicy)
3.5 stars for the food and half a star for the prices.