Long Name, Good Food: El Rancho Su Majestad El Taco
Written: Oct 31 '07
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Pros: Good Food, good prices, interesting atmosphere
Cons: Can be enormously busy, some congestion in parking lot
The Bottom Line: From a restaurant I was afraid to try, El Rancho is currently my favorite. Don't be mislead by the "no" on Kid Friendly--mine just prefer McDonald's!
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| legar's Full Review: El Rancho Su Majestad El Taco |
Next time you visit Laredo, Texas—if you visit Laredo—save time to eat royally at El Rancho, Su Majestad El Taco. Located at 9720 McPherson, convenient to IH 35 and smack dab in Laredo’s booming north end, this traditional Mexican eatery is the sister of the original located “across,” in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. Traveling north on McPherson, now a major Laredo artery, the restaurant is on the left, an imposing sand-colored building with Mexican statuary and striking landscaping.
The restaurant’s name, literally, is “The Ranch, Its Majesty the Taco.” Although many people eat and enjoy the large variety of tacos, the plates seem even more popular. El Rancho is enormously popular with locals, and is often the site for family celebrations or work-related meals or functions. Website hours show El Rancho being open until the early morning hours, but the receptionist said that hours were from 11 to 11, which is an hour later than many Laredo eating places.
Entertainers and staff are in authentic Mexican garb; whether I’ve gone early or late, someone has been singing traditional Mexican songs or playing them on a piano. The décor focuses on Mexican traditions such as the vaquero, or cowboy life; a mural right behind the stage in the main dining area features earth colored pictures of bucking broncos and charros, or cowboys from the Jalisco (think Guadalajara) region of Mexico. Near the checkout are a few photos of celebrities like Vicente Fernandez, who is said to favor El Rancho when he entertains in the area.
Given the live entertainment and the well-stocked bar area, where many prefer to spend their evening hours, one might expect much higher prices than are the norm at El Rancho. I at first declined to join a group of colleagues there for lunch, fearing that it would be impossibly expensive (hey, teachers in our town just get paid once a month!) and I wouldn’t find anything I really liked, since I’m not huge on Mexican cuisine. To my amazement when I finally caved in, El Rancho proved a bargain.
Prices compare favorably with many places in Laredo. Just recently, my family discovered the lunch buffet—which runs from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. We got there after 1:00, and the waiter assured us that although new food wouldn’t be put out after 2:00, customers could continue serving themselves even after that time. For a variety of meats available on the menu, such as fajita, sausage, flame-grilled chicken and ribs, as well as side dishes and fruit, the buffet was just $6.99 when we visited.
Usually, I order off the menu which offers plates such as the Tampiquena, which includes tacos, enchiladas, rice and beans, seafood items such as Camarones a la Diabla, or shrimp in a chili sauce, tacos and tostadas—the whole gamut of traditional Mexican food is available. The Panchos (which are Nachos with fajita and beans) can serve as a whole meal, if one isn’t starving. The milanesa is excellent, and the tortillas served with most meals are considered among the very best in Laredo, and prices on all the plates are reasonable, since the restaurant is heads above similar eating establishments in many respects.
As mentioned, I’m not huge on Mexican food, and generally order the ribeye. I’ve been very disappointed at some places by tough, poorly chosen and poorly cooked meat. El Rancho’s ribeye has become my favorite, beating out the fare at other steak-oriented restaurants. Never have I had to ask twice to have steak without the onion and jalapeño chili, and I can have as much butter as I want for my baked potato, which comes standard with melted white cheese.
The only food we find lacking is the chicken on the kid’s meal; my picky three-year old granddaughter usually likes chicken, but the fried chicken doesn’t appeal to her or to her father. However, she will eat sausage or fajita from her father’s parillada (an enormous platter consisting mostly of meats).
Service has been excellent, no matter when I’ve gone, or under which circumstances. I’ve gone with co-workers, when fast service was essential, and I went to the end-of-year dinner, with about sixty others. Those who used the bar services complimented the variety and quality of beverages, and the food was delivered cheerfully and quickly. My family has visited at a number of different times during day and evening hours, and we’ve never had problems with slow service or inferior food. At times, we’ve needed special accommodations for the going-on six grandchildren, and have had chairs, water, and the occasional extra napkins provided immediately and courteously. Waiters speak both Spanish and English, so communication is never a problem.
So, if you’re here in Laredo and you’re hungry—treat yourself royally. Visit El Rancho Su Majestad El Taco.
Recommended:
Yes
Kid Friendliness: No
Vegetarian Friendly: Yes
Notes, Tips or Menu Recommendations The ribeye, for bland food lovers, the Tampiquena or a parrillada if you want traditional Mexican food
Best Suited For: Friends
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Epinions.com ID:
legar
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Member: Leslie Garcia
Location: Laredo, Texas
Reviews written: 85
Trusted by: 20 members
About Me:
I'm an elementary school teacher, mother, and published author, currently living in Laredo, Texas.
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