Stop nr. 8 on my Summer Resolution Tour. The service here is ridiculously slow, but the patio is great for hanging out on a warm summer evening. The chips and salsa were decent, but the salsa was surprisingly spicy. I wasn't particularly in the mood for Tex-Mex, so I ordered the salmon. I was brought an enormous piece of salmon, nicely prepared, with a generous serving of guacamole (along with pico de gallo, rice and beans). Can I just say that the marriage of two of my favorite things - salmon and guacamole - is a marriage made in heaven?!? I was more than happy with my entree. Hmmm, based on that, I might have to give this place 3.5 stars. Well, either way, I don't know that I'd rush back here, but it's definitely a good alternative to the horrible chains that dominate the new downtown Silver Spring.
(3)
Courtney R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Silver Spring and my favorite place to get Tex Mex anywhere! The food and drinks are consistently good and the atmosphere is festive. I always bring friends and family here when they're visiting the area, nothing beats lunch or dinner and a margarita on the patio on a nice day.. LOVE this place
(5)
Damian H.
This place sucks!!! I got the cheese enchiladas. A plate full of grease is all it was. The rice tasted like Spanish rice from a box you can by at any grocery story. The sauce on the enchiladas (RED) was just awful. Save you money you can do better!!!!
(1)
Laura C.
I crave Mexican food. Regularly. And I live in an area where there are 5 Mexican restaurants I frequent so much that the waiters know my order. This sounds kind of pathetic, I understand. But get this: of these 5 restaurants Mi Rancho is hands-down my favorite. End of story. Great food at a reasonable price. What more can you ask, really? I'm always torn between wanting tacos and enchiladas... so what do they do? Put them in a platter TOGETHER!!!! Brilliant. And, while I'm a creature of habit who can never seem to order anything else there, everyone I've ever taken with me has loved their meals, too! Fajitas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, tamales... all I've ever heard is they rock! They also have a pretty large outdoor patio which is nice, especially if you end up there at a particularly crowded time. They close it in during the winter and heat it up with heat lamps that work like gangbusters, so it's a year-round seating option. Nice. Only one small complaint: Parking. I'm reeeeally lazy and wish I didn't have to walk the, what, half a block (?) from the MoCo garage and Cameron Street, since there's no parking on Ramsey Ave. But it's obviously not enough of a drawback to keep me from going- I seem to find myself most Saturdays! Oy.
(4)
Lindsey N.
So incredibly bland and ordinary. Will not be back. Go to Fajita Coast on East West Highway.
(1)
Damon H.
Greetings People of the DMV!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! So when the opportunity comes to try a new Mexican spot I jump at it. Well I believe I jumped to soon...without reading any reviews I tried this outdoor/indoor environment. Let's take a second and thank the owners for the outdoor fans, and plastic tables and chairs. The staff were fine, however the food was not!!! I had three cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans. Lets start off with the good: beans had a nice flavor, and the tortilla chips were thick*** I hate thin tortilla chips*** and salsa had an interesting flavor. The bad: the cheese enchiladas were a plate of grease!! No flavor, no taste. Good cheese enchiladas are flavorful because of the mix of cheese, peppers, and seasoning some restaurants use cheese sauce, and yes they can be a little oily, however this was not the case at this OUTDOOR establishment. I got them with the red enchilada sauce which masked this plate full of oil, as soon as I cut into them, this yellow/orange oil came from everywhere...I may go back in the Fall and try the fajitas....
(2)
Eddie W.
Officially the WORST restaurant in the DC metro area! Myself and 5 others decided on dinner at Mi Rancho last night before going to see a movie. After placing our order, everything went down hill. We had to chase down any server we could find, for everything we needed. In fact, we were only able to get our beverages refilled once. We ordered queso dip as an appetizer, yet could only eat half of it because they wouldn't bring any more chips to our table. It took a whole lot of time for our meals to arrive, which wound up being as disappointing as the service. I ordered Vegetable Fajitas, which were pathetic. 3 strips of carrots, 2 mushrooms, some onion, and 4 strips of bell pepper. I ate it in 4 bites. Literally. Two of my friends ordered chicken and beef fajitas with literally 2 strips of bell pepper and 2 strips of onion. Again, we hunted down a server. We found one in the bar area grooming the hair bangs and eyebrows of another server. I'm not kidding. We asked for more grilled onions and bell pepper, which she seemed annoyed that we interrupted her from her grooming session. 15 minutes go by, and the chicken and steak fajitas are now at room temperature. Again, we hunt down a server who said she would have to kitchen staff remake them. Another 10 minutes go by, and the grilled onions and bell pepper arrive, yet no fajitas. 5 minutes later the fajitas arrive - the same ones, re-grilled and now overcooked. The food was crap. Period. 15 minutes later, the check arrives. They decided to charge $6 for a small plate of grilled onions and bell pepper which should have been in the damn fajitas to begin with. Quite ticked off at this point - we ask to speak to the manager. Again, we waited for over 10 minutes. Finally, an arrogant and cocky man comes over and basically argues with us for 5 minutes and calls all of us liars. There were no apologies or offers to correct the situation. He then begins to argue that we had only been there for 25 minutes, even after we showed him our Facebook "check-in" which was done 1 hour and 15 minutes beforehand. He refused to do anything for us. We finally just paid, and vowed to never return. In all honesty, this was the worst service and food I have experienced in this area. A trip to McDonald's on Colesville Rd would have been much a much pleasurable dining experience, and I do mean that in all truth! Inevitably, we also missed our movie. Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment!
(1)
Deb G.
I want to like Mi Rancho - I walk by it at least 3 times a week and the scents of grilled meat that waft out are always mouthwatering. However, the actual food just doesn't compare to the delicious aromas, and for the price I feel like are much better places around Silver Spring. Their chips are super greasy yet not quite salty enough, and their salsa is bland, bland, bland. They definitely get a star for the margaritas. Let's put it bluntly - I go for the margs because sometimes you just need one. They do make good frozen margaritas, and the big outside patio is a great space for drinking them. I ordered the carne asada, based on my friend's recommendation. It was the best thing I've had so far, better than the burritos and enchiladas I've gotten previously. The meat was well marinated and served sizzling hot with homemade tortillas that were excellent. However, even that's wasn't enough to raise the star level, once you factor in the weak guacamole, meh beans, and looked so bad I didn't even try it rice. Also, I also need to think about the hours (and hours and hours) of indigestion I've suffered all day. Must ignore the wafting smells from Mi Rancho!!
(2)
Mac O.
A friend of ours celebrates her birthday here every year. Over the last 4 years, I have compiled the following notes on this joint: Mi Rancho 101 I. Atmosphere A) Outdoor Patio i) It's big. ii) It's hot in summer. iii) You can be outside any time of year, because it's covered and can be enclosed. That's nice. B) Indoors i) Mehhhh. ii) This is where the bathrooms are located (look for saloon doors). II. Service A) Waitstaff i) Usually friendly. ii) Sometimes efficient. B) Management i) On it. Pitches in as needed. ii) Takes a headcount at table, withdraws extra mints brought with check. a) Really? b) Laammme. III. Food A) Chips & Salsa i) Chips are the bomb -- super thin and crispy, cooked to a nice golden brown. ii) Salsa is so boring it could make you cry. B) Flameado appetizer i) Government cheese melted to a rubbery, oil-slicked pool with innocent vegetables that don't deserve such an awful fate. Can't be penetrated with tortilla chips. ii) Every year we are subjected to this friend's-favorite appetizer and have to force down a bite or two. Avoid! C) Other stuff i) Eh, it's typical Mexican fare. It won't blow your mind, but it won't horrify you, either. ii) Husband thinks the chicken enchiladas are "bangin' " however. IV. Drink A) Margaritas i) Many flavors = good! ii) No detectable alcohol = bad! B) Sangria i) Lots of fruit = good! ii) Mealy fruit = bad! C) Beer i) Average selection = okayyy... ii) Unjustifiably expensive = bad! Yes, this will be on the exam.
(3)
Carlton M.
Yuck! That's all I can say about this place...it's just like Baja Fresh and Chipotle....nothing special!
(1)
Cani C.
A place that you always feel like family, great food. Not very expense if you like Authentic Mexican.
(5)
Sheila C.
Pretty good mexican grindz within walking distance...steak fajitas are tender and tasty...chips & salsa are highly addictive
(4)
Eva W.
This restaurant is very popular among my co-workers, so since I had to work today I went along on a group outing. I did like the chips, and the salsa was OK but (full disclosure here) I'm not a hot food junkie so I would have liked it better if it had been more bland. OTOH, I don't think Tex-Mex places ought to bland down just for people like me. But that isn't my issue here. What moved me to review was my co-worker's experience. She has had shrimp fajitas there before and they aren't on the menu anymore. She asked if it were possible to get them. They told her yes, she could get them. (If they had refused, she would have been fine with ordering something else.) When they arrived (on a sizzling hot plate, as is customary with fajitas), they still had their shells on, so she had to gingerly pick them off the hot plate and peel them before she could put them in a tortilla. That was an odd presentation. But the most annoying part of the presentation were skimpy amounts of green pepper and onion served with the shrimp. My co-worker asked our waitress if she could get additional amounts of those vegetables. Not only did the waitress refuse but then she sent over the manager, who also refused to bring a few additional slices of pepper and onion. How much extra could it have cost them? I'm sure she would be willing to pay a bit extra. Furthermore, how much is it going to cost them in terms of all the customers at the table who got to witness this meaningless show of contempt for a customer. Will we go back? Probably I won't, since if that's their ethic I don't think I would be comfortable asking for customization. I would recommend this place to people who are 100% OK with ordering just items on the menu and don't want anything in terms of different side orders, or substitutions. It's not that I think the customer is ALWAYS right, it just seemed odd and annoying that they didn't want to fulfill a minor request.
(2)
Trace D.
The service and decor were both quite good, however you don't go to a restaurant just for the service, so when they brought the food I have to say I was disappointed. The food sounded good on the menu, but in practice they came up a bit short. I never give up on a place after one try, but as work lunch goes, it's a bit expensive for the food quality so it might be a while until I get back in to give it another go.
(2)
Medjinne D.
I have been coming here since I was in middle school. My family and I really enjoy this restaurant we always come here for birthdays and since we have a Cinco De Mayo bday in our fam we def come for that. Their food is good we always get the 2 Plato Grandee and enjoy it. My favorite is their dessert the sopapilla no other place that I've been to does it like them. So why don't they get 5 stars even though they have the best homemade tortilla? because, they have not learned how to make good drinks. It's a shame cause I love Mi Rancho but will only come here with my family and always go across the street to Cubano with my girls (check that review out). I hope they get better!
(4)
Christin N.
The food is good, prices are fair, and ,when it's warm out, we love eating in the outdoor covered area! Some of the drinks can be a bit pricey but if you order a pitcher, it's a better deal. Willing to work with food allergies and the owner is good about coming around. Parking Tip: don't park in the diner lot right next door. Go across the street to the garage (free after rush hour).
(4)
Sara M.
Consistently good. Their chips are warm, thin and crispy - we always end up asking for another basket (or 2 :P) without fail. We usually order the Plato Grande and it is always hot, juicy and flavorful. Their homemade tortillas are so fresh, I would probably be happy just eating those alone. I can always appreciate a place where management is involved (greeting customers, helping serve tables, etc.) - my favorite tex-mex restaurant in the area.
(4)
Ray B.
My meal started off with homemade chip and salsa which was spicy but delicious. We ordered a grilled chicken and steak taco salads. The salad and meats was delicious fresh veggies. Will visit again service was excellent.
(4)
Bianca F.
This place works for me. In fact I think it has gotten better over time. During this last visit, we were greeted by the owner & we were able to get a table inside to watch the World Cup. I was hungry so we ordered the shrimp and steak quesadilla, the chicken and beef fajitas, and some margaritas. It was good! The tortillas were fresh; chips and salsa, yum! I was in my happy place with my belly being full and no problem getting a table or parking outside. See you soon Mi Rancho!
(3)
Carmen S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about - especially regarding the service! We found the service to be exceptional - on par with super high end restaurants in the District that have cost us 3-4X the price of a meal here. We had water and fresh chips and salsa on the table before I could even put my gloves/hat away. Now for you faux-Mex fans, their table salsa is made mild, with fresh tomatoes (the lighter red salsa on the right in my pic). Most of you are used to cooked tomato salsa, which often more closely resembles tomato paste in texture... but this is not what you can expect here. Now if you can HANDLE THE HEAT, I recommend asking for their salsa picante (spicy salsa) which was wonderfullllll... full of flavor and spice, but NOT for the weak of palate. We had a small pitcher of their Mi Rancho margaritas and their Rancheros nachos between the two of us. The only reason why I give them four and not five stars is because I prefer a 100% agave and lime margarita, with NO MIX whatsoever. The perfect margarita is simply fresh lime juice, agave nectar, sea salt, and high quality tequila. Basta. That's it. I would pay twice the price for this margarita, in this ambience, with their salsa picante.
(4)
Scott F.
I absolutely loved my meal at Mi Rancho! The service was quick and the food is delicious. We sat outside and the gentle breeze was very pleasant. Loved the margaritas too! Can't wait to go back. They have in house made tortillas which o couldn't get enough of.
(4)
Nicki M.
I've always enjoined the Chimichungas at Mi Rancho, buy this review is about the new Chocolate Margarita. It's good, but not great. Think Chocolate Martini but with tequila. I did LOVE the fact that our super awesome server took the drink back and had the bartender pump up the chocolate. The finished product was a winner! If you're looking for a fun chocolate drink, try it. But if you want to have a Tex-Mex night on the town... stick to the more traditional tequila cocktails.
(4)
Keke W.
Love the food great manager! Decent location and atmosphere! I will definitely return!
(5)
Rich G.
I live in the neighborhood and have been eating at Mi Rancho since 1993. The food and service are consistently good. Not great, but very good, maybe a half-step down from Rio Grande. I've never left Mi Rancho feeling angry or disappointed. The place does need a bit of an update, as it really hasn't changed much over the years, with the exception of the outside porch which they remodeled about 10 years ago. If you like Sangria, theirs is pretty good. Beer list is typical TexMex - Corona, Tecate, etc. Could use an upgrade there was well.
(4)
Kassity L.
Really nothing special. Your typical Tex-mex fare. A bit on the pricey side for Tex-mex. I would 't recommend this place unless you are really craving Tex-mex. Coming from Texas, I have definitely had better Tex-mex. The sangria was also ok, the wine that was used tasted cheap and slightly sour. Service was good though, and the outside seating area was nice.
(2)
Sydney L.
I'd like to think of myself as a Mexican food expert--it is by far my favorite cuisine and I eat it every chance I get. I've tried at least a dozen mom and pop Mexican joints in DC and Mi Rancho is by far the best. Chips are perfectly crispy and salsa is delicious with a good kick. I don't know why anyone bothers getting an appetizer when they give you chips and salsa for free. Their outdoor patio is huge and a great spot to enjoy when the weather is nice. And can I just talk about the steak fajitas for a minute? They're amazing. Like "last meal on earth" amazing. The chicken is great too--lots of flavors and very moist. Enchiladas with green sauce also packed a ton of flavor. Sauce was light, but not a lot of kick. Beef inside was the true star of the dish. All the meats here are well prepared and flavorful. Portions are large and price is on par if not slightly cheaper than every other Mexican restaurant I've been to in DC. In conclusion, get your ass to Mi Rancho. Now.
(5)
Amy S.
This is one of my family's favorite restaurants. The food and service are consistently good. We love sitting on the patio in the warm weather.
(5)
Harper D.
Love this place!! Great margaritas, delicious authentic food, and great service! The nachos and tacos are my personal favorites! This is my number one place in Silver Spring to bring friends and family. Highly recommended!
(5)
Marcela S.
I have been there a lot of times with my daughter. I always ordered the same carne asada very tender juicy, fresh. I went there for my weeding with fam and friends unfortunately the food was soggy, the carne asada was old and chewy. My husband was disappointed i had told him the food there was delicious and fresh, now every time i try to go back he says noooooo I am not going to spend money on food thats its not good sorry
(3)
Liz S.
Meh. I stopped here for lunch the other day, by recommendation of my sister who lives here. Our conversation went like this, "Are you sure this place is OK? They only have 3 stars on Yelp." Her reply, "Yea it's awesome. Trust me." My sister just had a baby, so maybe she hasn't had their margaritas in over a year. Mine tasted like high fructose corn syrup washing out a hint of tequila somewhere. You can scroll through my countless reviews on Mexican-Tex-Mex places, and this one is just above Don Pablo. Prices are right, so you can't complain in that department. The food was just OK. I settled for a chicken quesadilla because I didn't see fish tacos on the menu. My husband had nachos, which is your typical 6 nacho platter with cheese melted on top and the "sides". The chicken quality was decent and the service was good.
(3)
Michelle B.
Not bad at all. I stopped in for dinner and a drink and was not disappointed. I enjoyed my frozen margarita along with my dinner. I didn't know what to get, so I ordered the combination that came with the chille relleno, chicken enchilada, taco al carbon, and tamale. Everything tasted great except for the chicken enchilada. I didn't care for it at all, but I liked the rest of my dish. I would try Mi Rancho out again in the future.
(3)
Jim F.
Food was amazing. Had one if the best chicken quesadillas I've ever had. Ingredients taste exceptionally fresh, chips seemed homemade. Great food hands down. The services as decent too, except the server was not happy about splitting our checks for us. We were a group of six college students and we let her know beforehand so it shouldn't have been an issue, especially since they are more likely to get a bigger tip with separate tips. Nonetheless, it was great was great authentic Mexican food.
(4)
Alex O.
Nice tex-mex! Like the chips and salsa and the refills for it. As far as I'm concerned I had a lovely waitress who was very attentive us and made some great recommendations. Carne asada was juicy and the chicken enchilada was a little too smothered but taste was great. Prices are a bit high and my taqitos were a little over cooked. I liked the scenery and presentation.
(4)
Hannah D.
Worst mexican food I have ever had. The food was bland and looked like frozen food heated up. The margaritas were OK but nothing great. The service was good but the food was terrible!!
(1)
Alice R.
Mi Rancho worked out all the kinks. Now to match great service and food and ambience, they have perfected the Cadillac margarita. My go to place!
(5)
Martica C.
I'm just not a fan of their food, but friends insist on coming here for bday celebrations....i think they just come to wear the sombrero:-)
(2)
Cherrelle L.
Overpriced for the quality of food. Unfortunately, our waitress was rude and ready for her shift to end. That took away from our experience. Their free chips and salsa were yummy! The fajitas are probably the best thing going. I have heard great things about their margaritas too. :)
(3)
Michelle W.
Gringo Mexican food....I got the beef soft tacos and they were fine...a bit on the pricey side, but the portion was generous with a rice, beans and lettuce on the side. The rice was a but bland as were the tacos. Come here for the margs, but not for authentic Mexican food
(2)
Alex C.
I was super excited to go here... then I went. SO EXPENSIVE! I mean, it's not the most expensive place in town but for how low quality the eats are, the prices just don't make sense. If all the plates were $3-$5 cheaper I'd have given this one 4 stars! The Margarita was ok but at a happy hour price of $5.95...get outta my face! Also, the chips were stale and I always judge a Mexican restaurant by the freshness of their chips. I won't be going back to this place.
(2)
Karen Q.
Food, drinks, atmosphere, and service is not the issue - all were just as expected. Definitely choose the strawberry margarita over the red sangria, though. The issue was that the owner was extremely rude to the people in my fairly large party. We were enjoying the patio after the end of a very long school year...saying goodbye to colleagues who were moving on...And after a few hours, the patio began to fill up with families with kids. The owner came over and said we were too loud. We were ok with that, and adjusted our volume. Then he came over again and said he'd reserved our table and we had to leave. There were several open tables all around us. We asked if we could move inside; he said there was no room. Then the manager came over and said we could stay. We ordered more drinks and food. The owner came by five minutes later and said we had to leave immediately. We gathered our things and walked out. The poor waitress had no idea what was going on; when we explained she (rightly) asked who was going to pay for the drinks she had just delivered to our now empty table. We explained the situation, and suggested that we deal with the owner, as none of this was her fault. The owner came striding over, quite aggressively, and screamed at us! "You aren't going to pay your bill! I'll call the police!" We had already paid for every single thing, plus a hefty tip, but we were not about to pay for full drinks delivered after we were asked to leave. It took the owner a while to understand this. Needless to say, no one in our group of approximately 20 people will ever return to Mi Rancho. Too bad. They have a great patio.
(2)
Jennifer A.
There are some things I love about this restaurant: homemade tortillas, the queso fundido, and the steak fajitas. I also appreciate how they have a house hot sauce! However, this place has dishes which are overpriced. For example, you can't get a side of guac, but rather, have to buy a full dish of it for about 6 dollars or so. The margaritas don't seem to contain super fresh ingredients. Also, they don't have very many salsas or unique dishes. Despite these issues, the homemade tortillas are really outstanding and make the trip to the restaurant worth it.
(3)
Brenton W.
I've lived across the street from Mi Rancho for a year now and finally made it over there. It's what you can expect. I was really happy with the selection of various Mexican Beers outside of your usual Corona, Tecate, Modelo and Pacifico. They offered at least three or four brews I've never heard of -- not that you're going to get anything that really WOWs you in regards to Mexican brewed beer, but if you're into experimenting with beers across the board, you'll find a Mexican based beer that you've probably never tried before. Obviously, they have a fine selection of Margaritas, as well. I got the soft taco dinner (3 soft tacos w/cheese, lettuce and tomato and your choice of beef or chicken). I had zero complaints. Loved it. I just wasn't feeling experimental that day. Everyone else was very happy with their order. We'll be back and not take a year to get to it.
(3)
Jamie B.
Mi Rancho is good, but not quite up to snuff with its competitors (Guapo's, Cactus Cantina, etc.). I say this having ordered here both in-house and take out, many times. I have ordered for just myself and for a group, and the food is inconsistent, at best. My husband loves enchiladas and he swears theirs are just okay, but I honestly cannot stand them! The poor tortillas are DROWNING in that red sauce, and it just drowns out the flavor. The fajitas, being a dryer commodity, are a bit better. Though in the case of the fajitas, inconsistency played a huge factor. One time, they were moist, juicy, delicious chicken fajitas. Another time I felt like I was eating the leg muscle of a camel or something. It was tough, dry chicken and just tasted so...bland. So, I give Mi Rancho 3 stars since the food has been inconsistent.
(3)
Rachel E.
The food here is great. The only thing i would change is that the prices for basic fair are a bit steep and the salsa is BOOOOOOOO-----RRRRRRING. Other than that, i love the ambiance, the service and everything else.
(4)
Danielle P.
This place has become more and more disappointing with each visit. I so much wanted to love this place because it is SO CLOSE to my apartment. However, each time I visit, the quality of the food diminishes. Don't believe me? Visit #1: I visited after first moving to Silver Spring, and took a friend to say thanks for helping me move.The service was outstanding. The food was the closest thing to Mexican that I have had here in a long time (native Arizonan saying this). And my margarita was tasty. Visit #2 (takeout): I wanted some nachos, and happened to stop by while I was walking home. The lady taking my order was rude. I think she was annoyed to be taking to-go orders, but oh well. My order was cooked really fast and I hurried home to enjoy. Oh man, these were some amazing nachos (native Arizonan saying this). Best of all, they separated the guacamole, pico, and sour cream so my nachos wouldn't get soggy. So sweet!! Visit #3 (takeout): I wanted more nachos! This time I ordered the Mi Ranchos Nacho (or Nachos Mi Ranchos, I don't remember) and they were missing the beans. WTF! Visit #4 (takeout): Alright, I am going to go back to my original nachos order: Nachos Rancheros. I open my container and see that the nachos are burned. The pico, guac, and sour cream is not separated. I have burnt, soggy nachos. *Tear. As you can see, Mi Rancho is on a decline. Also, you can see that I am a nacho fiend. I find this to be very upsetting because I really love nachos. *Sigh.
(2)
Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
Service! What service? I was really disappointed. The restaurant is right across from a parking garage, and on the side streets there's metered parking. We go inside sit at an uncomfortable flimsy chair, and check out the menu. It's standard tex mex fair. I'm not sure if it was the lunch menu( around 4pm) but there wasn't much offered. We check out the many options( note the sarcasm) settle on the shrimp fajitas, and after ordering are ignored. I didn't get 1 refill on my drink, neither did my companion. We get our food, and were told our waitress will bring our tortillas, we ordered fajitas. Never happened. Someone came to get our plates I complained, and she apologized. They remembered to bring the check of course. When leaving I asked to speak to the manager, told him what happened. He apologized, and said if you didn't like the service, then don't leave a tip. DUH! He said if we were to come back he hopes we have a better service. He then started talking about being tired from running in the cherry blossom race or something. I was very dissapointed. the food was ok. I'm from the SW I wouldn't say it's the best Mexican I've had. I think Cactus Cantina on Wisconsin Ave has better food, an the service is always awesome. I won't be back.
(1)
Melissa S.
I've been here twice now and honestly I've enjoyed this restaurant each time. During my most recent visit, as soon as my boyfriend and I walked through the door, we were instantly greeted by a smiling face. The gentleman made us laugh with a cute joke and then sat us very quickly. The service was fast and friendly. The steak fajitas are amazing. My boyfriend has said both times now "I need to know how they make their steak." The steak marinade is soooo yummy. I will definitely be coming back here when I'm in the mood for some Mexican.
(3)
Brian S.
Stopped in for lunch after church one Sunday. The food was pretty good - I had the chimichangas and have no complaints. Atmosphere was great - I will definitely be back with friends. Service was exceptional - dare I say it was too fast?
(4)
Kristen H.
I have eaten and gotten takeout here several times and it has never disappointed me. The portions are big and reasonably priced. I love getting the Burrito Santa Fe. I'm a big cheese person and that burrito has plenty of it and plenty of juicy ground beef. The owner and staff are pretty friendly. If you want great Mexican food they will not let you down.
(4)
Heike Y.
I am sorry to say that it really was just Meh. Everything about Mi Rancho was just average. Food, service, drinks and the sopapillas just bad ( a mess of thick dough) Nothing what they should be - light, fluffy pillow like fried dough. Will not be back.
(2)
Diana J.
Great mom and pop no frills place that has been around for years and years. Typical fare burritos, tamales, enchiladas, etc. Very affordable prices. Great staff they seem to work as a team. Chicken tortilla soup is nice and spicy. Tres leche cake tasted stale but interestingly the strawberries tasted fresh. I've ordered it twice and both times I was underwhelmed by the cake. Large portions. Great patio seating that I believe is heated during the winter.
(5)
Mike C.
I've been here a million times over the past ten years. The freshly made chips and salsa are the best in the entire DC area! All of the entrees are of high quality and the margaritas are awfully tasty. Throw in great service, an outdoor patio, and this is the perfect Mexican restaurant!
(5)
John W.
Best Tex Mex in the DMV and one of our favourite restaurants in Silver Spring. Great atmosphere, good Tex Mex and service is always excellent. The owner always comes to check on all the customers and the staff follow his lead.
(5)
Marge G.
Never disappoints- great place for groups- carne asada and fajitas are delicious. Best Mexican food in SS.
(5)
La F.
We are sitting here right now and the waitress told us that the bartender said we can make your drink but if you don't like it you still have to pay for it. Then my drink was not the drink I ordered. She said she will fix it but will just add ice and charge me more. The drinks are disgusting and VERY heavy on the liquor. It is not enjoyable. The waitress has no idea what she is doing wither.
(1)
F A.
Taco salad was terrible - chicken was bad quality and I don't know how you mess up a taco salad but I literally couldn't eat it. My husband got something else and it was ok so if I ever go back ill get that. don't get the taco salad!!
(2)
Kayla A.
Their carne asada is awesome. That's really all I can speak to because I get it faithfully whenever we go, as does the majority of my party. I will return here for the carne asada again and again. As far as the rest of the menu (and by that I mean drinks since I obviously already know my food order): I don't drink margaritas, but I have ordered sangria and pina coladas here. Wasn't impressed with either. One of the last times I was there, the server asked if I wanted the pina colada "with alcohol?" I thought that was obvious but the pina colada I got definitely tasted a lot stronger than the ones I had there previously. I'm not sure if they automatically assumed all the others were virgin drinks, but I will definitely be specifiying when I return.
(4)
Roy S.
This place gets 5 stars because i have been going here since i was 7 years old when it first opened. The menu hasnt really changed much but the owner (Albino) is nice as can be and still remembers my family whenever we show up. I personally prefer the mixed fajitas and the margaritas are pretty good also. This is a good place if you dont like spicy food and enjoy a good atmosphere...
(5)
David M.
I liked it. Service was real good, and I thought the fajitas were great. The steak far outperformed the chicken fajitas, however. Do not bother with the queso app. It's melted velveeta and is pretty wretched. Just stick with the salsa if you need something to dip your chips into :) I love the giant outdoor seating, and I like that they're not too fierce of a walk from the SS Metro station, making it easy to go down, have a few beers, and just hop a train home. There seems to be ample parking around, but I am sure it's all paid parking. i personally loved the tamales. Best i've had in town so far, but I'm sure that will change as I venture out more since moving into the area.
(4)
Libby F.
Many, many years ago I taught at a little Catholic school not far from here. The owner of Mi Rancho's daughter attended this school. It just so happened that the much revered principal, Sister Mary Raymond was a huge foodie. That being said, the owner of Mi Rancho would often send over a platter of food (enchiladas, tacos, rice, guac. etc...) for the staff's lunchtime pleasure. Even though I live only 1.2 miles away, I still don't make a conscious effort to dine here. Maybe more so in the summer when the patio is open and the pitchers of margaritas go down like water in the Sahara. Mmmm, they hit the spot! On that note, I agree with Kathleen M.'s comment: The food is solid. After returning from Mexico less than two weeks prior I was really looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with my fellow Yelpers (Really, just ANY excuse to drink!). I only had the cheese quesadillas, and they were...solid. I like the white (Mexican?)cheese they use. More pico de gallo and guacamole accompanying it would have made me happier; in Mexico, you don't usually get sour cream with your food. I'm still looking for an authentic Mexican place here in DC. That doesn't mean I'll say adios to Mi Rancho. I like it here. I just want the true Mexican dining experience again.
(4)
Mike V.
Not bad for East Coast mexican food. Distrito Federal is the gold standard. but it's a little over priced and under flavored, obvious trying not to blow out it's predominantly pale clientelle. Regardless, the salsa is very good and so are the chips. The large plates are not that large, but surprisingly filling. The service is marginal. Probably because they let them watch Euro Cup on the TV near the bar (but hell, i was in food service, it's little things like that that make it all tolerable to begin with)
(3)
Nat B.
In a place like Silver Spring where Mexican restaurants are in abundance, this local chain isn't half-bad. The food's pretty good, although some are a bit pricier than others. The margaritas are a mixed bag though. The first round of drinks were top-notch, but the second round had half of the drinks that were drowning in tequila and the other half were virgins. They were cool about it and replaced them all quickly. It should be noted we ate here during Cinco de Mayo, and the place was PACKED. We didn't wait too long though, so I'd come back again if we're in need of a mexican fix.
(3)
Heather K.
Hmm well what is there to say? I think this place rides on the fact that they have a big name and are well known in the area. I also should have known this wasn't going to be the best considering almost no one there was Latino ( granted I am a white suburban woman so I know that it might sound hypocritical but if a Mexican place is full with white people it probably isn't super authentic). The chips and salsa were the highlight. I ordered vegetarian fajitas and there was almost no peppers or onions on my hot plate..... super strange. The frozen margaritas were also made so that they were difficult to sip and once they melted down they were very watery.... waste of money. My opinion: There are plenty of places in DC, Wheaton and PG that don't have a big name but have better and less expensive food.
(2)
Mary Kay S.
Stop Number Three on the South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. Laura and I were joined by Kevin L. (let's call him "Mexican Curious"). Mi Rancho has strong margaritas, a bit on the sweet side, though you'll barely notice after the first one is gone. EXCELLENT chips -- light and crispy. The salsa was a bit dull. We opted for a more substantial appetizer -- the vegetarian flameado. This is a fancy queso, with queso blanco, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Wow. Take some of that buttery, melty goodness and plop it on one of those freshly made tortillas, and that is pure decadent heaven. Speaking of those tortillas -- they were so good. SO much better than the ones Lauriol Plaza's retarded machine spits out. These tortillas actually made the meal. Everything is better when paired with a fresh tortilla. I got the tacos al carbon, sticking with my obsession for grilled beef wrapped in a tortilla. Chunky, spicy guacamole, with big pieces of fresh jalapeno. Spanish rice -- dull; it had the tomato base, but no other flavors. The charro beans were tasty. Kevin says they were salty -- no doubt he is right, but aren't they usually? Next to the tortillas, the best part about this place is the atmosphere. The manager greeted us with charm, the wait staff was very accommodating, and the decor was "cute" without being too much so. The gigantic patio inspired much speculation about what Cinco de Mayo would be like here -- I picture quite a fun party, with mariachis and swirling cotton skirts. I like Mi Rancho. It fills a previously unrecognized void in my psyche for a certain type of Mexican atmosphere. Plus I can eat perfectly decent Mexican food while I'm there. Update: 5/8/08 -- we did in fact come back to Mi Rancho for Cinco de Mayo. As expected, the patio was packed with people, with lines waiting to get in. BUT (and this is a big but), there were no specials, no music, and some of the food was dumbed down to make it easier on the kitchen (e.g. store-bought tortillas for the tacos al carbon). Too bad that great patio had to go to waste.
(3)
Michelle C.
I went once and won't go back. The service was terrible. The food was mediocre at best and my shrimp were way overcooked. The prices were high for the quality.
(1)
Lori R.
The margaritas are delicious. $6 each, but delicious. The service was great. I called ahead to let them know I'd be coming with a party of 12. Turns out that more people came than expected and we ended up with a party of 20. They were very accommodating and had no problem adding extra tables and chairs as needed. They even sang happy birthday to me. The only negative is that they will only give you one check per table. Fortunately they will take several forms of payment, but it can be frustrated to reconcile the bill with a large group. The food wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was good and I would return.
(4)
Kevin L.
I've gotta second MK on this one. The fresh tortillas make everything better here. And... if anyone else is going to a Cinco de Mayo party here, I'm so in. I couldn't decide between all of the various options they had here, so I went with one of the combination platters - the Plata Maria. This included a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a beef soft taco, and a pork tamale, along with sides of rice and beans. You know what it's like when you go to a Korean restaurant... when they bring out the banchan and suddenly your table goes from empty to overflowing? Yeah - it was like that, but with Mexican food. They brought out my relleno, and there was so much stuff on the plate that I thought it was my meal. Then they brought out the second plate covered with more food. And then they brought out my beans and could barely find any room to put it. Although the food was supremely edible, it wasn't anything particularly fantastic. I enjoyed the chile relleno the most - we couldn't tell whether it was the poblano or the queso blanco it was stuffed with, but there was a perfect heat to it. Spicy enough to make my nose bead up with sweat a little, but not enough to make my eyes tear up with pain. Plus, the portion was absolutely enormous! I could have easily made a meal out of just that! I can't say I'd go this out of my way for Tex-Mex food on a whim, but there's nothing like throwing back a pitcher of strong margarita and noshing on chips and salsa with some fun friends after a long day of work. The service and the kitsch at Mi Rancho make it an ideal environment for doing exactly that.
(3)
Sean R.
Literally the best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've *been* to both Mexico and Texas. The manager and owner are both very personable, and will make the rounds of the tables to ensure your enjoyment. I very clearly remember a gentleman eating with his family there years ago. He stood up and shook the manager's hand, saying, "I live in San Antonio, and *this* is the best Mexican food I've *ever* had." I used to eat at Mi Rancho three times a week when I lived in Silver Spring. I've been living in Virginia for over 10 years now and still make several pilgrimage several times a year. Why? Because it's worth it. Enchiladas? Nachos? The fajitas and steak? Nothing else compares. Even their salsa and chips are the best, made fresh on site! Do yourself a favor, por favor, and try Mi Rancho next time you're in the neighborhood. -Sean Richey
(5)
K K.
First of all, I am forever indebted to this place for being the only restaurant I could find open during the huge snow storm in 2009. And it did not disappoint!! I've always had great service here. I love the sangria. The porch area is a fun place to hang out and have a drink on a hot day. I enjoy their salads and the tamales are excellent as well.
(4)
Aya D.
Good food, fast service and friendly people. The pricing is fair too, which is always nice, especially in the current economy.
(4)
Jake K.
Ok - I had been to this place many times while I frequented my friend's place in the towers right next to the restaurant. This of course was back in the days of yore when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant stationed in Richmond and desiring a bit more diverse social scene than Shockoe Bottom had to offer. Enter Mi Rancho. Now, after living in California as a child and then coming back to live in Las Vegas briefly as a college student, I learned what decent Mexican food was. Decent Mexican (or even Tex-Mex for that matter since apparently there needs to be a differentiation) doesn't not require heavy loads of cheese, beans, and corn mash. As a matter of fact, half of Mexico eats pintos, the other half eats black beans! But you don't always see the difference. Mi Rancho's only redeeming quality was the fact that tortillas were made fresh. That's about it. Otherwise the food was inconsistent, it smacked of Americanism, and frankly, the salsa tasted too tomatoey. I would have preferred a tad more cilantro. The only thing I walked out of there liking was the queso dip - I always have a weakness for that stuff. Otherwise, I don't go back because the price is too high for the quality of food there.
(3)
Li D.
Mi Rancho is a large restaurant in Silver Spring. Their menu is extensive, with burritos, tacos, guacamole, etc. The food is prepared in a typical American-interpreted Mexican style. We had dinner there last Friday night, about 6 pm. Their outdoor patio seating is comfortable, even in the winter, because it is somewhat enclosed and they have large outdoor gas heaters running all the time. It's a large space, so I imagine the volume gets a bit loud too, later in the evening as the patio fills up with diners. At 6 pm on a Friday night, however, the patio was relatively empty. Still, we had difficulty hearing our waiter as he seemed to barely speak above a whisper. The margaritas were good, but nothing to write home about. The chips and salsa were also good. I ordered the hard tacos with beef dinner. It was adequate. The dinner comes with three hard tacos, rice, and sour cream, lettuce, etc. on the side. The rice was inedible. The tacos were just so-so.
(2)
Fu P.
This place is good, cheap mexican. Don't go looking for a gourmet meal, but it excels at what it's supposed to: strong margaritas and good tacos, enchiladas, etc...
(4)
Michael O.
We have had dinner here numerous times and the food is consistently excellent. I really am fond of their margaritas, they are great, almost the best I have had. The only complaint is that the service is sometimes hit or miss, never really bad, but sometimes kind of slow towards the end waiting for the check. The outside patio area is nice in good weather, but can be noisy sometimes because of families who dont control their children and let them run around and make alot of noise.
(5)
M N.
I've been twice, and the food was very good both times. The margaritas (Cadillac variety) were excellent. Will certainly be back again.
(4)
CaShawn T.
I recently went to this restaurant for the first time for my friend's birthday. We had a large group and we dined outside on their spacious patio. It was pretty hot and the servers were great when we requested to move closer to their big fans to keep cool. The food was great! Very authentic and the taste was awesome. The drinks were on point. Margaritas were perfect. The servers were friendly and very helpful. The place was nice looking and comfortable. The inside was kind of dark, so I was glad that we had our gathering outside. It was a happy time for us all. There is street parking and a public garage across the street. I'm not sure how far it is away from a Metro station, but it can't be too far since it's in Downtown Silver Spring. I gladly recommend this restaurant and hope to go back again soon.
(4)
R B.
A great place for food in Silver Spring. The chips and salsa are wonderful- very Rio Grande-esque. We tried a variety of food and all were delicious, esp the chile relleno. The margarita could have been better, but was still nice. Wonderful outdoor area to enjoy when the weather is nice.
(4)
Brian D.
Very middle of the road. Non-distinct Tex-Mex place. Way overpriced for what it is, but super convenient for people who live in downtown Silver Spring. Not bad, just uninspiring.
(3)
Zachary H.
Extremely tacky Mexican restaurant? Yes. Did I like it? Absolutely! Mi Rancho will probably not be your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant and it's not like that place you went to that one night when you were out too late in Tijuana. What Mi Rancho is, is a decent neighborhood Mexican restaurant, serving up all the classics. It's a popular Silver Spring restaurant -- it was packed last night when we went (a Wednesday night). It also has friendly service and is reasonably priced. So - last night was our first night at Mi Rancho. We were both being boring and ordered the same dish - the beef burritos and a margarita. Both were good and generously portioned! The customary chips and salsa were also served. The chips were thin and baked, which I like, and I think the salsa was homemade -- also good! We'll definitely be back to Mi Rancho. After the positive experience with the beef burritos, I'm looking forward to trying other things on the menu! The outdoor patio is also very inviting for a lazy summer Saturday afternoon! Can't wait!
(4)
Willy W.
I've eaten here many times as it was right next to work. It's nice to eat outside when weather permits. The food is okay, nothing spectacular but pretty good nonetheless. I've had the fajitas, fish, burritos, and many other things. The home-made tortillas and chips are good.
(3)
Greg W.
Great food (best mexican around) Great Drinks (sangria and mexican beer make everyone happy) Great Atmosphere (patio in summer, and sombrero birthday songs) Great place to go for dinner on a Friday night!
(4)
Alexis K.
Ever seen a waiter afraid? Ask a Mi Rancho employee if they can do breakfast tacos. No super vibe, good food (a bit overpriced), limited drink menu.
(2)
Allison R.
Sangria...I love their sangria! Red or white it is awesome!! O and the food is good too. The food is nothing spectacular it's your normal tex-mex stuff. They start you off with chips and salsa which is great to snack on while drinking your sangria and waiting for your food! It's a great spot to go in the summer or spring/fall on a really nice evening because they have a great outdoor patio that is really perfect for hanging out in, drinking, eating slowly and hanging with friends. It's a great little place - away from some of the hustle/bustle of Silver Spring - a nice spot with good food and awesome sangria!
(4)
Beatrice G.
We have frequented MiRancho for many years and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food or the service. The managers are friendly, and make you feel like you are part of the family. While in Dallas last year, we visited the "first" Tex Mex restaurant founded in the United States and hand's down, MiRancho had them beat. They were good but Mi Rancho in my opinion is much better. Try it, you won't be disappointed. The fajita dishes are better than I have ever had anywhere.
(5)
Stephanie M.
Nothing new in this review. The chips and salsa are remarkably good as is the chicken chimichanga. I think it must be the type of oil they are using because while both were thin and crispy they weren't oily which is something most places here seem to have a problem with. I went at lunch and the server and hostess were nice. We were in and out in under an hour which makes me extremely happy during my lunch break. I'd go back and try something else. My only complaint is one of my coworkers loves to have sour cream with her fajitas but since it's not part of the meal typically she would have to pay $1.50 to get a bowl. This seems like over kill when they could just drizzle a little on the plate. But as most people have noted they make no exceptions of any kind what so ever. This seems a bit sad since when we arrived it appeared everyone knew my coworker which tells you they can't spare a little side of sour cream for a regular?
(3)
Lisa M.
I've been here many times over the years and usually stick to a chicken fajitas. A few times i've got the fish. frankly the best thing about this place are the tortillas, and they are really good. otherwise it's above average, and the drinks are great. It's fun, nothing fancy.
(4)
Rosemarie F.
We come here for business lunches on a regular basis. Everyone seems to enjoy it. I always get the Santa Fe Buritto, which I really enjoy. Have to agree with other Yelpers that the chips are greasy, although very fresh and warm when they come to the table. Love the salsa! I could just drink it out of the bowl!! Ok, not a great visual............. The truly nice thing about this place is the open patio, however gets a bit noisey if you are having a business type lunch. I bet this would be a great place for Happy Hour on a nice day. They also have a smaller room downstairs that we have rented out for private functions that I believe can seat up to 25-30 people.
(3)
Dave C.
Very good food and attentive service every time we have been there. It can get loud, so its great to take kids, they won't seem annoying to other diners.
(4)
Bobby G.
How does this only have three stars? My wife and I do carry out from here all the time, it's delish. Highly recommended.
(5)
Josh O.
I've now been here twice, and feel comfortable saying that Mi Rancho is good for sitting outside and having a couple beers, but not much else. My first taste was exactly that: sitting outside having a couple beers after work while I waited to meet a friend. For that it was perfect. Though I ordered a tamale for a snack and found it lackluster at the very best (oh how I miss San Francisco's tamale man!). Last night we went back for dinner. I had the Camarones Rancheros, Jessi had Alfredo's Plate, and her sister Becky had ...something else. My camarones were actually pretty good, but everything else was on a level with the tamales I ate before: boring and oddly bland and dry (except for the chile ranchero which was deep fried and therefore oddly rich). So like I said, good for drinks outside, but not much else. If I want Tex Mex I'll go to Austin Grill; I'm still trying to find a place where I can get Mex Mex.
(2)
Martin B.
Came here a week or so ago with some friends. We were hungry for some food before seeing a movie at the Majestic. We didn't want boring old (but nonetheless delicious) Chipotle, and we weren't really feeling the Chick-fil-A. We wanted something a little more... real. So my friend suggested Mi Rancho. Coming in on a Saturday night the place was packed, but we were able to get a seat in due time. The host was friendly and funny, and from the get go I had a pretty good impression of the place. Service was a bit slower than I'd like, but friendly. My friends raved about the (virgin) margaritas. I myself had a shirley temple... quite good. The chips they brought out were delicious, good old fashioned Tex-Mex chips. They were quite filling though; I ordered the soft chicken tacos (It's an order of three) and I could only finish 2.5 tacos. My friend got them with ground beef and liked them; my other pal got the carne asada. In all, if you're looking for some tex mex in Silver Spring but don't want Austin Grill or the heaviness of Chipotle, check out Mi Rancho.
(3)
J C.
Mary Kay S., Laura V. and I decided to celebrate the (slight) drop in the summertime temperature with our latest South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza (SotBQ[oG]CCDTaGE) outing. Both my dining companions had been here before and were excited to come back for no other reason than to indulge in the majesty that is the cheese plug (see below). I started out with a Negro Modelo which was brought to me in a frosted glass and subsequently downed in a matter of minutes due to the heat. I was about halfway through with my beer when the aforementioned cheese plug came. Now, the official name for our appetizer is the flameado--baked cheese with mushrooms, peppers and onions. Mary Kay S. and Laura V. had it previously and named it the cheese plug, for the fact that this cheesy monstrosity pretty much plugs up your stomach upon consumption. We grabbed fresh, hot flour tortillas and proceeded to dig in. You can easily split one cheese plug four ways, and probably more. I should warn you that the cheese plug effect is like getting two kinds of full body hugs. The first hug (taking those first few glorious bites) is like getting a full body hug from a new lover. You never want it to end, and you're wondering at what point ass cuppage is acceptable. The second hug is when the plug proceeds to hug your stomach like that creepy coworker who doesn't get the meaning of "personal space intrusion" and likes to give interoffice hugs and unsolicited shoulder rubs. And smells kinda funny (the coworker, not the appetizer). We were all breathing pretty heavily before our entrees arrived. It's definitely an experience to be had (and shared!). For dinner, I settled on the steak tacos el carbon, which came with guac, rice, and pico de gallo. Mary Kay got the Tijuana platter and Laura chose veggie fajitas (and wryly noted that the menu also offers vegetable fajitas "with meat," which sounds juuuust a bit counterintuitive). Our food was brought promptly and we proceeded to dig in. They definitely didn't skimp on the steak, and the portions were quite generous. While the steak was nice and juicy, I felt it could have benefited from some additional seasoning. They were somewhat on the bland side and could have used a bit of a kick. But this is a minor nitpick, and I'd certainly order them again. The fact that I broke out in "meat sweats" halfway through was testament to their quality. I was honestly so stuffed from the cheese plug and the steak tacos that I was only able to put a small dent into the guac and pico de gallo (both were fresh and tasty) and didn't even touch the rice. You definitely get a lot of food for your money and there are a LOT of choices on the menu that should satisfy even the most picky, finicky diner in your party. Service is fast and friendly, and I think about three or four different people greeted us both coming and going. All seemed genuinely happy that we chose to dine here. The atmosphere is definitely laid back. The verdict: you know how your bowels reflexively cramp whenever someone says "Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast"? I have a feeling that my stomach and any mention of the words "cheese plug" will have a similarly symbiotic relationship from here on out. I looked at the empty cheese plug dish right before the server cleared our plates, and I swore it was looking right at me. Like this was a Hong Kong action film, and I was the renegade cop who plays by his own rules, and the cheese plug was this cagey but honorable Triad boss. We're mortal enemies, but for one, brief moment before we proceeded to shoot the hell out of the abandoned warehouse, we stood in awe of each other and weren't afraid to show mutual respect. On a more serious note, I can easily recommend Mi Rancho. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and there's more than enough choices to satisfy everyone in your party (including vegetarians).
(4)
Jaemie D.
I used to come here with my family as a teenager growing up. I remember when it was a small restaurant with a limited patio area in the summer. Now it's grown in size (patio area) but still keeps the feeling of a small Tex-Mex restaurant. The patio area is great- I went on a perfect night where it wasn't too humid. The food is general Tex-Mex fare, nothing surprising or new on the menu. Their combo platters are a good deal if you are hungry, but you can easily get a good quesadilla or soft taco dinner and not go away hungry or totally unsatisfied. The drinks are not their strong point- or at least their margharitas. I've had better drinks at other places in DC. The food overall was decent, but nothing special. If you are in the mood for Tex-Mex and like specific generic fare, you'd probably feel right at home. The one factor that makes this place stand out would be the outdoor patio option.
(2)
Sidney S.
The margaritas are great but the food was just average and overpriced.
(3)
Latise B.
Mi Rancho is a great step up from the Don Pablos, On the Border fare. Its not the best "authentic" fare I've ever had, but its good tex mex. I've been here 3 times and I thought the portion sizes were good. I've always been absolutely stuffed when I leave. I enjoyed my margarita here, as well as the ribeye steak, the chicken and beef enchiladas (twice). The fried cheesecake dessert and sopapillas were also tasty. We usually get carne asada nachos, which isn't the largest serving portion I've ever had, but like I said, i'm stuffed when I leave there so it must be fine. We started going here when a friend of mine found that this restaurant serves carne asada that is very close to the churrasco we enjoy in Puerto Rico. The parking is actually pretty good--there is a garage that is very close to the restaurant. We've never had to wait long for a table, even on a Friday night and the restaurant is also able to hold multiple larger groups, which is a plus. I want to give this spot a 4, but I can't bring myself to do it. I've certainly had better tex-mex/mexican in the area, so 3 stars it is!
(3)
Angela M.
Yeah, I missed the bus. Silly me. I decided last minute that I was actually going to get up the gall to meet with the other Yelpers without having an action plan. I really thought I was going to recognize people, but 1) I'm an idiot and 2) apparently, I'm face blind. I dunno! I'm so, so glad I talked my new roomies into coming for moral support, since I have a tad of social anxiety. God love you Alisha & Chris!! Otherwise, you may have seen a blond someone curled up in a ball on the stairs crying; that would have been me. We showed up at like 6:45pm and looked around, checked the reservation list and recognized nothing. I couldn't tell if anyone recognized me or if I was just getting looks because my head was on spin like the exorcist. We got a table on the patio and ordered a pitcher of Margaritas. Oh, they were good - I'm so sad I was DD!! I had one and started feeling the effects, so I had to give the rest to Alisha. The chips and salsa were delicious! The service was kinda slow, but the place was so busy because of Cinco de Mayo, that it didn't matter. Plus, the company was great, so I really didn't notice. I brought hubbs the Jalisco Platter since he couldn't join us and he inhaled it in 8 minutes. He loved it! I really liked my Maria Platter as well, but it seemed that he enjoyed his more. Our cool roomies bought our meal for us so that was awesome. Some of the food is FANTASTICALLY yummy, some is not as good. I would say this is an average place, but there are many reasons to come back. The salsa, the relaxed ambiance, the outdoor patio on a cool evening, the margaritas and to order the good stuff.
(3)
Carolyn P.
I come here all the time, and I don't expect that to change unless I move. This place is a godsend if, like me, you are a celiac who loves some Tex-Mex. I usually get nachos or enchiladas, and I've never been disappointed. It's pretty basic, but in a good way. The decor is also festive and cute. The ceviche is surprisingly good, better than I've had at more upscale places. The meats are seasoned just right, and so far with things I'm not allergic to, which is fantastic. It's also huge, lots of outdoor and indoor seating -- I had a birthday party here once and they were great to us.
(4)
Kathleen M.
I'm not a mexican food fan by nature. Sure, I love a cheesy enchilada as much as the next girl, but I don't crave rice and beans like steak and potatoes. But, give me some fine yelpers and a holiday to celebrate an obscure war in another country as an excuse to drink margaritas? Well then, I'm in! There's a parking garage right across from Mi Rancho that charges a mere $0.60/hour. Not sure why they didn't just up that to a full dollar, but I guess that's the 'burbs for you. I could smell the fajitas from around the corner and I was excited. The place was pretty busy, as to be expected on Cinco de Mayo. What I didn't expect was all of the kids! I mean, isn't Cinco de Mayo all about margaritas? Why bring your screaming 2 year old out for that? The patio was loud but overall contributed to a fun, casual vibe: perfect for the fabulous 70-something days we've been having. I first ordered a frozen strawberry margarita, and it tasted typical. Super sweet, can't really tell if there's any tequila in there. The on-the-rocks version we got in pitcher form later in the evening was much better, but you could still tell it was made with a mix with no fresh lime juice. Bummer. My food was solid: I got a fajita platter with chicken, steak, and shrimp. The steak was by far the best-- very well seasoned and juicy. The shrimp was difficult to eat as they had left the shell on. Rice was lackluster and while the guac was good I wished they had given me more of it (although that's always the case). The tortillas were super tasty as well. Service did as best they could-- we were an ever-growing party, ordering at staggered times, all on Cinco de Mayo. Silver Spring's out of the way for me but if I was in the area and strangely craving Mexican, I'd definitely stop back in. This may have been closer to a 4-star place on any other night.
(3)
N S.
Mi Rancho is just ok. Part of the reason I return is that I love the outdoor patio. They are definitely working with a great space and when you throw in some mariachis that someone has hired for a gathering - even better. Side note: I want to be serenaded on a balcony by mariachis. How tight is that. You are chilling and you hear a trumpet start blasting outside and run to the balcony to find a 10 person mariachi band. If there is any guy out there who could see doing that for a young lady, please contact me. I am single, but I digress. I also really like the owner of Mi Rancho. Had a crush on him for years now, Very friendly, polite, debonnaire, and Argentine, I believe, but don't quote me on that. Overall, Mi Rancho I would recommend for a social gathering particularly in the spring/summer. It does tend to get packed so plan accordingly. ps. Oh, yes. The fresh tortillas are AWESOME. I could eat them plain.
(3)
Feyi B.
One of my fave mexican spots. Food is very tasty, My sis and I like to split the dish for two. Cant remember what its called, but its $40 and feeds two. Their drinks are very, VERY tasty. I've ordered many diff flavors and I've yet to be disappointed. The owner also comes around to check on us, which is nice.
(5)
Jane Y.
It was another one of those company lunches. The owner of the restaurant was extremely nice. a little too enthusiastic but I enjoyed it. It made me feel really welcome. The environment was very spring break mexico..(maybe its just me). They have a tortilla maker out in the front which i thought was cool. You know where your tortillas are coming from! neways...free chips and salsa as always. Love it as always. The salsa tasted extremely fresh. My boss ordered a side of nacho cheese, which looks cool cuz it came in a heated stone bowl. I ordered a Carne A Pollo ala Jardin. The chicken was really juicy the veggies were crunchy. YUMMAYYY. I generally dont really like beans..i've only liked chipotle beans (yeah sue me). I didnt like their beans either. soo..i dont know what that piece of information could do for you..but there it is. The tortilla tasted fresh (duh). The price was really good for lunch. only $10.95 for that big whole plate of meat and veggies plus sides and tortilla. it's def worth a try. I wanted a margarita, but since i was with my coworkers and boss..it would have been inappropriate. I did see one tho, and it was HUGE. I definitely recommend this place if u love HUGE margaritas, yummy meat, fresh tortilla and over-enthusiastic workers.
(4)
Jade T.
3.5 Stars I went here for Laura V's Cinco de Mayo dinner. Mi Rancho was PACKED but they had no specials. No live music either. How disappointing ... I enjoyed my vegetarian enchiladas and fajitas. They weren't too sloppy or greasy. The portions were large. The vegetables in those dishes were varied (broccoli, zucchini, onions, etc). The tortillas were hot and chewy. Definitely not your average Taco Bell garbage. Even though the service was sporadic, there were plenty of waitstaff buzzing around our table. It was odd to find out that vegetarian dishes TAKE LONGER to cook than meat dishes. Huh? I've never been a huge fan of Tex-Mex, but this place isn't bad. I certainly recommend it over nearby chain eateries. After all, you are getting bored of Chipotle, aren't you?
(3)
Jeff W.
A very conflicting place. On one hand, there are several things here that are absolutely exceptional. The tortillas, for one. Fresh, fluffy, warm. An absolute treat. The main entrees are pretty good too. I got the aptly named "Chicken Breast" entree, which was cooked close to perfection. Came on a sizzling platter; juicy, great flavor, nice char. Also, the guacamole (just the side, not an entire bowl with chips) was fresh made, and delicious! I don't know that I've ever gotten a side of guacamole, and had a chunk of real avocado in it. On the OTHER hand, some of stuff is complete crap! The rice, beans, salsa, and queso were all pretty poor. The queso supposedly tastes like velveeta, though it's been too many years since I've last had that disgusting "cheese food" to really make a valid comparison. It reminded me of the cheese that came with handy snacks, which my mom would pack in my lunches way back when. That is not a good thing. Non-refrigerated dairy is disconcerting to me. I will not judge this place on the poor service, because it was Cinco de Mayo, and the staff was clearly overworked. Our waiter was hustling, though we were constantly in need of something, be it silverware, waters, menus...or even food, for those who chose a vegetable entree which apparently takes longer to cook than a chicken breast?? Not the quintessential mexican restaurant, but there were definitely a few noteworthy highlights of excellence. Thanks again to Laura for organizing a fun event with everyone!
(3)
Assistant F.
I visited Mi Rancho for the first time yesterday and it was decent. I loved the fresh tortillas, they were delicious and I loved the fact that you can see them being made. I ordered the 1lb fajita to share with my friend, although the portion size was very good I didn't think it was worth the price. I did not enjoy the magarita that I got at all, it was watery and there was just too much salt on the rim. Overall the experience was ok , I do plan on trying them again in the future but I'm not in a hurry to do so.
(3)
Michelle P.
I figured that on Cinco de Mayo, and Mi Rancho being a Mexican restaurant there would be fantastic specials and deals. Well i was severely disappointed. There were no happy hour specials at all! Not even normal ones! But it was still a great place to meet up with some fellow yelpers for some Mexican fun :) I got the beef quesadillas, and was expecting some kind of taco beef inside them. I was excited when they were actually steak! It came with a little side of pico, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. The quesadillas were nothing exciting, and since I'm not really a guac fan i didn't try it until i was actually done. Then I realized what i was missing! IT WAS FANTASTIC. And for someone who doesn't like guac, that must mean it was unbelievable! I highly recommend the guac. The chips were good, and while we didn't have the "cheese plug" i did try the generic queso, which pretty much tasted like melted Velveeta. I was really not impressed. I didn't get a margarita, but i tried the white sangria. Since I'm notorious for spilling ALL over myself, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that they have the white sangria option.. this way nobody will notice when i inevitably spill. I was also pleased with the maraschino cherries that were in the bottom. Overall i would say that Mi Rancho was good, but nowhere near the best Mexican food I've ever had
(3)
Chuck K.
A terrific Tex-Mex restaurant. Reasonably priced with terrific food and generous portions. Been a customer for almost 8 years now. Lunch service is fast and its easy to get in and out during a standard lunch time. Its also a great place for those group lunches so common in business. The chips and salsa are to die for and, if you aren't careful, you won't leave enough room for the delicious food. Service is wonderful and very customer focused. They have an outdoor patio, with heaters when needed. Its covered and has clear flaps to really extend their seating and the outdoor season.
(5)
Amanda B.
Food is overall pretty good. Sometimes they fall victim to putting way too much cheese on things and filling your plate with the rice and beans that you will have no room to eat. Their guacamole is really disappointing -- Chipotle's tastes fresher! Still, the food is a step up from chains like Austin Grill. What is great about Mi Rancho is the feel of the restaurant. The patio has such a nice festive feel, and with the heaters, you can even enjoy it in the winter. It's definitely worth going to just to sit on the patio and enjoy a nice night or happy hour with friends.
(3)
Dan D.
Great casual Mexican food. I always get the carne asada platter. Their margaritas are also delicious. Fun place to gather with friends
(4)
Frank V.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. I like an authentic taste and atmosphere and Mi Rancho hits the mark. For starters, their salsa and chips are the best in town, mildly spicy and full of flavor. I've tried several dishes here but my favorite is the Carne Asada. It is absolutely delicious, juicy and with a distinctive salty iron taste and nothing else on top to drown out the flavor of the beef. The fajitas are also excellent and so are the Margaritas, albeit a bit sweet for those who prefer them over their tart alternative. Service is always good too, and there is ample seating, indoors and out on the large patio. The only issue is parking but I'm not going to fault the restaurant for that.
(5)
Damon B.
We were extremely happy to find Mi Rancho! The weather was great and we sat on the patio. The food was fresh, the ambiance was fun and relaxed, and the drinks were well-prepared. Chips and salsa are delivered free to your table, and the chips are freshly cooked...not old and stale. We ordered some guacamole and it was okay, not amazing. On the other hand, we loved the crunchy tacos, the enchilladas (my fave), and the fajitas. All were freshly prepared and came with generous quantities of beans and rice. The beans were NOT from a can and the rice was fresh! I was really impressed. I was also impressed by the drinks. We had a pitcher of sangria, which was flavorful. We had a pitcher of margarita, which tasted pretty fresh, and we had beers. The beers come with a frosted glass that was welcome on the warm summer evening. Mi Rancho is the best Mexican restaurant I've visited so far in DC. We would definitely go back! Note that this is an excessively kid friendly place. I mean, there were droves of kids. That is the one downside. There were also droves of people getting their drinking on, so it was that kind of mixed and crazy environment.
(5)
Greg C. H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Silver Spring..... Get the lobster tail and steak fajitas with a margarita & thank me later....
(5)
Brian G.
Great for outdoor drinks. The food seems to be going down hill somewhat. Great service though, friendly atmosphere. If you're lucky enough to be there when the tortilla maker is working order the fresh tortilla, they are EXCELLENT.
(3)
Rhianna B.
I went here after moving to the area. It has decent sangria at a reasonable price but their food is disgusting. We had the salsa which tasted worse than what comes in a jar and the queso dip which tasted like the cheese packet from velveeta macaroni and cheese. I will never go back to this place.
(1)
Mr. O.
I LOVE this place! I go at least once every two weeks! Shirley Temple and the enchiladas! I am a lover of Mexican food and this place has some of the best I've ever had. I don't know if this one guy is a manager owner or what, but he is nice and always interacting with his customers for just the perfect amount of time lol not to long and not to short. I've even seen him on a few occasions assist with bringing out food and taking orders and the place wasn't even packed. Now about the food which is also AMAZING is what keeps bringing me back! I'm even going back today.
(5)
Stephen M.
Finally, a place that deserves to call itself a Mexican restaurant in the DMV! Growing up in CA and now living in MD, having quality, reasonably-priced Mexican food was a given whenever I vacationed back home. But no place around DC measured up--not in terms of quality, fresh ingredients, taste, or value. Well, it's DC, so I was willing to partially forgo value. Now, at least I no longer have to wait for a vacation to get a traditional Mexican meal. After an unsatisfying string of attempts to find good Mexican food around town, we tried Mi Ranchero on a Saturday night. Packed, but still quick service and fast seating. The place does not try to be anything beyond what it is--simple decor, great service, and food and drinks that compare very favorably to anywhere else in the area. Menu has all the favorites, and they are willing to substitute this for that, if you ask. Chips and salsa are among the best I have had, and freshly made tortillas are a huge improvement over the store-bought / frozen ones other places hope you don't notice. Manager works the floor, making sure things are smooth and that customers never feel rushed. He knows how to ensure customers are getting what they want fairly quickly. Attention vegetarians--the pinto (brown) beans have pork in them, but the refried beans and black beans do not. Order accordingly, vegetarian brothers and sisters, since it is not explicit on the menu (at least not that we saw). But if you're a veg and goof it up, they will replace the pinto beans in favor of something else at no charge and without hassle. (Would be cooler if they had a box on the menu of veg options, but that's not why most folks come to Mexican places. Speaking of which, the on-line menu differs slightly from a perhaps newer, in-restaurant menu, but the changes are not significant.) Would I take a client here or host a business lunch here? Doubtful because of the noise and packed seating, but for a large family or pre-movie dinner, this place is hard to beat. It is within easy walking / stumbling distance of just about everything in the area, including the Majestic. Dinner and drinks for 2 will set you back around $60. More than fair (in DMV, anyway) for what you get. Will def return.
(5)
Joanna C.
Mi Rancho isn't a great place. My husband and I thought we'd give it a try, but I was disappointed. The food was eh, nothing special. No real flavor. Tortilla chips served at the table were cold. The only thing they had going was that they made their own tortillas. I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Nick A.
I have been a a few times now, for impromptu dinner and for absolutely necessary hangover noms - I have yet to be disappointed, and am typically impressed every time. The food is delicious (although not particularly authentic, in my experience, if that sort of thing is really important to you) and the portions are big; we always end up with food to take home. Particularly delicious are the flour tortillas that come with several menu items - we couldn't stop eating the fluffy little bastards. My next step will be to stop in and get some of those by themselves! The service is always good, and usually great. The staff is pleasant and very quick to bring around food. Managers always seem to be wandering around to check on you and to make sure you are being taken care of - and not in that usual obtrusive kind of way. It's just a great experience. So, not particularly upscale or authentic, but it is delicious and has a reasonable price point with great service. Would recommend, and will be back.
(4)
Shon W.
The food is good and the staff is very nice and with good customer service. However the owner Jose, is very rude and could learn a few things about good customer service from his staff. I have only been to Mi Rancho Silver Spring twice. The second time I ordered nachos and they were burned. I tasted them anyway bc nachos sometimes get a little burned but they had a scorched taste which made the food unpleasant. So I called and spoke with another manager who took my information and told me to come get a new order the next day. When I came in to get my replacement order, they said I needed a receipt which I forgot but I had pictures and the staff remembered me. They remade the order which was also burned and I said I didn't want to get home and have the same effect. A waitress said that's the way they melt the cheese on the nachos with the broiler and it sometimes burns them but they can just melt the cheese and pour it on top. The manager Jose starts to say that's the only way to melt the cheese and if it's a problem he can just give my money back. So I say well I just don't want the scorched taste and if possible can u just give me melted cheese but if not, then yes I will just take the refund. Now the problem came when he snatched the to go bag of food and threw it in the trash and proceeded to the register to give me my money back. Slings the money onto the counter while im letting him know that it wasn't good customer service to snatch the bag like that.. He then says well you don't have to come back here we don't need "PEOPLE LIKE YOU complaining" whatever that means!! But I made sure to let him know I will never return. If I said the nachos were burned why bring me more burned nachos? And I have pictures... So my complaint is for the owner JOSE with horrible customer service!!!
(1)
Stela M.
Delishhh food. Love the restaurant , staff friendly. love love this restaurant.
(5)
Gigi M.
I'm sad to write this, because back in the day Mi Rancho was the place to be!! freshness, friendliness, awesomeness -- personal attention & some mild flirting [always fun] with the owner that didn't mind actively helping out to serve or bus as warranted. What makes me sad is that Mi Rancho has turned very corporate. No more personal touch, surly staff [and for no real reason I can think of] if you ask for a little tweak in something, like I've done countless times with brilliant results [equating with a nice fat tip, mind you] the request is met with sighs, and an ominous "well, I don't know...." then muttering as they walk away, then glances back as I get discussed, then the inevitable 'no' -- making me feel like I robbed somebody! Gone are the days of creativity & accommodation. Now it just feels like assembly-line fare.... Maybe I'll try Germantown... can't give up on Mi Rancho yet!
(2)
Richie G.
Very good food and an enjoyable and lively atmosphere. The burritos were great and even the tamales were tasty. Rice was bland, but it's not a big deal.
(3)
Lorena B.
One of my pet peeves is when food is not served as described on the menu. I ordered a chicken taco salad for takeout specifically because the menu said it was your choice of beef or chicken fajitas. Have you ever been served shredded chicken fajitas? Me either but that's what they put in my salad. I won't lie, it tasted okay but I was still disappointed because I was looking forward to a yummy grilled chicken fajita taco salad. Also, the salad contained cheese which wasn't listed on the menu and which I did not want added. Again, I ordered takeout so it would have taken a chunk out of my lunch break to return to the restaurant for a new order. I've been here for drinks. Like the majority of Tex Mex restaurants, the margaritas are wack.
(2)
Ashley W.
stopped by here for quick bite to eat late on a Sunday night... the place is huge... the patio is big.... in comparison to the sizes of other restaurants near by... in which group seating shouldn't be a problem...... Great service here.... my sangria was a little watered down, in which I would probably opt for a margarita next time. I ordered quesadillas -- quick and easy and hard to mess up.... they were flavorful and didn't disappoint... the chips and salsa gets a B -- hard to write more.... as I wasn't there very long and didn't order more than one thing.... but tasty Tex-Mex is hard to come by the in DMV ( from a bias Texas native) so I would definitely return...
(3)
David S.
I am here for a late lunch. There was no wait and the food came quickly enough. The queso tastes like they just melted down velveeta. Who doesn't love velveeta? This guy loves it. However, they put no seasoning in it whatsoever, so I was a little let down. Also, their beans are not refried beans. I'm good with variety and switching up the same-o same-o with something better. Unfortunately, better was not a part of the switch. They have a smoky flavor, but again, lacked spices or seasonings of any kind. They were like a smoky pork and beans, straight from the can. I got the chicken enchiladas and was happy with them. They tasted great, which is the reason they got three stars instead of less. The wait staff was good. I love the dining environment, especially great for big groups. I might come back if I was craving Mexican and didn't want to leave the area, but there are better options.
(3)
Jack M.
"Seafood" whatever it was (they had nothing with mole) came with 1/2 dozen shrimp and onions burned into a metal plate. Plenty of tortillas, little service. $13.95 could have been spent at Tia Queta or elsewhere and we would have gotten a real entree.
(2)
Kelly K.
Delicious!! Had a great experience here. The wait staff was very attentive, and the food was superb. They have a very nice outdoor patio space, which was enjoyable in the warm weather. Of particular delight was the sopaipillas a la mode. Delish!
(5)
C C.
Yummy!! Great food, authentic and fresh. I go for the fajitas, love the salsa and guacamole. It's all good! Prices are a bit high - but I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio seating and take out orders are quick.
(4)
Joseph G.
Just your typical Tex-Mex restaurant. For real Mexican food, this is definitely not the place. My fiance and I were unfortunately heading to New York on valentines day night, but wanted to at least grab dinner at a decent restaurant before our long drive. We decided that we wanted Mexican so we gave Samanthas a call, but of course they were packed on valentines day. We called different places and came up with no luck on availability until calling Mi Rancho. Little did I know this is the most unromantic place I could have chosen. Once we sat down and ordered our food, I told my fiance she should order a drink to make the unromantic atmosphere seem not as unromantic because as she always says "the bigger the drink, the bigger the smile!" Which wasn't so true being that her margarita tasted as though they only put 1/4 OZ of tequila in it. The food finally arrived which we then felt bad for the family next to us because they must have been there 15 minutes before us, and didn't receive their meals at least 10-15 minutes after we received ours. Of course they complained after seeing that we were served first. Anyways, my fiance ordered steak fajitas and I ordered chicken enchiladas since I thought that there's no way anyone can mess that up. The steak from the fajitas was dry and tasteless, the chicken from my enchiladas was dry, chewy, and bland. Both of our meals were about 16 dollars which was bothersome being that it was priced like Samanthas, but way out of Samanthas league when it comes to atmosphere, food, and service. I would definitely not recommend anyone to go here on a date. For lunch, Chipotle, Qdoba or Baja Mexican grill is half the price and much better.
(2)
Nicole J.
The management and staff there are awful. After ordering my food to go, when I go to pick it up my food was given to a previous customer. Instead of offering to comp some of my bill while I wait for them to re-cook everything, they give me free chips. Awful business and even worst customer service.
(2)
Gail P.
Mi Rancho is okay and has been an institution in the community for years but I find it ironic that they are advertising during the World Cup. We were so excited when Mexico won the last World Cup we walked to Mi Rancho in search of festivities--it was dead. When I told the proprietor that there should be a more celebratory atmosphere he said, "I'm really from (other nationality)." The implication was he didn't care even though he has assumed TexMex cuisine as his own for his restaurants. We felt it was an obnoxious response, left with a bad taste and haven't been back.
(2)
Brittany S.
Mi Rancho is the restaurant my family goes to for every birthday or celebration! It's the best Mexican in Silver Spring and I've lived here all my life. I always get the fajitas usually for 2 people so we can split it and it is the best fajitas I'll ever have in my life! Seriously, they couldn't get any better. I recently went there for my birthday and got some margaritas - one plain and then "The Titanic" which is their version of the CoronaRita. They gave me the sombre and sang happy birthday for me and I loved it! The managers/owners are ALWAYS there and always come to talk and chat with us even though they don't know us by name. I even got a free shot of tequila for my 21st birthday. They're the nicest people!!! Definitely a place to go if you're looking for Mexican in the Silver Spring/Rockville area!
(5)
Clarence S.
A good place to take the load off and have some Tex-Mex! My wife said, I saw this cute little Mexican restaurant but it isn't rated very high on Yelp-to which I replied, "harumph-I never pay attention to Yelp reviewers when it comes to mom and pop Mexican food joints in this part of the country"! Most people in the DC area (trying hard to not sound snobby here) don't really know what Mexican food is about, but I'm here to tell you, this place is all about Mexican food and ambiance. The service is great, the food is decent, and the people working here really care about what they do! Its always been my experience that restaurants that employ relatives tend to do a very good job at trying to please the customer and this place is no exception. It seems like this place is a family affair and it shows in the service provided. You don't have to wait for hours for service, you get seated right away, and no one pushes you to leave the premises. We've also high tried high-end DC restaurants and while they do a good job, this place does just as well without paying north of a hundred dollars, and you get the Mexican ambiance! So get off that high horse and come on down, this place will surprise you!! And leave you with money in your pocket!
(5)
Natalie F.
I definitely like Mi Rancho which is a popular neighborhood restaurant. The crowd is more family oriented and casual. The food is reasonably priced. It isn't fancy but it is tasty; I think since I have lived in Southern California I have high standards for things like tamales. I think Mi Rancho's tamales are a bit dry and muy pequeno! It is a better place for hanging out with friends than taking a date. The wait staff are very nice and considerate.
(3)
Bryana C.
For Mexican food it is not bad. Being from Southern California I have high expectations and this place is worth returning to. Customer service has always been great.
(4)
Matthew C.
Having spent a significant amount of time in San Antonio--arguably the Tex-Mex capital of America--I may have become a little spoiled. With that full disclosure, I thought Mi Rancho was fairly average. We started off with the chips, salsa, and guacamole. I liked the tomato-heavy, relatively mild salsa, and the chips weren't bad. The guacamole did have a slightly different taste to it that I couldn't quite put my finger on, not to say that it was bad, but just different. I was also surprised how small the serving was--definitely not enough for a table of 7 if everyone had wanted some. The vegetable enchiladas were pretty good. I especially liked the variety of vegetables: mushrooms, squash, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The side of beans was okay but nothing amazing. The service, though friendly, was a little on the slow side. It's a little on the pricey side as well. One final note: Mi Rancho is also a very kid-friendly place--and quite a few families were dining there when I visited.
(3)
Michael C.
I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch here a couple weeks back, on a rare day off from training. The restaurant drew me in with it's large, open-air setup (the windows are actually simply shades that are pulled up to allow in full sun and warm breeze!). The server (I wish I could recall her name) was pleasant and very helpful: I am a picky Hispanic food eater and wanted something not too spicy with fish and involving a taco or tortilla. LOL Her recommendation was spot-on, the food delicious and served hot (and quick too!). If I'm ever back in the area, I would dine again in a heartbeat. Way better experience than the over-priced, under-delivered steak dinner I had a couple weeks before.
(5)
Larry G.
A lot of the ambiance (Latin waiters, Corona signs, Piñatas), several of the menu items (Tacos, Fajitas, Enchiladas), some of the ingredients, but none of the taste of Tex-Mex. Don't get me wrong! The food was good - fresh and good quality - but not very Tex-Mex. Maybe, like someone else said, I am just too accustomed to more authentic Mexican, but I do know the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex, and this was neither. Again, it was good, and there were lots of people obviously enjoying it, but it was not what I expected. I far prefer the Cubanos across the street.
(3)
Michael S.
Mi Rancho provides a consistently good dining experience. The food is not particularly authentic, nor is it great Mexican, but good service, good portions, and outdoor seating results in a restaurant we frequent regularly. We've had most of the dishes there, and never had anything bad, and we've never had undercooked or otherwise poorly prepared food. Service is always prompt and courteous. Overall, Mi Rancho is a good eating experience we can count on when we want a restaurant without muss or fuss.
(4)
Boris S.
Mango!!!! Mango Margarita (4/5 NOMs). I love mango and I like margaritas so I just had to try it. Great drink with some good Mexican food. You can really taste mango with balanced usual taste of margarita
(4)
Dave B.
Your average Marylander is not going to know what good Tex-Mex should look like. The "queso" here amounts to some very nasty yellow melted cheese strips that quickly glaze over into a pale film a few minutes after being set on the table. The meat is poor quality and overpriced, and the rice and beans leave a lot to be desired. I'm not expecting grandma's cooking here, but it seems Mi Rancho's only saving grace is its downtown Silver Spring location and architecture, and its friendly staff. I'll give them that. If you've ever had real mexican food or Tex-Mex before in your life, avoid Mi Rancho at all costs.
(2)
Bill G.
Solid basic Tex-Mex food. I would give it 4 stars except the prices are a bit high.
(3)
Kelsa C.
beware Mi Rancho charges for EVERYTHING ANd dont order the Rib Eye Special unless you are ok with with something else...If you dont know what a rib eye looks like order the carna adade. please listen - I am a rib eye snob!!!
(1)
Denisha B.
Maybe I've had strange experiences here, but both times I've gone everyone was less than impressed with the food. And we've tried a variety of foods - fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, meat, veggies, seafood, you name it. (Always eat in big groups of friends - WORTH IT.) The margaritas were only alright. Endless chips and salsa and the wait-staff's friendly, welcoming demeanor are what saved this place. If you want good Tex-Mex, I'd go to Chipotle. (Ouch, need some ice for that burn?!)
(2)
Ruben D.
This isn't mexican food.. It's an On the Border or Guapos or yukkk Chipotle. If this is authentic Mexican to you then you must think Taco Bell overnights there food from Oaxaca. Go to Bladensburg.. get ya some real Mexican food if you're not scared. Oh and did the rice come from a Rice-A-Roni box?????? And the salsa??? Diced tomatoes and tomato paste? Are you also going to tell me that Samantha's, arguably the most bland Salvadorean food on the planet, is the best as well??? I think they season their food with just water.
(1)
James C.
Only complaint is that the chocolate ice cream dessert dish is overpriced -- otherwise AMAZING
(5)
Danny V.
Mexican? No, it's Mex-i-can't. None of my multiple personalities were satisfied by any portion of my meal. Strike One: The chicken in my enchilada was sad to have been buried in bawk-bawk-bawk-BLAH-ness. His soul cried as it entered by mouth and it asked to have his death avenged for being buried in such an unimaginative explosion of commonplace ingredients. May this chicken be reincarnated as Chef Gordon Ramsey's or Martha Stewart's chicken a la awesomeness. Strike Two: The service was underwhelming and our table was ignored until we asked for a margarita refill. Strike Three: Three times a charm for chip refill or the check. A large party arrived 10 mins after our table and were given 100% attentive service and were able to leave before our 3-top. Um, HELLO...former waiters are everywhere! Whatever the table next to me is tipping- I CAN TIP BETTER. (This does not apply if you bawk-bawk-bawk-suck.) Behold! I am coming soon! Lookout shabby waiters. Mi Rancho: YOU'RE OUT
(2)
Chuck G.
A great restaurant! The owner and staff and very friendly and efficient. The tortillas are home made and delicious. The cheese was freshly grated and the sour craw and guacamole was very fresh. Enjoyed the fajitas and flan for dessert. Highly recommend this place if you're in Silver Spring.
(5)
Emily C.
Good food, chips and salsa were great, quick service for the most part. Our waitress must've been slow because we had to ask three separate times for a menu and she first brought us 1 menu for two people, then a drink menu, then finally another menu for food. I ordered the chicken enchilada and it was great. Reminded me of Chuy's enchiladas except much more cheesier which wasn't a bad thing surprisingly. Super yummy.
(4)
Monica T.
I was brought to Mi Rancho by my "entertainment director" while in Silver Spring for work. He directed us to it saying nobody ever doesn't like it. That might be true, but it didn't knock any socks off either. Not to say it was bad. We started off with chips and salsa (as expected). The chips were fresh and tasty, but the salsa was a bit bland and watery. It's all good; I'm used to that in Utah. Previously mentioned "entertainment director" said they had a hotter sauce. This came out and was basically pure dried chile paste. I was down with that. I stuck with that salsa for the rest of the meal. For my main course, I snagged Plato Guadalajara with chicken. Others around me got chimichangas, the steak burrito, and some other stuff I can't remember. I dug the taco. The chicken was very well spiced, I loved the grilled veggies, and the guac and salsa complimented it well. The tortilla soup, though, while pretty good seemed a bit uninspired. Standard chicken broth, a previously frozen mixed vegetable blend, some tortilla chips (not strips), with cheese haphazardly placed on top. I'm a bit harsh on tortilla soups, though, because I make an awesome one at home. Still, I ate the whole thing. I was a bit disappointed that the plate didn't include rice and beans. The price seemed steep for just the soup and taco. Service was quite good throughout. So overall, I've had a lot better (time in Texas will do that to you), but this was still pretty tasty.
(3)
Hilary G.
I came here for lunch and there outdoor patio was a nice place to relax and they turned on the outside fans for us. The spinach quesadilla hit the spot and wasn't greasy at all. I was surprised that I really enjoyed their sangria because I am very picky about the sangria I drink since I studied in Spain. It tasted like they had real liquor in their sangria which is how it's supposed to be made! Service was also quick and paying the bill was easy. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Victoria R.
Ugh! Better food at Taco Bell! Skip!
(1)
Harrison B.
Awesome Service. Good People. - Plato Grande for two is enough food to feed 4. This spot has been my go-to since i moved to downtown silver spring in 2008. In the spring and fall (warm but not too hot days) are best for sitting in the outside area, but my favorite time to eat here is in the winter in the main dining room. they have a machine making fresh Flour tortillas right by the front door and the second you walk into the dining room and are greeted by the host/hostess, there is an amazing smell of the best mexican food you could imagine. Overall the service is always good, people are pleasant and attentive and the homemade salsa is amazing! bit on the spicy side but perfect for me. the Margaritas are hit or miss- The pitchers of cadillac can be amazing sometimes and sometimes they can have too much of the mix and not enough booze. all in all a great place with great food and awesome ambiance! MAS Mi Rancho!
(4)
Tim H.
I used to come here more often when I worked two blocks away from this place. I haven't been here in a few years so my most recent time brought me back to a time when I loved coming here for their carne asada. This time I chose to split something with my wife. We shared a platter that had chicken and beef fajitas, 4 pieces of shrimp and some ribs. We also got two hard tacos on the side. The whole experience was great. The chicken was flavorful and the beef that they used for their fajitas was awesome. I don't know how to cook fajita beef but I can tell you they make some of the best I have ever had. The shrimp were good too. The ribs were cooked the way I like them and they were not smothered in sauce. I don't like my ribs dripping wet. The tacos were good. I would order them again. If you are in the mood for some good Mexican and don't want to go to a national chain, try this place out. I haven't tried the location in Germantown yet but I hope to one of these days.
(4)
April N.
Went on a Friday night when it was super busy...and still received excellent service. The man greeting at the front of the restaurant was also very friendly. Our party ordered the margaritas and they were delicious! The chips and salsa were also excellent. Seemed that the entrees were more Tex Mex than Mexican food....but nonetheless, I'd probably go back.
(4)
Lionel M.
I find some of the lower reviews unbelievable. With that said I LOVE this place. A friend of mine suggested Mi Rancho so I took my wife and we both loved it. We like to consider ourselves foodies and can eat some of the most expensive gourmet meals and still love some items from food trucks. We've traveled to mexico numerous times and yes there is a difference in the food because this is a Tex-Mex which it clearly states on location and website. At this point Ive been there 3 times. Ive ordered the red snapper (amazing), fajitas (amazing), flank steak (amazing). The chips n salsa is great, their fried ice cream is different but really good and we've been looking for a place that had sopapillas for a while and were not disappointed. Their wait staff has always been professional, prompt and pleasant to us and havent noticed long wait times, but then again we were partaking in their yummy Margaritas (the one with Grand Marnier). Ive been telling everyone about them and even bought a $100 gift for my uncles family of 4 - they loved it too! We are fans!
(5)
Gennette G.
I've visited this restaurant several times since 1997. It appears growth isn't for everyone/every business. The food is normally ok, but comes out hot and quick, not today. The owner decided to 'help' our waitress and take our order as he pushed her along just as she was beginning to take it. After waiting a half hour for our meal, it came out wrong and room temperature. The owner came over with the worst attitude when our waitress said there was a complaint and asked what we wanted him to do about it. I asked for hot food and the correct order. Needless to say, the food was given fresh cheese and placed in a melter. When further complained, the owner said he would have the food remade, so not the case. The same beef tacos were reheated to the point they were soggy and placed on the plate with fresh enchiladas and the vegetables in the vegetable enchiladas were raw. Though this Tex-Mex restaurant is a staple in downtown silver spring and close to home, I will never return. Never spend your money where it's not appreciated.
(1)
Ashumi L.
When I visit MD I make sure there is at least one night that I spend enjoying the fabulous fare at Mi Rancho in downtown Silver Spring. This business has been in the downtown Silver Spring area forever and has always lived up to my expectations of Tex Mex fare. The restaurant itself has gone through a transformation over the years and they have added a fully covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters to serve the overwhelming amount of people who want to eat here. This place is a family run business and there is always someone from the family there to ensure that the service is fantastic and the food is of the utmost quality. As a matter of fact, they remember who you are and often ask about our family as we have been patronizing this restaurant since 1996 (my hubby has been going pretty much all his life since he grew up just down the street). Yeah they give you free chips, but the salsa is where they shine. Fresh and homemade with just enough kick - I wish they sold it so I could take it home with me. The chips are not to be forgotten though - they are not mass quantity bought - they are homemade! You can tell since there is often clumps of chips rolled up together in your basket (my favorite kind!). I have a rule when visiting a restaurant that states they are a Mexican restaurant - order the fajitas...its a standard and easy to judge. That being said - I have NEVER in my life had better fajitas than what I get here. Now, I only eat chicken so I can only speak for that type of fajitas, but my hubby attests that the pork and the beef are fantastic too. They use some sort of special glaze/rub that makes it extra awesome. Also, while they offer the standard sizzling plate that many other establishments offer, their fajitas are open fire grilled, which adds a char to the meat that is so delicious! If you are a fan of sour cream make sure you order a side of it as the fajitas do not come with sour cream. If you are looking for something other than chicken and want to be wowed, try the snapper if they have it on the menu or the pork costillas (always on the menu). I know it is healthier to be carb free, but break your rule this once to try their home made flour tortillas. You can watch them being made if you enter the restaurant as the machine that they use is right in front when you enter. Another plus! The sangrias are delicious and they are not skimpy with the fruit. I can't remember if they have draft beers, but they definitely offer bottled beers - I prefer the pitchers or half pitchers of sangria. If you have eaten a meal and still have space in your stomach, congratulations! Order dessert and order the sopapillas a la mode. You will not be let down, but you will be overly stuffed so save room! Sopapillas are flour tortillas fried and then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and then drizzled with honey. Oh man...so simple and so delicious! You won't be let down! I have yet to be disappointed with a meal here. The service is good and the fact that they are still around after all these years speaks for the restaurant itself!
(5)
Ashley E.
Meh..nothing spectacular. The best part is the free fire roasted salsa and warm chips. Great outdoor venue-feels like you are in Cancun or a similar touristy location.
(3)
Kate F.
I will be thankful always to this place for being open close to the holidays. Now that we got that out of the way... I returned this spring for drinks and dinner with a friend. Our server had a big bowl of b-flakes and a side of who gives a firetruck for breakfast that morning. It was like we were irritating her by existing. She had no suggestions about anything and rushed us, in between hiding from us. We asked some questions about food and were given more sighs than answers. We had to clarify our order multiple times, due to apathy not a language barrier. I decided on fajitas as they're hard to mess up. The food was fine but not great. It seems overpriced for ratios of real stuff (meat & fresh veggies) vs filler (rice & beans). Rice and beans were dry and flavorless, respectively. The salsa appears to be canned tomatoes thrown in a blender with green stuff. What is the green stuff? I don't know, I could only taste tomatoes. We still went to town on the chips and salsa, but it was more regrettable than normal. I declined taking my leftovers home. I feel the menu could use more sour cream. To be fair, I feel that way about about the planet. We also declined to "reward our server for their professional service" or whatever the trite message is on the receipt. I'll tip well on good service even with a bad attitude, I don't tip well on rumors or cliches. I dislike being scolded. If tipping is that big of a problem here, maybe it's time to retrain the waitstaff or switch to inclusive pricing.
(3)
Maboud E.
As a fan of Tex-Mex, I have a pretty high standard. It's not exactly the most authentic but it's as close as you'll find in the area. At a very reasonable price it's a pretty solid choice if you're craving Tex-Mex. Oh and the chips and salsa is fantastic.
(4)
Tara L.
Margarita fail. Broke down peach margarita. Makeshift banana margarita. What is a girl to do? And since when did margaritas come with foamy, 2 inch froth on top? What the hell is this exactly disguised as a margarita? Save your money on the margs and stick with the food. The steak quesadilla was actually decent, with plenty of cheese and tender beef. Even though the sour cream and guacamole were both a bit watery, it was a decent complement to the dish. Plus, bottomless chips and salsa on the festive, outdoor patio adorned with lights offset the drinks. Additionally, our waitress started off peppy and nice but ended abruptly when she feared our dining would cut into her time off. We had no desire to linger past closing, but once she realized we were even considering another beverage, her attitude changed and she grabbed my plate in a hurry, with food still on it. She did ask if I wanted it, but by then it was 85% in her possession and any desire I had to keep it was forfeited. That being said, the food and the atmosphere saved the experience from being abysmal. However, although I live only paces away from here...there is a reason why this was my first time back in years. Tonight, I was reminded of those reasons.
(3)
Lee J.
Mi Rancho is my go-to place when visitors come to town. Excellent Tex Mex food - food that is quick but is not fast food. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so depending on temperature and the type of ambiance that you would like, you have your choice. I have yet to have a disappointing meal in the approximately nine years that I have been coming here. While I know people who say the food quality has diminished over the past few years, I disagree - or haven't noticed. It is still excellent food for the money. I almost always order the Plato Grande (for One) - which usually assures that I have some leftovers - a combination of shrimp, ribs, chicken and steak, along with the assorted toppings and soft tortillas. Most, if not all, of the meals come with sides of refried beans and rice. The hosts and wait staff are always very friendly. The only downsides to the restaurant are that occasionally there are slow downs in customer service (like getting the check) during the peak/busy periods of the day. Also, we come to rely on going there more often than we should - but you can hardly fault me for that. Finally, the noise level varies depending on the number of people at the restaurant - sometimes very loud at peak periods. Highly recommended - you should not be disappointed.
(4)
Michael L.
This place never disappoints, Service is outstanding and the food is better than that. Whenever Im in the area which is once or twice a year, this is def one of our spots
(5)
Sheng Z.
Went there with my roommate last week and had an okay time. The food was okay, not the greatest Mexican food but the portions were large. I got one of the platters and felt like there was very little meat and it was predominantly rice. As a result, I felt that the prices for the food was a little high. The starter chips and salsa weren't the greatest either, the chips were fresh but the salsa was stale and flat. Beware the margaritas. They do not list the price for pitchers but it was exorbitantly expensive for a pitcher ($29 dollars) of okay frozen margaritas. A 15 dollar meal turned into a 30 dollar meal as a result. O and the service was awful. Lauriol Plaza and Guapos are still the best Mexican restaurants in the DC area and this comes nowhere close.
(2)
Rachel G.
I am obsessed with Mi Rancho! Their food and ESPECIALLY margaritas are delicious. Affordable prices, good portions, and yummy-ness guaranteed.
(5)
Eric T.
Food quality was not great and a little pricey, but the service was excellent. From the waiters to the managers they couldn't have been nicer. They were all very patient with my twin three year olds and all made a point to interact and entertain them so my wife and I could actually eat. Even the girl running the tortilla machine (which is totally cool...haven't seen one in a while) made sure to say hello to my boys who were fascinated by it. I would go back again, hopefully when it's a little warmer they have an awesome outdoor patio area. Thanks Mi Rancho, it was a nice dinner with the family.
(4)
Jenn C.
I've eaten at this Mi Rancho with my brother and sister in law multiple times over the course of ten years, and they eat there often as well. I've always been a fan, their food is run of the mill tex-mex fair, but good, and their margaritas are okay. So normally I would have given it 3-4 stars except for my experience on Cinco De Mayo. I get that restaurants get busy, but we waited an hour and a forty five minutes for our food. When we asked why we were waiting so long, we were told that our food was "complicated". We ordered enchiladas and tacos. I mean, come on. We were also told that it was because we were a party of 10; however, there were multiple other parties of 7, 8, 9, 10 - including one right behind us that sat down 15 minutes after us, ordered after us, and ate their food and left while we were still waiting. I get that restaurants get busy, which is fine. I decided to give mi rancho one star because of the classless manager's verbal abuse of my 8 months pregnant sister in law. She confronted him over the service and he was dismissive and unapologetic to her, was rude, and treated her like an annoyance. When my mother complained, he dismissed her that "he did not want to be insulted". The weight staff was rude (at one point, our waiter threw down a bowl of chips in the center of the table, and he walked away from my sister in law when she was questioning him about where our food was), and when I stepped outside to make a phone call I heard a hostess complaining about our group, saying that we were "annoying and stupid" and "what did they expect, they are a party of ten". Well ignorant hostess, there were other parties of ten that received their food in less than an hour and forty five minutes. The food is definitely okay, but the manager is classless and wait staff is rude. I mean really, who verbally berates an 8 months pregnant woman and a 60 year old woman? I was a bartender and waitress for a long time. It's not hard and that kind of behavior is absolutely inexcusable....but evidently the manager condones it. Keep it classy Mi Rancho.
(2)
Bob W.
Fun place, with tradition Mexican cafe decor. Food is very fresh, and for the most part very good.
(3)
Debbie C.
Great service, good chips and salsa. this is tex-mex so come with slightly lowered expectations. The fajitas are always a safe bet.
(3)
Christa A.
Went to Mi Rancho today for early dinner with friends that really like there food. It is not my taste, everything was lacking seasoning. If you want good Mexican food, try Pachanga in Gambrills. they only thing I liked was our company and the outside dining. Total waste of 150 Dollars.
(1)
Terri P.
I'm sorry, I have tried this restaurant so many times, and the food is just bad. Everything is bland and awful. I wish it wasn't so, because it's an otherwise good location and kid friendly place. Even the margaritas are bland. If you want awesome Mexican, try Samantha's on University. This place just does not have good food. Sorry.
(2)
Sam C.
We were hungry and a family friend treated us to lunch he decided Mi Rancho was the place to go. We entered and the restaurant was really pretty and attractive we got seated in the outside area, They brought us out some chips and salsa, our menus, and i ordered the Plato Grande for one. By the way, those chips with salsa are probably the best i've had at a Mexican restaurant before. I entertained myself with the local wi-fi while the food came out (about twenty minutes after we ordered). The food was excellent my Plato Grande definitely was grande with the grilling pan loaded with chicken,shrimp,carne asada, and bbq ribs, this also included tortillas,mexican rice, and beans and also a small salad in case you decided to put the meats in a tortilla to make a fajita. The meats were all very tender and loaded with flavor in each bite. i made a fajita and it tasted sooo good.... the beans and rice were good too! I finished it so fast i couldn't even believe it. For dessert i ordered Tres Leches Cake, A milky, slice of heaven.... oh so good.. yup the topping seemed to be made by them too not that usual whip cream they always use at most restaurants. This was a really good meal, it definitely made this Salvadoran dude happy! I will certainly come back when in the area and order this same dish again. Oh, service was not the best I had to call them over while they walked by. But who cares the food is great, and there is a nice ambience
(5)
Domonique W.
Watered down, over-priced margarita pitchers and average tex-mex food with a friendly staff and yummy complimentary chips and salsa.
(3)
Bianca R.
The food was very bland, the margarita mix was horrible which made the margaritas taste watered down and way too sweet. I prob won't go back again.
(1)
Sana J.
Came here for appetizers with friends last weekend and loved it. It was pouring rain outside but the outdoor seating was covered so it was a very cool atmosphere. The service was great and attentive. Definitely looking forward to coming back here for entrees!
(4)
Monique H.
Had a taste for tacos all week and finally decided to try this place on Friday. We ordered takeout. The wait was longer than what the bartender who took our order said it would be. Decor was authentic, but weird smell inside. If weather permits, eat outside. Restaurant was pretty busy. Food was good, chicken chimichanga, ceviche and beef tacos. Everything was pretty good. We told them to hold the guacamole but was still on our platter. I'd like to go back for sangrias and try something else on the menu.
(3)
Eva O.
Come here for a non-remarkable, play it safe kinda experience. Decent food, decent service. I came for a weekday lunch but I can see how the night time ambience would be better...festive, dark interior and an outdoor patio adorned with lights. I ordered the beef chimichanga which came with some side rice, beans, and guac. The chimichanga shell was just the right crispiness and without all the oil bubbles. Surprised it was filled with ground beef but at least it wasn't oily so I didn't walk away feeling gluttonous. I did note though that the restaurant was filled with mostly white couples...perhaps an implication to its authenticity?
(3)
Kristin M.
I've been coming to Mi Rancho with my family since birth, basically, or (potentially) actually. I and most of my friends worked here in high school, I waited tables and worked the tortilla machine (burned my hand), and I still end up back here now and then. So, Mi Rancho is close to my heart! However, I almost always order the same things, so weirdly enough, I'm probably not the greatest judge of their food on a grand scale. Nevertheless, I'll speak to what I know! I've always had success with the Burrito Santa Fe (chicken), the fajitas (beef), and the mariscada. I guess they're not amaaazing, but I always leave feeling full, happy and in a good mood! My favorite favorite thing here, the dish that I think is great even in thoughtful comparison with other restaurants, is the Nachos Mi Rancho. Instead of a pile of chips with stuff dumped all over it, NMR has maybe 15-20 chips, each with EVERYTHING on it and cheese melted over it to hold all the goodness in place, topped with a bite of beef or chicken if you choose (go for the beef!). Every bite is equally awesome! This works out great if fairness in sharing is a concern between you and your sibling/spouse (my past/present). :) Don't come with sky-high expectations for a gourmet meal, but do expect a fun dinner (a fuera o al dentro), a personal greeting from one of the brothers who owns the place, and some seriously loaded nachos.
(3)
Kristina K.
In hopes of finding a place in a similar genre that was at least moderately acceptable in gustatory arts compared to Samantha's, a Peruvian gem in the SS area, we stopped by Mi Rancho. While I was tuned into the beach-front reminiscent alfresco seating--plastic outdoors chairs and tables under a pleasantly breezy tent that closes in for the winter, this and proximity to the metro were some of the top highlights of this experience. The service was attentive, commendable almost, in that our waitress came by frequently enough to please, and the frozen strawberry margaritas were delightful--but nearly virgin (you know, liquor-free or almost so). Sigh. Though I literally got full before getting even a mild ding after of a buzz after 2 glasses of otherwise delicious, thick, shake-like strawberry, our second choice of a traditional on-the-rocks margaritas was better spiked but left an uncomfortable mouth dryness, presumably owing to the poor chemistry of the lime mix. Impressed by fajitas by the pound for ~$25, an outspoken member of our party ordered 2...as in 2 pounds of beef fajitas. While the quality was alright--a little greasy & a bit fatty, the meat was flavorful and we were utterly, albeit unhappily, stuffed by the end of the meal. As our other friend put it "this place is probably pretty good enough after a night of drinking but not before!". Meh...is all I got for 'Rancho.
(2)
Johnny A.
The Tilapia dish is my favorite as well as the plato grande. Service is great and the host/manager/owner is way too friendly. Only complain is ventilation. Be prepared to smell like fried food for hours after you leave unless you sit outside during the warm season.
(3)
Jay M.
One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Maryland . Love the Carne asada and the margaritas ( try the peach margaritas !! ) . The price seems to be up there but it's worth it . Been coming here for over more then 10 years and will so continue . I know they have 2 other more locations in MD but the one in silver spring is the best one .
(5)
Jeff R.
Something odd must have happened to the one-star raters on their visit. We have been going to Mi Rancho ever since they opened, and like others posting here, we absolutely love this place. The grilled foods--chicken and beef either on fajitas or tacos- is very nicely prepared. The tortillas are house made and delicious. The salsa too. Their guacamole is fresh and tasty, the beans and rice full of flavor. I always get a Margarita (or two) and they are good. Ambiance inside and out is really pleasant. Never had a bad service issue, the chips are freshly made (they come hot to the table). I don't know if they still do it, but they have off-menu goat ribs one night during the week (It used to be Thursday, I think--ask). One reviewer suggested trying a place in PG County, didn't mention the name, but by the location I'm guessing what was referred to was the Alamo in Riverdale. If so, two things. First, the Alamo is a MEXICAN restaurant; Mi Rancho is a Tex-Mex/border restaurant. Second, I grew u eating at the Alamo (in the 60s and 70s) when it truly was a fantastic Mexican fine dining room. It ain't that anymore, hasn't been for 25 years. It's an OK Mexican place. Can't touch Mi Rancho on food quality, ambiance, service or locale. I give Mi Rancho 4 stars because they do what they do as well as it can be done. It's good, casual (as opposed to fine dining) food, a fun place that has a good menu, good drinks, good service, and is run by great people.
(4)
Paul M.
Let's start out by saying that if I could rate this place 1/2 of a star or less I would! TWO THUMBS DOWN! A NO GO! I've been to this establishment on several occasions and I can't say that I was ever impressed. But when Mexican restaurants are so scarce in Silver Spring (within walking distance of my home) I am able to get over the minor things that bug me. The food is ridiculously over priced! It's hard to phantom that a couple can spend over $30 for two Mexican entrees, but here you will. I have no problem paying that amount if the food was flavorful and satisfying! The service is slow. I learned not to order a drink ($3.00) because one glass is all you'll get unless you hound your server down. I'd also like to add that the sodas on the patio taste funny! So. Buyer beware. There's been times I've gone with one person, and the food would take 45 mins to arrive at the table. Out of the handful of times Ive eaten at Mi Rancho, last night was the last and final time for me. I went with 5 other friends, we had two servers, which should mean exceptional, and attentive service RIGHT? WRONG! We all placed our orders, and sure enough they all came out together and hot, except a friend ordered fajitas and they literally put two pieces of peppers and 2 onion strips on the plate. So he requested more. 25 mins passed since we received our food, we all finish our food, and now his food is now at room temperature. Hot veggies finally arrive and naturally he wants hot, fresh meat, which should be something they took initiative to do. The meat is taken, reheated and brought back within five mins, dry and over cooked to a tough,rubbery consistency. All of our glasses are empty, chips are empty, salsa is gone, at this point you'd think after all the complaints we've given to our waitress, She'd be a little more attentive and compliant with our requests, after all we are a paying customer, you are there to do a job, and do you care about the hefty tip you could have for a party of 6 hungry men? After numerous occasions of us trying to get her attention, interrupting her chit chatting, and congregating with fellow staff members, also did i mention she was playing with another waitresses hair right in the view of the guests?, I knew that our complaints would not matter, nor would they be corrected to our satisfaction. When we got the check, we first checked to see if the green peppers and onions my friend requested was charged for them, sure enough, they're on the tab. It was only $3.00 but aren't fajitas supposed to come with grilled veggies? Why is he being charged for the veggies that should have been. So we asked to speak to the manger and we explained everything that has taken place in the 90 mins we've been there. He basically tells us we haven't even been in the restaurant long enough to have these events happen (so we're lying), and asks what do you want him to do? He says we must pay for the extra veggies and dismisses himself from the issue at hand. We all pay our bills, the waitress took the veggies off our bill, but informed our Spanish speaking friend (in espanol) that she paid for them out of her own pocket. HOW RUDE! She's having a good 60- 75 second conversation with him in Spanish. I cannot speak or understand Spanish, but I could tell by the look on his face, whatever she said to him was pretty insulting. I asked what she said while she was standing there and he or she would not repeat it to us. I am furious at this point! How tacky and disrespectful that is! My Spanish speaking friend didn't even have the issue with the check! The girl spoke English perfectly well during the course of the night! We exit the restaurant, get down to the corner and he relays what she told him, basically if we caused anymore problems the manager would call the police on us! WHAT?!?! I am completely confused, we didn't start a problem, we're informing you of the problem your wait staff has caused! I can't believe I just gave my hard earned money to a restaurant that doesn't give a damn or appreciate our business. I am usually a generous tipper, and it doesn't take much to please me. I don't expect anyone to bend over backwards or for the waitress to wipe the edges of my mouth with each bite. I just expect them to do their job. In situations like this I usually leave a $1.00 tip but this wasn't even worth the change I could find under the cushions of my couch. I'll never return to this restaurant again, and I'll be sure to let my opinions of this place be known to any and everyone who expresses interest in it. If things are this dysfunctional in open view to the customers what in the heck is going on behind closed doors. I rather go to chipotle or taco bell for my next Mexican cuisine.
(1)
Becca G.
Went there last week. The food was excellent had the carne asada and a banana Margarita. The only problem was the wait we had a reservation for 7 and didn't get seated til almost 8. They said our table wasn't ready what's the point of a reservation if the table isn't ready for you at that time. But, everything else was great.
(4)
Sarah L.
I'm really surprised at all of the four and five star reviews for this place. I've lived in Silver Spring for a few years now and I've given Mi Rancho a go a few times. Everytime I go the service is slow and inattentive. Drinks are never re-filled, and waiters/waitresses disappear after food is delivered, never to be seen or heard from again... Also, let's talk about the food. It's not *terrible* but it's not very good. I've tried several of the menu items now and they're just...bland. In my opinion the only thing worth ordering are the fajitas. Everything else just isn't that good. If I'm paying $25+ for Mexican food, I want it to be delicious, not "meh." Meh is really the only appropriate way to describe Mi Rancho. If you want delicious and authentic Latino food in Silver Spring, head across the street to Cubanos. Better service, infinitely better food, and a better drink selection.
(2)
Joe G.
The chips and salsa are wunderbar. They are absolutely the best part of the meal. Once the rest of the food comes, it all goes downhill ... So much of the food was dry. I came at night so maybe they brought out all the old food they had. The beef fajita was good, but it's something like $20-25 per pound? Come here for chips, salsa and drinks. Other than that, there are plenty of better places to go to.
(2)
Laura V.
*Please note that in this review, I will also be doing a "side review" of Kevin L and his tremendous eating skillz.* Mi Rancho was stop numero tres on Mary Kay and Laura's South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole, or heck whatever appetizer we want dammit) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. We were joined by the very hungry Kevin - hungry for food and for life experiences. MKS has dubbed him "Mexican Curious" and I like that. After reading reviews that were all over the map about this place, I didn't really know what to expect. I think this is good because I was a blank slate and ended up really enjoying my experience here. To enter, we walked through a very expansive outdoor area complete with tent and heaters - I think this would be an awesome place for Cinco de Mayo, but I digress. As we walked in, we were greeted by the owner (or manager) with a huge smile and hello. He was at the tortilla machine, churning out warm tortillas. Hmmm...did someone tip him off to yelpers coming??? We were promptly seated in the cute dining area. Not over the top, but cozy. That's when I noticed that Abba's Dancing Queen was on the music system. Folks, this wasn't just any Dancing Queen, this was Dancing Queen en espanol. I knew then that I would love this place. We started with a pitcher of margaritas for Mary Kay... Seriously though, the margaritas were good, if a little sweet. But they had a nice kick of tequila. Not a bad deal at $24 (it easily got us two glasses each). The chips and salsa was more a miss than a hit. The chips were light and crispy, but the salsa was quite bland. Our appetizer was the Flameado with mushrooms, peppers and onions. This was baked queso blanco with the veggies and served with tortillas. This was a LOT of cheese and while I like cheese, it was a little much as it sat in a ball in my stomach. It was quite tasty though - don't get me wrong, I loved it going down. Now for dinner, if you plan on getting a combination platter, you should plan on having no less than 5 plates and bowls in front of you. Kevin ordered one of these combos that had all kinds of stuff - a tamale, enchilada, taquito, chile relleno...plus the rice and beans and guac and sour cream and pico. I tasted his chile relleno and it was wonderful! Now don't let Kevin fool you people. He may be all trim and svelte, but this kid is an eater. But not in a drop your head in the plate and go kind of way. He's methodical, and tastes every bite, then has a mini review about it. I'll let him share the verdict on his meal, but I give Kevin 5 stars on his dining skills. I had the Camerones Mi Rancho - shrimp on a sizzling platter. The shrimp were wonderful! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. I would have liked a few more veggies on the platter, but I made up for it with the pico de gallo and the fabulous home made guac. The tortillas this place whips up are phenomenal. I kind of wish now that I had taken the left over tortillas home with me. They MADE the meal. As with many other mexican places I've been to, the rice and beans were just so-so. Thankfully, they aren't the main meal though and sort of an afterthought anyway. There was so much food on our table and we ate so much that there was no room for dessert, despite the fact that they had one of the largest dessert menus ever seen at a Mexican restaurant. I had a great time here. Food was good, atmosphere was good, our service was fast and friendly. Prices reasonable. I'd love to coordinate a Yelp outing here during the warmer months to check out that outdoor patio. Oh, and Mary Kay wanted me to tell you about the Ox foot drinking flask hanging from the ceiling. Nice touch as you're listening to Dancing Queen en Espanol.
(4)
Aesah L.
Solid Mexican food and good prices. The ambiance is pretty casual bordering on cafeteria, at least when you're sitting under the tent in front of the restaurant.
(3)
Kelly G.
The food is always AMAZING! We drive all the way from Bowie to enjoy the food!
(5)
Eggland B.
Blegh! Maybe this passes for decent Mexican food in Maryland, but I grew up in a California town where the Mexican restaurants outnumber all other restaurants combined, and Mi Rancho wouldn't last a year where I come from. My enchilada sauce was essentially runny tomato water, and my beans and rice were just bland. My tamale was okay, although it had a bit too much masa and not enough filling. My friend's nachos were plain WEIRD. They were artistically decorated in a way that might have been a "nice presentation" at a fancier restaurant, but which under a million Bud Light banners was out of place, plus disappointing in portion for the price. It's fine to eat here if you're hungry and in a hurry and you don't care what you shove in your mouth, but otherwise I think you could probably do a lot better.
(2)
Irene L.
Love the portions, prices, and free salsa and chips. It's nice enough to celebrate birthdays and hang out with friends, but not for celebrating anniversaries. Small and fun setting. I prefer their outdoor seating, it's not as cramped. What I'll always order: ceviche and pina colada.
(3)
David B.
As a Texas transplant, I'm constantly missing the Mexican food from home. Mi Rancho isn't going to change that. I've eaten here many, many times over the last few years because I think they're the best Mexican place within walking distance for me. (That's not saying much!) Everything I've had here is decent, but nothing is much better than that. Their tortillas are probably the best thing here. The chicken fajitas taste a little sweet to me, almost like they were done in a Teriyaki sauce. I usually get the vegetable fajitas and am pretty happy with those. Service is generally fine but occasionally lapses a little.
(3)
Tim M.
I love this place. Fresh made tortilla and chips. Great enchilladas. Friendly service and huge outdoor, covered terrace with fans. Good margeritas. After 5 years in San Antonio Texas, I know Tex-Mex and this place is plenty good.
(4)
Nicole P.
Oh you must try their margaritas! They are oh, so, good! They are sweet and strong (just how I like my men, hahaha!) The chips and salsa are addictive. (okay, usually chips and salsa are, but here they are even more so!) I've had both the fajitas and one of their large burritos here before, and they both were awesome. As for the service, the first time I came here, the server was new, and he said so when we first sat down. Given that it was like his second day, he did a really good job. Attentive and friendly. The second time I came here, the server was quite obviously not new, and he was really awesome. So I'd say that the service is pretty darn good. Mi Rancho is a great place to start off your night before going out. Or great for dinner with family and friends. Or just for a margarita. Or whatever. For anything, it works.
(5)
Brittany M.
Great service and management! We always get the steak burrito and it never disappoints. Very well marinated -- delicious. They give big portions. You must go!
(5)
Semra E.
Do you like Tex-Mex food in the states? ME TOO!!! Do you like watching freshly made tortilla's being made and falling into a basket through a giant machine while you wait to be seated? ME TOO!!!! Do you like wearing a Sombrero while being sung happy birthday to by people you don't know and your friends sitting with you? ME TOO!!!! Well my friend you've found the right place....here's the catch: Silver Spring is the ONLY location that you're going to want to visit because it's the only cool one in the heart of other places to check out. If you're in Gaithersburg, or Rockville, save your money and drive to Rio Grande instead in Bethesda because Mi Rancho is about giving you an experience, not the quality of their food. I mean Jim Gaffigan (comedian, go look him up on YouTube now if you're clueless) said it best. There are 5 ingredients to all Mexican food, tortilla, meat, cheese, lettuce and salsa. But if it's good ol' fashioned Mexican style fun you're looking for, then this is your spot. I guarantee that if you're a female walking in there and are cute, you will get the best self esteem boost of your LIFE. No........really go there. Feeling unloved? Go there....guys too, I'm sure they'll make your mood flip into the positive as soon as you set foot there, that's what's so great about this place. It's a happy place!
(3)
Brian W.
I truly wanted to like Mi Rancho just for the open patio. It's a great, casual space with lights strung up and a nice loud and happy vibe. However, I've eaten there twice and both times gotten very sick the next day. The first time eh who knows what it was but after the second repeat performance and the same sickness I've crossed it off my list. I'm very disappointed.
(1)
Vandana M.
At any new Mexican place I go to, I always order the old stand by: cheese enchiladas. The ones here were weird. Thick, globby cheese. Yuck. And for some reason, some of us received refried beans and some got whole beans. The patio smells like hot vinyl.
(2)
Montez L.
One night my dear sweetie and I decided to go to a new spot or dinner. We began to walk around a came upon Mi Rancho. We sat outside to dine on the large covered patio (which has the capability to be open year round). On seated, we were handed a bowl of fresh chips and salsa, they were quite yummy. We decided to try out the bar and ordered a half pitcher of Sangria. The Sangria is delicious! It went perfectly with the my chicken enchilada platter. We have found a new spot for a quick drink. I will definitely be back for more Sangria soon.
(4)
cranzy p.
well maybe a 3.5 because I have not had a drink here yet but I do hear they are pretty good about the margarita making....I dont know though don't really like margarita mix or generic tequila so maybe I'll have a custom made one....just for me I guess...anyway I have been here thrice times mainly because of other people but it's not that bad after all. I do like the manager....he is funny and seems like he really does like people...the wait staff so far have been okay....they have got it wrong one occassion but this was minor and fixable. sometimes the food does take a minute and if you dont have anything else to do then it's worth the wait for the most part....the tortilla chips are good and fresh..they are light and a little oily to give them a little moistness.the salsa i must say is pretty bad...its moderately spicy and tastes like they cook it first...not a good sign....the guacamole is decent though not great....it's a bit dull..too much creaminess and not enough lime and just a subtle hint of salt that tastes generic as hell...could stand some garlic or maybe a mix of onions....i dont know they need to do something with it....and for a large size they dont give you much...i dont know what kind of avocados they use but florida avocados are vicious for balanced guac that can absorb and give flavor as well...hass's are a bit heavier in texture and flavor....takes more to make it live....thats just me though..I have tried a few different dishes in my time here.. first off i had the veggie enchiladas with corn tortillas ....I was very full at the end but I didn't manage to taste very much...It was bland for the most part..even the mole sauce couldn't save it as it was almost just as bland...maybe I should have ate slower and let food roll down my tongue so i could get every nuance available to me and let you know how BLAND! it was....the tamarindo Juice I had was good though I would have liked some refills....free that is.. the next time I went I had some chicken tacos which again were should I say bland save for the sauce they throw on the shredded chicken they put in them...the sauce by itself is good...I should have asked for fajita chicken so I could have least had some smoke with my tacos..i recommend asking for fajita style chicken for your tacos cuz that shit just doesn/t make any sense any other way...peace to jalisco's in corpus christi, TX for the best chicken taco's I've had so far....and the little guac/pico dip they give on the side i recommend putting it on your taco's my last visit saw me order the platas grande for 1 or 2 off of their lunch menu... this is the best item I have had so far from them...the ribs are a little sweet for me but the meat is tender and well cooked... the beef is on the tough side which is kind of funny trying to pull it apart with your teeth along with some tortilla and other friends...it is good though...the chicken was nice and hot and the shrimp was okay..not enough of it but it brought out some flavors in the beef and the ribs that were pleasing...I recommend an extra side of tortillas so you can try out different combinations of meats and see what you like...no organ meats unfortunately but i dont know why I would expect that at a tex mex restaurant...I can get quail at Guapo's which I haven't tried yet but next time...I did like the grilled lemon they serve with it... definitely adds some flavor and so do the pinto beans which are nice and subtle with its fat back and things.... the rice doesn't taste like anything and if you can avoid it...actually i use it to make my multi meat fajita's look fancy.... otherwise I like the outdoor seating as you can see people walking by and respond as you wish...the patio also has a crazy reverb that would be awesome if the talking was replaced by instruments...anyway a good place to have a tex mex lunch or dinner if you don't live too far away or to go and get drunk and not have to drive since downtown silver spring is pretty convenient.... occassionally recommended
(3)
Kim W.
We have eaten here three times, over the years. We have always had a great meal. The last one I had the grouper and it came with beans and rice. It was delicious. Cooked just right. Made a fish taco out of one. Three other people ordered the whole Durado fish and they all raved about it. As usual we ordered cheese dip, so between that, the salsa and chips and my meal, I was totally stuffed. They also make great strawberry Daiquiris.
(4)
Tami B.
Having spent many years in Texas, I find this doesn't really meet my expectations for 4-star Tex-Mex. However, the tortilla chips are pretty great. Recently I ordered the combo of chicken fajitas, shrimp, and ribs. The two shrimp were fabulous, split, gilled, and not overcooked. The chicken had a sweet taste, like it had been marinated too long in something sweet. The pico de gallo was dry, uninteresting. There were very few grilled onions on the plate and only one slice of green pepper, almost raw. Part of the fun of rolling up a fajita is piling on the onions and pico, so this wasn't satisfactory. The rice wasn't even worth a large bite--very dry and tasteless. The three small ribs had some really sweet sauce on them. The beans were okay. I'll continue to come here because it's close and convenient.
(3)
Brent J.
This place has great food and great service! Parking is easy thanks to a public garage a block away. [Parking is free at night and on the weekend]. You can't beat that!
(5)
Jonathan M.
Margaritas: wayyyy too sweet. so sweet it hurts. but it gets the job done. Salsa: tastes like tomato sauce. awful Guacamole: wayyyyy to salty. would have been tasty w/ half the salt Pork Tamale: inedible Taco: not so good Enchiladas: REALLY FREAKIN GOOD by comparison. This place was a big let down after reading the other reviews. I will never go again. Stick with the Enchiladas. Didnt feel sick the next day, and the service was great, so it gets two stars.
(2)
Patrice R.
We have been going to this restaurant for many years. I held my promotion celebration and retirement event here. It is convenient to the church we attend and often on Sundays it is our restaurant of choice after services. The number one appeal is the consistency of the excellence of the food. It is genuine, tasty and quite satisfying. On occas. the sangria is a bit weak, but for the most part, we always leave satisfied. The owners are very attentive and responsive. We've been to the Rockville Pike location and found the menu items are just as consistently good as the Silver Spring restaurant.
(5)
Sean G.
Great (covered) open air space to while away an evening. But that's my first sentence, that should tell you something. READ: The space is the draw, the food is ok -- but a little too pricey to make me a regular.
(3)
Kelly S.
My husband wanted to have Mexican for his birthday and thought this place looked interesting, and it does. We went with the kids and a friend, but we were not impressed...at least, not positively. The chips and salsa were meh. It was when we got our drinks, though, that I suspected we were in trouble. For starters, they were topped with a marachino cherry. We'd ordered frozen strawberry ritas and they were from a machine, the tequila was neither decent tequila nor mixed in, and the lot tasted like red food dye #5. Three of us ordered vegetarian combo plates, which they had told my husband they could do. That meant all cheese everything, and wouldn't have been my first choice, but wasn't a big deal. However, the rellenos were mostly fried dough, the beans tasted canned, the first cheese enchilada was really greasy, and the second cheese enchilada was chicken, which my vegetarian husband found out upon taking a large bite. They had given us all chicken. None of us can eat it. We explained the situation and the servers clearly had no idea what to do. I asked them to bring us new enchiladas and some clean plates so we didn't have to worry about the chicken getting into the rest of our food. We never got clean plates, and the enchiladas took long enough that we decided we were done and asked for the check. To top things off, our server explained that this was the fault of the first person who had taken our order. Maybe so, but I don't really want to know, or care. And it wasn't in an "I'm so sorry, but this is what happened kind of way," but more of a "it wasn't might fault kind of way."
(1)
Sara E.
Does this place even qualify as texmex? I do not consider myself a texmex snob but, when the veggie fajitas and enchiladas have steamed vegetables (including broccoli and carrots) instead of grilled, there's something wrong. The drinks were good but I would not recommend the food to anyone unless they were trying to trick their kids into eating their veggies. Everyone working there was friendly so they at least have that going for them. Just go there for the drinks. Get your food somewhere else.
(2)
Jennifer W.
Pretty typical. I was pleased to get veggie fajitas. The flour tortillas are freshly made. Overall it was a pretty regular Tex Mex place.
(3)
Lara P.
I lived in Dallas for a decade so I admit to being a tex mex snob, but Mi Rancho doesn't even qualify as tex mex. I ordered queso and received cheese melted and congealed over chips. Nothing I've ordered the two times I have been here was good. The service is also not good. It's a great place for families though and the kids have their run of the place.
(1)
Kelly K.
Mi Rancho is great...nice atmosphere, terrific food, good service, good prices. Our family loves coming here and we do so regularly. It's perfect for families and we always have food to bring home as well!
(4)
Jacob C.
For many years now. There has been a place kind of hidden in the Downtown Silver Spring area that has always meant a bit of a home away from home place. This place is Mi Rancho and we have always felt a warm welcome every time we have visited. The staff -including almost always one or several of their owners- are very courteous. When in comes to the quality of the food Mi Rancho is almost above the norm in their combo platters. The tex mex fajitas are very difficult to create as originals but their freshly made flour tortillas make them exceptionally tasting. Do not miss a bite of the plato maria or at least a side order of a chile relleno. A family atmosphere free of trouble makers makes this place a perfect place for family diners or after work drinks. Check if they are still sending you coupons to your cell phone they have some great bargains this way. And save some room for sopapillas as long as you accompany them with horchata or one of their Mexican coffees.
(5)
Jason S.
I was visiting DC and found this restaurant via a Yelp search. Overall, the food was slightly above average, but the service they provided me was lousy. Food: I ordered the three beef enchilada with red sauce dinner for $10.95 and my wife ordered the beef soft taco dinner. The portions were plentfiul (neither of us finished the entire portion) and the presentation and taste were 4/5. I enjoyed the complimentary chips & mild salsa and even requested a second serving. I rate the chips 5/5 and the salsa 4/5. Service: Unfortunately, our waitress was one of the worst that I've had in recent years. After our host promptly seated us within 30 seconds of entering the restaurant, we waited 17 minutes before our waitress arrived to take our drink order, at which time we also ordered our meals. It took another 20 minutes for our food to arrive, and that was the last we saw of our waitress for another 25 minutes. Our drinks sat empty during our entire meal and for 10 minutes after we finished. Prior to bringing our bill, the waitress did ask if we'd like another round of drinks, which we declined at that point since we'd already spent more time at Mi Rancho than we had planned. After clearing our plates, we did not see her again until she brough our bill 15 minutes later. A meal that we'd planned to to take 30 to 40 minutes took well over an hour. The good news for other patrons is that the other waiters and waitresses were far more attentive to their customers. We watched three other parties arrive after us, order, eat and leave during our stay. I would visit again, but I would definitely ask the host to seat me at their best server's table. :)
(3)
Jessica C.
I love the sangria here so much. I can't seem to stop eating the fruit--between the chips and salsa, my meal, and the fruit from the sangria I always walk out feeling so full, but it's a good kind of full. I especially like the beef fajitas, which was cheaper than the carne asada that my husband got, but seemed to be the same exact dish? Anyway, I can't say enough about the sangria, which is why I gave this place 5 stars.
(5)
Vivian K.
Mi Rancho is in Mi Tummy... **cue the "Taco Flavored Kisses" song from an episode of south park** this place seriously makes me wanna sing that song, and expose my tv whore qualities and my taste in bad music.. anyways, Mi rancho is decent in price, great on quality and fulfilling in quantity.. I dunno what more they can do beside place themselves in the top 3 best mexican places i've ever been too. let's do a top five list of what i love: 1) the guacomole is AWESOME.. i dunno if it's just because i love guac to the point that i would drink it outta a bottle, but their guacomole is fresh and spiced to perfection 2) the fajitas- can we say.. just fajita me baby!!! steak is my fave, so when they bring a sizzling pound of steak and place it in front of you, you know that you cannot resist but rub your face with the sauce. mmm..mmm.. mmmmmmmmm.. 3) the fish- now i know most don't order fish atta mexican place, but this place does it's fish good.. the tilapia is tasty, soft but cooked thoroughly, and paired with great veggies and some good ole' rice and beans. 4) sangria- sangria is good for you.. i don't care what people say, but it is.. red wine ( to lower cholesterol and to increase circulation) with the sweetness of fruits like oranges, peaches, and apples i think ( fruits = vitamins and fiber = increase immunity and you know what).. and the nice effect that wine can give you when you're drinking it.. what can be healthier than that?? 5) the margaritas- when you're sitting outside in the summer time or during the end of spring and early fall, there's nothing like margaritas to freshen you up and cool you down as the breeze blows through your hair, and the tequila hits you with a punch! and now to give you a taste of my bad music here is a section of the lyrics to taco flavored kisses: Burrito taco taco! Burrito taco, taco taco! Don't think that just because i gotta lot a money, I'll give you taco-flavoured kisses, honey; To fill all your wishes with my taco-flavoured kisses! Taco taco, burrito burrito, taco taco! Baby, lets make a run for the border, I got a hunger only tacos can stop! I know exactly what I'll order: 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! I need to make a run for the border! If you'll pay I'll take off my top! Do you remember what I want to oder? 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! Yeah, and don't forget the hot sauce, cholo! you can virtual slap me when you're done reading this now..
(4)
Zphi S.
Nothing special ... I ordered the Jalisco platter (i believe that was the name) I did not care for the overly bland pork tamale amongst my chicken taco and beef enchiladas. The chips and salsa that they give to you when you are seated are very delicious. Don't park right next door to the restaurant because that parking lot belongs to the Tastee Diner next door. Or risk having your car towed to the nether regions of Maryland ...lol!
(2)
Elysia N.
Good old standby for Tex-Mex in a convenient location. Hassle-free parking at the nearby garage, large patio + plenty of indoor seating means I never have to wait for a table. Fresh, warm, crispy-thin chips and salsa keep me coming back. Service is attentive, reliable and quick. Food is not outstanding but more authentic than the nearby Austin Grill. Lots of seafood options, love the ribs, and fajitas are served with fresh tortillas. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Vicky R.
I've been going here since 1999. The food is fantastic. I love the fresh tortillas. There are sometimes lines but getting to eat a hot, fresh tortilla that is still billowing as it comes off the tortilla machine makes waiting a pleasure. Tortillas are still warm when served at your table with the food, but there is something about a hot, billowy tortilla. Lots of people come for burritos, enchiladas, etc. Here are my favorities: the seafood soup (plenty of clams, shrimp, and other seafood; pefect with cilantro when sick); the whole, grilled red snapper (delicious!), the fajitas, and of course the magaritas. And the chips are hot and fresh!
(5)
Katie W.
I don't really get the hype. The chips and salsa are very good and I agree that the patio is an excellent spot to enjoy a good happy hour, but the food is mediocre at best. The service is hit or miss and the last time I went our server seemed so agitated that we wanted to take our time that she stopped coming to our table altogether. My mother and sister love it, so I know that I will return and will continue to hope for better experiences.
(2)
Liz J.
i like the fact that Mi Rancho gives me a tex-mex food option that is within walking distance of my home. I also like that the restaurant has outdoor seating year-round that is well protected should there be rain/snow and outdoor heaters if needed. The food is average compared to other places in the WMA - not bad, but it's not mind blowing either. Although most times the food is good enough, I went here for dinner last night and can say I had enchiladas that reminded me of tex mex food I ate while living in Ft Worth, TX. The food was good! If this place was more consistent with the quality of the food I'd give it more stars. I'd also give it more stars if the servers were friendlier. The server I had last night glared at me when I ordered a pitcher of margaritas for myself and my boyfriend only for me to realize that I had only grabbed my credit card and not my ID before leaving home, and thus having to order something far less expensive than a pitcher of margaritas. He had no reason to be mad about it - it's not as if he left the table, came back and then asked for IDs. It was maybe 15 seconds before I realized it and had to change the drink order and he was visibly irritated by it. Maybe it was the sobriety, but I found his service less than stellar. Maybe if I had those couple of margaritas I would have found him pleasant and a better server than I did. He would've received a better tip as a result of my tipsy-ness, but alas, he was tipped for his overall service, which was only so-so.
(3)
Lindsay H.
Mi Rancho--no me gusto. I had high hopes for Mi Rancho after reading reviews and hearing from friends that it was good. A group of friends and I sat out on the patio, which was very nice on a hot day. The margaritas were pretty good, but the food was BLAND, the sort of dialed-down gringo food you'd expect in places like Minnesota, but have no place around here. Bring on the heat! I'll probably go back at some point, but frankly, the food's better at Matamoros in Wheaton, if lacking the nice patio.
(2)
Steve G.
Mi Rancho certainly isn't muy raunchy, but the food is nothing special. Can't go wrong with fajitas, right? Well, these were very ordinary fajitas. I will cut Mi Rancho a little slack, as I was there, along with a large percentage of Silver Spring, for Cinco de Mayo. I imagine this played a part in the fajitas not coming to the table all asizzle, a fabulous conflagration of barbacoa-breathing vato vapor. That's half the reason to get fajitas in the first place: just to see your neighbors enviously staring at your entree, mouths agape; their boring pile of cheese-fettered dish-plate tortillas just lying there like a Zenadine Zedanye head-butting victim. Meanwhile, your steaming succulence sizzles and delights all at the table, clearing sinuses, bringing a mexican rainbow of joy to your face. Nope, these fajitas came as an unceremonious pile of meat half-stuck to the iron plate. Oh, and with one, uncooked, unseared, uncharred, raw segment of green pepper circumference. That and the sides of beans and rice were the adornments for this dish (well, and the ubiquitous guacamole and sour cream). Highly average and disappointing. I give the stars for the atmosphere. The huge canopy of a patio was loud fun and great to be sitting in. I'd like to go back on a non cinco-de-mayo day, when there aren't more gringos than a Texas roadhouse bar on the barbecue music circuit, and see what this place can deliver. For now, two stars sums up my experience.
(2)
Holly C.
It's a nice Tex Mex place in downtown Silver Spring, with a giant patio, great margharitas and fresh salsa. The menu has lots of items, the waiters understand you and you understand them. The vibe is easy going and the place is affordable. Good for groups or couples.
(4)
Chris M.
I have been going to Mi Rancho with people from work and with my family for six years now (even before the big covered patio!). The people there really friendly and our kids love it there. Both our son and daughter have had their birthday dinners there and worn the sombrero. Very kid friendly but good food and drinks for adults too! Anytime we ask our son where he wants to go for dinner he immediately says "Mi Rancho!"
(5)
Angel B.
Mi Rancho is not the best Mexican restaurant ever, but it a great one to have in a neighborhood. I'd choose Mi Rancho over a place like Austin Grill at anytime. The prices are reasonable, and the margaritas are tasty. I've never sat inside, but I love the patio outside with the decorations and lighting adding a festive touch.
(4)
Nancy J.
Love Mi Rancho. Look, this place is not haute cuisine, it is a local Tex Mex joint with tasty salsa, fresh homemade chips and tortillas, and more-than-passable fajitas. I usually get the fajitas or the salmon, both filling and fairly priced. I'd pass on the gluey enchiladas, but if you know what to order (and have a nice cocktail to start), you will have a pleasant meal. Great for families too - especially the surprisingly nice and large outdoor space.
(4)
Dawn C.
Yuck. Food had no taste whatsoever. Drinks were small and lukewarm. Service sucked. FIve waiters and the manager standing around chatting and giggling like school girls while we waited 15 feet away for service. Great patio but better places to spend your money.
(1)
Natalie F.
Had dinner here last week with a friend and had heard really good things about this place so I had some expectations. Unfortunately I was disappointed, which I would have been even with the expectations. First they apparently don't have Happy hour? We asked before we were seated and the host said they didn't have any happy hour specials! So we sat out on the patio for dinner. We started with a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks with salt. Which was the best part of the meal. The pitcher was ENORMOUS and the margaritas were delicious and strong! Between 2 people it was plenty, we each had almost 4 each for 25.00! The chips and salsa were so bland and tasteless. I ordered the large spinach quesidilla, which was very large and came with tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream. The quesidillas were made with typical white flour tortillas, nothing special and with cheese and what seemed like frozen chopped spinach. Every other spinach quesidilla I have ever had was made with fresh chopped spinach, it's so much better and fresher! My friend got the vegetable enchiladas, which he said were really good. I did try his re fried beans which were more like a whipped bean dip from a can, no good! The service was good, almost too good. I felt a little rushed during the entire meal. Don't think I'll be back, I'd rather go to Cactus Cantina.
(2)
Zak S.
I've been to this place several times and it just seems to go downhill each time. I've come to the conclusion that it's a decent place to go have some chips (light and crispy), salsa, quesadillas and margarita's while sitting outside with some friends. The few times I've gone for dinner and anything substantial it's been a huge disappointment. The fish tonight had bones... and the rice and beans were as bland. The service depending on who you get is just mediocre.
(2)
Rachel S.
I loved living close to Mi Rancho! It was affordable Mexican food with a good atmosphere. The patio is great in the spring and summer time, but even during winter there is ample seating inside. The margaritas are very good. I generally base my love for Mexican restaurants based on their chips and salsa, and I can say that Mi Rancho is at the top of my list in that department. Sadly, since I moved back into DC I probably won't be coming here anymore, but I will miss it! But just because I am too lazy to get on the Red Line does not mean the rest of you should miss out! Give Mi Rancho a try.
(4)
Brenda A.
Without the good service and obvious care of the owner the food might be a 3 star. Overall it isn't bad and I always appreciate how quickly they serve the food. So it makes a good quick lunch stop. After multiple visits it is always decent experience.
(4)
Shayron B.
Yummmm We love Mi Rancho. Delicious salsa, homemade chips and tortillas to die for. Delicious eats, don't skip dessert.
(5)
Mark P.
I thought I'd written a previous review of Mi Rancho but apparently not, maybe I fell face down into the tortillas before finishing it. Anyway... My first visit was on Easter Sunday, a delightful day and the specialty was lamb chops appropriately enough.( not a regular menu item). They were delicious, the service was great and I was ready for 4 stars. A second visit a few weeks later was not as much fun. It was very average Tex-Mex. The salsa was under seasoned, the chips too thin. Tacos were just about Ok but again underseasoned. Enchilada was drowned in American cheese and sauce from a can or at least it tasted that way. Oddly, only one pork item on the menu, ribs. Service was excellent and even though it was crowded we got a patio seat right away. Based on the first time around I'd elevate those two stars to two and a half but next time we'll just go there for a beer and eat elsewhere.
(2)
Jono S.
One word: Tortillas--that's why you should go to Mi Rancho--piping hot, flour tortillas freshly made, albeit by hand-fed machine that sits at the front of the restaurant where you can see the dough gradually transform into magical goodness. Truly, is there really any other compelling reason?
(4)
Stacie C.
Nachos, fajitas, margaritas. All my favorite itas in one place. The ribs here are so frickin good. We love to go and sit outside on the patio. I can always get a table here on the weekends which is more than I can say for most of the chain restaurants in the Spring. It's my go to restaurant when I need a place for a large group of people or if I can't figure out where else I want to go. Love to get the Plato Gordo and share with friends.
(4)
Cinthia R.
I go to Mi Rancho, my favorite neighborhood restaurant, for 3 reasons: 1) The cheap prices, ie: $8.99 for an entree of enchiladas (my favorite dish there!) 2) The tortilla chips - they are some of the lightest, crispiest ever! Before my entre gets on my table, I always finish an entire basket of chips first (and sometimes even ask for a second basket). 3) The atmosphere - when you're out in the covered patio with all the colored lightbulbs above your head you feel like you're attending some big Mexican wedding. It's fun and festive! Definitely a great place to hang out with friends or celebrate with family.
(4)
RonAnderson ..
One of the very best Tex-Mex restaurants in the DC area, and you can get here easily by Metro--an easy 5 minute walk from the Silver Spring metro station. I've been here many times and it has never let me down. The steak fajitas are delicious and the tortilla chips are home-made and light and crisp. Margaritas are also tops here. Come in the summertime where they open up their big outdoor patio area. It's pretty busy on weekends but worth the wait. After dining, save room for dessert, since you can walk over to the new Cakelove that's in the Downtown Silver Spring shopping complex.
(5)
Christina S.
Even though I'm sitting here at 4 am with a stomach ache because of this place I'm giving it two stars instead of one because it is really a nice place to go- if only the food weren't so bad! Because really, that's the main reason most of us go out, right? So how did I summon up two stars instead of one when I probably will never eat there again? Ambiance and service are pretty high on the list. I like the patio area and even the inside is nice. Watching the tortilla machine is fun for the little ones (okay, even I like to watch it for a few minutes). It's a great place for large groups and for families where the noise from your table will blend in with everything else but because it is technically outside (more like a tent in the winter) it never reaches a nerve rattling level. If only the food were better! The tortillas are yummy and fresh made... although they are quite a bit fluffier ad blander than REALLY good homemade tortillas. Husband really likes the ceviche... I'm rather ambivalent about it. A few too many pieces of mystery mixed in, like they didn't trim the fish as nicely as I would like. The chips, while fresh, are just soaked through with old tasting oil. Not good. So I shared the steak fajitas combo with veggies with husband. I was in the mood for some lean red meat and grilled veggies. It seems that they sauteed the meat in oil (and completely unevenly cooked) first and the veggies!! Oh, how I was looking forward to a nice plate of grilled onions and bell peppers and maybe some other grill suited veggies thrown into the mix. What came to the table on the fake little sizzling plate was BROCCOLI and CARROTS with onions that had all been STEAMED beforehand. Don't get me wrong, I'm adventurous with my veggies but somehow I couldn't roll a piece of steamed broccoli in a tortilla and call it a fajita. I dunno, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant or mushrooms even but to me, call me crazy, the operative word in fajita making is GRILLED. I've tried the chicken fajitas before and maybe I'm picky here, but the chicken had skin and icky bits in it and didn't go down well. (no veggies on the rg. meat fajita plates). Ive had enchiladas there too and again, the chicken had skin on it (all rolled up in there) and everything else about it was completely unremarkable. And one more thing- the guacamole tastes like it came from a powdered mix. At least I don't think I have food poisoning...
(2)
Yasmin M.
The chips were good; however the salsa did not taste fresh. The service was slow and our waitress was not friendly. Because this was my first time here, I decided to order something basic, so I pordered chicken tacos. They tasted like there was some type of chemical or additive in them. The margarita's were awful, so we tried sangria. It was too tart. Overall it was a bad experience. I will not be eating here again.
(1)
Mario G.
Have been here a few times. Not great food, but ok. The meats are cooked well, the rice and beans are not. The vegetables are neither presented well nor very tasty. However, it is about the only real 'Mexican' solution I have found in SIlver Spring so far. Granted its more tex-mex, but most other restaurants claiming to be Mexican have too many central american influences (Guapo's for example). Always bustling with people, a good choice for a small bill and pre-movie date night. Or for a bunch of friends grabbing some quickly served food.
(3)
Steve Y.
Well, after reading all the previous reviews I guess most people would be unsure as to whether this is a good or a bad restaurant. I live just a few blocks from Mi Rancho and had my first meal there the first day I moved into the neighborhood. Since then I've probably been back half a dozen times or so. As people have commented, its a place you want to like - the patio is inviting (although it can get noisy and the inside is a little tacky) and even from a block or two away it always smells so damn good. The food is reasonably priced, fairly typical tex-mex food. It's not the best in the DC area, but its perfectly acceptable. I lived in Austin, Texas for 14 years but I'm not about to tell you that restaurants up here don't know how to cook tex-mex - I just don't believe in that whole theory of "geographical capability" that invades the restaurant review scene. This is an average (and I don't mean that in a bad way) tex-mex place just like the average tex-mex places in Austin or anywhere else for that matter. Is it worth going more than a couple of metro stops for - no, but I like having it in my neighborhood for those odd times when I just want a decent enough margarita and fajitas.
(3)
Brian M.
If you're craving some semblance of Mexican food and you happen to be on the same block and don't feel like walking an extra few blocks, sure. Stop in for some grub. Not much of a selection and the service has gotten worse and worse. Shouldn't have to wave like a drowning person across the room to the wait staff for service. Last time I ate there (lunch), I was sick that night and didn't get over it for two days.
(2)
M G.
I am actually very disappointed with this restaurant and the way that they deal with restaurant mishaps or customer issues. I have visited this location several times for small business meetings and I usually enjoy my meal. We had a company meeting with about 25 people who attended this past July and as you can imagine, we spent a significant amount of money. Mind you, we had made prior reservations so they knew to expect us (a few eeeks before). We were seated inside and sweating buckets. Several of us tried to fan ourselves down with menus but they did very little to cool us down. The staff fussed with the air and kept promising us that within minutes, the room would cool down, but it just didn't seem to work. We tried to make the best of it but as sizzling fajitas surrounded us, there was no way any of us were able to enjoy our highly anticipated mexican feast. I ended up calling to speak with someone who claimed that she was the owner, to let her know that we love to have events at Mi Rancho and that this last experience was difficult to enjoy because of the extreme heat in the room. They didn't try to accommodate us at all. They could have moved us to a cooler room upstairs but wanted to save those seats for smaller groups. No apologies. She said that it was hot that day and that there was nothing that she could do and left it at that. I'd say that is bad customer service. I will also say that this group of 25 will no longer be visiting your establishment as a group since you don't seem to appreciate having a large group there.
(2)
Jonah P.
I have been a loyal customer to Mi Rancho- Silver Spring for over a year but no longer will I be eating at this restaurant. On top of the food being extremely overpriced, the menu they have online is inaccurate nor do they care to honor the pricing. Be aware of the false advertising/ pricing on the Yelp page because they do not honor it even with you providing proof of what could easily be a mistake. After showing them proof the employee claims that Mi Rancho does not have a Yelp account. Stay away from this place if you think you will be getting the prices honored on Yelp.
(1)
Anthony C.
Love the Rancho. Fresh made torltias, and chips, and great Tex-Mex. I have traveled quite a bit through Mexico, and mi Rancho is a good American version of those foods. Way more cheese and sour cream soaked on all its dishes than you find south of the border. I always feel like the true south west dishes, that are inspired by Mexican food, are a lot spicier than the average person in our area would be willing to tolerate. Mi Rancho's guacamole has an original taste--everyone seems to like it, but it is a bit different than the standard. I really like their chiles rellenos. Very mild chili, and super flavorful. I end up scooping off a lot of the cheese, but one of these is almost a meal in itself. I have had the tacos and burrito. Their fajitas are amazing. Everything is done fresh and clearly made to order. The staff is on top of their game. Eating on the patio when the weather is nice is a nice experience. I am always pleased when we eat there.
(5)
Nicholas A.
The food is fast and exceptionally delicious, but possibly the best thing about Mi Rancho is that they're consistently great. The fajitas are some of the best I've ever had, the carne asada is delicious, and the margaritas are perfect. Baltazar is one of the friendliest, most attentive servers at any restaurant. The prices are totally affordable, especially if you get a meal large enough to include leftovers. The only downside is that they charge for cheese and sour cream, but even that'll get a pass because it's healthier without!
(5)
Bridget M.
Solidly good Mexican food. Nothing amazing, but the complimentary chips and salsa were great, as was the spinach dip we ordered as a starter. The BF and I both ordered chicken chimichangas, and while mine was slightly burned, it was, nonetheless, good. Not the huge size that most chain Mexican places will give you, though still filling (rice and beans come on the side). The service isn't anything to write home about--we had two waitresses who seemed to be alternating, and while they weren't unfriendly or anything, they didn't seem too thrilled to be there. That being said, we were served pretty quickly, and were in and out in about 45 minutes. I guess Sunday nights aren't too busy for them. Overall, I plan on going back. Not amazing, but would be a good place to meet with friends for some drinks and solid Mexican cuisine.
(3)
Tom B.
I would post no stars or even a negative star if that was possible. This was perhaps the worst restaurant that I have ever eaten in. It was dirty my food had a hair in it and they didn't even replace the food or comp it. The staff was slovenly, lazy and slow. The bear was warm but since it was in a bottle was the only thing safety consume in the entire restaurant. I would rather eat gums scraped off the bottom of the public bench than eat at this restaurant.
(1)
Laurie K.
Overall, Mi Rancho is an attractive, fun place to go, with good service. But what do you go to a restaurant for? The food. They really hollowed out the amount of meat and toppings that you get with an order of fajitas, plus the price has gone up. We sat on the patio on a cool day, and they had the heater on, but it was very hot and uncomfortable.
(2)
Christin N.
The food is good, prices are fair, and ,when it's warm out, we love eating in the outdoor covered area! Some of the drinks can be a bit pricey but if you order a pitcher, it's a better deal. Willing to work with food allergies and the owner is good about coming around. Parking Tip: don't park in the diner lot right next door. Go across the street to the garage (free after rush hour).
(4)
Emily C.
Good food, chips and salsa were great, quick service for the most part. Our waitress must've been slow because we had to ask three separate times for a menu and she first brought us 1 menu for two people, then a drink menu, then finally another menu for food. I ordered the chicken enchilada and it was great. Reminded me of Chuy's enchiladas except much more cheesier which wasn't a bad thing surprisingly. Super yummy.
(4)
Eric T.
Food quality was not great and a little pricey, but the service was excellent. From the waiters to the managers they couldn't have been nicer. They were all very patient with my twin three year olds and all made a point to interact and entertain them so my wife and I could actually eat. Even the girl running the tortilla machine (which is totally cool...haven't seen one in a while) made sure to say hello to my boys who were fascinated by it. I would go back again, hopefully when it's a little warmer they have an awesome outdoor patio area. Thanks Mi Rancho, it was a nice dinner with the family.
(4)
Sara M.
Consistently good. Their chips are warm, thin and crispy - we always end up asking for another basket (or 2 :P) without fail. We usually order the Plato Grande and it is always hot, juicy and flavorful. Their homemade tortillas are so fresh, I would probably be happy just eating those alone. I can always appreciate a place where management is involved (greeting customers, helping serve tables, etc.) - my favorite tex-mex restaurant in the area.
(4)
Ray B.
My meal started off with homemade chip and salsa which was spicy but delicious. We ordered a grilled chicken and steak taco salads. The salad and meats was delicious fresh veggies. Will visit again service was excellent.
(4)
Bianca F.
This place works for me. In fact I think it has gotten better over time. During this last visit, we were greeted by the owner & we were able to get a table inside to watch the World Cup. I was hungry so we ordered the shrimp and steak quesadilla, the chicken and beef fajitas, and some margaritas. It was good! The tortillas were fresh; chips and salsa, yum! I was in my happy place with my belly being full and no problem getting a table or parking outside. See you soon Mi Rancho!
(3)
Carmen S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about - especially regarding the service! We found the service to be exceptional - on par with super high end restaurants in the District that have cost us 3-4X the price of a meal here. We had water and fresh chips and salsa on the table before I could even put my gloves/hat away. Now for you faux-Mex fans, their table salsa is made mild, with fresh tomatoes (the lighter red salsa on the right in my pic). Most of you are used to cooked tomato salsa, which often more closely resembles tomato paste in texture... but this is not what you can expect here. Now if you can HANDLE THE HEAT, I recommend asking for their salsa picante (spicy salsa) which was wonderfullllll... full of flavor and spice, but NOT for the weak of palate. We had a small pitcher of their Mi Rancho margaritas and their Rancheros nachos between the two of us. The only reason why I give them four and not five stars is because I prefer a 100% agave and lime margarita, with NO MIX whatsoever. The perfect margarita is simply fresh lime juice, agave nectar, sea salt, and high quality tequila. Basta. That's it. I would pay twice the price for this margarita, in this ambience, with their salsa picante.
(4)
Scott F.
I absolutely loved my meal at Mi Rancho! The service was quick and the food is delicious. We sat outside and the gentle breeze was very pleasant. Loved the margaritas too! Can't wait to go back. They have in house made tortillas which o couldn't get enough of.
(4)
Nicki M.
I've always enjoined the Chimichungas at Mi Rancho, buy this review is about the new Chocolate Margarita. It's good, but not great. Think Chocolate Martini but with tequila. I did LOVE the fact that our super awesome server took the drink back and had the bartender pump up the chocolate. The finished product was a winner! If you're looking for a fun chocolate drink, try it. But if you want to have a Tex-Mex night on the town... stick to the more traditional tequila cocktails.
(4)
Keke W.
Love the food great manager! Decent location and atmosphere! I will definitely return!
(5)
Rich G.
I live in the neighborhood and have been eating at Mi Rancho since 1993. The food and service are consistently good. Not great, but very good, maybe a half-step down from Rio Grande. I've never left Mi Rancho feeling angry or disappointed. The place does need a bit of an update, as it really hasn't changed much over the years, with the exception of the outside porch which they remodeled about 10 years ago. If you like Sangria, theirs is pretty good. Beer list is typical TexMex - Corona, Tecate, etc. Could use an upgrade there was well.
(4)
Kassity L.
Really nothing special. Your typical Tex-mex fare. A bit on the pricey side for Tex-mex. I would 't recommend this place unless you are really craving Tex-mex. Coming from Texas, I have definitely had better Tex-mex. The sangria was also ok, the wine that was used tasted cheap and slightly sour. Service was good though, and the outside seating area was nice.
(2)
Sydney L.
I'd like to think of myself as a Mexican food expert--it is by far my favorite cuisine and I eat it every chance I get. I've tried at least a dozen mom and pop Mexican joints in DC and Mi Rancho is by far the best. Chips are perfectly crispy and salsa is delicious with a good kick. I don't know why anyone bothers getting an appetizer when they give you chips and salsa for free. Their outdoor patio is huge and a great spot to enjoy when the weather is nice. And can I just talk about the steak fajitas for a minute? They're amazing. Like "last meal on earth" amazing. The chicken is great too--lots of flavors and very moist. Enchiladas with green sauce also packed a ton of flavor. Sauce was light, but not a lot of kick. Beef inside was the true star of the dish. All the meats here are well prepared and flavorful. Portions are large and price is on par if not slightly cheaper than every other Mexican restaurant I've been to in DC. In conclusion, get your ass to Mi Rancho. Now.
(5)
Amy S.
This is one of my family's favorite restaurants. The food and service are consistently good. We love sitting on the patio in the warm weather.
(5)
Harper D.
Love this place!! Great margaritas, delicious authentic food, and great service! The nachos and tacos are my personal favorites! This is my number one place in Silver Spring to bring friends and family. Highly recommended!
(5)
Marcela S.
I have been there a lot of times with my daughter. I always ordered the same carne asada very tender juicy, fresh. I went there for my weeding with fam and friends unfortunately the food was soggy, the carne asada was old and chewy. My husband was disappointed i had told him the food there was delicious and fresh, now every time i try to go back he says noooooo I am not going to spend money on food thats its not good sorry
(3)
Liz S.
Meh. I stopped here for lunch the other day, by recommendation of my sister who lives here. Our conversation went like this, "Are you sure this place is OK? They only have 3 stars on Yelp." Her reply, "Yea it's awesome. Trust me." My sister just had a baby, so maybe she hasn't had their margaritas in over a year. Mine tasted like high fructose corn syrup washing out a hint of tequila somewhere. You can scroll through my countless reviews on Mexican-Tex-Mex places, and this one is just above Don Pablo. Prices are right, so you can't complain in that department. The food was just OK. I settled for a chicken quesadilla because I didn't see fish tacos on the menu. My husband had nachos, which is your typical 6 nacho platter with cheese melted on top and the "sides". The chicken quality was decent and the service was good.
(3)
Michelle B.
Not bad at all. I stopped in for dinner and a drink and was not disappointed. I enjoyed my frozen margarita along with my dinner. I didn't know what to get, so I ordered the combination that came with the chille relleno, chicken enchilada, taco al carbon, and tamale. Everything tasted great except for the chicken enchilada. I didn't care for it at all, but I liked the rest of my dish. I would try Mi Rancho out again in the future.
(3)
Jim F.
Food was amazing. Had one if the best chicken quesadillas I've ever had. Ingredients taste exceptionally fresh, chips seemed homemade. Great food hands down. The services as decent too, except the server was not happy about splitting our checks for us. We were a group of six college students and we let her know beforehand so it shouldn't have been an issue, especially since they are more likely to get a bigger tip with separate tips. Nonetheless, it was great was great authentic Mexican food.
(4)
Alex O.
Nice tex-mex! Like the chips and salsa and the refills for it. As far as I'm concerned I had a lovely waitress who was very attentive us and made some great recommendations. Carne asada was juicy and the chicken enchilada was a little too smothered but taste was great. Prices are a bit high and my taqitos were a little over cooked. I liked the scenery and presentation.
(4)
Hannah D.
Worst mexican food I have ever had. The food was bland and looked like frozen food heated up. The margaritas were OK but nothing great. The service was good but the food was terrible!!
(1)
Alice R.
Mi Rancho worked out all the kinks. Now to match great service and food and ambience, they have perfected the Cadillac margarita. My go to place!
(5)
Martica C.
I'm just not a fan of their food, but friends insist on coming here for bday celebrations....i think they just come to wear the sombrero:-)
(2)
Cherrelle L.
Overpriced for the quality of food. Unfortunately, our waitress was rude and ready for her shift to end. That took away from our experience. Their free chips and salsa were yummy! The fajitas are probably the best thing going. I have heard great things about their margaritas too. :)
(3)
Michelle W.
Gringo Mexican food....I got the beef soft tacos and they were fine...a bit on the pricey side, but the portion was generous with a rice, beans and lettuce on the side. The rice was a but bland as were the tacos. Come here for the margs, but not for authentic Mexican food
(2)
Alex C.
I was super excited to go here... then I went. SO EXPENSIVE! I mean, it's not the most expensive place in town but for how low quality the eats are, the prices just don't make sense. If all the plates were $3-$5 cheaper I'd have given this one 4 stars! The Margarita was ok but at a happy hour price of $5.95...get outta my face! Also, the chips were stale and I always judge a Mexican restaurant by the freshness of their chips. I won't be going back to this place.
(2)
Karen Q.
Food, drinks, atmosphere, and service is not the issue - all were just as expected. Definitely choose the strawberry margarita over the red sangria, though. The issue was that the owner was extremely rude to the people in my fairly large party. We were enjoying the patio after the end of a very long school year...saying goodbye to colleagues who were moving on...And after a few hours, the patio began to fill up with families with kids. The owner came over and said we were too loud. We were ok with that, and adjusted our volume. Then he came over again and said he'd reserved our table and we had to leave. There were several open tables all around us. We asked if we could move inside; he said there was no room. Then the manager came over and said we could stay. We ordered more drinks and food. The owner came by five minutes later and said we had to leave immediately. We gathered our things and walked out. The poor waitress had no idea what was going on; when we explained she (rightly) asked who was going to pay for the drinks she had just delivered to our now empty table. We explained the situation, and suggested that we deal with the owner, as none of this was her fault. The owner came striding over, quite aggressively, and screamed at us! "You aren't going to pay your bill! I'll call the police!" We had already paid for every single thing, plus a hefty tip, but we were not about to pay for full drinks delivered after we were asked to leave. It took the owner a while to understand this. Needless to say, no one in our group of approximately 20 people will ever return to Mi Rancho. Too bad. They have a great patio.
(2)
Jennifer A.
There are some things I love about this restaurant: homemade tortillas, the queso fundido, and the steak fajitas. I also appreciate how they have a house hot sauce! However, this place has dishes which are overpriced. For example, you can't get a side of guac, but rather, have to buy a full dish of it for about 6 dollars or so. The margaritas don't seem to contain super fresh ingredients. Also, they don't have very many salsas or unique dishes. Despite these issues, the homemade tortillas are really outstanding and make the trip to the restaurant worth it.
(3)
Brenton W.
I've lived across the street from Mi Rancho for a year now and finally made it over there. It's what you can expect. I was really happy with the selection of various Mexican Beers outside of your usual Corona, Tecate, Modelo and Pacifico. They offered at least three or four brews I've never heard of -- not that you're going to get anything that really WOWs you in regards to Mexican brewed beer, but if you're into experimenting with beers across the board, you'll find a Mexican based beer that you've probably never tried before. Obviously, they have a fine selection of Margaritas, as well. I got the soft taco dinner (3 soft tacos w/cheese, lettuce and tomato and your choice of beef or chicken). I had zero complaints. Loved it. I just wasn't feeling experimental that day. Everyone else was very happy with their order. We'll be back and not take a year to get to it.
(3)
Jamie B.
Mi Rancho is good, but not quite up to snuff with its competitors (Guapo's, Cactus Cantina, etc.). I say this having ordered here both in-house and take out, many times. I have ordered for just myself and for a group, and the food is inconsistent, at best. My husband loves enchiladas and he swears theirs are just okay, but I honestly cannot stand them! The poor tortillas are DROWNING in that red sauce, and it just drowns out the flavor. The fajitas, being a dryer commodity, are a bit better. Though in the case of the fajitas, inconsistency played a huge factor. One time, they were moist, juicy, delicious chicken fajitas. Another time I felt like I was eating the leg muscle of a camel or something. It was tough, dry chicken and just tasted so...bland. So, I give Mi Rancho 3 stars since the food has been inconsistent.
(3)
Rachel E.
The food here is great. The only thing i would change is that the prices for basic fair are a bit steep and the salsa is BOOOOOOOO-----RRRRRRING. Other than that, i love the ambiance, the service and everything else.
(4)
Brian S.
Stopped in for lunch after church one Sunday. The food was pretty good - I had the chimichangas and have no complaints. Atmosphere was great - I will definitely be back with friends. Service was exceptional - dare I say it was too fast?
(4)
Kristen H.
I have eaten and gotten takeout here several times and it has never disappointed me. The portions are big and reasonably priced. I love getting the Burrito Santa Fe. I'm a big cheese person and that burrito has plenty of it and plenty of juicy ground beef. The owner and staff are pretty friendly. If you want great Mexican food they will not let you down.
(4)
Danielle P.
This place has become more and more disappointing with each visit. I so much wanted to love this place because it is SO CLOSE to my apartment. However, each time I visit, the quality of the food diminishes. Don't believe me? Visit #1: I visited after first moving to Silver Spring, and took a friend to say thanks for helping me move.The service was outstanding. The food was the closest thing to Mexican that I have had here in a long time (native Arizonan saying this). And my margarita was tasty. Visit #2 (takeout): I wanted some nachos, and happened to stop by while I was walking home. The lady taking my order was rude. I think she was annoyed to be taking to-go orders, but oh well. My order was cooked really fast and I hurried home to enjoy. Oh man, these were some amazing nachos (native Arizonan saying this). Best of all, they separated the guacamole, pico, and sour cream so my nachos wouldn't get soggy. So sweet!! Visit #3 (takeout): I wanted more nachos! This time I ordered the Mi Ranchos Nacho (or Nachos Mi Ranchos, I don't remember) and they were missing the beans. WTF! Visit #4 (takeout): Alright, I am going to go back to my original nachos order: Nachos Rancheros. I open my container and see that the nachos are burned. The pico, guac, and sour cream is not separated. I have burnt, soggy nachos. *Tear. As you can see, Mi Rancho is on a decline. Also, you can see that I am a nacho fiend. I find this to be very upsetting because I really love nachos. *Sigh.
(2)
Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
Service! What service? I was really disappointed. The restaurant is right across from a parking garage, and on the side streets there's metered parking. We go inside sit at an uncomfortable flimsy chair, and check out the menu. It's standard tex mex fair. I'm not sure if it was the lunch menu( around 4pm) but there wasn't much offered. We check out the many options( note the sarcasm) settle on the shrimp fajitas, and after ordering are ignored. I didn't get 1 refill on my drink, neither did my companion. We get our food, and were told our waitress will bring our tortillas, we ordered fajitas. Never happened. Someone came to get our plates I complained, and she apologized. They remembered to bring the check of course. When leaving I asked to speak to the manager, told him what happened. He apologized, and said if you didn't like the service, then don't leave a tip. DUH! He said if we were to come back he hopes we have a better service. He then started talking about being tired from running in the cherry blossom race or something. I was very dissapointed. the food was ok. I'm from the SW I wouldn't say it's the best Mexican I've had. I think Cactus Cantina on Wisconsin Ave has better food, an the service is always awesome. I won't be back.
(1)
Melissa S.
I've been here twice now and honestly I've enjoyed this restaurant each time. During my most recent visit, as soon as my boyfriend and I walked through the door, we were instantly greeted by a smiling face. The gentleman made us laugh with a cute joke and then sat us very quickly. The service was fast and friendly. The steak fajitas are amazing. My boyfriend has said both times now "I need to know how they make their steak." The steak marinade is soooo yummy. I will definitely be coming back here when I'm in the mood for some Mexican.
(3)
Heike Y.
I am sorry to say that it really was just Meh. Everything about Mi Rancho was just average. Food, service, drinks and the sopapillas just bad ( a mess of thick dough) Nothing what they should be - light, fluffy pillow like fried dough. Will not be back.
(2)
Diana J.
Great mom and pop no frills place that has been around for years and years. Typical fare burritos, tamales, enchiladas, etc. Very affordable prices. Great staff they seem to work as a team. Chicken tortilla soup is nice and spicy. Tres leche cake tasted stale but interestingly the strawberries tasted fresh. I've ordered it twice and both times I was underwhelmed by the cake. Large portions. Great patio seating that I believe is heated during the winter.
(5)
Mike C.
I've been here a million times over the past ten years. The freshly made chips and salsa are the best in the entire DC area! All of the entrees are of high quality and the margaritas are awfully tasty. Throw in great service, an outdoor patio, and this is the perfect Mexican restaurant!
(5)
John W.
Best Tex Mex in the DMV and one of our favourite restaurants in Silver Spring. Great atmosphere, good Tex Mex and service is always excellent. The owner always comes to check on all the customers and the staff follow his lead.
(5)
Marge G.
Never disappoints- great place for groups- carne asada and fajitas are delicious. Best Mexican food in SS.
(5)
La F.
We are sitting here right now and the waitress told us that the bartender said we can make your drink but if you don't like it you still have to pay for it. Then my drink was not the drink I ordered. She said she will fix it but will just add ice and charge me more. The drinks are disgusting and VERY heavy on the liquor. It is not enjoyable. The waitress has no idea what she is doing wither.
(1)
Anthony C.
Love the Rancho. Fresh made torltias, and chips, and great Tex-Mex. I have traveled quite a bit through Mexico, and mi Rancho is a good American version of those foods. Way more cheese and sour cream soaked on all its dishes than you find south of the border. I always feel like the true south west dishes, that are inspired by Mexican food, are a lot spicier than the average person in our area would be willing to tolerate. Mi Rancho's guacamole has an original taste--everyone seems to like it, but it is a bit different than the standard. I really like their chiles rellenos. Very mild chili, and super flavorful. I end up scooping off a lot of the cheese, but one of these is almost a meal in itself. I have had the tacos and burrito. Their fajitas are amazing. Everything is done fresh and clearly made to order. The staff is on top of their game. Eating on the patio when the weather is nice is a nice experience. I am always pleased when we eat there.
(5)
Nicholas A.
The food is fast and exceptionally delicious, but possibly the best thing about Mi Rancho is that they're consistently great. The fajitas are some of the best I've ever had, the carne asada is delicious, and the margaritas are perfect. Baltazar is one of the friendliest, most attentive servers at any restaurant. The prices are totally affordable, especially if you get a meal large enough to include leftovers. The only downside is that they charge for cheese and sour cream, but even that'll get a pass because it's healthier without!
(5)
Bridget M.
Solidly good Mexican food. Nothing amazing, but the complimentary chips and salsa were great, as was the spinach dip we ordered as a starter. The BF and I both ordered chicken chimichangas, and while mine was slightly burned, it was, nonetheless, good. Not the huge size that most chain Mexican places will give you, though still filling (rice and beans come on the side). The service isn't anything to write home about--we had two waitresses who seemed to be alternating, and while they weren't unfriendly or anything, they didn't seem too thrilled to be there. That being said, we were served pretty quickly, and were in and out in about 45 minutes. I guess Sunday nights aren't too busy for them. Overall, I plan on going back. Not amazing, but would be a good place to meet with friends for some drinks and solid Mexican cuisine.
(3)
Tom B.
I would post no stars or even a negative star if that was possible. This was perhaps the worst restaurant that I have ever eaten in. It was dirty my food had a hair in it and they didn't even replace the food or comp it. The staff was slovenly, lazy and slow. The bear was warm but since it was in a bottle was the only thing safety consume in the entire restaurant. I would rather eat gums scraped off the bottom of the public bench than eat at this restaurant.
(1)
Laurie K.
Overall, Mi Rancho is an attractive, fun place to go, with good service. But what do you go to a restaurant for? The food. They really hollowed out the amount of meat and toppings that you get with an order of fajitas, plus the price has gone up. We sat on the patio on a cool day, and they had the heater on, but it was very hot and uncomfortable.
(2)
Frank V.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. I like an authentic taste and atmosphere and Mi Rancho hits the mark. For starters, their salsa and chips are the best in town, mildly spicy and full of flavor. I've tried several dishes here but my favorite is the Carne Asada. It is absolutely delicious, juicy and with a distinctive salty iron taste and nothing else on top to drown out the flavor of the beef. The fajitas are also excellent and so are the Margaritas, albeit a bit sweet for those who prefer them over their tart alternative. Service is always good too, and there is ample seating, indoors and out on the large patio. The only issue is parking but I'm not going to fault the restaurant for that.
(5)
Damon B.
We were extremely happy to find Mi Rancho! The weather was great and we sat on the patio. The food was fresh, the ambiance was fun and relaxed, and the drinks were well-prepared. Chips and salsa are delivered free to your table, and the chips are freshly cooked...not old and stale. We ordered some guacamole and it was okay, not amazing. On the other hand, we loved the crunchy tacos, the enchilladas (my fave), and the fajitas. All were freshly prepared and came with generous quantities of beans and rice. The beans were NOT from a can and the rice was fresh! I was really impressed. I was also impressed by the drinks. We had a pitcher of sangria, which was flavorful. We had a pitcher of margarita, which tasted pretty fresh, and we had beers. The beers come with a frosted glass that was welcome on the warm summer evening. Mi Rancho is the best Mexican restaurant I've visited so far in DC. We would definitely go back! Note that this is an excessively kid friendly place. I mean, there were droves of kids. That is the one downside. There were also droves of people getting their drinking on, so it was that kind of mixed and crazy environment.
(5)
Greg C. H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Silver Spring..... Get the lobster tail and steak fajitas with a margarita & thank me later....
(5)
Brian G.
Great for outdoor drinks. The food seems to be going down hill somewhat. Great service though, friendly atmosphere. If you're lucky enough to be there when the tortilla maker is working order the fresh tortilla, they are EXCELLENT.
(3)
Rhianna B.
I went here after moving to the area. It has decent sangria at a reasonable price but their food is disgusting. We had the salsa which tasted worse than what comes in a jar and the queso dip which tasted like the cheese packet from velveeta macaroni and cheese. I will never go back to this place.
(1)
Mr. O.
I LOVE this place! I go at least once every two weeks! Shirley Temple and the enchiladas! I am a lover of Mexican food and this place has some of the best I've ever had. I don't know if this one guy is a manager owner or what, but he is nice and always interacting with his customers for just the perfect amount of time lol not to long and not to short. I've even seen him on a few occasions assist with bringing out food and taking orders and the place wasn't even packed. Now about the food which is also AMAZING is what keeps bringing me back! I'm even going back today.
(5)
Lorena B.
One of my pet peeves is when food is not served as described on the menu. I ordered a chicken taco salad for takeout specifically because the menu said it was your choice of beef or chicken fajitas. Have you ever been served shredded chicken fajitas? Me either but that's what they put in my salad. I won't lie, it tasted okay but I was still disappointed because I was looking forward to a yummy grilled chicken fajita taco salad. Also, the salad contained cheese which wasn't listed on the menu and which I did not want added. Again, I ordered takeout so it would have taken a chunk out of my lunch break to return to the restaurant for a new order. I've been here for drinks. Like the majority of Tex Mex restaurants, the margaritas are wack.
(2)
Stephen M.
Finally, a place that deserves to call itself a Mexican restaurant in the DMV! Growing up in CA and now living in MD, having quality, reasonably-priced Mexican food was a given whenever I vacationed back home. But no place around DC measured up--not in terms of quality, fresh ingredients, taste, or value. Well, it's DC, so I was willing to partially forgo value. Now, at least I no longer have to wait for a vacation to get a traditional Mexican meal. After an unsatisfying string of attempts to find good Mexican food around town, we tried Mi Ranchero on a Saturday night. Packed, but still quick service and fast seating. The place does not try to be anything beyond what it is--simple decor, great service, and food and drinks that compare very favorably to anywhere else in the area. Menu has all the favorites, and they are willing to substitute this for that, if you ask. Chips and salsa are among the best I have had, and freshly made tortillas are a huge improvement over the store-bought / frozen ones other places hope you don't notice. Manager works the floor, making sure things are smooth and that customers never feel rushed. He knows how to ensure customers are getting what they want fairly quickly. Attention vegetarians--the pinto (brown) beans have pork in them, but the refried beans and black beans do not. Order accordingly, vegetarian brothers and sisters, since it is not explicit on the menu (at least not that we saw). But if you're a veg and goof it up, they will replace the pinto beans in favor of something else at no charge and without hassle. (Would be cooler if they had a box on the menu of veg options, but that's not why most folks come to Mexican places. Speaking of which, the on-line menu differs slightly from a perhaps newer, in-restaurant menu, but the changes are not significant.) Would I take a client here or host a business lunch here? Doubtful because of the noise and packed seating, but for a large family or pre-movie dinner, this place is hard to beat. It is within easy walking / stumbling distance of just about everything in the area, including the Majestic. Dinner and drinks for 2 will set you back around $60. More than fair (in DMV, anyway) for what you get. Will def return.
(5)
Joanna C.
Mi Rancho isn't a great place. My husband and I thought we'd give it a try, but I was disappointed. The food was eh, nothing special. No real flavor. Tortilla chips served at the table were cold. The only thing they had going was that they made their own tortillas. I wouldn't go back.
(1)
Nick A.
I have been a a few times now, for impromptu dinner and for absolutely necessary hangover noms - I have yet to be disappointed, and am typically impressed every time. The food is delicious (although not particularly authentic, in my experience, if that sort of thing is really important to you) and the portions are big; we always end up with food to take home. Particularly delicious are the flour tortillas that come with several menu items - we couldn't stop eating the fluffy little bastards. My next step will be to stop in and get some of those by themselves! The service is always good, and usually great. The staff is pleasant and very quick to bring around food. Managers always seem to be wandering around to check on you and to make sure you are being taken care of - and not in that usual obtrusive kind of way. It's just a great experience. So, not particularly upscale or authentic, but it is delicious and has a reasonable price point with great service. Would recommend, and will be back.
(4)
Shon W.
The food is good and the staff is very nice and with good customer service. However the owner Jose, is very rude and could learn a few things about good customer service from his staff. I have only been to Mi Rancho Silver Spring twice. The second time I ordered nachos and they were burned. I tasted them anyway bc nachos sometimes get a little burned but they had a scorched taste which made the food unpleasant. So I called and spoke with another manager who took my information and told me to come get a new order the next day. When I came in to get my replacement order, they said I needed a receipt which I forgot but I had pictures and the staff remembered me. They remade the order which was also burned and I said I didn't want to get home and have the same effect. A waitress said that's the way they melt the cheese on the nachos with the broiler and it sometimes burns them but they can just melt the cheese and pour it on top. The manager Jose starts to say that's the only way to melt the cheese and if it's a problem he can just give my money back. So I say well I just don't want the scorched taste and if possible can u just give me melted cheese but if not, then yes I will just take the refund. Now the problem came when he snatched the to go bag of food and threw it in the trash and proceeded to the register to give me my money back. Slings the money onto the counter while im letting him know that it wasn't good customer service to snatch the bag like that.. He then says well you don't have to come back here we don't need "PEOPLE LIKE YOU complaining" whatever that means!! But I made sure to let him know I will never return. If I said the nachos were burned why bring me more burned nachos? And I have pictures... So my complaint is for the owner JOSE with horrible customer service!!!
(1)
Stela M.
Delishhh food. Love the restaurant , staff friendly. love love this restaurant.
(5)
Gigi M.
I'm sad to write this, because back in the day Mi Rancho was the place to be!! freshness, friendliness, awesomeness -- personal attention & some mild flirting [always fun] with the owner that didn't mind actively helping out to serve or bus as warranted. What makes me sad is that Mi Rancho has turned very corporate. No more personal touch, surly staff [and for no real reason I can think of] if you ask for a little tweak in something, like I've done countless times with brilliant results [equating with a nice fat tip, mind you] the request is met with sighs, and an ominous "well, I don't know...." then muttering as they walk away, then glances back as I get discussed, then the inevitable 'no' -- making me feel like I robbed somebody! Gone are the days of creativity & accommodation. Now it just feels like assembly-line fare.... Maybe I'll try Germantown... can't give up on Mi Rancho yet!
(2)
Richie G.
Very good food and an enjoyable and lively atmosphere. The burritos were great and even the tamales were tasty. Rice was bland, but it's not a big deal.
(3)
Ashley W.
stopped by here for quick bite to eat late on a Sunday night... the place is huge... the patio is big.... in comparison to the sizes of other restaurants near by... in which group seating shouldn't be a problem...... Great service here.... my sangria was a little watered down, in which I would probably opt for a margarita next time. I ordered quesadillas -- quick and easy and hard to mess up.... they were flavorful and didn't disappoint... the chips and salsa gets a B -- hard to write more.... as I wasn't there very long and didn't order more than one thing.... but tasty Tex-Mex is hard to come by the in DMV ( from a bias Texas native) so I would definitely return...
(3)
David S.
I am here for a late lunch. There was no wait and the food came quickly enough. The queso tastes like they just melted down velveeta. Who doesn't love velveeta? This guy loves it. However, they put no seasoning in it whatsoever, so I was a little let down. Also, their beans are not refried beans. I'm good with variety and switching up the same-o same-o with something better. Unfortunately, better was not a part of the switch. They have a smoky flavor, but again, lacked spices or seasonings of any kind. They were like a smoky pork and beans, straight from the can. I got the chicken enchiladas and was happy with them. They tasted great, which is the reason they got three stars instead of less. The wait staff was good. I love the dining environment, especially great for big groups. I might come back if I was craving Mexican and didn't want to leave the area, but there are better options.
(3)
Jack M.
"Seafood" whatever it was (they had nothing with mole) came with 1/2 dozen shrimp and onions burned into a metal plate. Plenty of tortillas, little service. $13.95 could have been spent at Tia Queta or elsewhere and we would have gotten a real entree.
(2)
Kelly K.
Delicious!! Had a great experience here. The wait staff was very attentive, and the food was superb. They have a very nice outdoor patio space, which was enjoyable in the warm weather. Of particular delight was the sopaipillas a la mode. Delish!
(5)
C C.
Yummy!! Great food, authentic and fresh. I go for the fajitas, love the salsa and guacamole. It's all good! Prices are a bit high - but I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio seating and take out orders are quick.
(4)
Jonah P.
I have been a loyal customer to Mi Rancho- Silver Spring for over a year but no longer will I be eating at this restaurant. On top of the food being extremely overpriced, the menu they have online is inaccurate nor do they care to honor the pricing. Be aware of the false advertising/ pricing on the Yelp page because they do not honor it even with you providing proof of what could easily be a mistake. After showing them proof the employee claims that Mi Rancho does not have a Yelp account. Stay away from this place if you think you will be getting the prices honored on Yelp.
(1)
Joseph G.
Just your typical Tex-Mex restaurant. For real Mexican food, this is definitely not the place. My fiance and I were unfortunately heading to New York on valentines day night, but wanted to at least grab dinner at a decent restaurant before our long drive. We decided that we wanted Mexican so we gave Samanthas a call, but of course they were packed on valentines day. We called different places and came up with no luck on availability until calling Mi Rancho. Little did I know this is the most unromantic place I could have chosen. Once we sat down and ordered our food, I told my fiance she should order a drink to make the unromantic atmosphere seem not as unromantic because as she always says "the bigger the drink, the bigger the smile!" Which wasn't so true being that her margarita tasted as though they only put 1/4 OZ of tequila in it. The food finally arrived which we then felt bad for the family next to us because they must have been there 15 minutes before us, and didn't receive their meals at least 10-15 minutes after we received ours. Of course they complained after seeing that we were served first. Anyways, my fiance ordered steak fajitas and I ordered chicken enchiladas since I thought that there's no way anyone can mess that up. The steak from the fajitas was dry and tasteless, the chicken from my enchiladas was dry, chewy, and bland. Both of our meals were about 16 dollars which was bothersome being that it was priced like Samanthas, but way out of Samanthas league when it comes to atmosphere, food, and service. I would definitely not recommend anyone to go here on a date. For lunch, Chipotle, Qdoba or Baja Mexican grill is half the price and much better.
(2)
Nicole J.
The management and staff there are awful. After ordering my food to go, when I go to pick it up my food was given to a previous customer. Instead of offering to comp some of my bill while I wait for them to re-cook everything, they give me free chips. Awful business and even worst customer service.
(2)
Gail P.
Mi Rancho is okay and has been an institution in the community for years but I find it ironic that they are advertising during the World Cup. We were so excited when Mexico won the last World Cup we walked to Mi Rancho in search of festivities--it was dead. When I told the proprietor that there should be a more celebratory atmosphere he said, "I'm really from (other nationality)." The implication was he didn't care even though he has assumed TexMex cuisine as his own for his restaurants. We felt it was an obnoxious response, left with a bad taste and haven't been back.
(2)
Brittany S.
Mi Rancho is the restaurant my family goes to for every birthday or celebration! It's the best Mexican in Silver Spring and I've lived here all my life. I always get the fajitas usually for 2 people so we can split it and it is the best fajitas I'll ever have in my life! Seriously, they couldn't get any better. I recently went there for my birthday and got some margaritas - one plain and then "The Titanic" which is their version of the CoronaRita. They gave me the sombre and sang happy birthday for me and I loved it! The managers/owners are ALWAYS there and always come to talk and chat with us even though they don't know us by name. I even got a free shot of tequila for my 21st birthday. They're the nicest people!!! Definitely a place to go if you're looking for Mexican in the Silver Spring/Rockville area!
(5)
Clarence S.
A good place to take the load off and have some Tex-Mex! My wife said, I saw this cute little Mexican restaurant but it isn't rated very high on Yelp-to which I replied, "harumph-I never pay attention to Yelp reviewers when it comes to mom and pop Mexican food joints in this part of the country"! Most people in the DC area (trying hard to not sound snobby here) don't really know what Mexican food is about, but I'm here to tell you, this place is all about Mexican food and ambiance. The service is great, the food is decent, and the people working here really care about what they do! Its always been my experience that restaurants that employ relatives tend to do a very good job at trying to please the customer and this place is no exception. It seems like this place is a family affair and it shows in the service provided. You don't have to wait for hours for service, you get seated right away, and no one pushes you to leave the premises. We've also high tried high-end DC restaurants and while they do a good job, this place does just as well without paying north of a hundred dollars, and you get the Mexican ambiance! So get off that high horse and come on down, this place will surprise you!! And leave you with money in your pocket!
(5)
Natalie F.
I definitely like Mi Rancho which is a popular neighborhood restaurant. The crowd is more family oriented and casual. The food is reasonably priced. It isn't fancy but it is tasty; I think since I have lived in Southern California I have high standards for things like tamales. I think Mi Rancho's tamales are a bit dry and muy pequeno! It is a better place for hanging out with friends than taking a date. The wait staff are very nice and considerate.
(3)
Bryana C.
For Mexican food it is not bad. Being from Southern California I have high expectations and this place is worth returning to. Customer service has always been great.
(4)
Matthew C.
Having spent a significant amount of time in San Antonio--arguably the Tex-Mex capital of America--I may have become a little spoiled. With that full disclosure, I thought Mi Rancho was fairly average. We started off with the chips, salsa, and guacamole. I liked the tomato-heavy, relatively mild salsa, and the chips weren't bad. The guacamole did have a slightly different taste to it that I couldn't quite put my finger on, not to say that it was bad, but just different. I was also surprised how small the serving was--definitely not enough for a table of 7 if everyone had wanted some. The vegetable enchiladas were pretty good. I especially liked the variety of vegetables: mushrooms, squash, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The side of beans was okay but nothing amazing. The service, though friendly, was a little on the slow side. It's a little on the pricey side as well. One final note: Mi Rancho is also a very kid-friendly place--and quite a few families were dining there when I visited.
(3)
Michael C.
I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch here a couple weeks back, on a rare day off from training. The restaurant drew me in with it's large, open-air setup (the windows are actually simply shades that are pulled up to allow in full sun and warm breeze!). The server (I wish I could recall her name) was pleasant and very helpful: I am a picky Hispanic food eater and wanted something not too spicy with fish and involving a taco or tortilla. LOL Her recommendation was spot-on, the food delicious and served hot (and quick too!). If I'm ever back in the area, I would dine again in a heartbeat. Way better experience than the over-priced, under-delivered steak dinner I had a couple weeks before.
(5)
Larry G.
A lot of the ambiance (Latin waiters, Corona signs, Piñatas), several of the menu items (Tacos, Fajitas, Enchiladas), some of the ingredients, but none of the taste of Tex-Mex. Don't get me wrong! The food was good - fresh and good quality - but not very Tex-Mex. Maybe, like someone else said, I am just too accustomed to more authentic Mexican, but I do know the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex, and this was neither. Again, it was good, and there were lots of people obviously enjoying it, but it was not what I expected. I far prefer the Cubanos across the street.
(3)
Michael S.
Mi Rancho provides a consistently good dining experience. The food is not particularly authentic, nor is it great Mexican, but good service, good portions, and outdoor seating results in a restaurant we frequent regularly. We've had most of the dishes there, and never had anything bad, and we've never had undercooked or otherwise poorly prepared food. Service is always prompt and courteous. Overall, Mi Rancho is a good eating experience we can count on when we want a restaurant without muss or fuss.
(4)
Boris S.
Mango!!!! Mango Margarita (4/5 NOMs). I love mango and I like margaritas so I just had to try it. Great drink with some good Mexican food. You can really taste mango with balanced usual taste of margarita
(4)
Dave B.
Your average Marylander is not going to know what good Tex-Mex should look like. The "queso" here amounts to some very nasty yellow melted cheese strips that quickly glaze over into a pale film a few minutes after being set on the table. The meat is poor quality and overpriced, and the rice and beans leave a lot to be desired. I'm not expecting grandma's cooking here, but it seems Mi Rancho's only saving grace is its downtown Silver Spring location and architecture, and its friendly staff. I'll give them that. If you've ever had real mexican food or Tex-Mex before in your life, avoid Mi Rancho at all costs.
(2)
Bill G.
Solid basic Tex-Mex food. I would give it 4 stars except the prices are a bit high.
(3)
Kelsa C.
beware Mi Rancho charges for EVERYTHING ANd dont order the Rib Eye Special unless you are ok with with something else...If you dont know what a rib eye looks like order the carna adade. please listen - I am a rib eye snob!!!
(1)
Denisha B.
Maybe I've had strange experiences here, but both times I've gone everyone was less than impressed with the food. And we've tried a variety of foods - fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, meat, veggies, seafood, you name it. (Always eat in big groups of friends - WORTH IT.) The margaritas were only alright. Endless chips and salsa and the wait-staff's friendly, welcoming demeanor are what saved this place. If you want good Tex-Mex, I'd go to Chipotle. (Ouch, need some ice for that burn?!)
(2)
Ruben D.
This isn't mexican food.. It's an On the Border or Guapos or yukkk Chipotle. If this is authentic Mexican to you then you must think Taco Bell overnights there food from Oaxaca. Go to Bladensburg.. get ya some real Mexican food if you're not scared. Oh and did the rice come from a Rice-A-Roni box?????? And the salsa??? Diced tomatoes and tomato paste? Are you also going to tell me that Samantha's, arguably the most bland Salvadorean food on the planet, is the best as well??? I think they season their food with just water.
(1)
James C.
Only complaint is that the chocolate ice cream dessert dish is overpriced -- otherwise AMAZING
(5)
Danny V.
Mexican? No, it's Mex-i-can't. None of my multiple personalities were satisfied by any portion of my meal. Strike One: The chicken in my enchilada was sad to have been buried in bawk-bawk-bawk-BLAH-ness. His soul cried as it entered by mouth and it asked to have his death avenged for being buried in such an unimaginative explosion of commonplace ingredients. May this chicken be reincarnated as Chef Gordon Ramsey's or Martha Stewart's chicken a la awesomeness. Strike Two: The service was underwhelming and our table was ignored until we asked for a margarita refill. Strike Three: Three times a charm for chip refill or the check. A large party arrived 10 mins after our table and were given 100% attentive service and were able to leave before our 3-top. Um, HELLO...former waiters are everywhere! Whatever the table next to me is tipping- I CAN TIP BETTER. (This does not apply if you bawk-bawk-bawk-suck.) Behold! I am coming soon! Lookout shabby waiters. Mi Rancho: YOU'RE OUT
(2)
Chuck G.
A great restaurant! The owner and staff and very friendly and efficient. The tortillas are home made and delicious. The cheese was freshly grated and the sour craw and guacamole was very fresh. Enjoyed the fajitas and flan for dessert. Highly recommend this place if you're in Silver Spring.
(5)
Mike V.
Not bad for East Coast mexican food. Distrito Federal is the gold standard. but it's a little over priced and under flavored, obvious trying not to blow out it's predominantly pale clientelle. Regardless, the salsa is very good and so are the chips. The large plates are not that large, but surprisingly filling. The service is marginal. Probably because they let them watch Euro Cup on the TV near the bar (but hell, i was in food service, it's little things like that that make it all tolerable to begin with)
(3)
Monica T.
I was brought to Mi Rancho by my "entertainment director" while in Silver Spring for work. He directed us to it saying nobody ever doesn't like it. That might be true, but it didn't knock any socks off either. Not to say it was bad. We started off with chips and salsa (as expected). The chips were fresh and tasty, but the salsa was a bit bland and watery. It's all good; I'm used to that in Utah. Previously mentioned "entertainment director" said they had a hotter sauce. This came out and was basically pure dried chile paste. I was down with that. I stuck with that salsa for the rest of the meal. For my main course, I snagged Plato Guadalajara with chicken. Others around me got chimichangas, the steak burrito, and some other stuff I can't remember. I dug the taco. The chicken was very well spiced, I loved the grilled veggies, and the guac and salsa complimented it well. The tortilla soup, though, while pretty good seemed a bit uninspired. Standard chicken broth, a previously frozen mixed vegetable blend, some tortilla chips (not strips), with cheese haphazardly placed on top. I'm a bit harsh on tortilla soups, though, because I make an awesome one at home. Still, I ate the whole thing. I was a bit disappointed that the plate didn't include rice and beans. The price seemed steep for just the soup and taco. Service was quite good throughout. So overall, I've had a lot better (time in Texas will do that to you), but this was still pretty tasty.
(3)
Hilary G.
I came here for lunch and there outdoor patio was a nice place to relax and they turned on the outside fans for us. The spinach quesadilla hit the spot and wasn't greasy at all. I was surprised that I really enjoyed their sangria because I am very picky about the sangria I drink since I studied in Spain. It tasted like they had real liquor in their sangria which is how it's supposed to be made! Service was also quick and paying the bill was easy. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Victoria R.
Ugh! Better food at Taco Bell! Skip!
(1)
Harrison B.
Awesome Service. Good People. - Plato Grande for two is enough food to feed 4. This spot has been my go-to since i moved to downtown silver spring in 2008. In the spring and fall (warm but not too hot days) are best for sitting in the outside area, but my favorite time to eat here is in the winter in the main dining room. they have a machine making fresh Flour tortillas right by the front door and the second you walk into the dining room and are greeted by the host/hostess, there is an amazing smell of the best mexican food you could imagine. Overall the service is always good, people are pleasant and attentive and the homemade salsa is amazing! bit on the spicy side but perfect for me. the Margaritas are hit or miss- The pitchers of cadillac can be amazing sometimes and sometimes they can have too much of the mix and not enough booze. all in all a great place with great food and awesome ambiance! MAS Mi Rancho!
(4)
Tim H.
I used to come here more often when I worked two blocks away from this place. I haven't been here in a few years so my most recent time brought me back to a time when I loved coming here for their carne asada. This time I chose to split something with my wife. We shared a platter that had chicken and beef fajitas, 4 pieces of shrimp and some ribs. We also got two hard tacos on the side. The whole experience was great. The chicken was flavorful and the beef that they used for their fajitas was awesome. I don't know how to cook fajita beef but I can tell you they make some of the best I have ever had. The shrimp were good too. The ribs were cooked the way I like them and they were not smothered in sauce. I don't like my ribs dripping wet. The tacos were good. I would order them again. If you are in the mood for some good Mexican and don't want to go to a national chain, try this place out. I haven't tried the location in Germantown yet but I hope to one of these days.
(4)
April N.
Went on a Friday night when it was super busy...and still received excellent service. The man greeting at the front of the restaurant was also very friendly. Our party ordered the margaritas and they were delicious! The chips and salsa were also excellent. Seemed that the entrees were more Tex Mex than Mexican food....but nonetheless, I'd probably go back.
(4)
Lionel M.
I find some of the lower reviews unbelievable. With that said I LOVE this place. A friend of mine suggested Mi Rancho so I took my wife and we both loved it. We like to consider ourselves foodies and can eat some of the most expensive gourmet meals and still love some items from food trucks. We've traveled to mexico numerous times and yes there is a difference in the food because this is a Tex-Mex which it clearly states on location and website. At this point Ive been there 3 times. Ive ordered the red snapper (amazing), fajitas (amazing), flank steak (amazing). The chips n salsa is great, their fried ice cream is different but really good and we've been looking for a place that had sopapillas for a while and were not disappointed. Their wait staff has always been professional, prompt and pleasant to us and havent noticed long wait times, but then again we were partaking in their yummy Margaritas (the one with Grand Marnier). Ive been telling everyone about them and even bought a $100 gift for my uncles family of 4 - they loved it too! We are fans!
(5)
Gennette G.
I've visited this restaurant several times since 1997. It appears growth isn't for everyone/every business. The food is normally ok, but comes out hot and quick, not today. The owner decided to 'help' our waitress and take our order as he pushed her along just as she was beginning to take it. After waiting a half hour for our meal, it came out wrong and room temperature. The owner came over with the worst attitude when our waitress said there was a complaint and asked what we wanted him to do about it. I asked for hot food and the correct order. Needless to say, the food was given fresh cheese and placed in a melter. When further complained, the owner said he would have the food remade, so not the case. The same beef tacos were reheated to the point they were soggy and placed on the plate with fresh enchiladas and the vegetables in the vegetable enchiladas were raw. Though this Tex-Mex restaurant is a staple in downtown silver spring and close to home, I will never return. Never spend your money where it's not appreciated.
(1)
Ashumi L.
When I visit MD I make sure there is at least one night that I spend enjoying the fabulous fare at Mi Rancho in downtown Silver Spring. This business has been in the downtown Silver Spring area forever and has always lived up to my expectations of Tex Mex fare. The restaurant itself has gone through a transformation over the years and they have added a fully covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters to serve the overwhelming amount of people who want to eat here. This place is a family run business and there is always someone from the family there to ensure that the service is fantastic and the food is of the utmost quality. As a matter of fact, they remember who you are and often ask about our family as we have been patronizing this restaurant since 1996 (my hubby has been going pretty much all his life since he grew up just down the street). Yeah they give you free chips, but the salsa is where they shine. Fresh and homemade with just enough kick - I wish they sold it so I could take it home with me. The chips are not to be forgotten though - they are not mass quantity bought - they are homemade! You can tell since there is often clumps of chips rolled up together in your basket (my favorite kind!). I have a rule when visiting a restaurant that states they are a Mexican restaurant - order the fajitas...its a standard and easy to judge. That being said - I have NEVER in my life had better fajitas than what I get here. Now, I only eat chicken so I can only speak for that type of fajitas, but my hubby attests that the pork and the beef are fantastic too. They use some sort of special glaze/rub that makes it extra awesome. Also, while they offer the standard sizzling plate that many other establishments offer, their fajitas are open fire grilled, which adds a char to the meat that is so delicious! If you are a fan of sour cream make sure you order a side of it as the fajitas do not come with sour cream. If you are looking for something other than chicken and want to be wowed, try the snapper if they have it on the menu or the pork costillas (always on the menu). I know it is healthier to be carb free, but break your rule this once to try their home made flour tortillas. You can watch them being made if you enter the restaurant as the machine that they use is right in front when you enter. Another plus! The sangrias are delicious and they are not skimpy with the fruit. I can't remember if they have draft beers, but they definitely offer bottled beers - I prefer the pitchers or half pitchers of sangria. If you have eaten a meal and still have space in your stomach, congratulations! Order dessert and order the sopapillas a la mode. You will not be let down, but you will be overly stuffed so save room! Sopapillas are flour tortillas fried and then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and then drizzled with honey. Oh man...so simple and so delicious! You won't be let down! I have yet to be disappointed with a meal here. The service is good and the fact that they are still around after all these years speaks for the restaurant itself!
(5)
Ashley E.
Meh..nothing spectacular. The best part is the free fire roasted salsa and warm chips. Great outdoor venue-feels like you are in Cancun or a similar touristy location.
(3)
Kate F.
I will be thankful always to this place for being open close to the holidays. Now that we got that out of the way... I returned this spring for drinks and dinner with a friend. Our server had a big bowl of b-flakes and a side of who gives a firetruck for breakfast that morning. It was like we were irritating her by existing. She had no suggestions about anything and rushed us, in between hiding from us. We asked some questions about food and were given more sighs than answers. We had to clarify our order multiple times, due to apathy not a language barrier. I decided on fajitas as they're hard to mess up. The food was fine but not great. It seems overpriced for ratios of real stuff (meat & fresh veggies) vs filler (rice & beans). Rice and beans were dry and flavorless, respectively. The salsa appears to be canned tomatoes thrown in a blender with green stuff. What is the green stuff? I don't know, I could only taste tomatoes. We still went to town on the chips and salsa, but it was more regrettable than normal. I declined taking my leftovers home. I feel the menu could use more sour cream. To be fair, I feel that way about about the planet. We also declined to "reward our server for their professional service" or whatever the trite message is on the receipt. I'll tip well on good service even with a bad attitude, I don't tip well on rumors or cliches. I dislike being scolded. If tipping is that big of a problem here, maybe it's time to retrain the waitstaff or switch to inclusive pricing.
(3)
Maboud E.
As a fan of Tex-Mex, I have a pretty high standard. It's not exactly the most authentic but it's as close as you'll find in the area. At a very reasonable price it's a pretty solid choice if you're craving Tex-Mex. Oh and the chips and salsa is fantastic.
(4)
Tara L.
Margarita fail. Broke down peach margarita. Makeshift banana margarita. What is a girl to do? And since when did margaritas come with foamy, 2 inch froth on top? What the hell is this exactly disguised as a margarita? Save your money on the margs and stick with the food. The steak quesadilla was actually decent, with plenty of cheese and tender beef. Even though the sour cream and guacamole were both a bit watery, it was a decent complement to the dish. Plus, bottomless chips and salsa on the festive, outdoor patio adorned with lights offset the drinks. Additionally, our waitress started off peppy and nice but ended abruptly when she feared our dining would cut into her time off. We had no desire to linger past closing, but once she realized we were even considering another beverage, her attitude changed and she grabbed my plate in a hurry, with food still on it. She did ask if I wanted it, but by then it was 85% in her possession and any desire I had to keep it was forfeited. That being said, the food and the atmosphere saved the experience from being abysmal. However, although I live only paces away from here...there is a reason why this was my first time back in years. Tonight, I was reminded of those reasons.
(3)
Lee J.
Mi Rancho is my go-to place when visitors come to town. Excellent Tex Mex food - food that is quick but is not fast food. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so depending on temperature and the type of ambiance that you would like, you have your choice. I have yet to have a disappointing meal in the approximately nine years that I have been coming here. While I know people who say the food quality has diminished over the past few years, I disagree - or haven't noticed. It is still excellent food for the money. I almost always order the Plato Grande (for One) - which usually assures that I have some leftovers - a combination of shrimp, ribs, chicken and steak, along with the assorted toppings and soft tortillas. Most, if not all, of the meals come with sides of refried beans and rice. The hosts and wait staff are always very friendly. The only downsides to the restaurant are that occasionally there are slow downs in customer service (like getting the check) during the peak/busy periods of the day. Also, we come to rely on going there more often than we should - but you can hardly fault me for that. Finally, the noise level varies depending on the number of people at the restaurant - sometimes very loud at peak periods. Highly recommended - you should not be disappointed.
(4)
Michael L.
This place never disappoints, Service is outstanding and the food is better than that. Whenever Im in the area which is once or twice a year, this is def one of our spots
(5)
Sheng Z.
Went there with my roommate last week and had an okay time. The food was okay, not the greatest Mexican food but the portions were large. I got one of the platters and felt like there was very little meat and it was predominantly rice. As a result, I felt that the prices for the food was a little high. The starter chips and salsa weren't the greatest either, the chips were fresh but the salsa was stale and flat. Beware the margaritas. They do not list the price for pitchers but it was exorbitantly expensive for a pitcher ($29 dollars) of okay frozen margaritas. A 15 dollar meal turned into a 30 dollar meal as a result. O and the service was awful. Lauriol Plaza and Guapos are still the best Mexican restaurants in the DC area and this comes nowhere close.
(2)
Rachel G.
I am obsessed with Mi Rancho! Their food and ESPECIALLY margaritas are delicious. Affordable prices, good portions, and yummy-ness guaranteed.
(5)
Eva O.
Come here for a non-remarkable, play it safe kinda experience. Decent food, decent service. I came for a weekday lunch but I can see how the night time ambience would be better...festive, dark interior and an outdoor patio adorned with lights. I ordered the beef chimichanga which came with some side rice, beans, and guac. The chimichanga shell was just the right crispiness and without all the oil bubbles. Surprised it was filled with ground beef but at least it wasn't oily so I didn't walk away feeling gluttonous. I did note though that the restaurant was filled with mostly white couples...perhaps an implication to its authenticity?
(3)
Lindsey N.
So incredibly bland and ordinary. Will not be back. Go to Fajita Coast on East West Highway.
(1)
Jenn C.
I've eaten at this Mi Rancho with my brother and sister in law multiple times over the course of ten years, and they eat there often as well. I've always been a fan, their food is run of the mill tex-mex fair, but good, and their margaritas are okay. So normally I would have given it 3-4 stars except for my experience on Cinco De Mayo. I get that restaurants get busy, but we waited an hour and a forty five minutes for our food. When we asked why we were waiting so long, we were told that our food was "complicated". We ordered enchiladas and tacos. I mean, come on. We were also told that it was because we were a party of 10; however, there were multiple other parties of 7, 8, 9, 10 - including one right behind us that sat down 15 minutes after us, ordered after us, and ate their food and left while we were still waiting. I get that restaurants get busy, which is fine. I decided to give mi rancho one star because of the classless manager's verbal abuse of my 8 months pregnant sister in law. She confronted him over the service and he was dismissive and unapologetic to her, was rude, and treated her like an annoyance. When my mother complained, he dismissed her that "he did not want to be insulted". The weight staff was rude (at one point, our waiter threw down a bowl of chips in the center of the table, and he walked away from my sister in law when she was questioning him about where our food was), and when I stepped outside to make a phone call I heard a hostess complaining about our group, saying that we were "annoying and stupid" and "what did they expect, they are a party of ten". Well ignorant hostess, there were other parties of ten that received their food in less than an hour and forty five minutes. The food is definitely okay, but the manager is classless and wait staff is rude. I mean really, who verbally berates an 8 months pregnant woman and a 60 year old woman? I was a bartender and waitress for a long time. It's not hard and that kind of behavior is absolutely inexcusable....but evidently the manager condones it. Keep it classy Mi Rancho.
(2)
Bob W.
Fun place, with tradition Mexican cafe decor. Food is very fresh, and for the most part very good.
(3)
Debbie C.
Great service, good chips and salsa. this is tex-mex so come with slightly lowered expectations. The fajitas are always a safe bet.
(3)
Christa A.
Went to Mi Rancho today for early dinner with friends that really like there food. It is not my taste, everything was lacking seasoning. If you want good Mexican food, try Pachanga in Gambrills. they only thing I liked was our company and the outside dining. Total waste of 150 Dollars.
(1)
Terri P.
I'm sorry, I have tried this restaurant so many times, and the food is just bad. Everything is bland and awful. I wish it wasn't so, because it's an otherwise good location and kid friendly place. Even the margaritas are bland. If you want awesome Mexican, try Samantha's on University. This place just does not have good food. Sorry.
(2)
Sam C.
We were hungry and a family friend treated us to lunch he decided Mi Rancho was the place to go. We entered and the restaurant was really pretty and attractive we got seated in the outside area, They brought us out some chips and salsa, our menus, and i ordered the Plato Grande for one. By the way, those chips with salsa are probably the best i've had at a Mexican restaurant before. I entertained myself with the local wi-fi while the food came out (about twenty minutes after we ordered). The food was excellent my Plato Grande definitely was grande with the grilling pan loaded with chicken,shrimp,carne asada, and bbq ribs, this also included tortillas,mexican rice, and beans and also a small salad in case you decided to put the meats in a tortilla to make a fajita. The meats were all very tender and loaded with flavor in each bite. i made a fajita and it tasted sooo good.... the beans and rice were good too! I finished it so fast i couldn't even believe it. For dessert i ordered Tres Leches Cake, A milky, slice of heaven.... oh so good.. yup the topping seemed to be made by them too not that usual whip cream they always use at most restaurants. This was a really good meal, it definitely made this Salvadoran dude happy! I will certainly come back when in the area and order this same dish again. Oh, service was not the best I had to call them over while they walked by. But who cares the food is great, and there is a nice ambience
(5)
Domonique W.
Watered down, over-priced margarita pitchers and average tex-mex food with a friendly staff and yummy complimentary chips and salsa.
(3)
Bianca R.
The food was very bland, the margarita mix was horrible which made the margaritas taste watered down and way too sweet. I prob won't go back again.
(1)
Sana J.
Came here for appetizers with friends last weekend and loved it. It was pouring rain outside but the outdoor seating was covered so it was a very cool atmosphere. The service was great and attentive. Definitely looking forward to coming back here for entrees!
(4)
Monique H.
Had a taste for tacos all week and finally decided to try this place on Friday. We ordered takeout. The wait was longer than what the bartender who took our order said it would be. Decor was authentic, but weird smell inside. If weather permits, eat outside. Restaurant was pretty busy. Food was good, chicken chimichanga, ceviche and beef tacos. Everything was pretty good. We told them to hold the guacamole but was still on our platter. I'd like to go back for sangrias and try something else on the menu.
(3)
Lori R.
The margaritas are delicious. $6 each, but delicious. The service was great. I called ahead to let them know I'd be coming with a party of 12. Turns out that more people came than expected and we ended up with a party of 20. They were very accommodating and had no problem adding extra tables and chairs as needed. They even sang happy birthday to me. The only negative is that they will only give you one check per table. Fortunately they will take several forms of payment, but it can be frustrated to reconcile the bill with a large group. The food wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was good and I would return.
(4)
Kristin M.
I've been coming to Mi Rancho with my family since birth, basically, or (potentially) actually. I and most of my friends worked here in high school, I waited tables and worked the tortilla machine (burned my hand), and I still end up back here now and then. So, Mi Rancho is close to my heart! However, I almost always order the same things, so weirdly enough, I'm probably not the greatest judge of their food on a grand scale. Nevertheless, I'll speak to what I know! I've always had success with the Burrito Santa Fe (chicken), the fajitas (beef), and the mariscada. I guess they're not amaaazing, but I always leave feeling full, happy and in a good mood! My favorite favorite thing here, the dish that I think is great even in thoughtful comparison with other restaurants, is the Nachos Mi Rancho. Instead of a pile of chips with stuff dumped all over it, NMR has maybe 15-20 chips, each with EVERYTHING on it and cheese melted over it to hold all the goodness in place, topped with a bite of beef or chicken if you choose (go for the beef!). Every bite is equally awesome! This works out great if fairness in sharing is a concern between you and your sibling/spouse (my past/present). :) Don't come with sky-high expectations for a gourmet meal, but do expect a fun dinner (a fuera o al dentro), a personal greeting from one of the brothers who owns the place, and some seriously loaded nachos.
(3)
Kristina K.
In hopes of finding a place in a similar genre that was at least moderately acceptable in gustatory arts compared to Samantha's, a Peruvian gem in the SS area, we stopped by Mi Rancho. While I was tuned into the beach-front reminiscent alfresco seating--plastic outdoors chairs and tables under a pleasantly breezy tent that closes in for the winter, this and proximity to the metro were some of the top highlights of this experience. The service was attentive, commendable almost, in that our waitress came by frequently enough to please, and the frozen strawberry margaritas were delightful--but nearly virgin (you know, liquor-free or almost so). Sigh. Though I literally got full before getting even a mild ding after of a buzz after 2 glasses of otherwise delicious, thick, shake-like strawberry, our second choice of a traditional on-the-rocks margaritas was better spiked but left an uncomfortable mouth dryness, presumably owing to the poor chemistry of the lime mix. Impressed by fajitas by the pound for ~$25, an outspoken member of our party ordered 2...as in 2 pounds of beef fajitas. While the quality was alright--a little greasy & a bit fatty, the meat was flavorful and we were utterly, albeit unhappily, stuffed by the end of the meal. As our other friend put it "this place is probably pretty good enough after a night of drinking but not before!". Meh...is all I got for 'Rancho.
(2)
Johnny A.
The Tilapia dish is my favorite as well as the plato grande. Service is great and the host/manager/owner is way too friendly. Only complain is ventilation. Be prepared to smell like fried food for hours after you leave unless you sit outside during the warm season.
(3)
Jay M.
One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Maryland . Love the Carne asada and the margaritas ( try the peach margaritas !! ) . The price seems to be up there but it's worth it . Been coming here for over more then 10 years and will so continue . I know they have 2 other more locations in MD but the one in silver spring is the best one .
(5)
Jeff R.
Something odd must have happened to the one-star raters on their visit. We have been going to Mi Rancho ever since they opened, and like others posting here, we absolutely love this place. The grilled foods--chicken and beef either on fajitas or tacos- is very nicely prepared. The tortillas are house made and delicious. The salsa too. Their guacamole is fresh and tasty, the beans and rice full of flavor. I always get a Margarita (or two) and they are good. Ambiance inside and out is really pleasant. Never had a bad service issue, the chips are freshly made (they come hot to the table). I don't know if they still do it, but they have off-menu goat ribs one night during the week (It used to be Thursday, I think--ask). One reviewer suggested trying a place in PG County, didn't mention the name, but by the location I'm guessing what was referred to was the Alamo in Riverdale. If so, two things. First, the Alamo is a MEXICAN restaurant; Mi Rancho is a Tex-Mex/border restaurant. Second, I grew u eating at the Alamo (in the 60s and 70s) when it truly was a fantastic Mexican fine dining room. It ain't that anymore, hasn't been for 25 years. It's an OK Mexican place. Can't touch Mi Rancho on food quality, ambiance, service or locale. I give Mi Rancho 4 stars because they do what they do as well as it can be done. It's good, casual (as opposed to fine dining) food, a fun place that has a good menu, good drinks, good service, and is run by great people.
(4)
Paul M.
Let's start out by saying that if I could rate this place 1/2 of a star or less I would! TWO THUMBS DOWN! A NO GO! I've been to this establishment on several occasions and I can't say that I was ever impressed. But when Mexican restaurants are so scarce in Silver Spring (within walking distance of my home) I am able to get over the minor things that bug me. The food is ridiculously over priced! It's hard to phantom that a couple can spend over $30 for two Mexican entrees, but here you will. I have no problem paying that amount if the food was flavorful and satisfying! The service is slow. I learned not to order a drink ($3.00) because one glass is all you'll get unless you hound your server down. I'd also like to add that the sodas on the patio taste funny! So. Buyer beware. There's been times I've gone with one person, and the food would take 45 mins to arrive at the table. Out of the handful of times Ive eaten at Mi Rancho, last night was the last and final time for me. I went with 5 other friends, we had two servers, which should mean exceptional, and attentive service RIGHT? WRONG! We all placed our orders, and sure enough they all came out together and hot, except a friend ordered fajitas and they literally put two pieces of peppers and 2 onion strips on the plate. So he requested more. 25 mins passed since we received our food, we all finish our food, and now his food is now at room temperature. Hot veggies finally arrive and naturally he wants hot, fresh meat, which should be something they took initiative to do. The meat is taken, reheated and brought back within five mins, dry and over cooked to a tough,rubbery consistency. All of our glasses are empty, chips are empty, salsa is gone, at this point you'd think after all the complaints we've given to our waitress, She'd be a little more attentive and compliant with our requests, after all we are a paying customer, you are there to do a job, and do you care about the hefty tip you could have for a party of 6 hungry men? After numerous occasions of us trying to get her attention, interrupting her chit chatting, and congregating with fellow staff members, also did i mention she was playing with another waitresses hair right in the view of the guests?, I knew that our complaints would not matter, nor would they be corrected to our satisfaction. When we got the check, we first checked to see if the green peppers and onions my friend requested was charged for them, sure enough, they're on the tab. It was only $3.00 but aren't fajitas supposed to come with grilled veggies? Why is he being charged for the veggies that should have been. So we asked to speak to the manger and we explained everything that has taken place in the 90 mins we've been there. He basically tells us we haven't even been in the restaurant long enough to have these events happen (so we're lying), and asks what do you want him to do? He says we must pay for the extra veggies and dismisses himself from the issue at hand. We all pay our bills, the waitress took the veggies off our bill, but informed our Spanish speaking friend (in espanol) that she paid for them out of her own pocket. HOW RUDE! She's having a good 60- 75 second conversation with him in Spanish. I cannot speak or understand Spanish, but I could tell by the look on his face, whatever she said to him was pretty insulting. I asked what she said while she was standing there and he or she would not repeat it to us. I am furious at this point! How tacky and disrespectful that is! My Spanish speaking friend didn't even have the issue with the check! The girl spoke English perfectly well during the course of the night! We exit the restaurant, get down to the corner and he relays what she told him, basically if we caused anymore problems the manager would call the police on us! WHAT?!?! I am completely confused, we didn't start a problem, we're informing you of the problem your wait staff has caused! I can't believe I just gave my hard earned money to a restaurant that doesn't give a damn or appreciate our business. I am usually a generous tipper, and it doesn't take much to please me. I don't expect anyone to bend over backwards or for the waitress to wipe the edges of my mouth with each bite. I just expect them to do their job. In situations like this I usually leave a $1.00 tip but this wasn't even worth the change I could find under the cushions of my couch. I'll never return to this restaurant again, and I'll be sure to let my opinions of this place be known to any and everyone who expresses interest in it. If things are this dysfunctional in open view to the customers what in the heck is going on behind closed doors. I rather go to chipotle or taco bell for my next Mexican cuisine.
(1)
Becca G.
Went there last week. The food was excellent had the carne asada and a banana Margarita. The only problem was the wait we had a reservation for 7 and didn't get seated til almost 8. They said our table wasn't ready what's the point of a reservation if the table isn't ready for you at that time. But, everything else was great.
(4)
Sarah L.
I'm really surprised at all of the four and five star reviews for this place. I've lived in Silver Spring for a few years now and I've given Mi Rancho a go a few times. Everytime I go the service is slow and inattentive. Drinks are never re-filled, and waiters/waitresses disappear after food is delivered, never to be seen or heard from again... Also, let's talk about the food. It's not *terrible* but it's not very good. I've tried several of the menu items now and they're just...bland. In my opinion the only thing worth ordering are the fajitas. Everything else just isn't that good. If I'm paying $25+ for Mexican food, I want it to be delicious, not "meh." Meh is really the only appropriate way to describe Mi Rancho. If you want delicious and authentic Latino food in Silver Spring, head across the street to Cubanos. Better service, infinitely better food, and a better drink selection.
(2)
Joe G.
The chips and salsa are wunderbar. They are absolutely the best part of the meal. Once the rest of the food comes, it all goes downhill ... So much of the food was dry. I came at night so maybe they brought out all the old food they had. The beef fajita was good, but it's something like $20-25 per pound? Come here for chips, salsa and drinks. Other than that, there are plenty of better places to go to.
(2)
Dee B.
Stop nr. 8 on my Summer Resolution Tour. The service here is ridiculously slow, but the patio is great for hanging out on a warm summer evening. The chips and salsa were decent, but the salsa was surprisingly spicy. I wasn't particularly in the mood for Tex-Mex, so I ordered the salmon. I was brought an enormous piece of salmon, nicely prepared, with a generous serving of guacamole (along with pico de gallo, rice and beans). Can I just say that the marriage of two of my favorite things - salmon and guacamole - is a marriage made in heaven?!? I was more than happy with my entree. Hmmm, based on that, I might have to give this place 3.5 stars. Well, either way, I don't know that I'd rush back here, but it's definitely a good alternative to the horrible chains that dominate the new downtown Silver Spring.
(3)
Courtney R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Silver Spring and my favorite place to get Tex Mex anywhere! The food and drinks are consistently good and the atmosphere is festive. I always bring friends and family here when they're visiting the area, nothing beats lunch or dinner and a margarita on the patio on a nice day.. LOVE this place
(5)
Damian H.
This place sucks!!! I got the cheese enchiladas. A plate full of grease is all it was. The rice tasted like Spanish rice from a box you can by at any grocery story. The sauce on the enchiladas (RED) was just awful. Save you money you can do better!!!!
(1)
Laura C.
I crave Mexican food. Regularly. And I live in an area where there are 5 Mexican restaurants I frequent so much that the waiters know my order. This sounds kind of pathetic, I understand. But get this: of these 5 restaurants Mi Rancho is hands-down my favorite. End of story. Great food at a reasonable price. What more can you ask, really? I'm always torn between wanting tacos and enchiladas... so what do they do? Put them in a platter TOGETHER!!!! Brilliant. And, while I'm a creature of habit who can never seem to order anything else there, everyone I've ever taken with me has loved their meals, too! Fajitas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, tamales... all I've ever heard is they rock! They also have a pretty large outdoor patio which is nice, especially if you end up there at a particularly crowded time. They close it in during the winter and heat it up with heat lamps that work like gangbusters, so it's a year-round seating option. Nice. Only one small complaint: Parking. I'm reeeeally lazy and wish I didn't have to walk the, what, half a block (?) from the MoCo garage and Cameron Street, since there's no parking on Ramsey Ave. But it's obviously not enough of a drawback to keep me from going- I seem to find myself most Saturdays! Oy.
(4)
Nat B.
In a place like Silver Spring where Mexican restaurants are in abundance, this local chain isn't half-bad. The food's pretty good, although some are a bit pricier than others. The margaritas are a mixed bag though. The first round of drinks were top-notch, but the second round had half of the drinks that were drowning in tequila and the other half were virgins. They were cool about it and replaced them all quickly. It should be noted we ate here during Cinco de Mayo, and the place was PACKED. We didn't wait too long though, so I'd come back again if we're in need of a mexican fix.
(3)
Damon H.
Greetings People of the DMV!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! So when the opportunity comes to try a new Mexican spot I jump at it. Well I believe I jumped to soon...without reading any reviews I tried this outdoor/indoor environment. Let's take a second and thank the owners for the outdoor fans, and plastic tables and chairs. The staff were fine, however the food was not!!! I had three cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans. Lets start off with the good: beans had a nice flavor, and the tortilla chips were thick*** I hate thin tortilla chips*** and salsa had an interesting flavor. The bad: the cheese enchiladas were a plate of grease!! No flavor, no taste. Good cheese enchiladas are flavorful because of the mix of cheese, peppers, and seasoning some restaurants use cheese sauce, and yes they can be a little oily, however this was not the case at this OUTDOOR establishment. I got them with the red enchilada sauce which masked this plate full of oil, as soon as I cut into them, this yellow/orange oil came from everywhere...I may go back in the Fall and try the fajitas....
(2)
Eddie W.
Officially the WORST restaurant in the DC metro area! Myself and 5 others decided on dinner at Mi Rancho last night before going to see a movie. After placing our order, everything went down hill. We had to chase down any server we could find, for everything we needed. In fact, we were only able to get our beverages refilled once. We ordered queso dip as an appetizer, yet could only eat half of it because they wouldn't bring any more chips to our table. It took a whole lot of time for our meals to arrive, which wound up being as disappointing as the service. I ordered Vegetable Fajitas, which were pathetic. 3 strips of carrots, 2 mushrooms, some onion, and 4 strips of bell pepper. I ate it in 4 bites. Literally. Two of my friends ordered chicken and beef fajitas with literally 2 strips of bell pepper and 2 strips of onion. Again, we hunted down a server. We found one in the bar area grooming the hair bangs and eyebrows of another server. I'm not kidding. We asked for more grilled onions and bell pepper, which she seemed annoyed that we interrupted her from her grooming session. 15 minutes go by, and the chicken and steak fajitas are now at room temperature. Again, we hunt down a server who said she would have to kitchen staff remake them. Another 10 minutes go by, and the grilled onions and bell pepper arrive, yet no fajitas. 5 minutes later the fajitas arrive - the same ones, re-grilled and now overcooked. The food was crap. Period. 15 minutes later, the check arrives. They decided to charge $6 for a small plate of grilled onions and bell pepper which should have been in the damn fajitas to begin with. Quite ticked off at this point - we ask to speak to the manager. Again, we waited for over 10 minutes. Finally, an arrogant and cocky man comes over and basically argues with us for 5 minutes and calls all of us liars. There were no apologies or offers to correct the situation. He then begins to argue that we had only been there for 25 minutes, even after we showed him our Facebook "check-in" which was done 1 hour and 15 minutes beforehand. He refused to do anything for us. We finally just paid, and vowed to never return. In all honesty, this was the worst service and food I have experienced in this area. A trip to McDonald's on Colesville Rd would have been much a much pleasurable dining experience, and I do mean that in all truth! Inevitably, we also missed our movie. Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment!
(1)
Deb G.
I want to like Mi Rancho - I walk by it at least 3 times a week and the scents of grilled meat that waft out are always mouthwatering. However, the actual food just doesn't compare to the delicious aromas, and for the price I feel like are much better places around Silver Spring. Their chips are super greasy yet not quite salty enough, and their salsa is bland, bland, bland. They definitely get a star for the margaritas. Let's put it bluntly - I go for the margs because sometimes you just need one. They do make good frozen margaritas, and the big outside patio is a great space for drinking them. I ordered the carne asada, based on my friend's recommendation. It was the best thing I've had so far, better than the burritos and enchiladas I've gotten previously. The meat was well marinated and served sizzling hot with homemade tortillas that were excellent. However, even that's wasn't enough to raise the star level, once you factor in the weak guacamole, meh beans, and looked so bad I didn't even try it rice. Also, I also need to think about the hours (and hours and hours) of indigestion I've suffered all day. Must ignore the wafting smells from Mi Rancho!!
(2)
Mac O.
A friend of ours celebrates her birthday here every year. Over the last 4 years, I have compiled the following notes on this joint: Mi Rancho 101 I. Atmosphere A) Outdoor Patio i) It's big. ii) It's hot in summer. iii) You can be outside any time of year, because it's covered and can be enclosed. That's nice. B) Indoors i) Mehhhh. ii) This is where the bathrooms are located (look for saloon doors). II. Service A) Waitstaff i) Usually friendly. ii) Sometimes efficient. B) Management i) On it. Pitches in as needed. ii) Takes a headcount at table, withdraws extra mints brought with check. a) Really? b) Laammme. III. Food A) Chips & Salsa i) Chips are the bomb -- super thin and crispy, cooked to a nice golden brown. ii) Salsa is so boring it could make you cry. B) Flameado appetizer i) Government cheese melted to a rubbery, oil-slicked pool with innocent vegetables that don't deserve such an awful fate. Can't be penetrated with tortilla chips. ii) Every year we are subjected to this friend's-favorite appetizer and have to force down a bite or two. Avoid! C) Other stuff i) Eh, it's typical Mexican fare. It won't blow your mind, but it won't horrify you, either. ii) Husband thinks the chicken enchiladas are "bangin' " however. IV. Drink A) Margaritas i) Many flavors = good! ii) No detectable alcohol = bad! B) Sangria i) Lots of fruit = good! ii) Mealy fruit = bad! C) Beer i) Average selection = okayyy... ii) Unjustifiably expensive = bad! Yes, this will be on the exam.
(3)
Carlton M.
Yuck! That's all I can say about this place...it's just like Baja Fresh and Chipotle....nothing special!
(1)
Cani C.
A place that you always feel like family, great food. Not very expense if you like Authentic Mexican.
(5)
Sheila C.
Pretty good mexican grindz within walking distance...steak fajitas are tender and tasty...chips & salsa are highly addictive
(4)
Eva W.
This restaurant is very popular among my co-workers, so since I had to work today I went along on a group outing. I did like the chips, and the salsa was OK but (full disclosure here) I'm not a hot food junkie so I would have liked it better if it had been more bland. OTOH, I don't think Tex-Mex places ought to bland down just for people like me. But that isn't my issue here. What moved me to review was my co-worker's experience. She has had shrimp fajitas there before and they aren't on the menu anymore. She asked if it were possible to get them. They told her yes, she could get them. (If they had refused, she would have been fine with ordering something else.) When they arrived (on a sizzling hot plate, as is customary with fajitas), they still had their shells on, so she had to gingerly pick them off the hot plate and peel them before she could put them in a tortilla. That was an odd presentation. But the most annoying part of the presentation were skimpy amounts of green pepper and onion served with the shrimp. My co-worker asked our waitress if she could get additional amounts of those vegetables. Not only did the waitress refuse but then she sent over the manager, who also refused to bring a few additional slices of pepper and onion. How much extra could it have cost them? I'm sure she would be willing to pay a bit extra. Furthermore, how much is it going to cost them in terms of all the customers at the table who got to witness this meaningless show of contempt for a customer. Will we go back? Probably I won't, since if that's their ethic I don't think I would be comfortable asking for customization. I would recommend this place to people who are 100% OK with ordering just items on the menu and don't want anything in terms of different side orders, or substitutions. It's not that I think the customer is ALWAYS right, it just seemed odd and annoying that they didn't want to fulfill a minor request.
(2)
Trace D.
The service and decor were both quite good, however you don't go to a restaurant just for the service, so when they brought the food I have to say I was disappointed. The food sounded good on the menu, but in practice they came up a bit short. I never give up on a place after one try, but as work lunch goes, it's a bit expensive for the food quality so it might be a while until I get back in to give it another go.
(2)
Medjinne D.
I have been coming here since I was in middle school. My family and I really enjoy this restaurant we always come here for birthdays and since we have a Cinco De Mayo bday in our fam we def come for that. Their food is good we always get the 2 Plato Grandee and enjoy it. My favorite is their dessert the sopapilla no other place that I've been to does it like them. So why don't they get 5 stars even though they have the best homemade tortilla? because, they have not learned how to make good drinks. It's a shame cause I love Mi Rancho but will only come here with my family and always go across the street to Cubano with my girls (check that review out). I hope they get better!
(4)
F A.
Taco salad was terrible - chicken was bad quality and I don't know how you mess up a taco salad but I literally couldn't eat it. My husband got something else and it was ok so if I ever go back ill get that. don't get the taco salad!!
(2)
Kayla A.
Their carne asada is awesome. That's really all I can speak to because I get it faithfully whenever we go, as does the majority of my party. I will return here for the carne asada again and again. As far as the rest of the menu (and by that I mean drinks since I obviously already know my food order): I don't drink margaritas, but I have ordered sangria and pina coladas here. Wasn't impressed with either. One of the last times I was there, the server asked if I wanted the pina colada "with alcohol?" I thought that was obvious but the pina colada I got definitely tasted a lot stronger than the ones I had there previously. I'm not sure if they automatically assumed all the others were virgin drinks, but I will definitely be specifiying when I return.
(4)
Roy S.
This place gets 5 stars because i have been going here since i was 7 years old when it first opened. The menu hasnt really changed much but the owner (Albino) is nice as can be and still remembers my family whenever we show up. I personally prefer the mixed fajitas and the margaritas are pretty good also. This is a good place if you dont like spicy food and enjoy a good atmosphere...
(5)
David M.
I liked it. Service was real good, and I thought the fajitas were great. The steak far outperformed the chicken fajitas, however. Do not bother with the queso app. It's melted velveeta and is pretty wretched. Just stick with the salsa if you need something to dip your chips into :) I love the giant outdoor seating, and I like that they're not too fierce of a walk from the SS Metro station, making it easy to go down, have a few beers, and just hop a train home. There seems to be ample parking around, but I am sure it's all paid parking. i personally loved the tamales. Best i've had in town so far, but I'm sure that will change as I venture out more since moving into the area.
(4)
Libby F.
Many, many years ago I taught at a little Catholic school not far from here. The owner of Mi Rancho's daughter attended this school. It just so happened that the much revered principal, Sister Mary Raymond was a huge foodie. That being said, the owner of Mi Rancho would often send over a platter of food (enchiladas, tacos, rice, guac. etc...) for the staff's lunchtime pleasure. Even though I live only 1.2 miles away, I still don't make a conscious effort to dine here. Maybe more so in the summer when the patio is open and the pitchers of margaritas go down like water in the Sahara. Mmmm, they hit the spot! On that note, I agree with Kathleen M.'s comment: The food is solid. After returning from Mexico less than two weeks prior I was really looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with my fellow Yelpers (Really, just ANY excuse to drink!). I only had the cheese quesadillas, and they were...solid. I like the white (Mexican?)cheese they use. More pico de gallo and guacamole accompanying it would have made me happier; in Mexico, you don't usually get sour cream with your food. I'm still looking for an authentic Mexican place here in DC. That doesn't mean I'll say adios to Mi Rancho. I like it here. I just want the true Mexican dining experience again.
(4)
Heather K.
Hmm well what is there to say? I think this place rides on the fact that they have a big name and are well known in the area. I also should have known this wasn't going to be the best considering almost no one there was Latino ( granted I am a white suburban woman so I know that it might sound hypocritical but if a Mexican place is full with white people it probably isn't super authentic). The chips and salsa were the highlight. I ordered vegetarian fajitas and there was almost no peppers or onions on my hot plate..... super strange. The frozen margaritas were also made so that they were difficult to sip and once they melted down they were very watery.... waste of money. My opinion: There are plenty of places in DC, Wheaton and PG that don't have a big name but have better and less expensive food.
(2)
Mary Kay S.
Stop Number Three on the South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. Laura and I were joined by Kevin L. (let's call him "Mexican Curious"). Mi Rancho has strong margaritas, a bit on the sweet side, though you'll barely notice after the first one is gone. EXCELLENT chips -- light and crispy. The salsa was a bit dull. We opted for a more substantial appetizer -- the vegetarian flameado. This is a fancy queso, with queso blanco, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Wow. Take some of that buttery, melty goodness and plop it on one of those freshly made tortillas, and that is pure decadent heaven. Speaking of those tortillas -- they were so good. SO much better than the ones Lauriol Plaza's retarded machine spits out. These tortillas actually made the meal. Everything is better when paired with a fresh tortilla. I got the tacos al carbon, sticking with my obsession for grilled beef wrapped in a tortilla. Chunky, spicy guacamole, with big pieces of fresh jalapeno. Spanish rice -- dull; it had the tomato base, but no other flavors. The charro beans were tasty. Kevin says they were salty -- no doubt he is right, but aren't they usually? Next to the tortillas, the best part about this place is the atmosphere. The manager greeted us with charm, the wait staff was very accommodating, and the decor was "cute" without being too much so. The gigantic patio inspired much speculation about what Cinco de Mayo would be like here -- I picture quite a fun party, with mariachis and swirling cotton skirts. I like Mi Rancho. It fills a previously unrecognized void in my psyche for a certain type of Mexican atmosphere. Plus I can eat perfectly decent Mexican food while I'm there. Update: 5/8/08 -- we did in fact come back to Mi Rancho for Cinco de Mayo. As expected, the patio was packed with people, with lines waiting to get in. BUT (and this is a big but), there were no specials, no music, and some of the food was dumbed down to make it easier on the kitchen (e.g. store-bought tortillas for the tacos al carbon). Too bad that great patio had to go to waste.
(3)
Michelle C.
I went once and won't go back. The service was terrible. The food was mediocre at best and my shrimp were way overcooked. The prices were high for the quality.
(1)
Kevin L.
I've gotta second MK on this one. The fresh tortillas make everything better here. And... if anyone else is going to a Cinco de Mayo party here, I'm so in. I couldn't decide between all of the various options they had here, so I went with one of the combination platters - the Plata Maria. This included a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a beef soft taco, and a pork tamale, along with sides of rice and beans. You know what it's like when you go to a Korean restaurant... when they bring out the banchan and suddenly your table goes from empty to overflowing? Yeah - it was like that, but with Mexican food. They brought out my relleno, and there was so much stuff on the plate that I thought it was my meal. Then they brought out the second plate covered with more food. And then they brought out my beans and could barely find any room to put it. Although the food was supremely edible, it wasn't anything particularly fantastic. I enjoyed the chile relleno the most - we couldn't tell whether it was the poblano or the queso blanco it was stuffed with, but there was a perfect heat to it. Spicy enough to make my nose bead up with sweat a little, but not enough to make my eyes tear up with pain. Plus, the portion was absolutely enormous! I could have easily made a meal out of just that! I can't say I'd go this out of my way for Tex-Mex food on a whim, but there's nothing like throwing back a pitcher of strong margarita and noshing on chips and salsa with some fun friends after a long day of work. The service and the kitsch at Mi Rancho make it an ideal environment for doing exactly that.
(3)
Sean R.
Literally the best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've *been* to both Mexico and Texas. The manager and owner are both very personable, and will make the rounds of the tables to ensure your enjoyment. I very clearly remember a gentleman eating with his family there years ago. He stood up and shook the manager's hand, saying, "I live in San Antonio, and *this* is the best Mexican food I've *ever* had." I used to eat at Mi Rancho three times a week when I lived in Silver Spring. I've been living in Virginia for over 10 years now and still make several pilgrimage several times a year. Why? Because it's worth it. Enchiladas? Nachos? The fajitas and steak? Nothing else compares. Even their salsa and chips are the best, made fresh on site! Do yourself a favor, por favor, and try Mi Rancho next time you're in the neighborhood. -Sean Richey
(5)
K K.
First of all, I am forever indebted to this place for being the only restaurant I could find open during the huge snow storm in 2009. And it did not disappoint!! I've always had great service here. I love the sangria. The porch area is a fun place to hang out and have a drink on a hot day. I enjoy their salads and the tamales are excellent as well.
(4)
Aya D.
Good food, fast service and friendly people. The pricing is fair too, which is always nice, especially in the current economy.
(4)
Jake K.
Ok - I had been to this place many times while I frequented my friend's place in the towers right next to the restaurant. This of course was back in the days of yore when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant stationed in Richmond and desiring a bit more diverse social scene than Shockoe Bottom had to offer. Enter Mi Rancho. Now, after living in California as a child and then coming back to live in Las Vegas briefly as a college student, I learned what decent Mexican food was. Decent Mexican (or even Tex-Mex for that matter since apparently there needs to be a differentiation) doesn't not require heavy loads of cheese, beans, and corn mash. As a matter of fact, half of Mexico eats pintos, the other half eats black beans! But you don't always see the difference. Mi Rancho's only redeeming quality was the fact that tortillas were made fresh. That's about it. Otherwise the food was inconsistent, it smacked of Americanism, and frankly, the salsa tasted too tomatoey. I would have preferred a tad more cilantro. The only thing I walked out of there liking was the queso dip - I always have a weakness for that stuff. Otherwise, I don't go back because the price is too high for the quality of food there.
(3)
Li D.
Mi Rancho is a large restaurant in Silver Spring. Their menu is extensive, with burritos, tacos, guacamole, etc. The food is prepared in a typical American-interpreted Mexican style. We had dinner there last Friday night, about 6 pm. Their outdoor patio seating is comfortable, even in the winter, because it is somewhat enclosed and they have large outdoor gas heaters running all the time. It's a large space, so I imagine the volume gets a bit loud too, later in the evening as the patio fills up with diners. At 6 pm on a Friday night, however, the patio was relatively empty. Still, we had difficulty hearing our waiter as he seemed to barely speak above a whisper. The margaritas were good, but nothing to write home about. The chips and salsa were also good. I ordered the hard tacos with beef dinner. It was adequate. The dinner comes with three hard tacos, rice, and sour cream, lettuce, etc. on the side. The rice was inedible. The tacos were just so-so.
(2)
Fu P.
This place is good, cheap mexican. Don't go looking for a gourmet meal, but it excels at what it's supposed to: strong margaritas and good tacos, enchiladas, etc...
(4)
Michael O.
We have had dinner here numerous times and the food is consistently excellent. I really am fond of their margaritas, they are great, almost the best I have had. The only complaint is that the service is sometimes hit or miss, never really bad, but sometimes kind of slow towards the end waiting for the check. The outside patio area is nice in good weather, but can be noisy sometimes because of families who dont control their children and let them run around and make alot of noise.
(5)
M N.
I've been twice, and the food was very good both times. The margaritas (Cadillac variety) were excellent. Will certainly be back again.
(4)
CaShawn T.
I recently went to this restaurant for the first time for my friend's birthday. We had a large group and we dined outside on their spacious patio. It was pretty hot and the servers were great when we requested to move closer to their big fans to keep cool. The food was great! Very authentic and the taste was awesome. The drinks were on point. Margaritas were perfect. The servers were friendly and very helpful. The place was nice looking and comfortable. The inside was kind of dark, so I was glad that we had our gathering outside. It was a happy time for us all. There is street parking and a public garage across the street. I'm not sure how far it is away from a Metro station, but it can't be too far since it's in Downtown Silver Spring. I gladly recommend this restaurant and hope to go back again soon.
(4)
R B.
A great place for food in Silver Spring. The chips and salsa are wonderful- very Rio Grande-esque. We tried a variety of food and all were delicious, esp the chile relleno. The margarita could have been better, but was still nice. Wonderful outdoor area to enjoy when the weather is nice.
(4)
Brian D.
Very middle of the road. Non-distinct Tex-Mex place. Way overpriced for what it is, but super convenient for people who live in downtown Silver Spring. Not bad, just uninspiring.
(3)
Zachary H.
Extremely tacky Mexican restaurant? Yes. Did I like it? Absolutely! Mi Rancho will probably not be your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant and it's not like that place you went to that one night when you were out too late in Tijuana. What Mi Rancho is, is a decent neighborhood Mexican restaurant, serving up all the classics. It's a popular Silver Spring restaurant -- it was packed last night when we went (a Wednesday night). It also has friendly service and is reasonably priced. So - last night was our first night at Mi Rancho. We were both being boring and ordered the same dish - the beef burritos and a margarita. Both were good and generously portioned! The customary chips and salsa were also served. The chips were thin and baked, which I like, and I think the salsa was homemade -- also good! We'll definitely be back to Mi Rancho. After the positive experience with the beef burritos, I'm looking forward to trying other things on the menu! The outdoor patio is also very inviting for a lazy summer Saturday afternoon! Can't wait!
(4)
Willy W.
I've eaten here many times as it was right next to work. It's nice to eat outside when weather permits. The food is okay, nothing spectacular but pretty good nonetheless. I've had the fajitas, fish, burritos, and many other things. The home-made tortillas and chips are good.
(3)
Greg W.
Great food (best mexican around) Great Drinks (sangria and mexican beer make everyone happy) Great Atmosphere (patio in summer, and sombrero birthday songs) Great place to go for dinner on a Friday night!
(4)
Alexis K.
Ever seen a waiter afraid? Ask a Mi Rancho employee if they can do breakfast tacos. No super vibe, good food (a bit overpriced), limited drink menu.
(2)
Allison R.
Sangria...I love their sangria! Red or white it is awesome!! O and the food is good too. The food is nothing spectacular it's your normal tex-mex stuff. They start you off with chips and salsa which is great to snack on while drinking your sangria and waiting for your food! It's a great spot to go in the summer or spring/fall on a really nice evening because they have a great outdoor patio that is really perfect for hanging out in, drinking, eating slowly and hanging with friends. It's a great little place - away from some of the hustle/bustle of Silver Spring - a nice spot with good food and awesome sangria!
(4)
Beatrice G.
We have frequented MiRancho for many years and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food or the service. The managers are friendly, and make you feel like you are part of the family. While in Dallas last year, we visited the "first" Tex Mex restaurant founded in the United States and hand's down, MiRancho had them beat. They were good but Mi Rancho in my opinion is much better. Try it, you won't be disappointed. The fajita dishes are better than I have ever had anywhere.
(5)
Stephanie M.
Nothing new in this review. The chips and salsa are remarkably good as is the chicken chimichanga. I think it must be the type of oil they are using because while both were thin and crispy they weren't oily which is something most places here seem to have a problem with. I went at lunch and the server and hostess were nice. We were in and out in under an hour which makes me extremely happy during my lunch break. I'd go back and try something else. My only complaint is one of my coworkers loves to have sour cream with her fajitas but since it's not part of the meal typically she would have to pay $1.50 to get a bowl. This seems like over kill when they could just drizzle a little on the plate. But as most people have noted they make no exceptions of any kind what so ever. This seems a bit sad since when we arrived it appeared everyone knew my coworker which tells you they can't spare a little side of sour cream for a regular?
(3)
Lisa M.
I've been here many times over the years and usually stick to a chicken fajitas. A few times i've got the fish. frankly the best thing about this place are the tortillas, and they are really good. otherwise it's above average, and the drinks are great. It's fun, nothing fancy.
(4)
Rosemarie F.
We come here for business lunches on a regular basis. Everyone seems to enjoy it. I always get the Santa Fe Buritto, which I really enjoy. Have to agree with other Yelpers that the chips are greasy, although very fresh and warm when they come to the table. Love the salsa! I could just drink it out of the bowl!! Ok, not a great visual............. The truly nice thing about this place is the open patio, however gets a bit noisey if you are having a business type lunch. I bet this would be a great place for Happy Hour on a nice day. They also have a smaller room downstairs that we have rented out for private functions that I believe can seat up to 25-30 people.
(3)
Dave C.
Very good food and attentive service every time we have been there. It can get loud, so its great to take kids, they won't seem annoying to other diners.
(4)
Bobby G.
How does this only have three stars? My wife and I do carry out from here all the time, it's delish. Highly recommended.
(5)
Josh O.
I've now been here twice, and feel comfortable saying that Mi Rancho is good for sitting outside and having a couple beers, but not much else. My first taste was exactly that: sitting outside having a couple beers after work while I waited to meet a friend. For that it was perfect. Though I ordered a tamale for a snack and found it lackluster at the very best (oh how I miss San Francisco's tamale man!). Last night we went back for dinner. I had the Camarones Rancheros, Jessi had Alfredo's Plate, and her sister Becky had ...something else. My camarones were actually pretty good, but everything else was on a level with the tamales I ate before: boring and oddly bland and dry (except for the chile ranchero which was deep fried and therefore oddly rich). So like I said, good for drinks outside, but not much else. If I want Tex Mex I'll go to Austin Grill; I'm still trying to find a place where I can get Mex Mex.
(2)
Martin B.
Came here a week or so ago with some friends. We were hungry for some food before seeing a movie at the Majestic. We didn't want boring old (but nonetheless delicious) Chipotle, and we weren't really feeling the Chick-fil-A. We wanted something a little more... real. So my friend suggested Mi Rancho. Coming in on a Saturday night the place was packed, but we were able to get a seat in due time. The host was friendly and funny, and from the get go I had a pretty good impression of the place. Service was a bit slower than I'd like, but friendly. My friends raved about the (virgin) margaritas. I myself had a shirley temple... quite good. The chips they brought out were delicious, good old fashioned Tex-Mex chips. They were quite filling though; I ordered the soft chicken tacos (It's an order of three) and I could only finish 2.5 tacos. My friend got them with ground beef and liked them; my other pal got the carne asada. In all, if you're looking for some tex mex in Silver Spring but don't want Austin Grill or the heaviness of Chipotle, check out Mi Rancho.
(3)
J C.
Mary Kay S., Laura V. and I decided to celebrate the (slight) drop in the summertime temperature with our latest South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza (SotBQ[oG]CCDTaGE) outing. Both my dining companions had been here before and were excited to come back for no other reason than to indulge in the majesty that is the cheese plug (see below). I started out with a Negro Modelo which was brought to me in a frosted glass and subsequently downed in a matter of minutes due to the heat. I was about halfway through with my beer when the aforementioned cheese plug came. Now, the official name for our appetizer is the flameado--baked cheese with mushrooms, peppers and onions. Mary Kay S. and Laura V. had it previously and named it the cheese plug, for the fact that this cheesy monstrosity pretty much plugs up your stomach upon consumption. We grabbed fresh, hot flour tortillas and proceeded to dig in. You can easily split one cheese plug four ways, and probably more. I should warn you that the cheese plug effect is like getting two kinds of full body hugs. The first hug (taking those first few glorious bites) is like getting a full body hug from a new lover. You never want it to end, and you're wondering at what point ass cuppage is acceptable. The second hug is when the plug proceeds to hug your stomach like that creepy coworker who doesn't get the meaning of "personal space intrusion" and likes to give interoffice hugs and unsolicited shoulder rubs. And smells kinda funny (the coworker, not the appetizer). We were all breathing pretty heavily before our entrees arrived. It's definitely an experience to be had (and shared!). For dinner, I settled on the steak tacos el carbon, which came with guac, rice, and pico de gallo. Mary Kay got the Tijuana platter and Laura chose veggie fajitas (and wryly noted that the menu also offers vegetable fajitas "with meat," which sounds juuuust a bit counterintuitive). Our food was brought promptly and we proceeded to dig in. They definitely didn't skimp on the steak, and the portions were quite generous. While the steak was nice and juicy, I felt it could have benefited from some additional seasoning. They were somewhat on the bland side and could have used a bit of a kick. But this is a minor nitpick, and I'd certainly order them again. The fact that I broke out in "meat sweats" halfway through was testament to their quality. I was honestly so stuffed from the cheese plug and the steak tacos that I was only able to put a small dent into the guac and pico de gallo (both were fresh and tasty) and didn't even touch the rice. You definitely get a lot of food for your money and there are a LOT of choices on the menu that should satisfy even the most picky, finicky diner in your party. Service is fast and friendly, and I think about three or four different people greeted us both coming and going. All seemed genuinely happy that we chose to dine here. The atmosphere is definitely laid back. The verdict: you know how your bowels reflexively cramp whenever someone says "Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast"? I have a feeling that my stomach and any mention of the words "cheese plug" will have a similarly symbiotic relationship from here on out. I looked at the empty cheese plug dish right before the server cleared our plates, and I swore it was looking right at me. Like this was a Hong Kong action film, and I was the renegade cop who plays by his own rules, and the cheese plug was this cagey but honorable Triad boss. We're mortal enemies, but for one, brief moment before we proceeded to shoot the hell out of the abandoned warehouse, we stood in awe of each other and weren't afraid to show mutual respect. On a more serious note, I can easily recommend Mi Rancho. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and there's more than enough choices to satisfy everyone in your party (including vegetarians).
(4)
Jaemie D.
I used to come here with my family as a teenager growing up. I remember when it was a small restaurant with a limited patio area in the summer. Now it's grown in size (patio area) but still keeps the feeling of a small Tex-Mex restaurant. The patio area is great- I went on a perfect night where it wasn't too humid. The food is general Tex-Mex fare, nothing surprising or new on the menu. Their combo platters are a good deal if you are hungry, but you can easily get a good quesadilla or soft taco dinner and not go away hungry or totally unsatisfied. The drinks are not their strong point- or at least their margharitas. I've had better drinks at other places in DC. The food overall was decent, but nothing special. If you are in the mood for Tex-Mex and like specific generic fare, you'd probably feel right at home. The one factor that makes this place stand out would be the outdoor patio option.
(2)
Sidney S.
The margaritas are great but the food was just average and overpriced.
(3)
Latise B.
Mi Rancho is a great step up from the Don Pablos, On the Border fare. Its not the best "authentic" fare I've ever had, but its good tex mex. I've been here 3 times and I thought the portion sizes were good. I've always been absolutely stuffed when I leave. I enjoyed my margarita here, as well as the ribeye steak, the chicken and beef enchiladas (twice). The fried cheesecake dessert and sopapillas were also tasty. We usually get carne asada nachos, which isn't the largest serving portion I've ever had, but like I said, i'm stuffed when I leave there so it must be fine. We started going here when a friend of mine found that this restaurant serves carne asada that is very close to the churrasco we enjoy in Puerto Rico. The parking is actually pretty good--there is a garage that is very close to the restaurant. We've never had to wait long for a table, even on a Friday night and the restaurant is also able to hold multiple larger groups, which is a plus. I want to give this spot a 4, but I can't bring myself to do it. I've certainly had better tex-mex/mexican in the area, so 3 stars it is!
(3)
Angela M.
Yeah, I missed the bus. Silly me. I decided last minute that I was actually going to get up the gall to meet with the other Yelpers without having an action plan. I really thought I was going to recognize people, but 1) I'm an idiot and 2) apparently, I'm face blind. I dunno! I'm so, so glad I talked my new roomies into coming for moral support, since I have a tad of social anxiety. God love you Alisha & Chris!! Otherwise, you may have seen a blond someone curled up in a ball on the stairs crying; that would have been me. We showed up at like 6:45pm and looked around, checked the reservation list and recognized nothing. I couldn't tell if anyone recognized me or if I was just getting looks because my head was on spin like the exorcist. We got a table on the patio and ordered a pitcher of Margaritas. Oh, they were good - I'm so sad I was DD!! I had one and started feeling the effects, so I had to give the rest to Alisha. The chips and salsa were delicious! The service was kinda slow, but the place was so busy because of Cinco de Mayo, that it didn't matter. Plus, the company was great, so I really didn't notice. I brought hubbs the Jalisco Platter since he couldn't join us and he inhaled it in 8 minutes. He loved it! I really liked my Maria Platter as well, but it seemed that he enjoyed his more. Our cool roomies bought our meal for us so that was awesome. Some of the food is FANTASTICALLY yummy, some is not as good. I would say this is an average place, but there are many reasons to come back. The salsa, the relaxed ambiance, the outdoor patio on a cool evening, the margaritas and to order the good stuff.
(3)
Carolyn P.
I come here all the time, and I don't expect that to change unless I move. This place is a godsend if, like me, you are a celiac who loves some Tex-Mex. I usually get nachos or enchiladas, and I've never been disappointed. It's pretty basic, but in a good way. The decor is also festive and cute. The ceviche is surprisingly good, better than I've had at more upscale places. The meats are seasoned just right, and so far with things I'm not allergic to, which is fantastic. It's also huge, lots of outdoor and indoor seating -- I had a birthday party here once and they were great to us.
(4)
Kathleen M.
I'm not a mexican food fan by nature. Sure, I love a cheesy enchilada as much as the next girl, but I don't crave rice and beans like steak and potatoes. But, give me some fine yelpers and a holiday to celebrate an obscure war in another country as an excuse to drink margaritas? Well then, I'm in! There's a parking garage right across from Mi Rancho that charges a mere $0.60/hour. Not sure why they didn't just up that to a full dollar, but I guess that's the 'burbs for you. I could smell the fajitas from around the corner and I was excited. The place was pretty busy, as to be expected on Cinco de Mayo. What I didn't expect was all of the kids! I mean, isn't Cinco de Mayo all about margaritas? Why bring your screaming 2 year old out for that? The patio was loud but overall contributed to a fun, casual vibe: perfect for the fabulous 70-something days we've been having. I first ordered a frozen strawberry margarita, and it tasted typical. Super sweet, can't really tell if there's any tequila in there. The on-the-rocks version we got in pitcher form later in the evening was much better, but you could still tell it was made with a mix with no fresh lime juice. Bummer. My food was solid: I got a fajita platter with chicken, steak, and shrimp. The steak was by far the best-- very well seasoned and juicy. The shrimp was difficult to eat as they had left the shell on. Rice was lackluster and while the guac was good I wished they had given me more of it (although that's always the case). The tortillas were super tasty as well. Service did as best they could-- we were an ever-growing party, ordering at staggered times, all on Cinco de Mayo. Silver Spring's out of the way for me but if I was in the area and strangely craving Mexican, I'd definitely stop back in. This may have been closer to a 4-star place on any other night.
(3)
N S.
Mi Rancho is just ok. Part of the reason I return is that I love the outdoor patio. They are definitely working with a great space and when you throw in some mariachis that someone has hired for a gathering - even better. Side note: I want to be serenaded on a balcony by mariachis. How tight is that. You are chilling and you hear a trumpet start blasting outside and run to the balcony to find a 10 person mariachi band. If there is any guy out there who could see doing that for a young lady, please contact me. I am single, but I digress. I also really like the owner of Mi Rancho. Had a crush on him for years now, Very friendly, polite, debonnaire, and Argentine, I believe, but don't quote me on that. Overall, Mi Rancho I would recommend for a social gathering particularly in the spring/summer. It does tend to get packed so plan accordingly. ps. Oh, yes. The fresh tortillas are AWESOME. I could eat them plain.
(3)
Feyi B.
One of my fave mexican spots. Food is very tasty, My sis and I like to split the dish for two. Cant remember what its called, but its $40 and feeds two. Their drinks are very, VERY tasty. I've ordered many diff flavors and I've yet to be disappointed. The owner also comes around to check on us, which is nice.
(5)
Jane Y.
It was another one of those company lunches. The owner of the restaurant was extremely nice. a little too enthusiastic but I enjoyed it. It made me feel really welcome. The environment was very spring break mexico..(maybe its just me). They have a tortilla maker out in the front which i thought was cool. You know where your tortillas are coming from! neways...free chips and salsa as always. Love it as always. The salsa tasted extremely fresh. My boss ordered a side of nacho cheese, which looks cool cuz it came in a heated stone bowl. I ordered a Carne A Pollo ala Jardin. The chicken was really juicy the veggies were crunchy. YUMMAYYY. I generally dont really like beans..i've only liked chipotle beans (yeah sue me). I didnt like their beans either. soo..i dont know what that piece of information could do for you..but there it is. The tortilla tasted fresh (duh). The price was really good for lunch. only $10.95 for that big whole plate of meat and veggies plus sides and tortilla. it's def worth a try. I wanted a margarita, but since i was with my coworkers and boss..it would have been inappropriate. I did see one tho, and it was HUGE. I definitely recommend this place if u love HUGE margaritas, yummy meat, fresh tortilla and over-enthusiastic workers.
(4)
Jade T.
3.5 Stars I went here for Laura V's Cinco de Mayo dinner. Mi Rancho was PACKED but they had no specials. No live music either. How disappointing ... I enjoyed my vegetarian enchiladas and fajitas. They weren't too sloppy or greasy. The portions were large. The vegetables in those dishes were varied (broccoli, zucchini, onions, etc). The tortillas were hot and chewy. Definitely not your average Taco Bell garbage. Even though the service was sporadic, there were plenty of waitstaff buzzing around our table. It was odd to find out that vegetarian dishes TAKE LONGER to cook than meat dishes. Huh? I've never been a huge fan of Tex-Mex, but this place isn't bad. I certainly recommend it over nearby chain eateries. After all, you are getting bored of Chipotle, aren't you?
(3)
Jeff W.
A very conflicting place. On one hand, there are several things here that are absolutely exceptional. The tortillas, for one. Fresh, fluffy, warm. An absolute treat. The main entrees are pretty good too. I got the aptly named "Chicken Breast" entree, which was cooked close to perfection. Came on a sizzling platter; juicy, great flavor, nice char. Also, the guacamole (just the side, not an entire bowl with chips) was fresh made, and delicious! I don't know that I've ever gotten a side of guacamole, and had a chunk of real avocado in it. On the OTHER hand, some of stuff is complete crap! The rice, beans, salsa, and queso were all pretty poor. The queso supposedly tastes like velveeta, though it's been too many years since I've last had that disgusting "cheese food" to really make a valid comparison. It reminded me of the cheese that came with handy snacks, which my mom would pack in my lunches way back when. That is not a good thing. Non-refrigerated dairy is disconcerting to me. I will not judge this place on the poor service, because it was Cinco de Mayo, and the staff was clearly overworked. Our waiter was hustling, though we were constantly in need of something, be it silverware, waters, menus...or even food, for those who chose a vegetable entree which apparently takes longer to cook than a chicken breast?? Not the quintessential mexican restaurant, but there were definitely a few noteworthy highlights of excellence. Thanks again to Laura for organizing a fun event with everyone!
(3)
Assistant F.
I visited Mi Rancho for the first time yesterday and it was decent. I loved the fresh tortillas, they were delicious and I loved the fact that you can see them being made. I ordered the 1lb fajita to share with my friend, although the portion size was very good I didn't think it was worth the price. I did not enjoy the magarita that I got at all, it was watery and there was just too much salt on the rim. Overall the experience was ok , I do plan on trying them again in the future but I'm not in a hurry to do so.
(3)
Michelle P.
I figured that on Cinco de Mayo, and Mi Rancho being a Mexican restaurant there would be fantastic specials and deals. Well i was severely disappointed. There were no happy hour specials at all! Not even normal ones! But it was still a great place to meet up with some fellow yelpers for some Mexican fun :) I got the beef quesadillas, and was expecting some kind of taco beef inside them. I was excited when they were actually steak! It came with a little side of pico, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. The quesadillas were nothing exciting, and since I'm not really a guac fan i didn't try it until i was actually done. Then I realized what i was missing! IT WAS FANTASTIC. And for someone who doesn't like guac, that must mean it was unbelievable! I highly recommend the guac. The chips were good, and while we didn't have the "cheese plug" i did try the generic queso, which pretty much tasted like melted Velveeta. I was really not impressed. I didn't get a margarita, but i tried the white sangria. Since I'm notorious for spilling ALL over myself, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that they have the white sangria option.. this way nobody will notice when i inevitably spill. I was also pleased with the maraschino cherries that were in the bottom. Overall i would say that Mi Rancho was good, but nowhere near the best Mexican food I've ever had
(3)
Chuck K.
A terrific Tex-Mex restaurant. Reasonably priced with terrific food and generous portions. Been a customer for almost 8 years now. Lunch service is fast and its easy to get in and out during a standard lunch time. Its also a great place for those group lunches so common in business. The chips and salsa are to die for and, if you aren't careful, you won't leave enough room for the delicious food. Service is wonderful and very customer focused. They have an outdoor patio, with heaters when needed. Its covered and has clear flaps to really extend their seating and the outdoor season.
(5)
Amanda B.
Food is overall pretty good. Sometimes they fall victim to putting way too much cheese on things and filling your plate with the rice and beans that you will have no room to eat. Their guacamole is really disappointing -- Chipotle's tastes fresher! Still, the food is a step up from chains like Austin Grill. What is great about Mi Rancho is the feel of the restaurant. The patio has such a nice festive feel, and with the heaters, you can even enjoy it in the winter. It's definitely worth going to just to sit on the patio and enjoy a nice night or happy hour with friends.
(3)
Dan D.
Great casual Mexican food. I always get the carne asada platter. Their margaritas are also delicious. Fun place to gather with friends
(4)
Laura V.
*Please note that in this review, I will also be doing a "side review" of Kevin L and his tremendous eating skillz.* Mi Rancho was stop numero tres on Mary Kay and Laura's South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole, or heck whatever appetizer we want dammit) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. We were joined by the very hungry Kevin - hungry for food and for life experiences. MKS has dubbed him "Mexican Curious" and I like that. After reading reviews that were all over the map about this place, I didn't really know what to expect. I think this is good because I was a blank slate and ended up really enjoying my experience here. To enter, we walked through a very expansive outdoor area complete with tent and heaters - I think this would be an awesome place for Cinco de Mayo, but I digress. As we walked in, we were greeted by the owner (or manager) with a huge smile and hello. He was at the tortilla machine, churning out warm tortillas. Hmmm...did someone tip him off to yelpers coming??? We were promptly seated in the cute dining area. Not over the top, but cozy. That's when I noticed that Abba's Dancing Queen was on the music system. Folks, this wasn't just any Dancing Queen, this was Dancing Queen en espanol. I knew then that I would love this place. We started with a pitcher of margaritas for Mary Kay... Seriously though, the margaritas were good, if a little sweet. But they had a nice kick of tequila. Not a bad deal at $24 (it easily got us two glasses each). The chips and salsa was more a miss than a hit. The chips were light and crispy, but the salsa was quite bland. Our appetizer was the Flameado with mushrooms, peppers and onions. This was baked queso blanco with the veggies and served with tortillas. This was a LOT of cheese and while I like cheese, it was a little much as it sat in a ball in my stomach. It was quite tasty though - don't get me wrong, I loved it going down. Now for dinner, if you plan on getting a combination platter, you should plan on having no less than 5 plates and bowls in front of you. Kevin ordered one of these combos that had all kinds of stuff - a tamale, enchilada, taquito, chile relleno...plus the rice and beans and guac and sour cream and pico. I tasted his chile relleno and it was wonderful! Now don't let Kevin fool you people. He may be all trim and svelte, but this kid is an eater. But not in a drop your head in the plate and go kind of way. He's methodical, and tastes every bite, then has a mini review about it. I'll let him share the verdict on his meal, but I give Kevin 5 stars on his dining skills. I had the Camerones Mi Rancho - shrimp on a sizzling platter. The shrimp were wonderful! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. I would have liked a few more veggies on the platter, but I made up for it with the pico de gallo and the fabulous home made guac. The tortillas this place whips up are phenomenal. I kind of wish now that I had taken the left over tortillas home with me. They MADE the meal. As with many other mexican places I've been to, the rice and beans were just so-so. Thankfully, they aren't the main meal though and sort of an afterthought anyway. There was so much food on our table and we ate so much that there was no room for dessert, despite the fact that they had one of the largest dessert menus ever seen at a Mexican restaurant. I had a great time here. Food was good, atmosphere was good, our service was fast and friendly. Prices reasonable. I'd love to coordinate a Yelp outing here during the warmer months to check out that outdoor patio. Oh, and Mary Kay wanted me to tell you about the Ox foot drinking flask hanging from the ceiling. Nice touch as you're listening to Dancing Queen en Espanol.
(4)
Aesah L.
Solid Mexican food and good prices. The ambiance is pretty casual bordering on cafeteria, at least when you're sitting under the tent in front of the restaurant.
(3)
Kelly G.
The food is always AMAZING! We drive all the way from Bowie to enjoy the food!
(5)
Eggland B.
Blegh! Maybe this passes for decent Mexican food in Maryland, but I grew up in a California town where the Mexican restaurants outnumber all other restaurants combined, and Mi Rancho wouldn't last a year where I come from. My enchilada sauce was essentially runny tomato water, and my beans and rice were just bland. My tamale was okay, although it had a bit too much masa and not enough filling. My friend's nachos were plain WEIRD. They were artistically decorated in a way that might have been a "nice presentation" at a fancier restaurant, but which under a million Bud Light banners was out of place, plus disappointing in portion for the price. It's fine to eat here if you're hungry and in a hurry and you don't care what you shove in your mouth, but otherwise I think you could probably do a lot better.
(2)
Irene L.
Love the portions, prices, and free salsa and chips. It's nice enough to celebrate birthdays and hang out with friends, but not for celebrating anniversaries. Small and fun setting. I prefer their outdoor seating, it's not as cramped. What I'll always order: ceviche and pina colada.
(3)
David B.
As a Texas transplant, I'm constantly missing the Mexican food from home. Mi Rancho isn't going to change that. I've eaten here many, many times over the last few years because I think they're the best Mexican place within walking distance for me. (That's not saying much!) Everything I've had here is decent, but nothing is much better than that. Their tortillas are probably the best thing here. The chicken fajitas taste a little sweet to me, almost like they were done in a Teriyaki sauce. I usually get the vegetable fajitas and am pretty happy with those. Service is generally fine but occasionally lapses a little.
(3)
Tim M.
I love this place. Fresh made tortilla and chips. Great enchilladas. Friendly service and huge outdoor, covered terrace with fans. Good margeritas. After 5 years in San Antonio Texas, I know Tex-Mex and this place is plenty good.
(4)
Nicole P.
Oh you must try their margaritas! They are oh, so, good! They are sweet and strong (just how I like my men, hahaha!) The chips and salsa are addictive. (okay, usually chips and salsa are, but here they are even more so!) I've had both the fajitas and one of their large burritos here before, and they both were awesome. As for the service, the first time I came here, the server was new, and he said so when we first sat down. Given that it was like his second day, he did a really good job. Attentive and friendly. The second time I came here, the server was quite obviously not new, and he was really awesome. So I'd say that the service is pretty darn good. Mi Rancho is a great place to start off your night before going out. Or great for dinner with family and friends. Or just for a margarita. Or whatever. For anything, it works.
(5)
Brittany M.
Great service and management! We always get the steak burrito and it never disappoints. Very well marinated -- delicious. They give big portions. You must go!
(5)
Semra E.
Do you like Tex-Mex food in the states? ME TOO!!! Do you like watching freshly made tortilla's being made and falling into a basket through a giant machine while you wait to be seated? ME TOO!!!! Do you like wearing a Sombrero while being sung happy birthday to by people you don't know and your friends sitting with you? ME TOO!!!! Well my friend you've found the right place....here's the catch: Silver Spring is the ONLY location that you're going to want to visit because it's the only cool one in the heart of other places to check out. If you're in Gaithersburg, or Rockville, save your money and drive to Rio Grande instead in Bethesda because Mi Rancho is about giving you an experience, not the quality of their food. I mean Jim Gaffigan (comedian, go look him up on YouTube now if you're clueless) said it best. There are 5 ingredients to all Mexican food, tortilla, meat, cheese, lettuce and salsa. But if it's good ol' fashioned Mexican style fun you're looking for, then this is your spot. I guarantee that if you're a female walking in there and are cute, you will get the best self esteem boost of your LIFE. No........really go there. Feeling unloved? Go there....guys too, I'm sure they'll make your mood flip into the positive as soon as you set foot there, that's what's so great about this place. It's a happy place!
(3)
Brian W.
I truly wanted to like Mi Rancho just for the open patio. It's a great, casual space with lights strung up and a nice loud and happy vibe. However, I've eaten there twice and both times gotten very sick the next day. The first time eh who knows what it was but after the second repeat performance and the same sickness I've crossed it off my list. I'm very disappointed.
(1)
Vandana M.
At any new Mexican place I go to, I always order the old stand by: cheese enchiladas. The ones here were weird. Thick, globby cheese. Yuck. And for some reason, some of us received refried beans and some got whole beans. The patio smells like hot vinyl.
(2)
Montez L.
One night my dear sweetie and I decided to go to a new spot or dinner. We began to walk around a came upon Mi Rancho. We sat outside to dine on the large covered patio (which has the capability to be open year round). On seated, we were handed a bowl of fresh chips and salsa, they were quite yummy. We decided to try out the bar and ordered a half pitcher of Sangria. The Sangria is delicious! It went perfectly with the my chicken enchilada platter. We have found a new spot for a quick drink. I will definitely be back for more Sangria soon.
(4)
cranzy p.
well maybe a 3.5 because I have not had a drink here yet but I do hear they are pretty good about the margarita making....I dont know though don't really like margarita mix or generic tequila so maybe I'll have a custom made one....just for me I guess...anyway I have been here thrice times mainly because of other people but it's not that bad after all. I do like the manager....he is funny and seems like he really does like people...the wait staff so far have been okay....they have got it wrong one occassion but this was minor and fixable. sometimes the food does take a minute and if you dont have anything else to do then it's worth the wait for the most part....the tortilla chips are good and fresh..they are light and a little oily to give them a little moistness.the salsa i must say is pretty bad...its moderately spicy and tastes like they cook it first...not a good sign....the guacamole is decent though not great....it's a bit dull..too much creaminess and not enough lime and just a subtle hint of salt that tastes generic as hell...could stand some garlic or maybe a mix of onions....i dont know they need to do something with it....and for a large size they dont give you much...i dont know what kind of avocados they use but florida avocados are vicious for balanced guac that can absorb and give flavor as well...hass's are a bit heavier in texture and flavor....takes more to make it live....thats just me though..I have tried a few different dishes in my time here.. first off i had the veggie enchiladas with corn tortillas ....I was very full at the end but I didn't manage to taste very much...It was bland for the most part..even the mole sauce couldn't save it as it was almost just as bland...maybe I should have ate slower and let food roll down my tongue so i could get every nuance available to me and let you know how BLAND! it was....the tamarindo Juice I had was good though I would have liked some refills....free that is.. the next time I went I had some chicken tacos which again were should I say bland save for the sauce they throw on the shredded chicken they put in them...the sauce by itself is good...I should have asked for fajita chicken so I could have least had some smoke with my tacos..i recommend asking for fajita style chicken for your tacos cuz that shit just doesn/t make any sense any other way...peace to jalisco's in corpus christi, TX for the best chicken taco's I've had so far....and the little guac/pico dip they give on the side i recommend putting it on your taco's my last visit saw me order the platas grande for 1 or 2 off of their lunch menu... this is the best item I have had so far from them...the ribs are a little sweet for me but the meat is tender and well cooked... the beef is on the tough side which is kind of funny trying to pull it apart with your teeth along with some tortilla and other friends...it is good though...the chicken was nice and hot and the shrimp was okay..not enough of it but it brought out some flavors in the beef and the ribs that were pleasing...I recommend an extra side of tortillas so you can try out different combinations of meats and see what you like...no organ meats unfortunately but i dont know why I would expect that at a tex mex restaurant...I can get quail at Guapo's which I haven't tried yet but next time...I did like the grilled lemon they serve with it... definitely adds some flavor and so do the pinto beans which are nice and subtle with its fat back and things.... the rice doesn't taste like anything and if you can avoid it...actually i use it to make my multi meat fajita's look fancy.... otherwise I like the outdoor seating as you can see people walking by and respond as you wish...the patio also has a crazy reverb that would be awesome if the talking was replaced by instruments...anyway a good place to have a tex mex lunch or dinner if you don't live too far away or to go and get drunk and not have to drive since downtown silver spring is pretty convenient.... occassionally recommended
(3)
Kim W.
We have eaten here three times, over the years. We have always had a great meal. The last one I had the grouper and it came with beans and rice. It was delicious. Cooked just right. Made a fish taco out of one. Three other people ordered the whole Durado fish and they all raved about it. As usual we ordered cheese dip, so between that, the salsa and chips and my meal, I was totally stuffed. They also make great strawberry Daiquiris.
(4)
Tami B.
Having spent many years in Texas, I find this doesn't really meet my expectations for 4-star Tex-Mex. However, the tortilla chips are pretty great. Recently I ordered the combo of chicken fajitas, shrimp, and ribs. The two shrimp were fabulous, split, gilled, and not overcooked. The chicken had a sweet taste, like it had been marinated too long in something sweet. The pico de gallo was dry, uninteresting. There were very few grilled onions on the plate and only one slice of green pepper, almost raw. Part of the fun of rolling up a fajita is piling on the onions and pico, so this wasn't satisfactory. The rice wasn't even worth a large bite--very dry and tasteless. The three small ribs had some really sweet sauce on them. The beans were okay. I'll continue to come here because it's close and convenient.
(3)
Brent J.
This place has great food and great service! Parking is easy thanks to a public garage a block away. [Parking is free at night and on the weekend]. You can't beat that!
(5)
Jonathan M.
Margaritas: wayyyy too sweet. so sweet it hurts. but it gets the job done. Salsa: tastes like tomato sauce. awful Guacamole: wayyyyy to salty. would have been tasty w/ half the salt Pork Tamale: inedible Taco: not so good Enchiladas: REALLY FREAKIN GOOD by comparison. This place was a big let down after reading the other reviews. I will never go again. Stick with the Enchiladas. Didnt feel sick the next day, and the service was great, so it gets two stars.
(2)
Patrice R.
We have been going to this restaurant for many years. I held my promotion celebration and retirement event here. It is convenient to the church we attend and often on Sundays it is our restaurant of choice after services. The number one appeal is the consistency of the excellence of the food. It is genuine, tasty and quite satisfying. On occas. the sangria is a bit weak, but for the most part, we always leave satisfied. The owners are very attentive and responsive. We've been to the Rockville Pike location and found the menu items are just as consistently good as the Silver Spring restaurant.
(5)
Sean G.
Great (covered) open air space to while away an evening. But that's my first sentence, that should tell you something. READ: The space is the draw, the food is ok -- but a little too pricey to make me a regular.
(3)
Kelly S.
My husband wanted to have Mexican for his birthday and thought this place looked interesting, and it does. We went with the kids and a friend, but we were not impressed...at least, not positively. The chips and salsa were meh. It was when we got our drinks, though, that I suspected we were in trouble. For starters, they were topped with a marachino cherry. We'd ordered frozen strawberry ritas and they were from a machine, the tequila was neither decent tequila nor mixed in, and the lot tasted like red food dye #5. Three of us ordered vegetarian combo plates, which they had told my husband they could do. That meant all cheese everything, and wouldn't have been my first choice, but wasn't a big deal. However, the rellenos were mostly fried dough, the beans tasted canned, the first cheese enchilada was really greasy, and the second cheese enchilada was chicken, which my vegetarian husband found out upon taking a large bite. They had given us all chicken. None of us can eat it. We explained the situation and the servers clearly had no idea what to do. I asked them to bring us new enchiladas and some clean plates so we didn't have to worry about the chicken getting into the rest of our food. We never got clean plates, and the enchiladas took long enough that we decided we were done and asked for the check. To top things off, our server explained that this was the fault of the first person who had taken our order. Maybe so, but I don't really want to know, or care. And it wasn't in an "I'm so sorry, but this is what happened kind of way," but more of a "it wasn't might fault kind of way."
(1)
Sara E.
Does this place even qualify as texmex? I do not consider myself a texmex snob but, when the veggie fajitas and enchiladas have steamed vegetables (including broccoli and carrots) instead of grilled, there's something wrong. The drinks were good but I would not recommend the food to anyone unless they were trying to trick their kids into eating their veggies. Everyone working there was friendly so they at least have that going for them. Just go there for the drinks. Get your food somewhere else.
(2)
Jennifer W.
Pretty typical. I was pleased to get veggie fajitas. The flour tortillas are freshly made. Overall it was a pretty regular Tex Mex place.
(3)
Lara P.
I lived in Dallas for a decade so I admit to being a tex mex snob, but Mi Rancho doesn't even qualify as tex mex. I ordered queso and received cheese melted and congealed over chips. Nothing I've ordered the two times I have been here was good. The service is also not good. It's a great place for families though and the kids have their run of the place.
(1)
Kelly K.
Mi Rancho is great...nice atmosphere, terrific food, good service, good prices. Our family loves coming here and we do so regularly. It's perfect for families and we always have food to bring home as well!
(4)
Jacob C.
For many years now. There has been a place kind of hidden in the Downtown Silver Spring area that has always meant a bit of a home away from home place. This place is Mi Rancho and we have always felt a warm welcome every time we have visited. The staff -including almost always one or several of their owners- are very courteous. When in comes to the quality of the food Mi Rancho is almost above the norm in their combo platters. The tex mex fajitas are very difficult to create as originals but their freshly made flour tortillas make them exceptionally tasting. Do not miss a bite of the plato maria or at least a side order of a chile relleno. A family atmosphere free of trouble makers makes this place a perfect place for family diners or after work drinks. Check if they are still sending you coupons to your cell phone they have some great bargains this way. And save some room for sopapillas as long as you accompany them with horchata or one of their Mexican coffees.
(5)
Jason S.
I was visiting DC and found this restaurant via a Yelp search. Overall, the food was slightly above average, but the service they provided me was lousy. Food: I ordered the three beef enchilada with red sauce dinner for $10.95 and my wife ordered the beef soft taco dinner. The portions were plentfiul (neither of us finished the entire portion) and the presentation and taste were 4/5. I enjoyed the complimentary chips & mild salsa and even requested a second serving. I rate the chips 5/5 and the salsa 4/5. Service: Unfortunately, our waitress was one of the worst that I've had in recent years. After our host promptly seated us within 30 seconds of entering the restaurant, we waited 17 minutes before our waitress arrived to take our drink order, at which time we also ordered our meals. It took another 20 minutes for our food to arrive, and that was the last we saw of our waitress for another 25 minutes. Our drinks sat empty during our entire meal and for 10 minutes after we finished. Prior to bringing our bill, the waitress did ask if we'd like another round of drinks, which we declined at that point since we'd already spent more time at Mi Rancho than we had planned. After clearing our plates, we did not see her again until she brough our bill 15 minutes later. A meal that we'd planned to to take 30 to 40 minutes took well over an hour. The good news for other patrons is that the other waiters and waitresses were far more attentive to their customers. We watched three other parties arrive after us, order, eat and leave during our stay. I would visit again, but I would definitely ask the host to seat me at their best server's table. :)
(3)
Jessica C.
I love the sangria here so much. I can't seem to stop eating the fruit--between the chips and salsa, my meal, and the fruit from the sangria I always walk out feeling so full, but it's a good kind of full. I especially like the beef fajitas, which was cheaper than the carne asada that my husband got, but seemed to be the same exact dish? Anyway, I can't say enough about the sangria, which is why I gave this place 5 stars.
(5)
Vivian K.
Mi Rancho is in Mi Tummy... **cue the "Taco Flavored Kisses" song from an episode of south park** this place seriously makes me wanna sing that song, and expose my tv whore qualities and my taste in bad music.. anyways, Mi rancho is decent in price, great on quality and fulfilling in quantity.. I dunno what more they can do beside place themselves in the top 3 best mexican places i've ever been too. let's do a top five list of what i love: 1) the guacomole is AWESOME.. i dunno if it's just because i love guac to the point that i would drink it outta a bottle, but their guacomole is fresh and spiced to perfection 2) the fajitas- can we say.. just fajita me baby!!! steak is my fave, so when they bring a sizzling pound of steak and place it in front of you, you know that you cannot resist but rub your face with the sauce. mmm..mmm.. mmmmmmmmm.. 3) the fish- now i know most don't order fish atta mexican place, but this place does it's fish good.. the tilapia is tasty, soft but cooked thoroughly, and paired with great veggies and some good ole' rice and beans. 4) sangria- sangria is good for you.. i don't care what people say, but it is.. red wine ( to lower cholesterol and to increase circulation) with the sweetness of fruits like oranges, peaches, and apples i think ( fruits = vitamins and fiber = increase immunity and you know what).. and the nice effect that wine can give you when you're drinking it.. what can be healthier than that?? 5) the margaritas- when you're sitting outside in the summer time or during the end of spring and early fall, there's nothing like margaritas to freshen you up and cool you down as the breeze blows through your hair, and the tequila hits you with a punch! and now to give you a taste of my bad music here is a section of the lyrics to taco flavored kisses: Burrito taco taco! Burrito taco, taco taco! Don't think that just because i gotta lot a money, I'll give you taco-flavoured kisses, honey; To fill all your wishes with my taco-flavoured kisses! Taco taco, burrito burrito, taco taco! Baby, lets make a run for the border, I got a hunger only tacos can stop! I know exactly what I'll order: 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! I need to make a run for the border! If you'll pay I'll take off my top! Do you remember what I want to oder? 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! Yeah, and don't forget the hot sauce, cholo! you can virtual slap me when you're done reading this now..
(4)
Zphi S.
Nothing special ... I ordered the Jalisco platter (i believe that was the name) I did not care for the overly bland pork tamale amongst my chicken taco and beef enchiladas. The chips and salsa that they give to you when you are seated are very delicious. Don't park right next door to the restaurant because that parking lot belongs to the Tastee Diner next door. Or risk having your car towed to the nether regions of Maryland ...lol!
(2)
Elysia N.
Good old standby for Tex-Mex in a convenient location. Hassle-free parking at the nearby garage, large patio + plenty of indoor seating means I never have to wait for a table. Fresh, warm, crispy-thin chips and salsa keep me coming back. Service is attentive, reliable and quick. Food is not outstanding but more authentic than the nearby Austin Grill. Lots of seafood options, love the ribs, and fajitas are served with fresh tortillas. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Vicky R.
I've been going here since 1999. The food is fantastic. I love the fresh tortillas. There are sometimes lines but getting to eat a hot, fresh tortilla that is still billowing as it comes off the tortilla machine makes waiting a pleasure. Tortillas are still warm when served at your table with the food, but there is something about a hot, billowy tortilla. Lots of people come for burritos, enchiladas, etc. Here are my favorities: the seafood soup (plenty of clams, shrimp, and other seafood; pefect with cilantro when sick); the whole, grilled red snapper (delicious!), the fajitas, and of course the magaritas. And the chips are hot and fresh!
(5)
Katie W.
I don't really get the hype. The chips and salsa are very good and I agree that the patio is an excellent spot to enjoy a good happy hour, but the food is mediocre at best. The service is hit or miss and the last time I went our server seemed so agitated that we wanted to take our time that she stopped coming to our table altogether. My mother and sister love it, so I know that I will return and will continue to hope for better experiences.
(2)
Liz J.
i like the fact that Mi Rancho gives me a tex-mex food option that is within walking distance of my home. I also like that the restaurant has outdoor seating year-round that is well protected should there be rain/snow and outdoor heaters if needed. The food is average compared to other places in the WMA - not bad, but it's not mind blowing either. Although most times the food is good enough, I went here for dinner last night and can say I had enchiladas that reminded me of tex mex food I ate while living in Ft Worth, TX. The food was good! If this place was more consistent with the quality of the food I'd give it more stars. I'd also give it more stars if the servers were friendlier. The server I had last night glared at me when I ordered a pitcher of margaritas for myself and my boyfriend only for me to realize that I had only grabbed my credit card and not my ID before leaving home, and thus having to order something far less expensive than a pitcher of margaritas. He had no reason to be mad about it - it's not as if he left the table, came back and then asked for IDs. It was maybe 15 seconds before I realized it and had to change the drink order and he was visibly irritated by it. Maybe it was the sobriety, but I found his service less than stellar. Maybe if I had those couple of margaritas I would have found him pleasant and a better server than I did. He would've received a better tip as a result of my tipsy-ness, but alas, he was tipped for his overall service, which was only so-so.
(3)
Lindsay H.
Mi Rancho--no me gusto. I had high hopes for Mi Rancho after reading reviews and hearing from friends that it was good. A group of friends and I sat out on the patio, which was very nice on a hot day. The margaritas were pretty good, but the food was BLAND, the sort of dialed-down gringo food you'd expect in places like Minnesota, but have no place around here. Bring on the heat! I'll probably go back at some point, but frankly, the food's better at Matamoros in Wheaton, if lacking the nice patio.
(2)
Steve G.
Mi Rancho certainly isn't muy raunchy, but the food is nothing special. Can't go wrong with fajitas, right? Well, these were very ordinary fajitas. I will cut Mi Rancho a little slack, as I was there, along with a large percentage of Silver Spring, for Cinco de Mayo. I imagine this played a part in the fajitas not coming to the table all asizzle, a fabulous conflagration of barbacoa-breathing vato vapor. That's half the reason to get fajitas in the first place: just to see your neighbors enviously staring at your entree, mouths agape; their boring pile of cheese-fettered dish-plate tortillas just lying there like a Zenadine Zedanye head-butting victim. Meanwhile, your steaming succulence sizzles and delights all at the table, clearing sinuses, bringing a mexican rainbow of joy to your face. Nope, these fajitas came as an unceremonious pile of meat half-stuck to the iron plate. Oh, and with one, uncooked, unseared, uncharred, raw segment of green pepper circumference. That and the sides of beans and rice were the adornments for this dish (well, and the ubiquitous guacamole and sour cream). Highly average and disappointing. I give the stars for the atmosphere. The huge canopy of a patio was loud fun and great to be sitting in. I'd like to go back on a non cinco-de-mayo day, when there aren't more gringos than a Texas roadhouse bar on the barbecue music circuit, and see what this place can deliver. For now, two stars sums up my experience.
(2)
Holly C.
It's a nice Tex Mex place in downtown Silver Spring, with a giant patio, great margharitas and fresh salsa. The menu has lots of items, the waiters understand you and you understand them. The vibe is easy going and the place is affordable. Good for groups or couples.
(4)
Chris M.
I have been going to Mi Rancho with people from work and with my family for six years now (even before the big covered patio!). The people there really friendly and our kids love it there. Both our son and daughter have had their birthday dinners there and worn the sombrero. Very kid friendly but good food and drinks for adults too! Anytime we ask our son where he wants to go for dinner he immediately says "Mi Rancho!"
(5)
Angel B.
Mi Rancho is not the best Mexican restaurant ever, but it a great one to have in a neighborhood. I'd choose Mi Rancho over a place like Austin Grill at anytime. The prices are reasonable, and the margaritas are tasty. I've never sat inside, but I love the patio outside with the decorations and lighting adding a festive touch.
(4)
Nancy J.
Love Mi Rancho. Look, this place is not haute cuisine, it is a local Tex Mex joint with tasty salsa, fresh homemade chips and tortillas, and more-than-passable fajitas. I usually get the fajitas or the salmon, both filling and fairly priced. I'd pass on the gluey enchiladas, but if you know what to order (and have a nice cocktail to start), you will have a pleasant meal. Great for families too - especially the surprisingly nice and large outdoor space.
(4)
Dawn C.
Yuck. Food had no taste whatsoever. Drinks were small and lukewarm. Service sucked. FIve waiters and the manager standing around chatting and giggling like school girls while we waited 15 feet away for service. Great patio but better places to spend your money.
(1)
Natalie F.
Had dinner here last week with a friend and had heard really good things about this place so I had some expectations. Unfortunately I was disappointed, which I would have been even with the expectations. First they apparently don't have Happy hour? We asked before we were seated and the host said they didn't have any happy hour specials! So we sat out on the patio for dinner. We started with a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks with salt. Which was the best part of the meal. The pitcher was ENORMOUS and the margaritas were delicious and strong! Between 2 people it was plenty, we each had almost 4 each for 25.00! The chips and salsa were so bland and tasteless. I ordered the large spinach quesidilla, which was very large and came with tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream. The quesidillas were made with typical white flour tortillas, nothing special and with cheese and what seemed like frozen chopped spinach. Every other spinach quesidilla I have ever had was made with fresh chopped spinach, it's so much better and fresher! My friend got the vegetable enchiladas, which he said were really good. I did try his re fried beans which were more like a whipped bean dip from a can, no good! The service was good, almost too good. I felt a little rushed during the entire meal. Don't think I'll be back, I'd rather go to Cactus Cantina.
(2)
Zak S.
I've been to this place several times and it just seems to go downhill each time. I've come to the conclusion that it's a decent place to go have some chips (light and crispy), salsa, quesadillas and margarita's while sitting outside with some friends. The few times I've gone for dinner and anything substantial it's been a huge disappointment. The fish tonight had bones... and the rice and beans were as bland. The service depending on who you get is just mediocre.
(2)
Rachel S.
I loved living close to Mi Rancho! It was affordable Mexican food with a good atmosphere. The patio is great in the spring and summer time, but even during winter there is ample seating inside. The margaritas are very good. I generally base my love for Mexican restaurants based on their chips and salsa, and I can say that Mi Rancho is at the top of my list in that department. Sadly, since I moved back into DC I probably won't be coming here anymore, but I will miss it! But just because I am too lazy to get on the Red Line does not mean the rest of you should miss out! Give Mi Rancho a try.
(4)
Brenda A.
Without the good service and obvious care of the owner the food might be a 3 star. Overall it isn't bad and I always appreciate how quickly they serve the food. So it makes a good quick lunch stop. After multiple visits it is always decent experience.
(4)
Shayron B.
Yummmm We love Mi Rancho. Delicious salsa, homemade chips and tortillas to die for. Delicious eats, don't skip dessert.
(5)
Mark P.
I thought I'd written a previous review of Mi Rancho but apparently not, maybe I fell face down into the tortillas before finishing it. Anyway... My first visit was on Easter Sunday, a delightful day and the specialty was lamb chops appropriately enough.( not a regular menu item). They were delicious, the service was great and I was ready for 4 stars. A second visit a few weeks later was not as much fun. It was very average Tex-Mex. The salsa was under seasoned, the chips too thin. Tacos were just about Ok but again underseasoned. Enchilada was drowned in American cheese and sauce from a can or at least it tasted that way. Oddly, only one pork item on the menu, ribs. Service was excellent and even though it was crowded we got a patio seat right away. Based on the first time around I'd elevate those two stars to two and a half but next time we'll just go there for a beer and eat elsewhere.
(2)
Jono S.
One word: Tortillas--that's why you should go to Mi Rancho--piping hot, flour tortillas freshly made, albeit by hand-fed machine that sits at the front of the restaurant where you can see the dough gradually transform into magical goodness. Truly, is there really any other compelling reason?
(4)
Stacie C.
Nachos, fajitas, margaritas. All my favorite itas in one place. The ribs here are so frickin good. We love to go and sit outside on the patio. I can always get a table here on the weekends which is more than I can say for most of the chain restaurants in the Spring. It's my go to restaurant when I need a place for a large group of people or if I can't figure out where else I want to go. Love to get the Plato Gordo and share with friends.
(4)
Cinthia R.
I go to Mi Rancho, my favorite neighborhood restaurant, for 3 reasons: 1) The cheap prices, ie: $8.99 for an entree of enchiladas (my favorite dish there!) 2) The tortilla chips - they are some of the lightest, crispiest ever! Before my entre gets on my table, I always finish an entire basket of chips first (and sometimes even ask for a second basket). 3) The atmosphere - when you're out in the covered patio with all the colored lightbulbs above your head you feel like you're attending some big Mexican wedding. It's fun and festive! Definitely a great place to hang out with friends or celebrate with family.
(4)
RonAnderson ..
One of the very best Tex-Mex restaurants in the DC area, and you can get here easily by Metro--an easy 5 minute walk from the Silver Spring metro station. I've been here many times and it has never let me down. The steak fajitas are delicious and the tortilla chips are home-made and light and crisp. Margaritas are also tops here. Come in the summertime where they open up their big outdoor patio area. It's pretty busy on weekends but worth the wait. After dining, save room for dessert, since you can walk over to the new Cakelove that's in the Downtown Silver Spring shopping complex.
(5)
Christina S.
Even though I'm sitting here at 4 am with a stomach ache because of this place I'm giving it two stars instead of one because it is really a nice place to go- if only the food weren't so bad! Because really, that's the main reason most of us go out, right? So how did I summon up two stars instead of one when I probably will never eat there again? Ambiance and service are pretty high on the list. I like the patio area and even the inside is nice. Watching the tortilla machine is fun for the little ones (okay, even I like to watch it for a few minutes). It's a great place for large groups and for families where the noise from your table will blend in with everything else but because it is technically outside (more like a tent in the winter) it never reaches a nerve rattling level. If only the food were better! The tortillas are yummy and fresh made... although they are quite a bit fluffier ad blander than REALLY good homemade tortillas. Husband really likes the ceviche... I'm rather ambivalent about it. A few too many pieces of mystery mixed in, like they didn't trim the fish as nicely as I would like. The chips, while fresh, are just soaked through with old tasting oil. Not good. So I shared the steak fajitas combo with veggies with husband. I was in the mood for some lean red meat and grilled veggies. It seems that they sauteed the meat in oil (and completely unevenly cooked) first and the veggies!! Oh, how I was looking forward to a nice plate of grilled onions and bell peppers and maybe some other grill suited veggies thrown into the mix. What came to the table on the fake little sizzling plate was BROCCOLI and CARROTS with onions that had all been STEAMED beforehand. Don't get me wrong, I'm adventurous with my veggies but somehow I couldn't roll a piece of steamed broccoli in a tortilla and call it a fajita. I dunno, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant or mushrooms even but to me, call me crazy, the operative word in fajita making is GRILLED. I've tried the chicken fajitas before and maybe I'm picky here, but the chicken had skin and icky bits in it and didn't go down well. (no veggies on the rg. meat fajita plates). Ive had enchiladas there too and again, the chicken had skin on it (all rolled up in there) and everything else about it was completely unremarkable. And one more thing- the guacamole tastes like it came from a powdered mix. At least I don't think I have food poisoning...
(2)
Yasmin M.
The chips were good; however the salsa did not taste fresh. The service was slow and our waitress was not friendly. Because this was my first time here, I decided to order something basic, so I pordered chicken tacos. They tasted like there was some type of chemical or additive in them. The margarita's were awful, so we tried sangria. It was too tart. Overall it was a bad experience. I will not be eating here again.
(1)
Mario G.
Have been here a few times. Not great food, but ok. The meats are cooked well, the rice and beans are not. The vegetables are neither presented well nor very tasty. However, it is about the only real 'Mexican' solution I have found in SIlver Spring so far. Granted its more tex-mex, but most other restaurants claiming to be Mexican have too many central american influences (Guapo's for example). Always bustling with people, a good choice for a small bill and pre-movie date night. Or for a bunch of friends grabbing some quickly served food.
(3)
Steve Y.
Well, after reading all the previous reviews I guess most people would be unsure as to whether this is a good or a bad restaurant. I live just a few blocks from Mi Rancho and had my first meal there the first day I moved into the neighborhood. Since then I've probably been back half a dozen times or so. As people have commented, its a place you want to like - the patio is inviting (although it can get noisy and the inside is a little tacky) and even from a block or two away it always smells so damn good. The food is reasonably priced, fairly typical tex-mex food. It's not the best in the DC area, but its perfectly acceptable. I lived in Austin, Texas for 14 years but I'm not about to tell you that restaurants up here don't know how to cook tex-mex - I just don't believe in that whole theory of "geographical capability" that invades the restaurant review scene. This is an average (and I don't mean that in a bad way) tex-mex place just like the average tex-mex places in Austin or anywhere else for that matter. Is it worth going more than a couple of metro stops for - no, but I like having it in my neighborhood for those odd times when I just want a decent enough margarita and fajitas.
(3)
Brian M.
If you're craving some semblance of Mexican food and you happen to be on the same block and don't feel like walking an extra few blocks, sure. Stop in for some grub. Not much of a selection and the service has gotten worse and worse. Shouldn't have to wave like a drowning person across the room to the wait staff for service. Last time I ate there (lunch), I was sick that night and didn't get over it for two days.
(2)
M G.
I am actually very disappointed with this restaurant and the way that they deal with restaurant mishaps or customer issues. I have visited this location several times for small business meetings and I usually enjoy my meal. We had a company meeting with about 25 people who attended this past July and as you can imagine, we spent a significant amount of money. Mind you, we had made prior reservations so they knew to expect us (a few eeeks before). We were seated inside and sweating buckets. Several of us tried to fan ourselves down with menus but they did very little to cool us down. The staff fussed with the air and kept promising us that within minutes, the room would cool down, but it just didn't seem to work. We tried to make the best of it but as sizzling fajitas surrounded us, there was no way any of us were able to enjoy our highly anticipated mexican feast. I ended up calling to speak with someone who claimed that she was the owner, to let her know that we love to have events at Mi Rancho and that this last experience was difficult to enjoy because of the extreme heat in the room. They didn't try to accommodate us at all. They could have moved us to a cooler room upstairs but wanted to save those seats for smaller groups. No apologies. She said that it was hot that day and that there was nothing that she could do and left it at that. I'd say that is bad customer service. I will also say that this group of 25 will no longer be visiting your establishment as a group since you don't seem to appreciate having a large group there.
Sorry, Store hours have not been updated. If you are the owner of this restaurants. Please update the store hours.
Specialities
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Dee B.
Stop nr. 8 on my Summer Resolution Tour. The service here is ridiculously slow, but the patio is great for hanging out on a warm summer evening. The chips and salsa were decent, but the salsa was surprisingly spicy. I wasn't particularly in the mood for Tex-Mex, so I ordered the salmon. I was brought an enormous piece of salmon, nicely prepared, with a generous serving of guacamole (along with pico de gallo, rice and beans). Can I just say that the marriage of two of my favorite things - salmon and guacamole - is a marriage made in heaven?!? I was more than happy with my entree. Hmmm, based on that, I might have to give this place 3.5 stars. Well, either way, I don't know that I'd rush back here, but it's definitely a good alternative to the horrible chains that dominate the new downtown Silver Spring.
(3)Courtney R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Silver Spring and my favorite place to get Tex Mex anywhere! The food and drinks are consistently good and the atmosphere is festive. I always bring friends and family here when they're visiting the area, nothing beats lunch or dinner and a margarita on the patio on a nice day.. LOVE this place
(5)Damian H.
This place sucks!!! I got the cheese enchiladas. A plate full of grease is all it was. The rice tasted like Spanish rice from a box you can by at any grocery story. The sauce on the enchiladas (RED) was just awful. Save you money you can do better!!!!
(1)Laura C.
I crave Mexican food. Regularly. And I live in an area where there are 5 Mexican restaurants I frequent so much that the waiters know my order. This sounds kind of pathetic, I understand. But get this: of these 5 restaurants Mi Rancho is hands-down my favorite. End of story. Great food at a reasonable price. What more can you ask, really? I'm always torn between wanting tacos and enchiladas... so what do they do? Put them in a platter TOGETHER!!!! Brilliant. And, while I'm a creature of habit who can never seem to order anything else there, everyone I've ever taken with me has loved their meals, too! Fajitas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, tamales... all I've ever heard is they rock! They also have a pretty large outdoor patio which is nice, especially if you end up there at a particularly crowded time. They close it in during the winter and heat it up with heat lamps that work like gangbusters, so it's a year-round seating option. Nice. Only one small complaint: Parking. I'm reeeeally lazy and wish I didn't have to walk the, what, half a block (?) from the MoCo garage and Cameron Street, since there's no parking on Ramsey Ave. But it's obviously not enough of a drawback to keep me from going- I seem to find myself most Saturdays! Oy.
(4)Lindsey N.
So incredibly bland and ordinary. Will not be back. Go to Fajita Coast on East West Highway.
(1)Damon H.
Greetings People of the DMV!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! So when the opportunity comes to try a new Mexican spot I jump at it. Well I believe I jumped to soon...without reading any reviews I tried this outdoor/indoor environment. Let's take a second and thank the owners for the outdoor fans, and plastic tables and chairs. The staff were fine, however the food was not!!! I had three cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans. Lets start off with the good: beans had a nice flavor, and the tortilla chips were thick*** I hate thin tortilla chips*** and salsa had an interesting flavor. The bad: the cheese enchiladas were a plate of grease!! No flavor, no taste. Good cheese enchiladas are flavorful because of the mix of cheese, peppers, and seasoning some restaurants use cheese sauce, and yes they can be a little oily, however this was not the case at this OUTDOOR establishment. I got them with the red enchilada sauce which masked this plate full of oil, as soon as I cut into them, this yellow/orange oil came from everywhere...I may go back in the Fall and try the fajitas....
(2)Eddie W.
Officially the WORST restaurant in the DC metro area! Myself and 5 others decided on dinner at Mi Rancho last night before going to see a movie. After placing our order, everything went down hill. We had to chase down any server we could find, for everything we needed. In fact, we were only able to get our beverages refilled once. We ordered queso dip as an appetizer, yet could only eat half of it because they wouldn't bring any more chips to our table. It took a whole lot of time for our meals to arrive, which wound up being as disappointing as the service. I ordered Vegetable Fajitas, which were pathetic. 3 strips of carrots, 2 mushrooms, some onion, and 4 strips of bell pepper. I ate it in 4 bites. Literally. Two of my friends ordered chicken and beef fajitas with literally 2 strips of bell pepper and 2 strips of onion. Again, we hunted down a server. We found one in the bar area grooming the hair bangs and eyebrows of another server. I'm not kidding. We asked for more grilled onions and bell pepper, which she seemed annoyed that we interrupted her from her grooming session. 15 minutes go by, and the chicken and steak fajitas are now at room temperature. Again, we hunt down a server who said she would have to kitchen staff remake them. Another 10 minutes go by, and the grilled onions and bell pepper arrive, yet no fajitas. 5 minutes later the fajitas arrive - the same ones, re-grilled and now overcooked. The food was crap. Period. 15 minutes later, the check arrives. They decided to charge $6 for a small plate of grilled onions and bell pepper which should have been in the damn fajitas to begin with. Quite ticked off at this point - we ask to speak to the manager. Again, we waited for over 10 minutes. Finally, an arrogant and cocky man comes over and basically argues with us for 5 minutes and calls all of us liars. There were no apologies or offers to correct the situation. He then begins to argue that we had only been there for 25 minutes, even after we showed him our Facebook "check-in" which was done 1 hour and 15 minutes beforehand. He refused to do anything for us. We finally just paid, and vowed to never return. In all honesty, this was the worst service and food I have experienced in this area. A trip to McDonald's on Colesville Rd would have been much a much pleasurable dining experience, and I do mean that in all truth! Inevitably, we also missed our movie. Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment!
(1)Deb G.
I want to like Mi Rancho - I walk by it at least 3 times a week and the scents of grilled meat that waft out are always mouthwatering. However, the actual food just doesn't compare to the delicious aromas, and for the price I feel like are much better places around Silver Spring. Their chips are super greasy yet not quite salty enough, and their salsa is bland, bland, bland. They definitely get a star for the margaritas. Let's put it bluntly - I go for the margs because sometimes you just need one. They do make good frozen margaritas, and the big outside patio is a great space for drinking them. I ordered the carne asada, based on my friend's recommendation. It was the best thing I've had so far, better than the burritos and enchiladas I've gotten previously. The meat was well marinated and served sizzling hot with homemade tortillas that were excellent. However, even that's wasn't enough to raise the star level, once you factor in the weak guacamole, meh beans, and looked so bad I didn't even try it rice. Also, I also need to think about the hours (and hours and hours) of indigestion I've suffered all day. Must ignore the wafting smells from Mi Rancho!!
(2)Mac O.
A friend of ours celebrates her birthday here every year. Over the last 4 years, I have compiled the following notes on this joint: Mi Rancho 101 I. Atmosphere A) Outdoor Patio i) It's big. ii) It's hot in summer. iii) You can be outside any time of year, because it's covered and can be enclosed. That's nice. B) Indoors i) Mehhhh. ii) This is where the bathrooms are located (look for saloon doors). II. Service A) Waitstaff i) Usually friendly. ii) Sometimes efficient. B) Management i) On it. Pitches in as needed. ii) Takes a headcount at table, withdraws extra mints brought with check. a) Really? b) Laammme. III. Food A) Chips & Salsa i) Chips are the bomb -- super thin and crispy, cooked to a nice golden brown. ii) Salsa is so boring it could make you cry. B) Flameado appetizer i) Government cheese melted to a rubbery, oil-slicked pool with innocent vegetables that don't deserve such an awful fate. Can't be penetrated with tortilla chips. ii) Every year we are subjected to this friend's-favorite appetizer and have to force down a bite or two. Avoid! C) Other stuff i) Eh, it's typical Mexican fare. It won't blow your mind, but it won't horrify you, either. ii) Husband thinks the chicken enchiladas are "bangin' " however. IV. Drink A) Margaritas i) Many flavors = good! ii) No detectable alcohol = bad! B) Sangria i) Lots of fruit = good! ii) Mealy fruit = bad! C) Beer i) Average selection = okayyy... ii) Unjustifiably expensive = bad! Yes, this will be on the exam.
(3)Carlton M.
Yuck! That's all I can say about this place...it's just like Baja Fresh and Chipotle....nothing special!
(1)Cani C.
A place that you always feel like family, great food. Not very expense if you like Authentic Mexican.
(5)Sheila C.
Pretty good mexican grindz within walking distance...steak fajitas are tender and tasty...chips & salsa are highly addictive
(4)Eva W.
This restaurant is very popular among my co-workers, so since I had to work today I went along on a group outing. I did like the chips, and the salsa was OK but (full disclosure here) I'm not a hot food junkie so I would have liked it better if it had been more bland. OTOH, I don't think Tex-Mex places ought to bland down just for people like me. But that isn't my issue here. What moved me to review was my co-worker's experience. She has had shrimp fajitas there before and they aren't on the menu anymore. She asked if it were possible to get them. They told her yes, she could get them. (If they had refused, she would have been fine with ordering something else.) When they arrived (on a sizzling hot plate, as is customary with fajitas), they still had their shells on, so she had to gingerly pick them off the hot plate and peel them before she could put them in a tortilla. That was an odd presentation. But the most annoying part of the presentation were skimpy amounts of green pepper and onion served with the shrimp. My co-worker asked our waitress if she could get additional amounts of those vegetables. Not only did the waitress refuse but then she sent over the manager, who also refused to bring a few additional slices of pepper and onion. How much extra could it have cost them? I'm sure she would be willing to pay a bit extra. Furthermore, how much is it going to cost them in terms of all the customers at the table who got to witness this meaningless show of contempt for a customer. Will we go back? Probably I won't, since if that's their ethic I don't think I would be comfortable asking for customization. I would recommend this place to people who are 100% OK with ordering just items on the menu and don't want anything in terms of different side orders, or substitutions. It's not that I think the customer is ALWAYS right, it just seemed odd and annoying that they didn't want to fulfill a minor request.
(2)Trace D.
The service and decor were both quite good, however you don't go to a restaurant just for the service, so when they brought the food I have to say I was disappointed. The food sounded good on the menu, but in practice they came up a bit short. I never give up on a place after one try, but as work lunch goes, it's a bit expensive for the food quality so it might be a while until I get back in to give it another go.
(2)Medjinne D.
I have been coming here since I was in middle school. My family and I really enjoy this restaurant we always come here for birthdays and since we have a Cinco De Mayo bday in our fam we def come for that. Their food is good we always get the 2 Plato Grandee and enjoy it. My favorite is their dessert the sopapilla no other place that I've been to does it like them. So why don't they get 5 stars even though they have the best homemade tortilla? because, they have not learned how to make good drinks. It's a shame cause I love Mi Rancho but will only come here with my family and always go across the street to Cubano with my girls (check that review out). I hope they get better!
(4)Christin N.
The food is good, prices are fair, and ,when it's warm out, we love eating in the outdoor covered area! Some of the drinks can be a bit pricey but if you order a pitcher, it's a better deal. Willing to work with food allergies and the owner is good about coming around. Parking Tip: don't park in the diner lot right next door. Go across the street to the garage (free after rush hour).
(4)Sara M.
Consistently good. Their chips are warm, thin and crispy - we always end up asking for another basket (or 2 :P) without fail. We usually order the Plato Grande and it is always hot, juicy and flavorful. Their homemade tortillas are so fresh, I would probably be happy just eating those alone. I can always appreciate a place where management is involved (greeting customers, helping serve tables, etc.) - my favorite tex-mex restaurant in the area.
(4)Ray B.
My meal started off with homemade chip and salsa which was spicy but delicious. We ordered a grilled chicken and steak taco salads. The salad and meats was delicious fresh veggies. Will visit again service was excellent.
(4)Bianca F.
This place works for me. In fact I think it has gotten better over time. During this last visit, we were greeted by the owner & we were able to get a table inside to watch the World Cup. I was hungry so we ordered the shrimp and steak quesadilla, the chicken and beef fajitas, and some margaritas. It was good! The tortillas were fresh; chips and salsa, yum! I was in my happy place with my belly being full and no problem getting a table or parking outside. See you soon Mi Rancho!
(3)Carmen S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about - especially regarding the service! We found the service to be exceptional - on par with super high end restaurants in the District that have cost us 3-4X the price of a meal here. We had water and fresh chips and salsa on the table before I could even put my gloves/hat away. Now for you faux-Mex fans, their table salsa is made mild, with fresh tomatoes (the lighter red salsa on the right in my pic). Most of you are used to cooked tomato salsa, which often more closely resembles tomato paste in texture... but this is not what you can expect here. Now if you can HANDLE THE HEAT, I recommend asking for their salsa picante (spicy salsa) which was wonderfullllll... full of flavor and spice, but NOT for the weak of palate. We had a small pitcher of their Mi Rancho margaritas and their Rancheros nachos between the two of us. The only reason why I give them four and not five stars is because I prefer a 100% agave and lime margarita, with NO MIX whatsoever. The perfect margarita is simply fresh lime juice, agave nectar, sea salt, and high quality tequila. Basta. That's it. I would pay twice the price for this margarita, in this ambience, with their salsa picante.
(4)Scott F.
I absolutely loved my meal at Mi Rancho! The service was quick and the food is delicious. We sat outside and the gentle breeze was very pleasant. Loved the margaritas too! Can't wait to go back. They have in house made tortillas which o couldn't get enough of.
(4)Nicki M.
I've always enjoined the Chimichungas at Mi Rancho, buy this review is about the new Chocolate Margarita. It's good, but not great. Think Chocolate Martini but with tequila. I did LOVE the fact that our super awesome server took the drink back and had the bartender pump up the chocolate. The finished product was a winner! If you're looking for a fun chocolate drink, try it. But if you want to have a Tex-Mex night on the town... stick to the more traditional tequila cocktails.
(4)Keke W.
Love the food great manager! Decent location and atmosphere! I will definitely return!
(5)Rich G.
I live in the neighborhood and have been eating at Mi Rancho since 1993. The food and service are consistently good. Not great, but very good, maybe a half-step down from Rio Grande. I've never left Mi Rancho feeling angry or disappointed. The place does need a bit of an update, as it really hasn't changed much over the years, with the exception of the outside porch which they remodeled about 10 years ago. If you like Sangria, theirs is pretty good. Beer list is typical TexMex - Corona, Tecate, etc. Could use an upgrade there was well.
(4)Kassity L.
Really nothing special. Your typical Tex-mex fare. A bit on the pricey side for Tex-mex. I would 't recommend this place unless you are really craving Tex-mex. Coming from Texas, I have definitely had better Tex-mex. The sangria was also ok, the wine that was used tasted cheap and slightly sour. Service was good though, and the outside seating area was nice.
(2)Sydney L.
I'd like to think of myself as a Mexican food expert--it is by far my favorite cuisine and I eat it every chance I get. I've tried at least a dozen mom and pop Mexican joints in DC and Mi Rancho is by far the best. Chips are perfectly crispy and salsa is delicious with a good kick. I don't know why anyone bothers getting an appetizer when they give you chips and salsa for free. Their outdoor patio is huge and a great spot to enjoy when the weather is nice. And can I just talk about the steak fajitas for a minute? They're amazing. Like "last meal on earth" amazing. The chicken is great too--lots of flavors and very moist. Enchiladas with green sauce also packed a ton of flavor. Sauce was light, but not a lot of kick. Beef inside was the true star of the dish. All the meats here are well prepared and flavorful. Portions are large and price is on par if not slightly cheaper than every other Mexican restaurant I've been to in DC. In conclusion, get your ass to Mi Rancho. Now.
(5)Amy S.
This is one of my family's favorite restaurants. The food and service are consistently good. We love sitting on the patio in the warm weather.
(5)Harper D.
Love this place!! Great margaritas, delicious authentic food, and great service! The nachos and tacos are my personal favorites! This is my number one place in Silver Spring to bring friends and family. Highly recommended!
(5)Marcela S.
I have been there a lot of times with my daughter. I always ordered the same carne asada very tender juicy, fresh. I went there for my weeding with fam and friends unfortunately the food was soggy, the carne asada was old and chewy. My husband was disappointed i had told him the food there was delicious and fresh, now every time i try to go back he says noooooo I am not going to spend money on food thats its not good sorry
(3)Liz S.
Meh. I stopped here for lunch the other day, by recommendation of my sister who lives here. Our conversation went like this, "Are you sure this place is OK? They only have 3 stars on Yelp." Her reply, "Yea it's awesome. Trust me." My sister just had a baby, so maybe she hasn't had their margaritas in over a year. Mine tasted like high fructose corn syrup washing out a hint of tequila somewhere. You can scroll through my countless reviews on Mexican-Tex-Mex places, and this one is just above Don Pablo. Prices are right, so you can't complain in that department. The food was just OK. I settled for a chicken quesadilla because I didn't see fish tacos on the menu. My husband had nachos, which is your typical 6 nacho platter with cheese melted on top and the "sides". The chicken quality was decent and the service was good.
(3)Michelle B.
Not bad at all. I stopped in for dinner and a drink and was not disappointed. I enjoyed my frozen margarita along with my dinner. I didn't know what to get, so I ordered the combination that came with the chille relleno, chicken enchilada, taco al carbon, and tamale. Everything tasted great except for the chicken enchilada. I didn't care for it at all, but I liked the rest of my dish. I would try Mi Rancho out again in the future.
(3)Jim F.
Food was amazing. Had one if the best chicken quesadillas I've ever had. Ingredients taste exceptionally fresh, chips seemed homemade. Great food hands down. The services as decent too, except the server was not happy about splitting our checks for us. We were a group of six college students and we let her know beforehand so it shouldn't have been an issue, especially since they are more likely to get a bigger tip with separate tips. Nonetheless, it was great was great authentic Mexican food.
(4)Alex O.
Nice tex-mex! Like the chips and salsa and the refills for it. As far as I'm concerned I had a lovely waitress who was very attentive us and made some great recommendations. Carne asada was juicy and the chicken enchilada was a little too smothered but taste was great. Prices are a bit high and my taqitos were a little over cooked. I liked the scenery and presentation.
(4)Hannah D.
Worst mexican food I have ever had. The food was bland and looked like frozen food heated up. The margaritas were OK but nothing great. The service was good but the food was terrible!!
(1)Alice R.
Mi Rancho worked out all the kinks. Now to match great service and food and ambience, they have perfected the Cadillac margarita. My go to place!
(5)Martica C.
I'm just not a fan of their food, but friends insist on coming here for bday celebrations....i think they just come to wear the sombrero:-)
(2)Cherrelle L.
Overpriced for the quality of food. Unfortunately, our waitress was rude and ready for her shift to end. That took away from our experience. Their free chips and salsa were yummy! The fajitas are probably the best thing going. I have heard great things about their margaritas too. :)
(3)Michelle W.
Gringo Mexican food....I got the beef soft tacos and they were fine...a bit on the pricey side, but the portion was generous with a rice, beans and lettuce on the side. The rice was a but bland as were the tacos. Come here for the margs, but not for authentic Mexican food
(2)Alex C.
I was super excited to go here... then I went. SO EXPENSIVE! I mean, it's not the most expensive place in town but for how low quality the eats are, the prices just don't make sense. If all the plates were $3-$5 cheaper I'd have given this one 4 stars! The Margarita was ok but at a happy hour price of $5.95...get outta my face! Also, the chips were stale and I always judge a Mexican restaurant by the freshness of their chips. I won't be going back to this place.
(2)Karen Q.
Food, drinks, atmosphere, and service is not the issue - all were just as expected. Definitely choose the strawberry margarita over the red sangria, though. The issue was that the owner was extremely rude to the people in my fairly large party. We were enjoying the patio after the end of a very long school year...saying goodbye to colleagues who were moving on...And after a few hours, the patio began to fill up with families with kids. The owner came over and said we were too loud. We were ok with that, and adjusted our volume. Then he came over again and said he'd reserved our table and we had to leave. There were several open tables all around us. We asked if we could move inside; he said there was no room. Then the manager came over and said we could stay. We ordered more drinks and food. The owner came by five minutes later and said we had to leave immediately. We gathered our things and walked out. The poor waitress had no idea what was going on; when we explained she (rightly) asked who was going to pay for the drinks she had just delivered to our now empty table. We explained the situation, and suggested that we deal with the owner, as none of this was her fault. The owner came striding over, quite aggressively, and screamed at us! "You aren't going to pay your bill! I'll call the police!" We had already paid for every single thing, plus a hefty tip, but we were not about to pay for full drinks delivered after we were asked to leave. It took the owner a while to understand this. Needless to say, no one in our group of approximately 20 people will ever return to Mi Rancho. Too bad. They have a great patio.
(2)Jennifer A.
There are some things I love about this restaurant: homemade tortillas, the queso fundido, and the steak fajitas. I also appreciate how they have a house hot sauce! However, this place has dishes which are overpriced. For example, you can't get a side of guac, but rather, have to buy a full dish of it for about 6 dollars or so. The margaritas don't seem to contain super fresh ingredients. Also, they don't have very many salsas or unique dishes. Despite these issues, the homemade tortillas are really outstanding and make the trip to the restaurant worth it.
(3)Brenton W.
I've lived across the street from Mi Rancho for a year now and finally made it over there. It's what you can expect. I was really happy with the selection of various Mexican Beers outside of your usual Corona, Tecate, Modelo and Pacifico. They offered at least three or four brews I've never heard of -- not that you're going to get anything that really WOWs you in regards to Mexican brewed beer, but if you're into experimenting with beers across the board, you'll find a Mexican based beer that you've probably never tried before. Obviously, they have a fine selection of Margaritas, as well. I got the soft taco dinner (3 soft tacos w/cheese, lettuce and tomato and your choice of beef or chicken). I had zero complaints. Loved it. I just wasn't feeling experimental that day. Everyone else was very happy with their order. We'll be back and not take a year to get to it.
(3)Jamie B.
Mi Rancho is good, but not quite up to snuff with its competitors (Guapo's, Cactus Cantina, etc.). I say this having ordered here both in-house and take out, many times. I have ordered for just myself and for a group, and the food is inconsistent, at best. My husband loves enchiladas and he swears theirs are just okay, but I honestly cannot stand them! The poor tortillas are DROWNING in that red sauce, and it just drowns out the flavor. The fajitas, being a dryer commodity, are a bit better. Though in the case of the fajitas, inconsistency played a huge factor. One time, they were moist, juicy, delicious chicken fajitas. Another time I felt like I was eating the leg muscle of a camel or something. It was tough, dry chicken and just tasted so...bland. So, I give Mi Rancho 3 stars since the food has been inconsistent.
(3)Rachel E.
The food here is great. The only thing i would change is that the prices for basic fair are a bit steep and the salsa is BOOOOOOOO-----RRRRRRING. Other than that, i love the ambiance, the service and everything else.
(4)Danielle P.
This place has become more and more disappointing with each visit. I so much wanted to love this place because it is SO CLOSE to my apartment. However, each time I visit, the quality of the food diminishes. Don't believe me? Visit #1: I visited after first moving to Silver Spring, and took a friend to say thanks for helping me move.The service was outstanding. The food was the closest thing to Mexican that I have had here in a long time (native Arizonan saying this). And my margarita was tasty. Visit #2 (takeout): I wanted some nachos, and happened to stop by while I was walking home. The lady taking my order was rude. I think she was annoyed to be taking to-go orders, but oh well. My order was cooked really fast and I hurried home to enjoy. Oh man, these were some amazing nachos (native Arizonan saying this). Best of all, they separated the guacamole, pico, and sour cream so my nachos wouldn't get soggy. So sweet!! Visit #3 (takeout): I wanted more nachos! This time I ordered the Mi Ranchos Nacho (or Nachos Mi Ranchos, I don't remember) and they were missing the beans. WTF! Visit #4 (takeout): Alright, I am going to go back to my original nachos order: Nachos Rancheros. I open my container and see that the nachos are burned. The pico, guac, and sour cream is not separated. I have burnt, soggy nachos. *Tear. As you can see, Mi Rancho is on a decline. Also, you can see that I am a nacho fiend. I find this to be very upsetting because I really love nachos. *Sigh.
(2)Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
Service! What service? I was really disappointed. The restaurant is right across from a parking garage, and on the side streets there's metered parking. We go inside sit at an uncomfortable flimsy chair, and check out the menu. It's standard tex mex fair. I'm not sure if it was the lunch menu( around 4pm) but there wasn't much offered. We check out the many options( note the sarcasm) settle on the shrimp fajitas, and after ordering are ignored. I didn't get 1 refill on my drink, neither did my companion. We get our food, and were told our waitress will bring our tortillas, we ordered fajitas. Never happened. Someone came to get our plates I complained, and she apologized. They remembered to bring the check of course. When leaving I asked to speak to the manager, told him what happened. He apologized, and said if you didn't like the service, then don't leave a tip. DUH! He said if we were to come back he hopes we have a better service. He then started talking about being tired from running in the cherry blossom race or something. I was very dissapointed. the food was ok. I'm from the SW I wouldn't say it's the best Mexican I've had. I think Cactus Cantina on Wisconsin Ave has better food, an the service is always awesome. I won't be back.
(1)Melissa S.
I've been here twice now and honestly I've enjoyed this restaurant each time. During my most recent visit, as soon as my boyfriend and I walked through the door, we were instantly greeted by a smiling face. The gentleman made us laugh with a cute joke and then sat us very quickly. The service was fast and friendly. The steak fajitas are amazing. My boyfriend has said both times now "I need to know how they make their steak." The steak marinade is soooo yummy. I will definitely be coming back here when I'm in the mood for some Mexican.
(3)Brian S.
Stopped in for lunch after church one Sunday. The food was pretty good - I had the chimichangas and have no complaints. Atmosphere was great - I will definitely be back with friends. Service was exceptional - dare I say it was too fast?
(4)Kristen H.
I have eaten and gotten takeout here several times and it has never disappointed me. The portions are big and reasonably priced. I love getting the Burrito Santa Fe. I'm a big cheese person and that burrito has plenty of it and plenty of juicy ground beef. The owner and staff are pretty friendly. If you want great Mexican food they will not let you down.
(4)Heike Y.
I am sorry to say that it really was just Meh. Everything about Mi Rancho was just average. Food, service, drinks and the sopapillas just bad ( a mess of thick dough) Nothing what they should be - light, fluffy pillow like fried dough. Will not be back.
(2)Diana J.
Great mom and pop no frills place that has been around for years and years. Typical fare burritos, tamales, enchiladas, etc. Very affordable prices. Great staff they seem to work as a team. Chicken tortilla soup is nice and spicy. Tres leche cake tasted stale but interestingly the strawberries tasted fresh. I've ordered it twice and both times I was underwhelmed by the cake. Large portions. Great patio seating that I believe is heated during the winter.
(5)Mike C.
I've been here a million times over the past ten years. The freshly made chips and salsa are the best in the entire DC area! All of the entrees are of high quality and the margaritas are awfully tasty. Throw in great service, an outdoor patio, and this is the perfect Mexican restaurant!
(5)John W.
Best Tex Mex in the DMV and one of our favourite restaurants in Silver Spring. Great atmosphere, good Tex Mex and service is always excellent. The owner always comes to check on all the customers and the staff follow his lead.
(5)Marge G.
Never disappoints- great place for groups- carne asada and fajitas are delicious. Best Mexican food in SS.
(5)La F.
We are sitting here right now and the waitress told us that the bartender said we can make your drink but if you don't like it you still have to pay for it. Then my drink was not the drink I ordered. She said she will fix it but will just add ice and charge me more. The drinks are disgusting and VERY heavy on the liquor. It is not enjoyable. The waitress has no idea what she is doing wither.
(1)F A.
Taco salad was terrible - chicken was bad quality and I don't know how you mess up a taco salad but I literally couldn't eat it. My husband got something else and it was ok so if I ever go back ill get that. don't get the taco salad!!
(2)Kayla A.
Their carne asada is awesome. That's really all I can speak to because I get it faithfully whenever we go, as does the majority of my party. I will return here for the carne asada again and again. As far as the rest of the menu (and by that I mean drinks since I obviously already know my food order): I don't drink margaritas, but I have ordered sangria and pina coladas here. Wasn't impressed with either. One of the last times I was there, the server asked if I wanted the pina colada "with alcohol?" I thought that was obvious but the pina colada I got definitely tasted a lot stronger than the ones I had there previously. I'm not sure if they automatically assumed all the others were virgin drinks, but I will definitely be specifiying when I return.
(4)Roy S.
This place gets 5 stars because i have been going here since i was 7 years old when it first opened. The menu hasnt really changed much but the owner (Albino) is nice as can be and still remembers my family whenever we show up. I personally prefer the mixed fajitas and the margaritas are pretty good also. This is a good place if you dont like spicy food and enjoy a good atmosphere...
(5)David M.
I liked it. Service was real good, and I thought the fajitas were great. The steak far outperformed the chicken fajitas, however. Do not bother with the queso app. It's melted velveeta and is pretty wretched. Just stick with the salsa if you need something to dip your chips into :) I love the giant outdoor seating, and I like that they're not too fierce of a walk from the SS Metro station, making it easy to go down, have a few beers, and just hop a train home. There seems to be ample parking around, but I am sure it's all paid parking. i personally loved the tamales. Best i've had in town so far, but I'm sure that will change as I venture out more since moving into the area.
(4)Libby F.
Many, many years ago I taught at a little Catholic school not far from here. The owner of Mi Rancho's daughter attended this school. It just so happened that the much revered principal, Sister Mary Raymond was a huge foodie. That being said, the owner of Mi Rancho would often send over a platter of food (enchiladas, tacos, rice, guac. etc...) for the staff's lunchtime pleasure. Even though I live only 1.2 miles away, I still don't make a conscious effort to dine here. Maybe more so in the summer when the patio is open and the pitchers of margaritas go down like water in the Sahara. Mmmm, they hit the spot! On that note, I agree with Kathleen M.'s comment: The food is solid. After returning from Mexico less than two weeks prior I was really looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with my fellow Yelpers (Really, just ANY excuse to drink!). I only had the cheese quesadillas, and they were...solid. I like the white (Mexican?)cheese they use. More pico de gallo and guacamole accompanying it would have made me happier; in Mexico, you don't usually get sour cream with your food. I'm still looking for an authentic Mexican place here in DC. That doesn't mean I'll say adios to Mi Rancho. I like it here. I just want the true Mexican dining experience again.
(4)Mike V.
Not bad for East Coast mexican food. Distrito Federal is the gold standard. but it's a little over priced and under flavored, obvious trying not to blow out it's predominantly pale clientelle. Regardless, the salsa is very good and so are the chips. The large plates are not that large, but surprisingly filling. The service is marginal. Probably because they let them watch Euro Cup on the TV near the bar (but hell, i was in food service, it's little things like that that make it all tolerable to begin with)
(3)Nat B.
In a place like Silver Spring where Mexican restaurants are in abundance, this local chain isn't half-bad. The food's pretty good, although some are a bit pricier than others. The margaritas are a mixed bag though. The first round of drinks were top-notch, but the second round had half of the drinks that were drowning in tequila and the other half were virgins. They were cool about it and replaced them all quickly. It should be noted we ate here during Cinco de Mayo, and the place was PACKED. We didn't wait too long though, so I'd come back again if we're in need of a mexican fix.
(3)Heather K.
Hmm well what is there to say? I think this place rides on the fact that they have a big name and are well known in the area. I also should have known this wasn't going to be the best considering almost no one there was Latino ( granted I am a white suburban woman so I know that it might sound hypocritical but if a Mexican place is full with white people it probably isn't super authentic). The chips and salsa were the highlight. I ordered vegetarian fajitas and there was almost no peppers or onions on my hot plate..... super strange. The frozen margaritas were also made so that they were difficult to sip and once they melted down they were very watery.... waste of money. My opinion: There are plenty of places in DC, Wheaton and PG that don't have a big name but have better and less expensive food.
(2)Mary Kay S.
Stop Number Three on the South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. Laura and I were joined by Kevin L. (let's call him "Mexican Curious"). Mi Rancho has strong margaritas, a bit on the sweet side, though you'll barely notice after the first one is gone. EXCELLENT chips -- light and crispy. The salsa was a bit dull. We opted for a more substantial appetizer -- the vegetarian flameado. This is a fancy queso, with queso blanco, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Wow. Take some of that buttery, melty goodness and plop it on one of those freshly made tortillas, and that is pure decadent heaven. Speaking of those tortillas -- they were so good. SO much better than the ones Lauriol Plaza's retarded machine spits out. These tortillas actually made the meal. Everything is better when paired with a fresh tortilla. I got the tacos al carbon, sticking with my obsession for grilled beef wrapped in a tortilla. Chunky, spicy guacamole, with big pieces of fresh jalapeno. Spanish rice -- dull; it had the tomato base, but no other flavors. The charro beans were tasty. Kevin says they were salty -- no doubt he is right, but aren't they usually? Next to the tortillas, the best part about this place is the atmosphere. The manager greeted us with charm, the wait staff was very accommodating, and the decor was "cute" without being too much so. The gigantic patio inspired much speculation about what Cinco de Mayo would be like here -- I picture quite a fun party, with mariachis and swirling cotton skirts. I like Mi Rancho. It fills a previously unrecognized void in my psyche for a certain type of Mexican atmosphere. Plus I can eat perfectly decent Mexican food while I'm there. Update: 5/8/08 -- we did in fact come back to Mi Rancho for Cinco de Mayo. As expected, the patio was packed with people, with lines waiting to get in. BUT (and this is a big but), there were no specials, no music, and some of the food was dumbed down to make it easier on the kitchen (e.g. store-bought tortillas for the tacos al carbon). Too bad that great patio had to go to waste.
(3)Michelle C.
I went once and won't go back. The service was terrible. The food was mediocre at best and my shrimp were way overcooked. The prices were high for the quality.
(1)Lori R.
The margaritas are delicious. $6 each, but delicious. The service was great. I called ahead to let them know I'd be coming with a party of 12. Turns out that more people came than expected and we ended up with a party of 20. They were very accommodating and had no problem adding extra tables and chairs as needed. They even sang happy birthday to me. The only negative is that they will only give you one check per table. Fortunately they will take several forms of payment, but it can be frustrated to reconcile the bill with a large group. The food wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was good and I would return.
(4)Kevin L.
I've gotta second MK on this one. The fresh tortillas make everything better here. And... if anyone else is going to a Cinco de Mayo party here, I'm so in. I couldn't decide between all of the various options they had here, so I went with one of the combination platters - the Plata Maria. This included a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a beef soft taco, and a pork tamale, along with sides of rice and beans. You know what it's like when you go to a Korean restaurant... when they bring out the banchan and suddenly your table goes from empty to overflowing? Yeah - it was like that, but with Mexican food. They brought out my relleno, and there was so much stuff on the plate that I thought it was my meal. Then they brought out the second plate covered with more food. And then they brought out my beans and could barely find any room to put it. Although the food was supremely edible, it wasn't anything particularly fantastic. I enjoyed the chile relleno the most - we couldn't tell whether it was the poblano or the queso blanco it was stuffed with, but there was a perfect heat to it. Spicy enough to make my nose bead up with sweat a little, but not enough to make my eyes tear up with pain. Plus, the portion was absolutely enormous! I could have easily made a meal out of just that! I can't say I'd go this out of my way for Tex-Mex food on a whim, but there's nothing like throwing back a pitcher of strong margarita and noshing on chips and salsa with some fun friends after a long day of work. The service and the kitsch at Mi Rancho make it an ideal environment for doing exactly that.
(3)Sean R.
Literally the best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've *been* to both Mexico and Texas. The manager and owner are both very personable, and will make the rounds of the tables to ensure your enjoyment. I very clearly remember a gentleman eating with his family there years ago. He stood up and shook the manager's hand, saying, "I live in San Antonio, and *this* is the best Mexican food I've *ever* had." I used to eat at Mi Rancho three times a week when I lived in Silver Spring. I've been living in Virginia for over 10 years now and still make several pilgrimage several times a year. Why? Because it's worth it. Enchiladas? Nachos? The fajitas and steak? Nothing else compares. Even their salsa and chips are the best, made fresh on site! Do yourself a favor, por favor, and try Mi Rancho next time you're in the neighborhood. -Sean Richey
(5)K K.
First of all, I am forever indebted to this place for being the only restaurant I could find open during the huge snow storm in 2009. And it did not disappoint!! I've always had great service here. I love the sangria. The porch area is a fun place to hang out and have a drink on a hot day. I enjoy their salads and the tamales are excellent as well.
(4)Aya D.
Good food, fast service and friendly people. The pricing is fair too, which is always nice, especially in the current economy.
(4)Jake K.
Ok - I had been to this place many times while I frequented my friend's place in the towers right next to the restaurant. This of course was back in the days of yore when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant stationed in Richmond and desiring a bit more diverse social scene than Shockoe Bottom had to offer. Enter Mi Rancho. Now, after living in California as a child and then coming back to live in Las Vegas briefly as a college student, I learned what decent Mexican food was. Decent Mexican (or even Tex-Mex for that matter since apparently there needs to be a differentiation) doesn't not require heavy loads of cheese, beans, and corn mash. As a matter of fact, half of Mexico eats pintos, the other half eats black beans! But you don't always see the difference. Mi Rancho's only redeeming quality was the fact that tortillas were made fresh. That's about it. Otherwise the food was inconsistent, it smacked of Americanism, and frankly, the salsa tasted too tomatoey. I would have preferred a tad more cilantro. The only thing I walked out of there liking was the queso dip - I always have a weakness for that stuff. Otherwise, I don't go back because the price is too high for the quality of food there.
(3)Li D.
Mi Rancho is a large restaurant in Silver Spring. Their menu is extensive, with burritos, tacos, guacamole, etc. The food is prepared in a typical American-interpreted Mexican style. We had dinner there last Friday night, about 6 pm. Their outdoor patio seating is comfortable, even in the winter, because it is somewhat enclosed and they have large outdoor gas heaters running all the time. It's a large space, so I imagine the volume gets a bit loud too, later in the evening as the patio fills up with diners. At 6 pm on a Friday night, however, the patio was relatively empty. Still, we had difficulty hearing our waiter as he seemed to barely speak above a whisper. The margaritas were good, but nothing to write home about. The chips and salsa were also good. I ordered the hard tacos with beef dinner. It was adequate. The dinner comes with three hard tacos, rice, and sour cream, lettuce, etc. on the side. The rice was inedible. The tacos were just so-so.
(2)Fu P.
This place is good, cheap mexican. Don't go looking for a gourmet meal, but it excels at what it's supposed to: strong margaritas and good tacos, enchiladas, etc...
(4)Michael O.
We have had dinner here numerous times and the food is consistently excellent. I really am fond of their margaritas, they are great, almost the best I have had. The only complaint is that the service is sometimes hit or miss, never really bad, but sometimes kind of slow towards the end waiting for the check. The outside patio area is nice in good weather, but can be noisy sometimes because of families who dont control their children and let them run around and make alot of noise.
(5)M N.
I've been twice, and the food was very good both times. The margaritas (Cadillac variety) were excellent. Will certainly be back again.
(4)CaShawn T.
I recently went to this restaurant for the first time for my friend's birthday. We had a large group and we dined outside on their spacious patio. It was pretty hot and the servers were great when we requested to move closer to their big fans to keep cool. The food was great! Very authentic and the taste was awesome. The drinks were on point. Margaritas were perfect. The servers were friendly and very helpful. The place was nice looking and comfortable. The inside was kind of dark, so I was glad that we had our gathering outside. It was a happy time for us all. There is street parking and a public garage across the street. I'm not sure how far it is away from a Metro station, but it can't be too far since it's in Downtown Silver Spring. I gladly recommend this restaurant and hope to go back again soon.
(4)R B.
A great place for food in Silver Spring. The chips and salsa are wonderful- very Rio Grande-esque. We tried a variety of food and all were delicious, esp the chile relleno. The margarita could have been better, but was still nice. Wonderful outdoor area to enjoy when the weather is nice.
(4)Brian D.
Very middle of the road. Non-distinct Tex-Mex place. Way overpriced for what it is, but super convenient for people who live in downtown Silver Spring. Not bad, just uninspiring.
(3)Zachary H.
Extremely tacky Mexican restaurant? Yes. Did I like it? Absolutely! Mi Rancho will probably not be your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant and it's not like that place you went to that one night when you were out too late in Tijuana. What Mi Rancho is, is a decent neighborhood Mexican restaurant, serving up all the classics. It's a popular Silver Spring restaurant -- it was packed last night when we went (a Wednesday night). It also has friendly service and is reasonably priced. So - last night was our first night at Mi Rancho. We were both being boring and ordered the same dish - the beef burritos and a margarita. Both were good and generously portioned! The customary chips and salsa were also served. The chips were thin and baked, which I like, and I think the salsa was homemade -- also good! We'll definitely be back to Mi Rancho. After the positive experience with the beef burritos, I'm looking forward to trying other things on the menu! The outdoor patio is also very inviting for a lazy summer Saturday afternoon! Can't wait!
(4)Willy W.
I've eaten here many times as it was right next to work. It's nice to eat outside when weather permits. The food is okay, nothing spectacular but pretty good nonetheless. I've had the fajitas, fish, burritos, and many other things. The home-made tortillas and chips are good.
(3)Greg W.
Great food (best mexican around) Great Drinks (sangria and mexican beer make everyone happy) Great Atmosphere (patio in summer, and sombrero birthday songs) Great place to go for dinner on a Friday night!
(4)Alexis K.
Ever seen a waiter afraid? Ask a Mi Rancho employee if they can do breakfast tacos. No super vibe, good food (a bit overpriced), limited drink menu.
(2)Allison R.
Sangria...I love their sangria! Red or white it is awesome!! O and the food is good too. The food is nothing spectacular it's your normal tex-mex stuff. They start you off with chips and salsa which is great to snack on while drinking your sangria and waiting for your food! It's a great spot to go in the summer or spring/fall on a really nice evening because they have a great outdoor patio that is really perfect for hanging out in, drinking, eating slowly and hanging with friends. It's a great little place - away from some of the hustle/bustle of Silver Spring - a nice spot with good food and awesome sangria!
(4)Beatrice G.
We have frequented MiRancho for many years and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food or the service. The managers are friendly, and make you feel like you are part of the family. While in Dallas last year, we visited the "first" Tex Mex restaurant founded in the United States and hand's down, MiRancho had them beat. They were good but Mi Rancho in my opinion is much better. Try it, you won't be disappointed. The fajita dishes are better than I have ever had anywhere.
(5)Stephanie M.
Nothing new in this review. The chips and salsa are remarkably good as is the chicken chimichanga. I think it must be the type of oil they are using because while both were thin and crispy they weren't oily which is something most places here seem to have a problem with. I went at lunch and the server and hostess were nice. We were in and out in under an hour which makes me extremely happy during my lunch break. I'd go back and try something else. My only complaint is one of my coworkers loves to have sour cream with her fajitas but since it's not part of the meal typically she would have to pay $1.50 to get a bowl. This seems like over kill when they could just drizzle a little on the plate. But as most people have noted they make no exceptions of any kind what so ever. This seems a bit sad since when we arrived it appeared everyone knew my coworker which tells you they can't spare a little side of sour cream for a regular?
(3)Lisa M.
I've been here many times over the years and usually stick to a chicken fajitas. A few times i've got the fish. frankly the best thing about this place are the tortillas, and they are really good. otherwise it's above average, and the drinks are great. It's fun, nothing fancy.
(4)Rosemarie F.
We come here for business lunches on a regular basis. Everyone seems to enjoy it. I always get the Santa Fe Buritto, which I really enjoy. Have to agree with other Yelpers that the chips are greasy, although very fresh and warm when they come to the table. Love the salsa! I could just drink it out of the bowl!! Ok, not a great visual............. The truly nice thing about this place is the open patio, however gets a bit noisey if you are having a business type lunch. I bet this would be a great place for Happy Hour on a nice day. They also have a smaller room downstairs that we have rented out for private functions that I believe can seat up to 25-30 people.
(3)Dave C.
Very good food and attentive service every time we have been there. It can get loud, so its great to take kids, they won't seem annoying to other diners.
(4)Bobby G.
How does this only have three stars? My wife and I do carry out from here all the time, it's delish. Highly recommended.
(5)Josh O.
I've now been here twice, and feel comfortable saying that Mi Rancho is good for sitting outside and having a couple beers, but not much else. My first taste was exactly that: sitting outside having a couple beers after work while I waited to meet a friend. For that it was perfect. Though I ordered a tamale for a snack and found it lackluster at the very best (oh how I miss San Francisco's tamale man!). Last night we went back for dinner. I had the Camarones Rancheros, Jessi had Alfredo's Plate, and her sister Becky had ...something else. My camarones were actually pretty good, but everything else was on a level with the tamales I ate before: boring and oddly bland and dry (except for the chile ranchero which was deep fried and therefore oddly rich). So like I said, good for drinks outside, but not much else. If I want Tex Mex I'll go to Austin Grill; I'm still trying to find a place where I can get Mex Mex.
(2)Martin B.
Came here a week or so ago with some friends. We were hungry for some food before seeing a movie at the Majestic. We didn't want boring old (but nonetheless delicious) Chipotle, and we weren't really feeling the Chick-fil-A. We wanted something a little more... real. So my friend suggested Mi Rancho. Coming in on a Saturday night the place was packed, but we were able to get a seat in due time. The host was friendly and funny, and from the get go I had a pretty good impression of the place. Service was a bit slower than I'd like, but friendly. My friends raved about the (virgin) margaritas. I myself had a shirley temple... quite good. The chips they brought out were delicious, good old fashioned Tex-Mex chips. They were quite filling though; I ordered the soft chicken tacos (It's an order of three) and I could only finish 2.5 tacos. My friend got them with ground beef and liked them; my other pal got the carne asada. In all, if you're looking for some tex mex in Silver Spring but don't want Austin Grill or the heaviness of Chipotle, check out Mi Rancho.
(3)J C.
Mary Kay S., Laura V. and I decided to celebrate the (slight) drop in the summertime temperature with our latest South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza (SotBQ[oG]CCDTaGE) outing. Both my dining companions had been here before and were excited to come back for no other reason than to indulge in the majesty that is the cheese plug (see below). I started out with a Negro Modelo which was brought to me in a frosted glass and subsequently downed in a matter of minutes due to the heat. I was about halfway through with my beer when the aforementioned cheese plug came. Now, the official name for our appetizer is the flameado--baked cheese with mushrooms, peppers and onions. Mary Kay S. and Laura V. had it previously and named it the cheese plug, for the fact that this cheesy monstrosity pretty much plugs up your stomach upon consumption. We grabbed fresh, hot flour tortillas and proceeded to dig in. You can easily split one cheese plug four ways, and probably more. I should warn you that the cheese plug effect is like getting two kinds of full body hugs. The first hug (taking those first few glorious bites) is like getting a full body hug from a new lover. You never want it to end, and you're wondering at what point ass cuppage is acceptable. The second hug is when the plug proceeds to hug your stomach like that creepy coworker who doesn't get the meaning of "personal space intrusion" and likes to give interoffice hugs and unsolicited shoulder rubs. And smells kinda funny (the coworker, not the appetizer). We were all breathing pretty heavily before our entrees arrived. It's definitely an experience to be had (and shared!). For dinner, I settled on the steak tacos el carbon, which came with guac, rice, and pico de gallo. Mary Kay got the Tijuana platter and Laura chose veggie fajitas (and wryly noted that the menu also offers vegetable fajitas "with meat," which sounds juuuust a bit counterintuitive). Our food was brought promptly and we proceeded to dig in. They definitely didn't skimp on the steak, and the portions were quite generous. While the steak was nice and juicy, I felt it could have benefited from some additional seasoning. They were somewhat on the bland side and could have used a bit of a kick. But this is a minor nitpick, and I'd certainly order them again. The fact that I broke out in "meat sweats" halfway through was testament to their quality. I was honestly so stuffed from the cheese plug and the steak tacos that I was only able to put a small dent into the guac and pico de gallo (both were fresh and tasty) and didn't even touch the rice. You definitely get a lot of food for your money and there are a LOT of choices on the menu that should satisfy even the most picky, finicky diner in your party. Service is fast and friendly, and I think about three or four different people greeted us both coming and going. All seemed genuinely happy that we chose to dine here. The atmosphere is definitely laid back. The verdict: you know how your bowels reflexively cramp whenever someone says "Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast"? I have a feeling that my stomach and any mention of the words "cheese plug" will have a similarly symbiotic relationship from here on out. I looked at the empty cheese plug dish right before the server cleared our plates, and I swore it was looking right at me. Like this was a Hong Kong action film, and I was the renegade cop who plays by his own rules, and the cheese plug was this cagey but honorable Triad boss. We're mortal enemies, but for one, brief moment before we proceeded to shoot the hell out of the abandoned warehouse, we stood in awe of each other and weren't afraid to show mutual respect. On a more serious note, I can easily recommend Mi Rancho. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and there's more than enough choices to satisfy everyone in your party (including vegetarians).
(4)Jaemie D.
I used to come here with my family as a teenager growing up. I remember when it was a small restaurant with a limited patio area in the summer. Now it's grown in size (patio area) but still keeps the feeling of a small Tex-Mex restaurant. The patio area is great- I went on a perfect night where it wasn't too humid. The food is general Tex-Mex fare, nothing surprising or new on the menu. Their combo platters are a good deal if you are hungry, but you can easily get a good quesadilla or soft taco dinner and not go away hungry or totally unsatisfied. The drinks are not their strong point- or at least their margharitas. I've had better drinks at other places in DC. The food overall was decent, but nothing special. If you are in the mood for Tex-Mex and like specific generic fare, you'd probably feel right at home. The one factor that makes this place stand out would be the outdoor patio option.
(2)Sidney S.
The margaritas are great but the food was just average and overpriced.
(3)Latise B.
Mi Rancho is a great step up from the Don Pablos, On the Border fare. Its not the best "authentic" fare I've ever had, but its good tex mex. I've been here 3 times and I thought the portion sizes were good. I've always been absolutely stuffed when I leave. I enjoyed my margarita here, as well as the ribeye steak, the chicken and beef enchiladas (twice). The fried cheesecake dessert and sopapillas were also tasty. We usually get carne asada nachos, which isn't the largest serving portion I've ever had, but like I said, i'm stuffed when I leave there so it must be fine. We started going here when a friend of mine found that this restaurant serves carne asada that is very close to the churrasco we enjoy in Puerto Rico. The parking is actually pretty good--there is a garage that is very close to the restaurant. We've never had to wait long for a table, even on a Friday night and the restaurant is also able to hold multiple larger groups, which is a plus. I want to give this spot a 4, but I can't bring myself to do it. I've certainly had better tex-mex/mexican in the area, so 3 stars it is!
(3)Angela M.
Yeah, I missed the bus. Silly me. I decided last minute that I was actually going to get up the gall to meet with the other Yelpers without having an action plan. I really thought I was going to recognize people, but 1) I'm an idiot and 2) apparently, I'm face blind. I dunno! I'm so, so glad I talked my new roomies into coming for moral support, since I have a tad of social anxiety. God love you Alisha & Chris!! Otherwise, you may have seen a blond someone curled up in a ball on the stairs crying; that would have been me. We showed up at like 6:45pm and looked around, checked the reservation list and recognized nothing. I couldn't tell if anyone recognized me or if I was just getting looks because my head was on spin like the exorcist. We got a table on the patio and ordered a pitcher of Margaritas. Oh, they were good - I'm so sad I was DD!! I had one and started feeling the effects, so I had to give the rest to Alisha. The chips and salsa were delicious! The service was kinda slow, but the place was so busy because of Cinco de Mayo, that it didn't matter. Plus, the company was great, so I really didn't notice. I brought hubbs the Jalisco Platter since he couldn't join us and he inhaled it in 8 minutes. He loved it! I really liked my Maria Platter as well, but it seemed that he enjoyed his more. Our cool roomies bought our meal for us so that was awesome. Some of the food is FANTASTICALLY yummy, some is not as good. I would say this is an average place, but there are many reasons to come back. The salsa, the relaxed ambiance, the outdoor patio on a cool evening, the margaritas and to order the good stuff.
(3)Carolyn P.
I come here all the time, and I don't expect that to change unless I move. This place is a godsend if, like me, you are a celiac who loves some Tex-Mex. I usually get nachos or enchiladas, and I've never been disappointed. It's pretty basic, but in a good way. The decor is also festive and cute. The ceviche is surprisingly good, better than I've had at more upscale places. The meats are seasoned just right, and so far with things I'm not allergic to, which is fantastic. It's also huge, lots of outdoor and indoor seating -- I had a birthday party here once and they were great to us.
(4)Kathleen M.
I'm not a mexican food fan by nature. Sure, I love a cheesy enchilada as much as the next girl, but I don't crave rice and beans like steak and potatoes. But, give me some fine yelpers and a holiday to celebrate an obscure war in another country as an excuse to drink margaritas? Well then, I'm in! There's a parking garage right across from Mi Rancho that charges a mere $0.60/hour. Not sure why they didn't just up that to a full dollar, but I guess that's the 'burbs for you. I could smell the fajitas from around the corner and I was excited. The place was pretty busy, as to be expected on Cinco de Mayo. What I didn't expect was all of the kids! I mean, isn't Cinco de Mayo all about margaritas? Why bring your screaming 2 year old out for that? The patio was loud but overall contributed to a fun, casual vibe: perfect for the fabulous 70-something days we've been having. I first ordered a frozen strawberry margarita, and it tasted typical. Super sweet, can't really tell if there's any tequila in there. The on-the-rocks version we got in pitcher form later in the evening was much better, but you could still tell it was made with a mix with no fresh lime juice. Bummer. My food was solid: I got a fajita platter with chicken, steak, and shrimp. The steak was by far the best-- very well seasoned and juicy. The shrimp was difficult to eat as they had left the shell on. Rice was lackluster and while the guac was good I wished they had given me more of it (although that's always the case). The tortillas were super tasty as well. Service did as best they could-- we were an ever-growing party, ordering at staggered times, all on Cinco de Mayo. Silver Spring's out of the way for me but if I was in the area and strangely craving Mexican, I'd definitely stop back in. This may have been closer to a 4-star place on any other night.
(3)N S.
Mi Rancho is just ok. Part of the reason I return is that I love the outdoor patio. They are definitely working with a great space and when you throw in some mariachis that someone has hired for a gathering - even better. Side note: I want to be serenaded on a balcony by mariachis. How tight is that. You are chilling and you hear a trumpet start blasting outside and run to the balcony to find a 10 person mariachi band. If there is any guy out there who could see doing that for a young lady, please contact me. I am single, but I digress. I also really like the owner of Mi Rancho. Had a crush on him for years now, Very friendly, polite, debonnaire, and Argentine, I believe, but don't quote me on that. Overall, Mi Rancho I would recommend for a social gathering particularly in the spring/summer. It does tend to get packed so plan accordingly. ps. Oh, yes. The fresh tortillas are AWESOME. I could eat them plain.
(3)Feyi B.
One of my fave mexican spots. Food is very tasty, My sis and I like to split the dish for two. Cant remember what its called, but its $40 and feeds two. Their drinks are very, VERY tasty. I've ordered many diff flavors and I've yet to be disappointed. The owner also comes around to check on us, which is nice.
(5)Jane Y.
It was another one of those company lunches. The owner of the restaurant was extremely nice. a little too enthusiastic but I enjoyed it. It made me feel really welcome. The environment was very spring break mexico..(maybe its just me). They have a tortilla maker out in the front which i thought was cool. You know where your tortillas are coming from! neways...free chips and salsa as always. Love it as always. The salsa tasted extremely fresh. My boss ordered a side of nacho cheese, which looks cool cuz it came in a heated stone bowl. I ordered a Carne A Pollo ala Jardin. The chicken was really juicy the veggies were crunchy. YUMMAYYY. I generally dont really like beans..i've only liked chipotle beans (yeah sue me). I didnt like their beans either. soo..i dont know what that piece of information could do for you..but there it is. The tortilla tasted fresh (duh). The price was really good for lunch. only $10.95 for that big whole plate of meat and veggies plus sides and tortilla. it's def worth a try. I wanted a margarita, but since i was with my coworkers and boss..it would have been inappropriate. I did see one tho, and it was HUGE. I definitely recommend this place if u love HUGE margaritas, yummy meat, fresh tortilla and over-enthusiastic workers.
(4)Jade T.
3.5 Stars I went here for Laura V's Cinco de Mayo dinner. Mi Rancho was PACKED but they had no specials. No live music either. How disappointing ... I enjoyed my vegetarian enchiladas and fajitas. They weren't too sloppy or greasy. The portions were large. The vegetables in those dishes were varied (broccoli, zucchini, onions, etc). The tortillas were hot and chewy. Definitely not your average Taco Bell garbage. Even though the service was sporadic, there were plenty of waitstaff buzzing around our table. It was odd to find out that vegetarian dishes TAKE LONGER to cook than meat dishes. Huh? I've never been a huge fan of Tex-Mex, but this place isn't bad. I certainly recommend it over nearby chain eateries. After all, you are getting bored of Chipotle, aren't you?
(3)Jeff W.
A very conflicting place. On one hand, there are several things here that are absolutely exceptional. The tortillas, for one. Fresh, fluffy, warm. An absolute treat. The main entrees are pretty good too. I got the aptly named "Chicken Breast" entree, which was cooked close to perfection. Came on a sizzling platter; juicy, great flavor, nice char. Also, the guacamole (just the side, not an entire bowl with chips) was fresh made, and delicious! I don't know that I've ever gotten a side of guacamole, and had a chunk of real avocado in it. On the OTHER hand, some of stuff is complete crap! The rice, beans, salsa, and queso were all pretty poor. The queso supposedly tastes like velveeta, though it's been too many years since I've last had that disgusting "cheese food" to really make a valid comparison. It reminded me of the cheese that came with handy snacks, which my mom would pack in my lunches way back when. That is not a good thing. Non-refrigerated dairy is disconcerting to me. I will not judge this place on the poor service, because it was Cinco de Mayo, and the staff was clearly overworked. Our waiter was hustling, though we were constantly in need of something, be it silverware, waters, menus...or even food, for those who chose a vegetable entree which apparently takes longer to cook than a chicken breast?? Not the quintessential mexican restaurant, but there were definitely a few noteworthy highlights of excellence. Thanks again to Laura for organizing a fun event with everyone!
(3)Assistant F.
I visited Mi Rancho for the first time yesterday and it was decent. I loved the fresh tortillas, they were delicious and I loved the fact that you can see them being made. I ordered the 1lb fajita to share with my friend, although the portion size was very good I didn't think it was worth the price. I did not enjoy the magarita that I got at all, it was watery and there was just too much salt on the rim. Overall the experience was ok , I do plan on trying them again in the future but I'm not in a hurry to do so.
(3)Michelle P.
I figured that on Cinco de Mayo, and Mi Rancho being a Mexican restaurant there would be fantastic specials and deals. Well i was severely disappointed. There were no happy hour specials at all! Not even normal ones! But it was still a great place to meet up with some fellow yelpers for some Mexican fun :) I got the beef quesadillas, and was expecting some kind of taco beef inside them. I was excited when they were actually steak! It came with a little side of pico, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. The quesadillas were nothing exciting, and since I'm not really a guac fan i didn't try it until i was actually done. Then I realized what i was missing! IT WAS FANTASTIC. And for someone who doesn't like guac, that must mean it was unbelievable! I highly recommend the guac. The chips were good, and while we didn't have the "cheese plug" i did try the generic queso, which pretty much tasted like melted Velveeta. I was really not impressed. I didn't get a margarita, but i tried the white sangria. Since I'm notorious for spilling ALL over myself, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that they have the white sangria option.. this way nobody will notice when i inevitably spill. I was also pleased with the maraschino cherries that were in the bottom. Overall i would say that Mi Rancho was good, but nowhere near the best Mexican food I've ever had
(3)Chuck K.
A terrific Tex-Mex restaurant. Reasonably priced with terrific food and generous portions. Been a customer for almost 8 years now. Lunch service is fast and its easy to get in and out during a standard lunch time. Its also a great place for those group lunches so common in business. The chips and salsa are to die for and, if you aren't careful, you won't leave enough room for the delicious food. Service is wonderful and very customer focused. They have an outdoor patio, with heaters when needed. Its covered and has clear flaps to really extend their seating and the outdoor season.
(5)Amanda B.
Food is overall pretty good. Sometimes they fall victim to putting way too much cheese on things and filling your plate with the rice and beans that you will have no room to eat. Their guacamole is really disappointing -- Chipotle's tastes fresher! Still, the food is a step up from chains like Austin Grill. What is great about Mi Rancho is the feel of the restaurant. The patio has such a nice festive feel, and with the heaters, you can even enjoy it in the winter. It's definitely worth going to just to sit on the patio and enjoy a nice night or happy hour with friends.
(3)Dan D.
Great casual Mexican food. I always get the carne asada platter. Their margaritas are also delicious. Fun place to gather with friends
(4)Frank V.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. I like an authentic taste and atmosphere and Mi Rancho hits the mark. For starters, their salsa and chips are the best in town, mildly spicy and full of flavor. I've tried several dishes here but my favorite is the Carne Asada. It is absolutely delicious, juicy and with a distinctive salty iron taste and nothing else on top to drown out the flavor of the beef. The fajitas are also excellent and so are the Margaritas, albeit a bit sweet for those who prefer them over their tart alternative. Service is always good too, and there is ample seating, indoors and out on the large patio. The only issue is parking but I'm not going to fault the restaurant for that.
(5)Damon B.
We were extremely happy to find Mi Rancho! The weather was great and we sat on the patio. The food was fresh, the ambiance was fun and relaxed, and the drinks were well-prepared. Chips and salsa are delivered free to your table, and the chips are freshly cooked...not old and stale. We ordered some guacamole and it was okay, not amazing. On the other hand, we loved the crunchy tacos, the enchilladas (my fave), and the fajitas. All were freshly prepared and came with generous quantities of beans and rice. The beans were NOT from a can and the rice was fresh! I was really impressed. I was also impressed by the drinks. We had a pitcher of sangria, which was flavorful. We had a pitcher of margarita, which tasted pretty fresh, and we had beers. The beers come with a frosted glass that was welcome on the warm summer evening. Mi Rancho is the best Mexican restaurant I've visited so far in DC. We would definitely go back! Note that this is an excessively kid friendly place. I mean, there were droves of kids. That is the one downside. There were also droves of people getting their drinking on, so it was that kind of mixed and crazy environment.
(5)Greg C. H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Silver Spring..... Get the lobster tail and steak fajitas with a margarita & thank me later....
(5)Brian G.
Great for outdoor drinks. The food seems to be going down hill somewhat. Great service though, friendly atmosphere. If you're lucky enough to be there when the tortilla maker is working order the fresh tortilla, they are EXCELLENT.
(3)Rhianna B.
I went here after moving to the area. It has decent sangria at a reasonable price but their food is disgusting. We had the salsa which tasted worse than what comes in a jar and the queso dip which tasted like the cheese packet from velveeta macaroni and cheese. I will never go back to this place.
(1)Mr. O.
I LOVE this place! I go at least once every two weeks! Shirley Temple and the enchiladas! I am a lover of Mexican food and this place has some of the best I've ever had. I don't know if this one guy is a manager owner or what, but he is nice and always interacting with his customers for just the perfect amount of time lol not to long and not to short. I've even seen him on a few occasions assist with bringing out food and taking orders and the place wasn't even packed. Now about the food which is also AMAZING is what keeps bringing me back! I'm even going back today.
(5)Stephen M.
Finally, a place that deserves to call itself a Mexican restaurant in the DMV! Growing up in CA and now living in MD, having quality, reasonably-priced Mexican food was a given whenever I vacationed back home. But no place around DC measured up--not in terms of quality, fresh ingredients, taste, or value. Well, it's DC, so I was willing to partially forgo value. Now, at least I no longer have to wait for a vacation to get a traditional Mexican meal. After an unsatisfying string of attempts to find good Mexican food around town, we tried Mi Ranchero on a Saturday night. Packed, but still quick service and fast seating. The place does not try to be anything beyond what it is--simple decor, great service, and food and drinks that compare very favorably to anywhere else in the area. Menu has all the favorites, and they are willing to substitute this for that, if you ask. Chips and salsa are among the best I have had, and freshly made tortillas are a huge improvement over the store-bought / frozen ones other places hope you don't notice. Manager works the floor, making sure things are smooth and that customers never feel rushed. He knows how to ensure customers are getting what they want fairly quickly. Attention vegetarians--the pinto (brown) beans have pork in them, but the refried beans and black beans do not. Order accordingly, vegetarian brothers and sisters, since it is not explicit on the menu (at least not that we saw). But if you're a veg and goof it up, they will replace the pinto beans in favor of something else at no charge and without hassle. (Would be cooler if they had a box on the menu of veg options, but that's not why most folks come to Mexican places. Speaking of which, the on-line menu differs slightly from a perhaps newer, in-restaurant menu, but the changes are not significant.) Would I take a client here or host a business lunch here? Doubtful because of the noise and packed seating, but for a large family or pre-movie dinner, this place is hard to beat. It is within easy walking / stumbling distance of just about everything in the area, including the Majestic. Dinner and drinks for 2 will set you back around $60. More than fair (in DMV, anyway) for what you get. Will def return.
(5)Joanna C.
Mi Rancho isn't a great place. My husband and I thought we'd give it a try, but I was disappointed. The food was eh, nothing special. No real flavor. Tortilla chips served at the table were cold. The only thing they had going was that they made their own tortillas. I wouldn't go back.
(1)Nick A.
I have been a a few times now, for impromptu dinner and for absolutely necessary hangover noms - I have yet to be disappointed, and am typically impressed every time. The food is delicious (although not particularly authentic, in my experience, if that sort of thing is really important to you) and the portions are big; we always end up with food to take home. Particularly delicious are the flour tortillas that come with several menu items - we couldn't stop eating the fluffy little bastards. My next step will be to stop in and get some of those by themselves! The service is always good, and usually great. The staff is pleasant and very quick to bring around food. Managers always seem to be wandering around to check on you and to make sure you are being taken care of - and not in that usual obtrusive kind of way. It's just a great experience. So, not particularly upscale or authentic, but it is delicious and has a reasonable price point with great service. Would recommend, and will be back.
(4)Shon W.
The food is good and the staff is very nice and with good customer service. However the owner Jose, is very rude and could learn a few things about good customer service from his staff. I have only been to Mi Rancho Silver Spring twice. The second time I ordered nachos and they were burned. I tasted them anyway bc nachos sometimes get a little burned but they had a scorched taste which made the food unpleasant. So I called and spoke with another manager who took my information and told me to come get a new order the next day. When I came in to get my replacement order, they said I needed a receipt which I forgot but I had pictures and the staff remembered me. They remade the order which was also burned and I said I didn't want to get home and have the same effect. A waitress said that's the way they melt the cheese on the nachos with the broiler and it sometimes burns them but they can just melt the cheese and pour it on top. The manager Jose starts to say that's the only way to melt the cheese and if it's a problem he can just give my money back. So I say well I just don't want the scorched taste and if possible can u just give me melted cheese but if not, then yes I will just take the refund. Now the problem came when he snatched the to go bag of food and threw it in the trash and proceeded to the register to give me my money back. Slings the money onto the counter while im letting him know that it wasn't good customer service to snatch the bag like that.. He then says well you don't have to come back here we don't need "PEOPLE LIKE YOU complaining" whatever that means!! But I made sure to let him know I will never return. If I said the nachos were burned why bring me more burned nachos? And I have pictures... So my complaint is for the owner JOSE with horrible customer service!!!
(1)Stela M.
Delishhh food. Love the restaurant , staff friendly. love love this restaurant.
(5)Gigi M.
I'm sad to write this, because back in the day Mi Rancho was the place to be!! freshness, friendliness, awesomeness -- personal attention & some mild flirting [always fun] with the owner that didn't mind actively helping out to serve or bus as warranted. What makes me sad is that Mi Rancho has turned very corporate. No more personal touch, surly staff [and for no real reason I can think of] if you ask for a little tweak in something, like I've done countless times with brilliant results [equating with a nice fat tip, mind you] the request is met with sighs, and an ominous "well, I don't know...." then muttering as they walk away, then glances back as I get discussed, then the inevitable 'no' -- making me feel like I robbed somebody! Gone are the days of creativity & accommodation. Now it just feels like assembly-line fare.... Maybe I'll try Germantown... can't give up on Mi Rancho yet!
(2)Richie G.
Very good food and an enjoyable and lively atmosphere. The burritos were great and even the tamales were tasty. Rice was bland, but it's not a big deal.
(3)Lorena B.
One of my pet peeves is when food is not served as described on the menu. I ordered a chicken taco salad for takeout specifically because the menu said it was your choice of beef or chicken fajitas. Have you ever been served shredded chicken fajitas? Me either but that's what they put in my salad. I won't lie, it tasted okay but I was still disappointed because I was looking forward to a yummy grilled chicken fajita taco salad. Also, the salad contained cheese which wasn't listed on the menu and which I did not want added. Again, I ordered takeout so it would have taken a chunk out of my lunch break to return to the restaurant for a new order. I've been here for drinks. Like the majority of Tex Mex restaurants, the margaritas are wack.
(2)Ashley W.
stopped by here for quick bite to eat late on a Sunday night... the place is huge... the patio is big.... in comparison to the sizes of other restaurants near by... in which group seating shouldn't be a problem...... Great service here.... my sangria was a little watered down, in which I would probably opt for a margarita next time. I ordered quesadillas -- quick and easy and hard to mess up.... they were flavorful and didn't disappoint... the chips and salsa gets a B -- hard to write more.... as I wasn't there very long and didn't order more than one thing.... but tasty Tex-Mex is hard to come by the in DMV ( from a bias Texas native) so I would definitely return...
(3)David S.
I am here for a late lunch. There was no wait and the food came quickly enough. The queso tastes like they just melted down velveeta. Who doesn't love velveeta? This guy loves it. However, they put no seasoning in it whatsoever, so I was a little let down. Also, their beans are not refried beans. I'm good with variety and switching up the same-o same-o with something better. Unfortunately, better was not a part of the switch. They have a smoky flavor, but again, lacked spices or seasonings of any kind. They were like a smoky pork and beans, straight from the can. I got the chicken enchiladas and was happy with them. They tasted great, which is the reason they got three stars instead of less. The wait staff was good. I love the dining environment, especially great for big groups. I might come back if I was craving Mexican and didn't want to leave the area, but there are better options.
(3)Jack M.
"Seafood" whatever it was (they had nothing with mole) came with 1/2 dozen shrimp and onions burned into a metal plate. Plenty of tortillas, little service. $13.95 could have been spent at Tia Queta or elsewhere and we would have gotten a real entree.
(2)Kelly K.
Delicious!! Had a great experience here. The wait staff was very attentive, and the food was superb. They have a very nice outdoor patio space, which was enjoyable in the warm weather. Of particular delight was the sopaipillas a la mode. Delish!
(5)C C.
Yummy!! Great food, authentic and fresh. I go for the fajitas, love the salsa and guacamole. It's all good! Prices are a bit high - but I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio seating and take out orders are quick.
(4)Joseph G.
Just your typical Tex-Mex restaurant. For real Mexican food, this is definitely not the place. My fiance and I were unfortunately heading to New York on valentines day night, but wanted to at least grab dinner at a decent restaurant before our long drive. We decided that we wanted Mexican so we gave Samanthas a call, but of course they were packed on valentines day. We called different places and came up with no luck on availability until calling Mi Rancho. Little did I know this is the most unromantic place I could have chosen. Once we sat down and ordered our food, I told my fiance she should order a drink to make the unromantic atmosphere seem not as unromantic because as she always says "the bigger the drink, the bigger the smile!" Which wasn't so true being that her margarita tasted as though they only put 1/4 OZ of tequila in it. The food finally arrived which we then felt bad for the family next to us because they must have been there 15 minutes before us, and didn't receive their meals at least 10-15 minutes after we received ours. Of course they complained after seeing that we were served first. Anyways, my fiance ordered steak fajitas and I ordered chicken enchiladas since I thought that there's no way anyone can mess that up. The steak from the fajitas was dry and tasteless, the chicken from my enchiladas was dry, chewy, and bland. Both of our meals were about 16 dollars which was bothersome being that it was priced like Samanthas, but way out of Samanthas league when it comes to atmosphere, food, and service. I would definitely not recommend anyone to go here on a date. For lunch, Chipotle, Qdoba or Baja Mexican grill is half the price and much better.
(2)Nicole J.
The management and staff there are awful. After ordering my food to go, when I go to pick it up my food was given to a previous customer. Instead of offering to comp some of my bill while I wait for them to re-cook everything, they give me free chips. Awful business and even worst customer service.
(2)Gail P.
Mi Rancho is okay and has been an institution in the community for years but I find it ironic that they are advertising during the World Cup. We were so excited when Mexico won the last World Cup we walked to Mi Rancho in search of festivities--it was dead. When I told the proprietor that there should be a more celebratory atmosphere he said, "I'm really from (other nationality)." The implication was he didn't care even though he has assumed TexMex cuisine as his own for his restaurants. We felt it was an obnoxious response, left with a bad taste and haven't been back.
(2)Brittany S.
Mi Rancho is the restaurant my family goes to for every birthday or celebration! It's the best Mexican in Silver Spring and I've lived here all my life. I always get the fajitas usually for 2 people so we can split it and it is the best fajitas I'll ever have in my life! Seriously, they couldn't get any better. I recently went there for my birthday and got some margaritas - one plain and then "The Titanic" which is their version of the CoronaRita. They gave me the sombre and sang happy birthday for me and I loved it! The managers/owners are ALWAYS there and always come to talk and chat with us even though they don't know us by name. I even got a free shot of tequila for my 21st birthday. They're the nicest people!!! Definitely a place to go if you're looking for Mexican in the Silver Spring/Rockville area!
(5)Clarence S.
A good place to take the load off and have some Tex-Mex! My wife said, I saw this cute little Mexican restaurant but it isn't rated very high on Yelp-to which I replied, "harumph-I never pay attention to Yelp reviewers when it comes to mom and pop Mexican food joints in this part of the country"! Most people in the DC area (trying hard to not sound snobby here) don't really know what Mexican food is about, but I'm here to tell you, this place is all about Mexican food and ambiance. The service is great, the food is decent, and the people working here really care about what they do! Its always been my experience that restaurants that employ relatives tend to do a very good job at trying to please the customer and this place is no exception. It seems like this place is a family affair and it shows in the service provided. You don't have to wait for hours for service, you get seated right away, and no one pushes you to leave the premises. We've also high tried high-end DC restaurants and while they do a good job, this place does just as well without paying north of a hundred dollars, and you get the Mexican ambiance! So get off that high horse and come on down, this place will surprise you!! And leave you with money in your pocket!
(5)Natalie F.
I definitely like Mi Rancho which is a popular neighborhood restaurant. The crowd is more family oriented and casual. The food is reasonably priced. It isn't fancy but it is tasty; I think since I have lived in Southern California I have high standards for things like tamales. I think Mi Rancho's tamales are a bit dry and muy pequeno! It is a better place for hanging out with friends than taking a date. The wait staff are very nice and considerate.
(3)Bryana C.
For Mexican food it is not bad. Being from Southern California I have high expectations and this place is worth returning to. Customer service has always been great.
(4)Matthew C.
Having spent a significant amount of time in San Antonio--arguably the Tex-Mex capital of America--I may have become a little spoiled. With that full disclosure, I thought Mi Rancho was fairly average. We started off with the chips, salsa, and guacamole. I liked the tomato-heavy, relatively mild salsa, and the chips weren't bad. The guacamole did have a slightly different taste to it that I couldn't quite put my finger on, not to say that it was bad, but just different. I was also surprised how small the serving was--definitely not enough for a table of 7 if everyone had wanted some. The vegetable enchiladas were pretty good. I especially liked the variety of vegetables: mushrooms, squash, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The side of beans was okay but nothing amazing. The service, though friendly, was a little on the slow side. It's a little on the pricey side as well. One final note: Mi Rancho is also a very kid-friendly place--and quite a few families were dining there when I visited.
(3)Michael C.
I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch here a couple weeks back, on a rare day off from training. The restaurant drew me in with it's large, open-air setup (the windows are actually simply shades that are pulled up to allow in full sun and warm breeze!). The server (I wish I could recall her name) was pleasant and very helpful: I am a picky Hispanic food eater and wanted something not too spicy with fish and involving a taco or tortilla. LOL Her recommendation was spot-on, the food delicious and served hot (and quick too!). If I'm ever back in the area, I would dine again in a heartbeat. Way better experience than the over-priced, under-delivered steak dinner I had a couple weeks before.
(5)Larry G.
A lot of the ambiance (Latin waiters, Corona signs, Piñatas), several of the menu items (Tacos, Fajitas, Enchiladas), some of the ingredients, but none of the taste of Tex-Mex. Don't get me wrong! The food was good - fresh and good quality - but not very Tex-Mex. Maybe, like someone else said, I am just too accustomed to more authentic Mexican, but I do know the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex, and this was neither. Again, it was good, and there were lots of people obviously enjoying it, but it was not what I expected. I far prefer the Cubanos across the street.
(3)Michael S.
Mi Rancho provides a consistently good dining experience. The food is not particularly authentic, nor is it great Mexican, but good service, good portions, and outdoor seating results in a restaurant we frequent regularly. We've had most of the dishes there, and never had anything bad, and we've never had undercooked or otherwise poorly prepared food. Service is always prompt and courteous. Overall, Mi Rancho is a good eating experience we can count on when we want a restaurant without muss or fuss.
(4)Boris S.
Mango!!!! Mango Margarita (4/5 NOMs). I love mango and I like margaritas so I just had to try it. Great drink with some good Mexican food. You can really taste mango with balanced usual taste of margarita
(4)Dave B.
Your average Marylander is not going to know what good Tex-Mex should look like. The "queso" here amounts to some very nasty yellow melted cheese strips that quickly glaze over into a pale film a few minutes after being set on the table. The meat is poor quality and overpriced, and the rice and beans leave a lot to be desired. I'm not expecting grandma's cooking here, but it seems Mi Rancho's only saving grace is its downtown Silver Spring location and architecture, and its friendly staff. I'll give them that. If you've ever had real mexican food or Tex-Mex before in your life, avoid Mi Rancho at all costs.
(2)Bill G.
Solid basic Tex-Mex food. I would give it 4 stars except the prices are a bit high.
(3)Kelsa C.
beware Mi Rancho charges for EVERYTHING ANd dont order the Rib Eye Special unless you are ok with with something else...If you dont know what a rib eye looks like order the carna adade. please listen - I am a rib eye snob!!!
(1)Denisha B.
Maybe I've had strange experiences here, but both times I've gone everyone was less than impressed with the food. And we've tried a variety of foods - fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, meat, veggies, seafood, you name it. (Always eat in big groups of friends - WORTH IT.) The margaritas were only alright. Endless chips and salsa and the wait-staff's friendly, welcoming demeanor are what saved this place. If you want good Tex-Mex, I'd go to Chipotle. (Ouch, need some ice for that burn?!)
(2)Ruben D.
This isn't mexican food.. It's an On the Border or Guapos or yukkk Chipotle. If this is authentic Mexican to you then you must think Taco Bell overnights there food from Oaxaca. Go to Bladensburg.. get ya some real Mexican food if you're not scared. Oh and did the rice come from a Rice-A-Roni box?????? And the salsa??? Diced tomatoes and tomato paste? Are you also going to tell me that Samantha's, arguably the most bland Salvadorean food on the planet, is the best as well??? I think they season their food with just water.
(1)James C.
Only complaint is that the chocolate ice cream dessert dish is overpriced -- otherwise AMAZING
(5)Danny V.
Mexican? No, it's Mex-i-can't. None of my multiple personalities were satisfied by any portion of my meal. Strike One: The chicken in my enchilada was sad to have been buried in bawk-bawk-bawk-BLAH-ness. His soul cried as it entered by mouth and it asked to have his death avenged for being buried in such an unimaginative explosion of commonplace ingredients. May this chicken be reincarnated as Chef Gordon Ramsey's or Martha Stewart's chicken a la awesomeness. Strike Two: The service was underwhelming and our table was ignored until we asked for a margarita refill. Strike Three: Three times a charm for chip refill or the check. A large party arrived 10 mins after our table and were given 100% attentive service and were able to leave before our 3-top. Um, HELLO...former waiters are everywhere! Whatever the table next to me is tipping- I CAN TIP BETTER. (This does not apply if you bawk-bawk-bawk-suck.) Behold! I am coming soon! Lookout shabby waiters. Mi Rancho: YOU'RE OUT
(2)Chuck G.
A great restaurant! The owner and staff and very friendly and efficient. The tortillas are home made and delicious. The cheese was freshly grated and the sour craw and guacamole was very fresh. Enjoyed the fajitas and flan for dessert. Highly recommend this place if you're in Silver Spring.
(5)Emily C.
Good food, chips and salsa were great, quick service for the most part. Our waitress must've been slow because we had to ask three separate times for a menu and she first brought us 1 menu for two people, then a drink menu, then finally another menu for food. I ordered the chicken enchilada and it was great. Reminded me of Chuy's enchiladas except much more cheesier which wasn't a bad thing surprisingly. Super yummy.
(4)Monica T.
I was brought to Mi Rancho by my "entertainment director" while in Silver Spring for work. He directed us to it saying nobody ever doesn't like it. That might be true, but it didn't knock any socks off either. Not to say it was bad. We started off with chips and salsa (as expected). The chips were fresh and tasty, but the salsa was a bit bland and watery. It's all good; I'm used to that in Utah. Previously mentioned "entertainment director" said they had a hotter sauce. This came out and was basically pure dried chile paste. I was down with that. I stuck with that salsa for the rest of the meal. For my main course, I snagged Plato Guadalajara with chicken. Others around me got chimichangas, the steak burrito, and some other stuff I can't remember. I dug the taco. The chicken was very well spiced, I loved the grilled veggies, and the guac and salsa complimented it well. The tortilla soup, though, while pretty good seemed a bit uninspired. Standard chicken broth, a previously frozen mixed vegetable blend, some tortilla chips (not strips), with cheese haphazardly placed on top. I'm a bit harsh on tortilla soups, though, because I make an awesome one at home. Still, I ate the whole thing. I was a bit disappointed that the plate didn't include rice and beans. The price seemed steep for just the soup and taco. Service was quite good throughout. So overall, I've had a lot better (time in Texas will do that to you), but this was still pretty tasty.
(3)Hilary G.
I came here for lunch and there outdoor patio was a nice place to relax and they turned on the outside fans for us. The spinach quesadilla hit the spot and wasn't greasy at all. I was surprised that I really enjoyed their sangria because I am very picky about the sangria I drink since I studied in Spain. It tasted like they had real liquor in their sangria which is how it's supposed to be made! Service was also quick and paying the bill was easy. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Victoria R.
Ugh! Better food at Taco Bell! Skip!
(1)Harrison B.
Awesome Service. Good People. - Plato Grande for two is enough food to feed 4. This spot has been my go-to since i moved to downtown silver spring in 2008. In the spring and fall (warm but not too hot days) are best for sitting in the outside area, but my favorite time to eat here is in the winter in the main dining room. they have a machine making fresh Flour tortillas right by the front door and the second you walk into the dining room and are greeted by the host/hostess, there is an amazing smell of the best mexican food you could imagine. Overall the service is always good, people are pleasant and attentive and the homemade salsa is amazing! bit on the spicy side but perfect for me. the Margaritas are hit or miss- The pitchers of cadillac can be amazing sometimes and sometimes they can have too much of the mix and not enough booze. all in all a great place with great food and awesome ambiance! MAS Mi Rancho!
(4)Tim H.
I used to come here more often when I worked two blocks away from this place. I haven't been here in a few years so my most recent time brought me back to a time when I loved coming here for their carne asada. This time I chose to split something with my wife. We shared a platter that had chicken and beef fajitas, 4 pieces of shrimp and some ribs. We also got two hard tacos on the side. The whole experience was great. The chicken was flavorful and the beef that they used for their fajitas was awesome. I don't know how to cook fajita beef but I can tell you they make some of the best I have ever had. The shrimp were good too. The ribs were cooked the way I like them and they were not smothered in sauce. I don't like my ribs dripping wet. The tacos were good. I would order them again. If you are in the mood for some good Mexican and don't want to go to a national chain, try this place out. I haven't tried the location in Germantown yet but I hope to one of these days.
(4)April N.
Went on a Friday night when it was super busy...and still received excellent service. The man greeting at the front of the restaurant was also very friendly. Our party ordered the margaritas and they were delicious! The chips and salsa were also excellent. Seemed that the entrees were more Tex Mex than Mexican food....but nonetheless, I'd probably go back.
(4)Lionel M.
I find some of the lower reviews unbelievable. With that said I LOVE this place. A friend of mine suggested Mi Rancho so I took my wife and we both loved it. We like to consider ourselves foodies and can eat some of the most expensive gourmet meals and still love some items from food trucks. We've traveled to mexico numerous times and yes there is a difference in the food because this is a Tex-Mex which it clearly states on location and website. At this point Ive been there 3 times. Ive ordered the red snapper (amazing), fajitas (amazing), flank steak (amazing). The chips n salsa is great, their fried ice cream is different but really good and we've been looking for a place that had sopapillas for a while and were not disappointed. Their wait staff has always been professional, prompt and pleasant to us and havent noticed long wait times, but then again we were partaking in their yummy Margaritas (the one with Grand Marnier). Ive been telling everyone about them and even bought a $100 gift for my uncles family of 4 - they loved it too! We are fans!
(5)Gennette G.
I've visited this restaurant several times since 1997. It appears growth isn't for everyone/every business. The food is normally ok, but comes out hot and quick, not today. The owner decided to 'help' our waitress and take our order as he pushed her along just as she was beginning to take it. After waiting a half hour for our meal, it came out wrong and room temperature. The owner came over with the worst attitude when our waitress said there was a complaint and asked what we wanted him to do about it. I asked for hot food and the correct order. Needless to say, the food was given fresh cheese and placed in a melter. When further complained, the owner said he would have the food remade, so not the case. The same beef tacos were reheated to the point they were soggy and placed on the plate with fresh enchiladas and the vegetables in the vegetable enchiladas were raw. Though this Tex-Mex restaurant is a staple in downtown silver spring and close to home, I will never return. Never spend your money where it's not appreciated.
(1)Ashumi L.
When I visit MD I make sure there is at least one night that I spend enjoying the fabulous fare at Mi Rancho in downtown Silver Spring. This business has been in the downtown Silver Spring area forever and has always lived up to my expectations of Tex Mex fare. The restaurant itself has gone through a transformation over the years and they have added a fully covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters to serve the overwhelming amount of people who want to eat here. This place is a family run business and there is always someone from the family there to ensure that the service is fantastic and the food is of the utmost quality. As a matter of fact, they remember who you are and often ask about our family as we have been patronizing this restaurant since 1996 (my hubby has been going pretty much all his life since he grew up just down the street). Yeah they give you free chips, but the salsa is where they shine. Fresh and homemade with just enough kick - I wish they sold it so I could take it home with me. The chips are not to be forgotten though - they are not mass quantity bought - they are homemade! You can tell since there is often clumps of chips rolled up together in your basket (my favorite kind!). I have a rule when visiting a restaurant that states they are a Mexican restaurant - order the fajitas...its a standard and easy to judge. That being said - I have NEVER in my life had better fajitas than what I get here. Now, I only eat chicken so I can only speak for that type of fajitas, but my hubby attests that the pork and the beef are fantastic too. They use some sort of special glaze/rub that makes it extra awesome. Also, while they offer the standard sizzling plate that many other establishments offer, their fajitas are open fire grilled, which adds a char to the meat that is so delicious! If you are a fan of sour cream make sure you order a side of it as the fajitas do not come with sour cream. If you are looking for something other than chicken and want to be wowed, try the snapper if they have it on the menu or the pork costillas (always on the menu). I know it is healthier to be carb free, but break your rule this once to try their home made flour tortillas. You can watch them being made if you enter the restaurant as the machine that they use is right in front when you enter. Another plus! The sangrias are delicious and they are not skimpy with the fruit. I can't remember if they have draft beers, but they definitely offer bottled beers - I prefer the pitchers or half pitchers of sangria. If you have eaten a meal and still have space in your stomach, congratulations! Order dessert and order the sopapillas a la mode. You will not be let down, but you will be overly stuffed so save room! Sopapillas are flour tortillas fried and then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and then drizzled with honey. Oh man...so simple and so delicious! You won't be let down! I have yet to be disappointed with a meal here. The service is good and the fact that they are still around after all these years speaks for the restaurant itself!
(5)Ashley E.
Meh..nothing spectacular. The best part is the free fire roasted salsa and warm chips. Great outdoor venue-feels like you are in Cancun or a similar touristy location.
(3)Kate F.
I will be thankful always to this place for being open close to the holidays. Now that we got that out of the way... I returned this spring for drinks and dinner with a friend. Our server had a big bowl of b-flakes and a side of who gives a firetruck for breakfast that morning. It was like we were irritating her by existing. She had no suggestions about anything and rushed us, in between hiding from us. We asked some questions about food and were given more sighs than answers. We had to clarify our order multiple times, due to apathy not a language barrier. I decided on fajitas as they're hard to mess up. The food was fine but not great. It seems overpriced for ratios of real stuff (meat & fresh veggies) vs filler (rice & beans). Rice and beans were dry and flavorless, respectively. The salsa appears to be canned tomatoes thrown in a blender with green stuff. What is the green stuff? I don't know, I could only taste tomatoes. We still went to town on the chips and salsa, but it was more regrettable than normal. I declined taking my leftovers home. I feel the menu could use more sour cream. To be fair, I feel that way about about the planet. We also declined to "reward our server for their professional service" or whatever the trite message is on the receipt. I'll tip well on good service even with a bad attitude, I don't tip well on rumors or cliches. I dislike being scolded. If tipping is that big of a problem here, maybe it's time to retrain the waitstaff or switch to inclusive pricing.
(3)Maboud E.
As a fan of Tex-Mex, I have a pretty high standard. It's not exactly the most authentic but it's as close as you'll find in the area. At a very reasonable price it's a pretty solid choice if you're craving Tex-Mex. Oh and the chips and salsa is fantastic.
(4)Tara L.
Margarita fail. Broke down peach margarita. Makeshift banana margarita. What is a girl to do? And since when did margaritas come with foamy, 2 inch froth on top? What the hell is this exactly disguised as a margarita? Save your money on the margs and stick with the food. The steak quesadilla was actually decent, with plenty of cheese and tender beef. Even though the sour cream and guacamole were both a bit watery, it was a decent complement to the dish. Plus, bottomless chips and salsa on the festive, outdoor patio adorned with lights offset the drinks. Additionally, our waitress started off peppy and nice but ended abruptly when she feared our dining would cut into her time off. We had no desire to linger past closing, but once she realized we were even considering another beverage, her attitude changed and she grabbed my plate in a hurry, with food still on it. She did ask if I wanted it, but by then it was 85% in her possession and any desire I had to keep it was forfeited. That being said, the food and the atmosphere saved the experience from being abysmal. However, although I live only paces away from here...there is a reason why this was my first time back in years. Tonight, I was reminded of those reasons.
(3)Lee J.
Mi Rancho is my go-to place when visitors come to town. Excellent Tex Mex food - food that is quick but is not fast food. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so depending on temperature and the type of ambiance that you would like, you have your choice. I have yet to have a disappointing meal in the approximately nine years that I have been coming here. While I know people who say the food quality has diminished over the past few years, I disagree - or haven't noticed. It is still excellent food for the money. I almost always order the Plato Grande (for One) - which usually assures that I have some leftovers - a combination of shrimp, ribs, chicken and steak, along with the assorted toppings and soft tortillas. Most, if not all, of the meals come with sides of refried beans and rice. The hosts and wait staff are always very friendly. The only downsides to the restaurant are that occasionally there are slow downs in customer service (like getting the check) during the peak/busy periods of the day. Also, we come to rely on going there more often than we should - but you can hardly fault me for that. Finally, the noise level varies depending on the number of people at the restaurant - sometimes very loud at peak periods. Highly recommended - you should not be disappointed.
(4)Michael L.
This place never disappoints, Service is outstanding and the food is better than that. Whenever Im in the area which is once or twice a year, this is def one of our spots
(5)Sheng Z.
Went there with my roommate last week and had an okay time. The food was okay, not the greatest Mexican food but the portions were large. I got one of the platters and felt like there was very little meat and it was predominantly rice. As a result, I felt that the prices for the food was a little high. The starter chips and salsa weren't the greatest either, the chips were fresh but the salsa was stale and flat. Beware the margaritas. They do not list the price for pitchers but it was exorbitantly expensive for a pitcher ($29 dollars) of okay frozen margaritas. A 15 dollar meal turned into a 30 dollar meal as a result. O and the service was awful. Lauriol Plaza and Guapos are still the best Mexican restaurants in the DC area and this comes nowhere close.
(2)Rachel G.
I am obsessed with Mi Rancho! Their food and ESPECIALLY margaritas are delicious. Affordable prices, good portions, and yummy-ness guaranteed.
(5)Eric T.
Food quality was not great and a little pricey, but the service was excellent. From the waiters to the managers they couldn't have been nicer. They were all very patient with my twin three year olds and all made a point to interact and entertain them so my wife and I could actually eat. Even the girl running the tortilla machine (which is totally cool...haven't seen one in a while) made sure to say hello to my boys who were fascinated by it. I would go back again, hopefully when it's a little warmer they have an awesome outdoor patio area. Thanks Mi Rancho, it was a nice dinner with the family.
(4)Jenn C.
I've eaten at this Mi Rancho with my brother and sister in law multiple times over the course of ten years, and they eat there often as well. I've always been a fan, their food is run of the mill tex-mex fair, but good, and their margaritas are okay. So normally I would have given it 3-4 stars except for my experience on Cinco De Mayo. I get that restaurants get busy, but we waited an hour and a forty five minutes for our food. When we asked why we were waiting so long, we were told that our food was "complicated". We ordered enchiladas and tacos. I mean, come on. We were also told that it was because we were a party of 10; however, there were multiple other parties of 7, 8, 9, 10 - including one right behind us that sat down 15 minutes after us, ordered after us, and ate their food and left while we were still waiting. I get that restaurants get busy, which is fine. I decided to give mi rancho one star because of the classless manager's verbal abuse of my 8 months pregnant sister in law. She confronted him over the service and he was dismissive and unapologetic to her, was rude, and treated her like an annoyance. When my mother complained, he dismissed her that "he did not want to be insulted". The weight staff was rude (at one point, our waiter threw down a bowl of chips in the center of the table, and he walked away from my sister in law when she was questioning him about where our food was), and when I stepped outside to make a phone call I heard a hostess complaining about our group, saying that we were "annoying and stupid" and "what did they expect, they are a party of ten". Well ignorant hostess, there were other parties of ten that received their food in less than an hour and forty five minutes. The food is definitely okay, but the manager is classless and wait staff is rude. I mean really, who verbally berates an 8 months pregnant woman and a 60 year old woman? I was a bartender and waitress for a long time. It's not hard and that kind of behavior is absolutely inexcusable....but evidently the manager condones it. Keep it classy Mi Rancho.
(2)Bob W.
Fun place, with tradition Mexican cafe decor. Food is very fresh, and for the most part very good.
(3)Debbie C.
Great service, good chips and salsa. this is tex-mex so come with slightly lowered expectations. The fajitas are always a safe bet.
(3)Christa A.
Went to Mi Rancho today for early dinner with friends that really like there food. It is not my taste, everything was lacking seasoning. If you want good Mexican food, try Pachanga in Gambrills. they only thing I liked was our company and the outside dining. Total waste of 150 Dollars.
(1)Terri P.
I'm sorry, I have tried this restaurant so many times, and the food is just bad. Everything is bland and awful. I wish it wasn't so, because it's an otherwise good location and kid friendly place. Even the margaritas are bland. If you want awesome Mexican, try Samantha's on University. This place just does not have good food. Sorry.
(2)Sam C.
We were hungry and a family friend treated us to lunch he decided Mi Rancho was the place to go. We entered and the restaurant was really pretty and attractive we got seated in the outside area, They brought us out some chips and salsa, our menus, and i ordered the Plato Grande for one. By the way, those chips with salsa are probably the best i've had at a Mexican restaurant before. I entertained myself with the local wi-fi while the food came out (about twenty minutes after we ordered). The food was excellent my Plato Grande definitely was grande with the grilling pan loaded with chicken,shrimp,carne asada, and bbq ribs, this also included tortillas,mexican rice, and beans and also a small salad in case you decided to put the meats in a tortilla to make a fajita. The meats were all very tender and loaded with flavor in each bite. i made a fajita and it tasted sooo good.... the beans and rice were good too! I finished it so fast i couldn't even believe it. For dessert i ordered Tres Leches Cake, A milky, slice of heaven.... oh so good.. yup the topping seemed to be made by them too not that usual whip cream they always use at most restaurants. This was a really good meal, it definitely made this Salvadoran dude happy! I will certainly come back when in the area and order this same dish again. Oh, service was not the best I had to call them over while they walked by. But who cares the food is great, and there is a nice ambience
(5)Domonique W.
Watered down, over-priced margarita pitchers and average tex-mex food with a friendly staff and yummy complimentary chips and salsa.
(3)Bianca R.
The food was very bland, the margarita mix was horrible which made the margaritas taste watered down and way too sweet. I prob won't go back again.
(1)Sana J.
Came here for appetizers with friends last weekend and loved it. It was pouring rain outside but the outdoor seating was covered so it was a very cool atmosphere. The service was great and attentive. Definitely looking forward to coming back here for entrees!
(4)Monique H.
Had a taste for tacos all week and finally decided to try this place on Friday. We ordered takeout. The wait was longer than what the bartender who took our order said it would be. Decor was authentic, but weird smell inside. If weather permits, eat outside. Restaurant was pretty busy. Food was good, chicken chimichanga, ceviche and beef tacos. Everything was pretty good. We told them to hold the guacamole but was still on our platter. I'd like to go back for sangrias and try something else on the menu.
(3)Eva O.
Come here for a non-remarkable, play it safe kinda experience. Decent food, decent service. I came for a weekday lunch but I can see how the night time ambience would be better...festive, dark interior and an outdoor patio adorned with lights. I ordered the beef chimichanga which came with some side rice, beans, and guac. The chimichanga shell was just the right crispiness and without all the oil bubbles. Surprised it was filled with ground beef but at least it wasn't oily so I didn't walk away feeling gluttonous. I did note though that the restaurant was filled with mostly white couples...perhaps an implication to its authenticity?
(3)Kristin M.
I've been coming to Mi Rancho with my family since birth, basically, or (potentially) actually. I and most of my friends worked here in high school, I waited tables and worked the tortilla machine (burned my hand), and I still end up back here now and then. So, Mi Rancho is close to my heart! However, I almost always order the same things, so weirdly enough, I'm probably not the greatest judge of their food on a grand scale. Nevertheless, I'll speak to what I know! I've always had success with the Burrito Santa Fe (chicken), the fajitas (beef), and the mariscada. I guess they're not amaaazing, but I always leave feeling full, happy and in a good mood! My favorite favorite thing here, the dish that I think is great even in thoughtful comparison with other restaurants, is the Nachos Mi Rancho. Instead of a pile of chips with stuff dumped all over it, NMR has maybe 15-20 chips, each with EVERYTHING on it and cheese melted over it to hold all the goodness in place, topped with a bite of beef or chicken if you choose (go for the beef!). Every bite is equally awesome! This works out great if fairness in sharing is a concern between you and your sibling/spouse (my past/present). :) Don't come with sky-high expectations for a gourmet meal, but do expect a fun dinner (a fuera o al dentro), a personal greeting from one of the brothers who owns the place, and some seriously loaded nachos.
(3)Kristina K.
In hopes of finding a place in a similar genre that was at least moderately acceptable in gustatory arts compared to Samantha's, a Peruvian gem in the SS area, we stopped by Mi Rancho. While I was tuned into the beach-front reminiscent alfresco seating--plastic outdoors chairs and tables under a pleasantly breezy tent that closes in for the winter, this and proximity to the metro were some of the top highlights of this experience. The service was attentive, commendable almost, in that our waitress came by frequently enough to please, and the frozen strawberry margaritas were delightful--but nearly virgin (you know, liquor-free or almost so). Sigh. Though I literally got full before getting even a mild ding after of a buzz after 2 glasses of otherwise delicious, thick, shake-like strawberry, our second choice of a traditional on-the-rocks margaritas was better spiked but left an uncomfortable mouth dryness, presumably owing to the poor chemistry of the lime mix. Impressed by fajitas by the pound for ~$25, an outspoken member of our party ordered 2...as in 2 pounds of beef fajitas. While the quality was alright--a little greasy & a bit fatty, the meat was flavorful and we were utterly, albeit unhappily, stuffed by the end of the meal. As our other friend put it "this place is probably pretty good enough after a night of drinking but not before!". Meh...is all I got for 'Rancho.
(2)Johnny A.
The Tilapia dish is my favorite as well as the plato grande. Service is great and the host/manager/owner is way too friendly. Only complain is ventilation. Be prepared to smell like fried food for hours after you leave unless you sit outside during the warm season.
(3)Jay M.
One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Maryland . Love the Carne asada and the margaritas ( try the peach margaritas !! ) . The price seems to be up there but it's worth it . Been coming here for over more then 10 years and will so continue . I know they have 2 other more locations in MD but the one in silver spring is the best one .
(5)Jeff R.
Something odd must have happened to the one-star raters on their visit. We have been going to Mi Rancho ever since they opened, and like others posting here, we absolutely love this place. The grilled foods--chicken and beef either on fajitas or tacos- is very nicely prepared. The tortillas are house made and delicious. The salsa too. Their guacamole is fresh and tasty, the beans and rice full of flavor. I always get a Margarita (or two) and they are good. Ambiance inside and out is really pleasant. Never had a bad service issue, the chips are freshly made (they come hot to the table). I don't know if they still do it, but they have off-menu goat ribs one night during the week (It used to be Thursday, I think--ask). One reviewer suggested trying a place in PG County, didn't mention the name, but by the location I'm guessing what was referred to was the Alamo in Riverdale. If so, two things. First, the Alamo is a MEXICAN restaurant; Mi Rancho is a Tex-Mex/border restaurant. Second, I grew u eating at the Alamo (in the 60s and 70s) when it truly was a fantastic Mexican fine dining room. It ain't that anymore, hasn't been for 25 years. It's an OK Mexican place. Can't touch Mi Rancho on food quality, ambiance, service or locale. I give Mi Rancho 4 stars because they do what they do as well as it can be done. It's good, casual (as opposed to fine dining) food, a fun place that has a good menu, good drinks, good service, and is run by great people.
(4)Paul M.
Let's start out by saying that if I could rate this place 1/2 of a star or less I would! TWO THUMBS DOWN! A NO GO! I've been to this establishment on several occasions and I can't say that I was ever impressed. But when Mexican restaurants are so scarce in Silver Spring (within walking distance of my home) I am able to get over the minor things that bug me. The food is ridiculously over priced! It's hard to phantom that a couple can spend over $30 for two Mexican entrees, but here you will. I have no problem paying that amount if the food was flavorful and satisfying! The service is slow. I learned not to order a drink ($3.00) because one glass is all you'll get unless you hound your server down. I'd also like to add that the sodas on the patio taste funny! So. Buyer beware. There's been times I've gone with one person, and the food would take 45 mins to arrive at the table. Out of the handful of times Ive eaten at Mi Rancho, last night was the last and final time for me. I went with 5 other friends, we had two servers, which should mean exceptional, and attentive service RIGHT? WRONG! We all placed our orders, and sure enough they all came out together and hot, except a friend ordered fajitas and they literally put two pieces of peppers and 2 onion strips on the plate. So he requested more. 25 mins passed since we received our food, we all finish our food, and now his food is now at room temperature. Hot veggies finally arrive and naturally he wants hot, fresh meat, which should be something they took initiative to do. The meat is taken, reheated and brought back within five mins, dry and over cooked to a tough,rubbery consistency. All of our glasses are empty, chips are empty, salsa is gone, at this point you'd think after all the complaints we've given to our waitress, She'd be a little more attentive and compliant with our requests, after all we are a paying customer, you are there to do a job, and do you care about the hefty tip you could have for a party of 6 hungry men? After numerous occasions of us trying to get her attention, interrupting her chit chatting, and congregating with fellow staff members, also did i mention she was playing with another waitresses hair right in the view of the guests?, I knew that our complaints would not matter, nor would they be corrected to our satisfaction. When we got the check, we first checked to see if the green peppers and onions my friend requested was charged for them, sure enough, they're on the tab. It was only $3.00 but aren't fajitas supposed to come with grilled veggies? Why is he being charged for the veggies that should have been. So we asked to speak to the manger and we explained everything that has taken place in the 90 mins we've been there. He basically tells us we haven't even been in the restaurant long enough to have these events happen (so we're lying), and asks what do you want him to do? He says we must pay for the extra veggies and dismisses himself from the issue at hand. We all pay our bills, the waitress took the veggies off our bill, but informed our Spanish speaking friend (in espanol) that she paid for them out of her own pocket. HOW RUDE! She's having a good 60- 75 second conversation with him in Spanish. I cannot speak or understand Spanish, but I could tell by the look on his face, whatever she said to him was pretty insulting. I asked what she said while she was standing there and he or she would not repeat it to us. I am furious at this point! How tacky and disrespectful that is! My Spanish speaking friend didn't even have the issue with the check! The girl spoke English perfectly well during the course of the night! We exit the restaurant, get down to the corner and he relays what she told him, basically if we caused anymore problems the manager would call the police on us! WHAT?!?! I am completely confused, we didn't start a problem, we're informing you of the problem your wait staff has caused! I can't believe I just gave my hard earned money to a restaurant that doesn't give a damn or appreciate our business. I am usually a generous tipper, and it doesn't take much to please me. I don't expect anyone to bend over backwards or for the waitress to wipe the edges of my mouth with each bite. I just expect them to do their job. In situations like this I usually leave a $1.00 tip but this wasn't even worth the change I could find under the cushions of my couch. I'll never return to this restaurant again, and I'll be sure to let my opinions of this place be known to any and everyone who expresses interest in it. If things are this dysfunctional in open view to the customers what in the heck is going on behind closed doors. I rather go to chipotle or taco bell for my next Mexican cuisine.
(1)Becca G.
Went there last week. The food was excellent had the carne asada and a banana Margarita. The only problem was the wait we had a reservation for 7 and didn't get seated til almost 8. They said our table wasn't ready what's the point of a reservation if the table isn't ready for you at that time. But, everything else was great.
(4)Sarah L.
I'm really surprised at all of the four and five star reviews for this place. I've lived in Silver Spring for a few years now and I've given Mi Rancho a go a few times. Everytime I go the service is slow and inattentive. Drinks are never re-filled, and waiters/waitresses disappear after food is delivered, never to be seen or heard from again... Also, let's talk about the food. It's not *terrible* but it's not very good. I've tried several of the menu items now and they're just...bland. In my opinion the only thing worth ordering are the fajitas. Everything else just isn't that good. If I'm paying $25+ for Mexican food, I want it to be delicious, not "meh." Meh is really the only appropriate way to describe Mi Rancho. If you want delicious and authentic Latino food in Silver Spring, head across the street to Cubanos. Better service, infinitely better food, and a better drink selection.
(2)Joe G.
The chips and salsa are wunderbar. They are absolutely the best part of the meal. Once the rest of the food comes, it all goes downhill ... So much of the food was dry. I came at night so maybe they brought out all the old food they had. The beef fajita was good, but it's something like $20-25 per pound? Come here for chips, salsa and drinks. Other than that, there are plenty of better places to go to.
(2)Laura V.
*Please note that in this review, I will also be doing a "side review" of Kevin L and his tremendous eating skillz.* Mi Rancho was stop numero tres on Mary Kay and Laura's South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole, or heck whatever appetizer we want dammit) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. We were joined by the very hungry Kevin - hungry for food and for life experiences. MKS has dubbed him "Mexican Curious" and I like that. After reading reviews that were all over the map about this place, I didn't really know what to expect. I think this is good because I was a blank slate and ended up really enjoying my experience here. To enter, we walked through a very expansive outdoor area complete with tent and heaters - I think this would be an awesome place for Cinco de Mayo, but I digress. As we walked in, we were greeted by the owner (or manager) with a huge smile and hello. He was at the tortilla machine, churning out warm tortillas. Hmmm...did someone tip him off to yelpers coming??? We were promptly seated in the cute dining area. Not over the top, but cozy. That's when I noticed that Abba's Dancing Queen was on the music system. Folks, this wasn't just any Dancing Queen, this was Dancing Queen en espanol. I knew then that I would love this place. We started with a pitcher of margaritas for Mary Kay... Seriously though, the margaritas were good, if a little sweet. But they had a nice kick of tequila. Not a bad deal at $24 (it easily got us two glasses each). The chips and salsa was more a miss than a hit. The chips were light and crispy, but the salsa was quite bland. Our appetizer was the Flameado with mushrooms, peppers and onions. This was baked queso blanco with the veggies and served with tortillas. This was a LOT of cheese and while I like cheese, it was a little much as it sat in a ball in my stomach. It was quite tasty though - don't get me wrong, I loved it going down. Now for dinner, if you plan on getting a combination platter, you should plan on having no less than 5 plates and bowls in front of you. Kevin ordered one of these combos that had all kinds of stuff - a tamale, enchilada, taquito, chile relleno...plus the rice and beans and guac and sour cream and pico. I tasted his chile relleno and it was wonderful! Now don't let Kevin fool you people. He may be all trim and svelte, but this kid is an eater. But not in a drop your head in the plate and go kind of way. He's methodical, and tastes every bite, then has a mini review about it. I'll let him share the verdict on his meal, but I give Kevin 5 stars on his dining skills. I had the Camerones Mi Rancho - shrimp on a sizzling platter. The shrimp were wonderful! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. I would have liked a few more veggies on the platter, but I made up for it with the pico de gallo and the fabulous home made guac. The tortillas this place whips up are phenomenal. I kind of wish now that I had taken the left over tortillas home with me. They MADE the meal. As with many other mexican places I've been to, the rice and beans were just so-so. Thankfully, they aren't the main meal though and sort of an afterthought anyway. There was so much food on our table and we ate so much that there was no room for dessert, despite the fact that they had one of the largest dessert menus ever seen at a Mexican restaurant. I had a great time here. Food was good, atmosphere was good, our service was fast and friendly. Prices reasonable. I'd love to coordinate a Yelp outing here during the warmer months to check out that outdoor patio. Oh, and Mary Kay wanted me to tell you about the Ox foot drinking flask hanging from the ceiling. Nice touch as you're listening to Dancing Queen en Espanol.
(4)Aesah L.
Solid Mexican food and good prices. The ambiance is pretty casual bordering on cafeteria, at least when you're sitting under the tent in front of the restaurant.
(3)Kelly G.
The food is always AMAZING! We drive all the way from Bowie to enjoy the food!
(5)Eggland B.
Blegh! Maybe this passes for decent Mexican food in Maryland, but I grew up in a California town where the Mexican restaurants outnumber all other restaurants combined, and Mi Rancho wouldn't last a year where I come from. My enchilada sauce was essentially runny tomato water, and my beans and rice were just bland. My tamale was okay, although it had a bit too much masa and not enough filling. My friend's nachos were plain WEIRD. They were artistically decorated in a way that might have been a "nice presentation" at a fancier restaurant, but which under a million Bud Light banners was out of place, plus disappointing in portion for the price. It's fine to eat here if you're hungry and in a hurry and you don't care what you shove in your mouth, but otherwise I think you could probably do a lot better.
(2)Irene L.
Love the portions, prices, and free salsa and chips. It's nice enough to celebrate birthdays and hang out with friends, but not for celebrating anniversaries. Small and fun setting. I prefer their outdoor seating, it's not as cramped. What I'll always order: ceviche and pina colada.
(3)David B.
As a Texas transplant, I'm constantly missing the Mexican food from home. Mi Rancho isn't going to change that. I've eaten here many, many times over the last few years because I think they're the best Mexican place within walking distance for me. (That's not saying much!) Everything I've had here is decent, but nothing is much better than that. Their tortillas are probably the best thing here. The chicken fajitas taste a little sweet to me, almost like they were done in a Teriyaki sauce. I usually get the vegetable fajitas and am pretty happy with those. Service is generally fine but occasionally lapses a little.
(3)Tim M.
I love this place. Fresh made tortilla and chips. Great enchilladas. Friendly service and huge outdoor, covered terrace with fans. Good margeritas. After 5 years in San Antonio Texas, I know Tex-Mex and this place is plenty good.
(4)Nicole P.
Oh you must try their margaritas! They are oh, so, good! They are sweet and strong (just how I like my men, hahaha!) The chips and salsa are addictive. (okay, usually chips and salsa are, but here they are even more so!) I've had both the fajitas and one of their large burritos here before, and they both were awesome. As for the service, the first time I came here, the server was new, and he said so when we first sat down. Given that it was like his second day, he did a really good job. Attentive and friendly. The second time I came here, the server was quite obviously not new, and he was really awesome. So I'd say that the service is pretty darn good. Mi Rancho is a great place to start off your night before going out. Or great for dinner with family and friends. Or just for a margarita. Or whatever. For anything, it works.
(5)Brittany M.
Great service and management! We always get the steak burrito and it never disappoints. Very well marinated -- delicious. They give big portions. You must go!
(5)Semra E.
Do you like Tex-Mex food in the states? ME TOO!!! Do you like watching freshly made tortilla's being made and falling into a basket through a giant machine while you wait to be seated? ME TOO!!!! Do you like wearing a Sombrero while being sung happy birthday to by people you don't know and your friends sitting with you? ME TOO!!!! Well my friend you've found the right place....here's the catch: Silver Spring is the ONLY location that you're going to want to visit because it's the only cool one in the heart of other places to check out. If you're in Gaithersburg, or Rockville, save your money and drive to Rio Grande instead in Bethesda because Mi Rancho is about giving you an experience, not the quality of their food. I mean Jim Gaffigan (comedian, go look him up on YouTube now if you're clueless) said it best. There are 5 ingredients to all Mexican food, tortilla, meat, cheese, lettuce and salsa. But if it's good ol' fashioned Mexican style fun you're looking for, then this is your spot. I guarantee that if you're a female walking in there and are cute, you will get the best self esteem boost of your LIFE. No........really go there. Feeling unloved? Go there....guys too, I'm sure they'll make your mood flip into the positive as soon as you set foot there, that's what's so great about this place. It's a happy place!
(3)Brian W.
I truly wanted to like Mi Rancho just for the open patio. It's a great, casual space with lights strung up and a nice loud and happy vibe. However, I've eaten there twice and both times gotten very sick the next day. The first time eh who knows what it was but after the second repeat performance and the same sickness I've crossed it off my list. I'm very disappointed.
(1)Vandana M.
At any new Mexican place I go to, I always order the old stand by: cheese enchiladas. The ones here were weird. Thick, globby cheese. Yuck. And for some reason, some of us received refried beans and some got whole beans. The patio smells like hot vinyl.
(2)Montez L.
One night my dear sweetie and I decided to go to a new spot or dinner. We began to walk around a came upon Mi Rancho. We sat outside to dine on the large covered patio (which has the capability to be open year round). On seated, we were handed a bowl of fresh chips and salsa, they were quite yummy. We decided to try out the bar and ordered a half pitcher of Sangria. The Sangria is delicious! It went perfectly with the my chicken enchilada platter. We have found a new spot for a quick drink. I will definitely be back for more Sangria soon.
(4)cranzy p.
well maybe a 3.5 because I have not had a drink here yet but I do hear they are pretty good about the margarita making....I dont know though don't really like margarita mix or generic tequila so maybe I'll have a custom made one....just for me I guess...anyway I have been here thrice times mainly because of other people but it's not that bad after all. I do like the manager....he is funny and seems like he really does like people...the wait staff so far have been okay....they have got it wrong one occassion but this was minor and fixable. sometimes the food does take a minute and if you dont have anything else to do then it's worth the wait for the most part....the tortilla chips are good and fresh..they are light and a little oily to give them a little moistness.the salsa i must say is pretty bad...its moderately spicy and tastes like they cook it first...not a good sign....the guacamole is decent though not great....it's a bit dull..too much creaminess and not enough lime and just a subtle hint of salt that tastes generic as hell...could stand some garlic or maybe a mix of onions....i dont know they need to do something with it....and for a large size they dont give you much...i dont know what kind of avocados they use but florida avocados are vicious for balanced guac that can absorb and give flavor as well...hass's are a bit heavier in texture and flavor....takes more to make it live....thats just me though..I have tried a few different dishes in my time here.. first off i had the veggie enchiladas with corn tortillas ....I was very full at the end but I didn't manage to taste very much...It was bland for the most part..even the mole sauce couldn't save it as it was almost just as bland...maybe I should have ate slower and let food roll down my tongue so i could get every nuance available to me and let you know how BLAND! it was....the tamarindo Juice I had was good though I would have liked some refills....free that is.. the next time I went I had some chicken tacos which again were should I say bland save for the sauce they throw on the shredded chicken they put in them...the sauce by itself is good...I should have asked for fajita chicken so I could have least had some smoke with my tacos..i recommend asking for fajita style chicken for your tacos cuz that shit just doesn/t make any sense any other way...peace to jalisco's in corpus christi, TX for the best chicken taco's I've had so far....and the little guac/pico dip they give on the side i recommend putting it on your taco's my last visit saw me order the platas grande for 1 or 2 off of their lunch menu... this is the best item I have had so far from them...the ribs are a little sweet for me but the meat is tender and well cooked... the beef is on the tough side which is kind of funny trying to pull it apart with your teeth along with some tortilla and other friends...it is good though...the chicken was nice and hot and the shrimp was okay..not enough of it but it brought out some flavors in the beef and the ribs that were pleasing...I recommend an extra side of tortillas so you can try out different combinations of meats and see what you like...no organ meats unfortunately but i dont know why I would expect that at a tex mex restaurant...I can get quail at Guapo's which I haven't tried yet but next time...I did like the grilled lemon they serve with it... definitely adds some flavor and so do the pinto beans which are nice and subtle with its fat back and things.... the rice doesn't taste like anything and if you can avoid it...actually i use it to make my multi meat fajita's look fancy.... otherwise I like the outdoor seating as you can see people walking by and respond as you wish...the patio also has a crazy reverb that would be awesome if the talking was replaced by instruments...anyway a good place to have a tex mex lunch or dinner if you don't live too far away or to go and get drunk and not have to drive since downtown silver spring is pretty convenient.... occassionally recommended
(3)Kim W.
We have eaten here three times, over the years. We have always had a great meal. The last one I had the grouper and it came with beans and rice. It was delicious. Cooked just right. Made a fish taco out of one. Three other people ordered the whole Durado fish and they all raved about it. As usual we ordered cheese dip, so between that, the salsa and chips and my meal, I was totally stuffed. They also make great strawberry Daiquiris.
(4)Tami B.
Having spent many years in Texas, I find this doesn't really meet my expectations for 4-star Tex-Mex. However, the tortilla chips are pretty great. Recently I ordered the combo of chicken fajitas, shrimp, and ribs. The two shrimp were fabulous, split, gilled, and not overcooked. The chicken had a sweet taste, like it had been marinated too long in something sweet. The pico de gallo was dry, uninteresting. There were very few grilled onions on the plate and only one slice of green pepper, almost raw. Part of the fun of rolling up a fajita is piling on the onions and pico, so this wasn't satisfactory. The rice wasn't even worth a large bite--very dry and tasteless. The three small ribs had some really sweet sauce on them. The beans were okay. I'll continue to come here because it's close and convenient.
(3)Brent J.
This place has great food and great service! Parking is easy thanks to a public garage a block away. [Parking is free at night and on the weekend]. You can't beat that!
(5)Jonathan M.
Margaritas: wayyyy too sweet. so sweet it hurts. but it gets the job done. Salsa: tastes like tomato sauce. awful Guacamole: wayyyyy to salty. would have been tasty w/ half the salt Pork Tamale: inedible Taco: not so good Enchiladas: REALLY FREAKIN GOOD by comparison. This place was a big let down after reading the other reviews. I will never go again. Stick with the Enchiladas. Didnt feel sick the next day, and the service was great, so it gets two stars.
(2)Patrice R.
We have been going to this restaurant for many years. I held my promotion celebration and retirement event here. It is convenient to the church we attend and often on Sundays it is our restaurant of choice after services. The number one appeal is the consistency of the excellence of the food. It is genuine, tasty and quite satisfying. On occas. the sangria is a bit weak, but for the most part, we always leave satisfied. The owners are very attentive and responsive. We've been to the Rockville Pike location and found the menu items are just as consistently good as the Silver Spring restaurant.
(5)Sean G.
Great (covered) open air space to while away an evening. But that's my first sentence, that should tell you something. READ: The space is the draw, the food is ok -- but a little too pricey to make me a regular.
(3)Kelly S.
My husband wanted to have Mexican for his birthday and thought this place looked interesting, and it does. We went with the kids and a friend, but we were not impressed...at least, not positively. The chips and salsa were meh. It was when we got our drinks, though, that I suspected we were in trouble. For starters, they were topped with a marachino cherry. We'd ordered frozen strawberry ritas and they were from a machine, the tequila was neither decent tequila nor mixed in, and the lot tasted like red food dye #5. Three of us ordered vegetarian combo plates, which they had told my husband they could do. That meant all cheese everything, and wouldn't have been my first choice, but wasn't a big deal. However, the rellenos were mostly fried dough, the beans tasted canned, the first cheese enchilada was really greasy, and the second cheese enchilada was chicken, which my vegetarian husband found out upon taking a large bite. They had given us all chicken. None of us can eat it. We explained the situation and the servers clearly had no idea what to do. I asked them to bring us new enchiladas and some clean plates so we didn't have to worry about the chicken getting into the rest of our food. We never got clean plates, and the enchiladas took long enough that we decided we were done and asked for the check. To top things off, our server explained that this was the fault of the first person who had taken our order. Maybe so, but I don't really want to know, or care. And it wasn't in an "I'm so sorry, but this is what happened kind of way," but more of a "it wasn't might fault kind of way."
(1)Sara E.
Does this place even qualify as texmex? I do not consider myself a texmex snob but, when the veggie fajitas and enchiladas have steamed vegetables (including broccoli and carrots) instead of grilled, there's something wrong. The drinks were good but I would not recommend the food to anyone unless they were trying to trick their kids into eating their veggies. Everyone working there was friendly so they at least have that going for them. Just go there for the drinks. Get your food somewhere else.
(2)Jennifer W.
Pretty typical. I was pleased to get veggie fajitas. The flour tortillas are freshly made. Overall it was a pretty regular Tex Mex place.
(3)Lara P.
I lived in Dallas for a decade so I admit to being a tex mex snob, but Mi Rancho doesn't even qualify as tex mex. I ordered queso and received cheese melted and congealed over chips. Nothing I've ordered the two times I have been here was good. The service is also not good. It's a great place for families though and the kids have their run of the place.
(1)Kelly K.
Mi Rancho is great...nice atmosphere, terrific food, good service, good prices. Our family loves coming here and we do so regularly. It's perfect for families and we always have food to bring home as well!
(4)Jacob C.
For many years now. There has been a place kind of hidden in the Downtown Silver Spring area that has always meant a bit of a home away from home place. This place is Mi Rancho and we have always felt a warm welcome every time we have visited. The staff -including almost always one or several of their owners- are very courteous. When in comes to the quality of the food Mi Rancho is almost above the norm in their combo platters. The tex mex fajitas are very difficult to create as originals but their freshly made flour tortillas make them exceptionally tasting. Do not miss a bite of the plato maria or at least a side order of a chile relleno. A family atmosphere free of trouble makers makes this place a perfect place for family diners or after work drinks. Check if they are still sending you coupons to your cell phone they have some great bargains this way. And save some room for sopapillas as long as you accompany them with horchata or one of their Mexican coffees.
(5)Jason S.
I was visiting DC and found this restaurant via a Yelp search. Overall, the food was slightly above average, but the service they provided me was lousy. Food: I ordered the three beef enchilada with red sauce dinner for $10.95 and my wife ordered the beef soft taco dinner. The portions were plentfiul (neither of us finished the entire portion) and the presentation and taste were 4/5. I enjoyed the complimentary chips & mild salsa and even requested a second serving. I rate the chips 5/5 and the salsa 4/5. Service: Unfortunately, our waitress was one of the worst that I've had in recent years. After our host promptly seated us within 30 seconds of entering the restaurant, we waited 17 minutes before our waitress arrived to take our drink order, at which time we also ordered our meals. It took another 20 minutes for our food to arrive, and that was the last we saw of our waitress for another 25 minutes. Our drinks sat empty during our entire meal and for 10 minutes after we finished. Prior to bringing our bill, the waitress did ask if we'd like another round of drinks, which we declined at that point since we'd already spent more time at Mi Rancho than we had planned. After clearing our plates, we did not see her again until she brough our bill 15 minutes later. A meal that we'd planned to to take 30 to 40 minutes took well over an hour. The good news for other patrons is that the other waiters and waitresses were far more attentive to their customers. We watched three other parties arrive after us, order, eat and leave during our stay. I would visit again, but I would definitely ask the host to seat me at their best server's table. :)
(3)Jessica C.
I love the sangria here so much. I can't seem to stop eating the fruit--between the chips and salsa, my meal, and the fruit from the sangria I always walk out feeling so full, but it's a good kind of full. I especially like the beef fajitas, which was cheaper than the carne asada that my husband got, but seemed to be the same exact dish? Anyway, I can't say enough about the sangria, which is why I gave this place 5 stars.
(5)Vivian K.
Mi Rancho is in Mi Tummy... **cue the "Taco Flavored Kisses" song from an episode of south park** this place seriously makes me wanna sing that song, and expose my tv whore qualities and my taste in bad music.. anyways, Mi rancho is decent in price, great on quality and fulfilling in quantity.. I dunno what more they can do beside place themselves in the top 3 best mexican places i've ever been too. let's do a top five list of what i love: 1) the guacomole is AWESOME.. i dunno if it's just because i love guac to the point that i would drink it outta a bottle, but their guacomole is fresh and spiced to perfection 2) the fajitas- can we say.. just fajita me baby!!! steak is my fave, so when they bring a sizzling pound of steak and place it in front of you, you know that you cannot resist but rub your face with the sauce. mmm..mmm.. mmmmmmmmm.. 3) the fish- now i know most don't order fish atta mexican place, but this place does it's fish good.. the tilapia is tasty, soft but cooked thoroughly, and paired with great veggies and some good ole' rice and beans. 4) sangria- sangria is good for you.. i don't care what people say, but it is.. red wine ( to lower cholesterol and to increase circulation) with the sweetness of fruits like oranges, peaches, and apples i think ( fruits = vitamins and fiber = increase immunity and you know what).. and the nice effect that wine can give you when you're drinking it.. what can be healthier than that?? 5) the margaritas- when you're sitting outside in the summer time or during the end of spring and early fall, there's nothing like margaritas to freshen you up and cool you down as the breeze blows through your hair, and the tequila hits you with a punch! and now to give you a taste of my bad music here is a section of the lyrics to taco flavored kisses: Burrito taco taco! Burrito taco, taco taco! Don't think that just because i gotta lot a money, I'll give you taco-flavoured kisses, honey; To fill all your wishes with my taco-flavoured kisses! Taco taco, burrito burrito, taco taco! Baby, lets make a run for the border, I got a hunger only tacos can stop! I know exactly what I'll order: 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! I need to make a run for the border! If you'll pay I'll take off my top! Do you remember what I want to oder? 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! Yeah, and don't forget the hot sauce, cholo! you can virtual slap me when you're done reading this now..
(4)Zphi S.
Nothing special ... I ordered the Jalisco platter (i believe that was the name) I did not care for the overly bland pork tamale amongst my chicken taco and beef enchiladas. The chips and salsa that they give to you when you are seated are very delicious. Don't park right next door to the restaurant because that parking lot belongs to the Tastee Diner next door. Or risk having your car towed to the nether regions of Maryland ...lol!
(2)Elysia N.
Good old standby for Tex-Mex in a convenient location. Hassle-free parking at the nearby garage, large patio + plenty of indoor seating means I never have to wait for a table. Fresh, warm, crispy-thin chips and salsa keep me coming back. Service is attentive, reliable and quick. Food is not outstanding but more authentic than the nearby Austin Grill. Lots of seafood options, love the ribs, and fajitas are served with fresh tortillas. What more could you ask for?
(4)Vicky R.
I've been going here since 1999. The food is fantastic. I love the fresh tortillas. There are sometimes lines but getting to eat a hot, fresh tortilla that is still billowing as it comes off the tortilla machine makes waiting a pleasure. Tortillas are still warm when served at your table with the food, but there is something about a hot, billowy tortilla. Lots of people come for burritos, enchiladas, etc. Here are my favorities: the seafood soup (plenty of clams, shrimp, and other seafood; pefect with cilantro when sick); the whole, grilled red snapper (delicious!), the fajitas, and of course the magaritas. And the chips are hot and fresh!
(5)Katie W.
I don't really get the hype. The chips and salsa are very good and I agree that the patio is an excellent spot to enjoy a good happy hour, but the food is mediocre at best. The service is hit or miss and the last time I went our server seemed so agitated that we wanted to take our time that she stopped coming to our table altogether. My mother and sister love it, so I know that I will return and will continue to hope for better experiences.
(2)Liz J.
i like the fact that Mi Rancho gives me a tex-mex food option that is within walking distance of my home. I also like that the restaurant has outdoor seating year-round that is well protected should there be rain/snow and outdoor heaters if needed. The food is average compared to other places in the WMA - not bad, but it's not mind blowing either. Although most times the food is good enough, I went here for dinner last night and can say I had enchiladas that reminded me of tex mex food I ate while living in Ft Worth, TX. The food was good! If this place was more consistent with the quality of the food I'd give it more stars. I'd also give it more stars if the servers were friendlier. The server I had last night glared at me when I ordered a pitcher of margaritas for myself and my boyfriend only for me to realize that I had only grabbed my credit card and not my ID before leaving home, and thus having to order something far less expensive than a pitcher of margaritas. He had no reason to be mad about it - it's not as if he left the table, came back and then asked for IDs. It was maybe 15 seconds before I realized it and had to change the drink order and he was visibly irritated by it. Maybe it was the sobriety, but I found his service less than stellar. Maybe if I had those couple of margaritas I would have found him pleasant and a better server than I did. He would've received a better tip as a result of my tipsy-ness, but alas, he was tipped for his overall service, which was only so-so.
(3)Lindsay H.
Mi Rancho--no me gusto. I had high hopes for Mi Rancho after reading reviews and hearing from friends that it was good. A group of friends and I sat out on the patio, which was very nice on a hot day. The margaritas were pretty good, but the food was BLAND, the sort of dialed-down gringo food you'd expect in places like Minnesota, but have no place around here. Bring on the heat! I'll probably go back at some point, but frankly, the food's better at Matamoros in Wheaton, if lacking the nice patio.
(2)Steve G.
Mi Rancho certainly isn't muy raunchy, but the food is nothing special. Can't go wrong with fajitas, right? Well, these were very ordinary fajitas. I will cut Mi Rancho a little slack, as I was there, along with a large percentage of Silver Spring, for Cinco de Mayo. I imagine this played a part in the fajitas not coming to the table all asizzle, a fabulous conflagration of barbacoa-breathing vato vapor. That's half the reason to get fajitas in the first place: just to see your neighbors enviously staring at your entree, mouths agape; their boring pile of cheese-fettered dish-plate tortillas just lying there like a Zenadine Zedanye head-butting victim. Meanwhile, your steaming succulence sizzles and delights all at the table, clearing sinuses, bringing a mexican rainbow of joy to your face. Nope, these fajitas came as an unceremonious pile of meat half-stuck to the iron plate. Oh, and with one, uncooked, unseared, uncharred, raw segment of green pepper circumference. That and the sides of beans and rice were the adornments for this dish (well, and the ubiquitous guacamole and sour cream). Highly average and disappointing. I give the stars for the atmosphere. The huge canopy of a patio was loud fun and great to be sitting in. I'd like to go back on a non cinco-de-mayo day, when there aren't more gringos than a Texas roadhouse bar on the barbecue music circuit, and see what this place can deliver. For now, two stars sums up my experience.
(2)Holly C.
It's a nice Tex Mex place in downtown Silver Spring, with a giant patio, great margharitas and fresh salsa. The menu has lots of items, the waiters understand you and you understand them. The vibe is easy going and the place is affordable. Good for groups or couples.
(4)Chris M.
I have been going to Mi Rancho with people from work and with my family for six years now (even before the big covered patio!). The people there really friendly and our kids love it there. Both our son and daughter have had their birthday dinners there and worn the sombrero. Very kid friendly but good food and drinks for adults too! Anytime we ask our son where he wants to go for dinner he immediately says "Mi Rancho!"
(5)Angel B.
Mi Rancho is not the best Mexican restaurant ever, but it a great one to have in a neighborhood. I'd choose Mi Rancho over a place like Austin Grill at anytime. The prices are reasonable, and the margaritas are tasty. I've never sat inside, but I love the patio outside with the decorations and lighting adding a festive touch.
(4)Nancy J.
Love Mi Rancho. Look, this place is not haute cuisine, it is a local Tex Mex joint with tasty salsa, fresh homemade chips and tortillas, and more-than-passable fajitas. I usually get the fajitas or the salmon, both filling and fairly priced. I'd pass on the gluey enchiladas, but if you know what to order (and have a nice cocktail to start), you will have a pleasant meal. Great for families too - especially the surprisingly nice and large outdoor space.
(4)Dawn C.
Yuck. Food had no taste whatsoever. Drinks were small and lukewarm. Service sucked. FIve waiters and the manager standing around chatting and giggling like school girls while we waited 15 feet away for service. Great patio but better places to spend your money.
(1)Natalie F.
Had dinner here last week with a friend and had heard really good things about this place so I had some expectations. Unfortunately I was disappointed, which I would have been even with the expectations. First they apparently don't have Happy hour? We asked before we were seated and the host said they didn't have any happy hour specials! So we sat out on the patio for dinner. We started with a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks with salt. Which was the best part of the meal. The pitcher was ENORMOUS and the margaritas were delicious and strong! Between 2 people it was plenty, we each had almost 4 each for 25.00! The chips and salsa were so bland and tasteless. I ordered the large spinach quesidilla, which was very large and came with tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream. The quesidillas were made with typical white flour tortillas, nothing special and with cheese and what seemed like frozen chopped spinach. Every other spinach quesidilla I have ever had was made with fresh chopped spinach, it's so much better and fresher! My friend got the vegetable enchiladas, which he said were really good. I did try his re fried beans which were more like a whipped bean dip from a can, no good! The service was good, almost too good. I felt a little rushed during the entire meal. Don't think I'll be back, I'd rather go to Cactus Cantina.
(2)Zak S.
I've been to this place several times and it just seems to go downhill each time. I've come to the conclusion that it's a decent place to go have some chips (light and crispy), salsa, quesadillas and margarita's while sitting outside with some friends. The few times I've gone for dinner and anything substantial it's been a huge disappointment. The fish tonight had bones... and the rice and beans were as bland. The service depending on who you get is just mediocre.
(2)Rachel S.
I loved living close to Mi Rancho! It was affordable Mexican food with a good atmosphere. The patio is great in the spring and summer time, but even during winter there is ample seating inside. The margaritas are very good. I generally base my love for Mexican restaurants based on their chips and salsa, and I can say that Mi Rancho is at the top of my list in that department. Sadly, since I moved back into DC I probably won't be coming here anymore, but I will miss it! But just because I am too lazy to get on the Red Line does not mean the rest of you should miss out! Give Mi Rancho a try.
(4)Brenda A.
Without the good service and obvious care of the owner the food might be a 3 star. Overall it isn't bad and I always appreciate how quickly they serve the food. So it makes a good quick lunch stop. After multiple visits it is always decent experience.
(4)Shayron B.
Yummmm We love Mi Rancho. Delicious salsa, homemade chips and tortillas to die for. Delicious eats, don't skip dessert.
(5)Mark P.
I thought I'd written a previous review of Mi Rancho but apparently not, maybe I fell face down into the tortillas before finishing it. Anyway... My first visit was on Easter Sunday, a delightful day and the specialty was lamb chops appropriately enough.( not a regular menu item). They were delicious, the service was great and I was ready for 4 stars. A second visit a few weeks later was not as much fun. It was very average Tex-Mex. The salsa was under seasoned, the chips too thin. Tacos were just about Ok but again underseasoned. Enchilada was drowned in American cheese and sauce from a can or at least it tasted that way. Oddly, only one pork item on the menu, ribs. Service was excellent and even though it was crowded we got a patio seat right away. Based on the first time around I'd elevate those two stars to two and a half but next time we'll just go there for a beer and eat elsewhere.
(2)Jono S.
One word: Tortillas--that's why you should go to Mi Rancho--piping hot, flour tortillas freshly made, albeit by hand-fed machine that sits at the front of the restaurant where you can see the dough gradually transform into magical goodness. Truly, is there really any other compelling reason?
(4)Stacie C.
Nachos, fajitas, margaritas. All my favorite itas in one place. The ribs here are so frickin good. We love to go and sit outside on the patio. I can always get a table here on the weekends which is more than I can say for most of the chain restaurants in the Spring. It's my go to restaurant when I need a place for a large group of people or if I can't figure out where else I want to go. Love to get the Plato Gordo and share with friends.
(4)Cinthia R.
I go to Mi Rancho, my favorite neighborhood restaurant, for 3 reasons: 1) The cheap prices, ie: $8.99 for an entree of enchiladas (my favorite dish there!) 2) The tortilla chips - they are some of the lightest, crispiest ever! Before my entre gets on my table, I always finish an entire basket of chips first (and sometimes even ask for a second basket). 3) The atmosphere - when you're out in the covered patio with all the colored lightbulbs above your head you feel like you're attending some big Mexican wedding. It's fun and festive! Definitely a great place to hang out with friends or celebrate with family.
(4)RonAnderson ..
One of the very best Tex-Mex restaurants in the DC area, and you can get here easily by Metro--an easy 5 minute walk from the Silver Spring metro station. I've been here many times and it has never let me down. The steak fajitas are delicious and the tortilla chips are home-made and light and crisp. Margaritas are also tops here. Come in the summertime where they open up their big outdoor patio area. It's pretty busy on weekends but worth the wait. After dining, save room for dessert, since you can walk over to the new Cakelove that's in the Downtown Silver Spring shopping complex.
(5)Christina S.
Even though I'm sitting here at 4 am with a stomach ache because of this place I'm giving it two stars instead of one because it is really a nice place to go- if only the food weren't so bad! Because really, that's the main reason most of us go out, right? So how did I summon up two stars instead of one when I probably will never eat there again? Ambiance and service are pretty high on the list. I like the patio area and even the inside is nice. Watching the tortilla machine is fun for the little ones (okay, even I like to watch it for a few minutes). It's a great place for large groups and for families where the noise from your table will blend in with everything else but because it is technically outside (more like a tent in the winter) it never reaches a nerve rattling level. If only the food were better! The tortillas are yummy and fresh made... although they are quite a bit fluffier ad blander than REALLY good homemade tortillas. Husband really likes the ceviche... I'm rather ambivalent about it. A few too many pieces of mystery mixed in, like they didn't trim the fish as nicely as I would like. The chips, while fresh, are just soaked through with old tasting oil. Not good. So I shared the steak fajitas combo with veggies with husband. I was in the mood for some lean red meat and grilled veggies. It seems that they sauteed the meat in oil (and completely unevenly cooked) first and the veggies!! Oh, how I was looking forward to a nice plate of grilled onions and bell peppers and maybe some other grill suited veggies thrown into the mix. What came to the table on the fake little sizzling plate was BROCCOLI and CARROTS with onions that had all been STEAMED beforehand. Don't get me wrong, I'm adventurous with my veggies but somehow I couldn't roll a piece of steamed broccoli in a tortilla and call it a fajita. I dunno, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant or mushrooms even but to me, call me crazy, the operative word in fajita making is GRILLED. I've tried the chicken fajitas before and maybe I'm picky here, but the chicken had skin and icky bits in it and didn't go down well. (no veggies on the rg. meat fajita plates). Ive had enchiladas there too and again, the chicken had skin on it (all rolled up in there) and everything else about it was completely unremarkable. And one more thing- the guacamole tastes like it came from a powdered mix. At least I don't think I have food poisoning...
(2)Yasmin M.
The chips were good; however the salsa did not taste fresh. The service was slow and our waitress was not friendly. Because this was my first time here, I decided to order something basic, so I pordered chicken tacos. They tasted like there was some type of chemical or additive in them. The margarita's were awful, so we tried sangria. It was too tart. Overall it was a bad experience. I will not be eating here again.
(1)Mario G.
Have been here a few times. Not great food, but ok. The meats are cooked well, the rice and beans are not. The vegetables are neither presented well nor very tasty. However, it is about the only real 'Mexican' solution I have found in SIlver Spring so far. Granted its more tex-mex, but most other restaurants claiming to be Mexican have too many central american influences (Guapo's for example). Always bustling with people, a good choice for a small bill and pre-movie date night. Or for a bunch of friends grabbing some quickly served food.
(3)Steve Y.
Well, after reading all the previous reviews I guess most people would be unsure as to whether this is a good or a bad restaurant. I live just a few blocks from Mi Rancho and had my first meal there the first day I moved into the neighborhood. Since then I've probably been back half a dozen times or so. As people have commented, its a place you want to like - the patio is inviting (although it can get noisy and the inside is a little tacky) and even from a block or two away it always smells so damn good. The food is reasonably priced, fairly typical tex-mex food. It's not the best in the DC area, but its perfectly acceptable. I lived in Austin, Texas for 14 years but I'm not about to tell you that restaurants up here don't know how to cook tex-mex - I just don't believe in that whole theory of "geographical capability" that invades the restaurant review scene. This is an average (and I don't mean that in a bad way) tex-mex place just like the average tex-mex places in Austin or anywhere else for that matter. Is it worth going more than a couple of metro stops for - no, but I like having it in my neighborhood for those odd times when I just want a decent enough margarita and fajitas.
(3)Brian M.
If you're craving some semblance of Mexican food and you happen to be on the same block and don't feel like walking an extra few blocks, sure. Stop in for some grub. Not much of a selection and the service has gotten worse and worse. Shouldn't have to wave like a drowning person across the room to the wait staff for service. Last time I ate there (lunch), I was sick that night and didn't get over it for two days.
(2)M G.
I am actually very disappointed with this restaurant and the way that they deal with restaurant mishaps or customer issues. I have visited this location several times for small business meetings and I usually enjoy my meal. We had a company meeting with about 25 people who attended this past July and as you can imagine, we spent a significant amount of money. Mind you, we had made prior reservations so they knew to expect us (a few eeeks before). We were seated inside and sweating buckets. Several of us tried to fan ourselves down with menus but they did very little to cool us down. The staff fussed with the air and kept promising us that within minutes, the room would cool down, but it just didn't seem to work. We tried to make the best of it but as sizzling fajitas surrounded us, there was no way any of us were able to enjoy our highly anticipated mexican feast. I ended up calling to speak with someone who claimed that she was the owner, to let her know that we love to have events at Mi Rancho and that this last experience was difficult to enjoy because of the extreme heat in the room. They didn't try to accommodate us at all. They could have moved us to a cooler room upstairs but wanted to save those seats for smaller groups. No apologies. She said that it was hot that day and that there was nothing that she could do and left it at that. I'd say that is bad customer service. I will also say that this group of 25 will no longer be visiting your establishment as a group since you don't seem to appreciate having a large group there.
(2)Jonah P.
I have been a loyal customer to Mi Rancho- Silver Spring for over a year but no longer will I be eating at this restaurant. On top of the food being extremely overpriced, the menu they have online is inaccurate nor do they care to honor the pricing. Be aware of the false advertising/ pricing on the Yelp page because they do not honor it even with you providing proof of what could easily be a mistake. After showing them proof the employee claims that Mi Rancho does not have a Yelp account. Stay away from this place if you think you will be getting the prices honored on Yelp.
(1)Anthony C.
Love the Rancho. Fresh made torltias, and chips, and great Tex-Mex. I have traveled quite a bit through Mexico, and mi Rancho is a good American version of those foods. Way more cheese and sour cream soaked on all its dishes than you find south of the border. I always feel like the true south west dishes, that are inspired by Mexican food, are a lot spicier than the average person in our area would be willing to tolerate. Mi Rancho's guacamole has an original taste--everyone seems to like it, but it is a bit different than the standard. I really like their chiles rellenos. Very mild chili, and super flavorful. I end up scooping off a lot of the cheese, but one of these is almost a meal in itself. I have had the tacos and burrito. Their fajitas are amazing. Everything is done fresh and clearly made to order. The staff is on top of their game. Eating on the patio when the weather is nice is a nice experience. I am always pleased when we eat there.
(5)Nicholas A.
The food is fast and exceptionally delicious, but possibly the best thing about Mi Rancho is that they're consistently great. The fajitas are some of the best I've ever had, the carne asada is delicious, and the margaritas are perfect. Baltazar is one of the friendliest, most attentive servers at any restaurant. The prices are totally affordable, especially if you get a meal large enough to include leftovers. The only downside is that they charge for cheese and sour cream, but even that'll get a pass because it's healthier without!
(5)Bridget M.
Solidly good Mexican food. Nothing amazing, but the complimentary chips and salsa were great, as was the spinach dip we ordered as a starter. The BF and I both ordered chicken chimichangas, and while mine was slightly burned, it was, nonetheless, good. Not the huge size that most chain Mexican places will give you, though still filling (rice and beans come on the side). The service isn't anything to write home about--we had two waitresses who seemed to be alternating, and while they weren't unfriendly or anything, they didn't seem too thrilled to be there. That being said, we were served pretty quickly, and were in and out in about 45 minutes. I guess Sunday nights aren't too busy for them. Overall, I plan on going back. Not amazing, but would be a good place to meet with friends for some drinks and solid Mexican cuisine.
(3)Tom B.
I would post no stars or even a negative star if that was possible. This was perhaps the worst restaurant that I have ever eaten in. It was dirty my food had a hair in it and they didn't even replace the food or comp it. The staff was slovenly, lazy and slow. The bear was warm but since it was in a bottle was the only thing safety consume in the entire restaurant. I would rather eat gums scraped off the bottom of the public bench than eat at this restaurant.
(1)Laurie K.
Overall, Mi Rancho is an attractive, fun place to go, with good service. But what do you go to a restaurant for? The food. They really hollowed out the amount of meat and toppings that you get with an order of fajitas, plus the price has gone up. We sat on the patio on a cool day, and they had the heater on, but it was very hot and uncomfortable.
(2)Christin N.
The food is good, prices are fair, and ,when it's warm out, we love eating in the outdoor covered area! Some of the drinks can be a bit pricey but if you order a pitcher, it's a better deal. Willing to work with food allergies and the owner is good about coming around. Parking Tip: don't park in the diner lot right next door. Go across the street to the garage (free after rush hour).
(4)Emily C.
Good food, chips and salsa were great, quick service for the most part. Our waitress must've been slow because we had to ask three separate times for a menu and she first brought us 1 menu for two people, then a drink menu, then finally another menu for food. I ordered the chicken enchilada and it was great. Reminded me of Chuy's enchiladas except much more cheesier which wasn't a bad thing surprisingly. Super yummy.
(4)Eric T.
Food quality was not great and a little pricey, but the service was excellent. From the waiters to the managers they couldn't have been nicer. They were all very patient with my twin three year olds and all made a point to interact and entertain them so my wife and I could actually eat. Even the girl running the tortilla machine (which is totally cool...haven't seen one in a while) made sure to say hello to my boys who were fascinated by it. I would go back again, hopefully when it's a little warmer they have an awesome outdoor patio area. Thanks Mi Rancho, it was a nice dinner with the family.
(4)Sara M.
Consistently good. Their chips are warm, thin and crispy - we always end up asking for another basket (or 2 :P) without fail. We usually order the Plato Grande and it is always hot, juicy and flavorful. Their homemade tortillas are so fresh, I would probably be happy just eating those alone. I can always appreciate a place where management is involved (greeting customers, helping serve tables, etc.) - my favorite tex-mex restaurant in the area.
(4)Ray B.
My meal started off with homemade chip and salsa which was spicy but delicious. We ordered a grilled chicken and steak taco salads. The salad and meats was delicious fresh veggies. Will visit again service was excellent.
(4)Bianca F.
This place works for me. In fact I think it has gotten better over time. During this last visit, we were greeted by the owner & we were able to get a table inside to watch the World Cup. I was hungry so we ordered the shrimp and steak quesadilla, the chicken and beef fajitas, and some margaritas. It was good! The tortillas were fresh; chips and salsa, yum! I was in my happy place with my belly being full and no problem getting a table or parking outside. See you soon Mi Rancho!
(3)Carmen S.
Not sure what the negative reviews are about - especially regarding the service! We found the service to be exceptional - on par with super high end restaurants in the District that have cost us 3-4X the price of a meal here. We had water and fresh chips and salsa on the table before I could even put my gloves/hat away. Now for you faux-Mex fans, their table salsa is made mild, with fresh tomatoes (the lighter red salsa on the right in my pic). Most of you are used to cooked tomato salsa, which often more closely resembles tomato paste in texture... but this is not what you can expect here. Now if you can HANDLE THE HEAT, I recommend asking for their salsa picante (spicy salsa) which was wonderfullllll... full of flavor and spice, but NOT for the weak of palate. We had a small pitcher of their Mi Rancho margaritas and their Rancheros nachos between the two of us. The only reason why I give them four and not five stars is because I prefer a 100% agave and lime margarita, with NO MIX whatsoever. The perfect margarita is simply fresh lime juice, agave nectar, sea salt, and high quality tequila. Basta. That's it. I would pay twice the price for this margarita, in this ambience, with their salsa picante.
(4)Scott F.
I absolutely loved my meal at Mi Rancho! The service was quick and the food is delicious. We sat outside and the gentle breeze was very pleasant. Loved the margaritas too! Can't wait to go back. They have in house made tortillas which o couldn't get enough of.
(4)Nicki M.
I've always enjoined the Chimichungas at Mi Rancho, buy this review is about the new Chocolate Margarita. It's good, but not great. Think Chocolate Martini but with tequila. I did LOVE the fact that our super awesome server took the drink back and had the bartender pump up the chocolate. The finished product was a winner! If you're looking for a fun chocolate drink, try it. But if you want to have a Tex-Mex night on the town... stick to the more traditional tequila cocktails.
(4)Keke W.
Love the food great manager! Decent location and atmosphere! I will definitely return!
(5)Rich G.
I live in the neighborhood and have been eating at Mi Rancho since 1993. The food and service are consistently good. Not great, but very good, maybe a half-step down from Rio Grande. I've never left Mi Rancho feeling angry or disappointed. The place does need a bit of an update, as it really hasn't changed much over the years, with the exception of the outside porch which they remodeled about 10 years ago. If you like Sangria, theirs is pretty good. Beer list is typical TexMex - Corona, Tecate, etc. Could use an upgrade there was well.
(4)Kassity L.
Really nothing special. Your typical Tex-mex fare. A bit on the pricey side for Tex-mex. I would 't recommend this place unless you are really craving Tex-mex. Coming from Texas, I have definitely had better Tex-mex. The sangria was also ok, the wine that was used tasted cheap and slightly sour. Service was good though, and the outside seating area was nice.
(2)Sydney L.
I'd like to think of myself as a Mexican food expert--it is by far my favorite cuisine and I eat it every chance I get. I've tried at least a dozen mom and pop Mexican joints in DC and Mi Rancho is by far the best. Chips are perfectly crispy and salsa is delicious with a good kick. I don't know why anyone bothers getting an appetizer when they give you chips and salsa for free. Their outdoor patio is huge and a great spot to enjoy when the weather is nice. And can I just talk about the steak fajitas for a minute? They're amazing. Like "last meal on earth" amazing. The chicken is great too--lots of flavors and very moist. Enchiladas with green sauce also packed a ton of flavor. Sauce was light, but not a lot of kick. Beef inside was the true star of the dish. All the meats here are well prepared and flavorful. Portions are large and price is on par if not slightly cheaper than every other Mexican restaurant I've been to in DC. In conclusion, get your ass to Mi Rancho. Now.
(5)Amy S.
This is one of my family's favorite restaurants. The food and service are consistently good. We love sitting on the patio in the warm weather.
(5)Harper D.
Love this place!! Great margaritas, delicious authentic food, and great service! The nachos and tacos are my personal favorites! This is my number one place in Silver Spring to bring friends and family. Highly recommended!
(5)Marcela S.
I have been there a lot of times with my daughter. I always ordered the same carne asada very tender juicy, fresh. I went there for my weeding with fam and friends unfortunately the food was soggy, the carne asada was old and chewy. My husband was disappointed i had told him the food there was delicious and fresh, now every time i try to go back he says noooooo I am not going to spend money on food thats its not good sorry
(3)Liz S.
Meh. I stopped here for lunch the other day, by recommendation of my sister who lives here. Our conversation went like this, "Are you sure this place is OK? They only have 3 stars on Yelp." Her reply, "Yea it's awesome. Trust me." My sister just had a baby, so maybe she hasn't had their margaritas in over a year. Mine tasted like high fructose corn syrup washing out a hint of tequila somewhere. You can scroll through my countless reviews on Mexican-Tex-Mex places, and this one is just above Don Pablo. Prices are right, so you can't complain in that department. The food was just OK. I settled for a chicken quesadilla because I didn't see fish tacos on the menu. My husband had nachos, which is your typical 6 nacho platter with cheese melted on top and the "sides". The chicken quality was decent and the service was good.
(3)Michelle B.
Not bad at all. I stopped in for dinner and a drink and was not disappointed. I enjoyed my frozen margarita along with my dinner. I didn't know what to get, so I ordered the combination that came with the chille relleno, chicken enchilada, taco al carbon, and tamale. Everything tasted great except for the chicken enchilada. I didn't care for it at all, but I liked the rest of my dish. I would try Mi Rancho out again in the future.
(3)Jim F.
Food was amazing. Had one if the best chicken quesadillas I've ever had. Ingredients taste exceptionally fresh, chips seemed homemade. Great food hands down. The services as decent too, except the server was not happy about splitting our checks for us. We were a group of six college students and we let her know beforehand so it shouldn't have been an issue, especially since they are more likely to get a bigger tip with separate tips. Nonetheless, it was great was great authentic Mexican food.
(4)Alex O.
Nice tex-mex! Like the chips and salsa and the refills for it. As far as I'm concerned I had a lovely waitress who was very attentive us and made some great recommendations. Carne asada was juicy and the chicken enchilada was a little too smothered but taste was great. Prices are a bit high and my taqitos were a little over cooked. I liked the scenery and presentation.
(4)Hannah D.
Worst mexican food I have ever had. The food was bland and looked like frozen food heated up. The margaritas were OK but nothing great. The service was good but the food was terrible!!
(1)Alice R.
Mi Rancho worked out all the kinks. Now to match great service and food and ambience, they have perfected the Cadillac margarita. My go to place!
(5)Martica C.
I'm just not a fan of their food, but friends insist on coming here for bday celebrations....i think they just come to wear the sombrero:-)
(2)Cherrelle L.
Overpriced for the quality of food. Unfortunately, our waitress was rude and ready for her shift to end. That took away from our experience. Their free chips and salsa were yummy! The fajitas are probably the best thing going. I have heard great things about their margaritas too. :)
(3)Michelle W.
Gringo Mexican food....I got the beef soft tacos and they were fine...a bit on the pricey side, but the portion was generous with a rice, beans and lettuce on the side. The rice was a but bland as were the tacos. Come here for the margs, but not for authentic Mexican food
(2)Alex C.
I was super excited to go here... then I went. SO EXPENSIVE! I mean, it's not the most expensive place in town but for how low quality the eats are, the prices just don't make sense. If all the plates were $3-$5 cheaper I'd have given this one 4 stars! The Margarita was ok but at a happy hour price of $5.95...get outta my face! Also, the chips were stale and I always judge a Mexican restaurant by the freshness of their chips. I won't be going back to this place.
(2)Karen Q.
Food, drinks, atmosphere, and service is not the issue - all were just as expected. Definitely choose the strawberry margarita over the red sangria, though. The issue was that the owner was extremely rude to the people in my fairly large party. We were enjoying the patio after the end of a very long school year...saying goodbye to colleagues who were moving on...And after a few hours, the patio began to fill up with families with kids. The owner came over and said we were too loud. We were ok with that, and adjusted our volume. Then he came over again and said he'd reserved our table and we had to leave. There were several open tables all around us. We asked if we could move inside; he said there was no room. Then the manager came over and said we could stay. We ordered more drinks and food. The owner came by five minutes later and said we had to leave immediately. We gathered our things and walked out. The poor waitress had no idea what was going on; when we explained she (rightly) asked who was going to pay for the drinks she had just delivered to our now empty table. We explained the situation, and suggested that we deal with the owner, as none of this was her fault. The owner came striding over, quite aggressively, and screamed at us! "You aren't going to pay your bill! I'll call the police!" We had already paid for every single thing, plus a hefty tip, but we were not about to pay for full drinks delivered after we were asked to leave. It took the owner a while to understand this. Needless to say, no one in our group of approximately 20 people will ever return to Mi Rancho. Too bad. They have a great patio.
(2)Jennifer A.
There are some things I love about this restaurant: homemade tortillas, the queso fundido, and the steak fajitas. I also appreciate how they have a house hot sauce! However, this place has dishes which are overpriced. For example, you can't get a side of guac, but rather, have to buy a full dish of it for about 6 dollars or so. The margaritas don't seem to contain super fresh ingredients. Also, they don't have very many salsas or unique dishes. Despite these issues, the homemade tortillas are really outstanding and make the trip to the restaurant worth it.
(3)Brenton W.
I've lived across the street from Mi Rancho for a year now and finally made it over there. It's what you can expect. I was really happy with the selection of various Mexican Beers outside of your usual Corona, Tecate, Modelo and Pacifico. They offered at least three or four brews I've never heard of -- not that you're going to get anything that really WOWs you in regards to Mexican brewed beer, but if you're into experimenting with beers across the board, you'll find a Mexican based beer that you've probably never tried before. Obviously, they have a fine selection of Margaritas, as well. I got the soft taco dinner (3 soft tacos w/cheese, lettuce and tomato and your choice of beef or chicken). I had zero complaints. Loved it. I just wasn't feeling experimental that day. Everyone else was very happy with their order. We'll be back and not take a year to get to it.
(3)Jamie B.
Mi Rancho is good, but not quite up to snuff with its competitors (Guapo's, Cactus Cantina, etc.). I say this having ordered here both in-house and take out, many times. I have ordered for just myself and for a group, and the food is inconsistent, at best. My husband loves enchiladas and he swears theirs are just okay, but I honestly cannot stand them! The poor tortillas are DROWNING in that red sauce, and it just drowns out the flavor. The fajitas, being a dryer commodity, are a bit better. Though in the case of the fajitas, inconsistency played a huge factor. One time, they were moist, juicy, delicious chicken fajitas. Another time I felt like I was eating the leg muscle of a camel or something. It was tough, dry chicken and just tasted so...bland. So, I give Mi Rancho 3 stars since the food has been inconsistent.
(3)Rachel E.
The food here is great. The only thing i would change is that the prices for basic fair are a bit steep and the salsa is BOOOOOOOO-----RRRRRRING. Other than that, i love the ambiance, the service and everything else.
(4)Brian S.
Stopped in for lunch after church one Sunday. The food was pretty good - I had the chimichangas and have no complaints. Atmosphere was great - I will definitely be back with friends. Service was exceptional - dare I say it was too fast?
(4)Kristen H.
I have eaten and gotten takeout here several times and it has never disappointed me. The portions are big and reasonably priced. I love getting the Burrito Santa Fe. I'm a big cheese person and that burrito has plenty of it and plenty of juicy ground beef. The owner and staff are pretty friendly. If you want great Mexican food they will not let you down.
(4)Danielle P.
This place has become more and more disappointing with each visit. I so much wanted to love this place because it is SO CLOSE to my apartment. However, each time I visit, the quality of the food diminishes. Don't believe me? Visit #1: I visited after first moving to Silver Spring, and took a friend to say thanks for helping me move.The service was outstanding. The food was the closest thing to Mexican that I have had here in a long time (native Arizonan saying this). And my margarita was tasty. Visit #2 (takeout): I wanted some nachos, and happened to stop by while I was walking home. The lady taking my order was rude. I think she was annoyed to be taking to-go orders, but oh well. My order was cooked really fast and I hurried home to enjoy. Oh man, these were some amazing nachos (native Arizonan saying this). Best of all, they separated the guacamole, pico, and sour cream so my nachos wouldn't get soggy. So sweet!! Visit #3 (takeout): I wanted more nachos! This time I ordered the Mi Ranchos Nacho (or Nachos Mi Ranchos, I don't remember) and they were missing the beans. WTF! Visit #4 (takeout): Alright, I am going to go back to my original nachos order: Nachos Rancheros. I open my container and see that the nachos are burned. The pico, guac, and sour cream is not separated. I have burnt, soggy nachos. *Tear. As you can see, Mi Rancho is on a decline. Also, you can see that I am a nacho fiend. I find this to be very upsetting because I really love nachos. *Sigh.
(2)Sakeeeennnnaaa H.
Service! What service? I was really disappointed. The restaurant is right across from a parking garage, and on the side streets there's metered parking. We go inside sit at an uncomfortable flimsy chair, and check out the menu. It's standard tex mex fair. I'm not sure if it was the lunch menu( around 4pm) but there wasn't much offered. We check out the many options( note the sarcasm) settle on the shrimp fajitas, and after ordering are ignored. I didn't get 1 refill on my drink, neither did my companion. We get our food, and were told our waitress will bring our tortillas, we ordered fajitas. Never happened. Someone came to get our plates I complained, and she apologized. They remembered to bring the check of course. When leaving I asked to speak to the manager, told him what happened. He apologized, and said if you didn't like the service, then don't leave a tip. DUH! He said if we were to come back he hopes we have a better service. He then started talking about being tired from running in the cherry blossom race or something. I was very dissapointed. the food was ok. I'm from the SW I wouldn't say it's the best Mexican I've had. I think Cactus Cantina on Wisconsin Ave has better food, an the service is always awesome. I won't be back.
(1)Melissa S.
I've been here twice now and honestly I've enjoyed this restaurant each time. During my most recent visit, as soon as my boyfriend and I walked through the door, we were instantly greeted by a smiling face. The gentleman made us laugh with a cute joke and then sat us very quickly. The service was fast and friendly. The steak fajitas are amazing. My boyfriend has said both times now "I need to know how they make their steak." The steak marinade is soooo yummy. I will definitely be coming back here when I'm in the mood for some Mexican.
(3)Heike Y.
I am sorry to say that it really was just Meh. Everything about Mi Rancho was just average. Food, service, drinks and the sopapillas just bad ( a mess of thick dough) Nothing what they should be - light, fluffy pillow like fried dough. Will not be back.
(2)Diana J.
Great mom and pop no frills place that has been around for years and years. Typical fare burritos, tamales, enchiladas, etc. Very affordable prices. Great staff they seem to work as a team. Chicken tortilla soup is nice and spicy. Tres leche cake tasted stale but interestingly the strawberries tasted fresh. I've ordered it twice and both times I was underwhelmed by the cake. Large portions. Great patio seating that I believe is heated during the winter.
(5)Mike C.
I've been here a million times over the past ten years. The freshly made chips and salsa are the best in the entire DC area! All of the entrees are of high quality and the margaritas are awfully tasty. Throw in great service, an outdoor patio, and this is the perfect Mexican restaurant!
(5)John W.
Best Tex Mex in the DMV and one of our favourite restaurants in Silver Spring. Great atmosphere, good Tex Mex and service is always excellent. The owner always comes to check on all the customers and the staff follow his lead.
(5)Marge G.
Never disappoints- great place for groups- carne asada and fajitas are delicious. Best Mexican food in SS.
(5)La F.
We are sitting here right now and the waitress told us that the bartender said we can make your drink but if you don't like it you still have to pay for it. Then my drink was not the drink I ordered. She said she will fix it but will just add ice and charge me more. The drinks are disgusting and VERY heavy on the liquor. It is not enjoyable. The waitress has no idea what she is doing wither.
(1)Anthony C.
Love the Rancho. Fresh made torltias, and chips, and great Tex-Mex. I have traveled quite a bit through Mexico, and mi Rancho is a good American version of those foods. Way more cheese and sour cream soaked on all its dishes than you find south of the border. I always feel like the true south west dishes, that are inspired by Mexican food, are a lot spicier than the average person in our area would be willing to tolerate. Mi Rancho's guacamole has an original taste--everyone seems to like it, but it is a bit different than the standard. I really like their chiles rellenos. Very mild chili, and super flavorful. I end up scooping off a lot of the cheese, but one of these is almost a meal in itself. I have had the tacos and burrito. Their fajitas are amazing. Everything is done fresh and clearly made to order. The staff is on top of their game. Eating on the patio when the weather is nice is a nice experience. I am always pleased when we eat there.
(5)Nicholas A.
The food is fast and exceptionally delicious, but possibly the best thing about Mi Rancho is that they're consistently great. The fajitas are some of the best I've ever had, the carne asada is delicious, and the margaritas are perfect. Baltazar is one of the friendliest, most attentive servers at any restaurant. The prices are totally affordable, especially if you get a meal large enough to include leftovers. The only downside is that they charge for cheese and sour cream, but even that'll get a pass because it's healthier without!
(5)Bridget M.
Solidly good Mexican food. Nothing amazing, but the complimentary chips and salsa were great, as was the spinach dip we ordered as a starter. The BF and I both ordered chicken chimichangas, and while mine was slightly burned, it was, nonetheless, good. Not the huge size that most chain Mexican places will give you, though still filling (rice and beans come on the side). The service isn't anything to write home about--we had two waitresses who seemed to be alternating, and while they weren't unfriendly or anything, they didn't seem too thrilled to be there. That being said, we were served pretty quickly, and were in and out in about 45 minutes. I guess Sunday nights aren't too busy for them. Overall, I plan on going back. Not amazing, but would be a good place to meet with friends for some drinks and solid Mexican cuisine.
(3)Tom B.
I would post no stars or even a negative star if that was possible. This was perhaps the worst restaurant that I have ever eaten in. It was dirty my food had a hair in it and they didn't even replace the food or comp it. The staff was slovenly, lazy and slow. The bear was warm but since it was in a bottle was the only thing safety consume in the entire restaurant. I would rather eat gums scraped off the bottom of the public bench than eat at this restaurant.
(1)Laurie K.
Overall, Mi Rancho is an attractive, fun place to go, with good service. But what do you go to a restaurant for? The food. They really hollowed out the amount of meat and toppings that you get with an order of fajitas, plus the price has gone up. We sat on the patio on a cool day, and they had the heater on, but it was very hot and uncomfortable.
(2)Frank V.
I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. I like an authentic taste and atmosphere and Mi Rancho hits the mark. For starters, their salsa and chips are the best in town, mildly spicy and full of flavor. I've tried several dishes here but my favorite is the Carne Asada. It is absolutely delicious, juicy and with a distinctive salty iron taste and nothing else on top to drown out the flavor of the beef. The fajitas are also excellent and so are the Margaritas, albeit a bit sweet for those who prefer them over their tart alternative. Service is always good too, and there is ample seating, indoors and out on the large patio. The only issue is parking but I'm not going to fault the restaurant for that.
(5)Damon B.
We were extremely happy to find Mi Rancho! The weather was great and we sat on the patio. The food was fresh, the ambiance was fun and relaxed, and the drinks were well-prepared. Chips and salsa are delivered free to your table, and the chips are freshly cooked...not old and stale. We ordered some guacamole and it was okay, not amazing. On the other hand, we loved the crunchy tacos, the enchilladas (my fave), and the fajitas. All were freshly prepared and came with generous quantities of beans and rice. The beans were NOT from a can and the rice was fresh! I was really impressed. I was also impressed by the drinks. We had a pitcher of sangria, which was flavorful. We had a pitcher of margarita, which tasted pretty fresh, and we had beers. The beers come with a frosted glass that was welcome on the warm summer evening. Mi Rancho is the best Mexican restaurant I've visited so far in DC. We would definitely go back! Note that this is an excessively kid friendly place. I mean, there were droves of kids. That is the one downside. There were also droves of people getting their drinking on, so it was that kind of mixed and crazy environment.
(5)Greg C. H.
My favorite Mexican spot in Silver Spring..... Get the lobster tail and steak fajitas with a margarita & thank me later....
(5)Brian G.
Great for outdoor drinks. The food seems to be going down hill somewhat. Great service though, friendly atmosphere. If you're lucky enough to be there when the tortilla maker is working order the fresh tortilla, they are EXCELLENT.
(3)Rhianna B.
I went here after moving to the area. It has decent sangria at a reasonable price but their food is disgusting. We had the salsa which tasted worse than what comes in a jar and the queso dip which tasted like the cheese packet from velveeta macaroni and cheese. I will never go back to this place.
(1)Mr. O.
I LOVE this place! I go at least once every two weeks! Shirley Temple and the enchiladas! I am a lover of Mexican food and this place has some of the best I've ever had. I don't know if this one guy is a manager owner or what, but he is nice and always interacting with his customers for just the perfect amount of time lol not to long and not to short. I've even seen him on a few occasions assist with bringing out food and taking orders and the place wasn't even packed. Now about the food which is also AMAZING is what keeps bringing me back! I'm even going back today.
(5)Lorena B.
One of my pet peeves is when food is not served as described on the menu. I ordered a chicken taco salad for takeout specifically because the menu said it was your choice of beef or chicken fajitas. Have you ever been served shredded chicken fajitas? Me either but that's what they put in my salad. I won't lie, it tasted okay but I was still disappointed because I was looking forward to a yummy grilled chicken fajita taco salad. Also, the salad contained cheese which wasn't listed on the menu and which I did not want added. Again, I ordered takeout so it would have taken a chunk out of my lunch break to return to the restaurant for a new order. I've been here for drinks. Like the majority of Tex Mex restaurants, the margaritas are wack.
(2)Stephen M.
Finally, a place that deserves to call itself a Mexican restaurant in the DMV! Growing up in CA and now living in MD, having quality, reasonably-priced Mexican food was a given whenever I vacationed back home. But no place around DC measured up--not in terms of quality, fresh ingredients, taste, or value. Well, it's DC, so I was willing to partially forgo value. Now, at least I no longer have to wait for a vacation to get a traditional Mexican meal. After an unsatisfying string of attempts to find good Mexican food around town, we tried Mi Ranchero on a Saturday night. Packed, but still quick service and fast seating. The place does not try to be anything beyond what it is--simple decor, great service, and food and drinks that compare very favorably to anywhere else in the area. Menu has all the favorites, and they are willing to substitute this for that, if you ask. Chips and salsa are among the best I have had, and freshly made tortillas are a huge improvement over the store-bought / frozen ones other places hope you don't notice. Manager works the floor, making sure things are smooth and that customers never feel rushed. He knows how to ensure customers are getting what they want fairly quickly. Attention vegetarians--the pinto (brown) beans have pork in them, but the refried beans and black beans do not. Order accordingly, vegetarian brothers and sisters, since it is not explicit on the menu (at least not that we saw). But if you're a veg and goof it up, they will replace the pinto beans in favor of something else at no charge and without hassle. (Would be cooler if they had a box on the menu of veg options, but that's not why most folks come to Mexican places. Speaking of which, the on-line menu differs slightly from a perhaps newer, in-restaurant menu, but the changes are not significant.) Would I take a client here or host a business lunch here? Doubtful because of the noise and packed seating, but for a large family or pre-movie dinner, this place is hard to beat. It is within easy walking / stumbling distance of just about everything in the area, including the Majestic. Dinner and drinks for 2 will set you back around $60. More than fair (in DMV, anyway) for what you get. Will def return.
(5)Joanna C.
Mi Rancho isn't a great place. My husband and I thought we'd give it a try, but I was disappointed. The food was eh, nothing special. No real flavor. Tortilla chips served at the table were cold. The only thing they had going was that they made their own tortillas. I wouldn't go back.
(1)Nick A.
I have been a a few times now, for impromptu dinner and for absolutely necessary hangover noms - I have yet to be disappointed, and am typically impressed every time. The food is delicious (although not particularly authentic, in my experience, if that sort of thing is really important to you) and the portions are big; we always end up with food to take home. Particularly delicious are the flour tortillas that come with several menu items - we couldn't stop eating the fluffy little bastards. My next step will be to stop in and get some of those by themselves! The service is always good, and usually great. The staff is pleasant and very quick to bring around food. Managers always seem to be wandering around to check on you and to make sure you are being taken care of - and not in that usual obtrusive kind of way. It's just a great experience. So, not particularly upscale or authentic, but it is delicious and has a reasonable price point with great service. Would recommend, and will be back.
(4)Shon W.
The food is good and the staff is very nice and with good customer service. However the owner Jose, is very rude and could learn a few things about good customer service from his staff. I have only been to Mi Rancho Silver Spring twice. The second time I ordered nachos and they were burned. I tasted them anyway bc nachos sometimes get a little burned but they had a scorched taste which made the food unpleasant. So I called and spoke with another manager who took my information and told me to come get a new order the next day. When I came in to get my replacement order, they said I needed a receipt which I forgot but I had pictures and the staff remembered me. They remade the order which was also burned and I said I didn't want to get home and have the same effect. A waitress said that's the way they melt the cheese on the nachos with the broiler and it sometimes burns them but they can just melt the cheese and pour it on top. The manager Jose starts to say that's the only way to melt the cheese and if it's a problem he can just give my money back. So I say well I just don't want the scorched taste and if possible can u just give me melted cheese but if not, then yes I will just take the refund. Now the problem came when he snatched the to go bag of food and threw it in the trash and proceeded to the register to give me my money back. Slings the money onto the counter while im letting him know that it wasn't good customer service to snatch the bag like that.. He then says well you don't have to come back here we don't need "PEOPLE LIKE YOU complaining" whatever that means!! But I made sure to let him know I will never return. If I said the nachos were burned why bring me more burned nachos? And I have pictures... So my complaint is for the owner JOSE with horrible customer service!!!
(1)Stela M.
Delishhh food. Love the restaurant , staff friendly. love love this restaurant.
(5)Gigi M.
I'm sad to write this, because back in the day Mi Rancho was the place to be!! freshness, friendliness, awesomeness -- personal attention & some mild flirting [always fun] with the owner that didn't mind actively helping out to serve or bus as warranted. What makes me sad is that Mi Rancho has turned very corporate. No more personal touch, surly staff [and for no real reason I can think of] if you ask for a little tweak in something, like I've done countless times with brilliant results [equating with a nice fat tip, mind you] the request is met with sighs, and an ominous "well, I don't know...." then muttering as they walk away, then glances back as I get discussed, then the inevitable 'no' -- making me feel like I robbed somebody! Gone are the days of creativity & accommodation. Now it just feels like assembly-line fare.... Maybe I'll try Germantown... can't give up on Mi Rancho yet!
(2)Richie G.
Very good food and an enjoyable and lively atmosphere. The burritos were great and even the tamales were tasty. Rice was bland, but it's not a big deal.
(3)Ashley W.
stopped by here for quick bite to eat late on a Sunday night... the place is huge... the patio is big.... in comparison to the sizes of other restaurants near by... in which group seating shouldn't be a problem...... Great service here.... my sangria was a little watered down, in which I would probably opt for a margarita next time. I ordered quesadillas -- quick and easy and hard to mess up.... they were flavorful and didn't disappoint... the chips and salsa gets a B -- hard to write more.... as I wasn't there very long and didn't order more than one thing.... but tasty Tex-Mex is hard to come by the in DMV ( from a bias Texas native) so I would definitely return...
(3)David S.
I am here for a late lunch. There was no wait and the food came quickly enough. The queso tastes like they just melted down velveeta. Who doesn't love velveeta? This guy loves it. However, they put no seasoning in it whatsoever, so I was a little let down. Also, their beans are not refried beans. I'm good with variety and switching up the same-o same-o with something better. Unfortunately, better was not a part of the switch. They have a smoky flavor, but again, lacked spices or seasonings of any kind. They were like a smoky pork and beans, straight from the can. I got the chicken enchiladas and was happy with them. They tasted great, which is the reason they got three stars instead of less. The wait staff was good. I love the dining environment, especially great for big groups. I might come back if I was craving Mexican and didn't want to leave the area, but there are better options.
(3)Jack M.
"Seafood" whatever it was (they had nothing with mole) came with 1/2 dozen shrimp and onions burned into a metal plate. Plenty of tortillas, little service. $13.95 could have been spent at Tia Queta or elsewhere and we would have gotten a real entree.
(2)Kelly K.
Delicious!! Had a great experience here. The wait staff was very attentive, and the food was superb. They have a very nice outdoor patio space, which was enjoyable in the warm weather. Of particular delight was the sopaipillas a la mode. Delish!
(5)C C.
Yummy!! Great food, authentic and fresh. I go for the fajitas, love the salsa and guacamole. It's all good! Prices are a bit high - but I've always enjoyed the food and atmosphere. Nice outdoor patio seating and take out orders are quick.
(4)Jonah P.
I have been a loyal customer to Mi Rancho- Silver Spring for over a year but no longer will I be eating at this restaurant. On top of the food being extremely overpriced, the menu they have online is inaccurate nor do they care to honor the pricing. Be aware of the false advertising/ pricing on the Yelp page because they do not honor it even with you providing proof of what could easily be a mistake. After showing them proof the employee claims that Mi Rancho does not have a Yelp account. Stay away from this place if you think you will be getting the prices honored on Yelp.
(1)Joseph G.
Just your typical Tex-Mex restaurant. For real Mexican food, this is definitely not the place. My fiance and I were unfortunately heading to New York on valentines day night, but wanted to at least grab dinner at a decent restaurant before our long drive. We decided that we wanted Mexican so we gave Samanthas a call, but of course they were packed on valentines day. We called different places and came up with no luck on availability until calling Mi Rancho. Little did I know this is the most unromantic place I could have chosen. Once we sat down and ordered our food, I told my fiance she should order a drink to make the unromantic atmosphere seem not as unromantic because as she always says "the bigger the drink, the bigger the smile!" Which wasn't so true being that her margarita tasted as though they only put 1/4 OZ of tequila in it. The food finally arrived which we then felt bad for the family next to us because they must have been there 15 minutes before us, and didn't receive their meals at least 10-15 minutes after we received ours. Of course they complained after seeing that we were served first. Anyways, my fiance ordered steak fajitas and I ordered chicken enchiladas since I thought that there's no way anyone can mess that up. The steak from the fajitas was dry and tasteless, the chicken from my enchiladas was dry, chewy, and bland. Both of our meals were about 16 dollars which was bothersome being that it was priced like Samanthas, but way out of Samanthas league when it comes to atmosphere, food, and service. I would definitely not recommend anyone to go here on a date. For lunch, Chipotle, Qdoba or Baja Mexican grill is half the price and much better.
(2)Nicole J.
The management and staff there are awful. After ordering my food to go, when I go to pick it up my food was given to a previous customer. Instead of offering to comp some of my bill while I wait for them to re-cook everything, they give me free chips. Awful business and even worst customer service.
(2)Gail P.
Mi Rancho is okay and has been an institution in the community for years but I find it ironic that they are advertising during the World Cup. We were so excited when Mexico won the last World Cup we walked to Mi Rancho in search of festivities--it was dead. When I told the proprietor that there should be a more celebratory atmosphere he said, "I'm really from (other nationality)." The implication was he didn't care even though he has assumed TexMex cuisine as his own for his restaurants. We felt it was an obnoxious response, left with a bad taste and haven't been back.
(2)Brittany S.
Mi Rancho is the restaurant my family goes to for every birthday or celebration! It's the best Mexican in Silver Spring and I've lived here all my life. I always get the fajitas usually for 2 people so we can split it and it is the best fajitas I'll ever have in my life! Seriously, they couldn't get any better. I recently went there for my birthday and got some margaritas - one plain and then "The Titanic" which is their version of the CoronaRita. They gave me the sombre and sang happy birthday for me and I loved it! The managers/owners are ALWAYS there and always come to talk and chat with us even though they don't know us by name. I even got a free shot of tequila for my 21st birthday. They're the nicest people!!! Definitely a place to go if you're looking for Mexican in the Silver Spring/Rockville area!
(5)Clarence S.
A good place to take the load off and have some Tex-Mex! My wife said, I saw this cute little Mexican restaurant but it isn't rated very high on Yelp-to which I replied, "harumph-I never pay attention to Yelp reviewers when it comes to mom and pop Mexican food joints in this part of the country"! Most people in the DC area (trying hard to not sound snobby here) don't really know what Mexican food is about, but I'm here to tell you, this place is all about Mexican food and ambiance. The service is great, the food is decent, and the people working here really care about what they do! Its always been my experience that restaurants that employ relatives tend to do a very good job at trying to please the customer and this place is no exception. It seems like this place is a family affair and it shows in the service provided. You don't have to wait for hours for service, you get seated right away, and no one pushes you to leave the premises. We've also high tried high-end DC restaurants and while they do a good job, this place does just as well without paying north of a hundred dollars, and you get the Mexican ambiance! So get off that high horse and come on down, this place will surprise you!! And leave you with money in your pocket!
(5)Natalie F.
I definitely like Mi Rancho which is a popular neighborhood restaurant. The crowd is more family oriented and casual. The food is reasonably priced. It isn't fancy but it is tasty; I think since I have lived in Southern California I have high standards for things like tamales. I think Mi Rancho's tamales are a bit dry and muy pequeno! It is a better place for hanging out with friends than taking a date. The wait staff are very nice and considerate.
(3)Bryana C.
For Mexican food it is not bad. Being from Southern California I have high expectations and this place is worth returning to. Customer service has always been great.
(4)Matthew C.
Having spent a significant amount of time in San Antonio--arguably the Tex-Mex capital of America--I may have become a little spoiled. With that full disclosure, I thought Mi Rancho was fairly average. We started off with the chips, salsa, and guacamole. I liked the tomato-heavy, relatively mild salsa, and the chips weren't bad. The guacamole did have a slightly different taste to it that I couldn't quite put my finger on, not to say that it was bad, but just different. I was also surprised how small the serving was--definitely not enough for a table of 7 if everyone had wanted some. The vegetable enchiladas were pretty good. I especially liked the variety of vegetables: mushrooms, squash, onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. The side of beans was okay but nothing amazing. The service, though friendly, was a little on the slow side. It's a little on the pricey side as well. One final note: Mi Rancho is also a very kid-friendly place--and quite a few families were dining there when I visited.
(3)Michael C.
I had the pleasure of enjoying lunch here a couple weeks back, on a rare day off from training. The restaurant drew me in with it's large, open-air setup (the windows are actually simply shades that are pulled up to allow in full sun and warm breeze!). The server (I wish I could recall her name) was pleasant and very helpful: I am a picky Hispanic food eater and wanted something not too spicy with fish and involving a taco or tortilla. LOL Her recommendation was spot-on, the food delicious and served hot (and quick too!). If I'm ever back in the area, I would dine again in a heartbeat. Way better experience than the over-priced, under-delivered steak dinner I had a couple weeks before.
(5)Larry G.
A lot of the ambiance (Latin waiters, Corona signs, Piñatas), several of the menu items (Tacos, Fajitas, Enchiladas), some of the ingredients, but none of the taste of Tex-Mex. Don't get me wrong! The food was good - fresh and good quality - but not very Tex-Mex. Maybe, like someone else said, I am just too accustomed to more authentic Mexican, but I do know the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex, and this was neither. Again, it was good, and there were lots of people obviously enjoying it, but it was not what I expected. I far prefer the Cubanos across the street.
(3)Michael S.
Mi Rancho provides a consistently good dining experience. The food is not particularly authentic, nor is it great Mexican, but good service, good portions, and outdoor seating results in a restaurant we frequent regularly. We've had most of the dishes there, and never had anything bad, and we've never had undercooked or otherwise poorly prepared food. Service is always prompt and courteous. Overall, Mi Rancho is a good eating experience we can count on when we want a restaurant without muss or fuss.
(4)Boris S.
Mango!!!! Mango Margarita (4/5 NOMs). I love mango and I like margaritas so I just had to try it. Great drink with some good Mexican food. You can really taste mango with balanced usual taste of margarita
(4)Dave B.
Your average Marylander is not going to know what good Tex-Mex should look like. The "queso" here amounts to some very nasty yellow melted cheese strips that quickly glaze over into a pale film a few minutes after being set on the table. The meat is poor quality and overpriced, and the rice and beans leave a lot to be desired. I'm not expecting grandma's cooking here, but it seems Mi Rancho's only saving grace is its downtown Silver Spring location and architecture, and its friendly staff. I'll give them that. If you've ever had real mexican food or Tex-Mex before in your life, avoid Mi Rancho at all costs.
(2)Bill G.
Solid basic Tex-Mex food. I would give it 4 stars except the prices are a bit high.
(3)Kelsa C.
beware Mi Rancho charges for EVERYTHING ANd dont order the Rib Eye Special unless you are ok with with something else...If you dont know what a rib eye looks like order the carna adade. please listen - I am a rib eye snob!!!
(1)Denisha B.
Maybe I've had strange experiences here, but both times I've gone everyone was less than impressed with the food. And we've tried a variety of foods - fajitas, chimichangas, enchiladas, meat, veggies, seafood, you name it. (Always eat in big groups of friends - WORTH IT.) The margaritas were only alright. Endless chips and salsa and the wait-staff's friendly, welcoming demeanor are what saved this place. If you want good Tex-Mex, I'd go to Chipotle. (Ouch, need some ice for that burn?!)
(2)Ruben D.
This isn't mexican food.. It's an On the Border or Guapos or yukkk Chipotle. If this is authentic Mexican to you then you must think Taco Bell overnights there food from Oaxaca. Go to Bladensburg.. get ya some real Mexican food if you're not scared. Oh and did the rice come from a Rice-A-Roni box?????? And the salsa??? Diced tomatoes and tomato paste? Are you also going to tell me that Samantha's, arguably the most bland Salvadorean food on the planet, is the best as well??? I think they season their food with just water.
(1)James C.
Only complaint is that the chocolate ice cream dessert dish is overpriced -- otherwise AMAZING
(5)Danny V.
Mexican? No, it's Mex-i-can't. None of my multiple personalities were satisfied by any portion of my meal. Strike One: The chicken in my enchilada was sad to have been buried in bawk-bawk-bawk-BLAH-ness. His soul cried as it entered by mouth and it asked to have his death avenged for being buried in such an unimaginative explosion of commonplace ingredients. May this chicken be reincarnated as Chef Gordon Ramsey's or Martha Stewart's chicken a la awesomeness. Strike Two: The service was underwhelming and our table was ignored until we asked for a margarita refill. Strike Three: Three times a charm for chip refill or the check. A large party arrived 10 mins after our table and were given 100% attentive service and were able to leave before our 3-top. Um, HELLO...former waiters are everywhere! Whatever the table next to me is tipping- I CAN TIP BETTER. (This does not apply if you bawk-bawk-bawk-suck.) Behold! I am coming soon! Lookout shabby waiters. Mi Rancho: YOU'RE OUT
(2)Chuck G.
A great restaurant! The owner and staff and very friendly and efficient. The tortillas are home made and delicious. The cheese was freshly grated and the sour craw and guacamole was very fresh. Enjoyed the fajitas and flan for dessert. Highly recommend this place if you're in Silver Spring.
(5)Mike V.
Not bad for East Coast mexican food. Distrito Federal is the gold standard. but it's a little over priced and under flavored, obvious trying not to blow out it's predominantly pale clientelle. Regardless, the salsa is very good and so are the chips. The large plates are not that large, but surprisingly filling. The service is marginal. Probably because they let them watch Euro Cup on the TV near the bar (but hell, i was in food service, it's little things like that that make it all tolerable to begin with)
(3)Monica T.
I was brought to Mi Rancho by my "entertainment director" while in Silver Spring for work. He directed us to it saying nobody ever doesn't like it. That might be true, but it didn't knock any socks off either. Not to say it was bad. We started off with chips and salsa (as expected). The chips were fresh and tasty, but the salsa was a bit bland and watery. It's all good; I'm used to that in Utah. Previously mentioned "entertainment director" said they had a hotter sauce. This came out and was basically pure dried chile paste. I was down with that. I stuck with that salsa for the rest of the meal. For my main course, I snagged Plato Guadalajara with chicken. Others around me got chimichangas, the steak burrito, and some other stuff I can't remember. I dug the taco. The chicken was very well spiced, I loved the grilled veggies, and the guac and salsa complimented it well. The tortilla soup, though, while pretty good seemed a bit uninspired. Standard chicken broth, a previously frozen mixed vegetable blend, some tortilla chips (not strips), with cheese haphazardly placed on top. I'm a bit harsh on tortilla soups, though, because I make an awesome one at home. Still, I ate the whole thing. I was a bit disappointed that the plate didn't include rice and beans. The price seemed steep for just the soup and taco. Service was quite good throughout. So overall, I've had a lot better (time in Texas will do that to you), but this was still pretty tasty.
(3)Hilary G.
I came here for lunch and there outdoor patio was a nice place to relax and they turned on the outside fans for us. The spinach quesadilla hit the spot and wasn't greasy at all. I was surprised that I really enjoyed their sangria because I am very picky about the sangria I drink since I studied in Spain. It tasted like they had real liquor in their sangria which is how it's supposed to be made! Service was also quick and paying the bill was easy. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Victoria R.
Ugh! Better food at Taco Bell! Skip!
(1)Harrison B.
Awesome Service. Good People. - Plato Grande for two is enough food to feed 4. This spot has been my go-to since i moved to downtown silver spring in 2008. In the spring and fall (warm but not too hot days) are best for sitting in the outside area, but my favorite time to eat here is in the winter in the main dining room. they have a machine making fresh Flour tortillas right by the front door and the second you walk into the dining room and are greeted by the host/hostess, there is an amazing smell of the best mexican food you could imagine. Overall the service is always good, people are pleasant and attentive and the homemade salsa is amazing! bit on the spicy side but perfect for me. the Margaritas are hit or miss- The pitchers of cadillac can be amazing sometimes and sometimes they can have too much of the mix and not enough booze. all in all a great place with great food and awesome ambiance! MAS Mi Rancho!
(4)Tim H.
I used to come here more often when I worked two blocks away from this place. I haven't been here in a few years so my most recent time brought me back to a time when I loved coming here for their carne asada. This time I chose to split something with my wife. We shared a platter that had chicken and beef fajitas, 4 pieces of shrimp and some ribs. We also got two hard tacos on the side. The whole experience was great. The chicken was flavorful and the beef that they used for their fajitas was awesome. I don't know how to cook fajita beef but I can tell you they make some of the best I have ever had. The shrimp were good too. The ribs were cooked the way I like them and they were not smothered in sauce. I don't like my ribs dripping wet. The tacos were good. I would order them again. If you are in the mood for some good Mexican and don't want to go to a national chain, try this place out. I haven't tried the location in Germantown yet but I hope to one of these days.
(4)April N.
Went on a Friday night when it was super busy...and still received excellent service. The man greeting at the front of the restaurant was also very friendly. Our party ordered the margaritas and they were delicious! The chips and salsa were also excellent. Seemed that the entrees were more Tex Mex than Mexican food....but nonetheless, I'd probably go back.
(4)Lionel M.
I find some of the lower reviews unbelievable. With that said I LOVE this place. A friend of mine suggested Mi Rancho so I took my wife and we both loved it. We like to consider ourselves foodies and can eat some of the most expensive gourmet meals and still love some items from food trucks. We've traveled to mexico numerous times and yes there is a difference in the food because this is a Tex-Mex which it clearly states on location and website. At this point Ive been there 3 times. Ive ordered the red snapper (amazing), fajitas (amazing), flank steak (amazing). The chips n salsa is great, their fried ice cream is different but really good and we've been looking for a place that had sopapillas for a while and were not disappointed. Their wait staff has always been professional, prompt and pleasant to us and havent noticed long wait times, but then again we were partaking in their yummy Margaritas (the one with Grand Marnier). Ive been telling everyone about them and even bought a $100 gift for my uncles family of 4 - they loved it too! We are fans!
(5)Gennette G.
I've visited this restaurant several times since 1997. It appears growth isn't for everyone/every business. The food is normally ok, but comes out hot and quick, not today. The owner decided to 'help' our waitress and take our order as he pushed her along just as she was beginning to take it. After waiting a half hour for our meal, it came out wrong and room temperature. The owner came over with the worst attitude when our waitress said there was a complaint and asked what we wanted him to do about it. I asked for hot food and the correct order. Needless to say, the food was given fresh cheese and placed in a melter. When further complained, the owner said he would have the food remade, so not the case. The same beef tacos were reheated to the point they were soggy and placed on the plate with fresh enchiladas and the vegetables in the vegetable enchiladas were raw. Though this Tex-Mex restaurant is a staple in downtown silver spring and close to home, I will never return. Never spend your money where it's not appreciated.
(1)Ashumi L.
When I visit MD I make sure there is at least one night that I spend enjoying the fabulous fare at Mi Rancho in downtown Silver Spring. This business has been in the downtown Silver Spring area forever and has always lived up to my expectations of Tex Mex fare. The restaurant itself has gone through a transformation over the years and they have added a fully covered outdoor patio with fans and heaters to serve the overwhelming amount of people who want to eat here. This place is a family run business and there is always someone from the family there to ensure that the service is fantastic and the food is of the utmost quality. As a matter of fact, they remember who you are and often ask about our family as we have been patronizing this restaurant since 1996 (my hubby has been going pretty much all his life since he grew up just down the street). Yeah they give you free chips, but the salsa is where they shine. Fresh and homemade with just enough kick - I wish they sold it so I could take it home with me. The chips are not to be forgotten though - they are not mass quantity bought - they are homemade! You can tell since there is often clumps of chips rolled up together in your basket (my favorite kind!). I have a rule when visiting a restaurant that states they are a Mexican restaurant - order the fajitas...its a standard and easy to judge. That being said - I have NEVER in my life had better fajitas than what I get here. Now, I only eat chicken so I can only speak for that type of fajitas, but my hubby attests that the pork and the beef are fantastic too. They use some sort of special glaze/rub that makes it extra awesome. Also, while they offer the standard sizzling plate that many other establishments offer, their fajitas are open fire grilled, which adds a char to the meat that is so delicious! If you are a fan of sour cream make sure you order a side of it as the fajitas do not come with sour cream. If you are looking for something other than chicken and want to be wowed, try the snapper if they have it on the menu or the pork costillas (always on the menu). I know it is healthier to be carb free, but break your rule this once to try their home made flour tortillas. You can watch them being made if you enter the restaurant as the machine that they use is right in front when you enter. Another plus! The sangrias are delicious and they are not skimpy with the fruit. I can't remember if they have draft beers, but they definitely offer bottled beers - I prefer the pitchers or half pitchers of sangria. If you have eaten a meal and still have space in your stomach, congratulations! Order dessert and order the sopapillas a la mode. You will not be let down, but you will be overly stuffed so save room! Sopapillas are flour tortillas fried and then sprinkled with sugar and cinnamon and then drizzled with honey. Oh man...so simple and so delicious! You won't be let down! I have yet to be disappointed with a meal here. The service is good and the fact that they are still around after all these years speaks for the restaurant itself!
(5)Ashley E.
Meh..nothing spectacular. The best part is the free fire roasted salsa and warm chips. Great outdoor venue-feels like you are in Cancun or a similar touristy location.
(3)Kate F.
I will be thankful always to this place for being open close to the holidays. Now that we got that out of the way... I returned this spring for drinks and dinner with a friend. Our server had a big bowl of b-flakes and a side of who gives a firetruck for breakfast that morning. It was like we were irritating her by existing. She had no suggestions about anything and rushed us, in between hiding from us. We asked some questions about food and were given more sighs than answers. We had to clarify our order multiple times, due to apathy not a language barrier. I decided on fajitas as they're hard to mess up. The food was fine but not great. It seems overpriced for ratios of real stuff (meat & fresh veggies) vs filler (rice & beans). Rice and beans were dry and flavorless, respectively. The salsa appears to be canned tomatoes thrown in a blender with green stuff. What is the green stuff? I don't know, I could only taste tomatoes. We still went to town on the chips and salsa, but it was more regrettable than normal. I declined taking my leftovers home. I feel the menu could use more sour cream. To be fair, I feel that way about about the planet. We also declined to "reward our server for their professional service" or whatever the trite message is on the receipt. I'll tip well on good service even with a bad attitude, I don't tip well on rumors or cliches. I dislike being scolded. If tipping is that big of a problem here, maybe it's time to retrain the waitstaff or switch to inclusive pricing.
(3)Maboud E.
As a fan of Tex-Mex, I have a pretty high standard. It's not exactly the most authentic but it's as close as you'll find in the area. At a very reasonable price it's a pretty solid choice if you're craving Tex-Mex. Oh and the chips and salsa is fantastic.
(4)Tara L.
Margarita fail. Broke down peach margarita. Makeshift banana margarita. What is a girl to do? And since when did margaritas come with foamy, 2 inch froth on top? What the hell is this exactly disguised as a margarita? Save your money on the margs and stick with the food. The steak quesadilla was actually decent, with plenty of cheese and tender beef. Even though the sour cream and guacamole were both a bit watery, it was a decent complement to the dish. Plus, bottomless chips and salsa on the festive, outdoor patio adorned with lights offset the drinks. Additionally, our waitress started off peppy and nice but ended abruptly when she feared our dining would cut into her time off. We had no desire to linger past closing, but once she realized we were even considering another beverage, her attitude changed and she grabbed my plate in a hurry, with food still on it. She did ask if I wanted it, but by then it was 85% in her possession and any desire I had to keep it was forfeited. That being said, the food and the atmosphere saved the experience from being abysmal. However, although I live only paces away from here...there is a reason why this was my first time back in years. Tonight, I was reminded of those reasons.
(3)Lee J.
Mi Rancho is my go-to place when visitors come to town. Excellent Tex Mex food - food that is quick but is not fast food. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating, so depending on temperature and the type of ambiance that you would like, you have your choice. I have yet to have a disappointing meal in the approximately nine years that I have been coming here. While I know people who say the food quality has diminished over the past few years, I disagree - or haven't noticed. It is still excellent food for the money. I almost always order the Plato Grande (for One) - which usually assures that I have some leftovers - a combination of shrimp, ribs, chicken and steak, along with the assorted toppings and soft tortillas. Most, if not all, of the meals come with sides of refried beans and rice. The hosts and wait staff are always very friendly. The only downsides to the restaurant are that occasionally there are slow downs in customer service (like getting the check) during the peak/busy periods of the day. Also, we come to rely on going there more often than we should - but you can hardly fault me for that. Finally, the noise level varies depending on the number of people at the restaurant - sometimes very loud at peak periods. Highly recommended - you should not be disappointed.
(4)Michael L.
This place never disappoints, Service is outstanding and the food is better than that. Whenever Im in the area which is once or twice a year, this is def one of our spots
(5)Sheng Z.
Went there with my roommate last week and had an okay time. The food was okay, not the greatest Mexican food but the portions were large. I got one of the platters and felt like there was very little meat and it was predominantly rice. As a result, I felt that the prices for the food was a little high. The starter chips and salsa weren't the greatest either, the chips were fresh but the salsa was stale and flat. Beware the margaritas. They do not list the price for pitchers but it was exorbitantly expensive for a pitcher ($29 dollars) of okay frozen margaritas. A 15 dollar meal turned into a 30 dollar meal as a result. O and the service was awful. Lauriol Plaza and Guapos are still the best Mexican restaurants in the DC area and this comes nowhere close.
(2)Rachel G.
I am obsessed with Mi Rancho! Their food and ESPECIALLY margaritas are delicious. Affordable prices, good portions, and yummy-ness guaranteed.
(5)Eva O.
Come here for a non-remarkable, play it safe kinda experience. Decent food, decent service. I came for a weekday lunch but I can see how the night time ambience would be better...festive, dark interior and an outdoor patio adorned with lights. I ordered the beef chimichanga which came with some side rice, beans, and guac. The chimichanga shell was just the right crispiness and without all the oil bubbles. Surprised it was filled with ground beef but at least it wasn't oily so I didn't walk away feeling gluttonous. I did note though that the restaurant was filled with mostly white couples...perhaps an implication to its authenticity?
(3)Lindsey N.
So incredibly bland and ordinary. Will not be back. Go to Fajita Coast on East West Highway.
(1)Jenn C.
I've eaten at this Mi Rancho with my brother and sister in law multiple times over the course of ten years, and they eat there often as well. I've always been a fan, their food is run of the mill tex-mex fair, but good, and their margaritas are okay. So normally I would have given it 3-4 stars except for my experience on Cinco De Mayo. I get that restaurants get busy, but we waited an hour and a forty five minutes for our food. When we asked why we were waiting so long, we were told that our food was "complicated". We ordered enchiladas and tacos. I mean, come on. We were also told that it was because we were a party of 10; however, there were multiple other parties of 7, 8, 9, 10 - including one right behind us that sat down 15 minutes after us, ordered after us, and ate their food and left while we were still waiting. I get that restaurants get busy, which is fine. I decided to give mi rancho one star because of the classless manager's verbal abuse of my 8 months pregnant sister in law. She confronted him over the service and he was dismissive and unapologetic to her, was rude, and treated her like an annoyance. When my mother complained, he dismissed her that "he did not want to be insulted". The weight staff was rude (at one point, our waiter threw down a bowl of chips in the center of the table, and he walked away from my sister in law when she was questioning him about where our food was), and when I stepped outside to make a phone call I heard a hostess complaining about our group, saying that we were "annoying and stupid" and "what did they expect, they are a party of ten". Well ignorant hostess, there were other parties of ten that received their food in less than an hour and forty five minutes. The food is definitely okay, but the manager is classless and wait staff is rude. I mean really, who verbally berates an 8 months pregnant woman and a 60 year old woman? I was a bartender and waitress for a long time. It's not hard and that kind of behavior is absolutely inexcusable....but evidently the manager condones it. Keep it classy Mi Rancho.
(2)Bob W.
Fun place, with tradition Mexican cafe decor. Food is very fresh, and for the most part very good.
(3)Debbie C.
Great service, good chips and salsa. this is tex-mex so come with slightly lowered expectations. The fajitas are always a safe bet.
(3)Christa A.
Went to Mi Rancho today for early dinner with friends that really like there food. It is not my taste, everything was lacking seasoning. If you want good Mexican food, try Pachanga in Gambrills. they only thing I liked was our company and the outside dining. Total waste of 150 Dollars.
(1)Terri P.
I'm sorry, I have tried this restaurant so many times, and the food is just bad. Everything is bland and awful. I wish it wasn't so, because it's an otherwise good location and kid friendly place. Even the margaritas are bland. If you want awesome Mexican, try Samantha's on University. This place just does not have good food. Sorry.
(2)Sam C.
We were hungry and a family friend treated us to lunch he decided Mi Rancho was the place to go. We entered and the restaurant was really pretty and attractive we got seated in the outside area, They brought us out some chips and salsa, our menus, and i ordered the Plato Grande for one. By the way, those chips with salsa are probably the best i've had at a Mexican restaurant before. I entertained myself with the local wi-fi while the food came out (about twenty minutes after we ordered). The food was excellent my Plato Grande definitely was grande with the grilling pan loaded with chicken,shrimp,carne asada, and bbq ribs, this also included tortillas,mexican rice, and beans and also a small salad in case you decided to put the meats in a tortilla to make a fajita. The meats were all very tender and loaded with flavor in each bite. i made a fajita and it tasted sooo good.... the beans and rice were good too! I finished it so fast i couldn't even believe it. For dessert i ordered Tres Leches Cake, A milky, slice of heaven.... oh so good.. yup the topping seemed to be made by them too not that usual whip cream they always use at most restaurants. This was a really good meal, it definitely made this Salvadoran dude happy! I will certainly come back when in the area and order this same dish again. Oh, service was not the best I had to call them over while they walked by. But who cares the food is great, and there is a nice ambience
(5)Domonique W.
Watered down, over-priced margarita pitchers and average tex-mex food with a friendly staff and yummy complimentary chips and salsa.
(3)Bianca R.
The food was very bland, the margarita mix was horrible which made the margaritas taste watered down and way too sweet. I prob won't go back again.
(1)Sana J.
Came here for appetizers with friends last weekend and loved it. It was pouring rain outside but the outdoor seating was covered so it was a very cool atmosphere. The service was great and attentive. Definitely looking forward to coming back here for entrees!
(4)Monique H.
Had a taste for tacos all week and finally decided to try this place on Friday. We ordered takeout. The wait was longer than what the bartender who took our order said it would be. Decor was authentic, but weird smell inside. If weather permits, eat outside. Restaurant was pretty busy. Food was good, chicken chimichanga, ceviche and beef tacos. Everything was pretty good. We told them to hold the guacamole but was still on our platter. I'd like to go back for sangrias and try something else on the menu.
(3)Lori R.
The margaritas are delicious. $6 each, but delicious. The service was great. I called ahead to let them know I'd be coming with a party of 12. Turns out that more people came than expected and we ended up with a party of 20. They were very accommodating and had no problem adding extra tables and chairs as needed. They even sang happy birthday to me. The only negative is that they will only give you one check per table. Fortunately they will take several forms of payment, but it can be frustrated to reconcile the bill with a large group. The food wasn't the best I've ever had, but it was good and I would return.
(4)Kristin M.
I've been coming to Mi Rancho with my family since birth, basically, or (potentially) actually. I and most of my friends worked here in high school, I waited tables and worked the tortilla machine (burned my hand), and I still end up back here now and then. So, Mi Rancho is close to my heart! However, I almost always order the same things, so weirdly enough, I'm probably not the greatest judge of their food on a grand scale. Nevertheless, I'll speak to what I know! I've always had success with the Burrito Santa Fe (chicken), the fajitas (beef), and the mariscada. I guess they're not amaaazing, but I always leave feeling full, happy and in a good mood! My favorite favorite thing here, the dish that I think is great even in thoughtful comparison with other restaurants, is the Nachos Mi Rancho. Instead of a pile of chips with stuff dumped all over it, NMR has maybe 15-20 chips, each with EVERYTHING on it and cheese melted over it to hold all the goodness in place, topped with a bite of beef or chicken if you choose (go for the beef!). Every bite is equally awesome! This works out great if fairness in sharing is a concern between you and your sibling/spouse (my past/present). :) Don't come with sky-high expectations for a gourmet meal, but do expect a fun dinner (a fuera o al dentro), a personal greeting from one of the brothers who owns the place, and some seriously loaded nachos.
(3)Kristina K.
In hopes of finding a place in a similar genre that was at least moderately acceptable in gustatory arts compared to Samantha's, a Peruvian gem in the SS area, we stopped by Mi Rancho. While I was tuned into the beach-front reminiscent alfresco seating--plastic outdoors chairs and tables under a pleasantly breezy tent that closes in for the winter, this and proximity to the metro were some of the top highlights of this experience. The service was attentive, commendable almost, in that our waitress came by frequently enough to please, and the frozen strawberry margaritas were delightful--but nearly virgin (you know, liquor-free or almost so). Sigh. Though I literally got full before getting even a mild ding after of a buzz after 2 glasses of otherwise delicious, thick, shake-like strawberry, our second choice of a traditional on-the-rocks margaritas was better spiked but left an uncomfortable mouth dryness, presumably owing to the poor chemistry of the lime mix. Impressed by fajitas by the pound for ~$25, an outspoken member of our party ordered 2...as in 2 pounds of beef fajitas. While the quality was alright--a little greasy & a bit fatty, the meat was flavorful and we were utterly, albeit unhappily, stuffed by the end of the meal. As our other friend put it "this place is probably pretty good enough after a night of drinking but not before!". Meh...is all I got for 'Rancho.
(2)Johnny A.
The Tilapia dish is my favorite as well as the plato grande. Service is great and the host/manager/owner is way too friendly. Only complain is ventilation. Be prepared to smell like fried food for hours after you leave unless you sit outside during the warm season.
(3)Jay M.
One of my favorite Tex-Mex restaurants in Maryland . Love the Carne asada and the margaritas ( try the peach margaritas !! ) . The price seems to be up there but it's worth it . Been coming here for over more then 10 years and will so continue . I know they have 2 other more locations in MD but the one in silver spring is the best one .
(5)Jeff R.
Something odd must have happened to the one-star raters on their visit. We have been going to Mi Rancho ever since they opened, and like others posting here, we absolutely love this place. The grilled foods--chicken and beef either on fajitas or tacos- is very nicely prepared. The tortillas are house made and delicious. The salsa too. Their guacamole is fresh and tasty, the beans and rice full of flavor. I always get a Margarita (or two) and they are good. Ambiance inside and out is really pleasant. Never had a bad service issue, the chips are freshly made (they come hot to the table). I don't know if they still do it, but they have off-menu goat ribs one night during the week (It used to be Thursday, I think--ask). One reviewer suggested trying a place in PG County, didn't mention the name, but by the location I'm guessing what was referred to was the Alamo in Riverdale. If so, two things. First, the Alamo is a MEXICAN restaurant; Mi Rancho is a Tex-Mex/border restaurant. Second, I grew u eating at the Alamo (in the 60s and 70s) when it truly was a fantastic Mexican fine dining room. It ain't that anymore, hasn't been for 25 years. It's an OK Mexican place. Can't touch Mi Rancho on food quality, ambiance, service or locale. I give Mi Rancho 4 stars because they do what they do as well as it can be done. It's good, casual (as opposed to fine dining) food, a fun place that has a good menu, good drinks, good service, and is run by great people.
(4)Paul M.
Let's start out by saying that if I could rate this place 1/2 of a star or less I would! TWO THUMBS DOWN! A NO GO! I've been to this establishment on several occasions and I can't say that I was ever impressed. But when Mexican restaurants are so scarce in Silver Spring (within walking distance of my home) I am able to get over the minor things that bug me. The food is ridiculously over priced! It's hard to phantom that a couple can spend over $30 for two Mexican entrees, but here you will. I have no problem paying that amount if the food was flavorful and satisfying! The service is slow. I learned not to order a drink ($3.00) because one glass is all you'll get unless you hound your server down. I'd also like to add that the sodas on the patio taste funny! So. Buyer beware. There's been times I've gone with one person, and the food would take 45 mins to arrive at the table. Out of the handful of times Ive eaten at Mi Rancho, last night was the last and final time for me. I went with 5 other friends, we had two servers, which should mean exceptional, and attentive service RIGHT? WRONG! We all placed our orders, and sure enough they all came out together and hot, except a friend ordered fajitas and they literally put two pieces of peppers and 2 onion strips on the plate. So he requested more. 25 mins passed since we received our food, we all finish our food, and now his food is now at room temperature. Hot veggies finally arrive and naturally he wants hot, fresh meat, which should be something they took initiative to do. The meat is taken, reheated and brought back within five mins, dry and over cooked to a tough,rubbery consistency. All of our glasses are empty, chips are empty, salsa is gone, at this point you'd think after all the complaints we've given to our waitress, She'd be a little more attentive and compliant with our requests, after all we are a paying customer, you are there to do a job, and do you care about the hefty tip you could have for a party of 6 hungry men? After numerous occasions of us trying to get her attention, interrupting her chit chatting, and congregating with fellow staff members, also did i mention she was playing with another waitresses hair right in the view of the guests?, I knew that our complaints would not matter, nor would they be corrected to our satisfaction. When we got the check, we first checked to see if the green peppers and onions my friend requested was charged for them, sure enough, they're on the tab. It was only $3.00 but aren't fajitas supposed to come with grilled veggies? Why is he being charged for the veggies that should have been. So we asked to speak to the manger and we explained everything that has taken place in the 90 mins we've been there. He basically tells us we haven't even been in the restaurant long enough to have these events happen (so we're lying), and asks what do you want him to do? He says we must pay for the extra veggies and dismisses himself from the issue at hand. We all pay our bills, the waitress took the veggies off our bill, but informed our Spanish speaking friend (in espanol) that she paid for them out of her own pocket. HOW RUDE! She's having a good 60- 75 second conversation with him in Spanish. I cannot speak or understand Spanish, but I could tell by the look on his face, whatever she said to him was pretty insulting. I asked what she said while she was standing there and he or she would not repeat it to us. I am furious at this point! How tacky and disrespectful that is! My Spanish speaking friend didn't even have the issue with the check! The girl spoke English perfectly well during the course of the night! We exit the restaurant, get down to the corner and he relays what she told him, basically if we caused anymore problems the manager would call the police on us! WHAT?!?! I am completely confused, we didn't start a problem, we're informing you of the problem your wait staff has caused! I can't believe I just gave my hard earned money to a restaurant that doesn't give a damn or appreciate our business. I am usually a generous tipper, and it doesn't take much to please me. I don't expect anyone to bend over backwards or for the waitress to wipe the edges of my mouth with each bite. I just expect them to do their job. In situations like this I usually leave a $1.00 tip but this wasn't even worth the change I could find under the cushions of my couch. I'll never return to this restaurant again, and I'll be sure to let my opinions of this place be known to any and everyone who expresses interest in it. If things are this dysfunctional in open view to the customers what in the heck is going on behind closed doors. I rather go to chipotle or taco bell for my next Mexican cuisine.
(1)Becca G.
Went there last week. The food was excellent had the carne asada and a banana Margarita. The only problem was the wait we had a reservation for 7 and didn't get seated til almost 8. They said our table wasn't ready what's the point of a reservation if the table isn't ready for you at that time. But, everything else was great.
(4)Sarah L.
I'm really surprised at all of the four and five star reviews for this place. I've lived in Silver Spring for a few years now and I've given Mi Rancho a go a few times. Everytime I go the service is slow and inattentive. Drinks are never re-filled, and waiters/waitresses disappear after food is delivered, never to be seen or heard from again... Also, let's talk about the food. It's not *terrible* but it's not very good. I've tried several of the menu items now and they're just...bland. In my opinion the only thing worth ordering are the fajitas. Everything else just isn't that good. If I'm paying $25+ for Mexican food, I want it to be delicious, not "meh." Meh is really the only appropriate way to describe Mi Rancho. If you want delicious and authentic Latino food in Silver Spring, head across the street to Cubanos. Better service, infinitely better food, and a better drink selection.
(2)Joe G.
The chips and salsa are wunderbar. They are absolutely the best part of the meal. Once the rest of the food comes, it all goes downhill ... So much of the food was dry. I came at night so maybe they brought out all the old food they had. The beef fajita was good, but it's something like $20-25 per pound? Come here for chips, salsa and drinks. Other than that, there are plenty of better places to go to.
(2)Dee B.
Stop nr. 8 on my Summer Resolution Tour. The service here is ridiculously slow, but the patio is great for hanging out on a warm summer evening. The chips and salsa were decent, but the salsa was surprisingly spicy. I wasn't particularly in the mood for Tex-Mex, so I ordered the salmon. I was brought an enormous piece of salmon, nicely prepared, with a generous serving of guacamole (along with pico de gallo, rice and beans). Can I just say that the marriage of two of my favorite things - salmon and guacamole - is a marriage made in heaven?!? I was more than happy with my entree. Hmmm, based on that, I might have to give this place 3.5 stars. Well, either way, I don't know that I'd rush back here, but it's definitely a good alternative to the horrible chains that dominate the new downtown Silver Spring.
(3)Courtney R.
This is my favorite restaurant in Silver Spring and my favorite place to get Tex Mex anywhere! The food and drinks are consistently good and the atmosphere is festive. I always bring friends and family here when they're visiting the area, nothing beats lunch or dinner and a margarita on the patio on a nice day.. LOVE this place
(5)Damian H.
This place sucks!!! I got the cheese enchiladas. A plate full of grease is all it was. The rice tasted like Spanish rice from a box you can by at any grocery story. The sauce on the enchiladas (RED) was just awful. Save you money you can do better!!!!
(1)Laura C.
I crave Mexican food. Regularly. And I live in an area where there are 5 Mexican restaurants I frequent so much that the waiters know my order. This sounds kind of pathetic, I understand. But get this: of these 5 restaurants Mi Rancho is hands-down my favorite. End of story. Great food at a reasonable price. What more can you ask, really? I'm always torn between wanting tacos and enchiladas... so what do they do? Put them in a platter TOGETHER!!!! Brilliant. And, while I'm a creature of habit who can never seem to order anything else there, everyone I've ever taken with me has loved their meals, too! Fajitas, bacon-wrapped shrimp, tamales... all I've ever heard is they rock! They also have a pretty large outdoor patio which is nice, especially if you end up there at a particularly crowded time. They close it in during the winter and heat it up with heat lamps that work like gangbusters, so it's a year-round seating option. Nice. Only one small complaint: Parking. I'm reeeeally lazy and wish I didn't have to walk the, what, half a block (?) from the MoCo garage and Cameron Street, since there's no parking on Ramsey Ave. But it's obviously not enough of a drawback to keep me from going- I seem to find myself most Saturdays! Oy.
(4)Nat B.
In a place like Silver Spring where Mexican restaurants are in abundance, this local chain isn't half-bad. The food's pretty good, although some are a bit pricier than others. The margaritas are a mixed bag though. The first round of drinks were top-notch, but the second round had half of the drinks that were drowning in tequila and the other half were virgins. They were cool about it and replaced them all quickly. It should be noted we ate here during Cinco de Mayo, and the place was PACKED. We didn't wait too long though, so I'd come back again if we're in need of a mexican fix.
(3)Damon H.
Greetings People of the DMV!!! Let me start by saying I LOVE MEXICAN FOOD!!! So when the opportunity comes to try a new Mexican spot I jump at it. Well I believe I jumped to soon...without reading any reviews I tried this outdoor/indoor environment. Let's take a second and thank the owners for the outdoor fans, and plastic tables and chairs. The staff were fine, however the food was not!!! I had three cheese enchiladas, rice, and beans. Lets start off with the good: beans had a nice flavor, and the tortilla chips were thick*** I hate thin tortilla chips*** and salsa had an interesting flavor. The bad: the cheese enchiladas were a plate of grease!! No flavor, no taste. Good cheese enchiladas are flavorful because of the mix of cheese, peppers, and seasoning some restaurants use cheese sauce, and yes they can be a little oily, however this was not the case at this OUTDOOR establishment. I got them with the red enchilada sauce which masked this plate full of oil, as soon as I cut into them, this yellow/orange oil came from everywhere...I may go back in the Fall and try the fajitas....
(2)Eddie W.
Officially the WORST restaurant in the DC metro area! Myself and 5 others decided on dinner at Mi Rancho last night before going to see a movie. After placing our order, everything went down hill. We had to chase down any server we could find, for everything we needed. In fact, we were only able to get our beverages refilled once. We ordered queso dip as an appetizer, yet could only eat half of it because they wouldn't bring any more chips to our table. It took a whole lot of time for our meals to arrive, which wound up being as disappointing as the service. I ordered Vegetable Fajitas, which were pathetic. 3 strips of carrots, 2 mushrooms, some onion, and 4 strips of bell pepper. I ate it in 4 bites. Literally. Two of my friends ordered chicken and beef fajitas with literally 2 strips of bell pepper and 2 strips of onion. Again, we hunted down a server. We found one in the bar area grooming the hair bangs and eyebrows of another server. I'm not kidding. We asked for more grilled onions and bell pepper, which she seemed annoyed that we interrupted her from her grooming session. 15 minutes go by, and the chicken and steak fajitas are now at room temperature. Again, we hunt down a server who said she would have to kitchen staff remake them. Another 10 minutes go by, and the grilled onions and bell pepper arrive, yet no fajitas. 5 minutes later the fajitas arrive - the same ones, re-grilled and now overcooked. The food was crap. Period. 15 minutes later, the check arrives. They decided to charge $6 for a small plate of grilled onions and bell pepper which should have been in the damn fajitas to begin with. Quite ticked off at this point - we ask to speak to the manager. Again, we waited for over 10 minutes. Finally, an arrogant and cocky man comes over and basically argues with us for 5 minutes and calls all of us liars. There were no apologies or offers to correct the situation. He then begins to argue that we had only been there for 25 minutes, even after we showed him our Facebook "check-in" which was done 1 hour and 15 minutes beforehand. He refused to do anything for us. We finally just paid, and vowed to never return. In all honesty, this was the worst service and food I have experienced in this area. A trip to McDonald's on Colesville Rd would have been much a much pleasurable dining experience, and I do mean that in all truth! Inevitably, we also missed our movie. Save yourself the time, money, and disappointment!
(1)Deb G.
I want to like Mi Rancho - I walk by it at least 3 times a week and the scents of grilled meat that waft out are always mouthwatering. However, the actual food just doesn't compare to the delicious aromas, and for the price I feel like are much better places around Silver Spring. Their chips are super greasy yet not quite salty enough, and their salsa is bland, bland, bland. They definitely get a star for the margaritas. Let's put it bluntly - I go for the margs because sometimes you just need one. They do make good frozen margaritas, and the big outside patio is a great space for drinking them. I ordered the carne asada, based on my friend's recommendation. It was the best thing I've had so far, better than the burritos and enchiladas I've gotten previously. The meat was well marinated and served sizzling hot with homemade tortillas that were excellent. However, even that's wasn't enough to raise the star level, once you factor in the weak guacamole, meh beans, and looked so bad I didn't even try it rice. Also, I also need to think about the hours (and hours and hours) of indigestion I've suffered all day. Must ignore the wafting smells from Mi Rancho!!
(2)Mac O.
A friend of ours celebrates her birthday here every year. Over the last 4 years, I have compiled the following notes on this joint: Mi Rancho 101 I. Atmosphere A) Outdoor Patio i) It's big. ii) It's hot in summer. iii) You can be outside any time of year, because it's covered and can be enclosed. That's nice. B) Indoors i) Mehhhh. ii) This is where the bathrooms are located (look for saloon doors). II. Service A) Waitstaff i) Usually friendly. ii) Sometimes efficient. B) Management i) On it. Pitches in as needed. ii) Takes a headcount at table, withdraws extra mints brought with check. a) Really? b) Laammme. III. Food A) Chips & Salsa i) Chips are the bomb -- super thin and crispy, cooked to a nice golden brown. ii) Salsa is so boring it could make you cry. B) Flameado appetizer i) Government cheese melted to a rubbery, oil-slicked pool with innocent vegetables that don't deserve such an awful fate. Can't be penetrated with tortilla chips. ii) Every year we are subjected to this friend's-favorite appetizer and have to force down a bite or two. Avoid! C) Other stuff i) Eh, it's typical Mexican fare. It won't blow your mind, but it won't horrify you, either. ii) Husband thinks the chicken enchiladas are "bangin' " however. IV. Drink A) Margaritas i) Many flavors = good! ii) No detectable alcohol = bad! B) Sangria i) Lots of fruit = good! ii) Mealy fruit = bad! C) Beer i) Average selection = okayyy... ii) Unjustifiably expensive = bad! Yes, this will be on the exam.
(3)Carlton M.
Yuck! That's all I can say about this place...it's just like Baja Fresh and Chipotle....nothing special!
(1)Cani C.
A place that you always feel like family, great food. Not very expense if you like Authentic Mexican.
(5)Sheila C.
Pretty good mexican grindz within walking distance...steak fajitas are tender and tasty...chips & salsa are highly addictive
(4)Eva W.
This restaurant is very popular among my co-workers, so since I had to work today I went along on a group outing. I did like the chips, and the salsa was OK but (full disclosure here) I'm not a hot food junkie so I would have liked it better if it had been more bland. OTOH, I don't think Tex-Mex places ought to bland down just for people like me. But that isn't my issue here. What moved me to review was my co-worker's experience. She has had shrimp fajitas there before and they aren't on the menu anymore. She asked if it were possible to get them. They told her yes, she could get them. (If they had refused, she would have been fine with ordering something else.) When they arrived (on a sizzling hot plate, as is customary with fajitas), they still had their shells on, so she had to gingerly pick them off the hot plate and peel them before she could put them in a tortilla. That was an odd presentation. But the most annoying part of the presentation were skimpy amounts of green pepper and onion served with the shrimp. My co-worker asked our waitress if she could get additional amounts of those vegetables. Not only did the waitress refuse but then she sent over the manager, who also refused to bring a few additional slices of pepper and onion. How much extra could it have cost them? I'm sure she would be willing to pay a bit extra. Furthermore, how much is it going to cost them in terms of all the customers at the table who got to witness this meaningless show of contempt for a customer. Will we go back? Probably I won't, since if that's their ethic I don't think I would be comfortable asking for customization. I would recommend this place to people who are 100% OK with ordering just items on the menu and don't want anything in terms of different side orders, or substitutions. It's not that I think the customer is ALWAYS right, it just seemed odd and annoying that they didn't want to fulfill a minor request.
(2)Trace D.
The service and decor were both quite good, however you don't go to a restaurant just for the service, so when they brought the food I have to say I was disappointed. The food sounded good on the menu, but in practice they came up a bit short. I never give up on a place after one try, but as work lunch goes, it's a bit expensive for the food quality so it might be a while until I get back in to give it another go.
(2)Medjinne D.
I have been coming here since I was in middle school. My family and I really enjoy this restaurant we always come here for birthdays and since we have a Cinco De Mayo bday in our fam we def come for that. Their food is good we always get the 2 Plato Grandee and enjoy it. My favorite is their dessert the sopapilla no other place that I've been to does it like them. So why don't they get 5 stars even though they have the best homemade tortilla? because, they have not learned how to make good drinks. It's a shame cause I love Mi Rancho but will only come here with my family and always go across the street to Cubano with my girls (check that review out). I hope they get better!
(4)F A.
Taco salad was terrible - chicken was bad quality and I don't know how you mess up a taco salad but I literally couldn't eat it. My husband got something else and it was ok so if I ever go back ill get that. don't get the taco salad!!
(2)Kayla A.
Their carne asada is awesome. That's really all I can speak to because I get it faithfully whenever we go, as does the majority of my party. I will return here for the carne asada again and again. As far as the rest of the menu (and by that I mean drinks since I obviously already know my food order): I don't drink margaritas, but I have ordered sangria and pina coladas here. Wasn't impressed with either. One of the last times I was there, the server asked if I wanted the pina colada "with alcohol?" I thought that was obvious but the pina colada I got definitely tasted a lot stronger than the ones I had there previously. I'm not sure if they automatically assumed all the others were virgin drinks, but I will definitely be specifiying when I return.
(4)Roy S.
This place gets 5 stars because i have been going here since i was 7 years old when it first opened. The menu hasnt really changed much but the owner (Albino) is nice as can be and still remembers my family whenever we show up. I personally prefer the mixed fajitas and the margaritas are pretty good also. This is a good place if you dont like spicy food and enjoy a good atmosphere...
(5)David M.
I liked it. Service was real good, and I thought the fajitas were great. The steak far outperformed the chicken fajitas, however. Do not bother with the queso app. It's melted velveeta and is pretty wretched. Just stick with the salsa if you need something to dip your chips into :) I love the giant outdoor seating, and I like that they're not too fierce of a walk from the SS Metro station, making it easy to go down, have a few beers, and just hop a train home. There seems to be ample parking around, but I am sure it's all paid parking. i personally loved the tamales. Best i've had in town so far, but I'm sure that will change as I venture out more since moving into the area.
(4)Libby F.
Many, many years ago I taught at a little Catholic school not far from here. The owner of Mi Rancho's daughter attended this school. It just so happened that the much revered principal, Sister Mary Raymond was a huge foodie. That being said, the owner of Mi Rancho would often send over a platter of food (enchiladas, tacos, rice, guac. etc...) for the staff's lunchtime pleasure. Even though I live only 1.2 miles away, I still don't make a conscious effort to dine here. Maybe more so in the summer when the patio is open and the pitchers of margaritas go down like water in the Sahara. Mmmm, they hit the spot! On that note, I agree with Kathleen M.'s comment: The food is solid. After returning from Mexico less than two weeks prior I was really looking forward to celebrating Cinco de Mayo with my fellow Yelpers (Really, just ANY excuse to drink!). I only had the cheese quesadillas, and they were...solid. I like the white (Mexican?)cheese they use. More pico de gallo and guacamole accompanying it would have made me happier; in Mexico, you don't usually get sour cream with your food. I'm still looking for an authentic Mexican place here in DC. That doesn't mean I'll say adios to Mi Rancho. I like it here. I just want the true Mexican dining experience again.
(4)Heather K.
Hmm well what is there to say? I think this place rides on the fact that they have a big name and are well known in the area. I also should have known this wasn't going to be the best considering almost no one there was Latino ( granted I am a white suburban woman so I know that it might sound hypocritical but if a Mexican place is full with white people it probably isn't super authentic). The chips and salsa were the highlight. I ordered vegetarian fajitas and there was almost no peppers or onions on my hot plate..... super strange. The frozen margaritas were also made so that they were difficult to sip and once they melted down they were very watery.... waste of money. My opinion: There are plenty of places in DC, Wheaton and PG that don't have a big name but have better and less expensive food.
(2)Mary Kay S.
Stop Number Three on the South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. Laura and I were joined by Kevin L. (let's call him "Mexican Curious"). Mi Rancho has strong margaritas, a bit on the sweet side, though you'll barely notice after the first one is gone. EXCELLENT chips -- light and crispy. The salsa was a bit dull. We opted for a more substantial appetizer -- the vegetarian flameado. This is a fancy queso, with queso blanco, onions, peppers, and mushrooms. Wow. Take some of that buttery, melty goodness and plop it on one of those freshly made tortillas, and that is pure decadent heaven. Speaking of those tortillas -- they were so good. SO much better than the ones Lauriol Plaza's retarded machine spits out. These tortillas actually made the meal. Everything is better when paired with a fresh tortilla. I got the tacos al carbon, sticking with my obsession for grilled beef wrapped in a tortilla. Chunky, spicy guacamole, with big pieces of fresh jalapeno. Spanish rice -- dull; it had the tomato base, but no other flavors. The charro beans were tasty. Kevin says they were salty -- no doubt he is right, but aren't they usually? Next to the tortillas, the best part about this place is the atmosphere. The manager greeted us with charm, the wait staff was very accommodating, and the decor was "cute" without being too much so. The gigantic patio inspired much speculation about what Cinco de Mayo would be like here -- I picture quite a fun party, with mariachis and swirling cotton skirts. I like Mi Rancho. It fills a previously unrecognized void in my psyche for a certain type of Mexican atmosphere. Plus I can eat perfectly decent Mexican food while I'm there. Update: 5/8/08 -- we did in fact come back to Mi Rancho for Cinco de Mayo. As expected, the patio was packed with people, with lines waiting to get in. BUT (and this is a big but), there were no specials, no music, and some of the food was dumbed down to make it easier on the kitchen (e.g. store-bought tortillas for the tacos al carbon). Too bad that great patio had to go to waste.
(3)Michelle C.
I went once and won't go back. The service was terrible. The food was mediocre at best and my shrimp were way overcooked. The prices were high for the quality.
(1)Kevin L.
I've gotta second MK on this one. The fresh tortillas make everything better here. And... if anyone else is going to a Cinco de Mayo party here, I'm so in. I couldn't decide between all of the various options they had here, so I went with one of the combination platters - the Plata Maria. This included a chile relleno, a chicken enchilada, a beef soft taco, and a pork tamale, along with sides of rice and beans. You know what it's like when you go to a Korean restaurant... when they bring out the banchan and suddenly your table goes from empty to overflowing? Yeah - it was like that, but with Mexican food. They brought out my relleno, and there was so much stuff on the plate that I thought it was my meal. Then they brought out the second plate covered with more food. And then they brought out my beans and could barely find any room to put it. Although the food was supremely edible, it wasn't anything particularly fantastic. I enjoyed the chile relleno the most - we couldn't tell whether it was the poblano or the queso blanco it was stuffed with, but there was a perfect heat to it. Spicy enough to make my nose bead up with sweat a little, but not enough to make my eyes tear up with pain. Plus, the portion was absolutely enormous! I could have easily made a meal out of just that! I can't say I'd go this out of my way for Tex-Mex food on a whim, but there's nothing like throwing back a pitcher of strong margarita and noshing on chips and salsa with some fun friends after a long day of work. The service and the kitsch at Mi Rancho make it an ideal environment for doing exactly that.
(3)Sean R.
Literally the best Mexican food I've ever had. And I've *been* to both Mexico and Texas. The manager and owner are both very personable, and will make the rounds of the tables to ensure your enjoyment. I very clearly remember a gentleman eating with his family there years ago. He stood up and shook the manager's hand, saying, "I live in San Antonio, and *this* is the best Mexican food I've *ever* had." I used to eat at Mi Rancho three times a week when I lived in Silver Spring. I've been living in Virginia for over 10 years now and still make several pilgrimage several times a year. Why? Because it's worth it. Enchiladas? Nachos? The fajitas and steak? Nothing else compares. Even their salsa and chips are the best, made fresh on site! Do yourself a favor, por favor, and try Mi Rancho next time you're in the neighborhood. -Sean Richey
(5)K K.
First of all, I am forever indebted to this place for being the only restaurant I could find open during the huge snow storm in 2009. And it did not disappoint!! I've always had great service here. I love the sangria. The porch area is a fun place to hang out and have a drink on a hot day. I enjoy their salads and the tamales are excellent as well.
(4)Aya D.
Good food, fast service and friendly people. The pricing is fair too, which is always nice, especially in the current economy.
(4)Jake K.
Ok - I had been to this place many times while I frequented my friend's place in the towers right next to the restaurant. This of course was back in the days of yore when I was still a wet-behind-the-ears lieutenant stationed in Richmond and desiring a bit more diverse social scene than Shockoe Bottom had to offer. Enter Mi Rancho. Now, after living in California as a child and then coming back to live in Las Vegas briefly as a college student, I learned what decent Mexican food was. Decent Mexican (or even Tex-Mex for that matter since apparently there needs to be a differentiation) doesn't not require heavy loads of cheese, beans, and corn mash. As a matter of fact, half of Mexico eats pintos, the other half eats black beans! But you don't always see the difference. Mi Rancho's only redeeming quality was the fact that tortillas were made fresh. That's about it. Otherwise the food was inconsistent, it smacked of Americanism, and frankly, the salsa tasted too tomatoey. I would have preferred a tad more cilantro. The only thing I walked out of there liking was the queso dip - I always have a weakness for that stuff. Otherwise, I don't go back because the price is too high for the quality of food there.
(3)Li D.
Mi Rancho is a large restaurant in Silver Spring. Their menu is extensive, with burritos, tacos, guacamole, etc. The food is prepared in a typical American-interpreted Mexican style. We had dinner there last Friday night, about 6 pm. Their outdoor patio seating is comfortable, even in the winter, because it is somewhat enclosed and they have large outdoor gas heaters running all the time. It's a large space, so I imagine the volume gets a bit loud too, later in the evening as the patio fills up with diners. At 6 pm on a Friday night, however, the patio was relatively empty. Still, we had difficulty hearing our waiter as he seemed to barely speak above a whisper. The margaritas were good, but nothing to write home about. The chips and salsa were also good. I ordered the hard tacos with beef dinner. It was adequate. The dinner comes with three hard tacos, rice, and sour cream, lettuce, etc. on the side. The rice was inedible. The tacos were just so-so.
(2)Fu P.
This place is good, cheap mexican. Don't go looking for a gourmet meal, but it excels at what it's supposed to: strong margaritas and good tacos, enchiladas, etc...
(4)Michael O.
We have had dinner here numerous times and the food is consistently excellent. I really am fond of their margaritas, they are great, almost the best I have had. The only complaint is that the service is sometimes hit or miss, never really bad, but sometimes kind of slow towards the end waiting for the check. The outside patio area is nice in good weather, but can be noisy sometimes because of families who dont control their children and let them run around and make alot of noise.
(5)M N.
I've been twice, and the food was very good both times. The margaritas (Cadillac variety) were excellent. Will certainly be back again.
(4)CaShawn T.
I recently went to this restaurant for the first time for my friend's birthday. We had a large group and we dined outside on their spacious patio. It was pretty hot and the servers were great when we requested to move closer to their big fans to keep cool. The food was great! Very authentic and the taste was awesome. The drinks were on point. Margaritas were perfect. The servers were friendly and very helpful. The place was nice looking and comfortable. The inside was kind of dark, so I was glad that we had our gathering outside. It was a happy time for us all. There is street parking and a public garage across the street. I'm not sure how far it is away from a Metro station, but it can't be too far since it's in Downtown Silver Spring. I gladly recommend this restaurant and hope to go back again soon.
(4)R B.
A great place for food in Silver Spring. The chips and salsa are wonderful- very Rio Grande-esque. We tried a variety of food and all were delicious, esp the chile relleno. The margarita could have been better, but was still nice. Wonderful outdoor area to enjoy when the weather is nice.
(4)Brian D.
Very middle of the road. Non-distinct Tex-Mex place. Way overpriced for what it is, but super convenient for people who live in downtown Silver Spring. Not bad, just uninspiring.
(3)Zachary H.
Extremely tacky Mexican restaurant? Yes. Did I like it? Absolutely! Mi Rancho will probably not be your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant and it's not like that place you went to that one night when you were out too late in Tijuana. What Mi Rancho is, is a decent neighborhood Mexican restaurant, serving up all the classics. It's a popular Silver Spring restaurant -- it was packed last night when we went (a Wednesday night). It also has friendly service and is reasonably priced. So - last night was our first night at Mi Rancho. We were both being boring and ordered the same dish - the beef burritos and a margarita. Both were good and generously portioned! The customary chips and salsa were also served. The chips were thin and baked, which I like, and I think the salsa was homemade -- also good! We'll definitely be back to Mi Rancho. After the positive experience with the beef burritos, I'm looking forward to trying other things on the menu! The outdoor patio is also very inviting for a lazy summer Saturday afternoon! Can't wait!
(4)Willy W.
I've eaten here many times as it was right next to work. It's nice to eat outside when weather permits. The food is okay, nothing spectacular but pretty good nonetheless. I've had the fajitas, fish, burritos, and many other things. The home-made tortillas and chips are good.
(3)Greg W.
Great food (best mexican around) Great Drinks (sangria and mexican beer make everyone happy) Great Atmosphere (patio in summer, and sombrero birthday songs) Great place to go for dinner on a Friday night!
(4)Alexis K.
Ever seen a waiter afraid? Ask a Mi Rancho employee if they can do breakfast tacos. No super vibe, good food (a bit overpriced), limited drink menu.
(2)Allison R.
Sangria...I love their sangria! Red or white it is awesome!! O and the food is good too. The food is nothing spectacular it's your normal tex-mex stuff. They start you off with chips and salsa which is great to snack on while drinking your sangria and waiting for your food! It's a great spot to go in the summer or spring/fall on a really nice evening because they have a great outdoor patio that is really perfect for hanging out in, drinking, eating slowly and hanging with friends. It's a great little place - away from some of the hustle/bustle of Silver Spring - a nice spot with good food and awesome sangria!
(4)Beatrice G.
We have frequented MiRancho for many years and have never been disappointed in the quality of the food or the service. The managers are friendly, and make you feel like you are part of the family. While in Dallas last year, we visited the "first" Tex Mex restaurant founded in the United States and hand's down, MiRancho had them beat. They were good but Mi Rancho in my opinion is much better. Try it, you won't be disappointed. The fajita dishes are better than I have ever had anywhere.
(5)Stephanie M.
Nothing new in this review. The chips and salsa are remarkably good as is the chicken chimichanga. I think it must be the type of oil they are using because while both were thin and crispy they weren't oily which is something most places here seem to have a problem with. I went at lunch and the server and hostess were nice. We were in and out in under an hour which makes me extremely happy during my lunch break. I'd go back and try something else. My only complaint is one of my coworkers loves to have sour cream with her fajitas but since it's not part of the meal typically she would have to pay $1.50 to get a bowl. This seems like over kill when they could just drizzle a little on the plate. But as most people have noted they make no exceptions of any kind what so ever. This seems a bit sad since when we arrived it appeared everyone knew my coworker which tells you they can't spare a little side of sour cream for a regular?
(3)Lisa M.
I've been here many times over the years and usually stick to a chicken fajitas. A few times i've got the fish. frankly the best thing about this place are the tortillas, and they are really good. otherwise it's above average, and the drinks are great. It's fun, nothing fancy.
(4)Rosemarie F.
We come here for business lunches on a regular basis. Everyone seems to enjoy it. I always get the Santa Fe Buritto, which I really enjoy. Have to agree with other Yelpers that the chips are greasy, although very fresh and warm when they come to the table. Love the salsa! I could just drink it out of the bowl!! Ok, not a great visual............. The truly nice thing about this place is the open patio, however gets a bit noisey if you are having a business type lunch. I bet this would be a great place for Happy Hour on a nice day. They also have a smaller room downstairs that we have rented out for private functions that I believe can seat up to 25-30 people.
(3)Dave C.
Very good food and attentive service every time we have been there. It can get loud, so its great to take kids, they won't seem annoying to other diners.
(4)Bobby G.
How does this only have three stars? My wife and I do carry out from here all the time, it's delish. Highly recommended.
(5)Josh O.
I've now been here twice, and feel comfortable saying that Mi Rancho is good for sitting outside and having a couple beers, but not much else. My first taste was exactly that: sitting outside having a couple beers after work while I waited to meet a friend. For that it was perfect. Though I ordered a tamale for a snack and found it lackluster at the very best (oh how I miss San Francisco's tamale man!). Last night we went back for dinner. I had the Camarones Rancheros, Jessi had Alfredo's Plate, and her sister Becky had ...something else. My camarones were actually pretty good, but everything else was on a level with the tamales I ate before: boring and oddly bland and dry (except for the chile ranchero which was deep fried and therefore oddly rich). So like I said, good for drinks outside, but not much else. If I want Tex Mex I'll go to Austin Grill; I'm still trying to find a place where I can get Mex Mex.
(2)Martin B.
Came here a week or so ago with some friends. We were hungry for some food before seeing a movie at the Majestic. We didn't want boring old (but nonetheless delicious) Chipotle, and we weren't really feeling the Chick-fil-A. We wanted something a little more... real. So my friend suggested Mi Rancho. Coming in on a Saturday night the place was packed, but we were able to get a seat in due time. The host was friendly and funny, and from the get go I had a pretty good impression of the place. Service was a bit slower than I'd like, but friendly. My friends raved about the (virgin) margaritas. I myself had a shirley temple... quite good. The chips they brought out were delicious, good old fashioned Tex-Mex chips. They were quite filling though; I ordered the soft chicken tacos (It's an order of three) and I could only finish 2.5 tacos. My friend got them with ground beef and liked them; my other pal got the carne asada. In all, if you're looking for some tex mex in Silver Spring but don't want Austin Grill or the heaviness of Chipotle, check out Mi Rancho.
(3)J C.
Mary Kay S., Laura V. and I decided to celebrate the (slight) drop in the summertime temperature with our latest South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza (SotBQ[oG]CCDTaGE) outing. Both my dining companions had been here before and were excited to come back for no other reason than to indulge in the majesty that is the cheese plug (see below). I started out with a Negro Modelo which was brought to me in a frosted glass and subsequently downed in a matter of minutes due to the heat. I was about halfway through with my beer when the aforementioned cheese plug came. Now, the official name for our appetizer is the flameado--baked cheese with mushrooms, peppers and onions. Mary Kay S. and Laura V. had it previously and named it the cheese plug, for the fact that this cheesy monstrosity pretty much plugs up your stomach upon consumption. We grabbed fresh, hot flour tortillas and proceeded to dig in. You can easily split one cheese plug four ways, and probably more. I should warn you that the cheese plug effect is like getting two kinds of full body hugs. The first hug (taking those first few glorious bites) is like getting a full body hug from a new lover. You never want it to end, and you're wondering at what point ass cuppage is acceptable. The second hug is when the plug proceeds to hug your stomach like that creepy coworker who doesn't get the meaning of "personal space intrusion" and likes to give interoffice hugs and unsolicited shoulder rubs. And smells kinda funny (the coworker, not the appetizer). We were all breathing pretty heavily before our entrees arrived. It's definitely an experience to be had (and shared!). For dinner, I settled on the steak tacos el carbon, which came with guac, rice, and pico de gallo. Mary Kay got the Tijuana platter and Laura chose veggie fajitas (and wryly noted that the menu also offers vegetable fajitas "with meat," which sounds juuuust a bit counterintuitive). Our food was brought promptly and we proceeded to dig in. They definitely didn't skimp on the steak, and the portions were quite generous. While the steak was nice and juicy, I felt it could have benefited from some additional seasoning. They were somewhat on the bland side and could have used a bit of a kick. But this is a minor nitpick, and I'd certainly order them again. The fact that I broke out in "meat sweats" halfway through was testament to their quality. I was honestly so stuffed from the cheese plug and the steak tacos that I was only able to put a small dent into the guac and pico de gallo (both were fresh and tasty) and didn't even touch the rice. You definitely get a lot of food for your money and there are a LOT of choices on the menu that should satisfy even the most picky, finicky diner in your party. Service is fast and friendly, and I think about three or four different people greeted us both coming and going. All seemed genuinely happy that we chose to dine here. The atmosphere is definitely laid back. The verdict: you know how your bowels reflexively cramp whenever someone says "Denny's Grand Slam Breakfast"? I have a feeling that my stomach and any mention of the words "cheese plug" will have a similarly symbiotic relationship from here on out. I looked at the empty cheese plug dish right before the server cleared our plates, and I swore it was looking right at me. Like this was a Hong Kong action film, and I was the renegade cop who plays by his own rules, and the cheese plug was this cagey but honorable Triad boss. We're mortal enemies, but for one, brief moment before we proceeded to shoot the hell out of the abandoned warehouse, we stood in awe of each other and weren't afraid to show mutual respect. On a more serious note, I can easily recommend Mi Rancho. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, and there's more than enough choices to satisfy everyone in your party (including vegetarians).
(4)Jaemie D.
I used to come here with my family as a teenager growing up. I remember when it was a small restaurant with a limited patio area in the summer. Now it's grown in size (patio area) but still keeps the feeling of a small Tex-Mex restaurant. The patio area is great- I went on a perfect night where it wasn't too humid. The food is general Tex-Mex fare, nothing surprising or new on the menu. Their combo platters are a good deal if you are hungry, but you can easily get a good quesadilla or soft taco dinner and not go away hungry or totally unsatisfied. The drinks are not their strong point- or at least their margharitas. I've had better drinks at other places in DC. The food overall was decent, but nothing special. If you are in the mood for Tex-Mex and like specific generic fare, you'd probably feel right at home. The one factor that makes this place stand out would be the outdoor patio option.
(2)Sidney S.
The margaritas are great but the food was just average and overpriced.
(3)Latise B.
Mi Rancho is a great step up from the Don Pablos, On the Border fare. Its not the best "authentic" fare I've ever had, but its good tex mex. I've been here 3 times and I thought the portion sizes were good. I've always been absolutely stuffed when I leave. I enjoyed my margarita here, as well as the ribeye steak, the chicken and beef enchiladas (twice). The fried cheesecake dessert and sopapillas were also tasty. We usually get carne asada nachos, which isn't the largest serving portion I've ever had, but like I said, i'm stuffed when I leave there so it must be fine. We started going here when a friend of mine found that this restaurant serves carne asada that is very close to the churrasco we enjoy in Puerto Rico. The parking is actually pretty good--there is a garage that is very close to the restaurant. We've never had to wait long for a table, even on a Friday night and the restaurant is also able to hold multiple larger groups, which is a plus. I want to give this spot a 4, but I can't bring myself to do it. I've certainly had better tex-mex/mexican in the area, so 3 stars it is!
(3)Angela M.
Yeah, I missed the bus. Silly me. I decided last minute that I was actually going to get up the gall to meet with the other Yelpers without having an action plan. I really thought I was going to recognize people, but 1) I'm an idiot and 2) apparently, I'm face blind. I dunno! I'm so, so glad I talked my new roomies into coming for moral support, since I have a tad of social anxiety. God love you Alisha & Chris!! Otherwise, you may have seen a blond someone curled up in a ball on the stairs crying; that would have been me. We showed up at like 6:45pm and looked around, checked the reservation list and recognized nothing. I couldn't tell if anyone recognized me or if I was just getting looks because my head was on spin like the exorcist. We got a table on the patio and ordered a pitcher of Margaritas. Oh, they were good - I'm so sad I was DD!! I had one and started feeling the effects, so I had to give the rest to Alisha. The chips and salsa were delicious! The service was kinda slow, but the place was so busy because of Cinco de Mayo, that it didn't matter. Plus, the company was great, so I really didn't notice. I brought hubbs the Jalisco Platter since he couldn't join us and he inhaled it in 8 minutes. He loved it! I really liked my Maria Platter as well, but it seemed that he enjoyed his more. Our cool roomies bought our meal for us so that was awesome. Some of the food is FANTASTICALLY yummy, some is not as good. I would say this is an average place, but there are many reasons to come back. The salsa, the relaxed ambiance, the outdoor patio on a cool evening, the margaritas and to order the good stuff.
(3)Carolyn P.
I come here all the time, and I don't expect that to change unless I move. This place is a godsend if, like me, you are a celiac who loves some Tex-Mex. I usually get nachos or enchiladas, and I've never been disappointed. It's pretty basic, but in a good way. The decor is also festive and cute. The ceviche is surprisingly good, better than I've had at more upscale places. The meats are seasoned just right, and so far with things I'm not allergic to, which is fantastic. It's also huge, lots of outdoor and indoor seating -- I had a birthday party here once and they were great to us.
(4)Kathleen M.
I'm not a mexican food fan by nature. Sure, I love a cheesy enchilada as much as the next girl, but I don't crave rice and beans like steak and potatoes. But, give me some fine yelpers and a holiday to celebrate an obscure war in another country as an excuse to drink margaritas? Well then, I'm in! There's a parking garage right across from Mi Rancho that charges a mere $0.60/hour. Not sure why they didn't just up that to a full dollar, but I guess that's the 'burbs for you. I could smell the fajitas from around the corner and I was excited. The place was pretty busy, as to be expected on Cinco de Mayo. What I didn't expect was all of the kids! I mean, isn't Cinco de Mayo all about margaritas? Why bring your screaming 2 year old out for that? The patio was loud but overall contributed to a fun, casual vibe: perfect for the fabulous 70-something days we've been having. I first ordered a frozen strawberry margarita, and it tasted typical. Super sweet, can't really tell if there's any tequila in there. The on-the-rocks version we got in pitcher form later in the evening was much better, but you could still tell it was made with a mix with no fresh lime juice. Bummer. My food was solid: I got a fajita platter with chicken, steak, and shrimp. The steak was by far the best-- very well seasoned and juicy. The shrimp was difficult to eat as they had left the shell on. Rice was lackluster and while the guac was good I wished they had given me more of it (although that's always the case). The tortillas were super tasty as well. Service did as best they could-- we were an ever-growing party, ordering at staggered times, all on Cinco de Mayo. Silver Spring's out of the way for me but if I was in the area and strangely craving Mexican, I'd definitely stop back in. This may have been closer to a 4-star place on any other night.
(3)N S.
Mi Rancho is just ok. Part of the reason I return is that I love the outdoor patio. They are definitely working with a great space and when you throw in some mariachis that someone has hired for a gathering - even better. Side note: I want to be serenaded on a balcony by mariachis. How tight is that. You are chilling and you hear a trumpet start blasting outside and run to the balcony to find a 10 person mariachi band. If there is any guy out there who could see doing that for a young lady, please contact me. I am single, but I digress. I also really like the owner of Mi Rancho. Had a crush on him for years now, Very friendly, polite, debonnaire, and Argentine, I believe, but don't quote me on that. Overall, Mi Rancho I would recommend for a social gathering particularly in the spring/summer. It does tend to get packed so plan accordingly. ps. Oh, yes. The fresh tortillas are AWESOME. I could eat them plain.
(3)Feyi B.
One of my fave mexican spots. Food is very tasty, My sis and I like to split the dish for two. Cant remember what its called, but its $40 and feeds two. Their drinks are very, VERY tasty. I've ordered many diff flavors and I've yet to be disappointed. The owner also comes around to check on us, which is nice.
(5)Jane Y.
It was another one of those company lunches. The owner of the restaurant was extremely nice. a little too enthusiastic but I enjoyed it. It made me feel really welcome. The environment was very spring break mexico..(maybe its just me). They have a tortilla maker out in the front which i thought was cool. You know where your tortillas are coming from! neways...free chips and salsa as always. Love it as always. The salsa tasted extremely fresh. My boss ordered a side of nacho cheese, which looks cool cuz it came in a heated stone bowl. I ordered a Carne A Pollo ala Jardin. The chicken was really juicy the veggies were crunchy. YUMMAYYY. I generally dont really like beans..i've only liked chipotle beans (yeah sue me). I didnt like their beans either. soo..i dont know what that piece of information could do for you..but there it is. The tortilla tasted fresh (duh). The price was really good for lunch. only $10.95 for that big whole plate of meat and veggies plus sides and tortilla. it's def worth a try. I wanted a margarita, but since i was with my coworkers and boss..it would have been inappropriate. I did see one tho, and it was HUGE. I definitely recommend this place if u love HUGE margaritas, yummy meat, fresh tortilla and over-enthusiastic workers.
(4)Jade T.
3.5 Stars I went here for Laura V's Cinco de Mayo dinner. Mi Rancho was PACKED but they had no specials. No live music either. How disappointing ... I enjoyed my vegetarian enchiladas and fajitas. They weren't too sloppy or greasy. The portions were large. The vegetables in those dishes were varied (broccoli, zucchini, onions, etc). The tortillas were hot and chewy. Definitely not your average Taco Bell garbage. Even though the service was sporadic, there were plenty of waitstaff buzzing around our table. It was odd to find out that vegetarian dishes TAKE LONGER to cook than meat dishes. Huh? I've never been a huge fan of Tex-Mex, but this place isn't bad. I certainly recommend it over nearby chain eateries. After all, you are getting bored of Chipotle, aren't you?
(3)Jeff W.
A very conflicting place. On one hand, there are several things here that are absolutely exceptional. The tortillas, for one. Fresh, fluffy, warm. An absolute treat. The main entrees are pretty good too. I got the aptly named "Chicken Breast" entree, which was cooked close to perfection. Came on a sizzling platter; juicy, great flavor, nice char. Also, the guacamole (just the side, not an entire bowl with chips) was fresh made, and delicious! I don't know that I've ever gotten a side of guacamole, and had a chunk of real avocado in it. On the OTHER hand, some of stuff is complete crap! The rice, beans, salsa, and queso were all pretty poor. The queso supposedly tastes like velveeta, though it's been too many years since I've last had that disgusting "cheese food" to really make a valid comparison. It reminded me of the cheese that came with handy snacks, which my mom would pack in my lunches way back when. That is not a good thing. Non-refrigerated dairy is disconcerting to me. I will not judge this place on the poor service, because it was Cinco de Mayo, and the staff was clearly overworked. Our waiter was hustling, though we were constantly in need of something, be it silverware, waters, menus...or even food, for those who chose a vegetable entree which apparently takes longer to cook than a chicken breast?? Not the quintessential mexican restaurant, but there were definitely a few noteworthy highlights of excellence. Thanks again to Laura for organizing a fun event with everyone!
(3)Assistant F.
I visited Mi Rancho for the first time yesterday and it was decent. I loved the fresh tortillas, they were delicious and I loved the fact that you can see them being made. I ordered the 1lb fajita to share with my friend, although the portion size was very good I didn't think it was worth the price. I did not enjoy the magarita that I got at all, it was watery and there was just too much salt on the rim. Overall the experience was ok , I do plan on trying them again in the future but I'm not in a hurry to do so.
(3)Michelle P.
I figured that on Cinco de Mayo, and Mi Rancho being a Mexican restaurant there would be fantastic specials and deals. Well i was severely disappointed. There were no happy hour specials at all! Not even normal ones! But it was still a great place to meet up with some fellow yelpers for some Mexican fun :) I got the beef quesadillas, and was expecting some kind of taco beef inside them. I was excited when they were actually steak! It came with a little side of pico, lettuce, sour cream and guacamole. The quesadillas were nothing exciting, and since I'm not really a guac fan i didn't try it until i was actually done. Then I realized what i was missing! IT WAS FANTASTIC. And for someone who doesn't like guac, that must mean it was unbelievable! I highly recommend the guac. The chips were good, and while we didn't have the "cheese plug" i did try the generic queso, which pretty much tasted like melted Velveeta. I was really not impressed. I didn't get a margarita, but i tried the white sangria. Since I'm notorious for spilling ALL over myself, I thoroughly enjoy the fact that they have the white sangria option.. this way nobody will notice when i inevitably spill. I was also pleased with the maraschino cherries that were in the bottom. Overall i would say that Mi Rancho was good, but nowhere near the best Mexican food I've ever had
(3)Chuck K.
A terrific Tex-Mex restaurant. Reasonably priced with terrific food and generous portions. Been a customer for almost 8 years now. Lunch service is fast and its easy to get in and out during a standard lunch time. Its also a great place for those group lunches so common in business. The chips and salsa are to die for and, if you aren't careful, you won't leave enough room for the delicious food. Service is wonderful and very customer focused. They have an outdoor patio, with heaters when needed. Its covered and has clear flaps to really extend their seating and the outdoor season.
(5)Amanda B.
Food is overall pretty good. Sometimes they fall victim to putting way too much cheese on things and filling your plate with the rice and beans that you will have no room to eat. Their guacamole is really disappointing -- Chipotle's tastes fresher! Still, the food is a step up from chains like Austin Grill. What is great about Mi Rancho is the feel of the restaurant. The patio has such a nice festive feel, and with the heaters, you can even enjoy it in the winter. It's definitely worth going to just to sit on the patio and enjoy a nice night or happy hour with friends.
(3)Dan D.
Great casual Mexican food. I always get the carne asada platter. Their margaritas are also delicious. Fun place to gather with friends
(4)Laura V.
*Please note that in this review, I will also be doing a "side review" of Kevin L and his tremendous eating skillz.* Mi Rancho was stop numero tres on Mary Kay and Laura's South of the Border Queso (or Guacamole, or heck whatever appetizer we want dammit) Comparison, Culinary Discovery Tour and Gastronomic Extravaganza. We were joined by the very hungry Kevin - hungry for food and for life experiences. MKS has dubbed him "Mexican Curious" and I like that. After reading reviews that were all over the map about this place, I didn't really know what to expect. I think this is good because I was a blank slate and ended up really enjoying my experience here. To enter, we walked through a very expansive outdoor area complete with tent and heaters - I think this would be an awesome place for Cinco de Mayo, but I digress. As we walked in, we were greeted by the owner (or manager) with a huge smile and hello. He was at the tortilla machine, churning out warm tortillas. Hmmm...did someone tip him off to yelpers coming??? We were promptly seated in the cute dining area. Not over the top, but cozy. That's when I noticed that Abba's Dancing Queen was on the music system. Folks, this wasn't just any Dancing Queen, this was Dancing Queen en espanol. I knew then that I would love this place. We started with a pitcher of margaritas for Mary Kay... Seriously though, the margaritas were good, if a little sweet. But they had a nice kick of tequila. Not a bad deal at $24 (it easily got us two glasses each). The chips and salsa was more a miss than a hit. The chips were light and crispy, but the salsa was quite bland. Our appetizer was the Flameado with mushrooms, peppers and onions. This was baked queso blanco with the veggies and served with tortillas. This was a LOT of cheese and while I like cheese, it was a little much as it sat in a ball in my stomach. It was quite tasty though - don't get me wrong, I loved it going down. Now for dinner, if you plan on getting a combination platter, you should plan on having no less than 5 plates and bowls in front of you. Kevin ordered one of these combos that had all kinds of stuff - a tamale, enchilada, taquito, chile relleno...plus the rice and beans and guac and sour cream and pico. I tasted his chile relleno and it was wonderful! Now don't let Kevin fool you people. He may be all trim and svelte, but this kid is an eater. But not in a drop your head in the plate and go kind of way. He's methodical, and tastes every bite, then has a mini review about it. I'll let him share the verdict on his meal, but I give Kevin 5 stars on his dining skills. I had the Camerones Mi Rancho - shrimp on a sizzling platter. The shrimp were wonderful! Perfectly seasoned and cooked. I would have liked a few more veggies on the platter, but I made up for it with the pico de gallo and the fabulous home made guac. The tortillas this place whips up are phenomenal. I kind of wish now that I had taken the left over tortillas home with me. They MADE the meal. As with many other mexican places I've been to, the rice and beans were just so-so. Thankfully, they aren't the main meal though and sort of an afterthought anyway. There was so much food on our table and we ate so much that there was no room for dessert, despite the fact that they had one of the largest dessert menus ever seen at a Mexican restaurant. I had a great time here. Food was good, atmosphere was good, our service was fast and friendly. Prices reasonable. I'd love to coordinate a Yelp outing here during the warmer months to check out that outdoor patio. Oh, and Mary Kay wanted me to tell you about the Ox foot drinking flask hanging from the ceiling. Nice touch as you're listening to Dancing Queen en Espanol.
(4)Aesah L.
Solid Mexican food and good prices. The ambiance is pretty casual bordering on cafeteria, at least when you're sitting under the tent in front of the restaurant.
(3)Kelly G.
The food is always AMAZING! We drive all the way from Bowie to enjoy the food!
(5)Eggland B.
Blegh! Maybe this passes for decent Mexican food in Maryland, but I grew up in a California town where the Mexican restaurants outnumber all other restaurants combined, and Mi Rancho wouldn't last a year where I come from. My enchilada sauce was essentially runny tomato water, and my beans and rice were just bland. My tamale was okay, although it had a bit too much masa and not enough filling. My friend's nachos were plain WEIRD. They were artistically decorated in a way that might have been a "nice presentation" at a fancier restaurant, but which under a million Bud Light banners was out of place, plus disappointing in portion for the price. It's fine to eat here if you're hungry and in a hurry and you don't care what you shove in your mouth, but otherwise I think you could probably do a lot better.
(2)Irene L.
Love the portions, prices, and free salsa and chips. It's nice enough to celebrate birthdays and hang out with friends, but not for celebrating anniversaries. Small and fun setting. I prefer their outdoor seating, it's not as cramped. What I'll always order: ceviche and pina colada.
(3)David B.
As a Texas transplant, I'm constantly missing the Mexican food from home. Mi Rancho isn't going to change that. I've eaten here many, many times over the last few years because I think they're the best Mexican place within walking distance for me. (That's not saying much!) Everything I've had here is decent, but nothing is much better than that. Their tortillas are probably the best thing here. The chicken fajitas taste a little sweet to me, almost like they were done in a Teriyaki sauce. I usually get the vegetable fajitas and am pretty happy with those. Service is generally fine but occasionally lapses a little.
(3)Tim M.
I love this place. Fresh made tortilla and chips. Great enchilladas. Friendly service and huge outdoor, covered terrace with fans. Good margeritas. After 5 years in San Antonio Texas, I know Tex-Mex and this place is plenty good.
(4)Nicole P.
Oh you must try their margaritas! They are oh, so, good! They are sweet and strong (just how I like my men, hahaha!) The chips and salsa are addictive. (okay, usually chips and salsa are, but here they are even more so!) I've had both the fajitas and one of their large burritos here before, and they both were awesome. As for the service, the first time I came here, the server was new, and he said so when we first sat down. Given that it was like his second day, he did a really good job. Attentive and friendly. The second time I came here, the server was quite obviously not new, and he was really awesome. So I'd say that the service is pretty darn good. Mi Rancho is a great place to start off your night before going out. Or great for dinner with family and friends. Or just for a margarita. Or whatever. For anything, it works.
(5)Brittany M.
Great service and management! We always get the steak burrito and it never disappoints. Very well marinated -- delicious. They give big portions. You must go!
(5)Semra E.
Do you like Tex-Mex food in the states? ME TOO!!! Do you like watching freshly made tortilla's being made and falling into a basket through a giant machine while you wait to be seated? ME TOO!!!! Do you like wearing a Sombrero while being sung happy birthday to by people you don't know and your friends sitting with you? ME TOO!!!! Well my friend you've found the right place....here's the catch: Silver Spring is the ONLY location that you're going to want to visit because it's the only cool one in the heart of other places to check out. If you're in Gaithersburg, or Rockville, save your money and drive to Rio Grande instead in Bethesda because Mi Rancho is about giving you an experience, not the quality of their food. I mean Jim Gaffigan (comedian, go look him up on YouTube now if you're clueless) said it best. There are 5 ingredients to all Mexican food, tortilla, meat, cheese, lettuce and salsa. But if it's good ol' fashioned Mexican style fun you're looking for, then this is your spot. I guarantee that if you're a female walking in there and are cute, you will get the best self esteem boost of your LIFE. No........really go there. Feeling unloved? Go there....guys too, I'm sure they'll make your mood flip into the positive as soon as you set foot there, that's what's so great about this place. It's a happy place!
(3)Brian W.
I truly wanted to like Mi Rancho just for the open patio. It's a great, casual space with lights strung up and a nice loud and happy vibe. However, I've eaten there twice and both times gotten very sick the next day. The first time eh who knows what it was but after the second repeat performance and the same sickness I've crossed it off my list. I'm very disappointed.
(1)Vandana M.
At any new Mexican place I go to, I always order the old stand by: cheese enchiladas. The ones here were weird. Thick, globby cheese. Yuck. And for some reason, some of us received refried beans and some got whole beans. The patio smells like hot vinyl.
(2)Montez L.
One night my dear sweetie and I decided to go to a new spot or dinner. We began to walk around a came upon Mi Rancho. We sat outside to dine on the large covered patio (which has the capability to be open year round). On seated, we were handed a bowl of fresh chips and salsa, they were quite yummy. We decided to try out the bar and ordered a half pitcher of Sangria. The Sangria is delicious! It went perfectly with the my chicken enchilada platter. We have found a new spot for a quick drink. I will definitely be back for more Sangria soon.
(4)cranzy p.
well maybe a 3.5 because I have not had a drink here yet but I do hear they are pretty good about the margarita making....I dont know though don't really like margarita mix or generic tequila so maybe I'll have a custom made one....just for me I guess...anyway I have been here thrice times mainly because of other people but it's not that bad after all. I do like the manager....he is funny and seems like he really does like people...the wait staff so far have been okay....they have got it wrong one occassion but this was minor and fixable. sometimes the food does take a minute and if you dont have anything else to do then it's worth the wait for the most part....the tortilla chips are good and fresh..they are light and a little oily to give them a little moistness.the salsa i must say is pretty bad...its moderately spicy and tastes like they cook it first...not a good sign....the guacamole is decent though not great....it's a bit dull..too much creaminess and not enough lime and just a subtle hint of salt that tastes generic as hell...could stand some garlic or maybe a mix of onions....i dont know they need to do something with it....and for a large size they dont give you much...i dont know what kind of avocados they use but florida avocados are vicious for balanced guac that can absorb and give flavor as well...hass's are a bit heavier in texture and flavor....takes more to make it live....thats just me though..I have tried a few different dishes in my time here.. first off i had the veggie enchiladas with corn tortillas ....I was very full at the end but I didn't manage to taste very much...It was bland for the most part..even the mole sauce couldn't save it as it was almost just as bland...maybe I should have ate slower and let food roll down my tongue so i could get every nuance available to me and let you know how BLAND! it was....the tamarindo Juice I had was good though I would have liked some refills....free that is.. the next time I went I had some chicken tacos which again were should I say bland save for the sauce they throw on the shredded chicken they put in them...the sauce by itself is good...I should have asked for fajita chicken so I could have least had some smoke with my tacos..i recommend asking for fajita style chicken for your tacos cuz that shit just doesn/t make any sense any other way...peace to jalisco's in corpus christi, TX for the best chicken taco's I've had so far....and the little guac/pico dip they give on the side i recommend putting it on your taco's my last visit saw me order the platas grande for 1 or 2 off of their lunch menu... this is the best item I have had so far from them...the ribs are a little sweet for me but the meat is tender and well cooked... the beef is on the tough side which is kind of funny trying to pull it apart with your teeth along with some tortilla and other friends...it is good though...the chicken was nice and hot and the shrimp was okay..not enough of it but it brought out some flavors in the beef and the ribs that were pleasing...I recommend an extra side of tortillas so you can try out different combinations of meats and see what you like...no organ meats unfortunately but i dont know why I would expect that at a tex mex restaurant...I can get quail at Guapo's which I haven't tried yet but next time...I did like the grilled lemon they serve with it... definitely adds some flavor and so do the pinto beans which are nice and subtle with its fat back and things.... the rice doesn't taste like anything and if you can avoid it...actually i use it to make my multi meat fajita's look fancy.... otherwise I like the outdoor seating as you can see people walking by and respond as you wish...the patio also has a crazy reverb that would be awesome if the talking was replaced by instruments...anyway a good place to have a tex mex lunch or dinner if you don't live too far away or to go and get drunk and not have to drive since downtown silver spring is pretty convenient.... occassionally recommended
(3)Kim W.
We have eaten here three times, over the years. We have always had a great meal. The last one I had the grouper and it came with beans and rice. It was delicious. Cooked just right. Made a fish taco out of one. Three other people ordered the whole Durado fish and they all raved about it. As usual we ordered cheese dip, so between that, the salsa and chips and my meal, I was totally stuffed. They also make great strawberry Daiquiris.
(4)Tami B.
Having spent many years in Texas, I find this doesn't really meet my expectations for 4-star Tex-Mex. However, the tortilla chips are pretty great. Recently I ordered the combo of chicken fajitas, shrimp, and ribs. The two shrimp were fabulous, split, gilled, and not overcooked. The chicken had a sweet taste, like it had been marinated too long in something sweet. The pico de gallo was dry, uninteresting. There were very few grilled onions on the plate and only one slice of green pepper, almost raw. Part of the fun of rolling up a fajita is piling on the onions and pico, so this wasn't satisfactory. The rice wasn't even worth a large bite--very dry and tasteless. The three small ribs had some really sweet sauce on them. The beans were okay. I'll continue to come here because it's close and convenient.
(3)Brent J.
This place has great food and great service! Parking is easy thanks to a public garage a block away. [Parking is free at night and on the weekend]. You can't beat that!
(5)Jonathan M.
Margaritas: wayyyy too sweet. so sweet it hurts. but it gets the job done. Salsa: tastes like tomato sauce. awful Guacamole: wayyyyy to salty. would have been tasty w/ half the salt Pork Tamale: inedible Taco: not so good Enchiladas: REALLY FREAKIN GOOD by comparison. This place was a big let down after reading the other reviews. I will never go again. Stick with the Enchiladas. Didnt feel sick the next day, and the service was great, so it gets two stars.
(2)Patrice R.
We have been going to this restaurant for many years. I held my promotion celebration and retirement event here. It is convenient to the church we attend and often on Sundays it is our restaurant of choice after services. The number one appeal is the consistency of the excellence of the food. It is genuine, tasty and quite satisfying. On occas. the sangria is a bit weak, but for the most part, we always leave satisfied. The owners are very attentive and responsive. We've been to the Rockville Pike location and found the menu items are just as consistently good as the Silver Spring restaurant.
(5)Sean G.
Great (covered) open air space to while away an evening. But that's my first sentence, that should tell you something. READ: The space is the draw, the food is ok -- but a little too pricey to make me a regular.
(3)Kelly S.
My husband wanted to have Mexican for his birthday and thought this place looked interesting, and it does. We went with the kids and a friend, but we were not impressed...at least, not positively. The chips and salsa were meh. It was when we got our drinks, though, that I suspected we were in trouble. For starters, they were topped with a marachino cherry. We'd ordered frozen strawberry ritas and they were from a machine, the tequila was neither decent tequila nor mixed in, and the lot tasted like red food dye #5. Three of us ordered vegetarian combo plates, which they had told my husband they could do. That meant all cheese everything, and wouldn't have been my first choice, but wasn't a big deal. However, the rellenos were mostly fried dough, the beans tasted canned, the first cheese enchilada was really greasy, and the second cheese enchilada was chicken, which my vegetarian husband found out upon taking a large bite. They had given us all chicken. None of us can eat it. We explained the situation and the servers clearly had no idea what to do. I asked them to bring us new enchiladas and some clean plates so we didn't have to worry about the chicken getting into the rest of our food. We never got clean plates, and the enchiladas took long enough that we decided we were done and asked for the check. To top things off, our server explained that this was the fault of the first person who had taken our order. Maybe so, but I don't really want to know, or care. And it wasn't in an "I'm so sorry, but this is what happened kind of way," but more of a "it wasn't might fault kind of way."
(1)Sara E.
Does this place even qualify as texmex? I do not consider myself a texmex snob but, when the veggie fajitas and enchiladas have steamed vegetables (including broccoli and carrots) instead of grilled, there's something wrong. The drinks were good but I would not recommend the food to anyone unless they were trying to trick their kids into eating their veggies. Everyone working there was friendly so they at least have that going for them. Just go there for the drinks. Get your food somewhere else.
(2)Jennifer W.
Pretty typical. I was pleased to get veggie fajitas. The flour tortillas are freshly made. Overall it was a pretty regular Tex Mex place.
(3)Lara P.
I lived in Dallas for a decade so I admit to being a tex mex snob, but Mi Rancho doesn't even qualify as tex mex. I ordered queso and received cheese melted and congealed over chips. Nothing I've ordered the two times I have been here was good. The service is also not good. It's a great place for families though and the kids have their run of the place.
(1)Kelly K.
Mi Rancho is great...nice atmosphere, terrific food, good service, good prices. Our family loves coming here and we do so regularly. It's perfect for families and we always have food to bring home as well!
(4)Jacob C.
For many years now. There has been a place kind of hidden in the Downtown Silver Spring area that has always meant a bit of a home away from home place. This place is Mi Rancho and we have always felt a warm welcome every time we have visited. The staff -including almost always one or several of their owners- are very courteous. When in comes to the quality of the food Mi Rancho is almost above the norm in their combo platters. The tex mex fajitas are very difficult to create as originals but their freshly made flour tortillas make them exceptionally tasting. Do not miss a bite of the plato maria or at least a side order of a chile relleno. A family atmosphere free of trouble makers makes this place a perfect place for family diners or after work drinks. Check if they are still sending you coupons to your cell phone they have some great bargains this way. And save some room for sopapillas as long as you accompany them with horchata or one of their Mexican coffees.
(5)Jason S.
I was visiting DC and found this restaurant via a Yelp search. Overall, the food was slightly above average, but the service they provided me was lousy. Food: I ordered the three beef enchilada with red sauce dinner for $10.95 and my wife ordered the beef soft taco dinner. The portions were plentfiul (neither of us finished the entire portion) and the presentation and taste were 4/5. I enjoyed the complimentary chips & mild salsa and even requested a second serving. I rate the chips 5/5 and the salsa 4/5. Service: Unfortunately, our waitress was one of the worst that I've had in recent years. After our host promptly seated us within 30 seconds of entering the restaurant, we waited 17 minutes before our waitress arrived to take our drink order, at which time we also ordered our meals. It took another 20 minutes for our food to arrive, and that was the last we saw of our waitress for another 25 minutes. Our drinks sat empty during our entire meal and for 10 minutes after we finished. Prior to bringing our bill, the waitress did ask if we'd like another round of drinks, which we declined at that point since we'd already spent more time at Mi Rancho than we had planned. After clearing our plates, we did not see her again until she brough our bill 15 minutes later. A meal that we'd planned to to take 30 to 40 minutes took well over an hour. The good news for other patrons is that the other waiters and waitresses were far more attentive to their customers. We watched three other parties arrive after us, order, eat and leave during our stay. I would visit again, but I would definitely ask the host to seat me at their best server's table. :)
(3)Jessica C.
I love the sangria here so much. I can't seem to stop eating the fruit--between the chips and salsa, my meal, and the fruit from the sangria I always walk out feeling so full, but it's a good kind of full. I especially like the beef fajitas, which was cheaper than the carne asada that my husband got, but seemed to be the same exact dish? Anyway, I can't say enough about the sangria, which is why I gave this place 5 stars.
(5)Vivian K.
Mi Rancho is in Mi Tummy... **cue the "Taco Flavored Kisses" song from an episode of south park** this place seriously makes me wanna sing that song, and expose my tv whore qualities and my taste in bad music.. anyways, Mi rancho is decent in price, great on quality and fulfilling in quantity.. I dunno what more they can do beside place themselves in the top 3 best mexican places i've ever been too. let's do a top five list of what i love: 1) the guacomole is AWESOME.. i dunno if it's just because i love guac to the point that i would drink it outta a bottle, but their guacomole is fresh and spiced to perfection 2) the fajitas- can we say.. just fajita me baby!!! steak is my fave, so when they bring a sizzling pound of steak and place it in front of you, you know that you cannot resist but rub your face with the sauce. mmm..mmm.. mmmmmmmmm.. 3) the fish- now i know most don't order fish atta mexican place, but this place does it's fish good.. the tilapia is tasty, soft but cooked thoroughly, and paired with great veggies and some good ole' rice and beans. 4) sangria- sangria is good for you.. i don't care what people say, but it is.. red wine ( to lower cholesterol and to increase circulation) with the sweetness of fruits like oranges, peaches, and apples i think ( fruits = vitamins and fiber = increase immunity and you know what).. and the nice effect that wine can give you when you're drinking it.. what can be healthier than that?? 5) the margaritas- when you're sitting outside in the summer time or during the end of spring and early fall, there's nothing like margaritas to freshen you up and cool you down as the breeze blows through your hair, and the tequila hits you with a punch! and now to give you a taste of my bad music here is a section of the lyrics to taco flavored kisses: Burrito taco taco! Burrito taco, taco taco! Don't think that just because i gotta lot a money, I'll give you taco-flavoured kisses, honey; To fill all your wishes with my taco-flavoured kisses! Taco taco, burrito burrito, taco taco! Baby, lets make a run for the border, I got a hunger only tacos can stop! I know exactly what I'll order: 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! I need to make a run for the border! If you'll pay I'll take off my top! Do you remember what I want to oder? 3 tacos, 2 tostados and a soda pop! Yeah, and don't forget the hot sauce, cholo! you can virtual slap me when you're done reading this now..
(4)Zphi S.
Nothing special ... I ordered the Jalisco platter (i believe that was the name) I did not care for the overly bland pork tamale amongst my chicken taco and beef enchiladas. The chips and salsa that they give to you when you are seated are very delicious. Don't park right next door to the restaurant because that parking lot belongs to the Tastee Diner next door. Or risk having your car towed to the nether regions of Maryland ...lol!
(2)Elysia N.
Good old standby for Tex-Mex in a convenient location. Hassle-free parking at the nearby garage, large patio + plenty of indoor seating means I never have to wait for a table. Fresh, warm, crispy-thin chips and salsa keep me coming back. Service is attentive, reliable and quick. Food is not outstanding but more authentic than the nearby Austin Grill. Lots of seafood options, love the ribs, and fajitas are served with fresh tortillas. What more could you ask for?
(4)Vicky R.
I've been going here since 1999. The food is fantastic. I love the fresh tortillas. There are sometimes lines but getting to eat a hot, fresh tortilla that is still billowing as it comes off the tortilla machine makes waiting a pleasure. Tortillas are still warm when served at your table with the food, but there is something about a hot, billowy tortilla. Lots of people come for burritos, enchiladas, etc. Here are my favorities: the seafood soup (plenty of clams, shrimp, and other seafood; pefect with cilantro when sick); the whole, grilled red snapper (delicious!), the fajitas, and of course the magaritas. And the chips are hot and fresh!
(5)Katie W.
I don't really get the hype. The chips and salsa are very good and I agree that the patio is an excellent spot to enjoy a good happy hour, but the food is mediocre at best. The service is hit or miss and the last time I went our server seemed so agitated that we wanted to take our time that she stopped coming to our table altogether. My mother and sister love it, so I know that I will return and will continue to hope for better experiences.
(2)Liz J.
i like the fact that Mi Rancho gives me a tex-mex food option that is within walking distance of my home. I also like that the restaurant has outdoor seating year-round that is well protected should there be rain/snow and outdoor heaters if needed. The food is average compared to other places in the WMA - not bad, but it's not mind blowing either. Although most times the food is good enough, I went here for dinner last night and can say I had enchiladas that reminded me of tex mex food I ate while living in Ft Worth, TX. The food was good! If this place was more consistent with the quality of the food I'd give it more stars. I'd also give it more stars if the servers were friendlier. The server I had last night glared at me when I ordered a pitcher of margaritas for myself and my boyfriend only for me to realize that I had only grabbed my credit card and not my ID before leaving home, and thus having to order something far less expensive than a pitcher of margaritas. He had no reason to be mad about it - it's not as if he left the table, came back and then asked for IDs. It was maybe 15 seconds before I realized it and had to change the drink order and he was visibly irritated by it. Maybe it was the sobriety, but I found his service less than stellar. Maybe if I had those couple of margaritas I would have found him pleasant and a better server than I did. He would've received a better tip as a result of my tipsy-ness, but alas, he was tipped for his overall service, which was only so-so.
(3)Lindsay H.
Mi Rancho--no me gusto. I had high hopes for Mi Rancho after reading reviews and hearing from friends that it was good. A group of friends and I sat out on the patio, which was very nice on a hot day. The margaritas were pretty good, but the food was BLAND, the sort of dialed-down gringo food you'd expect in places like Minnesota, but have no place around here. Bring on the heat! I'll probably go back at some point, but frankly, the food's better at Matamoros in Wheaton, if lacking the nice patio.
(2)Steve G.
Mi Rancho certainly isn't muy raunchy, but the food is nothing special. Can't go wrong with fajitas, right? Well, these were very ordinary fajitas. I will cut Mi Rancho a little slack, as I was there, along with a large percentage of Silver Spring, for Cinco de Mayo. I imagine this played a part in the fajitas not coming to the table all asizzle, a fabulous conflagration of barbacoa-breathing vato vapor. That's half the reason to get fajitas in the first place: just to see your neighbors enviously staring at your entree, mouths agape; their boring pile of cheese-fettered dish-plate tortillas just lying there like a Zenadine Zedanye head-butting victim. Meanwhile, your steaming succulence sizzles and delights all at the table, clearing sinuses, bringing a mexican rainbow of joy to your face. Nope, these fajitas came as an unceremonious pile of meat half-stuck to the iron plate. Oh, and with one, uncooked, unseared, uncharred, raw segment of green pepper circumference. That and the sides of beans and rice were the adornments for this dish (well, and the ubiquitous guacamole and sour cream). Highly average and disappointing. I give the stars for the atmosphere. The huge canopy of a patio was loud fun and great to be sitting in. I'd like to go back on a non cinco-de-mayo day, when there aren't more gringos than a Texas roadhouse bar on the barbecue music circuit, and see what this place can deliver. For now, two stars sums up my experience.
(2)Holly C.
It's a nice Tex Mex place in downtown Silver Spring, with a giant patio, great margharitas and fresh salsa. The menu has lots of items, the waiters understand you and you understand them. The vibe is easy going and the place is affordable. Good for groups or couples.
(4)Chris M.
I have been going to Mi Rancho with people from work and with my family for six years now (even before the big covered patio!). The people there really friendly and our kids love it there. Both our son and daughter have had their birthday dinners there and worn the sombrero. Very kid friendly but good food and drinks for adults too! Anytime we ask our son where he wants to go for dinner he immediately says "Mi Rancho!"
(5)Angel B.
Mi Rancho is not the best Mexican restaurant ever, but it a great one to have in a neighborhood. I'd choose Mi Rancho over a place like Austin Grill at anytime. The prices are reasonable, and the margaritas are tasty. I've never sat inside, but I love the patio outside with the decorations and lighting adding a festive touch.
(4)Nancy J.
Love Mi Rancho. Look, this place is not haute cuisine, it is a local Tex Mex joint with tasty salsa, fresh homemade chips and tortillas, and more-than-passable fajitas. I usually get the fajitas or the salmon, both filling and fairly priced. I'd pass on the gluey enchiladas, but if you know what to order (and have a nice cocktail to start), you will have a pleasant meal. Great for families too - especially the surprisingly nice and large outdoor space.
(4)Dawn C.
Yuck. Food had no taste whatsoever. Drinks were small and lukewarm. Service sucked. FIve waiters and the manager standing around chatting and giggling like school girls while we waited 15 feet away for service. Great patio but better places to spend your money.
(1)Natalie F.
Had dinner here last week with a friend and had heard really good things about this place so I had some expectations. Unfortunately I was disappointed, which I would have been even with the expectations. First they apparently don't have Happy hour? We asked before we were seated and the host said they didn't have any happy hour specials! So we sat out on the patio for dinner. We started with a pitcher of margaritas on the rocks with salt. Which was the best part of the meal. The pitcher was ENORMOUS and the margaritas were delicious and strong! Between 2 people it was plenty, we each had almost 4 each for 25.00! The chips and salsa were so bland and tasteless. I ordered the large spinach quesidilla, which was very large and came with tomatoes, jalapenos, lettuce, guacamole and sour cream. The quesidillas were made with typical white flour tortillas, nothing special and with cheese and what seemed like frozen chopped spinach. Every other spinach quesidilla I have ever had was made with fresh chopped spinach, it's so much better and fresher! My friend got the vegetable enchiladas, which he said were really good. I did try his re fried beans which were more like a whipped bean dip from a can, no good! The service was good, almost too good. I felt a little rushed during the entire meal. Don't think I'll be back, I'd rather go to Cactus Cantina.
(2)Zak S.
I've been to this place several times and it just seems to go downhill each time. I've come to the conclusion that it's a decent place to go have some chips (light and crispy), salsa, quesadillas and margarita's while sitting outside with some friends. The few times I've gone for dinner and anything substantial it's been a huge disappointment. The fish tonight had bones... and the rice and beans were as bland. The service depending on who you get is just mediocre.
(2)Rachel S.
I loved living close to Mi Rancho! It was affordable Mexican food with a good atmosphere. The patio is great in the spring and summer time, but even during winter there is ample seating inside. The margaritas are very good. I generally base my love for Mexican restaurants based on their chips and salsa, and I can say that Mi Rancho is at the top of my list in that department. Sadly, since I moved back into DC I probably won't be coming here anymore, but I will miss it! But just because I am too lazy to get on the Red Line does not mean the rest of you should miss out! Give Mi Rancho a try.
(4)Brenda A.
Without the good service and obvious care of the owner the food might be a 3 star. Overall it isn't bad and I always appreciate how quickly they serve the food. So it makes a good quick lunch stop. After multiple visits it is always decent experience.
(4)Shayron B.
Yummmm We love Mi Rancho. Delicious salsa, homemade chips and tortillas to die for. Delicious eats, don't skip dessert.
(5)Mark P.
I thought I'd written a previous review of Mi Rancho but apparently not, maybe I fell face down into the tortillas before finishing it. Anyway... My first visit was on Easter Sunday, a delightful day and the specialty was lamb chops appropriately enough.( not a regular menu item). They were delicious, the service was great and I was ready for 4 stars. A second visit a few weeks later was not as much fun. It was very average Tex-Mex. The salsa was under seasoned, the chips too thin. Tacos were just about Ok but again underseasoned. Enchilada was drowned in American cheese and sauce from a can or at least it tasted that way. Oddly, only one pork item on the menu, ribs. Service was excellent and even though it was crowded we got a patio seat right away. Based on the first time around I'd elevate those two stars to two and a half but next time we'll just go there for a beer and eat elsewhere.
(2)Jono S.
One word: Tortillas--that's why you should go to Mi Rancho--piping hot, flour tortillas freshly made, albeit by hand-fed machine that sits at the front of the restaurant where you can see the dough gradually transform into magical goodness. Truly, is there really any other compelling reason?
(4)Stacie C.
Nachos, fajitas, margaritas. All my favorite itas in one place. The ribs here are so frickin good. We love to go and sit outside on the patio. I can always get a table here on the weekends which is more than I can say for most of the chain restaurants in the Spring. It's my go to restaurant when I need a place for a large group of people or if I can't figure out where else I want to go. Love to get the Plato Gordo and share with friends.
(4)Cinthia R.
I go to Mi Rancho, my favorite neighborhood restaurant, for 3 reasons: 1) The cheap prices, ie: $8.99 for an entree of enchiladas (my favorite dish there!) 2) The tortilla chips - they are some of the lightest, crispiest ever! Before my entre gets on my table, I always finish an entire basket of chips first (and sometimes even ask for a second basket). 3) The atmosphere - when you're out in the covered patio with all the colored lightbulbs above your head you feel like you're attending some big Mexican wedding. It's fun and festive! Definitely a great place to hang out with friends or celebrate with family.
(4)RonAnderson ..
One of the very best Tex-Mex restaurants in the DC area, and you can get here easily by Metro--an easy 5 minute walk from the Silver Spring metro station. I've been here many times and it has never let me down. The steak fajitas are delicious and the tortilla chips are home-made and light and crisp. Margaritas are also tops here. Come in the summertime where they open up their big outdoor patio area. It's pretty busy on weekends but worth the wait. After dining, save room for dessert, since you can walk over to the new Cakelove that's in the Downtown Silver Spring shopping complex.
(5)Christina S.
Even though I'm sitting here at 4 am with a stomach ache because of this place I'm giving it two stars instead of one because it is really a nice place to go- if only the food weren't so bad! Because really, that's the main reason most of us go out, right? So how did I summon up two stars instead of one when I probably will never eat there again? Ambiance and service are pretty high on the list. I like the patio area and even the inside is nice. Watching the tortilla machine is fun for the little ones (okay, even I like to watch it for a few minutes). It's a great place for large groups and for families where the noise from your table will blend in with everything else but because it is technically outside (more like a tent in the winter) it never reaches a nerve rattling level. If only the food were better! The tortillas are yummy and fresh made... although they are quite a bit fluffier ad blander than REALLY good homemade tortillas. Husband really likes the ceviche... I'm rather ambivalent about it. A few too many pieces of mystery mixed in, like they didn't trim the fish as nicely as I would like. The chips, while fresh, are just soaked through with old tasting oil. Not good. So I shared the steak fajitas combo with veggies with husband. I was in the mood for some lean red meat and grilled veggies. It seems that they sauteed the meat in oil (and completely unevenly cooked) first and the veggies!! Oh, how I was looking forward to a nice plate of grilled onions and bell peppers and maybe some other grill suited veggies thrown into the mix. What came to the table on the fake little sizzling plate was BROCCOLI and CARROTS with onions that had all been STEAMED beforehand. Don't get me wrong, I'm adventurous with my veggies but somehow I couldn't roll a piece of steamed broccoli in a tortilla and call it a fajita. I dunno, grilled zucchini, grilled eggplant or mushrooms even but to me, call me crazy, the operative word in fajita making is GRILLED. I've tried the chicken fajitas before and maybe I'm picky here, but the chicken had skin and icky bits in it and didn't go down well. (no veggies on the rg. meat fajita plates). Ive had enchiladas there too and again, the chicken had skin on it (all rolled up in there) and everything else about it was completely unremarkable. And one more thing- the guacamole tastes like it came from a powdered mix. At least I don't think I have food poisoning...
(2)Yasmin M.
The chips were good; however the salsa did not taste fresh. The service was slow and our waitress was not friendly. Because this was my first time here, I decided to order something basic, so I pordered chicken tacos. They tasted like there was some type of chemical or additive in them. The margarita's were awful, so we tried sangria. It was too tart. Overall it was a bad experience. I will not be eating here again.
(1)Mario G.
Have been here a few times. Not great food, but ok. The meats are cooked well, the rice and beans are not. The vegetables are neither presented well nor very tasty. However, it is about the only real 'Mexican' solution I have found in SIlver Spring so far. Granted its more tex-mex, but most other restaurants claiming to be Mexican have too many central american influences (Guapo's for example). Always bustling with people, a good choice for a small bill and pre-movie date night. Or for a bunch of friends grabbing some quickly served food.
(3)Steve Y.
Well, after reading all the previous reviews I guess most people would be unsure as to whether this is a good or a bad restaurant. I live just a few blocks from Mi Rancho and had my first meal there the first day I moved into the neighborhood. Since then I've probably been back half a dozen times or so. As people have commented, its a place you want to like - the patio is inviting (although it can get noisy and the inside is a little tacky) and even from a block or two away it always smells so damn good. The food is reasonably priced, fairly typical tex-mex food. It's not the best in the DC area, but its perfectly acceptable. I lived in Austin, Texas for 14 years but I'm not about to tell you that restaurants up here don't know how to cook tex-mex - I just don't believe in that whole theory of "geographical capability" that invades the restaurant review scene. This is an average (and I don't mean that in a bad way) tex-mex place just like the average tex-mex places in Austin or anywhere else for that matter. Is it worth going more than a couple of metro stops for - no, but I like having it in my neighborhood for those odd times when I just want a decent enough margarita and fajitas.
(3)Brian M.
If you're craving some semblance of Mexican food and you happen to be on the same block and don't feel like walking an extra few blocks, sure. Stop in for some grub. Not much of a selection and the service has gotten worse and worse. Shouldn't have to wave like a drowning person across the room to the wait staff for service. Last time I ate there (lunch), I was sick that night and didn't get over it for two days.
(2)M G.
I am actually very disappointed with this restaurant and the way that they deal with restaurant mishaps or customer issues. I have visited this location several times for small business meetings and I usually enjoy my meal. We had a company meeting with about 25 people who attended this past July and as you can imagine, we spent a significant amount of money. Mind you, we had made prior reservations so they knew to expect us (a few eeeks before). We were seated inside and sweating buckets. Several of us tried to fan ourselves down with menus but they did very little to cool us down. The staff fussed with the air and kept promising us that within minutes, the room would cool down, but it just didn't seem to work. We tried to make the best of it but as sizzling fajitas surrounded us, there was no way any of us were able to enjoy our highly anticipated mexican feast. I ended up calling to speak with someone who claimed that she was the owner, to let her know that we love to have events at Mi Rancho and that this last experience was difficult to enjoy because of the extreme heat in the room. They didn't try to accommodate us at all. They could have moved us to a cooler room upstairs but wanted to save those seats for smaller groups. No apologies. She said that it was hot that day and that there was nothing that she could do and left it at that. I'd say that is bad customer service. I will also say that this group of 25 will no longer be visiting your establishment as a group since you don't seem to appreciate having a large group there.
(2)