Ranchero Mexican Restaurant

We recently moved to the north part of Bend and decided to give this place a shot for lunch due to its proximity to our home. We showed up around 2pm and the place was mostly empty. We were seated promptly and had chips and salsa in front of us almost immediately. The chips weren't really great but the salsa was actually quite good. A decent start. Our order was taken fairly promptly by a waiter who was courteous but without much personality. The food arrived after a wait that seemed a bit excessive based on the lack of people there and the simplicity of what we ordered. Not being real hungry I ordered a couple appetizers, the taquitos and a chicken quesdilla. My wife ordered an enchilada plate. We were disappointed on all fronts. I have ordered taquitos up and down the west coast for years. They are normally small corn wrapped tortilla rolls with a choice of meat fried up and served with cheese and guacamole on them. What I received here were giant tortilla wrapped rolls that were not fried and covered in some sort of red sauce. They were nasty and unlike anything I had ordered before. The chicken quesdilla was okay but nothing special. My wifes enchilada had rice with it that was pretty decent but the enchilada itself was covered in what can only be described as a "tangy" red sauce that was both offensive and overwhelming. The decor is nice. Lots of nice metal statues and the light fixtures hanging down look to be hand-made in Mexico. The food however was uninspired and slightly offensive. I was quite disappointed as the location was so convenient for us. I've had worse Mexican food in my life but this is most assuredly in the bottom tier of my south of the border dining experiences.
Oct 31st, 2012

Great food, great service. What more could you ask for? It doesn't look like much but I thought it was top notch Mexican. I got carne asada which was delicious, and came with a grilled jalepeno pepper which I'd never had before and really brought it all together with a nice spiciness. The chips came with salsa AND refritos!
Aug 5th, 2012

If you come during lunch, it's only 7.99 plus 1.95 for a drink. Dinner is where it'll cost you, most people don't appreciate this place for what it truly is, a Mexican Atmosphere with freshly made meals tailored to your liking if you so choose to modify your order. There's a fine patio with the nicest setting of relaxation. It's in a tourist area so if you're a bum, don't expect to be able to trade your jacket for a meal, if you're some cheapskate, McDonalds is just a mile or so off, if you're like me who isn't some flea desperately jumping for cheap pricing, you'll love paying for your money's worth here. You get quality, quantity, and outstanding service!
May 19th, 2012