El Ranchero

I popped in here just to get some salsa and dipping cheese. I thought something like this would cost around $ 5-​$ 6. Think again! There is another El Ranchero in Ellettsville that I go to regularly, so I figured the price would be the same. Not only did I get charged for the chips which usually are free when you buy salsa and cheese, I got charged a 50¢ «take-​out» fee I’ve never heard of. I ended up spending a shocking $ 11.19 for two bags of chips, a small thing of cheese, and salsa. When I asked the fellow to explain the exorbitant price, he got irritable with me! I’ll be sticking to my usual spot or going to the better taste of Casa Brava. If you come here, check your receipt, you’re probably getting charged just to sit and breathe their air.

Extremely friendly and prompt service, and a very distinctive atmosphere. As far as the food goes, it’s nothing you won’t find at any other Mexican place, but it’s well prepared and always tasty.

The service — very great, very friendly to my kids, they have always treated my and my family with kindness and respect.
The Food — great every time. i eat here a lot, I Have never left unsatisfied, and i take my out of town family here.
The check — is moderate, the lunch meals are cheap, and the dinner meals are very affordable.

Small restaurant with a bar in the middle of it. I liked the décor. The food was very good and the service even better. I would definitely stop by next time I’m around Spencer.

First time ordering they got my order wrong, and somehow they don’t serve horchata — which is a total staple to me from a Mexican place. I’ve been told of recent alarming health violations which make me skeptical of eating here again. I plan to prove their validity before outright rejecting the place, but either way unless traveling just isn’t an option I’d rather eat at another place.

I enjoy the food fiesta tacos with carne asada is my favorite! Make sure and try it next time your there.

Fresh ingredients and large servings. Tastes very good. Great value. Service is hit or miss but still worth going.

Hubby and I eat here frequently, especially hubby. There is a nice mix of Mexican born and American staff so you get pretty authentic Mexican style food and staff who can explain the menu and handle variations. Hubby almost always gets beef fajitas with veggies on the side which I take and put on my salad with extra cheese. Portions are generous and to go cups/​take out boxes not a problem — interior recently remodeled in a vibrant hand carved and painted décor. Many of the staff have been there for years. Yes, the staff will sing Happy Birthday and put a fancy hat on you! This is a down to earth, friendly place with good food which is simply wonderful to have in Owen County… it is actually open seven days a week and later than 8 pm — LOL!

Ate here on way home from French Lick day after Christmas. Was looking for your normal Mexican food & found it here. Portions were large, service was extremely quick, good margaritas were only $ 2.99, chips seemed to be made in house as they were a little overbrown (just like my wife likes them) & they even had WI FI. Highly recommend if this is what you are looking for.

We ended up a El Ranchero because no place else in town served food and alcohol on Monday.
The service was fine. My only complaint was that the waiter did not point out drink specials ($ 3 for a regular 16 oz. Margarita) and let us order $ 6.99 27 oz. Margaritas.
Our food was quite good. The complimentary chips arrived warm and had a mixture of yellow and blue corn. I ordered beef fajitas ($ 9.99) and the portion was huge! My husband’s carne asada ($ 11.99) was served with onion bulbs and a roasted poblano pepper. The guacamole was okay — I’ve had better and I’ve had worse.
Our bill came to $ 38 and if I was in Spencer again, I’d eat at El Ranchero.

This restaurant is part of the El Ranchero Mexican Restaurant in Bloomington. The food is great and the portions are more than generous. The décor and atmosphere is about the same as most of the other restaurants in the area of the same genre. There are ample seating and able to house large parties. Food is always hot and fresh. I would have give a 5 star rating if it wasn’t for the lack of friendly customer service.