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Welcome to El Rancho Restaurant & Bar

El Rancho Restaurant & Bar, located at 1901 Santa Fe Trail in Trinidad, CO, is a beloved gem renowned for its authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant prioritizes freshness, preparing each dish upon order, ensuring vibrant flavors that delight patrons. Regular rave reviews highlight the exceptional service, with staff dedicated to providing a warm and welcoming experience. Customers appreciate the generous portions, particularly the combination plates, making it a popular choice for families and larger groups. Open for lunch on select days and dinner on weekends, El Rancho stands out as a must-visit spot in Trinidad, where culinary passion meets genuine hospitality.

El Rancho Restaurant & Bar: Reviews & Ratings

Lisa Martinez
Lisa Martinez

So this is my go to Mexican restaurant in Trinidad Colorado... they are always busy.. but they get to you fairly quickly. The food is not pre prep so they cook it all when you order so make sure and go with enough time. Love the service they are there on the point of your entry and they're on the point of your exit. If you are ever in the vicinity please please do visit them. They only serve lunch on certain days but on Friday and Saturday they serve dinner as well. Enjoy!!!

Robert Vigil
Robert Vigil

Great food and the service was awesome.

AMANDA ALANO
AMANDA ALANO

Went with a large group. The food was excellent. The wait was a while. It seemed like there were only 2 ladies working, but they did great. I got the combination #1. Large portion for the price. Would recommend to eat there.

Tonya Baca
Tonya Baca

The food here is exceptional. Gina and her staff take pride in every dish and the taste is delicious. Authentic Mexican food is hard to come by and this restaurant nailed it! We travel through Trinidad several times a year and this is one of our must stops. The review listed below from the out of town table is completely inaccurate. My family just so happened to be in here on the same evening ( a very busy night) and this women was flat out rude and demanding. The poor staff had to deal with more than I could have. For the food being so bad in her opinion, they all ate more than half of their plates. She refused to pay and made a huge scene. I believe she was just looking for a free meal. This is a small family owned business who work their tales off and provide this small town with wonderful food. It is hard enough during this time for small business to survive but then to walk into a place of business and cause a disruption to this extent is sad and uncalled for. If you want Gorden Ramsey go to Las Vegas and stay out of Trinidad because you do not belong here. Please keep in mind small business is trying to survive right now and it is extremely hard to find people to work so be a little kinder and patient when eating out. They are all doing the best they can!

Berni Arrazola
Berni Arrazola

El Rancho served our Mother’s funeral dinner and the food was excellent! Our guests from out of town loved it The owners and staff are kind and did a great job with our dinner! Thank you so much.

Jim Bergstrom
Jim Bergstrom

Simply the best Mexican food restaurant for 1,000 square miles. No wonder they can exist on being open only from 11am - 2 pm daily and add dinner on Thursday and Friday from 5 pm - 8 pm. My friends from Trinidad, born and raised here, said that their parents used to come here to dance and party in the 1940's and 1950's. The roots go deep here. Within 15 minutes of the 11 am opening, the restaurant was packed with locals and many folks who met their relatives or friends unexpectedly. It's that kind of legacy establishment.

Frank Passarelli
Frank Passarelli

Fantastic food and service! Thank you Marissa and Gina! We visited from Florida which has little to no good Mexican food. At the El Rancho it's awesome authentic homemade Mexican food! We will be back!!

Mark Ditkof
Mark Ditkof

Fantastic experience. Great food and atmosphere!

Location

Welcome to El Rancho Restaurant & Bar, a culinary gem tucked away in the heart of Trinidad, Colorado. Located at 1901 Santa Fe Trail, this charming establishment is beloved for its authentic Mexican cuisine and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, El Rancho is your go-to dining destination.

From the moment you step inside, the vibrant ambiance and the attentive service remind you that you're in for a special dining experience. As described by dedicated patrons like Lisa Martinez, the restaurant is always bustling with activity, a testament to its popularity within the community. While it may often be busy, the staff ensures that your needs are met promptly and efficiently.

One hallmark of El Rancho is their commitment to freshness. Customers rave about the made-to-order dishes, which means you might experience a slight wait during peak times, but the result is always worth it. Each plate is crafted with care, ensuring that every bite bursts with authentic flavors. Tonya Baca enthusiastically praises the pride that owner Gina and her team put into each dish, resulting in a menu that features nothing short of exceptional Mexican fare.

If you're dining with a group, be prepared for large portions that deliver great value, as highlighted by Amanda Alano in her review. Opt for crowd favorites like combination platters that reflect the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. Guests have also noted the friendly and dedicated staff, who endeavor to provide an enjoyable experience from the moment you walk through the door until your meal wraps up.

El Rancho's reputation extends beyond everyday dining; it plays a meaningful role in the community, even catering special occasions, as evidenced by Berni Arrazola's heartfelt mention of their professionalism during a time of need. This small family-owned business embodies the spirit of resilience and commitment to quality service, especially in today's dining landscape.

So, whether you're stopping by for a casual lunch during the week or indulging in an evening meal over the weekend, make sure to add El Rancho Restaurant & Bar to your dining itinerary. With exceptional food, a dedication to customer service, and a cozy atmosphere, it’s an experience that promises satisfaction for every palate. Your taste buds will thank you! Enjoy your visit!