Rancho Lewis — Restaurant in Charleston

My husband and I arrived at Rancho Lewis on Sunday evening (9/21/2025) around 8:07pm. After picking him up from the airport, we decided to go out for dinner rather than cook, and since Rancho Lewis is close to home, it seemed like an easy choice. Unfortunately, the experience was so poor that it will also be the last time we dine here.

The hostess was warm and welcoming, and we were seated promptly. Our server, Leah (if I recall correctly), was polite but lacked basic awareness that should be standard in any restaurant. For example, when I asked for a straw, she brought it to me holding it with her bare hands. On top of that, she carried our water glasses by the rim, which is unsanitary and something any properly trained server knows to avoid. Any server trained in even basic food service knows straws should be handled with a napkin or sanitary method and glasses should never be touched at the rim — small but telling details that highlight a lack of training and oversight.

My husband ordered the Christmas burrito and I ordered the chicken fajitas with flour tortillas. Having worked in the restaurant and hospitality industry myself, I can’t help but notice details. It’s not my first time at Rancho Lewis, but this time it was impossible to overlook the issues.

When our meals arrived, the problems were immediate. My husband’s burrito was lukewarm at best. My fajitas — which should always arrive piping hot and sizzling — had no sizzle, no steam, nothing. I even touched the chicken and vegetables with my finger, and they were barely warm. To make matters worse, the tortillas didn’t even arrive with the dish; I had to wait an additional two minutes after the fajitas were already on the table. The presentation and temperature made it obvious that the food had either been sitting out or reheated.

To make it even clearer, another table near us ordered fajitas a little later and theirs came out exactly how they should — piping hot, sizzling, and fresh. I even pointed this out to the manager when she came over, and she still refused to acknowledge it.

When I raised my concerns, the manager’s response was downright unacceptable. Instead of listening, she immediately cut me off mid-sentence. As I explained that the food seemed reheated or had been sitting out, she interrupted to “correct” me, insisting that they don’t leave food out. It’s insulting to ask for a guest’s feedback and then dismiss it, talk over them, and essentially argue with them about their own experience. She never introduced herself, never apologized, and showed zero accountability. Her shitty condescending tone was the final straw.

As someone who values professionalism in hospitality, I can confidently say this was one of the rudest interactions I’ve had with a restaurant manager. There is a way to handle feedback — even if you disagree — and this was the exact opposite.

Between the lackluster, lukewarm food and the unprofessional management, Rancho Lewis is not a place I would recommend or ever return to. The restaurant brands itself as offering “Mexican food,” but the reality is watered-down, white Americanized Mexican dishes served with poor execution and even worse service. It was a waste of both our time and money, and sadly, this visit confirmed we will not be back.

Good luck to Rancho Lewis, but thanks —...

Mexican Restaurants is n Charleston SC Part 2: this will be about the good one

My title is weird because I did a review of a bad Mexican spot and this is just part 2 of that rant.

Basically I state that I almost gave up on Mexican after eating delivery from…(see other review). But I just happened on this place last week and the scene was poppin! I was nervous it was going to be packed cuz…Friday night. I guess Friday nights are different here. Maybe folks come here first and then head to the party somewhere else. I don’t FN know! I just decided I’d give Mexican food here one more try. I’m glad I did. Now hold on. Hold a muhva FN on. Don’t get excited and crazy now. It was good. I’m not a regional cuisine expert but I know what tastes good. This tastes good. I can’t tell if it’s locals or tourists though. Maybe if I took my EarPods out I could tell but I don’t wanna. Steak fajita. They use real meat (again read the review of the OTHER place). You can tell my two margaritas are activating now so Imma make this short. Get the frozen margarita. Get the steak fajita. Pile up on the fixins bar. And use that to add a little bit more flavor to the steak. I’m just saying guys. It’s ok to season the meat. Is this a chain tho? I can’t tell. Maybe. Is this a neighborhood spot? Again 🎧 I think outdoor seating would be nice with me and my friends people watching folks in the courtyard. I sat at the bar tonight. Cozy. Again not busy. Surprisingly. My bartender/sever was very cordial even tho I acted like I didn’t see her trying to make eye contact. LOL. Once I have my food, I’m good. I’m probably your worst customer while I nitpick the menu with you but once I understand what’s happening here and I order…you gonna love me (ala Dreamgirls). She understood the assignment. Did I recommend ordering the FROZEN margarita? Ok good. I’d come back. It’s kinda quiet here…I think. 🎧 If y’all know of any really elevated Mexican spots in Charleston lemme know cuz I know there’s more than steak...

RUDE AND NEGLECTFUL!!!! Me and my boyfriend came here to eat today and were astonished at the level of neglect from the kitchen and wait staff. We noticed first that the waiters were not seen almost at all during our visit and we spent more time waiting for our server than actually eating or drinking. Then came our entrees. I ordered the old fashioned tacos with chicken, I was extremely disappointed to find that all taco shells were STALE, the chicken was mushy and unseasoned whatsoever, and the whole plate was barley lukewarm and the food had a film I. Jt as though it had been sitting for awhile. I ate half of the first taco, motioned my boyfriend to try the second half to get his opinion, and we came to the conclusion that we would alert the waiter to the issue and get it taken off the bill since it would remain uneaten.

We waited about 15-20 minutes for our waiter to come back to ask for the check which was far too long in my opinion since the resturaunt had barely any patrons dining at that time. And when he came to the table I began to tell him about my food and how I would not need a to go box as I was not eating it. He cut me off in the middle of my sentence and stated “we know, we’re actually changing the menu to something different but thank you for your feedback” as he walked away.

I was truly flabbergasted. Not only did he barley wait on us, he cut me off while I tried to tell him the dish was terrible, but also had the gall to admit that the resturaunt knew the dish was bad and that my complaints (or those he heard before he cut me off) were already preciously recognized, but that the were fine SERVING BAD FOOD!!?

That is ridiculous and completely unacceptable for an establishment to know that their product is bad but still serve it to an unknowing customer and make them pay for food that was not eaten. Don’t waste your time, money, or patience here. I’m going back to my local taco...