El Ranchero Mexican Grill — Restaurant in Chatham

We had a 6:30 reservation and were seated right away. That was the end of any attention. We flagged people down for water, for chips and salsa (found out later guacamole was free and had to flag down people to get it.) We had menu questions, the kids we flagged down couldn't answer. We eventually asked often enough that someone finally took our order. There were lines of to go people waiting, many door dash type delivery people. People who came after us, ordered and were served before us. The folks seated next to us had a 7 pm reservation, and they ate long before us. We ordered Aztec soup, tacos and chicken and steak fajita. When our food finally came out there was no soup, they said they would bring it later, we cancelled it. Soup after the meal, no thank you. The fajitas were dried out and burnt and had very few vegetables. The pork in the tacos was so salty it was inedible. It was all inedible. I went to the front reception area and asked for a manager. I waited about 15 minutes till he came out. I told him our experience and told him we really wanted to support his restaurant, but they needed to take care of the patrons in the restaurant before to go orders. Restaurants should know how many dinners they can make with the staff they have. All he kept saying was I'll take care of you. That was the last we saw of him. We finally left at 9:15, 2.75 hours later and didn't have any dinner. We understand it was Cinco de Mayo and were not in a rush but did not expect such a terrible experience. Good thing we brought tequila, and the 7pm folks seatwd next to us, were really fun to talk to so it wasn't a...

I have been to this restaurant 3 different times with family. The food is always excellent, portions are large, and the service is good.

I am mainly writing this review because I also have noticed in the times that I have been there that the staff is also extremely kind. I have gone to the restaurant with older relatives, some of whom have memory issues. That can be challenging at restaurants, but the staff here has always been great and really responsive when I have had unusual and challenging requests to accommodate my family.

I have also noticed other families at the restaurant with difficult small children and other elderly relatives. In this past visit, I observed a family with a child that clearly had developmental disabilities. In every instance the staff was patient and kind, and it was clear that all of these people have been to this restaurant before and feel comfortable here.

Going out with people who wish to be social but can also be overwhelmed is challenging, but this staff is exceptional.

In addition to their food being excellent, they are just really good people. Eat there if you can. It’s great and they deserve all the support...

Just happened upon this place on a Saturday while out running errands. Walked in and noticed it was very empty, one table had diners, yet there were dirty tables that hadn’t been cleared. Decided to try it because we figured at least we could eat quickly and be on our way. Ordered a Mexican coffee from the brunch menu and they said they were out so I ordered a regular and the mug came only half full, I had to ask for more coffee and sugar which she left at the coffee station. Coffee was not good. We requested water and were given straws which we did not ask for. Food took forever to come out and then was absolutely mediocre. I ordered the Azteca omelette which was just an over cooked omelette stuffed with cold veggies and smothered in cheese. The service was just abysmal, and I understand if a place is short staffed or it is the lunch/dinner rush but as I said there was one other table of customers and two waitresses just hanging out by the counter. Would not recommend...