El Rancho Colorado — Restaurant in Colorado

I grew up in Evergreen, CO back in the 70's and El Rancho was a true landmark and a gem in the area. Back then, the McEnroe family owned and operated El Rancho as a steak house. Son John (McEnroe) was a chef there. As a matter of fact, it was my first real paying job washing dishes there in the mid-seventies for a summer. Their signature feature was providing a basket of warmed, homemade mini-cinnamon rolls on your table as soon as they sat you. They made the rolls everyday, on the premises (in a bakery upstairs as I recall) and they were awesome! Kids LOVED them, of course. But as I mentioned, it was a steak house first and foremost and prime rib was their signature offering. All their steaks were top notch and cooked perfectly. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. My family and I ate there a few days ago for the first time since the 1980s to celebrate my father's 93rd birthday. Fortunately, the building is still roughly the same as I recall, and still beautiful inside, but for a dining experience, I would be hard pressed to describe what kind of restaurant it is now. Even though they have a couple of steak choices, it is NOT a steakhouse by any stretch. They have prime rib but they only serve it on Sundays (really?!). The menu is all over the board, everything from catfish, to burritos, some sandwiches, salmon, a couple of steaks, etc. The back of the cartoonish menu has breakfast and lunch on it like it's some main street cafe. I asked the waiter what they had for Cabernets since I planned to order a steak, and they had one. I recall it was a Robert Mondavi "2-buck chuck" that they charged $14 for a 2-finger pour! I'm sure they didn't pay more than $11 for the bottle! I ordered the filet mignon ($44) as did my sister. Mine was cooked to the correct temp (med), but it was dry as burnt toast and didn't come with the potatos that were described on the menu; I had to ask for them. My sister's filet was so overcooked that she sent it back (when she could finally the attention of the waiter). A different waiter (eventually) brought out a new steak and ran off. Had he waited for her to check the steak to make sure it was to her liking (like he should have), he would have seen a raw steak on the inside. They ended up comping her meal b/c it was time to leave by the time she got the steak. Here's a quick rundown of the other meals: 2 dry/overcooked salmon filets, a dry and tasteless chicken fried steak; catfish that was dry and over-seasoned, 2 Reuben sandwiches, which my dad said he wouldn't order again. The only person who enjoyed the meal was my brother in-law who had the buffalo short ribs. I had high hopes for the new owner given he owns 3 "successful" Italian(?) restaurants in Denver, but as soon as the interest in the building wanes and people experience the menu and the amateurish wait staff, I'm afraid that this new venture will end as badly as the last couple of tries. The final insult for the night came with the check. What they don't tell you up front is they charge a 22% gratuity on EVERY check to help pay the staff! Apparently, the owner is choosing to let the customers pay his labor costs. I was told I could add in more tip for 'exceptional service'... not a chance! This is Colorado for goodness sake, which means choice steaks, gourmet burgers, a fish offering or two, a few nice salad choices (a Caesar better be one of them!) and a robust wine selection. Throw in some white table cloths and tableware to match; hire an experienced restaurant staff and you'll be fully booked every night! The mess that's going on there now is so disappointing from this old-timer's POV. Either way, pick a lane...

We have dined at El Rancho Colorado several times (brunch - dinner meal periods) since the new ownership began and the fare has been phenomenal. We have tried a variety of dishes e.g. Chicken Fried Steak, Breakfast Burrito, Banh Mi Bowl, Kevin's Reuben & Crispy Fried Catfish and each entree has been very tasty, well presented and ample in portion size for sure! The desserts have been very enjoyable too (tiramisu, chocolate cake & peach cobbler are the ones we have tried). The only issue that I have experienced is the coffee is generally tepid but hey, first world problem I guess; definitely an area that should be evaluated though since piping hot coffee is soooooo much better!

The staff have been very friendly and attentive during each of our visits with the overall atmosphere being welcoming and comfortable. I think it is outstanding that during each of our visits several different employees have noticed our drinks needed topped off, or refilled, or have simply asked us how our experience was going even though they were not our server; the crew seems to excel at assisting each other with service, instead of having to wait for any particular tables' assigned server, like in other restaurants in my experience and that attention has made our dining most enjoyable.

I believe the "Creating Happy People" service fee is completely acceptable considering the fee is divided amongst the various staff to facilitate a team environment focused upon delivering exceptional customer service. I typically tip 20% for good service anyway so, I was not appalled (like some people whom have complained about the service fee) especially considering this particular service fee is distributed/shared amongst the staff from my understanding. I figure if I have a concern with any facet of my experience, I would simply speak with management to seek a reasonable resolution (I have not had any issues thusfar however). On the contrary, I have left additional cash, above the 22% service fee, for a couple of occasions that were quite remarkable indeed.

I find it quite despicable that I have overheard a few people saying that they would never return for dining because of the service fee; well, no additional tip is required above the service fee so I would say that if you are that cheap then I surmise that you are simply an entitled, self centered and uncaring person devoid of empathy for those whom choose to work in the hospitality industry in my opinion. Regardless, patrons have a choice upon entering an establishment and being advised of said service fee...the choice being to simply leave and dine elsewhere.

Thank you to the new owners/management/staff at El Rancho Colorado for bringing the establishment back from its previous demise. You are all phenomenal! Keep up the great work and know that you are...

This restaurant was recommended by a friend of mine for us to check out regarding hosting a private event. I had initially called during the week and the conversation I had with Jimmy was very informative and sounded exactly like what we were looking for, so we felt inclined to check out the restaurant in person.

We ended up stopping by today (on Mother’s Day) without a reservation & it was super busy.

We sat at the bar and enjoyed some delicious cocktails (Lavender Paloma & Bloody Mary) as we waited about 1.5hours for our food- which was not a problem for us and was kindly communicated ahead of time that the kitchen was backup due to the high level of reservations and walk ins they were experiencing.

The staff was very friendly, kind and personable all around from the host, to the bartenders & management!

Hugs kindly gave us a tour & showed us the space available downstairs in between cooking, serving, & bartending, among others tasks!(which we can’t say enough good things about his work ethic & outstanding customer service) as we waited for our food and to speak with Jimmy in more details.

Jimmy was also very polite, helpful and enjoyable to meet with throughout all of his running around as well. We really look forward to receiving the menu options & cost breakdown response to come soon!

There was live music and overall this restaurant is very welcoming and inviting.

The food, drinks, staff & vibe were all great- probably the best I’ve experienced from a restaurant! (I can’t even imagine what they are like when they aren’t completely booked out & extremely busy!) Not to mention we learned El Rancho is recently under new management & practically has all new staff within the last 2 months to most recent few weeks.

I was very impressed with everyones’ ability to serve all of their customers and still manage to meet with us by not only providing us with delicious, fulfilling food/ drinks but also making us feel seen, valued & making time for us on such a busy day!

5 stars-...