Avila's El Ranchito — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

One of the best chains in Southern California for Mexican food. I have been going since before I moved to California, as my parents love this type of place. From the Foothills, Santa Ana location, to here the Laguna, this family owner or operated (or some combo of that) really shines. Each place is great on its own but to be honest the beach view inside is perfect. What a shame the building was built with a patio facing inland. I got my favorite spot by the windows that look like they are from the 70s and could see blue sky touch blue ocean.

I ate so much chips I got stuffed before my food came out. Don't feel guilty. Take that food home for left overs. The beyond meat grilled tacos were superb. I usually get thr avocado burrito. 🥑 they have great guacamole. It's a must try. I don't drink anymore but I have had their signature cocktails. This place isn't messing around with margaritas. You can throw a whole margaritas party here you won't go wrong. The prices and the portions very much do match, so remember that when you look at it. My partner had a lovely salad and they said it was divine.

Service was topnotch and it has been every time I have gone. I don't ask for too much and they pay close attention to chip and salsa refills as well as the drinks. One of the few places that noticed I didn't want ice and I didn't have to retell them kind of spot.

If you are taking someone new in town this place is a must for sit...

In the wise words of GOT "Shame...Shame...Shame...Shame...Shame...Shame...."

I've lived in California for over 31 year and would say Mexican food is probably one of my favorite things to eat in the world. I eat it on a weekly basis and being from California we all know you are always able to find a good Mexican place wherever you go. The other day I decided to try Avila's El Ranchito and have food delivered for me and 2 other people. The review's sounded like this place was supposed to be pretty good. Boy were we disappointed. I never write reviews and only reason I'm writing one is because this was the day me and the 2 other people had the worst burrito's we've ever experienced in California. We spent $55 on 3 burritos which were barely filled with anything, almost collapsing on themselves, not even wrapped properly and falling apart. It was the worst excuse for burritos I've ever seen. You guys should be ashamed to even call yourselves a Mexican restaurant in California and serve burritos like that to customers.

Anyway, we didn't try anything else on their menu so maybe they have other things that are ok but I myself and 2 other people will never be going back there again. It was a waste of money for which we could have got better burritos at Taco bell.

My recommendation: Do yourself a favor skip this place if you're looking for a...

I take back my last review, it was unfair to judge a restaurant by just one bad experience, when I’ve had so many good experiences there as well. I want to point out how kind and hard working the servers are, hostess, and bartenders, the girls make great drinks and are always so sweet.

In regards to my last review, I felt a little overwhelmed being there alone. And being told I could not be served alcohol (when I was not under the influence) until I got my food. Honestly, it hurt my feelings. It wasn’t the servers/girls fault. They were told by upper management to do that. I was out of town to get my hair done, so I spent my birthday at my favorite hotel across from the Resteraunt since earlier that week it was celebrated and my friends from back come couldn’t fly up due to covid. But, it was just me there.

I really just wanted to enjoy great food and a margarita, in which I ended up doing, and I want to thank my server from the bottom of my heart for being so understanding and apologizing for what she had been told to do and making my night a little better.

This is a great place to eat, & i dont know why someone felt the need to make a girl tear up on her big day, but this was one time. Many times I’ve had more than a great time eating at their place and I absolutely...