Avila's El Ranchito — Restaurant in Seal Beach

I had been wanting to try this place. Went for the first time, Sunday afternoon, there were many empty tables so I couldn't really fall on "well, they were busy" as reason for the poor service. Also the food wasn't good, even accounting for the good location and what their exorbitant operating costs must be. Not here to post angrily, just really a mediocre at best experience for the price.

I ordered a margarita and it came out after my entree arrived and was wrong, even after the server and I confirmed what margaritas were blended and which weren't. He tried to get me to keep it and I had to refuse three times. Then he asked if I wanted my drink as I'd ordered but I had already gotten my food (that was also mediocre) and just wanted to leave.

I ended up just asking for a coke which came late and was a glass full of ice with little soda. The server knew he messed up so didn't come check if I needed anything for a long time so I only had a little soda after the drink mistake and was still charged for the soda.

I ordered the chili Verde. The plate was $23 and the chili Verde had okay but pretty salty flavor. The texture and appearance was 4/10. I wouldn't have ever again.

Rice was not good. Beans were fine.

I wouldn't go...

We stopped in here to give this place a try, as we eat a lot of mexican food places. The place is small and quaint. However, clean and welcoming. After being seated, we were given chips and salsa right away. Thankfully because wasn't waited on til our chips and salsa were almost gone. Salsa had a great flavor with just the right amount of spice. The chips were freshly made and crispy. I got the Azteca burrito with Chile verde. The burrito had great flavor great size, would order again. It came with sour cream and guacamole, on the side topped with a green sauce and cheese. My husband got the chile Colorado. He would not recommend this plate. Not a great flavor was more like a beef mole. The smoky paloma was the worst tasting paloma, we have ever had. The chili mango margarita add a great flavor however, mostly ice and mixer was no alcohol to be found in both drinks would not recommend buying especially at $12 & $13. Overall tried...

I have been eating at El Ranchito's now sadly closed Long Beach location literally since they opened the location in 1972. We would eat there every Friday night. The atmosphere was exciting. You always had to wait but you didn't Harvey the bartender made the best frozen margueritas. Gus the restaurant manager was always attentive to getting you seated. Ruben was always happy to see you. I believe both were family members. You felt like family when you went there. The food menu is authentic family recipes and it is delicious. I am 74 now and retired in Florida. I saw a walking tour of Seal Beach, CA and was surprised and happy to see the Avilia's have opened a El Ranchito restaurant there. I am going to CA for a nostalgic vacation. And although the Long Beach location is closed I am sure the Seal Beach location will have new happy memories for me to take with me. And be sure to walk the pier when your done with...