Ranchito Grill — Restaurant in Springfield

We had an unpleasant experience at Ranchito Grill yesterday and almost walked out without ordering. They told me the change was made by the new owner, who isn't as generous as the previous owner. I still don't fully understand the new policy, but this is what happened. I went in for my birthday. Ranchito Grill's website says there is a $10 discount on your birthday. My husband was with me, and we always buy one big meal and share it. When we told the waiter it was my birthday and we ordered one meal, he said we also had to buy a soft drink - which they sell for $5. I know from experience that their soft drinks are mostly ice and what they sell for $5 costs them less than 25 cents. I'm still not clear if the extra purchase was required because there were 2 people and one food order or if their birthday discount has changed and requires the purchase of a worthless drink. I asked if the drink was still required if my husband were to order his own meal, and I couldn't get an answer. He indirectly said that it had to be a beverage and not a $5 food substitution because they make the most profit on the beverage. It's not like I ordered the cheapest thing on the menu to get a free meal. I ordered something that was in the $20 range. I don't know where the required beverage fits into the picture, but beware so you aren't taken by surprise like I was.

Another problem I had recently was when I was there with a large group. No one was given a ticket. Instead, everyone had to go to the counter, say what they had ordered and pay there. People had either left a cash tip at the table or added it to their bill. Only later did they find out that a 20% tip had been added to their bill without their knowledge. The cashier even watched people add a tip to their bill and didn't say anything. Almost everyone ended up paying a 40% tip because of the failure of the establishment to disclose their policy either in advance or at the register. Needless to say, that group will never go back to...

Ah now this place was absolutely the best place with top notch service. IF THERE WERE 10 STARS I WOULD GIVE IT!! The food was fantastic. The prices were fair. The restaurant in and of itself had a wonderful Latin feel as soon as I walked in!! I loved all the quotes and the sombreros!! Everything about this place was the best. DEFINITE LATIN FEEL!! All the employees were very nice and friendly and seemed happy to help us anyway they could!! Not like overly bothering us or anything but very attentive to our needs!! I really got the feeling that this was a first class restaurant. I say this because I believe there was a man going from table to table asking if we were enjoying the food? Did we like it?? Are we having a good time.?? I told my husband he must be the owner or something!! It just had the kind of service you ma get a top fancy restaurant ... We felt very welcome there!! There was ALOT of employers here!! I will come back again. To me this was a wonderful experience!! Even the tortilla chips were nice and warm. The plate with My enchilada was nice and hot!! My husband loved his steak so much!!My husband agrees! The drink I.had was a peach margarita!! It was so so delicious!! I told my husband I can't even taste the alcohol but I definitely felt it!! Scrumptious, delicious!! TRULY THE BEST SERVICE THAN ANY PLACE WE HAVE EATEN!! HANDS DOWN!! THANK YOU FOR TREATING US WITH SUCH FANTASTIC SERVICE!! I LET ALL MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY KNOW HOW GREAT OF A PLACE YOU ARE!! THE BEST!! I highly recommend this place to everyone and anybody... To whole families or couples!! Wow!! I'm serious!! What a fantastic experience!! I felt like I was an appreciated customer!! I love that!! I've been to several Mexican restaraunts but this one is the best of all!! See for...

First, the important stuff: chips, salsa, rice and beans were all on par with what you expect at a good Mexican restaurant.

All the dishes we ordered were excellent. Our group had the Carne Asada, Arroz Con Pollo, Chile Relleno, Combination Plate (Enchilada and Tamale), and Chicken Taquitos (off the appetizer menu). The Taquitos are the same kind you might find at an Azteca chain restaurant, with a flour tortilla that makes them more of a cross between a chimichanga and a flauta than your classic skinny corn tortilla taquito. Carne Asada was well cooked and just barely seasoned (as it should be to let the flavor of the meat and char shine), served with good guacamole and pico de gallo and a well-roasted garnish of whole chile pepper and green onion. Arroz Con Pollo was tasty, too, only problem is of course you don't get beans with the plate. House-made flour tortillas hit the spot. Fantastic Chile Relleno and the sauces for the Enchilada and Tamale were on point. Rice and beans were just right, no complaints. Chips and salsa were great, charro beans served with them were fine-- could have been better, but they're not my thing so maybe you'll like them more.

Service was excellent, water glasses never empty for long, chip basket and salsa bowl refill came before we asked for it, and staff checked on us regularly but not too much. The whole group appreciated the familiarity of the vibrant colors of the walls and typical American Mexican restaurant decor, plus the kids got a kick out of plaques with inspirational quotes/sayings everywhere (including the restrooms). Will...