El Ranchito — Restaurant in Virginia

Review updated 11/02/2022 and downgraded as the service has gone wayyyyy downhill. Previously I had left a 4 star review because there was a roach above us on the ceiling one time, but the food was really good. Now I am revising to 1 star. Here's why:

This used to be our absolute favorite sit-down restaurant. But the last time we went, the service was basically non-existent. For us anyway. It wasn't even very busy, and yet we had to stand there waiting to be seated for 6 or 7 minutes, and then when a server finally came over, she just walked off and left us there. There were plenty of tables. Every once in a while she would reappear, notice us, and then run off again. After about an additional 8 minute wait, another server came over and said we could sit wherever.

So we chose a table, and sat down. The server who actually somewhat seated us never spoke to us again but was back and forth a lot after other customers arrived and she seated them nearby. She attended them, but we sat there for 10 mins, then 15, then 20. Finally our original server came out with some free chips and hot salsa. She seemed flustered and mumbled an apology. We thought for sure we would be served just fine from then on out so we told her it's okay, and we ordered white cheese. She again seemed flustered but nodded and scurried off.

We waited another 10 minutes or so with chips and hot salsa with NO drinks, before she came back and set the cheese on the table before quickly and wordlessly departing yet again. Nobody ever came back to our table. We sat there another 25 minutes or so, watching other people come in and be served. They even received full meals, and still nobody came back to our very visible table.

So. After a total of around an hour trying to get some food at our previously favorite restaurant, we gave up and walked out, leaving most of the chips and salsa untouched and hadn't even eaten the cheese because we were really thirsty by then.

Nobody seemed to notice or care, while we were there or while we left. I am and we are BEYOND disappointed, and will now find another Mexican restaurant to spend our money. After we left there, we went on over to Chopstix, and got amazing service and food, and left a big tip.

We will not be returning to El Ranchito or recommending...

Sorry service , I arrived alone and no one in front of me waiting to be seated , after a conversation with two patrons sitting at the table next to the waiting booth they informed me they had waited approx 15 just to be seated while they were the only one in line. I have to agree at that point I started to time my waiting period, once again I was alone and no one with me , the restaurant was maybe half capacity and to my astonishment no one was eating , the couple went on to inform that they had been waiting on their order for over 50 minutes after finally being seated. Eventually I was escorted to a seat outside and I do believe I was forgotten , I waited approx 20 minutes without anyone even taking my drink order. After which I was getting a little concerned. I gave then ano6five minutes and after seeing no food brought to any of the tables I could observe and no one even willing to take my drink order or even offer an appetizer , Me and my growling gut after working all day and starvation had set in eventually walked out. Still thirsty still starving and not even a chips and salsa. I used to eat there regular but that was five years ago and tbeh had great service , being up on vacation I was really looking foward to it because even after all is said they used to have awesome food and may well still do , but after talking to the locals which informed me that this is now a common situation , and the experience I had I'm not sure it is...

Local and long time patron here. This place use to be great. USE TO BE. Tonight was the last night we’ll return. We’re weekly customers who always tip 20%+ you’d think service would be better because of this but it’s not. They raised their prices, but the food and service has declined immensely. The waiters are rude, and don’t do their jobs. You have to practically beg and make a scene to get service. Most Fridays recently, we order and wait at least 20-30 min for our food. Even if it’s a slow night. The food they serve isn’t being cooked to order so it should not take that long. You get one drink and have to pray for a refill because the wait staff doesn’t actually wait on you. They’re just terrible. Don’t waste your money here. The area has way better Mexican restaurants. We order the same thing every time and both of our checks were $5 more than they usually are. Why raise your price yet still provide terrible service and COLD FOOD!? Lupe (the owner) doesn’t care and it shows. If you complain about his employees he blames you for their bad service and then refuses service to you. I have seen it done multiple times. If you want good Mexican food go elsewhere. Go a few miles up the road or into martinsville. This placed has declined so much and should have shut...