El Rancho Mexican Restaurant

After reading all of the bad reviews, I started to wonder if we all dined at the same place! And then I got to thinking, people who take the time to go online and write reviews these days are unfortunately mostly the unhappy customers. So I figure I would put my review out there...this restaurant is just wonderful!! I have been a loyal customer for the 10 years they have been around. They have 2 other locations in Katy as well. It says a lot about how reputable the restaurant is if they already have 3 locations in the same town! I LOVE the food, I LOVE the margaritas, I LOVE LOVE the service. Everything is just fabulous!!! Don't waste your time worrying about going to a chain restaurant. Just because they have the decor and they ambiance, doesn't mean they are better. You HAVE to try El Rancho out!! more

I have eaten lunch and dinner at this family owned Mexican Grille and Bar. This family owned restaurant is not a chain. Its' name is similar to others in town but this is their only location (17754 Katy Freeway, Houston,77084). I love the ambiance of the restaurant. It has a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You can have a conversation without loud music etc. Its a good restaurant for a date, good lighting and beautiful decor. This is where I go when I need to have a meeting with a friend or business associate as it is quiet.The waiters are very experienced. They give proper service. I am very selective about my enchilada sauces (gravy). I make them myself from scratch. I appreciate well prepared food of any cuisine. When I go out I usually try to order something that would takes a great deal of time to prepare.They take great care and pride in the preparation of their sauces (gravy). I appreciate this. Their sauces are unique and interesting. They do have a lovely patio and a private party room. This is one of the better Mexican restaurants when it comes to properly prepared food in a quiet, relaxed environment. Their prices are fair. They have a well stocked bar with a good selection of top shelf liquor, beer and wine. They have unique desserts. This is NOT the same restaurant the others are reviewing. I can tell by the description but the names are almost identical which is confusing. I hope the owner figures out how to help patrons find his restaurant as there are 3 of the same name within the Katy area. They are not associatedto each other. This one is at Barker Cypress Exit on the I-10 feeder road in front of Bally's health club. I hope it does well as it lovely and delicious. more

Unfortunately, we didn't try the margaritas, so I can't deny those claims, but the food was definitely NOT overpriced, as some other reviews say. The fajitas for 2 were plenty of food for 3, and I eat more than my fair share. The complementary salsa and green sauce had the most flavor of any salsa or green sauce I've ever tried. I never have left a review for a restaurant before, but after eating here, I couldn't not leave a review. Delicious. Pros: Food and service, all great Cons: Too much food makes for no room for dessert more

We went to sample El Rancho on Fry Road last night for an appetizer, before inviting friends over the next night. The decor is nice, but with full windows to the parking lot, the atmosphere is that of a diner. The house margarita is void of all color, lime taste, or hint of tequela. Worst in Katy, TX. The Queso Flameado appetizer charges extra $1 for every ingredient. Served in a nice size bowl, but with only 3 tortillas. Ask for more tortillas, and there is another $1.50 charge. La Finca, El Jarrito, Los Cucos, La Vida Loca, & Victors all offer better Margaritas and Queso Flameado. more

My family and I decided to try your new location on New Year's Eve, big mistake. We were seated immediately, which was surprising to me, the place was packed. We ordered margaritas and nachos. The margaritas were a big disappointment. They tasted like the ones you can buy at Sam's, the bucket ones. They were horrible. We were going to let that slide and just order tea and dinner. After looking over the menu and seeing the overpriced food, we decided to leave. They will need to do something to eliminate the noise level too. It was extremely loud and with the high ceilings and loud kids screaming, it was terrible. Also, we were seated in the middle next to a corner and the whole time there was a waiter standing over my daughter's shoulder. Very uncomfortable and annoying. We will not be going back and will continue to do our business at Ruthies, which was closed that night and that is why we tried El Rancho in the first place! Pros: nice decor Cons: margaritas were horrible, overpriced more

The food and the service at this little hole in the wall is exceptional. I was introduced to the restaurant a couple of months ago by a friend that lives in Katy. I was not expecting the high quality food or the prompt and attentive service. It's not the best atmosphere but what it lacks in decor it makes up for with food and service.\r The margaritas are too good..... Pros: Great Food and Service Cons: Could use interior design. No outside dining area more

My entire family and I absolutely love this restaurant! It is a wonderful place for large group parties,, we have done that many times! The service is second to none, the entire staff including the owner know all the patrons by name, and are so attentive. Our favorite staff member, Morris, always knows exactly what we want...and will even make excellent suggestions ..., based on what we like...and we end up creating entirely new dishes! The food is out of this world...and we even travel to New York with gallons of their salsa..in fact our friends there won't even let us get off the plane - unless we bring it--LOL. If you have never been to El Rancho- you are missing out on the best Mexican Restaurant in the World!! Pros: The Best Food, The Best Service, Outstanding Margaritas Cons: The only con is that they are not open 24 hours--LOL more

My wife and I are fanatics for great Mexican food and after wading through the many average so so places we feel this is the best Mexican resturaunt our home town of Katy has to offer. the food and service are second to none. Pros: great food and service, great margaritas Cons: could use some redecorating more

After moving to Katy from Houston, we have been trying to find a Mexican Restaurant comparable to our favorite place in Houston...this has been our quest since October 2006, so needless to say, we have tried many places, several times. \r Upon entering the establishment, we received warm welcomes from not only the hostess, but 3 waitstaff and the manager. The service was outstanding, the margaritas are superb and the food was delicious. Although neither of us ordered beef fajitas, we were given a free sample...words can not express the wonderful taste and texture of the beef fajitas.\r We noticed that many of the customers are regulars; the waitstaff knows them by name. They now know our names and will see us in there weekly, if not more! \r We are so pleased to have stumbled upon the best Mexican Restaurant in Katy, not to mention Houston! Pros: Excelent fajitas, friendly, attentive service, nice locale more

Just wanted to let you know about a restaurant in Katy that my wife and I go to every Friday evening. It is El Rancho on the corner of Fry Road and Saums Road. Absolutely the best in service and food of any place we have ever eaten. Fajita's and other menu items are delicious . The owner and staff are some of the nicest people we've ever met in the business. The owners take time always to greet the guests during the meals and the wait staff are terrific in making sure you are happy with your meal. Highly recommend this restaurant if you want to have a great Mexican dinner. Sincerely, Steve Galus Pros: Friendly, Attentive Service, Excellent food more