Established in 1977 – Avila's El Ranchito is a Mexican Restaurant with authentic ingredients prepared in a fresh new way. "Botana Carnitas" and "Pepe's Special" are some of our original creations. Visit us today!
Customers consistently praised the food for its authenticity, freshness, and delicious flavors, with many highlighting specific dishes like fajitas and homemade tortillas.
Service
The staff received high marks for being friendly, attentive, and accommodating, with several servers mentioned by name for their exceptional service.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's warm and inviting atmosphere was frequently noted, making it a great place for family gatherings and celebrations.
Mixed Experiences
While many reviews were overwhelmingly positive, a few customers reported mixed experiences with certain dishes and service speed during busy times.
JJ
Joyful
Jan 3, 2026
5.0
First Visit and Geno treated me so well. Service was exceptional and Food was delicious (hard to find good, full service Mexican around here). So glad I came in today. Loved my visit and plan to return. Recommend you try this place. Parking was easy on the free parking lot. Good location.
JJ
James
Dec 24, 2025
5.0
Amazing food and service. Was treated like family the minute we walked in. Would highly recommend.
DD
Dean Dimizas
Dec 20, 2025
5.0
Excellent Mexican food. Wide variety, excellent service. Highly recommend the shrimp fajitas and shrimp campanata. Excellent guac.
JS
Joshua Spinner
Dec 14, 2025
5.0
Mrs Maria Avila came and introduced herself and made this experience so much better! The food was amazing the chipotle grilled chicken was best I’ve ever had! This was home cooked food with love. Our waiter hector was perfect well knowledge of everything on the menu and gave great options. We will stop here every time we’re in the area we travelled here from Bakersfield
MM
mahdieh mazloumi
Dec 1, 2025
3.0
We visited Avila’s El Ranchito as a group. The atmosphere was nice and the staff was friendly, but the overall experience was mixed. The service was a bit slow, which everyone in our group noticed. Here’s a quick look at what we tried:
Chimi Changa – 2/5
The flavor was okay, but it could use more cheese and beans inside for extra richness.
Crispy Shredded Chicken Tacos – 5/5
Very crispy and flavorful, definitely a highlight.
Veggie Enchilada – 5/5
Fresh and tasty, especially with the veggies.
Burrito – 2/5
The wrap wasn’t great, though the filling tasted good.
Baja Bowl (Chicken) – 3/5
Chicken was flavorful, but the bowl could use better balance.
Overall, some dishes were excellent, while others were just okay. The service delay was noticeable. A decent spot if you’re nearby, but not all items meet expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avila's El Ranchito - Costa Mesa
Where is Avila's El Ranchito located in Costa Mesa?
Avila's El Ranchito is located at 2101 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, US.
What type of cuisine does Avila's El Ranchito serve?
Avila's El Ranchito serves authentic Mexican cuisine with fresh ingredients and unique original dishes such as 'Botana Carnitas' and 'Pepe's Special'.
What are the opening hours of Avila's El Ranchito during weekdays?
From Monday to Thursday, Avila's El Ranchito is open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and on Friday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
When is Avila's El Ranchito open on weekends?
On Saturdays, Avila's El Ranchito is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on Sundays from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Does Avila's El Ranchito offer indoor dining and takeout?
Yes, Avila's El Ranchito is open for indoor and outdoor dining as well as takeout services.
How can I contact Avila's El Ranchito by phone or email?
You can reach Avila's El Ranchito by phone at +1 949-642-1142 or email at avilasgperez@aol.com.
Does Avila's El Ranchito have an online presence?
Yes, you can visit their website at https://avilaselranchito.com/costa-mesa/ or follow their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/269901566368584.
What nearby places can I visit around Avila's El Ranchito?
Nearby places include Photo Booth Squared for event photography services, The Hamilton Apartments for accommodation, and Arenas Dream Cakes if you want to grab some cupcakes or baked goods.
Are there automotive service facilities close to Avila's El Ranchito?
Yes, several nearby automotive facilities include C & F Auto for servicing BMW and other luxury cars, G & D Auto Collision for body repairs, and Mesa Verde Car Wash for auto detailing.
How can nearby landmarks help me find Avila's El Ranchito?
The Hamilton Apartments is a notable landmark near Avila's El Ranchito and can help you navigate the area when visiting the restaurant in Costa Mesa.