El Rancho Viejo

Dined in and scanned the QR code for the menu, price at the end of the meal was different than the listed price. Food was good though and I think we got a special and that’s why it was more expensive? We each got a free mini beer (modelo or corona) but it wasn’t super clear what the deal was. Would eat here again though, but probably takeout. The food was good - chicken chimichanga and burrito. At home I would add salsa to it.

Moving from Texas to Philly, my partner and I really wanted to find a place to go when we are craving a taste of the best places back home. El Rancho Viejo is that place 100%. It’s the best Mexican food my partner and I have had in the city. The staff are as lovely as can be. There is something to be said about being recognized and remembered when you visit a restaurant. The food is quick, affordable, and the portions leave nothing to ask for. If it’s busier inside, the takeout holds up just as well as dine-in. The salsas are all flavorful and cover all the bases on spiciness. Theirs are the kind of tacos that you would feel guilty eating at normal speed. If you are looking for a high end, sit-down, fussier Mexican food experience, this is not that. Yes, the seating is limited if they are busy. I honestly don’t go for the seating. We show up for the authenticity and sincerity of the people making fantastic food. If you are looking for the same, El Rancho Viejo delivers every time.

Food really good. Crowded so limited seating options, but staff was doing their best to get people in and seated quickly. Really nice and attentive waitress. Sat outside. Not well-lit or fans for hot evening. Had ropa vieja which was really good. my mother had the pork chop (chuleta) dish which she liked. My daughter had the steak dish which she liked. Had bacalaitos for appetizer. Not good ... could be more fish on batter, bigger, and lighter....not as oily. Good location between Marriott and Best Western. Block from the beach in Condado. Across from cvs and Walgreens so a bit busy which can be good entertainment if like people watching as eat. Mosquitoes were biting...were bug spray if you're prone to bug bites as I am.

Wasn’t sure what to expect given the initial appearance of the location but boy was everything phenomenal. Service was busy with other takeout orders but they were nevertheless extremely nice and constantly assured us of their attention. Portion sizes were a lot bigger than I expected and everyone in my party of 5 left full and super satisfied. Seating is limited and small but somehow the ambiance works for those nostalgic for a traditional hole in the wall Mexican food experience. Would definitely recommend for an authentic Mexican feeling.

I found this restaurant today and a friend of mine and I decided to stop. Everyone there was very nice and quick to respond. We didn't have to wait long for our food, only a few minutes. They brought out chips and salsa since we ate in. Service: Great. attentive waitress. Refilled salsa immediately. Stopped and asked us if we needed anything multiple times. Very friendly. Food: Much better than expected especially the portions. - My friend liked the beef taco more than the tinga. Beef is very flavorful he said. But both were fresh. - My ribeye torta was delicious, with the ribeye being very large. The bread was very fresh. Only thing I would say is ribeye had a lot of chewy fat pieces so to get rid of that before hand. But honestly flavor was great. - my pork+ chorizo taco was spicy definitely tasted the chorizo in it. But very fresh as well. Price: $ Cheap. Parking: Street residential, might be hard to find parking. We had to park 3 blocks and walk. Would I come back? Yes.

This place by far has superceeded my expectations in terms of the flavor and the way thhe food was prepared. These chefs are highly trained at 5 star restaurants and they bring thier culinary talents to the barrio near 5th and washington streets. The lamb chop special puts to shame other competitors with it's signature mole old world recipe, this dish is well worth the 27 dollar price tag. The tacos stand alone by themselves just well executed and the presentations are in a class all by themselves. I can say that this is my new go to spot for serious mexican cuisine and I have been to them all in south philly and other parts of the city. Do yourself a favor if you live close by and come check this place out. They also provide delivery by all of the major names like grub hub and red door dash ect. Come check out some of the new dishes too like the ribeye and the soups