"This establishment focuses on Northern Mexican cuisine, with plenty of Tex-Mex influence. Find grilled fajitas on tortillas made daily, tacos stuffed with tender cabrito braised in salsa de tomate, and delicious tortas. And there are more options for nachos than at the average Tex-Mex restaurant, with the traditional ground beef and fajita but also brisket nachos. It has locations in Oak Cliff and Arlington, and both go for a Mexican hacienda vibe in very different ways. Oak Cliff is a party house, while Arlington is more of a take on log cabin living. It also offers pick-up orders online." - Amy McCarthy
"El Ranchito has excellent food and old school charm in a restaurant decorated with wooden horse details, a poster of Selena Quintanilla, and much more. There are a ton of Mexican options in Oak Cliff, but El Ranchito’s sizzling fajitas, tender chicken mole, and pechuga topped with melted cheese are big highlights. It’s the type of casual spot that you can show up to in sweatpants and sandals, and yes, you will see a mariachi band play no matter what day you’re there. Finish the meal with a serving of their flan while somebody belts “La Negra” in the background. " - lee escobedo, gabe bergado, emily smith
"El Ranchito has excellent food and old school charm in a restaurant decorated with wooden horse details, a poster of Selena Quintanilla, and much more. There are a ton of Mexican options in Oak Cliff, but El Ranchito’s sizzling fajitas, tender chicken mole, and pechuga topped with melted cheese are big highlights. It’s the type of casual spot that you can show up to in sweatpants and sandals, and yes, you will see a mariachi band play no matter what day you stop by—the restaurant's tagline is “fiestas, mariachis, y cabrito,” after all. Finish the meal with a serving of their flan while somebody belts “La Negra” in the background." - Lee Escobedo
"El Ranchito is at the top of the city’s Tex-Mex ecosystem, with excellent food in a charming restaurant buzzing with Southern hospitality. It’s the type of down-to-earth spot that you can show up to in sweatpants, and yes, you will see a mariachi band play no matter what day you stop by—the restaurant's tagline is “fiestas, mariachis, y cabrito,” after all. There are a ton of Tex-Mex options in Oak Cliff, but El Ranchito’s fajitas, mole, and pechuga make it a place to prioritize." - Lee Escobedo
"Keep El Ranchito in your back pocket for when out-of-town visitors arrive and admit their knowledge of Tex-Mex starts and stops with sour cream chicken enchiladas. And while those are delicious favorites, encourage your dining companions to split the fried tripe and cabrito al horno. El Ranchito’s flan is as traditional as it gets, and even better enjoyed while the mariachis play." - emily smith