El Ranchito Taco Shop

El Ranchito Taco Shop

34580 Monterey Ave STE 103, Palm Desert, CA 92211, United States

+1 760-320-9182

Mexican restaurant, Fast food restaurant
(1443)
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About This Place

El Ranchito Taco Shop in Palm Desert, CA, delivers an authentic slice of Mexican cuisine with the fast, friendly service that locals and travelers alike appreciate. Nestled conveniently on Monterey Avenue, this vibrant eatery invites you to savor the essence of traditional Mexican flavors served with speed and warmth.

The menu at El Ranchito is a celebration of classic favorites and hearty specialties, each crafted with care and fresh ingredients. Start your day with their famous Breakfast Burrito or the savory Chorizo and Egg Plate, both offering perfectly balanced spices and comforting textures that awaken the palate. For lunch or dinner, the Carnitas melt in your mouth with tender, slow-cooked pork, while the Chicken Rolled Tacos offer a delightful crunch paired with rich, seasoned fillings. The Fish Taco is a standout too, delivering a fresh, flaky bite topped with bright salsa and creamy sauces.

One cannot miss the generous portions of the crowd-pleasing Cali Burrito and the succulent Al Pastor Taco, each bursting with layers of flavor—from smoky, marinated meats to crisp vegetable garnishes. The Fresh Salsa Bar enhances every dish, offering a range of homemade salsas that add vibrant color and a spicy kick. And if it’s a cooling accompaniment you seek, the Horchata Drink is a creamy, cinnamon-infused refreshment that perfectly balances the zest of the cuisine.

Many customers effusively praise the quality here. One loyal diner appreciates the homemade beans and tortillas, noting the exceptional tenderness of the meats. Another reflects on the consistently delicious tacos and satisfying portions, while a first-time visitor shares being impressed by both the Cali Burrito and Al Pastor Torta, paired with what they called the best horchata in a long while. Beyond the food, the friendly atmosphere and ultra-fast service make for a welcoming, no-fuss dining experience—ideal for a quick lunch or casual meal out.

El Ranchito Taco Shop strikes a perfect balance between the richness of true Mexican culinary traditions and the convenience expected from a fast food restaurant. Whether you’re stopping by for the Carne Asada Fries smothered in salsa or the hearty Flauta Plate, expect vibrant flavors, generous servings, and a smile from the attentive staff. It’s a place where quality and speed coexist, making it a must-visit for anyone craving satisfying Mexican fare in Palm Desert.

Service options
On-site services Takeaway Dine-in Delivery
Highlights
Fast service Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Coffee Comfort food Quick bite Small plates
Dining options
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy
Crowd
Locals Tourists University students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
Good for kids High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    09:00 AM - 07:00 PM
  • Thursday
    10:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Friday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Saturday
    09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
  • Sunday
    Closed

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Cynthia suriano
    3 week ago

    Super fast service. My mom and I only waited like 5 mins and our food was quick and great quality....also, ALL of the front staff were very friendly. Will def go again

  • Traci Radtke
    4 week ago

    This was a great surprise! The food is delicious and the portions are in line with the price for a change. I have no notes, which, if you knew me, is the highest form of praise. Please keep up the good work, don't lose sight of these standards.

  • Michelle Castrillo-Soto
    1 month ago

    Homemade beans Homemade tortillas Meat so tender We found out spot , we travel a lot between Phoenix, Arizona to Escondido, CA and now we can’t wait to try the tacos and more next time. This place is just off the l-10 so just hope off and on with no issues

  • SJ Jebbia
    1 month ago

    Been coming here for years. I always get tacos. Hubby got the carne asada torta. Good flavor of meat. The taco shell was crispy and not soggy.

  • Elyjah Medina
    2 month ago

    First time at El Ranchito PD. Went for a quick lunch and left very satisfied. Ordered a Cali Burrito and a Al Pastor Torta. Both were delicious and the food was a good portion. For a drink I had the best horchata I've had in a while. Highly recommend, thank you for the excellent experience.

  • Francis
    3 month ago

    First time trying and this is probably the best I've had including much more expensive Mexican restaurants. The food was delicious and reasonably priced. They have a salsa bar with pico de gallo and other types of sauces which were all fantastic. We had the chicken rolled tacos and the Al pastor plate with corn tortillas. The al pastor was delicious and the refried beans were some of the best I've had. The rolled tacos I thought were a bit dry but mixed with the salsas it was delicious. Will be back on our next trip and wished we had this in Canada!

  • Mel Luna
    4 month ago

    I like coming to this Ranchito whenever I’m in Palm Desert. The food tastes fresh and has been consistent in its flavor. The customer service is always attentive- I’ve been coming here for years and the staff has always been very friendly. Their salsa bar is always clean and loaded with options. Make sure you try their delicious pepita dressing

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