Ranchos Cocina Mexican Restaurant in Ocean Beach

Ranchos Cocina in Ocean Beach

An authentic Mexican dining experience
Article written by Michelle Valenti

Finding the perfect Mexican meal in Southern California can quickly get confusing. San Diego is overflowing with taco shops, as Mexican food has become a staple in the San Diegan’s diet. So how do you know who serves the best and most authentic food? To a Midwesterner, a fish taco is a fish taco. But to a long time local, a fish taco is a fish taco only if it is made with a corn tortilla, using only the freshest ingredients and accompanied by only the most delectable salsa. Who serves the best salsa? You can start taking your chances or ask a local.

Ranchos Cocina in Ocean Beach is the perfect combination of good Mexican Cuisine, tasty salsa and authentic environment. The bright orange walls are covered with traditional Mexican trinkets. Old photos, children’s toys, fancy kitchen utensils, pictures of Frida Kahlo and a selection of homemade crafts are some of the collections you will see decorating the restaurant. The burlap sacs and branches that are strung from the ceiling, along with the water fountains heard running throughout the restaurant, lend to the feeling that you are dining on a rural Mexican farm, while the bookcases and homemade picture frames make you feel as if you are in the home of a friend.

Carry out is available but the endless supply of hot chips and cold salsa, served on arrival, are reason enough for dining in. The large variety of freshly prepared entrees will keep any Mexican food Connoisseur happy. Rancho’s proudly uses organic ingredients when they are available and they cook with olive oil as opposed to lard. Vegetarian options are as abundant as the meat plates and breakfast is served all day, everyday. At Rancho’s, portions are large, options are endless and prices are affordable.

Ranchos is in Ocean Beach at 1830 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. They are open seven days a week from 8am to 10pm. Call ahead if you plan to eat late, they do close early if business is slow.