Family-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.
Rene Silva
During a recent trip to San Clemente, I discovered this fantastic local gem. The restaurant strikes the perfect balance of a fun, welcoming atmosphere and top-tier service. The staff ensured our experience was seamless, and the food was exceptional. I highly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area.
… moreNeola Mace
Great food and lovely decor. We got the table right next to the fire. But today is February and it was a cold day (relatively speaking) and windy. After my request someone closed ONE of the front doors, but one remained open plus the side door kept getting propped open. We were miserably cold, which made it impossible to enjoy the excellent food. We were told that the door had to be propped open because the servers had to go back and forth outside carrying plates. Yes, I’ve seen this phenomenon before – like at every single restaurant with an outside patio. Somehow it was managed without facilitating the cold wind blowing on customers. We were told to move if we didn’t like it. Every seat was either near the front open door or side open door so that was not a helpful suggestion. So they did not care that their customers were uncomfortable. Very disappointed because as I said, the food was fantastic. Will not return.
… moreJack Old Dude
We were having a last-minute birthday party for a 94 year-old man and we were thinking about a taco bar and then I realized that I had gone to this restaurant many times cause I live in San Clemente and it was a great experience. The minute I called set up to get two family size Platters which served about 30 people. Everyone at the party there was about 22 people, and they thought it was fabulous. They were generous. The food was delicious and everyone was ecstatic and wanted to know what restaurant did the catering I will definitely recommend this place the other to either to dying out or to even have a nice party. They don’t deliver, but it was OK and easy to pick up and then lay out the platters for everyone to enjoy two thumbs up five star rating thank you OLD DUDE
… moreLaura Tsai
Wonderful food with great portion. For Asians, it may take 2 persons to finish one. The people there are friendly and they kept feeding you with free nachos.
… moreGeorgeLee777
Amazing Mexican Restaurant in San Clemente – Avila’s El Ranchito
Avila’s El Ranchito in San Clemente is absolutely amazing! The service was excellent—everyone was so friendly and smiling. The food? Oh wow, it was so good I was honestly speechless. Everything tasted fresh and full of flavor. I highly recommend this place, and I’ll definitely be coming back!
… moreEvelyn Dopkin
First time! Loved it! Really good size serving. (I always am looking for low carb meals. Soup was fabulous, I just didn’t eat the rice)
… morephilip mcclendon
One of our family’s favorite sit-down Mexican restaurants in San Clemente!
Avila’s El Ranchito on Del Mar has become a go-to spot for us. It’s casual, welcoming, and perfect for taking the kids. The enchiladas with mole sauce are my favorite—rich, flavorful, and always on point. Portions are generous, the food is consistently great, and the staff is friendly and fast.
The San Clemente location is owned by Victor Avila, son of founders Salvador and Margarita Avila.
The Avila family began their Mexican restaurant legacy back in 1966 in Huntington Park, when Salvador and Margarita opened their first spot; today the brand spans multiple locations, each run by a different family member but united in tradition.
… moreKyle Paul
I was expecting better for a few reasons. One, I named my dog Avila! And she’s a lab! And they have a statue of a lab outside! It’s a Mexican joint in SoCal!! But overall it was mid-level cuisine. Maybe other locations are better but I’d skip the San Clemente one.
… moreShalini Bakshi
We really enjoyed the food here and they had a great variety of dishes. They are also very generous with portions. Their chips and salsa were delicious, the restaurant itself is in a nice location and was easy to get to, and the ambiance inside was homely. We really enjoyed our food and appreciated the quick and friendly service.
… moreCarlos at SpotOn
Had the filet mignon salad, which was a recommendation by ***Maeghan*** at the bar, and it did not disappoint one bit! Very flavorful, and the meat was marinated to perfection. The bell peppers gave the salad a nice zing! They just got a delicious blonde beer on tap, so gave that a try as well and it did not disappoint – big plus for being from a local brewery! If you’re into upbeat Latin music playing in the background, and a good vibe, this is your spot! Food is delicious, beer is ice cold, and the drinks that Meghan was cranking out looked delicious!
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