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Established in 1983 Located on the east side of Santa Ana on the border of the city of Tustin between the 5 and the 55 freeway. This hacienda-style restaurant is the lunch hot spot for many Santa Ana business people. Victor Avila built this location in 1983 and still operates it today with the help of his long-time General Manager, Nestor Ramirez and Karen Edwards. Featuring several Banquet rooms, Avila’s hosts’ many milestone Birthday parties, Anniversary celebrations, Bridal Showers, Intimate Wedding receptions, Quinceañera celebrations, and Happy Hour Office parties. Full-service Catering also offered. Santa Ana is one of the only Avila’s locations to feature handmade tortillas from the Cantina’s Taco Bar!
Family-owned local restaurant chain offering homestyle Mexican dishes & drinks in a casual setting.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 2201 E 1st St, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Phone: (714) 547-9129
Website: http://avilaselranchito.com/santa-ana/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Order: Order online
Photo Gallery
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Reviews
Todd Newkirk
Asada Nachos take out. Generous portions. Great steak. Guacamole and sour cream on the side. The momma Avila’s chicken Soup is to die for . I let some dried black cobra peppers deep in the soup for a while. And the rojo sauce is some of the best red sauce you can find. Albondigas soup on a rainy November day was delicious. We have takeout from Avila’s every Saturday now because we love it so much. 5 stars which I rarely give on restaurants.
… moreNora Valle
I visited this restaurant on a Sunday and overall had a decent experience. The first thing I noticed was how clean the place was, and the atmosphere felt very welcoming. The environment definitely made a good first impression.
As for the food, I would rate it about a 7/10. It was good and nicely presented, but the flavor could have been a little stronger or more memorable. Except for the chips and salsa.
The service is where the experience could improve. I would rate it around a 6/10. The staff were not rude at all and seemed polite, but it took quite a while for someone to take our order. From the time we ordered until the food arrived, it was about 45 minutes. The restaurant was more than half empty when we arrived and I didn’t notice a waiting list, so the wait was a bit surprising. I’m not sure if they were short staffed, but for a Sunday I would have expected a bit more coverage.
By the time our food arrived, we had already gone through two baskets of chips, and the tortillas came after we had already started eating, which made the timing feel a little off.
Overall, the restaurant has a lot of potential because the place is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. With a little improvement in timing and flavor, the experience could easily be much better.
… moreAs for the food, I would rate it about a 7/10. It was good and nicely presented, but the flavor could have been a little stronger or more memorable. Except for the chips and salsa.
The service is where the experience could improve. I would rate it around a 6/10. The staff were not rude at all and seemed polite, but it took quite a while for someone to take our order. From the time we ordered until the food arrived, it was about 45 minutes. The restaurant was more than half empty when we arrived and I didn’t notice a waiting list, so the wait was a bit surprising. I’m not sure if they were short staffed, but for a Sunday I would have expected a bit more coverage.
By the time our food arrived, we had already gone through two baskets of chips, and the tortillas came after we had already started eating, which made the timing feel a little off.
Overall, the restaurant has a lot of potential because the place is clean, comfortable, and welcoming. With a little improvement in timing and flavor, the experience could easily be much better.
James Anderson
We ordered Asada Nachos for takeout and were seriously impressed! The portions were super generous — more than enough to satisfy everyone — and the steak was tender, juicy, and full of flavor I also loved that the guacamole and sour cream came on the side, so everything stayed fresh and perfectly balanced.
The Mama Avila’s chicken soup is absolutely incredible — truly comfort in a bowl. I even let a few dried black cobra peppers soak in the soup for a while to give it an extra kick ️ and it turned out amazing! And don’t even get me started on the rojo sauce — it’s easily one of the best red sauces out there. So rich and flavorful!
On a rainy November day, the albondigas soup hit the spot perfectly ️❤️ It was warm, hearty, and exactly what we needed. We love this place so much that Avila’s has officially become our Saturday takeout tradition ⭐ Giving 5 stars isn’t something I do often, but this spot absolutely deserves it!
… moreThe Mama Avila’s chicken soup is absolutely incredible — truly comfort in a bowl. I even let a few dried black cobra peppers soak in the soup for a while to give it an extra kick ️ and it turned out amazing! And don’t even get me started on the rojo sauce — it’s easily one of the best red sauces out there. So rich and flavorful!
On a rainy November day, the albondigas soup hit the spot perfectly ️❤️ It was warm, hearty, and exactly what we needed. We love this place so much that Avila’s has officially become our Saturday takeout tradition ⭐ Giving 5 stars isn’t something I do often, but this spot absolutely deserves it!
Burt Wilhelm
Stopped in for late lunch. Food was so so at best. Bartender Jose was the greatest. Had a personality made of gold. We will be back to see Jose and be careful what we order. I know Avilas food is good just missed the mark big time today. Thanks Jose the bartender you are a rock star. Burt Wilhelm
… moreErnest Ferrel
This is my first time at this location. My first impression was it looked pretty festive and there was a pretty good crowd. I ordered the huevos rancheros will flour tortillas. When it arrived it looked pretty appetizing. The overall taste was a 7 out of 10. The chips and salsa was on point. My dad ordered the chile verde burrito and he gives it a 6 out of 10. My cousin ordered the chili relleno plate and she gives that at 6 out of 10. The service what is a little on the lacking side. I give that a 6 out of 10. Would I go back again, only if it was with a group and that’s where they were going. Cheers
… moreLynnann – Sid’s Mum
Love supporting a local business and family! On a mission to see if all their locations equally deliver their incredible menu, soup and salsa. First off or foremost, Kathy treats everyone like family and I kind of didn’t want to leave; lol.
The fajitas, wine and salsa were perfection while I thoroughly enjoyed the decor and very warm ambiance. It’s as if someone invited you into their home. Just delightful. Left stuffed with a quart of salsa for home.
Don’t hesitate!
… moreThe fajitas, wine and salsa were perfection while I thoroughly enjoyed the decor and very warm ambiance. It’s as if someone invited you into their home. Just delightful. Left stuffed with a quart of salsa for home.
Don’t hesitate!
Michele Leocadio
If you’re looking for an authentic Mexican restaurant with delicious food, Avila’s El Ranchito is a great spot!
The chips and salsa are great! Good flavor! Friendly customer service.
Sizzling Steak Fajitas- Steak tender and cooked well. Delicious! Came out sizzling, which I love! Makes for a great presentation. Grilled veggies still crisp. Guacamole tasted fresh not the best I’ve had. Refried beans had a good flavor.
Chicken and Mole- Mole was a little sweet but flavorful. Chicken was tender- fall apart tender. Rice was super dry.
Chicken Enchiladas- the red sauce is fabulous. Best thing about these enchiladas was the red sauce. Not as cheesy as other enchiladas.
Skinny Tacos – fish wrapped in spinach. So delicious.
Azteca Burrito- huge! Took 1/2 home.
Soft drinks are a little pricey!
This is Mexican restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Family owned and operated.
Btw…They also have weekend brunch!!
… moreThe chips and salsa are great! Good flavor! Friendly customer service.
Sizzling Steak Fajitas- Steak tender and cooked well. Delicious! Came out sizzling, which I love! Makes for a great presentation. Grilled veggies still crisp. Guacamole tasted fresh not the best I’ve had. Refried beans had a good flavor.
Chicken and Mole- Mole was a little sweet but flavorful. Chicken was tender- fall apart tender. Rice was super dry.
Chicken Enchiladas- the red sauce is fabulous. Best thing about these enchiladas was the red sauce. Not as cheesy as other enchiladas.
Skinny Tacos – fish wrapped in spinach. So delicious.
Azteca Burrito- huge! Took 1/2 home.
Soft drinks are a little pricey!
This is Mexican restaurant is definitely worth a visit. Family owned and operated.
Btw…They also have weekend brunch!!
fre H
Avila’s el ranchito few chains restaurant, anyway during Lunch time awesome waitress very friendly aslo quick request order food as no wait , my impression waitress was excellent service,food menu have special food carbs, diet, health,
… moreMax M
We were in a rush to get to a play, and going to a sit-down restaurant seemed like it would take to much time. Luckily, Avila’s was able to get us our food within 10 minutes of us ordering! Our food tasted very good even for a sit-down restaurant, and while we were waiting, they would give us lots of chips. My only complaint was that my steak burrito tasted like brownies for some reason, but the flavor was still welcome, just surprising.
… moreSunshine Daye
What a great place with character. I had the shrimp enchilada. They were tasty, the shrimp were large and perfectly cooked. The atmosphere was pleasant and the staff were all very attentive. I was in a large group of 50 people and the service was timely, the food was hot and delicious.
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