Tacos El Rancho on Hoffner Avenue

Anyone near the Orlando International Airport with a craving for a killer delicious Mexican lunch or dinner look no further. Tacos El Rancho will more than satisfy and possibly surpass expectations. The outside façade is welcoming and colorful with menu items featured prominently in the windows in bright yellow writing, faux greenery, and shades of the Mexican flag. Inside, the dining room was spacious and spare. Tables have napkin holders and plastic utensils were located beside the register. An easy-to-read menu was located above the register, and the fact that rice and beans were not included with entrées was in bold letters.

First, do yourself a favor and for a few dollars order the fresh quacamole with chips. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed guacamole so much! There were hidden little bits of jalapeños in the guacamole that heated my taste buds, but I pulled my sides of yellow rice and black refried beans a little closer and kept enjoying the dip. The chips were fresh, crunchy, and were extra tasty with both the guacamole and the refried beans. One scoop of guacamole and one scoop of refried beans equals one addictive side dish that prevented me from finishing all of my heavenly cow tongue quesadilla.

Dsc_0855b

The beef was tender, well-seasoned, and chopped into manageable bite-sized bits between one huge folded-and-toasted flour tortilla. The ladies behind the counter were generous with the cheese and other toppings that were included with my “everything” quesadilla order. My quesadilla’s spice level was Hot, but the Hot was mild at best, which thankfully let me better enjoy the flavors of melted cheese, chopped beef, juicy tomatoes, and crisp parsley. I especially liked how the parsley filled my nose during every other bite while I savored the rest of the quesadilla.

Of the three aguas frescas behind the counter — the rice-based horchata, tamarindo, or hibiscus tea called jamaica — I recommend the super-sweet and refreshing tamarind juice on a hot day, although you can never go wrong with the more traditional hibiscus iced tea. There’s also a selection of familiar sodas and bottled water for the the unadventurous.

A lunch rush is inevitable around noon at Tacos El Rancho, so bring your patience. Plus, the portions at Tacos are generous so don’t forget to bring a healthy appetite. I’ll remember both of these tips during the many times in the future that I plan to revisit!

Tacos El RanchoMenuYelpFacebook • TwitterGoogle Maps

T: (407) 438-8777

Tacos El Rancho on Urbanspoon


5 Replies to “Tacos El Rancho on Hoffner Avenue”

  1. Hoffner near the airport hmmm? I’m definitely going to have to try them. That quesadilla looks outstanding–I want to pluck if out of my computer screen. I’m not always into guac but I’d try it on your recommendation.

  2. Marilyn Torres says:

    I’m so glad you liked the review! Please let me know what your impression is of Tacos El Rancho when you visit. The place is still new to me, so the more food combo recommendations, the better. 🙂

  3. I will most definitely let you know. I’m excited to try it.

  4. I am ALWAYS on the hunt for new and delicious Mexican food. Always!

    I’m rarely on that side of town and honestly can’t even begin to place this restaurant. Maybe I’ll have to take a special trip over there at some point. YUM!

    1. I have a similar set of bakeries and Asian places that are just out of my reach until I make a special trip to try them out. I hope you like Tacos El Rancho too when you visit. I’ll be determined to try something else other than the quesadilla de lengua and guacamole, but they’re hard to resist. 🙂

Comments are closed.