lunch review rancho grande

so, i have occasionally driven by this nice looking mexican restaurant over the last few years. the building is relatively new, in an older neighborhood. today, i was thinking of checking out someplace new, and thought, "why not hit up that restaurant on butler?" i didn't know the name, but that didn't really matter.

the building doesn't look that big from the outside, but inside the easily have seating for 44 people. and, they also have outside seating. the menu is pretty big, and there seems to have a fair amount of variety for a mexican restuarant. there are daily specials, and they did have some seafood dishes on the menu.

i perused the menu and the hostess brought me some chips and salsa. the chips seem homemade, and the salsa had a nice, low heat to it despite being pretty watery. throughout my time, the service was very quick and friendly.

i figured that for my first time at this restaurant i'd order some asada tacos (2 of them) and a carnitas taco. they come with cilantro, cabbage and onions on them, and i had them hold the onions. i was actually surprised how quickly my order came up for a small, seemingly family run restaurant.

i'll be honest, the asada tacos weren't great (sorry mike oz). they seemed really greasy, and i don't mind a greasy taco. i squeezed some lemon on my second one and it really perked up the taste.

the carnitas, on the other hand, was fabulous. very moist and tasty. didn't need any lemon. i did put a different salsa on all the tacos that came out in a small container with the taco plate. it was veeeeeeeery good. i actually ate the rest of my chips (as many as i could) with that salsa instead of the original one.

when it was all said and done, the meal cost me $3.21. that's right, $3.21! 3 tacos, plenty of chips and salsa, under $4. shoot, after tipping i was out of there for $5. of course, i only had a water so if i had a soda, beer, or whatever it would have been slightly higher.

i gave 3 stars because it was my first time there and i'd like to try more of the menu. if i was just going off the asada i'd go 2 stars, but the carnitas, salsa and service have me @ 3. if i can go back and try more stuff maybe i'll adjust my rating.

3599 E Butler
Fresno, CA 93702
(559) 457-0964