Rancho Fiesta
Mexican Restaurant
1739 Tiffin Ave.
419-424-9363
www.ranchofiestarestaurant.com
Mon. – Thurs. 10am-10pm
Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm
Sun. 11am-9pm
We have an interesting mix of nationalities in our family. Included in our personal United Nations are Italy, China, Poland and the Netherlands. One locale we can’t lay claim to is Mexico. Yet a recent visit to Rancho Fiesta made us feel right at home.
The interior of Rancho Fiesta, 1739 Tiffin Ave., reminded us of a Mexican cantina in a movie set. Music, featuring trumpets and guitars, provided ambiance and the walls were a pleasant adobe earthtone decorated with sombreros and serapes. Even the restrooms were labeled “damas” (ladies) and “caballeros” (gentlemen). We were seated quickly and, while perusing the menus, served our family’s favorite part of a Mexican meal — chips and salsa.
Ay, caramba
There was a healthy variety of steak, seafood, chicken, salads, Mexican specialties and vegetarian options. A children’s menu offers smaller versions of favorites such as tacos and enchiladas, as well as the tried and true hot dogs, cheeseburgers and chicken nuggets. Diners wanting to pick and choose can take advantage of an a la carte menu that even offers a choice of taco fillings. A handy primer on Mexican food is also part of the menu, and is helpful when pondering the difference between a taco and a taquito.
My older daughter ordered three beef tacos off the a la carte menu ($5.29) with a side of French fries ($1.79). My younger daughter ordered two beef tacos with rice and beans ($7.29) while my husband ordered the super burrito dinner ($7.79) featuring a loaded burrito with rice and beans. I ordered the vegetarian fajitas ($7.99).
Everything’s better fried
The generous portions left us satisfied, although my oldest agreed that three tacos were a bit too much for a preteen tummy. In fact, the portions were so generous we almost didn’t order dessert. But intrigued by the cheesecake chimichanga with ice cream ($3.99) we boldly forged onward. We take our restaurant reviewing seriously, and decided the public had a right to know. My kids went from “I’m full” to “it depends what the dessert is” to “oh, I’ll try it” in about 10 seconds.
Although any dessert with the word “cheesecake” is an automatic contender, the fact that it was cheesecake wrapped in a flour tortilla and deep fried made it a winner. The dessert was gigantic. We were glad we ordered one dessert and four spoons. It was delicious but we were hard pressed to finish it. Yet another reason to eat dessert first!
So no matter where the roots of your family’s ancestral tree are planted, you will find common ground and feel at home at Rancho Fiesta. Just be sure to leave room for that cheesecake.
THE SHORT COURSE
Kid-friendly Yes
To avoid wait Consider off-hours
Noise level Fine
Bathroom amenities Changing table available
High Chairs Yes
Got Milk Yes
Kid’s menu? Yes
Anything healthy for the kids?
Salads
Food allergy concerns? As always, ask
