Authentic Mexican Food,
Family Tradition
Since 1978
Experience the flavors of street-style Mexican cuisine perfected over three generations. From our family to yours, every dish is made fresh from scratch daily.
Made Fresh Daily,
From Scratch
Every taco, burrito, and plate starts with authentic ingredients prepared in-house using traditional street-style methods. We don't cut corners—we honor the recipes passed down through the Barajas family since 1978.
Street-Style Carne Asada Tacos
Tender, perfectly seasoned carne asada on fresh corn tortillas with cilantro, onions, and our signature salsa. Simple, authentic, unforgettable.
California Burritos & More
Loaded with fresh ingredients and bold flavors. From classic California burritos to our famous carne asada fries, every bite delivers.
Traditional Menudo & Pozole
Slow-cooked to perfection using time-honored family recipes. Comfort food that brings generations together.
Meet the Moon-Barajas Family: Four Generations of Tradition
Raymond Moon, owner and manager of El Ranchito Lake Elsinore, is the proud grandson of Don Chema Barajas, who founded the first El Ranchito in San Diego in 1978. Raymond didn't just inherit this business—he grew up in it. From taking orders as a cashier at age 5 to working the kitchen in high school, he's worked every position from the ground up. In August 2013, his parents passed the torch, and Raymond took ownership of the Lake Elsinore location. Today, Raymond and his wife Julia Steffanie run the restaurant together, continuing the family's commitment to authentic Mexican food and exceptional service. Their children are already learning the trade, helping out during summer vacation by cleaning tables and discovering what it means to serve their community. When you dine at El Ranchito, you're not just getting a meal—you're experiencing a legacy of love, hard work, and recipes perfected across three generations.
Serving Lake Elsinore with pride for over 35 years, bringing you the authentic taste of Mexico with every bite.
Why Lake Elsinore Chooses
El Ranchito
We've been part of this community since 1989, serving families who've been coming back for decades—and now bringing their kids and grandkids.
35+ Years of Family Tradition
Part of the Barajas family legacy with 17 locations across San Diego and Riverside Counties. Authentic recipes perfected since 1978.
Everything Made In-House
No shortcuts. We prepare all meats, salsas, and ingredients fresh daily using traditional methods for authentic street-style flavor.
Sports Bar & Family Fun
Enjoy your meal in our unique atmosphere with a sports bar for adults and free arcade games for kids. More than just a taco shop.
Contact Us
Ready to order? Visit us in person, order online at toasttab.com/ranchitoelsinore, or call us for pickup. Whether it's your first visit or you've been coming for 30 years, you're family here.
Mon - Sun: 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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FAQ
Have questions? Here are answers to what our customers ask most.