Winston-Salem, North Carolina, is a city celebrated for its vibrant culinary scene, and Ranchos stands out as a beloved destination offering an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine. Known for its warm atmosphere, friendly service, and flavorful dishes, Ranchos has become a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike.
The menu reflects a deep commitment to tradition, showcasing a diverse range of options that cater to all kinds of palates—from hearty, spicy entrees to refreshing appetizers and satisfying desserts. Whether you’re seeking a casual lunch, a festive dinner, or a place to gather with friends, Ranchos offers an experience that delights the senses and keeps guests coming back.
Exploring the Ranchos menu in Winston-Salem reveals a rich tapestry of flavors, showcasing classic Mexican dishes alongside innovative specialties. The restaurant’s dedication to using fresh ingredients and authentic recipes ensures every bite delivers genuine taste and quality.
From sizzling fajitas to flavorful enchiladas, the offerings are crafted to provide both comfort and excitement. Diners can expect a menu that balances traditional favorites with creative twists, all presented in generous portions that celebrate Mexican culinary heritage.
Beyond the food itself, Ranchos provides a welcoming environment that complements the menu perfectly. The vibrant decor, attentive staff, and lively ambiance create a setting where meals transform into memorable experiences.
The menu is thoughtfully designed to cater to families, solo diners, and groups, making it an ideal choice for any occasion. This combination of atmosphere and cuisine solidifies Ranchos as a standout in Winston-Salem’s dynamic dining landscape.
Appetizers and Starters
The appetizer selection at Ranchos offers a flavorful introduction to the meal, with a variety of options designed to stimulate the appetite and showcase authentic Mexican tastes. These starters are perfect for sharing or enjoying solo, setting the tone for the more substantial dishes that follow.
Classic appetizers like guacamole and queso fundido highlight the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The guacamole is made fresh daily, combining ripe avocados with a hint of lime, cilantro, and diced tomatoes, creating a creamy, tangy dip that pairs perfectly with crispy tortilla chips.
Queso fundido brings melted cheese together with chorizo or mushrooms, offering a savory, rich starter that melts in the mouth.
Other popular choices include jalapeño poppers and chicken taquitos. The jalapeño poppers are stuffed with cheese and lightly fried, providing a spicy kick balanced by a smooth filling.
Chicken taquitos feature rolled tortillas filled with seasoned shredded chicken, fried until golden and served with a side of tangy salsa or sour cream for dipping.
- Guacamole – fresh avocado dip with lime and cilantro
- Queso Fundido – melted cheese with chorizo or mushrooms
- Jalapeño Poppers – cheese-stuffed, lightly fried jalapeños
- Chicken Taquitos – crispy rolled tortillas with shredded chicken
“The appetizers at Ranchos are the perfect start to any meal, offering bold flavors and fresh ingredients that instantly capture the essence of Mexican cooking.” – Local Food Critic
Signature Entrees
Ranchos’ signature entrees embody the heart of Mexican cuisine, showcasing a variety of meats, sauces, and preparation styles that highlight the restaurant’s culinary expertise. Each dish is crafted with care, combining traditional flavors with a touch of creative flair to satisfy diverse tastes.
One of the standout dishes is the Carne Asada, where tender grilled beef is marinated in a blend of spices and citrus, then cooked to perfection. Served with rice, beans, and warm tortillas, this entree is a hearty and flavorful option for meat lovers.
Another favorite is the Pollo Mole, chicken simmered in a rich, complex mole sauce made from chocolate, chilies, and a variety of spices, resulting in a deeply satisfying dish that balances sweet and savory notes.
Vegetarian diners can enjoy the Vegetable Enchiladas, filled with a medley of fresh vegetables and topped with a choice of red or green sauce. This dish offers a lighter alternative without compromising on taste or authenticity.
The menu also features seafood options, such as the Campechana cocktail, combining fresh shrimp, octopus, and avocado in a zesty tomato sauce for a refreshing yet filling entree.
| Entree | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile |
| Carne Asada | Grilled marinated beef, rice, beans, tortillas | Smoky, savory, citrusy |
| Pollo Mole | Chicken, mole sauce (chocolate, chilies, spices) | Rich, sweet, spicy |
| Vegetable Enchiladas | Mixed vegetables, red or green sauce, cheese | Fresh, tangy, mildly spicy |
| Campechana | Shrimp, octopus, avocado, tomato sauce | Bright, tangy, refreshing |
Tacos and Burritos Selection
Tacos and burritos form a cornerstone of the Ranchos menu, celebrated for their bold flavors and generous fillings. These dishes are crafted to highlight the versatility of Mexican street food, offering options that range from traditional to inventive.
Tacos at Ranchos come with choices of beef, chicken, pork, or vegetarian fillings, all served on soft corn or flour tortillas. Each taco is garnished with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime, enhancing the authentic flavor experience.
Popular options include the Al Pastor taco, featuring marinated pork with pineapple, and the Barbacoa taco, slow-cooked beef with a smoky finish.
Burritos are generously stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, and your choice of protein, then wrapped in a warm flour tortilla. The California Burrito is particularly popular, combining grilled steak, French fries, guacamole, and pico de gallo for a satisfying, hearty meal.
Vegetarian burritos, filled with grilled vegetables and beans, provide a flavorful and wholesome alternative.
- Al Pastor Tacos – marinated pork with pineapple
- Barbacoa Tacos – slow-cooked beef with smoky flavor
- California Burrito – steak, fries, guacamole, pico de gallo
- Vegetarian Burrito – grilled vegetables, beans, cheese
“The tacos and burritos here are not just meals; they are a celebration of authentic Mexican street food traditions served with love and fresh ingredients.” – Regular Patron
Sides and Complementary Dishes
Complementing the main dishes, Ranchos offers a selection of sides designed to enhance the overall dining experience. These sides balance the robust flavors of the entrees and appetizers, providing texture, freshness, and additional layers of taste.
Classic sides such as Mexican rice and refried beans are staples on the Ranchos menu, prepared with traditional seasonings and cooked to perfection. The rice features a subtle tomato base with aromatic spices, while the beans are creamy and rich, often topped with a sprinkle of melted cheese.
For those seeking something lighter, the Elote or Mexican street corn is a delicious choice. Grilled corn is coated with mayo, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice, creating a vibrant and flavorful side that complements any entree.
Additionally, fresh salads with avocado, tomatoes, and radishes offer a crisp contrast to the heavier dishes.
- Mexican Rice – tomato-based, seasoned with herbs
- Refried Beans – creamy, topped with melted cheese
- Elote – grilled corn with mayo, cheese, chili, lime
- Fresh Salads – avocado, tomato, radish, lime dressing
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert menu at Ranchos provides a delightful conclusion to any meal, featuring traditional Mexican sweets that deliver comfort and indulgence. These desserts showcase the restaurant’s attention to detail and passion for authentic flavors.
One of the most beloved desserts is the Churros, fried dough pastries dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a warm chocolate dipping sauce. Their crispy exterior and soft interior create a satisfying contrast that appeals to all ages.
Another popular option is the Flan, a creamy caramel custard that offers a smooth, sweet finish to the dining experience.
For those looking for something lighter, the Fresca Fruit Salad combines seasonal fruits with a splash of lime and a hint of chili powder, offering a refreshing and slightly spicy twist. The dessert menu also features Sopapillas, fluffy fried pastries drizzled with honey, perfect for sharing or enjoying solo.
| Dessert | Description | Key Ingredients |
| Churros | Fried dough pastries with cinnamon sugar | Flour, cinnamon, sugar, chocolate sauce |
| Flan | Caramel custard with creamy texture | Eggs, milk, sugar, caramel |
| Fresca Fruit Salad | Seasonal fruits with lime and chili powder | Mixed fruits, lime, chili powder |
| Sopapillas | Fried pastries drizzled with honey | Flour, honey, oil |
Beverages and Specialty Drinks
Ranchos offers an extensive beverage menu that complements the rich flavors of the food. From traditional Mexican drinks to classic cocktails, there’s something for every preference and occasion.
Non-alcoholic options include Horchata, a sweet rice milk drink flavored with cinnamon, and Agua Fresca, refreshing fruit-based waters available in flavors like watermelon, hibiscus, and tamarind. These drinks provide a cool, sweet balance to the spicy and savory dishes.
For those who enjoy cocktails, Ranchos serves expertly crafted margaritas, featuring fresh lime juice and premium tequila. The Classic Margarita is a favorite, but the menu also offers creative variations like the Mango Jalapeño Margarita, which balances sweetness with a spicy kick.
Beer lovers will find a selection of Mexican and domestic beers that pair wonderfully with the hearty menu items.
- Horchata – sweet cinnamon rice milk
- Agua Fresca – fruit-flavored waters (watermelon, hibiscus, tamarind)
- Classic Margarita – lime, tequila, triple sec
- Mango Jalapeño Margarita – sweet and spicy mix
- Mexican and Domestic Beers – variety of options
“The beverage selection perfectly complements the food, offering refreshing and flavorful options that enhance every bite at Ranchos.” – Beverage Specialist
Dining Experience and Customer Favorites
Beyond the food and drinks, Ranchos provides a memorable dining experience that keeps customers returning time and again. The warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive staff contribute to a welcoming environment where guests feel valued and relaxed.
Many customers praise the friendly service, noting how the staff’s knowledge of the menu helps guide diners through their choices. The restaurant’s attention to detail, from table settings to timely service, enhances the overall experience.
Whether dining in or ordering takeout, guests appreciate the consistency and quality that Ranchos maintains.
The following dishes are frequently highlighted as customer favorites:
- Carne Asada – praised for tenderness and flavor
- Pollo Mole – loved for its rich and complex sauce
- Al Pastor Tacos – a spicy, sweet combination
- Churros – a popular dessert choice
Ranchos also offers catering services for events, providing a chance to bring these beloved flavors to parties and gatherings. The flexibility of the menu ensures that any event can be tailored to suit specific tastes and dietary needs.
Conclusion
Ranchos in Winston-Salem, NC, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of Mexican culinary traditions brought to life through an expertly crafted menu. Each dish reflects a dedication to authenticity, quality ingredients, and bold flavors that resonate with both newcomers and seasoned lovers of Mexican cuisine.
The diverse offerings—from starters to desserts and beverages—create a well-rounded dining experience that appeals to a wide audience.
The inviting atmosphere and attentive service enhance the food, transforming every visit into a memorable occasion. For those seeking a genuine taste of Mexico with a welcoming environment and consistent quality, Ranchos stands as a top choice in Winston-Salem.
Whether dining with family, friends, or colleagues, the menu provides ample options to suit all preferences and cravings. Embracing tradition while welcoming innovation, Ranchos continues to be a culinary gem in the heart of North Carolina.
