This pleasant little restaurant is in the La Azotea cultural center, along with Casa K'ojom museum, the Museo del Cafè, and Ricon de Sacatepèquez, the traditional clothing museum. We had been to the musical instrument and the clothing museums. We had some time to kill before a guided tour through the coffee museum was offered. We strolled around the lush grounds for a while and then followed the restaurant signs. Past a horse cart sitting on a lawn and mounds of bushes with salmon-colored flowers sat a little thatch-roofed building. We had found Restaurante El Ranchon.
Inside the restaurant was rather nondescript, with little adornment, long tables covered with white cloths, and plastic chairs. It was reserved for a tour group, so we were led to the back deck, which had much more personality. It was surrounded by bougainvilleas and vine plants climbed the twig roof. From our table we could see over the purple flowers to the equestrian yard. Watching the horses jump and whatnot was a nice way to pass the time.
The same friendly waiter who had shown us the back deck took our orders. We had originally planned to have just a drink, but being the glutton that I am, I also ordered food. Our drinks were promptly served in frosty glasses full of ice.
The menu was simple and very limited, with just a few appetizers, salads, and sandwiches offered. The only main dishes offered were steak, fajitas, grilled chicken, and stuffed peppers.
We started with the nachos mixtos, which were topped with a few refried beans and a scattering of cheese. They weren't very hot, and the cheese was barely melted. They were edible and the small cup of salsa that came with them was quite good. I had also ordered the stuffed chile sandwich made on a roll (I had a choice of sliced bread or roll). It was ready as soon as we finished the nachos. It was pieces of beef-stuffed bell pepper topped with onion and lettuce on a roll. The filling was very tasty, but unfortunately, the roll was cold and a little stale. The sandwich was served with exactly five fake potato chips.
When it was time for our guided tour, we asked for the bill. The waiter must have known the museum's schedule because the check was immediately brought to us and the change quickly delivered.
The service was very friendly, the drinks cold, and the setting beautiful. I recommend El Ranchon as a place to relax and have a drink. Save your appetite for somewhere else.
sample menu
Nachos Mixtos……Q15
Topped with beans, guacamole and salsa
Beef Fajitas……Q28
Churrasco……Q50
6oz. Beef tenderloin served with rice, guacamole and pickled vegetables
Chiles Rellenos......Q30
Bell peppers stuffed with beef and rice
US$1 at Q7.50