Touted as real southwestern cuisine, Ancho's is like a Taco Bell for the discriminating set. Housed in what looks like the courtyard of an old Mission (when in fact, it's quite new, built for Ancho's in specific), the bright colors and terazzo floor might fool you into thinking this is just any other ol' restaurant at which to get tacos.
Ah, wary traveller, you're in for a treat.
Actually, Ancho's is an amazing place to eat. With dishes like Angels on Horseback (large shrimp wrapped in bacon with a sliver of jalapeno in the center for around $13USD) and handmade tortillas and salsa while you wait, this could hardly be taken for "just another place to get a taco".
The entire center of the restaurant (and it's marketing point) is a giant tortilla machine that makes them while you watch. Enclosed in glass, it cranks out "handmade" tortilla after tortilla, which are then brought to your table with freshly made salsa (made daily) while you decide what you'd like as a main course. And don't let the folks at Ortega fool you -- there is -nothing- like the taste of fresh tortillas.
The prices are reasonable, but on the high high side for a night out. For one person, you're looking at around $15, more with a tip.
It is hard to get in some evenings. Calling ahead for reservations is encouraged, though you still may have to wait. There aren't many tables, to be honest -- they have to crank the guests through one at a time, and that can make for a long wait. For Mexican food in Riverside, though, Ancho's has no rival for the title of "best".