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Variety of authentic Mexican dishes and drinks

Santa Ana, Served Bold

Bold Plates. Authentic Flavors. Real Mexican food.

Family recipes since 1966. Serving Santa Ana since 1983 — still family owned, still cooked the way Mama Avila taught us.

An Avila family story.
A Santa Ana home.

Salvador and Margarita Avila opened the first El Ranchito in Huntington Park in 1966. In 1983, their son Victor brought the family tradition to First Street. Today, the Santa Ana restaurant is part of a story shared across generations.

The Avila founders and family together
The Avila family album
Side-by-side photographs of Victor Avila standing by the restaurant fireplace, years apart.
FIRST STREET, THEN & NOW.
1966

The first El Ranchito

Margarita's family recipes and Salvador's idea for a restaurant brought the family together in Huntington Park. They opened with five picnic tables, and everyone helped build what came next.

1983

Victor's Santa Ana chapter

Victor Avila bought the Santa Ana restaurant in 1983. He and longtime general manager Karen Edwards are the people behind this First Street home, with its dining rooms, patio and space for family occasions.

A little comfort.
A lot of flavor.

The soup you come back for. Something crispy. A plate worth settling in for.

Handmade Tortillas

Find your favorite ↗
Mamá Avila's Soup

Mamá Avila's Soup

Chicken and rice soup with avocado, cilantro, onions and tomatoes. Served with your choice of warm tortillas.

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Make it a taco day

Make it a taco day

Explore our tacos, from crispy favorites to grilled specialties, with choices and sides listed on the menu.

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Come hungry

Come hungry

Explore the traditional dishes, seafood and combinations. Find the plate that sounds like you.

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Tacos, flautas and burritos on a party platterA colorful spread of party platters, salad and enchiladasSalad and enchiladas with a Catering captionParty spread inspiration with tacos, enchiladas, chips, guacamole, rice, beans and lime drinks
A little inspiration for your next gathering.
From our kitchen to your party

Good food.
Great gatherings.

Something for the family, something for the whole crowd. Take Avila's to your next get-together with party trays, family packs and party packs.

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A banquet room with long tables set for a gathering
Photo 1 of 10: A banquet room with long tables set for a gathering
Fiestas at Avila's

Your people.
One unforgettable fiesta.

The big birthday. The new baby. The friends you haven't seen in too long. Let's get everyone together.

Birthdays · Family gatherings · Special occasions

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See the spaces, explore the food and send your details to the team.