El Ranchito, Zillah

[Bradford]

Has anyone eaten lately at El Ranchito in Zillah? On our last visit about four months ago, the bakery was closed for lack of a baker and most shelves were bare. We fear that this Yakima Valley institution might be on the skids.

[Snapdragon]

Last time I visited relatives in the Yakima Valley, I wanted to go to El Ranchito, and they talked me out of it--said that it wasn't good at all anymore. They took me to Villasenor's in Toppenish. Wasn't exactly "destination diniing," but it was much better than typical Mexican fare west of the mountains. Would imagine that a number of good small Mexican restaurants have cropped up in the area--maybe ask a local when you're in the area or check the Yakima Herald online restaurant reviews?

[malarkey]

It's been awhile, but the last time I was there the food was on the skids also. Too bad.

[vanillagorilla]

I haven't been since the end of June. It seemed good then.

If it is no longer very good, where else should one go? El Porton?

[jennjennb]

we' re about to roadtrip from seattle to walla walla for the first time in a few years and were looking forward to stopping at el ranchito for lunch. now i have concerns... any updates on it's trajectory? if it's still on the skids (or maybe gone by now), any suggestions for another mexican restaurant on our route? el porton? thanks!

[Cecil Coupe]

I think El Ranchito is just a fond memory now. I stopped by a month ago and as mentioned else where on the forum, it's been shuttered since Christmas 07.

I too would like a funky road food recommendation in the area.

[Roo]

Might I offer an alternate route to Walla Walla that should satisfy your culinary requirements? Take I-5 south to Centralia and dine at La Tarasca for authentic Michoacan-style Mexican fare. Their house-made corn tortillas are light, pillowy, and the best I've ever tasted. Continue south on I-5 past Chehalis and take Hwy 12 east over White Pass to Yakima and Walla Walla . . .

[jennjennb]

thanks, roo. if it weren't for the fact that i'll have a 2 yo and 4 mo in the back seat, i wouldn't hesitate to extend the drive a bit for those pillowy tortillas, but alas... next time i go to chehalis, though, i'm there.