By: Ruth Anderson

In a fading pastel pink strip mall, reminiscent of a 1970s fashion faux pas, sits Mi Ranchito.

This affordable, authentic Mexican restaurant features burritos for only $4.50, among other delectable deals.

The restaurant has cold, florescent lighting and an eclectic choice of décor. The walls are an uncanny combination of off-white, beige and pink. On the wall closest to the entrance is a print of Diego Rivera, a world-class Mexican painter and husband of Frida Khalo.

As customers enter they are greeted by a cacophony of sound. The Rowe Ami jukebox bursts with music, playing a customer favorite, “El Cuervo” by Alegres de la Sierra. The television perched in the corner always has the latest news and soap operas, giving those who don’t speak Spanish an excellent introduction to the language.

Mi Ranchito’s food and experience are as authentic as they are wonderful.

“Their food is so delicious,” said Erin McQueen, a University of Nevada, Reno student. “I am a huge fan of the tacos and I have heard that the wet burritos are the best.”

Servers are always friendly and have an uncanny ability to remember returning customers’ preferences. The menu features a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from commonplace to the exotic.

Customers can order beef head (cabeza) and cow tongue (lengua) in many dishes. For the less adventurous, Mi Ranchito offers chicken, vegetable or beef steak (carne asada) as fillings in burritos and tacos. They also supply a menu with combination and seafood plates.

Among their more popular dishes is the wet chicken burrito with red sauce. It has the instant pang of spice with a comfortable finish. Others may like Mi Ranchito’s irresistible carne asada tacos, which excellently combine cured beef with a garnish of cilantro. Each of these dishes should be paired with their homemade chips and salsa, which is an impeccable accompaniment to any dish.

Throughout the years, menu prices have increased slightly (by about fifty cents) and the customers have changed from neighborhood locals to include UNR students. However, the food has remained deliciously delectable.

Martha Rico and her family have owned and operated the restaurant for eight years, always maintaining the highest standard of service.

Mi Ranchito’s cook, George, is most noted for his speed and excellence in serving Reno the best in Mexican food.

Another member of Mi Ranchito’s staff is Rico’s daughter, Juleanna Uribe, who has worked at the restaurant since they opened.

“I was very little when I began washing the dishes,” Juleanna said. “I have been here since the beginning.”

Regardless of taste, Mi Ranchito has a quaintness that it’s hard to match. Whether it is “El Cuervo” playing from the jukebox, the atmosphere or the authentic food, customers are able to experience a taste of old Mexico. The staff quickly becomes like family and the cravings for the food linger long after the plate has been cleaned and the meal paid for.

Mi Ranchito
500 Denslowe Dr. Reno, NV 89512
Hours: Every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ruth Anderson can be reached at editor@nevadasagebrush.com

Reno-Tahoe knows how to throw a party, and one of the biggest excuses of the year is Halloween. Here’s a breakdown of some the region’s Halloween events. If you know of an event not listed here, please submit in the comment section:

• Magic Underground: Through Oct. 31 Famous magician couple Kalin and Jinger will present a special Halloween show at the Magic Underground in Reno.
• Halloween Hallow: Downtown Reno merchants put on this annual event, with fun for the kids, candy and entertainment.
• Ghost Night: Bring the kids to historic Virginia City for “Ghost Night,” with a parade, costume contests and other haunted happenings.
• Trick or Treat in the Streets: Oct. 31 from 5-8 p.m. at the National Automobile Museum in downtown Reno.
• Trick or Treat Street: Oct. 31 from 4-7 p.m. at Circus Circus in Reno.
• The Reno Zombie Crawl: Bring your best zombie outfit and hit several downtown Reno hot spots the evening of Oct. 31.
• Halloween Skin and Scare Ball: Oct. 31- Nov. 1 at Edge nightclub, or hit Cal Neva, Gold Dust West, Harrah’s Reno or the Peppermill Reno for one of several local parties.
• Halloween Monster Mash: Oct. 31 at Pearl Champagne Lounge at the Grand Sierra Resort.
• 11th Annual Freakers’ Ball: Oct. 31 at Bruka Theatre in Downtown Reno.
• Freaks of Fashion – Circus of Wonders: Oct. 31, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. – features live music by Keyser Soze, fashion by Haute Trash, drink specials and a costume contest.
• Night at the Mansion: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 10 p.m. at BuBinga Lounge at the Eldorado Hotel Casino.