El Taco Ranchero

No-frills Mexican street food counter with fresh-made tacos and burritos at some of the most affordable prices on the Peninsula.

El Taco Ranchero on Commercial Street in Palo Alto keeps a casual meal centered on Mexican street-food favorites. Carne asada and al pastor tacos provide two clear starting points, with quesadillas offering another familiar choice. We like the focused selection for a quick lunch when a few tacos and a preferred salsa are exactly what sounds right. Al pastor is prepared on a trompo, giving that order a distinctive reason to catch the eye. Carne asada brings a beef alternative, and the green sauce offers an accompaniment worth exploring. Hot dogs add another informal option to the selection. The straightforward takeout format makes El Taco Ranchero a practical Palo Alto stop for bringing lunch back to work or enjoying a simple meal on the go.