New authentic Mexican restaurant opens in Warner Robins. That makes 3 within 3 months
Adriana Martinez and Christian Ledezma, natives of Mexico, decided to open El Ranchito on North Davis Drive after Ledezma saw a need for authentic Mexican food on this side of town.
He wanted workers like himself to be able to find a quick bite to eat that was more than a hot dog at a convenience store.
They chose the name El Ranchito, which means “our little ranch,” because they wanted the restaurant to have that homestyle feel, Martinez said.
Their fledgling restaurant at 726 North Davis Drive, Suite B, is located at the end of a small shopping strip that includes a mini market.
This is the first restaurant for the couple, who live in Warner Robins with their six children.
Another couple, Wilmer Velasquez and his wife, Beverly Lima, help them operate the restaurant. Velasquez, from Guadaljara, is an experienced chef, Martinez said.
The food
The restaurant’s one-page menu includes Mexican “street tacos,” burritos, tortas and quesadillas served with a choice of proteins: pastor (pork), asada (steak), pollo (chicken) and birria.
Also offered are quesabirria, wings, cheese fries with a choice of proteins, and a combo plate of six wings with fries and a drink. The wings come in four flavors: hot, mild, lemon pepper and barbecue.
Quesabeirria, a cross between a taco and a quesadilla with stewed meat, is their most popular dish. A combo of three comes with consume, the liquid the meat is cooked in, for dipping.
“They usually sell out,” Martinez said.
The restaurant also offers a special of the day, which is a plate of Mexican food that they’ve prepared for that day such as steak in chili sauce with potatoes and carrots served with white rice and a side salad of lettuce, tomatoes and avocado.
“These are home-cooked meals,” Martinez said.
Having opened in April, they recently adjusted their hours to open earlier. A popular breakfast option are chilaquiles with chips, red salsa, sour cream, cilantro and egg.
Another breakfast option: eggs sunny side up with fried banana, black beans, cheese and sour cream.
“It’s been packed every morning,” said Martinez, who suggested calling in a breakfast order to go ahead of time.
The restaurant, which can seat up to 50 people, is now open daily from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The number is 478-273-4123. They offer dine-in and takeout.
A common thread
El Ranchito is among three authentic Mexican restaurants to open in as many months in Warner Robins.
Samuel “Sammy” Naranjo and Jenny Ramirez opened Taqueria Don Sammy — or loosely translated Sammy’s Taco Shop — at 1431 Watson Blvd. in early March.
In February, Beatriz Aguilar closed La Pina Loka Snacks, a Mexican snacks and ice cream shop, and then reopened in early May as Taqueria La Pina Loka, an authentic Mexican restaurant, in the same spot on the right side of Food Depot at 2203 Watson Blvd., Suite Z.
All three restaurants are family owned and operated by natives of Mexico.
