The Ranchito#5 waco
About This Spot
Stepping into The Ranchito#5, you immediately sense the charm of a classic, no-frills neighborhood spot where the pace slows just enough to savor the moment. This modest little restaurant-bar on Waco Drive exudes a quiet warmth—familiar and unpretentious, with a loyal local crowd flowing through its doors, especially on Sunday mornings when the hum of friendly chatter blends with the clink of coffee cups and the sizzle from the kitchen.
The Ranchito#5 feels like a place where families gather for comfort food that’s rich with tradition, and where regulars feel at home ordering their usual while newcomers take pause to explore the authentic flavors that quietly speak for themselves. The atmosphere is easygoing, the kind of spot where the food isn’t dressed up but rather thoughtfully prepared, comforting in its honesty and familiar enough to bring back memories of shared meals and laughter.
There’s a rhythm to how The Ranchito#5 nourishes its visitors—brunch spills into lunch with vibrant plates arriving warm and generous, from steaming breakfast tacos to perfectly grilled fajitas. The interplay between fresh salsas, hearty beans, and crisp tortillas invites you to lean back and unwrap each bite slowly. The bar, modest but inviting, offers its own low-key appeal. Whether it’s a cold michelada on a weekday or a casually spirited margarita during the weekend crowd, the drinks carry a sense of easy camaraderie.
Though it’s a simple space, you won’t find any shortage of character here. You’re just as likely to find folks swapping stories over chips and salsa as you are to see someone quietly enjoying their coffee and black beans before diving into a plate of carne asada. The Ranchito#5 isn’t about spectacle—it’s about creating an unforced sense of belonging, one plate and one conversation at a time. If you come looking for flashy dining, there are other options nearby, but if you desire something genuine, a place that honors classic Mexican flavors with approachable hospitality, this is a special kind of spot to settle in.
What’s Available Here
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Kerbside pickup
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Drive-through
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Takeaway
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Dine-in
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Fast service
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Great beer selection
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Great cocktails
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Great coffee
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Serves local specialty
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Sport
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Breakfast
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Solo dining
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Wheelchair-accessible car park
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance
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Wheelchair-accessible seating
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Wheelchair-accessible toilet
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Alcohol
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Beer
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Cocktails
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Coffee
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Comfort food
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Happy-hour drinks
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Happy-hour food
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Late-night food
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Quick bite
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Small plates
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Spirits
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Wine
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Breakfast
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Brunch
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Lunch
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Dinner
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Catering
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Dessert
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Seating
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Table service
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Bar on site
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Toilet
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Casual
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Cosy
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Trendy
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Family friendly
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Groups
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Locals
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Tourists
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Accepts reservations
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Credit cards
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Debit cards
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NFC mobile payments
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Credit cards
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Good for kids
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High chairs
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Kids' menu
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Free of charge street parking
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Free parking lot
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Parking
Location & Hours
| Monday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Thursday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 06:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 06:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday | 06:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Jacob Seale 27 Dec 2025
Finally tried Ranchito #5. I’ve been meaning to try this place for two years now. No frills, old-school Tex-Mex food, just like I like it. I’ll definitely come back for lunch. Has a nice bar too, depending on the crowd could be a lot of fun for dinner and drinks too.
Elizabeth Eldridge 25 Dec 2025
This was our first visit in a decade and we did enjoy it. We enjoyed the wonderful flavor of the chicken fajita meat and the queso and salsa were good. I just had a little problem with the lady who kept coming to take away my side plate of rice, beans, and more. The 3rd time I just grabbed my plate and told her that I would just pay extra. Lol..weird! We were waiting on our tortillas to eat and also when we ran out but the kitchen was not having a good night for tortillas. The service was super great and the environment was a friendly atmosphere. Drinks were also excellent.
James Troutman 18 Dec 2025
Good Food! Chips and Salsa were EXCELLENT! The Nachos were also good 4.5! The quesadillas were a 4.5 The margarita reminded me of Kool-aide with a hint of tequila 3.0 - However, I didn’t want to disappoint my craving too much. The service was a 2.5…because I had to ask for items 2x-3x. I would have rated 3.5 stars. However, the stars don’t allow for splitting.
Quentin W 29 Nov 2025
The food here is outstanding! No…it’s not your cookie cutter Tex-Mex but rather Mexican food. It’s a simple cafe that serves outstanding food at really fair prices. Nothing fancy, but clean and delicious! If you’re looking for a dining “experience” there’s plenty other options out there with food that’s not nearly as good.
Leyley 10 Nov 2025
The place is nice and small. Always packed on Sundays because they have good hospitality and good food. My favorite item on their menu is the menudo. Easy to access on waco drive but parking space can be limited. They have a drive through set up if you want to order and go.
Hayli Castillo 02 Nov 2025
This is one of my all time favorite Mexican restaurants in Texas. I do not live near Waco but when around the area I make sure to stop. Food is absolutely amazing! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner have never disappointed! The location is a little rough but don’t let that deter you at all!