One of D’land Diva family’s favorite eateries at Disneyland is the Mexican food place in Frontierland called Rancho del Zocalo. We are all big fans of Mexican food (even the baby likes things spicy).
This restaurant fits the bill when you want a big plate of food and some live entertainment for the kids. The seating is mostly outdoors, with a prime view of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad all along the back side. There is shade, large tables for big groups and heaters for when it is cold. If you prefer indoor seating, there is an open aired, covered seating as well.
The ambiance in Rancho del Zocalo is amazing, with a laid back feel. It has Spanish styled architecture with stucco and beautiful decorations. There is even a soothing garden waterfall. There is almost always a place to sit, even on the most crowded of days and that in itself makes the experience of eating here relaxing.
This is a cafeteria like place, where you grab a tray and utensils and then find your menu item at one of three separate counters. There are soda fountains that also offer lemonade and Power Aid, as well as a beverage bar with milk, juice and water bottles.
The first counter offers tacos, burritos and kids meal items. There is a choice of beef or chicken tacos, although you may also get grilled vegetable tacos or burritos. The dish is served with rice and beans, pico de gallo, guacamole, lettuce and sour cream. the portions are large. It is not unusual for D’land Diva hubby and I to share a dish. The meat is spicy, but pleasantly so. If you are not a big fan of the spice, you can ask for extra cheese or sour cream, though you will be charged extra.
The kids have a choice of a bean and cheese burrito or a chicken taco meal. The toddler meal is my three year old’s favorite! It’s a rice and chicken cup served with applesauce and juice. It is important to note that the kids’ meals are not at all spicy.
The second counter offers a citrus grilled chicken dish, and enchiladas. There are cheese enchiladas and carne asada enchiladas. I can tell you that the enchiladas are very good. They have just the right amount of spice and the cheese is nicely melted inside the tortilla topped with red sauce. Again, these portions are large, so feel free to share. A chicken soup is also served here, and you can order the kids meals at this counter as well.
The third counter serves a delectable tostada salad (chicken or carne asada) and desserts. The tostada salad is served in a large fried tortilla bowl filled with meat, beans, lettuce, grilled veggies, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole. It is super tasty! Vegetarians, it is possible to leave the meat off and just fill it with extra grilled veggies. The dessert offerings include a chocolate cake so generous it could be split by two, but so delicious that you really won’t want to share it with anyone else.
Each meal costs between $9-$14, with kids meals running $6.50 and toddler meals $3.99. In general, it costs our family around $30 to eat here once you add in drinks. This is about what it costs, maybe a little more, than most quick service restaurants at Disneyland.
Rancho del Zocalo comes highly recommended by the D’land Diva family and we think your family will enjoy it as well!
