El Ranchero Loco

Welcome to El Ranchero Loco, a vibrant treasure nestled in Pigeon Forge, TN, at 2902 Veterans Blvd #5. This charming Mexican restaurant offers more than just a meal; it promises an unforgettable culinary experience steeped in authentic flavors and a warm atmosphere. Whether you're coming from a day at Dollywood or just passing through, El Ranchero Loco is the perfect destination to indulge in a fiesta of flavors.

The menu here is a cornucopia of traditional Mexican delights, with standout dishes that guests rave about. The Specialties of the House include the Carne Asada, featuring perfectly marinated sirloin steak served with fresh avocado, lime, and a side of Mexican rice. For the adventurous eater, the Molcajete Ranchero is a must-try—a sizzling mix of delicious meats including carne asada, grilled chicken, shrimp, and more, all presented in a traditional heated molcajete.

  • Tortas Mexicana: Loaded with options like Torta De Carnitas ($14.99) and Torta De Pollo ($14.99), each served with fresh ingredients that highlight their authentic origins.
  • A La Carte Selections: Quick bites like the Homemade Tamale ($5.99) and Beef Taco ($13.99) are perfect for a satisfying snack or a full meal.
  • Caldos: Don’t overlook the comforting Caldo De Res ($13.99), a rich beef soup that warms the soul.

What truly sets El Ranchero Loco apart is its commitment to quality. Customers consistently praise the exceptional service and the attention to detail that goes into every dish. For example, one visitor remarked on the beautifully cooked shrimp fajitas, complemented by warm flour tortillas and fresh, crunchy vegetables. Another guest was thrilled by the homely feel and hearty portions, making it the best Mexican food they’ve ever had.

The ambiance is equally inviting, making it an ideal spot for families and friends. The friendly staff adds a personal touch, creating an experience that feels both welcoming and intimate. Regular diners often return for the homemade horchata, a delightful beverage that has been described as "hitting the spot" after a long day.

El Ranchero Loco is more than just a restaurant; it is a destination where authentic Mexican flavors come alive, bringing joy and satisfaction with every bite. Whether you are in the mood for spicy tacos, rich enchiladas, or a hearty molcajete, this incredible café delivers a feast for the senses. If you find yourself in Pigeon Forge, make sure to stop by—your taste buds will thank you!

Menu

Location

Address: 2902 Veterans Blvd #5, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863, United States
Phone: +1 865-366-2161

🕓 Work Hours

Business info

  • Offers Delivery
    Yes
  • Offers Takeaway
    Yes
  • Serves Dine-in
    Yes
  • Serves Alcohol
    Yes
  • Serves Beer
    Yes
  • Serves Food
    Yes
  • Serves Spirits
    Yes
  • Serves Wine
    Yes
  • Serves Breakfast
    Yes
  • Serves Lunch
    Yes
  • Serves Dinner
    Yes
  • Serves Dessert
    Yes
  • Accepts Debit Cards
    Yes
  • Accepts NFC Mobile Payments
    Yes
  • Free Parking Lot
    Yes
  • Plenty Of Parking
    Yes

Last Reviews

  • Author: Clarence Miller

    11 May 2025

    Decide to go out away from the main drag and try this place. The food was good, and the service was spot on. Parking is tight up front, but go behind the building for extra places. I tried the Molcajete Rancho, and it had just about everything in it. for your response!

  • Author: Jennifer Kim

    10 May 2025

    Yummy Mexican food!!! Very quick service and Homemade horchata hits the spot!!!! My go to spot after a late night at Dollywood!!

  • Author: Joel Jongco

    06 May 2025

    This is why we love “little hole on the wall” local restaurants. It’s a quaint little restaurant with great ambiance and super friendly staff. The chips were crispy and not overly seasoned. The salsa was the perfect consistency and had just the right amount of flavor where you can taste a hint of cilantro without it being overpowering. My girlfriend ordered the shrimp fajitas and there were lots of decently sized shrimp that were perfectly cooked and seasoned. The cast iron serving skillet was nicely sizzling when it was delivered to our table and the flour tortillas were perfectly warm and didn’t stick to each other. The assortment of vegetables were cooked but still fresh and crunchy. I ordered the special which was 2 grilled pork chops with rice and lettuce with sour cream. The pork chops were cooked perfectly with just the perfect seasoning. The serving sizes were very generous and priced very comparably to other Mexican restaurants we’ve been to. If we didn’t live in FL, this would be one of our regular stops when we want Mexican food!

  • Author: Jill Bird

    03 May 2025

    We stopped in on our way home from Dollywood and we were a little nervous about the wait time. To our surprise we were seated quickly for a resort town restaurant during the holidays. The food was excellent and the servers were great! They were super busy but we were thrilled with the service and food! We will definitely be back. ETA: we went back on NYE for dinner again and we were seated without a wait. Food was delicious and service incredible!