This is on me. Why did I continue to patronize this place with great tips rewarded with horrible service food so-so staff oblivious to basic customer service. I am a local who likes/tries to support independent businesses but tonight was the last time for this place. I would eat here fairly regularly by myself as well as occasionally bring family and friends but tonight was the final and last time I will go there. Noe (Noah) do you read or respond to any of these bad reviews you are getting? Tonight I sat at your bar for 10 f ing minutes felt like I was invisible sitting and sitting before asked if I wanted anything ordered a beer and tequila. Got the beer didn't get the tequila until I started trying to flag down any number of people working walking by me numerous times without so much as hello we will be with you as soon as we can. I also wanted to order dinner never ask for an order. Almost always have to initiate request for some stupid chips and salsa. Decided to see how it would take this time without me doing the leg work of asking for help put my iPhone on a timer close to 20 minutes -nothing. Got up left I'll find somewhere else from now on. I get that sometimes we are busy, sometimes we are short staffed but how much effort does it take to acknowledge a customer?
Jacob G.
A very special shout out to 2 very kind and hospitable servers here who always take the time to talk to this weary traveler. Vianka and Larissey. I hope I spelled your names right. No matter which one of you is working I can count on kind service and a wonderful conversation about our days. Thanks to you both and also the entire staff that make this place run on a daily basis. This place is always it's consistent when it comes to their food. As you can see, I tend to order the same thing every time. And it is just as good as the first time i've been there. Closest thing to a home cook meal That I can find near a truck stop on the 99. Always look forward to my reset when I'm in Ripon because I can come in and enjoy a nice meal and a drink. Again thank you to the staff and I will see you soon
Bonnie Richina
Good atmosphere, food is okay... I mean, it's not really authentic. The salsa is good.If you like waitress w there chest hanging out this place for you . Surprised w Ripon on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
Alexander A.
If I could give them more stars I would! I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often. I got the shrimp fajita bowl and it was delicious
Barry Runyan
So good I came back the next day. Food was excellent. Service was better than average. Comfortable booth but a bit loud.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Soup
Elaina Pitre
OMGAAAAAWD THE BEST BEEF TACO IVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!!!! NO LIE!!!! 1st time here.....and it won't be the last. Even if I live an hour away. We came at around 2pm and it was packed. So that's a good sign. I'm super picky about my tacos and don't like fatty, greasy or grisle in my meat. So I'm nervous about trying new taco places. The reviews seemed good online so we took a chance. No regrets!!! I got 2 beef tacos with rice and salad instead of the beans. They brought chips and salsa....and it was soooooo good. Has some heat on the back end of it. The food took a while but that's ok. When it arrived, I took one bite of the rice and I knew I'd be in for a ride. The tacos were super flavourful and not greasy or full of fat or other beef parts that make me gag. HOLY HELL!!!! these were seriously the best tacos I've had EVER!!!! I can't wait to come back and I'm still here waiting to get the bill lol. You have to try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine Murray
Great food, margaritas, service !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Burrito Supreme with Red Sauce, Complimentary Chips Salsa and Beans, Carnitas, Carnitas Street Tacos, Taco, Burrito, Quesabirria Tacos
Erin S.
I understand when things are busy that food can come out slowly. However, tonight, 5 + tables were sat after us and got their food before us and we were only 2 people. When I brought it to the server's attention and asked for our food to go, it seemed as though it was slapped together. Very disappointing since my boyfriend frequents there very often. Sorry theyoung party people took priority over local regulars.
Alex G.
a must try for delicious mexican food in the central valley! I've visited several times and we are typically seated quickly. there is a full bar/bar seating as well as the general dining area + patio seating. The staff is kind and service is quick. They offer complimentary chips, whipped refried beans and cabbage. The chips are warm and fresh! We ordered the chicken fajitas and taquitos. Everything was amazing highly recommend
julie l.
Esmeralda's went over and beyond tonight. As we know Thursday nights are BUSY! They dashed to Savemart to fulfill my order of adding of mushrooms to my favorite dish. Bravo Esmeralda's! Once again! FYI - Pollo Tampiquena - add mushrooms, avocado and melted cheese.... DELISH! Our go-to favorite!
Lots of people even on a rainy day. Inside was nice, the front area needs some paint on one side and some fixing of ceiling tiles.The Host was very nice and quick to seat us. She brought us some beans and salsa for the chips which were great. The chips were both corn and flour tortillas which was different and delicious. We had the enchilada plate with taco and a burrito. The enchiladas were ok. Rice was overcooked. The burrito was weird. The tortilla was not wrapped around like a burrito but it was meat, rice and beans with a flour tortilla on top and then covered with green salsa. I lifted tortilla up to verify and it was not on the bottom just kinda shaped onto the top of the food. It tasted ok.I ordered coffee and it took a long time to get a cup and waitress never came back to refill or check after she dropped off the coffee and the food.The waitress never came back so the Host was the one that gave us our check. It was very busy.Overall we thought the food was average ( the best part being the beans and chips at start and the crunchy taco) and prices were good, the atmosphere was nice because so many families and people, so it was good energy and music was great, the service was lacking, though we appreciate the host stepping up. We will not come back but glad we gave it a shot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
Robert K.
My boss had this catered in for are X-mas luncheon. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Finally had the opportunity to try the actual restaurant with my wife. To start the chips and salsa are excellent, you get that surprise flour chip which tastes awesome. They brought the chips and drinks right away, then took our order. Was not a long wait at all for a very good meal. The atmosphere was great, great place to take your family. Look forward to my next visit.
Phil M.
I went there for Valentine's Day not the most romantic place, but I wasn't really expecting it to be. The place was kind of dirty. The chips and salsa and beans they brought out were pretty good. We sat there a half hour before our food finally came out, and they weren't even busy. They messed up on my order. I got the fajita trio it was pretty good, nothing spectacular. My partner got Esmeralda special. It was overcooked. So when I go there again, probably not.
Mariela Cardenas
I met a friend for lunch. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. They checked in on us often and allowed us to catch up and talk for a while. I will return with my family soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Cheese Enchilada
Jacqueline Godina
Esmeraldas Mexican Restaurant in Ripon, CA, truly stands out with its exceptional service, particularly from Noe, and its amazing food. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the overall experience, making it a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. The dishes are prepared with care, and the flavors are a testament to the culinary skills of the chefs. The friendly and attentive service complements the delicious meals, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. I’ve become a regular :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bean Dip Salsa and Chips, Pork Chop Dinner, Steak a La Mexicana, Taco Salad, Carnitas, Chicken and Cheese Enchilada, Carnitas Street Tacos, Taco, Burrito, Shrimp Tacos, Chile Rellenos, Chicken Soup, Pozole, Server, Tortilla Soup, Fajitas Chicken, Beef
This is on me. Why did I continue to patronize this place with great tips rewarded with horrible service food so-so staff oblivious to basic customer service. I am a local who likes/tries to support independent businesses but tonight was the last time for this place. I would eat here fairly regularly by myself as well as occasionally bring family and friends but tonight was the final and last time I will go there. Noe (Noah) do you read or respond to any of these bad reviews you are getting? Tonight I sat at your bar for 10 f ing minutes felt like I was invisible sitting and sitting before asked if I wanted anything ordered a beer and tequila. Got the beer didn't get the tequila until I started trying to flag down any number of people working walking by me numerous times without so much as hello we will be with you as soon as we can. I also wanted to order dinner never ask for an order. Almost always have to initiate request for some stupid chips and salsa. Decided to see how it would take this time without me doing the leg work of asking for help put my iPhone on a timer close to 20 minutes -nothing. Got up left I'll find somewhere else from now on. I get that sometimes we are busy, sometimes we are short staffed but how much effort does it take to acknowledge a customer?
A very special shout out to 2 very kind and hospitable servers here who always take the time to talk to this weary traveler. Vianka and Larissey. I hope I spelled your names right. No matter which one of you is working I can count on kind service and a wonderful conversation about our days. Thanks to you both and also the entire staff that make this place run on a daily basis. This place is always it's consistent when it comes to their food. As you can see, I tend to order the same thing every time. And it is just as good as the first time i've been there. Closest thing to a home cook meal That I can find near a truck stop on the 99. Always look forward to my reset when I'm in Ripon because I can come in and enjoy a nice meal and a drink. Again thank you to the staff and I will see you soon
Good atmosphere, food is okay... I mean, it's not really authentic. The salsa is good.If you like waitress w there chest hanging out this place for you . Surprised w Ripon on
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 3
Service: 4
If I could give them more stars I would! I wish I lived closer so I could come here more often. I got the shrimp fajita bowl and it was delicious
So good I came back the next day. Food was excellent. Service was better than average. Comfortable booth but a bit loud.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken Soup
OMGAAAAAWD THE BEST BEEF TACO IVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE!!!!!! NO LIE!!!! 1st time here.....and it won't be the last. Even if I live an hour away. We came at around 2pm and it was packed. So that's a good sign. I'm super picky about my tacos and don't like fatty, greasy or grisle in my meat. So I'm nervous about trying new taco places. The reviews seemed good online so we took a chance. No regrets!!! I got 2 beef tacos with rice and salad instead of the beans. They brought chips and salsa....and it was soooooo good. Has some heat on the back end of it. The food took a while but that's ok. When it arrived, I took one bite of the rice and I knew I'd be in for a ride. The tacos were super flavourful and not greasy or full of fat or other beef parts that make me gag. HOLY HELL!!!! these were seriously the best tacos I've had EVER!!!! I can't wait to come back and I'm still here waiting to get the bill lol. You have to try this place.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great food, margaritas, service !
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Burrito Supreme with Red Sauce, Complimentary Chips Salsa and Beans, Carnitas, Carnitas Street Tacos, Taco, Burrito, Quesabirria Tacos
I understand when things are busy that food can come out slowly. However, tonight, 5 + tables were sat after us and got their food before us and we were only 2 people. When I brought it to the server's attention and asked for our food to go, it seemed as though it was slapped together. Very disappointing since my boyfriend frequents there very often. Sorry theyoung party people took priority over local regulars.
a must try for delicious mexican food in the central valley! I've visited several times and we are typically seated quickly. there is a full bar/bar seating as well as the general dining area + patio seating. The staff is kind and service is quick. They offer complimentary chips, whipped refried beans and cabbage. The chips are warm and fresh! We ordered the chicken fajitas and taquitos. Everything was amazing highly recommend
Esmeralda's went over and beyond tonight. As we know Thursday nights are BUSY! They dashed to Savemart to fulfill my order of adding of mushrooms to my favorite dish. Bravo Esmeralda's! Once again! FYI - Pollo Tampiquena - add mushrooms, avocado and melted cheese.... DELISH! Our go-to favorite!
Restaurantji Recommends
Lots of people even on a rainy day. Inside was nice, the front area needs some paint on one side and some fixing of ceiling tiles.The Host was very nice and quick to seat us. She brought us some beans and salsa for the chips which were great. The chips were both corn and flour tortillas which was different and delicious. We had the enchilada plate with taco and a burrito. The enchiladas were ok. Rice was overcooked. The burrito was weird. The tortilla was not wrapped around like a burrito but it was meat, rice and beans with a flour tortilla on top and then covered with green salsa. I lifted tortilla up to verify and it was not on the bottom just kinda shaped onto the top of the food. It tasted ok.I ordered coffee and it took a long time to get a cup and waitress never came back to refill or check after she dropped off the coffee and the food.The waitress never came back so the Host was the one that gave us our check. It was very busy.Overall we thought the food was average ( the best part being the beans and chips at start and the crunchy taco) and prices were good, the atmosphere was nice because so many families and people, so it was good energy and music was great, the service was lacking, though we appreciate the host stepping up. We will not come back but glad we gave it a shot.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 2
My boss had this catered in for are X-mas luncheon. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Finally had the opportunity to try the actual restaurant with my wife. To start the chips and salsa are excellent, you get that surprise flour chip which tastes awesome. They brought the chips and drinks right away, then took our order. Was not a long wait at all for a very good meal. The atmosphere was great, great place to take your family. Look forward to my next visit.
I went there for Valentine's Day not the most romantic place, but I wasn't really expecting it to be. The place was kind of dirty. The chips and salsa and beans they brought out were pretty good. We sat there a half hour before our food finally came out, and they weren't even busy. They messed up on my order. I got the fajita trio it was pretty good, nothing spectacular. My partner got Esmeralda special. It was overcooked. So when I go there again, probably not.
I met a friend for lunch. The food was fresh, hot and delicious. They checked in on us often and allowed us to catch up and talk for a while. I will return with my family soon.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chicken and Cheese Enchilada
Esmeraldas Mexican Restaurant in Ripon, CA, truly stands out with its exceptional service, particularly from Noe, and its amazing food. The ambiance of the restaurant adds to the overall experience, making it a great destination for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine. The dishes are prepared with care, and the flavors are a testament to the culinary skills of the chefs. The friendly and attentive service complements the delicious meals, ensuring a memorable dining experience for all guests. I’ve become a regular :)
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bean Dip Salsa and Chips, Pork Chop Dinner, Steak a La Mexicana, Taco Salad, Carnitas, Chicken and Cheese Enchilada, Carnitas Street Tacos, Taco, Burrito, Shrimp Tacos, Chile Rellenos, Chicken Soup, Pozole, Server, Tortilla Soup, Fajitas Chicken, Beef