Disney4me Posted October 13, 2015 Report Share Posted October 13, 2015 Join me in Disneyland’s Frontierland as we go back to one of my much-loved counter service spots: Rancho del Zocalo Restaurante!Disneyland Rancho del Zocalo SignBefore we dig into the eats, let’s take a look around first; because if you’re like me, I think you’ll like what you’re about to see…AtmosphereImmediately upon spotting some of the signs and murals for Rancho del Zocalo it’s easy to get an idea of the top-notch setting, even before stepping inside the restaurant.Rancho del Zocalo signRancho del Zocalo painted muralFrom the inviting adobe entranceway to the fountains and flowers dotting the landscape, the general feel is that you’ve been transported to a Spanish oasis.Walkway Leading into the RestaurantFountainSeating is primarily outdoors. With ample shading for hot days and heat lamps for cooler evenings (and the fact that Disneyland is pretty much in the most temperate place on earth), it’s comfortable just about any time of year.Outdoor Seating AreaRancho del Zocalo DecorOutdoor SeatingBillowing awnings provide some sun cover during those busy lunch hours, and I love the hanging lanterns! So pretty at night.Outdoor lanternsOutdoor lanternsThe beauty of the theming at this Counter Service spot can take on many Disney Table Service restaurants in regard to atmosphere.But it’s not just the setting that rivals Table Service locations here…EatsRancho del Zocalo offers authentic Mexican dishes and favorites. On this visit, I had a difficult time narrowing down my choices with eight full Platters (which all include Mexican Rice and Refried Beans) to choose from… and this doesn’t even include the entree-sized salad selections!(By the way, can I say how much I love that they offer both kids’ meals and toddler meals? Genius.)Rancho del Zocalo MenuRancho del Zocalo menuFood is served cafeteria-style and made to order. Just grab your tray and silverware (and check out more of the lovely wall murals) first, then proceed to the ordering stations.Trays and silverwareLine at Rancho del ZocaloOrdering and Prep StationIt’s easy to get a feel for what you’ll find most appetizing, thanks to the open kitchen and preparation areas. These cast members were honestly having a great time at work that day! Those sorts of things stick in my head. ;-DFood Preparation AreaFood stationI did mention items being made-to-order, right? I love watching the grill master Cast Members at work!Carne Asada On The GrillFountain beverages are self-serve, or you can opt for grab-and-go bottled drinks.Self-Serve Beverage AreaYou’ll be able to pick up your souvenir sippers here as well.Grab and Go BeveragesAs I mentioned, each platter comes with Mexican Rice and Refried Beans (sautéed vegetables can be substituted, if preferred). But make sure you leave room for a side of Crispy Chips con Limon, which are ridiculously addictive with that hint of salty citrus.Crispy Chips con Limon signOf course, Diamond Anniversary Mickey graces the packaging !Crispy Chips con LimonOh, and also leave room for Heather’s favorite Cinnamon Crisps!Cinnamon CrispsI know, I know… Can we dig in already?! Absolutely! Let’s start with the Burrito Guadalajara: slow-cooked Carnitas with refried beans, rice and cheese are wrapped in a flour tortilla and topped off with a Verde Tomatillo Sauce and sour cream. More rice and beans — along with a nice serving of pico de gallo for more burrito toppings — make up the sides.Burrito GuadalajaraThe plate is pretty much the size of a serving platter here, folks. And portions are seriously substantial across the board — this thing is PACKED.Burrito Guadalajara cross sectionNot too spicy-hot — but also not at all bland, thanks to the marinade of the carnitas and the tomatillo sauce.But if you’re looking to turn the heat up juuuust a notch, you might want to consider the Carne Asada and Red Chile Enchilada Platter – bring your appetite for this one. But before we talk about the spice, let’s talk about the fairly ginormous marinated steak on this platter (as an aside, I love the additional soft flour tortillas with this dish).Carne Asada & Red Chile Enchilada PlatterThe meat was not quite medium rare, but it was definitely not overcooked.Carne AsadaThe Cheese Enchiladas are also rich and filling (and, of course, thick with melty cheese!) and are topped off with a red chile sauce that offers just a bit of nice heat (again, though, not suuuper spicy or anything. Just, you know… “Disney spicy.” ).Cheese Enchiladas cross sectionI totally fell for the soft tacos here ages ago, and the cast members told me that I could order just about anything on the menu a la carte; so I also asked for a Carnitas Soft Taco with verde salsa as a side.Side Carnitas TacoIt’s the freshness of the ingredients that continue to stand out for me with this one…buuuuuut I should have requested no cilantro. (Blech, blech, blerg blerg blerg!!!!)Carnitas Soft TacoNow, you know I don’t say this often, but with the size of those platters, I simply didn’t have room for dessert (I know: “Where is AJ and what have you done with her?!”). But I did manage to grab some semi-decent pics for ya! Among the options are Tres Leches Cake, Chocolate Cake (pictured below), and the popular Cinnamon Crisps. This is also one of the spots you can grab a slice of Diamond Celebration Chocolate Cake.Chocolate CakeOf course they also offer another Mexican cuisine favorite as well: Flan! By the way, this one is known to change occasionally with the seasons (for example, fall brings an Orange Pumpkin version!).FlanI’ll be sure to save room next time (then again, I always say that whenever I’m leaving Rancho del Zocalo).OverallI’m telling you: Rancho del Zocalo was one of my first favorites in Disneyland, and it hasn’t lost its spot in the running: picturesque setting, friendly Cast Members, terrific food and generous portions — this is the real deal. If you haven’t made Rancho del Zocalo part of a Disneyland day, I highly recommend it for your next trip!What’s your favorite dish at Rancho del Zocalo? Please let us know with a comment!Disney Food Blog Fans, be sure to check out our DFB Disney World Dining Guide e-Books! Find great deals at DFBStore.com!Also, come on over and: Subscribe to our NewsletterFollow us on TwitterBecome a Facebook FanRelated posts:Dining in Disneyland: Cinnamon Crisps from Rancho Del Zocalo Review: Disneyland’s Rancho del Zocalo The Five Best Things I Ate In Disneyland View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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