Savor south-of-the-border specialties like burritos, tacos, enchiladas, grilled chicken and carne asada. Take a seat inside the beautiful Spanish-style courtyard, and see how this hacienda kindles the spirit of early California's romance and heritage. Bring all your amigos and indulge in classic Mexican cuisine on a beautiful bougainvillea-shaded hacienda patio. Exotic painted tiles, flowing fountains and stunning Mexican glass lanterns adorn the peaceful oasis. Sit back relax at this quick-service, fiesta-style restaurant.
Entrees include citrus fire-grilled chicken, 4 cheese enchiladas, soft tacos, burritos and even a tostada salad. Don't say "adios" without trying the Tres Leche cake, flan or chocolate praline cake.
When Rancho del Zocalo opened in 2001 it actually replaced two restaurants: Casa Mexicana and Big Thunder Barbecue. The restaurant has two different sections (grilled meats in one and more common Mexican dishes such as enchiladas in the other); you have to go to each section separately to order that particular food, so make sure you know what you're getting before you get in line. You pay after receiving all of your food, so it is possible for parties to split up and reconnect before paying.
Touring Tips
- Mexican, cafeteria style. on the bright side, most of the cuisine holds up well under the heat lamps and over the steam tables, the enchiladas and grilled chicken in particular. the rest of the menu-the typical tacos, burritos, Mexican rice, and refried beans-is resolutely average, except at opening or right before the dinner rush, when the food is fresh and uncorrupted. the tortillas, both corn and flour, are pretty tasty.
- Zocalo is also a great choice when you've brought the kids along and you can't possibly choke down another hot dog, burger, or pizza slice.
- The restaurant has an extensive outdoor seating area with views of Frontierland and Rivers of America. Some covered locations have heaters for colder weather.
- "Rancho del Zocalo" translates to mean "Ranch of the Square" in English. The word "zocalo" has an interesting history at Disneyland Park. The open area at the entrance to Frontierland used to be called "El Zocalo" or "town square."
History
Mexican food in this location is a 50 year old tradition at Disneyland. Shortly after the park opened in 1955, Casa de Fritos opened its doors on August 11. Frito Lay was the corporate sponsor and one of the gimmicks in the restaurant was an eleborate Frito Kid that would deliver a bag of chips when money was put in the machine. In 1982 the Frito Lay sponsorship lapsed and the restaurant opened as Casa Mexicana on October 1, 1982, with Lawry's as the new sponsor. In 2000, the restaurant closed and was mostly torn down and rebuilt for the opening of Rancho del Zocalo, sponsored by Ortega.
Since Rancho del Zocalo opened in 2001 the decoration and style of the restaurant has remained unchanged. The menu has shifted over time, though, as BBQ items went away and guests apparently couldn't fathom Mexican food without nachos. Other changes have dealt with the unwieldiness of getting into the restaurant to place an order. With several counters inside for placing orders, people tended to bottleneck near the entrance and the closest counter, not realizing how the restaurant worked. To date little has been found to help with this and many find the restaurant unsatisfactorily slow.
Zocalo is a name with a long history at Disneyland. The open central area of Frontierland was long zone as El Zocalo, "town square," in acknowledgement of the television show Zorro and its influence on the design of Frontierland. At the same time that Rancho del Zocalo was being constructed this open area was getting a touch up and now has a stage for charactre greets and such.
Prior to being sponsored by La Victoria, Rancho del Zocalo was sponsored by Ortega.