The Very Latest on “Rancho’s” of Ocean Beach

Originally posted Feb. 10, 2017

Name Change and ‘Soft’ Opening in Restaurant’s Future

The last time I ran into Hugo Carrillo, the perennial manager of Rancho’s restaurant in Ocean Beach, he told me that he hoped the famed Mexican and vegetarian eatery would re-open in early February.

So, yesterday, I dropped by the place on Sunset Cliffs Boulevard to check its progress, and even though Hugo and his associate Matt were deep in a discussion right inside the door, they had time to give me an update.

Right off, Hugo explained that they had re-furnished the floors and installed tiles in the ceiling. The kitchen, which had been striped bare, has all new equipment – but wasn’t expanded – and they’ll have the same eating capacity as the 3,000 square foot restaurant has had for years, but change the lay-out, Matt added.  And they’ll keep the wonderful patio, of course.

It was obvious that the place was in a state of transformation and not ready for its many fans. I asked Hugo and Matt when they planned to re-open, and after some professional hesitation, Hugo said they hoped in a couple of weeks. “We’ll have a soft opening,” Hugo said.

But, both men were quick to add – there’s a name change. Hugo had warned me about this that last time I had run into him. Okay, what is it?

The restaurant’s new name will be “Hugo’s Mexican and Vegetarian Cocina“.

There you have it. They’ll keep the same, basic menu, but are still figuring it out.

Everyday they’re working on the place, Hugo assured me.

And finally, Matt said he’d like to see “Hugo’s” offer a large selection of Mexican craft beer at some point in the future.