Ricardo's El Ranchito Mexican Restaurant Deals in La Habra, CA 90632

Ricardo's is a little abode where soft spheres of well-seasoned meatballs don't lose any flavor while floating in broth, where tortillas are hand-made, and, most importantly, where there's no skimping on margaritas.

For a little over $30, we had enough food to feed at least another person, what with the giant carne asada and garlic shrimp plate I had ordered. Carne asada here is pretty standard, and is served with the ubiquitous rice and beans (also nothing to write home about). The plump garlic shrimp made my meal, however. Whether wrapped in a handmade corn tortilla or hand-plucked off my plate, the butter flied jumbo crustaceans made me smile with every bite.

The house Albondigas soup is also a must-try, with large chunks of squash and other vegetables offered alongside the soft meatballs. A basket of Ricardo's lightly crisp flour tortilla chips pair wonderfully with the soup, and are served warm with a side of sinus-clearing salsa. Also try the beef tamale, which was steamed perfectly and wasn't at all dry.

The absolute best part about Ricardo's are the corn tortillas. A tortilla-making booth is stationed in the middle of the restaurant for all to see, and periodically (depending on how crowded the restaurant is), a woman will employ the old wooden hand press to churn out fresh tortillas from a pile of masa. If nothing else, just go for the tortillas and slather on a pat of butter while you're at it.