Ranch is one of the most versatile and well-loved sauces in the U.S. Several places in downtown Fullerton have perfected this condiment, making it a product worth seeking out.

Here’s a ranking of five places to get ranch in downtown Fullerton, keeping in mind not just the quality and taste, but also the atmosphere and the dishes served.

Madero 1899

On North Harbor Boulevard lies a dimly lit Mexican restaurant, with leather benches lined up along one wall and colorful bottles of alcohol on the other. 

Madero 1899’s ranch is a triple threat. It’s not too strong on the senses, thick enough to be used as a dipping sauce, but not too thick that it can’t be used as a dressing.

Other ranches can also easily overdo the buttermilk or garlic powder, making the flavor overpower rather than complement the dish. Madero’s ranch is a strong contender for downtown Fullerton’s best ranch, considering all these factors. 

Jaxon’s Chix Tenders

Jaxon’s specialty is chicken, from their jumbo chicken tenders to their “chix” sandwiches. They are also no stranger to dipping sauces, with 13 unique flavors at $0.59 each — it’s no surprise that their bacon ranch is ranked so highly.

Their ranch is the thickest on the list, clinging to the food easily. This consistency makes sense for Jaxon’s, since it will most likely be used for fries and tenders.

Jaxon’s ranch is surprisingly creamy with no chunks, yet it tastes exactly like bacon, making it a great option for both ranch lovers and bacon fans.

Roscoe’s

Roscoe’s on West Commonwealth Avenue is a deli shop, a fun spot for music every Friday and Saturday and they know how to make a good ranch.

This ranch, although the most watery on the list, is still very enjoyable. It’s sweeter than an acetic dressing and pairs well with the side of pickles or salad that comes with each sandwich.

The ranch is more ideal for salads or vegetables due to its thinner consistency, as it would take a lot more sauce for heavier foods, like meats or sandwiches. 

Mamma Mia

Mamma Mia is an Italian restaurant also located on West Commonwealth Avenue serving dishes such as ribeye steak, rustica and a sausage calzone. They offer a wide variety of both foods and table sizes, being able to accommodate parties of various sizes, respectively. 

Their ranch is watery, but unlike the previous one, Mamma Mia’s had a strong buttermilk scent and flavor. This ranch is most likely paired with their variety of salads, but with that in mind, the buttermilk may overpower the vegetables. 

Kalaveras

This restaurant serves Mexican and Latin American dishes with their signature “Kalaveras” twist. From their margaritas to their food options and decor, everything is vibrant.

Although their food and theme are a lot more visually stunning, their ranch was pretty ordinary. Kalaveras’ ranch is watery and has a strong mayonnaise smell. 

There is nothing particularly bad about the ranch, but there is also nothing special. This condiment feels out of place in a restaurant with bold colors and dishes.

In downtown Fullerton, some places have created their very own ranch recipe that perfectly complements their dishes. Whether it’s Madero’s perfectly balanced sauce or Jaxon’s unique bacon ranch, one thing is certain: although there can be much variety in flavor, the right choice in restaurant can elevate any meal.