Bites Nearby: Mi Rancho

The last golden days of summer are perfect for al fresco dining. And 's expansive covered, ceiling fan-cooled patio is one of the best outdoor dining options around. 

Grab a margarita or a Corona and kick back as you wait for your choice of delicious Tex-Mex dishes. Mi Rancho has Tejano favorties like queso and flautas, Mexican classics like chiles rellenos and sizzling fajitas and is also has a huge following for its seafood specialities. I have personally never had the famous Mi Rancho lobster tail, but I have watched other diners dig in with relish.

Mi Rancho is known for its special birthday celebrations, bringing the man or woman of the hour a boisterous son, a sombrero to wear and a dish of decadent flan.

Mi Rancho's patio is much-loved by families with children, and the waitstaff never minds high chair messes of spilled grains of Mexican rice and tortilla chip crumbs. The waiters have even delighted in bringing my baby children platters of grated cheddar cheese for them to get one bite in their mouth, two in their little fists and the rest of it all over the floor. However, after kids' bedtimes, couples and groups of friends fill the tables until close. 

Entrees average from $8-$18. Reservations are encouraged according to the Mi Rancho website, but not necessary.

8701 Ramsey Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301)588-4872.

Open Sun-Thur, 11:30 am - 10 pm; Fri-Sat, 11:30 am - 11 pm.