Ripon College Days

Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: Features

Media Credit: Jonathan Bailey

Media Credit: Jonathan Bailey

Media Credit: Jonathan Bailey

It is no secret that around the city of Ripon, many residents are concerned with the amount of money being invested into the Boca Grande revitalization efforts. However, one area in which little can be debated is the improvements that have been made by Boca Grande and the Ripon Restaurant Group. The group which is made up of Roadhouse Pizza, America, and Dos Gringos have all seen significant changes in looks and taste.

Two years ago, Boca Grande bought the group of restaurants and they wasted no time in making them a better place to eat. Dos Gringos, a mainstay in Ripon for the past 20 years, saw significant change with the new ownership.

"When [Boca Grande] came in, we cleaned everything up, replaced a lot of boards, painted everything and brightened it up a bit," says restaurant manager Molly Wheaton.

The beer signs that once plastered the walls, many of which they didn't even serve, were removed, creating a much more relaxing atmosphere.

While many aspects of the restaurant were changed, Boca Grande was careful to keep intact an important part of the building's history, the bar area, which dates all the way back to 1894.

Beyond the look of the restaurant, is big portions of delicious food at a friendly price.

The primarily Mexican-based restaurant also offers plenty of southwestern choices as well as other American favorites. This diversity makes Dos Gringos one of a kind in the city of Ripon.

"We do a lot of southwest stuff, so that the food we serve here is very unique compared to wherever else," says Wheaton.

Not only is the food unique, but the amount of food that you receive is enormous.

"Our food is really good reheated and we don't want anyone to leave hungry," says Wheaton. It is pretty much traditional Mexican portion sizes. If you go to any Mexican restaurant, usually you get a lot of food for your money. We like to give people a great value."

Some of the more popular items on the menu are the typical Mexican favorites, Enchiladas and Chimichangas.

On average, dinner items cost around 8-10 dollars. Ripon College students can get an additional discount by just showing their school I.D.

"Anybody who comes in here from the college and eats, if they show their I.D. they get 10% off. Also, we are looking into increasing that with times being the way that they are, maybe doing a 20% off for college students," says Wheaton.

Dos Gringos continously offers weekly specials and other ways to give you the most bang for your buck.

Last night, Dos Gringos rolled out a new buffet with a Jimmy & Buffet night. There was Jimmy Buffet music and leis that were given to customers with a coupon for Monday nights.

In conjunction with the Jimmy & Buffet night, this week marked the beginning of a new all-you-can eat buffet for only $7.99. Hours for the buffet are Monday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday 11 a.m. to close and Wednesday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Live music will be at Dos Gringos once a month, accompanied by the much needed fiestas. Feb. 19 and St. Patrick's Day, will mark the next time two times that live music is held at Dos Gringos.

A Mexican restaurant wouldn't be complete without legendary margaritas and Corona beer and Dos Gringos is no exception to the rule.

For $4.25 you can get a Dos Original Margarita either frozen or on the rocks. For an additional four dollars you can make it golden, topping it off with Grand Marnier.

Dos Gringos is located on 119 Watson St. Their hours are Monday thru Friday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Saturday 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. They are closed on Sundays. For a complete menu visit DosGringosRipon.com.

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