This Old Pueblo institution has served authentic, homemade Mexican favorites since forever.
Family-Friendly
Gift Cards
Two Locations
Established in 1922, El Charro Cafe of Tucson, Arizona is the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family, featuring traditional Sonoran cultural style and innovative Tucson-style Mexican Food. El Charro is truly, as Gourmet Magazine writes, "a taste explosion".
With a large array of products which feature a synergy of Sonoran ingredients, El Charro is Tucson's culinary history. People come from all across the country to experience El Charro and we invite you to do the same.
The El Charro family is also proud to feature our signature line of retail products, including salsas, tamales, calendars and gift cards, our Latin entertainment and tequila bars and our full featured catering services.
The Scene Operated by the same family since 1922, El Charro has become a local restaurant empire, with branches at the airport and on the east side at Broadway and Wilmot. Though nothing's like the original downtown location in the Old Presidio with its lovely patio dining and cantina bar. Toma!
The Food Start with a cheese crisp, a kind of open quesadilla. Those favoring their carnivorous side love the air-dried carne seca, shredded beef enhanced by a delicious marinade of spices. Order the ever-popular chimichanga with the carne seca elegante-style (guacamole, sour cream and cheese) and you're in heaven. The cerveza chicken may not be traditional, but it's a new classic. A dish of Mexican chocolate ice cream, rich and creamy with cinnamon accents, is a delightful way to end the meal.
I don't know what the previous reviewer is talking about! The chips portions are for your own good... if you fill up on chips, you won't have enough room to truly experience the flavors of your meal. I highly recommend this restaurant, which is rich in flavor, friendliness, and history! If you're new to Tucson or just visiting, do not leave without tasting the authentic mexican cuisine of El Charro!
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I enjoy the drinks but I'm not to fond of the style of Mexican Food here. It's a great place to meet people for drinks and meeting but I prefer not to eat there. The portions can be too small when you want to eat a huge mexican meal. They never fill up your chips as much as other places do.
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When I have out of town guests - this is the place I take them. It has such a fun ambiance. I love sitting outside and listening to the Mariachi es. The food is super. Make reservations as it can get busy.
PROS: great atmosphere
CONS:
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. . . you can still find wonderful food on this menu. I am not the BIGGEST mexican food fan but there are some non-traditional items available on this menu that are outstanding. The shrimp fajitas are plentiful, have a lovely selection of peppers and a healthy serving of rice and beans along with plenty of small flour tortillas. YYYUUUMMM
PROS: Great location with parking
CONS: Restrooms are small
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As a kid I recall going to El Charro and it was like eating at my Tia's house rather than a restaurant. Which it was and still is, in an old house smack in the middle of downtown. But over the years the decor has become artsy and the menu has stayed edgey, with noveau-Mexican dishes as well as standards. The great color and ambiance makes this an especially fun place to take out-of-town visitors.
PROS: Beautiful place with beautiful plates
CONS: busy at peak hours
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Latest reviews by Citysearch:
(read all 28 reviews
on Citysearch)
Inventor of the Chimichanga
By ChuckSal
Festive atmosphere with good food, be sure to ask for both the green and red salsa to go with your chips. The tres leches cake is a great way to finish your meal. That is, if you have room left in your gut.
Pros: Best tortilla soup in town Cons: can be a little loud if you seek a peaceful meal
Posted 05/31/09
Great food
By CSMobileUser2
I love this place because the restaurant looks authentic. The service is great the food is great and the prices are good.
Posted 03/09/09
The best anywhere anytime!!!!!
By chicarol1
If you are going to be in the southwest, you MUST visit The El Charro. Their menu will leave you counting the days to your next meal there. I live in Chicago and frequently dream about the sour cream enchiladas, which are pure heaven and perfection. When I find my way back to Tucson, the biggest decision is what to order at the el charro. I will make my decision a hundred times on the plane ride there in anticipation. I have never been let down. Now that my mouth is watering, and my stomach growling, I have to go and book a flight. The Carne Seca is a must have if you have never been before. It is a main attraction and earns it's reputation.
They definately earn all 5 of the stars given!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Pros: of course - the food, lots of parking, great ambience Cons: cant ship it to Chicago frequently
Posted 10/17/08
BEST OF TUCSON
By mnjs1943
I have heard everything you can possibly say about El Charro Cafe in my years. However, it seems that everyone wants to be a critic. No one is perfect, and El Charro comes quite close. They are passionate innovators and have put a lot into their beautiful restaurants. Besides this, the food is always amazing
Pros: GREAT
Posted 03/02/08
Bad Rep is a shame
By junaca80s
El Charro is a part of Tucson for a reason, it is the BEST. I think it is the oldest family run restaurant in the nation, and it brings an exclusive experience to Tucson. I have never had a bad experience here and even if my server were to mess something up, it does not compromise the food, ambiance, and experience. Everyone makes mistakes, people should learn to be more patient and forgiving. This place EXCELS in all culinary aspects and people "flock" to it because of these reasons. I AM PROUD to have El Charro in my Tucson backyard!
