El Chaparro Fine Mexican Food

I used YELP when we were in Lincoln to find this Mexican restaurant This restaurant appears to be a family owned. I really like supporting local business owners. There are not a lot of tables in this restaurant but there were a few when we arrived that were open. Just waiting to be cleaned off. We ordered our meals and it took a while for the food to arrive but must say everything we ordered was really very tasty. They provided free chips and salsa and had a nice variety of meals on the menu. The kids loved their chicken strips and fries, my wife enjoyed her burrito and I enjoyed my chicken enchiladas. For four of us, including drinks, before tip was under 30 dollars. Really a great price for good food. This is one of those places you typically would drive past but must say the food is really good. The waitress and staff were really nice. As for atmosphere, this is really more of a hole in the wall experience.

We will absolutely be back.

From the telenovelas to the great food, this is definitely as authentic as a Mexican food place can be.

I got a tongue burrito (yes--you read that correctly). It was massive, and at only $6, a good deal. The meat choice may not be for everyone, but I loved the tenderness.

For dessert, I got the sopaipillas. Oh my goodness. The greatest thing I have ever tasted. They were basically sugar nachos with a gallon of whipped cream on top. Let me tell you, I ate the entire thing with no regrets.

Will be coming back!

I spent serious $ going to see Prairie Home Companion at the Pinewood Bowl Amphitheatre, so I needed a cheap dinner before the show, and ended up at El Chaparro.

Dang.

Jamaica, horchata, and 5 tacos for 5 bucks. (Seriously, I did not need 5 tacos, but there they were...) The Mexican rice here is no friggin joke, either. So delicious. Some of the best Mexi rice I've had in a hot minute. Husband had enchiladas and was quite pleased, especially with the sauce.

The place is unassuming and fast-food-looking, and while the service was okay, the bathrooms left something to be desired. But the food was good enough that I was still quite pleased with my experience. If you're in Lincoln and in need of some cheap grub, this is your place fo sho.

Bad barbacoa experience here, almost ruined my spring break. It's possible to have decent Mexican food here though, I'm sure, the other people at my table (of Mexican heritage) seemed satisfied, but I most certainly was not. Just don't get the last barbacoa of the day, in fact, ask the waitress how many more barbacoa servings there are left today and if it's any digit lower than 5, just skip it!

So, I wouldn't really call this Fine Mexican Food or Fine Dining, but it's tasty. I ended up at this location after my mom read the sign "abierto" in the 13th st. location and thought it meant closed. The food is very reasonably priced and the complimentary chips and salsa were pretty decent. Our waitress was friendly and efficient and the restaurant was clean. It's not the Mexican restaurant I've ever been to but totally worth the money. (entrees ~$4.5-$6) It's better than the Mexican food I've had in Seattle.

Awesome, Awesome tongue tacos. Don't be squeamish on trying tongue. The meat just melts in your mouth like a good brisket does. I only gave 4 stars since the chips & salsa you get at the table are nothing special.

This is one of my favorite secret spots for Mexican food in Lincoln. The 48th street location is never really that busy, so you're guaranteed to get your food real quick and hot. The menu has very reasonable prices and an extensive amount of items to choose from. I would have to suggest ordering the shrimp tostadas, which are not on the menu, but they used to be and they will make them for you upon order. This is the secret item off the menu that I keep coming back for. Also the shrimp quesadilla is quite tasty as well. There's something about how they grill everything that gives it such a unique flavor. Sometimes food can be real spicy, especially on the weekends. They don't serve alcohol, but that's not always a bad thing.

The steak fajitas are awesome. The salsa and chips that are free are also very good. Don't let the outside of the building or the location (next to Dead Man's Run) fool you. This is some good authentic Mexican food.

Love this place :) Free chips and salsa--pretty spicy! Cheap meals. Fast friendly service. The parking lot and business itself isn't super "nice" but if you're just looking for a good, quick, cheap meal...this is your place. Not very "commercial" at all. Definitely a family run type of business. I frequent and love El Chaparro. Where else can you get a chimichanga dinner with rice and beans AND a soft drink for 8 bucks?? :)