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El Charro Mexican Dining
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
187 reviews for El Charro Mexican Dining
Review Highlights
"the blue cheese garlic dip is a defining, El Charro moment."
(in 6 reviews)
"Chips and salsa were fresh and yummy."
(in 39 reviews)
"The Margaritas are amazing."
(in 41 reviews)
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187 reviews in English
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Review from Shawna N.
Pleasanton, CA
11/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love this place! great service and the dip they give with the chips is DELISH! And the entrees are always really good and theres a lot of food and not just stupid rice and beans clogging up the plate, but actually complimenting the main food.
Its hard to find good authentic mexican food, so I definitely love this place. -
Review from Vero P.
Concord, CA
1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Everything about this place is "just ok" and that might be a stretch. Ive wanted to try this place for a while and finally got the opportunity. They give you chips with a Pace looking salsa, a spicier salsa, and some weird butter/blue cheese/garlic concoction that they didnt bother to explain what it was or what it was for...
Decor: Very little natural lighting, low ceilings, dim lighting etc etc
Food: Geez, I ordered the combo plate with taco, enchilada, and tamale. All were not very good. I mean damn isnt that why people order tacos? Cause there like the hardest thing to mess up. The best item on the plate was the tamale which was just so so. The sauce on the enchilada is not to my liking... sort of sweet, strange. Also no sour cream, no guacamole, and no queso fresco. (Sigh) My friend had fish tacos which she reported were tasty... so maybe its just my bad luck. We also ordered a peach chimi for desert which was essentially canned peaches wrapped in a tortilla and fried covered with ice cream and more peaches.
Service: The service was ok. She was friendly and pleasant but not outstanding.
Overall this place is under whelming and I probably could have gotten better food at a Chevys or food that was the same quality at ANY other mexican eatery.
Oh also we were sat in the section to the back near where the staff were converging. (Not a problem) but it was really functioning as almost a break room. AND all the food that they were eating looked better then what I was served.
Guess Im out of luck on this one... I wont come back there are too many options out here. -
Review from Megan K.
Moraga, CA
11/17/2011
El Charro is a hole in the wall right off Mt Diablo Rd in City of Lafayette. On busy days I would recommend that you take advantage and Safeway parking and take a short stroll towards the down town.
We went to this place based on my boss's recommendation who has lived in the area for over 25 years. We moved to Moraga over a year ago and wanted to try a mexican joint.
We ordered Chicken Fejitas and Chicken burito and tried the soft Shrimp taco. The place was acceptably clean, the service was promt and the food was fresh. The portions were adequate to feed an adult but I guarantee you won't FEEL over stuffed.
Price is fair for a hole in the wall Lafayette joint. Definitely not a place to celebrate a romantic event but ok for a flip flop in and out mexican crave or a casual business encounter.
Don't expect nicely plated dishes but you will walk out with a happy tummy! -
Review from Tristan d.
Lafayette, CA
1/31/2012
Amazing food. Best chicken tacos ever. Amazing green enchilada sauce. Great atmosphere. The only drawback is their to-go service. I have NEVER picked up an accurate order. Something is always wrong.
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Review from Denia S.
Pleasant Hill, CA
2/1/2012
I think the food here is great. It is what it is and when you've been coming here for years you crave it. However, the last two times the service has been horrible. We saw our waiter once. Yes, once, when he took our order. He just ignored us the rest of the time. Last time we had spacey waitress who took forever to bring our margaritas. The manager walked by numerous times today without paying any attention to the fact that I was looking desperately for the check and a box. I dislike being ignored by the waiter and manager. Also, they pack people in at lunch into one room and it is stifling and noisy. Can't you spread the clientele around into both rooms? How hard it that?
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Review from Katie W.
Bonita, CA
1/21/2012
The best parts about this place are the chips and the drinks. I think we ate about 3 baskets of chips last time we went until we cut ourselves off. The cheese dip that comes with is amazing. The margaritas are really good and made fresh. Don't get the sangria. I saw the lady just pour pre-made sangria out of a jug into a glass.
The food is pretty basic. I like the soft tacos better than the hard shell. The tamales are not very good and dont really have a whole lot of meat in them. I suggest ordering one of the combo plates and sharing it. My bf and I got the three item combo and shared it and it was more than enough food with the rise and beans.
This is a popular family place so be prepared to sit next to someone with screaming kids. The wait time varies. If you come after 8 on a crowded night its usually not that bad. -
Review from Kristen K.
Bay Area
11/7/2011
My roommate discovered this place a few years back when we were going to SMC and she was working next door at Pinkie's. Since then, and even though I don't live in the area anymore I've been here about a zillion times and am always craving it!
Disclaimer, I'm really only a fan of the To-Go area. I give the To-Go 5 stars and the restaurant 3 stars. (Thus my 4 star rating) I've only been in the restaurant a couple times and really just had mediocre experiences. On the other hand, the To-Go is quick and makes the best nachos around! I love the shredded chicken nachos, the meat is sweet and pairs so well (imo) with the cheese and saltiness of the chips! My friends aren't a fan of the 'sweet meat' as they call it, but they love the shredded beef, so I feel like there's something for all taste buds.
Next time you're in the neighborhood with a mexican food craving, pull into the back parking lot at El Charro and get something from the To-Go area. I mean, I'm never 'in the neighborhood' so I sometimes drive 20 minutes to get those nachos (major fatty status, I know!) so you know it's worth at least checking out! -
Review from Kendall R.
Oakland, CA
Updated - 1/24/2012
The food here is awful Service is great. I love Mexican food, so this place is disappointing. Food is not even ok.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/13/2011
I love Mexican food, and it is really hard to find a decent place in the LaMOrinda area. There… Read more »
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Review from Brenda B.
Walnut Creek, CA
12/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Yes the cheese dip is addictive. But the waiting area is claustrophobic and my skinny margarita was more expensive than the house margarita which does not make sense. The service was pretty good although the lady in the cantina was out of it. The food isn't anything special.
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Review from Polly S.
Orinda, CA
12/19/2011
Pretty good local place. The best margaritas. Average to good food. Very pleasant cozy atmosphere, but always crowded.
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Review from Jennifer S. P.
Lafayette, CA
9/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
My parents really like this place. They always serve a lot of food and the prices are pretty moderate for Lafayette. I wouldn't say its exceptional, but they keep the chips and salsa coming and the service is usually pretty fast and friendly.
I would recommend for locals. -
Review from Bryce B.
7/20/2011
It might be because Lafayette is a very white community, but El Charro is terribly inauthentic. Case in point: they serve this bizarre blue cheese butter with their tortilla chips. Such a concoction would taste great on a perfectly grilled steak, but it just isn't an appropriate accompaniment to chips.
The entrees were pretty average, with nothing really standing out. The margaritas weren't bad, but everything was pretty disappointing. As one other reviewer put it, you come here to drink not eat. Pretty accurate assessment. -
Review from Melody K.
Antioch, CA
5/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for a Sunday night dinner after a LONG day at the Giant's game, there were 4 of us.
We were seated right away a d very shortly after our waiter arrived to take our drink order. Three of us ordered ice tea and our very attentive gave us a pitcher to save us and him time and trouble. He then took our order promptly and was very accomidating to a couple of people in our party that needed certain items left off their dishes. While he was helping other tables, the bus boys were VERY attentive with mire tea, chips, salsa, garlic blue cheese dip and whatever else was needed. Our waiter was SUPER sweet and took such good care of us..I wish I remembered his name so that I could give him the praise he deserves.
Would I come here again?? Absolutely! Good food, Good service...it doesn't get much better than that!! -
Review from Ellen C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 10/14/2011
Wow, the last two times I've been here a very large guy sitting at the front desk directing the hostess to which table to seat guests rolled his eyes and said "see what I mean" to the staff when I requested to be seated in a specific area. Seriously, you really care where I like to sit when the restaurant has like 4 tables of people? Owners better do something about the customer service at the front desk if they want to keep the place hopping.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/4/2011
I've been coming here since I was a wee tween living in Moraga. This is definitely Mexican… Read more »
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Review from Steve R.
Concord, CA
6/2/2011 1 Check-in Here
El Charro is one of those long time Lafayette staples.
I really like the food here and have never had a bad meal. I usually stick to the cheese enchiladas or tacos al carbon.
My absolute favorite thing there though is the garlic butter ( or whatever it is ) that you use to dip your chips into..Its addicting. So much in fact, that most times I dont finish my meal because I have had way to many chips with the dip...
Service is always fast and friendly and the food comes out really quick even during busy lunch hours..
When the weather is good, sitting outside on the patio is really nice. Just beware that bees are sometimes in the area. I think this is due to the outdoor soda dispenser... -
Review from Purrl R.
Walnut Creek, CA
8/15/2011
Been going here for over 20 years. Great food. Try some of the blue cheese garlic chip dip they bring you... yum! get the taco suave with shredded chicken inside... the chicken has a bbq type flavor words cant describe. You can call in orders togo from their separate togo store.
order some warm corn tortillas and put some butter on them... enjoy! -
Review from Jon D.
Hi
A short decision brought us here for lunch. Looks authentic but is homogenized for the local pallet for suburbia.
No fresh drinks. Everything comes from the tap with HFCS. Not good for kids. Real shame no Agua frescas. No lemonade nada.
Food was mediocre. The oil for salad might be vegetable oil not olive. Tasted funny -
Review from Lisa R.
San Francisco, CA
10/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Good food. Went for a birthday party. Would have rated it higher but the waitress, Erin, was miserable. Was she born without the necessary facial muscles to smile? If only a generous tip would buy her a personality, I'd have paid it. She didn't even say thank you when we paid.
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Review from Thad D.
Raleigh, NC
7/31/2011
I have eaten here since 1958...I figured how to make the dip at 30 and serve it often. If you are not initiated with real Mexican food then you might not think this normal..visit Mexico City, DF...it is served at the best places...not so unusual... but got to Veracruz for the fun stuff...signed by a Gringo..muy guapo...:-)
Thad -
Review from Theresa S.
Martinez, CA
6/25/2011
At lunch time the prices are much better and you get a salad with the combo. The cheese dip is unique and often is what I fill up on. They have a take out down stairs. They get a 4 star because I have been coming here for 40 years, since I was a weeone with my parents. IT is still the place we go to celebrate birthdays.
Don't go here if you are looking for real mexican food. Monument Blvd is for that. -
Review from Shannon K.
Berkeley, CA
6/30/2011
I love this place. This is probably the only way to get back back into Lafayette, since I moved. I'm actually a little taken back by some of the reviews I see. How could anyone leave this place unsatisfied?! beats me.
The place is always busy, but we really haven't had to wait. if so, just 3-5 minutes. The service here is great, everyone's really friendly and they make sure to make their rounds often, but without asking you if everything's okay every 15 seconds. They were very patient and sweet when the almost 3 year old at our table wanted to place her own order. I'd like to add that her meal was only $5- for a quesadilla, beans & rice, a sundae and a drink- perfect. They had good lunch specials, unfortunately I've never been there on a weekday for lunch. Dinner is always sooo good! The margaritas...mmmmmmmm. May i recommend the mango?
If you want DELICIOUS Mexican food with EXCELLENT service, you must go to El Charro's. -
Review from Melissa B.
Walnut Creek, CA
1/22/2011
So, yeah.
If you are looking for authentic mexican, this isnt the place.
However, this is great for what it is. a place with tolerable food and GREAT margaritas, tons of charm and good prices-it is fine.
Just go with reasonable expectations. Thats all. =) -
Review from Rich R.
San Francisco, CA
2/4/2011
If a restaurant has been around for 25 or more years, it has something going for it. Here are El Charro the something is the blue cheese/butter dip, the extra thin and crispy chips and the drinks, which are strong and large. I am a beer drinker myself, but people I am dining with that get the margaritas take their first sip, swallow, and eyes go wide and they say Wow or Nice.
The food tastes pretty good and this white boy wouldn't know authentic Mexican food even with a translator, capisch? I like it, with the WB caveat. -
Review from Sharon J.
Reno, NV
4/22/2011
Loved the food....
Great for famlies
Good prices
We will be back!!!! -
Review from Nicolas H.
Miami, FL
10/11/2010 3 Check-ins Here
I used to think this was a great spot. Before my latest experience, I was telling everyone I know about it. Now, not so much and quite the opposite. If you can avoid it, do.
Last time I went to El Charro, I was there for lunch. We ordered drinks, and some food from the menu I was handed.
After a long time, the food shows up and we start eating. Then I realize the waitress never came back to offer more drinks, water, etc. (note that it was close to 90 F that day)
I had to stand up and get someone else to get us some water and cold beers. Eventually, this happened and we continued eating.
The check arrives and I noticed that I was overcharged (about 3 bucks) for my food. I asked the waitress about it and she said "well, that's not on the lunch menu, so we had to special-order it so it's more expensive"... I asked her where was that on the menu, and why would she give me a menu where they can't make a chicken-sandwich for lunch?
She said "I will get the manager" and left...
The manager shows up, about 10 minutes later with the menu under her arm and the check. Before even saying "hello, etc.".. "Sir, it's on the menu very clear, see?".. while she pointed at a small little note on the last page where the drinks are.
She continued "it is not my responsibility if you don't look at the menu more carefully". Last time I checked, blaming the customer is not ideal in customer service/food/hospitality industries. Anyway, I told her, "no problem. I will not argue for 3 bucks, just charge me and I will never come back"... and she said "OK"
Let's point out that I had spent over $50 bucks for lunch at a Mexican place. My table is what most would consider "a good table". However this woman, the manager, seems to have no idea about how to deal with anything other than the kids menu. A shame, indeed.
The point of the argument, if any, was that I don't like being ripped off, and not about 3 bucks. However, she did not understand that and treated me as a "cheap customer", even though I mentioned I had been to El Charro many times before and spent well over $50 bucks each time. Still, she left and came back with an adjusted check while saying "next time pay more attention to the menu"...
It's a good thing my wife works for a hotel in the area (which was mentioned to the manager as well and she did not care) and we have already alerted all the concierges, front desk and guest services teams at the hotels in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill, Lafayette, San Francisco, Oakland, etc, to AVOID completely this place as it is a "tourist trap". Yes, a trap in the middle of nowhere. Very sad to see how little this manager knew or cared about future business. -
Review from Christina V.
Pleasant Hill, CA
9/12/2011
Good service. Great atmosphere on the back patio. Tasty margaritas. Solid food.
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Review from Tamara S.
Orinda, CA
1/5/2011
I almost want to give 5 stars because I am such a fan of their margaritas!
I've been coming to El Charro for years and it's one of our go-to places for family dinner.
Highlights: MARGARITAS! Beware, they are strong but that's why I like 'em! Chips! Salsa! CHEESE DIP! It is some sort of garlic cheese concoction and it is amazing!
The cantina is fun and casual if you just want some chips and drinks. The entire restaurant is pretty casual as well and usually crowded. Service is typically pretty good, friendly, attentive and willing to put up with our shenanigans.
I usually stick to the same order or rotate between a few. I love the Burrito Bowl on their list of specials. It comes with everything I want at a mexican restaurant - add salsa for dressing! I also love the Jalapeno cheese enchilada!
Overall, I'm a fan. After a rough day at work, give me one of those margaritas and I'm loving life all over again! -
Review from T R S.
San Ramon, CA
2/23/2011
WTF? What the hell kind of excuse for a mexican restaurant is this!!!!!!! I mean, ok, I was not expecting much out of a mexican place in Lafayette but this place sucked.
Caddy margarita - strong, but whatever tequila they used tasted like rubbing alcohol. I coughed after taking a sip. And I typically drink whiskey on the rocks.
House margarita - shitty and sugary and syrupy. Everything I DON't want in a margarita.
Service - BEYOND SLOW. This was a Tuesday night. I have been a server for years, so I know when a place is just busy or if the server is just lazy. She was extremely rude and cold to our whole party of 9 people. Offered no help when I had a simple question about the menu. By the time she brought me whatever I asked for I forgot I even asked for it. I was pissed she was a B because my dad is a really good tipper.
And what's the deal with absolutely no music? As if the waitress wasn't unwelcoming enough the atmosphere was even worse.
Oh, and don't go here if you are vegetarian. I mean, the chips are fried in LARD! That is gross! They have a veggie burrito but the rice is not vegetarian. I ate a side of whole pinto beans, a side of guac (which was really mushy, I like my guac to have some sort of remnants of avocado) and tortillas. Good thing is, according to everyone else, I was not missing out on much. -
Review from Miyako L.
Lafayette, CA
9/24/2010 1 Check-in Here
3 stars for the food, 3 stars for the service and a whopping 5 stars for their Ultimate Margarita! So what does that average out to be... 3.6666666666666666666667 overall score for El Charro!
If you order just one of their U.M. you are guaranteed to leave there with a strong buzz. Not an empty stomach buzz either (which I do enjoy from time to time hehehe). By the time our drinks came out we were already done with our second basket of chips and salsa. BTW, what is that butter thing they give you? Garlic butter? I don't know, nor do I care, it's GOOD! Hahaha.
Food is forgettable but filling, dining experience and patrons are similar to eating at a mini-golf restaurant, but the price is pretty decent.
Don't expect this place to blow your mind, but do know that if you're looking for the best eight dollar margarita, you'll find it at El Charro. So just grit and bear the rest. (Wishing they could do that margarita "to-go"!!) -
Review from Amy L.
Berkeley, CA
1/6/2011 4 Check-ins Here
Traditional Mexican food...it's not. Their chips & salsa hit the spot but as you dive into their signature dishes be prepared to board the bland-train.
Many of their sauces are runny and under-spiced or over-salted.
As a plus, they do offer a light menu, for people eating healthy and their full bar makes their food taste better. The more you drink, the more you don't care about how bland what you're eating is. Best thing on the menu... the weird buttery cheese sauce that comes out with the chips and salsa. -
Review from Eric C.
San Ramon, CA
9/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
This is the second time I've been to this local hang out and the second time I've been very disapointed.
While the atmosphere, at least on the patio, is fine, the food and the service is pretty much awful.
The chicken tastes like wet Bologna, the beef looks like pretty low quality dog food (and the flavor is similar) and the beans are plainly foul. The saving grace is the Mexican rice which is very good.
The service, either inside or out is awful. Yes, it was a Friday night on the busy patio, but our server was very hard to find. We thought she forgot us at one point.
Everyone in Lafayette and the surrounding areas seems enamored of this place and say the food is wonderful. I guess they haven't been to the far tastier Taco Bell lately? As a Mexican food aficionado I would rather make a run for the border as it were than to ever set foot in El Charro again. Utterly Awful.
Oh, I should mention, the chips and salsa are plentiful and quite good. Most rave about the blue cheese garlic dip and while it's ok, I can't quite understand why most consider it transcendent. -
Review from Sarah W.
Walnut Creek, CA
3/4/2011
I love El Charro. Right now it's my fiancé and my favorite place to go. It is usually busy on Friday and Saturday, but we've never waited longer than 10 minutes on any other week night.
The chips, even though they're fried in lard, are delicious! The garlic-blue cheese-butter (whatever) dip is fantastic. We go through at least three of the little bowls of it each visit.
My fiancé gets the super steak burrito and he loves it, while I usually just get a bean and cheese burrito. If you're boring like me & you just get bean and cheese, make sure you ask them to put the cheese inside of the tortilla, or else it'll just be beans inside with light sprinkled cheese on top. I know for me that's not enough, haha.
We've never had BAD service, though one night it took our food like 45 minutes when it usually takes 10-15.
Overall, it's a pretty tasty place to go get a reasonably priced dinner! -
Review from Jillian G.
Lafayette, CA
3/28/2011
YUCK!!!
If you want yummy authentic mexican go to Los Gallos on Contra Costa or any hole in the wall on Monument, or Tacubaya on 4th street in Berkeley, (amazing) but don't go here!!!
I can understand meeting for a margarita on their back patio but thats it! -
Review from jamie j.
Walnut Creek, CA
11/21/2010
Went to El Charro to celebrate with a group....
-Chips, salsa and garlic spread were delicious and bottomless. Super fresh.
-NorCal maragaritas (tequila, lime and soda water) was good and fresh....a little too much ice for my liking.
-Taco sald with shredded beef was good (although not much different than what I have had at other restaurants)....think it cost $8.95
(Note: dinner order took forever....waitress was quick to take the order but took about 20 min to get the food to the table thus I was getting full on chips.)
Single stall bathroom for men and single stall for women....thus, there may be a wait in line.
With everything said and done....I would go back for occasions but not sure about going there just to eat out. -
Review from Ivy R.
Its just too bad that this place isn't that good. I'm surprised by the complete lack of flavor.
I have recently been able to eat some pretty good Mexican food in distant places and why I cant find that 5 star place closer is really sad.
We came here for dinner and because of the lack of parking on Friday night, were forced to park in the take out spots and get our food to go. The parking lot is large but not large enough on Friday night.
I got a medium Guacamole, a Chicken Burrito and my husband got the Chicken Chimichanga.
If you like Guacamole that tastes only like Avocado then you found your match. A little onion and pepper would have been nice. This Guacamole made my local Cinco De Mayo spot look like its getting a 5 star update.
My Chicken Burrito also had no seasoning or flavor. If you were just starving and this was the only thing to eat you would probably really enjoy this. I was slightly bummed out by the lack of flavor.
The red sauce in my burrito was to sweet and red. Guess what that means? CANNED!!!!
Beans are also one of my favorite things in the world and these needed salt. I never add salt to food and if I have to add it you know its bland.
I'm just disappointed in what is passable as good Mexican food in the East Bay. This place does not pass for me.Listed in: Down In Mexicali
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Review from Ben M.
Lafayette, CA
7/20/2011
Dont be fooled by the 3 stars if you love fish tacos, theirs are the best I have had in the area! The rest of the food is hit-or-miss. I think it depends on who's cooking that night, and what mood they are in. Service is the same. Their cheezy-garlicy dip is yum! GET THE FISH TACOS! Flautas are pretty good as well...
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Review from John J.
Walnut Creek, CA
7/30/2010
I have had better Mexican food in a Chinese restaraunt...
but, on a warm summer evening, it is nice to hang on the deck with a beer or Margie...just don't expect anything really resembling food to come out of the kitchen. -
Review from Robyn J.
Brentwood, CA
5/10/2011
I only have a few words for this one...Americanized Mexican food. I grew up in East Los Angeles and have been privy to some of the best Mexican food this side of Mexico. I have eaten all over Mexico and don't know really what to say. The restaurant has been recommended to me on a few occasions and I wonder..."Is Northern California devoid of real Mexican food?" Since living here for 10 years I have not once found a good sit down place to eat. I have also been looking for a good taco truck. Since I grew up roaming the neighborhood and eating from my friend's mother's Mexican kitchens I realize I have been spoiled. There is nothing I can truly recommend from this restaurant and the service is abysmal. I feel a pang of guilt writing this review but I have to do it because it is true. I apologize to all of the people that have never had real honest to goodness Mexican cooking.
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Review from Krystal Z.
Suisun City, CA
1/31/2011
My fiance has been going to El Charro since he was a kid and introduced me to it when we first started dating. The food is incredible and the service has always been superb.
We had a problem with a rude waitress one time, I wrote a letter to the management and we were compensated with a free dinner and have never experienced another problem there.
I take a lot of friends there whenever we have the chance and although we live almost 45 minutes away we still get there every month or so. The garlic cheese dip served with the chips is addicting! -
Review from Dave S.
Benicia, CA
6/8/2010
Maybe lunch was a bad time. Maybe it was the dim lighting. Maybe it was the smell of dingy days old bleach permeating my nostrils upon entering. Maybe my expectations were too high. I dunno. It just didn't work. But I'll try to retain some optimism in my review.
The chips say a lot about a good Mexican joint. The chips at a Mexican restaurant in Chicago I visited last week had fabulous house made chips made from tortillas. Fresh, flaked and lighted dusted with salt, I could have made a meal from these alone and not just driven by pre dinner hunger pangs!
The chips at El Charro were presented in a fabulous authentic plastic chip basket, contributing to the ambiance.
The guacamole at the restaurant in Chicago was fresh, chunk full of avocado and flavor. Fresh to the point that they made it table side.
The house guacamole at El Charro was .... A significant source of sodium.
The blue cheese garlic dippy thingie I'm sure would actually be awesome on a toasty crostini.
My pork burrito with signature cheese sauce was a nice sized burrito garnished with a tad of identifying shredded pork and a smattering of cheese. Cheese is always good, right? The beans and rice were... They were on the plate, either side of the burrito. Good placement.
The service was good. A restaurant should have servers that are good.
No severs would be... Uh, weird.
So, Yeah. I never like to rate a place so low, but from start to finish, the only things significant were the lingering smell of bleach and the delight of returning to the daylight outside. Redeeming was being able to share the space with great people, but, in all honesty, I would stop there. :( I think I would only return after an insanely significant improvement cited. Until then, adios El Charro and back to the ever so awesome taco trucks.
