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El Charro Mexican Restaurant
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 10:30 pm
Sun 11:30 am - 9:30 pm
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
38 reviews for El Charro Mexican Restaurant
Review Highlights
"The unique soft shell tacos are the best."
(in 5 reviews)
"It may not be authentic but the food is great."
(in 4 reviews)
"The fried ice cream is also fabulous."
(in 3 reviews)
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Robert C.
11/26/2011
My girlfriend grew up coming here; back then apparently there was an awesome magician who would walk from table to table and do tricks for you and build you cool stuff out of balloons and such. We returned yesterday to celebrate a friend's 21st birthday, and while the magician sadly is no longer there, the very good food (IOHO) still is.
We both got the Taco combos - she got hard-shell, I got their "Unique" soft shell. It comes with a salad or "cheese nacho." An immediate +1: on their nachos they use actual shredded cheddar cheese! Not fake cheese sauce! Good job El Charro. Moving on to the main course, when the tacos arrived, the gf's were, sadly, of the Taco Bell, pre-made shell variety. Mine, however, were HUGE CHALUPA-LIKE THINGS that dominated the plate and demanded respect from all lesser foods!! They were big and yummy and made with good ingredients, with love. If you like tacos and you come here, I'd recommend ordering this style of shell hands-down. I had to STUFF myself to finish the second taco!! The salsa was so good I filled up prematurely with chips and ate the third taco this evening, which was still highly-delicious, and I'm not usually a fan of not-ultra-fresh Mexican food.
The atmosphere of the place is a large, multi-room restaurant with dim/medium lighting and an overall classy feel - the room we sat in had a very large fireplace with a very large fire burning. We will probably try to find ways to come here more often, as the food was delicious and bountiful. -
Review from Kate R.
1/20/2012
I've heard about El Charro - I can't say I was disappointed, but I wasn't really blown away. I had a chicken burrito - it was a burrito, it tasted good. Minus points because I inquired about the possibility of black beans and guacamole instead of rice and refried beans but was told that wasn't possible - - which only disappointed me more when my meal came and I realized how yucky the rice was...
Our waiter was nice but WAY all over the place - to his credit, they were super busy when we first sat down but things did calm down and he was still all over the place...
Overall, the food was good - my friends seemed to enjoy their meals - it just wasn't anything astounding. -
Review from Kent M.
Mt Clemens, MI
11/16/2011
After reading the previous reviews, either you like it or you don't.
A favorite destination, I always show up there with friends or family.
This is a nice place to stop for a meal. Most always the food is served as expected, rarely does it disappoint.
Moderate prices, parking can be a little sparse when they're busy.
Not sure if these are the owners of the original El Charro on Main Street in Mount Clemens 35 years ago, but they are the same family. -
Review from Mary A.
Sterling Heights, MI
2/4/2012
Been going to this restaurant for many years. It is a great place to have a relaxing meal with family or friends. The food is always good, never greasy. The service is always good. It has a nice menu and competitive pricing.
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Review from Kooky M.
Warren, MI
2/4/2012
I've been going here for decades. It's good food at a nice price. It's not the best mexican restaurant you'll find. It's no where's near the worst. I've never had bad service here. When I ask for something special (like a burrito made with a corn tortilla instead of flour), they are very accomodating.
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Review from Tony S.
Eastpointe, MI
6/12/2011
There has been a lot of hating on this place in Yelp! forums lately. I've been to the St. Clair Shores location as well as this location. I mostly come here because my friends like it and sometimes you want Mexican but you don't want to drive to Mexican Village downtown to get it.
Pros: Fresh tasting salsa (I remember more garlic & cilantro at the St. Clair Shores location but lately it's got less probably due to crybaby local customers, got to please them I guess) Good quality cheese. I love their botana. I'm not a superfan of the puffy taco's but I like them once in awhile. A vegetarian I knew used to get a bean burrito w/ sour cream, I tried one and it was pretty good. They have 2 different patio areas in this location.
Cons: Expensive! Especially for the portion you get. I'm used to Xchochimilco where you'd get a bigger, better tasting portion at a lower price. 25 years ago I was not a fan of the beef, it tasted funny but the flavor has improved since then.
I don't blame El Charro too much for their prices. People are willing to pay it and it's a fun place to eat especially with friends. It's supply & demand and there is not much competition in the area. Also, with gas prices the cost savings of going downtown decreases.
3.5 Stars -
Review from Alanna S.
Detroit, MI
7/1/2011
Foodies be warned-- there is not one single authentic thing about El Charro. Not a one.
That having been said, they're not terrible. Their "soft tacos" (I call them the poofy tacos, because that's actually what they are) are tasty, in a very American kinda way. I'm not going to lie-- I find myself craving one every once in a while.
Their enchiladas are unobjectionable. Not fantastic, but they hit the spot.
My biggest issue with them is that they appear to use pre-shredded cheddar for everything. Cheddar, people! At least have the decency to use some real Mexican muenster if you're going to smother things in cheese (also, not an authentic thing to do.)
However, their drinks are tasty and the fried ice cream is worth the trip alone. -
Review from CHRIS K.
Sterling Heights, MI
12/31/2011
Over priced very bland food nothing about this place is good if u like Mexican food this place is not it
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Review from Jenny W.
Wayland, MI
10/12/2011
A native to Metro Detroit, I have always enjoyed food from El Charro. Went this past weekend and enjoyed a dinner with a friend and we both were very pleased with our food. Chips were nice and fresh, and the salsa was tasty. My food came in decent time and my "soft" tacos were just how I like them.
It may not be "authentic", but it's good and it's consistent every time I go, so I can't complain! -
Review from Tony G.
Clinton Township, MI
2/22/2011
My Spanish is a little rusty but I'm pretty sure 'El Charro" means "Dog Poop" in English.
This place is horrible for food, it could very well be the worst Mexican food I have ever had. all the money was spent on interior design and all they had left over for food was GFS products.
This Restaurant reminds me of the kind of place I would have taken a girl in high school to to impress her with the fancy statues and trick her into think she was at a high end Restaurant. But, as an adult there is no reason to go here ever unless you like disappointment and thimble size side of sour cream. -
Review from Rachel F.
New Baltimore, MI
9/5/2011
Very good. It may not be authentic but the food is great. The decor of the restaurant is very unique, they have a nice outdoor patio as well. The staff are always friendly. The unique soft shell tacos are the best. You get a lot of food for the price. I have been going to this restaurant since I can remember.
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Review from Barbie M.
11/5/2010 1 Check-in Here
It's good! It's not authentic or anything but for what it is it's good!
They have a pretty good botana there and the drinks are a good price and tastey.
It's a staple on that side of town. I remember going there as a kid and it seemed so fancy when I was small ahahaha!
I feel bad for the servers though. The uniforms are sooooo horrible!!
Sometimes the service isn't so great here but I primarily get carry out so I can't complain all that much right.
But if you are looking for a quick Mexican fix or something close to it this is a good place to start.
I like it! -
Review from Brian B.
8/26/2010
I've been coming here for years. My parents live a couple miles away and we made this a weekly or bi-weekly spot when I was younger.
We decided to meet my parents for dinner here last night and nothing had really changed. They have updated a few things. There is now additional outdoor seating, which some like, but I hate eating outdoors. I'm probably in the minority on that one. The funny looking uniforms the servers wear hasn't changed at all.
Anyhow, we started off with the cheese fondue. I have loved this for years and it didn't disappoint. These cheese is your run of the mill queso dip with jalepenos, but the star of the show is their special soft taco sticks. It's the same shell as their soft shell tacos, more to come on those, just in strip form. Great way to start the meal.
My parents love getting the botana, which is basically a version of nachos. Always nicely prepared and tasty.
I got a couple soft shell tacos. I love these here. The shell is deep friend, but not like a hard tortilla. It's hard to explain. Very unique.
The one thing that is a bit disappointing was the fajitas. I guess I accustomed to big sizzling platers with melted cheese on them, but they just looked regular. Flavor was still excellent though. -
Review from Lisa J.
Warren, MI
8/9/2011
Been going to El Charro's for years and it is one of our favorite places to eat. The whole family loves the soft tacos and bontanas. Everything is fantastic.
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Review from Erin D.
5/26/2011
My family started going to El Charro back when it was a tiny hole in the wall at the original location in Fraser. It's always been a family favorite, and I always try to squeeze in a stop when I'm back at home. Like others have noted, it's not the most authentic, but the food is always good and the portions are generous. I can't think of anything I've had here that I disliked. My favorites are the botana, soft shell tacos, and enchiladas (get fries to dip in the enchilada sauce!), but everything is tasty. We always have great service too - although I'll be the first to admit that might just be because my parents are regulars!
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Review from Guy D.
Clinton Township, MI
4/3/2010 1 Check-in Here
Not as bad as some reviewers write, but not as good as others say either. I think it depends on what is ordered. The tacos are definitely good. The burritos are too loose and doughy. The service was good, and the group I was with liked their drinks.
Three stars. -
Review from Dennis L.
8/15/2010
Good Mexican, Unique Tacos
I grew up frequenting El Charro, so I thought I would stop in during my last visit to the Detroit area. The free chips & salsa are still great. The unique soft shell tacos are still my favorite menu item. On this occasion, I had a sampler platter. Other than the taco, everything was just ok.
Not quite as good as I remember, but still as solid choice for Mexican food in the area. -
Review from Ryan T.
Lake Orion, MI
7/17/2011
great free chips and salsa. Love the shredded chicken quesadilla. Nice place to sit out side have a drink and enjoy the atmosphere.
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Review from Nicole T.
Sterling Heights, MI
10/31/2008
The service is good.
The food is OK, but not great.
The atmosphere is typical of a Mexican restaurant.
Nothing about this place is particularly memorable, except how long you'll wait for a table.
I really can't figure out why El Charro is so busy all the time, the food is nothing special bordering on not very good. Their "signature" is deep fried, puffy flour taco shells. Who the hell fries a flour tortilla and uses it as a taco shell...yeah, ya know Mexican is so healthy to begin what's 300 more calories on your 2000 calorie meal anyway?
El Charro is one of those places that you keep trying because the place is always packed and you think you're missing something....you're not.
If you want great Mexican in the Clinton Township area drive east to Groesbeck and go to Grand Azteca. -
Review from Jeffery N.
Chicago, IL
6/25/2009
I've put off reviewing El Charro's for quite a while because I felt it might be a bit unfair. However, after reading some of the other reviews--I couldn't stop myself. El Charro's has been a family tradition for as long as I can remember. My family has been eating the food since the time that they just had one tiny location in St. Clair Shores.
It must be noted that if you are looking for authentic Mexican this might not be the place for you. It's Americanized a bit--but still so delicious. Since moving to Chicago about a year ago now, I've found myself daydreaming of the unique soft taco shell on more than one occasion. The Sangria Swirl Margarita is also incredible and don't even get me started on the Cheese Fondu.
I've been back in town for a visit this past week and the one thing that's been at the top of my list is El Charro's. It always will be. -
Review from Michael C.
Warren, MI
5/15/2008
Meh. When El Charro was just a hole in the wall in the Shores, I stayed away because of the quality of the food, and the not-so inviting storefront. I thought I'd give EC another shot, given that they've branched out.
The new location is MUCH more inviting, but I couldn't help but feel that they'd just put a shine on the same old crap.
I've always felt their plate presentation was sloppy, like they expected me to cut everything up and mix it all together like Coldstone does with ice cream. No, I don't do this, and though how the food looks on the plate may be a shallow critique, it definitely matters to me as far as first (born-again first?) impressions go.
I have to agree with Caroline, in that their meat dishes are sloppy on the inside. Again, this seems to be an extension of my issues with plate presentation; if it looks sloppy, it'll probably taste that way too. Honestly I've had better Mexican from Don Pablo's for about the same price. Though I know Don Pablo's food probably comes out of cans, they can at least fool my taste buds into thinking that's not the case. The beans definitely come out of the can, the salsa most likely as well, and I'd hope that they at least make their own guacamole, though from how that tasted... I'd be reluctant to say that they do.
I wouldn't recommend El Charro for Mexican on the East side. Your best bet would most likely be Guelaguetza, which has better prices, better food, but a smaller menu. I'd sacrifice menu size for quality, as well as the new snazzy dining area.
I would really like to know why this place does so much business. Is it that I just keep catching the kitchen staff on their off days, or is it that Taco Bell has sullied our expectations of Mexican (or faux-Mexican)? You can be the judge, just don't touch the guacamole! -
Review from Darren R.
Point Richmond, CA
5/4/2008
I've eaten at El Charro several times and have always had good food there. Furthermore, I've eaten at popular Mexicantown restaurants like Xochimilco, and El Charro compares favorably to any of those. The service is good too.
That being said, I should add a qualification to my rating. I would really say that the food earns a "high 3 star" rating, and I have rounded up. In other words, if I'm in the area I would definitely go there to eat, but I wouldn't drive across town just to go there.
Like Caroline mentioned in her review, the place does get a lot of customers, so especially on the weekends you might want to make reservations. -
Review from Bill B.
6/20/2010
El Charro is an acceptable Mexican restaurant. The food is OK but not great by any stretch. It is often very busy so you may have to wait a while to get a table (especially on weekends).
Given that there better choices in the area (Grand Azteca, Mexican Village, even Pancho Villa), one wonders why people are so into El Charro. My take: choose it only if nothing better is available. -
Review from Brian W.
Sterling Heights, MI
1/16/2009
Growing up close to Detroit I ate in Mexican Town a lot, Now that I'm in Sterling Heights and too far to drive there for dinner, El Charros's has become my favorite local Mexican place out here.
Love the ground beef flavor. The corn Tacos are unique too.
Lots of Combination plates to choose from and I like that they give you a small appetizer with your meal. Usually cup of soup or nachos (4 chips with cheese and jalapeno peppers).
Its not like any place in Mexican Town in Detroit but its been a great substitute. -
Review from Katie M.
Danvers, MA
3/30/2009
El Charro's isn't exactly authentic Mexican, but that doesn't even matter because the food is THAT good. On any given Sunday you can see at least one member of my family in the dining room.
The chips and salsa are great! I haven't had anything on this menu that I haven't liked. The fried ice cream is also fabulous! -
Review from Otis M.
Redondo Beach, CA
4/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Unique soft tacos are IMO the best item on the menu. They come stuffed with chicken, ground or shredded beef. The burritos and enchiladas are good as well. Full bar available. El Charro is a good value.
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Review from caroline r.
Sterling Heights, MI
10/20/2007
The husband and I went here for lunch today and ehhh, not impressed at all.
The salsa, both spicy and mild were bland. It was like they just opened up a can of seasoned diced tomatoes and added a couple shakes of hot sauce.
Also, I like my beef enchiladas with shredded beef not ground. But aside from that , it was overly sauced and mushy. I ordered double rice (not a fan of the refried beans) but it looked like they just gave me a single scoop of rice while I compared it to my husbands plate (he got both rice and refried beans).
He ordered the pork enchiladas and again, mushy and overly saucey.
The flavors were good but the sauce / meat ratio is undoubtedly off.
They must be doing something else good because they seem to have lots of customers. I don't think we'll go back. -
Review from Richard B.
Clinton Township, MI
2/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been here a few times, and all I can say is wow. The queso dip is amazing and the main courses are delicious. However, the rice and beans aren't the best I've ever had. The cheescake chimichanga is a must-try! All in all, the food is excellent and well worth the price.
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Review from J. M.
Sterling Heights, MI
1/30/2011
We have been going here for a couple of years. Their soft shell tacos are a must try. We enjoy their bottomless chips and salsa. I had issues with a rude server and called the manager later to discuss it, he was very apologetic and I was completely reimbursed for our meal.
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Review from Kevin D.
Ypsilanti Township, MI
1/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best tacos ever :) Great puffed taco...but the rest of the menu is so so.
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Review from Valerie G.
Ferndale, MI
2/15/2010
The thing with El Charro - is that I am giving it a 2-star review, and yet I continue to go back. I know it's not great food... but something still draws me in.
The thing I love about El Charro - is the soft taco shells and their deep-fried puffy goodness. I know they are bad for me, but they taste so good - I am even one of the freak-shows who orders the fondue at El Charro's just so I can get a basket of the soft taco sticks.
That said, I don't think I am ever really happy with or "wow"ed by anything I order here. The burritos and enchiladas are pretty flavorless... as is the taco meat that they use. The entrees come with salad or cheese nachos - the cheese nachos consisting of 4 of the chips that are already complimentary that have melted cheese and 1 jalapeno on each. Go with the salad- not that it's great, but you already have a basket of chips on your table. (I do like the salsa, by the way) I have had some tasty beverages here, and they do run the occasional good drink special.
The thing is, on top of all this, El Charro's is usually pretty crowded - and while waiting for a table doesn't seem so common ANYWHERE in this economy right now, you will still notice a certain slowness of service.
In closing, I wouldn't really recommend El Charro's to anyway... but I know I will find myself there again in the near future- and will leave wondering why. :o)Listed in: Home Sweet Home
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Review from Pauly G.
Warren, MI
7/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Stopped in before the Fraser fair and fireworks. Very slow, got a table on the patio. Our waitress was quick on the chips n' salsa, and the refills. I got the chicken chimichangas which were really good. I just wish they wouldn't call the pureed avocados guacamole but other than that we had a really good meal. PS the kids ate free with purchase of an entree, so 5 people cost us 36 dollars, not to bad at all.
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Review from Robert J.
Troy, MI
1/3/2010
The only thing that I've had at El Charro thus far is the Chorizo and Eggs. That's some pretty tasty stuff. It's a bit dry, but that's okay. It tastes pretty good. It's decently priced, and they deliver to my workplace out in Warren. It's a popular place with the crowd at work, and we've been ordering from there on a fairly regular basis for the past month or so. I enjoy their chips too.
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Review from Amya S.
Sterling Heights, MI
10/15/2009
The chips and salsa are fantastic and the soft tacos are unlike any other. The service is average for the most part.
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Review from David W.
Rochester, MN
5/3/2010
This is the flagship El Charro location, and oh boy do they make some good Mexican food. Authentic? Who knows, but it's amazing!
I usually get the "Unique Soft Shell Taco Dinner". The tacos are made of soft shells, but the shells are deep-fried. You might be asking "well, isn't that just a hard-shell taco?" No, it's not--it's different but kind of hard to explain how. You'll just have to try them. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Try to call-ahead for seating, as they usually get pretty packed. -
Review from S P.
Novi, MI
2/2/2011
This is nothing more than a Chi-Chi's knockoff. Authentic Mexican? I think not. The puff quesadilla I had was a joke. I ordered my own with veggies. It came like a puff taco with very little veggies. Authentic Mexicanas wouldnt eat here in million.
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Review from Stephen T.
Royal Oak, MI
2/27/2010
I love this place and have been going there for over 10 years.
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Review from Chirag D.
Northville, MI
2/14/2009
The staff and service here is exceptional. Unfortunately, the food is horrible it tastes like lard and butter. They earned one star from me because the Margarita was tasty.
