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Long-standing Mexican cafe with a colorful vibe offering a menu of Sonoran-style fare.
Hours
| Friday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Monday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM–9 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701
Phone: (520) 622-1922
Website: https://www.elcharrocafe.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: elcharrocafe.com
Photo Gallery
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Last Updates
Reviews
Bob
Absolutely fantastic. This is hands down some of the best Mexican food we’ve had anywhere in Arizona. The three entrées we ordered were outstanding!! Full of flavor, well-prepared, and clearly made with care. Every dish impressed.
The chips and salsa were decent, though not the highlight. Parking is limited and can be frustrating, and the wait time for the food was a bit longer than expected. That said, once the food arrived, it was clear it was worth it.
If you’re looking for truly excellent Mexican cuisine, this place delivers. We’ll definitely be back.
… moreThe chips and salsa were decent, though not the highlight. Parking is limited and can be frustrating, and the wait time for the food was a bit longer than expected. That said, once the food arrived, it was clear it was worth it.
If you’re looking for truly excellent Mexican cuisine, this place delivers. We’ll definitely be back.
Dloppil
This place is full of history! The internet notes it as the oldest restaurant in Tucson, established in 1922, but in chatting with our server we learned the home itself was built in 1896. Even more impressive, it began as a woman owned and operated business, a rarity at the time. It has stayed in the family for generations and is now run by Tia Monica’s grandniece.
We checked in with Tiana and V, the super-friendly hostesses, and after a short wait were seated on what used to be the original porch. The way they’ve preserved the charm of the home is truly impressive. Our server, Jose, was wonderful, knowledgeable, and clearly proud of the restaurant’s heritage. He shared its history with us and even took us to the back patio to show where the carne seca is made. He brought us a sample, and while it’s not something I could eat a lot of, it was very flavorful.
Their green salsa had a surprising little kick, which I loved. I ordered two tacos—one shrimp and one carnitas. Both were delicious, but the carnitas was especially scrumptious. And of course, I had to try their tres leches cake. It was very tasty, and the caramel drizzle added an interesting twist.
… moreWe checked in with Tiana and V, the super-friendly hostesses, and after a short wait were seated on what used to be the original porch. The way they’ve preserved the charm of the home is truly impressive. Our server, Jose, was wonderful, knowledgeable, and clearly proud of the restaurant’s heritage. He shared its history with us and even took us to the back patio to show where the carne seca is made. He brought us a sample, and while it’s not something I could eat a lot of, it was very flavorful.
Their green salsa had a surprising little kick, which I loved. I ordered two tacos—one shrimp and one carnitas. Both were delicious, but the carnitas was especially scrumptious. And of course, I had to try their tres leches cake. It was very tasty, and the caramel drizzle added an interesting twist.
Koh Yuan Chen
Very busy restaurant with rich heritage, history with super friendly and homey staff. Dinner with a group of friends and the food experience was not that great. Ordered a mix of Fajitas, Enchiladas, and the Carne Asada Plate. Didn’t manage to try their famous Carne Seca Platter, as they were running low. Requested a taste of it, and was promised by the server but didn’t arrive in the end.
Waited around 35 minutes for our food with no refills on drinks (water), and chips. Steak was too salty.
Nice spot to chill when it’s less crowded but as a dinner location on weekends, be prepared to wait not only to get in, but for food and your drinks.
There’s even a “Down Under” part of the restaurant for private parties.
… moreWaited around 35 minutes for our food with no refills on drinks (water), and chips. Steak was too salty.
Nice spot to chill when it’s less crowded but as a dinner location on weekends, be prepared to wait not only to get in, but for food and your drinks.
There’s even a “Down Under” part of the restaurant for private parties.
Jim Mallinger
El Charro has good food, drinks, and a pleasant atmosphere. Lots of margarita choices, but no frozen ones. The margarita’s are very good. I had the chimichanga with brisket and my Wife had tocos, both were excellent. We were seated right away early on a Friday but they were quite busy. There are different dining areas which makes it feel like a smaller restaurant.
… moreRaphaelle Guinanao
What a vibe. I came straight from ice skating just a 10min walk away and was met with surprise at how cozy the place was with its personality. Such cool, antique vibes downtown. Service was great and food was delicious, coming out fresh. As someone picky with desserts, the tres leches cake was amazing. Not too sweet, perfectly creamy. Can’t wait to come back!
… moreMichael Ford
You must visit the oldest continuous family run Mexican restaurant in the country. It has a great atmosphere as you sit in rooms in the homestead or o the porch or patio. There are wonderful artifacts on display throughout. The menu is extensive including items based on original recipes. The food is excellent with ample portions at reasonable prices. The staff is friendly and efficient. It can be quite busy with significant wait times so go early. Paid parking is nearby.
… moreElizabeth Wilcox
We enjoyed the lovely dog-friendly patio. Really loved the patio area, but can’t speak to the various indoor seating areas as I haven’t been yet. Loved the food. I have a sensitivity to tomatoes that prevents me from enjoying a lot of typical Mexican dishes, but they had a lot of really lovely dishes that were largely tomato and tomatillo free, which was a pleasant surprise for me.
The tamale stuffed chicken with the roasted vegetables was truly one of the yummiest dishes I’ve ever enjoyed. My husband very much enjoyed the #4 combo platter.
Tempted to come right back here next time we’re in Tucson since we enjoyed it so much.
… moreThe tamale stuffed chicken with the roasted vegetables was truly one of the yummiest dishes I’ve ever enjoyed. My husband very much enjoyed the #4 combo platter.
Tempted to come right back here next time we’re in Tucson since we enjoyed it so much.
ruth burk
All around excellent. Great food, good service, colorful and lively ambiance! We had a private party for 25 in a basement room that was decorated with lights and flags.. Professional and friendly servers and good margaritas! We also stopped here at the end of the food tour for churros.
… moreKelly Gleonde
My husband and I recently visited El Charro, reputedly the first Mexican restaurant in the United States, and as avid fans of Mexican cuisine, we were excited to pay tribute to its history.
We started with the beef chimichanga, which was a standout dish. It was incredibly flavorful and packed with beef, making it quite filling!
We also ordered the queso Finito with shrimp. While it had a pleasing taste, we were overwhelmed by how greasy and stringy it was—definitely more cheese than we anticipated. We were hoping for something more akin to a traditional cheese dip, and if we had finished the whole thing, I suspect we would have regretted it.
On the brighter side, the prickly pear margarita was fabulous! Its vibrant color and refreshing taste were highlights of our meal. The ambience of the restaurant added to the experience; we sat outside on a porch, enjoying the street view and open air. However, the inside had a charming vibe reminiscent of an old house, which we would have enjoyed as well.
While we noticed more quaint seating options in the yellow building next door, they seemed reserved for larger groups. Overall, El Charro offered a delightful experience, with some delicious highlights and a lovely atmosphere.
… moreWe started with the beef chimichanga, which was a standout dish. It was incredibly flavorful and packed with beef, making it quite filling!
We also ordered the queso Finito with shrimp. While it had a pleasing taste, we were overwhelmed by how greasy and stringy it was—definitely more cheese than we anticipated. We were hoping for something more akin to a traditional cheese dip, and if we had finished the whole thing, I suspect we would have regretted it.
On the brighter side, the prickly pear margarita was fabulous! Its vibrant color and refreshing taste were highlights of our meal. The ambience of the restaurant added to the experience; we sat outside on a porch, enjoying the street view and open air. However, the inside had a charming vibe reminiscent of an old house, which we would have enjoyed as well.
While we noticed more quaint seating options in the yellow building next door, they seemed reserved for larger groups. Overall, El Charro offered a delightful experience, with some delicious highlights and a lovely atmosphere.
Noah Lipshutz
Food was amazing, loved the carne seco! Antonio S was an outstanding server, he really hustled to take care of everyone and he gave me lots of strong recommendations, from drinks to beans to enchiladas. Will be returning next time I’m in Tucson!
… more