El Charro: Supreme Mexican Food Since 1922!

With award-winning chimichangas and five locations in Tucson, El Charro Cafe claims to be the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Since 1922, El Charro has served unique and delicious Sonoran- and Tucson-style Mexican food and is a favorite on the lists of many Tucsonans.

I dined at the Speedway and Swan location last week and had the Mexican food experience I tend to expect from El Charro. I usually prefer the Court Ave. location because of its exciting and authentic atmosphere, but the tastes and the service are supreme at any El Charro location.

The grilled shrimp chile rellenos (pictured left) were among the most unique tastes at El Charro Cafe. For $10.95, El Charro serves up two rellenos (stuffed chili peppers) with Spanish rice and refried beans: a to die for combination. A to-go box was definitely needed for these!

Another menu favorite is the USA Today Chimichanga, which earned its name by being named one of USA Today's top 50 dishes. This giant carne seca chimi prompted USA Today Newspaper to dub El Charro "The Home of the Chimichanga."

My dining partner ordered a chimichanga he hadn't tried before: the grilled chicken and vegetable with guacamole (pictured below). This chimi featured juicy grilled chicken, peas, carrots, onions, radishes and broccoli. Of course, this entree is served with with Spanish rice and refried beans. A delightful medley of tastes!


El Charro also offers delicious combination plates ranging from $11.95 to $14.95. I ordered the "numero uno," (pictured right) $11.95, which included one cheese enchilada, one rolled chicken, carne seca or beef taco, refried beans and Spanish rice.
Combos with queso blanco enchiladas, shrimp tacos and chile rellenos are also available on El Charro's menu.

As a last note, I have to mention El Charro's world-class margaritas. Blended or on-the-rocks, El Charro's margaritas come in strawberry, peach, mango or melon flavors: all made with real fruit and a wide selection of tequilas. I ordered a melon margarita (or two) and I was definitely in the El Charro spirit!