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El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
8.0
Downtown cantina with a dedicated afternoon happy hour and reliable bar-bite tacos. Comfortable booths and a roomy bar make it an easy central meetup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Birria tacos (HH portion), Chile verde plate
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Set HH window with taco specials and house margs.
Who should go: Friends meeting for drinks and snacks
When to visit: Tue–Fri 3–6pm for HH tacos
What to order: Asada tacos; birria tacos; house margarita
Insider tip: Bar fills first—arrive a few minutes before HH starts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Maple and nearby cross streets; two public lots within a 2-minute walk. Free after 6pm but fills quickly during happy hour.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and nice tops are fine, but many guests dress up slightly for evening meetups.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — fine for group conversations, but slightly loud near the bar during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; happy hour tables turn fast between 3–6pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several taco fillings, enchiladas, and salads are vegetarian-friendly.
Vegan options: Limited — a few sides and modified tacos can work if you ask to omit cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas available, and most tacos can be made gluten-free upon request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second date — upbeat vibe, strong drinks, and shareable tacos create an easygoing atmosphere but not an intimate one.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but arrive before 5pm on weekdays or expect to wait at the bar; reservations are only recommended for large groups or weekend evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Mostly adult-leaning during happy hour, but families are fine earlier in the evening; kids’ plates and non-alcoholic drinks available.
Best For
Better for: More spacious and polished than smaller taquerias — ideal for drinks-first evenings and group hangouts.
Skip if: You’re seeking authentic street-style tacos or a quiet meal — the bar crowd and lively atmosphere dominate during HH.
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
7.9
Downtown cantina known for a dedicated 3–6pm happy hour with drink and snack specials. Comfortable booths, a roomy bar, and classic plates make it an easy meet-in-the-middle choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada plate, Chile verde, Street-style tacos (bar)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Set happy hour window with bar bites and house margs.
Who should go: Friends meeting for drinks and snacks
When to visit: Tue–Fri 3–6pm for HH pricing
What to order: Carne asada; chile verde; HH tacos
Insider tip: Bar fills first—arrive a few minutes before happy hour starts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free two-hour street parking is available on Maple and First Streets, with additional public lots nearby. Spaces fill quickly during peak happy hour, so aim to arrive before 5pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops work fine. Many guests come straight from work, so a polished but relaxed look fits the vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversations are possible but expect bar chatter and music during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, faster if you’re okay with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; service is fast and tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese plates, veggie fajitas, and salads are reliable picks.
Vegan options: Limited—can customize tostadas or veggie fajitas without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available on request; kitchen is careful but not fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Good for casual dates where conversation isn’t the main event—energetic but not too loud, with fun drinks and shareable plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially midweek. On Fridays, arrive before 5:30pm for the best chance at walk-in seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, early evenings before the bar fills up. Kids’ menu and booths make it manageable for families before 7pm.
Best For
Better for: Groups wanting dependable happy hour deals in a relaxed cantina setting.
Skip if: You’re after chef-driven Mexican or quieter dining—try Posada Alta Cocina instead.
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
7.7
Old-school cantina a block off First Street doing combo plates, fajitas, and weekend plates at approachable prices. Families lean on it for sit-down service and big platters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chile verde plate, Chicken fajitas, Enchiladas rancheras
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Sit-down plates and margaritas steps from First Street.
Who should go: Families wanting classic combo plates
When to visit: Weeknights 5–7pm for easiest seating
What to order: Chile verde; chicken fajitas; enchiladas rancheras
Insider tip: Bar seats often open sooner than dining room tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot behind the building and ample free street parking along Maple Street; usually easy before 6:30pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, polos, and relaxed attire fit right in; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; upbeat during dinner rush but conversation-friendly in the booths.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; bar seating is often faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait unless there’s a large group.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—veggie enchiladas, fajita platters, and cheese quesadillas are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—custom bean and veggie burrito possible if requested without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Partial—corn tortillas and some grilled plates are gluten-friendly, but shared surfaces are used.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or second dates than romantic ones—laid-back cantina energy, friendly service, and solid margaritas make it easygoing rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes—walk-ins are fine, though waits stretch on weekends. Calling ahead for groups of six or more helps secure a booth.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—high chairs, booster seats, and a kids’ menu with tacos and quesadillas make it an easy family outing.
Best For
Better for: Classic combo plates, hearty portions, and value margaritas; ideal for families and groups wanting dependable sit-down service.
Skip if: You’re after elevated plating, modern Mexican, or a quieter ambiance—try Casa Orozco or Posada for more polished experiences.
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
8.1
Old-school cantina known for hearty platters and oversized burritos alongside margaritas. Locals use it for sit-down Mexican meals with dependable portions and a lively bar vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Super Burrito, Chile Verde Burrito, Shrimp Burrito
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Full-service cantina with big burritos and a strong margarita program.
Who should go: Groups and families craving sit-down Mexican
When to visit: Weeknights 6–7pm for easiest seating
What to order: Carne asada super; chile verde; shrimp burrito
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa roja—house batches have real kick.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free public lot and ample street parking on First Street, but fills up quickly on weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and relaxed attire are all common; no formal wear expected.
Noise level: Lively during peak dinner hours with bar chatter; quieter in the early evening and lunch periods.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes typical without a reservation, longer for large groups.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick seating even for groups.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, cheese enchiladas, and tostadas are available.
Vegan options: Limited — a few customizable items such as bean burritos without cheese or sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible so best to mention allergy to staff.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual meetups or early-stage dates — lively atmosphere and hearty portions over candlelight ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they operate mostly on walk-ins; reservations are accepted for large parties but rarely needed midweek.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common, with booster seats and a kid’s menu available; noise level helps keep things easygoing for children.
Best For
Better for: Big, shareable platters and strong margaritas — perfect for casual groups wanting classic combo plates and a full bar.
Skip if: You’re after modern Mexican or a quiet dinner — this is traditional and energetic rather than trendy or intimate.
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
7.8
Classic cantina setting serving hearty plates and a reliable taco section alongside margaritas and combo platters. Comfortable for casual dinners and game-day meetups near downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Old-school cantina with straightforward tacos and strong margaritas.
Who should go: Casual taco-night crews
When to visit: Early evenings to avoid longer waits
What to order: Carne asada; carnitas; shrimp tacos
Insider tip: Ask for grilled jalapeños on the side to amp up heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shared lot in back and free street parking on First Street; fills quickly on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans and polos or sundresses are common; no need to dress up unless it’s a celebration.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation-friendly at lunch, but louder during dinner and bar hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; bar seating often available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately or within 5–10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean and cheese tacos, veggie fajitas, and enchiladas are reliable options.
Vegan options: Limited—customize veggie tacos or order sides like rice and guacamole.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most corn tortillas are gluten-free; alert staff for careful prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual outings than romantic ones—fun energy and margaritas, but not an intimate vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, but expect a wait on weekend evenings. Try arriving before 6:30pm for quicker seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—families are common, with high chairs available and a kids’ menu featuring tacos, quesadillas, and rice plates.
Best For
Better for: Group dinners or family outings where you want generous portions and a full bar with strong margaritas.
Skip if: You’re after refined, chef-driven Mexican or quieter date-night dining—Posada Alta Cocina fits that better.
El Charro Mexican Food & Cantina
7.8
Compact cantina near downtown serving classic plates and strong cocktails. Consistent pacing and friendly staff make it a dependable dinner-and-drinks choice.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas suizas, Steak fajitas, Chile relleno
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Old-school cantina comforts with reliable cocktails and combos.
Who should go: Casual dinner-and-margarita crews
When to visit: Tue–Thu 6–8pm
What to order: Steak fajitas; enchiladas suizas; house margarita
Insider tip: Split fajitas—portions are generous.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot and street parking available along Maple and adjacent side streets; fills up quickly on weekends after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual; jeans and polos or casual dresses are typical. No need to dress up unless coming from an event.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy for group conversation, slightly loud during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; bar seating often available sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately except during Friday lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian enchiladas, veggie fajitas, and combo plates available.
Vegan options: Limited—some items can be modified by omitting cheese and sour cream.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and several grilled protein dishes are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for relaxed dates or couples who like casual energy and margaritas rather than a quiet, romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—most tables are first-come, first-served. Arrive before 6:30pm on weekends to avoid waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly with booster seats, kids' menu, and accommodating staff; busiest during early dinners.
Best For
Better for: Reliable combo plates and strong margaritas at fair prices compared with trendier spots downtown.
Skip if: You’re seeking chef-driven Mexican or a quiet, upscale dining experience—try Posada Alta Cocina instead.