Good solid taqueria. Nothing fancy, off the beaten track basic Mexican food. I usually order to-go, and I appreciate their no-plastic environmentally packaging. Wish they always put wax paper between the food and the foil though (cheese belongs on the food, not the foil!). Also, when you order a small combination (as the menu above the counterclearly shows), they sometimes don't hear or understand the word "Small" and charge for the large. So you have to look at the price compared to the menu. read more

This is a casual Mexican place in downtown San Mateo. It's located slightly farther away from the rest of downtown, so parking is sometimes easier to find around here. The restaurant has complementary chips and salsa, and serves a variety of classic Mexican food. My boyfriend really likes their giant carne asada burrito, while I like the quesadillas here. For $7.5, you can get a delicious medium sized shrimp quesadilla, what a steal. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Shrimp quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

Charlie's is on our heavy rotation! Been going there for the past 10 years and the food is always so flavorful! The carne asada is delicious. The grilled chicken has a nice marinade and is so tasty! I love the green salsa, I put it on everything. Adriana at the counter is very friendly with us! The restaurant has some fun jungle murals and paintings inside. It's located in downtown but off the beaten path a bit (which I like) in a quieter neighborhood. Carne Asada Deluxe Quesadilla is Bomb!! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Carne Asada Deluxe Quesadilla (my go-to) - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Stopped by Charlie's Taqueria on B Street for a quick bite with the family for weekday night dinner. The location is super convenient near Central Park, and service was fast and friendly, which I appreciated. I ordered a couple tacos and some burritos. Overall flavors were good and the ingredients tasted fresh, but one of the burritos came out noticeably saltier than expected. It kind of overpowered the rest of the flavors, which was a bit disappointing. We didn't want to make a stink about it so we just ate it. That said, the portions were solid and the place has a nice casual vibe. I'd probably give it another try and just hope the seasoning is more balanced next time. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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The food was ok, Ordered several burritos and they weren't the best burritos but they did the job. Also there a fruit fly in the agua fresca. I will say the lady taking the orders wasn't the most pleasant. Like we were bothering by ordering and eating there. Needs work on customer service. read more

What can you say bottomless chips and salsa, $3.00 Mexican bottle cokes and $12.95 for super burritos. And two hour free street parking. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

Although I was the only non-Spanish speaking patron visiting (at the time), I must say that Charlie's Taqueria - made fresh, generous portions and friendly staff. I ordered a carne asada super burrito and it did not miss! At only $12.95, this bargain meal was packed with meat, rice, cheese, beans, and guac. The free chips and salsa bar was also a hit for me. I definitely ate more than my fill. I walked in and rolled myself out with how full I was. The restaurant is large and great for large groups. They also serve beer which is always a plus! Yummy Certified! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Free chips and delicious salsa! - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Today was a treat! Lunch at Charlie's. Moved out the Bay Area years ago and sadly moved away from one of my favorite Mex restaurants. Top quality, attention to detail in presentation, food quality and most importantly, taste. A very clean restaurant always and a pleasure to visit. Today was a single enchilada with chicken and verde sauce. Packed with chicken that was tender, tasty and moist. The corn tortilla complimented the dish just like it was supposed to do. The rice and bean sides were not boring throwaways. Instead they were tasty, fresh and added to the dish instead of being left uneaten. I swear I said to myself, "I am not going to eat all this." Yeah, well good luck with that. Every bit of it, finished. Do yourself a favor. Go, enjoy and have fun. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Lunch today. Chicken enchilada, rice, beans, verde sauce - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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This is my go-to Mexican restaurant. Authentic, like a place in Mexico. (1) Whole fried fish, and (2) steak and shrimp are the best things. Carne asada super taco is great also. Lots of Mexican food choices in San Mateo, but this is the old-school best. read more

I had a super burrito to go! They have a free chips and salsa bar! The asada burrito was good! It was huge! They had green and roasted salsa, along with jalapeños, pickled carrots, lemons, and radishes. Their chips were fresh and warm, on the thick side. The vibe was cute-casual and the service was super fast! Your order at the front and you can find a table on your own. I'd definitely come here again and try their tacos! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Super burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

Charlie's Taqueria is a very distinctive and charming spot, with a lot of character. The staff was kind and polite, though not particularly engaging, which was perfectly fine but didn't add much to the overall experience. The food was okay--nothing bad, but nothing especially memorable either. For my personal taste, it was a bit too salty. I ordered the chile relleno, which unfortunately arrived very mushy, sitting in a pool of sauce. The batter was quite thick and ended up overpowering the actual flavor of the bell pepper, which was a bit disappointing. My best friend had the Carne asada and found it delicious! What impacted my experience the most, however, was the level of cleanliness. It didn't meet my expectations: there were visible cobwebs, and the table and booth where we sat were noticeably dirty and greasy. I had to clean the area myself before sitting down, otherwise we would have risked staining our clothes and bag. A huge pro is that portions are very generous and prices are reasonable. It definitely worth a visit :) read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Carne asada - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

First time here and locals are right: fresh food here. Enchilada, rice and beanssmall plate was good and filling. The vibe is chill and the decor is chill too. read more

Decades later, Charlie's is still the best in my opinion. Still consistent, still full of flavor. Great location. Can't ask for anything more. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Chicken quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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One of our favorite spots for Mexican food. I love their vegetarian burrito! Parking can be difficult.

Got a veggie (rice beans pico de gallo cheese and salsa) buttito. Disappointed they don't have tortilla options, e,g, my favorite spinach or tomato, and have only plain. But no matter was looking forward to digging into a gooey laden concoction. It was fine, edible though I wouldn't write home about it. My go to is PV down the block, but I love trying out new places and had been wanting to pop in here. The customer service is friendly if matter of fact and dry, but they're efficient. I asked for refried pinto beans and was surprised when I got whole pinto instead. I suspect it was a communication issue, and here was a time when my Duolingo Spanish did not serve me lol -) The alchemy that happens when the beans to rice to cheese to salsa to tortilla marriage happens and you don't question it, that magical forkful ... this did not happen here. I love their interior walls and colorful murals, it looks like a tiny place but they have ample spacious seating to the left of the ordering side. And have a salsa bar with carrot and red radish slices. Plenty of street parking, especially during off hours. Prices on par with what you'd expect from a taqueria like this. read more

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We have been eating at this place for YEARS! The quality, taste, and portions have been very consistent. I love getting their Super Burritos, Enchiladas, and the Pollo Cosido is sooo good. Al-pastor is great. My husband loves getting the Pezcado Dorado. Staff is very prompt and friendly every time. Their Salsas are always good, especially the Salsa Verde. My only wish is that they had a very spicy-chipotle-type Salsa. (Minus 1 star for this) Overall, love eating here. read more

Best chicken asada tacos in town. Served with a salsa, grilled onions, on a homemade tortilla -- just delicious standard street tacos. Reminiscent of TJ style taquerias (which are delish). Been eating here more frequently as of lately, and it reminds me why we love this place. While some of the other local Mexican spots are inconsistent/hit or miss, we can always count on Charlie's to have the same taste and quality. I feel as though San Mateans gravitate towards bougie or whatever is on the main strip, so it is never really packed here. Fortunately for Charlie's, their clientele has kept them in business regardless. My family and I have been eating at Charlie's since 2003. Cannot recommend their restaurant enough! read more

i have reviewed charlie's before. we decided to go back after trying other places for a bit. Last four times back - every single time wow! they have seriously stepped up their game. we buy three/four burritos for the family at a time- all bbq chicken super. i always ask for lettuce on mine. they have worked past every single burrito place i have tried - and many are good. but right now - go to charlie's. they are the best imo in sm. and we eat lots of burritos. if you have had in past - and love burritos - go back TRUST ME! read more

Absolutely delicious and wonderful staff. Family owned and a local favorite. There's a fantastic selection of freshly made daily salsa.

I'll have to admit: My SO and I only shared a burrito here because I wasn't that hungry, but we enjoyed the burrito so much, I had to write a review ASAP! We've lived in San Mateo for years now and haven't really found a taqueria we love, especially not one for burritos. A couple bites into our super burrito and my SO was already claiming this is his favorite in SM. I might have to agree! The burrito itself is also pretty big and I felt like they didn't skimp out on the ingredients. They have a self serve chips station, which I had assumed was for dine in only, so I didn't touch it initially. But while I was waiting for my food, the waitress told me to get some chips and salsa. I really appreciated that! Along with chips and salsa, there were radishes, pickled veggies, and grilled jalapeños (super nice touch). Although I didn't dine in, the dining area seemed very spacious with lots of tables. It's colorfully decorated--think floor to ceiling jungle mural-- and just puts you in a good mood. I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Carne asada super burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

The Al pastor tacos are hella good. The tacos at our usual go-to spot are kinda dry, so Charlie's came in clutch when we wanted to try a different Mexican spot out. It's a cute place that you can order out and also sit in to eat. We've been here twice and have no complaints at all. Service is good and the employees are friendly. read more

Hey there Party People Charlie's has great atmosphere and décor to get you into the Latin mood. The wait staff was very nice and helpful with the menu. You order first then are given a number to sit where you like, the food will come to your table. You will get one bowl of chips per order for free so load it up Food rating= 0 to 5 's....5 being the best Chips & Salsa=3..the chips where on the thick side and the salsa was tasty but very mild. Mega Quesadilla=4....the pork meat was good and there was plenty of sour cream and guacamole. It could have used more pico de gallo Super Burrito=3... carne Assada meat was a bit grissily but it was huge. Beans were traditional as was the rice. The whole dish needed to amp up the spice. Combo #6=3....the chili relleno was the star of the dish. The enchilada was lack luster in flavor. If you have a sensitive gut and can't take spice then you may rate this place higher. I however crave good spicy Mexican food hence the overall 3 rating. Be kind to one another read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Mega Quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

Service is fast for to go. Ambience is casual Food price depends who's the cashier and the cooked. I was charged different amount for the same food I've been ordering for years . Disappointed that they don't charge for the food consistently and the worst part is she gave me the wrong amount of change. I'm considering of looking for another place to get my food. read more

Been meaning to try this place after passing by over the last couple years. Finally got around to it. Decent amount of street parking around since it's on the fringe on the downtown area with perhaps a little competition from the Espetus crowd across the street for spaces. The restaurant itself is surprisingly large. Plenty of indoor seating with a couple outdoor tables should you choose the Al Fresco option. We ordered an Al pastor super burrito (unfortunately they were 'out of tripe') and three tacos (Al pastor, asada and carnitas). The burrito was absolutely massive! Everything was served fresh/hot. Taste wise, the burrito was pretty standard perhaps on the slightly salty side but still acceptable. The tacos were quite decent as well: crispy fried tortillas and tender carnitas that we preferred over the Al pastor and asada. The serve yourself chip/salsa bar was a nice touch as well! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - Carnitas/asada/pastor tacos and (huge) al pastor super burrito - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

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Amazing burritos. Rice is always cooked perfectly. Fast service and it's always correct!

I ordered two super burritos: chicken & carnitas. I've been ordering from other taquerias in the neighborhood, and I must say, I really enjoyed how authentic the food at Charlie's! The carnitas tasted like my grandmother used to make. The staff is super friendly and I enjoyed the ambiance. My only critique is the chips were borderline stale and could have used a little salt. I appreciate that the chips were also hand made and not manufactured, and FREE! I will be ordering from Charlie's moving forward! :) read more

What a great little gem located in San Mateo ca. came here on a Sunday afternoon not really busy. The food is great. Make sure you try the beef and chicken fajitas. They were the bomb. Note parking is little hard to find. I would've gave it Five stars, but one star was lost on the stale chips overall I will definitely come back again. read more

We walked around B street on a Saturday night, craving American food. Pancho Villa is ok, but we wanted more authentic Mexican food. DS remembered Charlie's. Not as good as Los Primos, but I wanted to try a new place. About 20 years ago, this location was Cafe Alfredo, a great little Italian style restaurant that we patronized frequently. DH and I both ordered carne asada combo plates. A nice amount of food with tortillas on the side. The beef was very tender with ok flavor. Rice and beans were pretty standard. Iceberg lettuce chunks with a nice ripe tomato slice and 1/4 of an sliced avocado were also on the plate. I used the tart green salsa as dressing. This fish was ok, not great. The Al pastor burrito garnered rave reviews from DS and DH. It was huge. Charlie's is good, not great overall. read more

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These super burritos have got some girth! Yes I did just compare them to--you know. Carne asada for just under $15. The meat was tender and juicy. I prefer actual avocado but didn't see much of guac in the burrito either, nor sour cream but when the meat is this flavorful and juicy, I didn't seem to mind. Since it was around 3pm on a Monday, it wasn't busy. Burrito did not disappoint. Chips are self-service--homemade and crunchy, not greasy at all but I don't mind a little grease. They don't salt the chips and high is fine by me. The avocado salsa verde was on point as well--spicy with lots of flavor. read more

Food was good. A Lady didn't give me mean looks. They also weren't speaking languages I don't speak. read more

Great little spot, food is tasty and large portions. Staff taking orders is a bit hard to communicate with if you do not speak Spanish. But we eat there a few times a month and it is always hot and fresh! Love the chip and salsa bar too. Nice fruit infused ice water. read more

Charlie's Taqueria - $12 carne asada super buritto - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

This place is a favorite! Everything is delicious, service is wonderful. It's close to downtown but not too close that parking is difficult. read more

3.5 stars... The taco was good but wish the beef was a bit less tough. Waited 10-15mins for takeout order. Casual ambience with sauce bar. The staff was friendly read more

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My favorite Mexican restaurant, food is always good, price is right. Service with friendly staff. Feels like a good authentic Mexican restaurant. read more

It's almost 9pm and in need of some quick dinner for kid and I. I have bookmarked this place as it's recommended by a friend. I called at 8:45pm and ordered a super burrito. The lady on the phone is friendly and said it will be ready in 5 mins. Hopped in car and got there at 8:55pm. They were cleaning up. The cost is $13. Really? I guess I have no idea how much a super burrito should have costed? Hubby said the cost is about average in San Mateo. As noted by other yelpers, it is a rather big super burrito. However, I don't think it's as good as others. I still like the one next to Russian Math (close to Molly's Stone). way better. I prefer quality over quantity. Probably won't be back. read more

My go-to Mexican restaurant for the past 5 years. Great quality and value for the price. Staff are super friendly. My favorite item is the Al Pastor Burrito. Can't go wrong with any of the items. read more

Over charged me. Rude. If you are white they are extra rude. The restaurant is dirty too. Go to Las Palamos where its clean and service is super nice Too many beans in burritos to make it seem big. Very little meat. read more

Good food at cheap prices. The combo came with free chips and salsa. There's decent seating in the place and good parking outside. I will be back! read more

Charlie's Taqueria - 2 Taco combo plate. Came with free chips and salsa. Can't beat the cheap prices! $11.95 for it. - Mexican Near Me - San Mateo, California

Don't be turned off by the name, I admit that kept me away for a while, how can a place called "Charlie's" have good Mexican food? Well it just does. They even have lengua (tongue) on the menu which is more than I can say for other taquerias in downtown San Mateo. This is a no frills spot, the food speaks for itself. Since it's tucked away outside the typical downtown crowd, you don't have to wait long for some authentic tacos or a filling burrito. And I mean filling, they are pretty huge so bring your appetite. They also have outside seating which is a plus during the summer or during a pandemic. Don't judge a book by its title, and don't miss out on this taqueria! Pro tip: get the wet burrito and you may never go dry again read more

Food very good but a little greasy. Good chips and salsa. Pleasant atmosphere. Ample street parking.