Delicious find- great stuff. Would highly recommend. We've been there twice and will return again soon.

I've loved everything about this place. Delicious, inexpensive, super friendly and attentive. Also really liked the 3 sauces they bring to the table. Mild, hot and salsa verde. Parking was the only drawback at high noon. We made it work and all is right in the world. read more

El Chaparro is the real deal when we are talking Authentic Mexican food! Which is sometimes a bummer for a vegan! Cause yep they have lard in the beans! Oh well! The chips are great and so is the salsa! They have great hot sauces, and the flavors hit you with a punch! It's a pretty small joint, so it can fill up fast during the dinner hours! Our waitress was really nice and very attentive to my diatary needs and made sure I had the perfect little meal crafted especially for me! The really great thing about El Chaparro is that it's super super super cheap! WOW this is the spot to go if you are on a budget! read more

El Chaparro - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

In a excellent dining experience, I hope for a great meal, attentive service, decent atmosphere - all at a reasonable price. If I'm lucky maybe I'll find something that's takes me to another place or time. In my opinion - that's how I define authentic. The real deal is here. El Mero Mero. You will find all of the above at El Chapparo, while at the same time enjoying delicious Mexican food. You walk in and that cool AC just wraps you up. Next to the counter, is a fridge full of Jarritos, and real sugar colas. Don't worry they have horchata too - once it hits your lips it's so good. Wham, as soon as you sit down - chips and salsa on the table. The menu has more than 40 items, with some real gems. The Chilaquiles, this dish is so hot right now. You'll find it at Dixie Quicks, The Four Seasons, etc. The reason being the dish is OG y'all - derived from Nahuatl for crying out loud. So corn tortillas cut in quarters and lightly fried with red salsa, simmered until the tortilla starts softening. I added chorizo. You can add anything you friggin want. Garnished with shredded queso fresco, sautéed onions and avocado slices. It was spicy my friends, next time this guy is getting a side of sour cream... The burrito grande, Si si it's big. Nothing monstrous. Mission style, so not as meat heavy. Meat, rice, beans, lettuce. Topped with sour cream and guac. What else could you want. The Plato Mixto, marinated skirt steak, chicken breast and shrimp, rice, beans and tortillas. Just so beautiful - and I promised myself I wouldn't cry. Barbacoa, Caldo de siete mars, albondigas...this is it my friends. Do it. read more

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I'm really waffling between two and three stars here... Words like 'decent' and 'regular' are springing to mind as I try to write this review. Even right after leaving the restaurant I was having trouble remembering anything that stood out to me in terms of flavor - aside from the bottles of salsa (with ample cilantro) that were provided. The chips seemed fresh out of a bag, and weren't replenished (greedy American want, I know). After much deliberation I ordered chicken enchiladas - pretty standard fallback item when I can't decide on anything else (and our server had no recommendations for me besides the generic... 'everything is good' resonse). I did consider the taco platter option, but didn't want to risk it given my love for other tacos in town. It's unlikely that I'd return, but if 'regular' food where what you see is what you get and there's not too much confusion or challenge is right up your alley, then this might be the place for you. read more

Wow! What a gem! A total drive in the very best possible way. We were looking for a restaurant that was C open late and stumbled across this delight. Completely unpretentious serving up delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Seriously one of the best Mexican meals I've had in longer than I can remember. Don't let it fool you. If you're looking for a great meal, look no further. I promise, you won't be disappointed. read more

From what I've had, possibly the best Mexican restaurant in Lincoln. I've been going here every now and then since freshman year and have eaten most of the menu. Pretty much all of it is good, and there's enough variety for whatever kind of Mexican food you're in the mood for. The prices are pretty cheap, and most plates are served with quite a bit of food. However, the main attraction for me is that they serve the single greatest non-alcoholic drink ever invented: HORCHATA. It's a really simple drink, just rice water, sugar and a little bit of cinnamon, served cold. It's got enough sugar to kill a horse, but OMG it's so good. It's like the baklava of drinks; I know it'll kill me some day, but until then I have it with abandon. I'll have a glass there and then get a big gulp cup to go. Another big draw for them is that they're open until 3 a.m. most nights, so it's an excellent late night destination. Their parking lot out front is pretty small, so you might have to park on the side of the street, but it's usually not too crowded. read more

El Chaparro is absolutely delicious, they're hot sauce is to die for and their street tacos are some of the best I've ever had. Definitely recommend! read more

Great food and service! I had the cinco tacos and they were really good for a great price. Very unassuming place from the outside but don't let that dissuade you. Been twice and will come back next time I'm in Lincoln! read more

I always have a good experience at El Chaparro, the wait for seating and for food is very reasonable, give that this place is always busy. Staff is kind and happy, food is very good, they have a variety os salsas to choose from upon request and free. Their taquitos, tacos, tamales and tortas are really good. read more

The nearest Mexican restaurant to my work, I stopped in one evening to check it out. I got the enchilada platter w/refried beans & rice. Placd is always busy so I was sZurprised got a table right away. The waiter was courteous & friendly. The food came within minutes. The enchilada was cheesy, sauce just the right kick of spice, rice excellent. I normally leave the ;beans or give them away. I took a bite & b4 I could blink, I had cleaned my plate! Prices were excellent. Avg ticket less than $10 per person. They have seen me several times since, and definitely be a frequent stop. read more

This is an amazing little restaurant. It was packed at 5 p. m. Saturday night: tables were full and take-out waiting seats were full. When I stepped in there were about 8 young people behind the counter, which was too busy for me to sneak a look to see how extensive it was. Then a few minutes later, three more people arrived. The choreography they used to move past each other in the extremely narrow galley kitchen was remarkable. Smiling faces and energetic staff. Someone was at the counter to take my order as soon as I stepped up. I ordered Cinco Tacos al Pastor for take-out. I didn't have my watch or phone but it couldn't have taken 5 minutes and my order was ready. The tacos were delicious but didn't look or taste like tacos al pastor, which are quite spicy and don't have a sauce. They used tiny bits of meat. While usual tacos al pastor are made with extremely small slices of meat, I've never had them with bits. As I mentioned, the tacos tasted good but weren't the al pastor I'm used to. I'll try again. I'm sure they do a great cheese enchilada. read more

This a little gem in south Lincoln. The food comes out fast and delicious! I can not believe that I've never known this place while living in Lincoln ? I got the 5 tacos, 3 chorizo, and 2 tongue. So so so muy bien!!!!!! I will have to come back after the bars. read more

El Chaparro - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Great authentic Mexican food, reminded me of good old times in Michoacán. Passing by from LA California I decided to give it a go and was surprised! Friendly host guy, great portion size and rather cheap comparing to CA. The best part - it's super tasty!! I can definitely recommend. It might not be the fanciest place in Lincoln, but don't judge the book by its cover! Would love to come back if I ever in NE again. read more

El Chaparro - Burrito al pastor - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Went here A couple months ago after a long day at work very hungry and tired. I ordered a torta and explained to the lady taking the order that I am allergic to avocado to please not put any avocado on my food she said OK I saw her write it down and when I got home there was still avocado on my torta I was so pissed and hungry threw it in the garbage and went to sleep. Just thankful I checked b4 biting into, I was that hungry! Never went back! read more

Amazing authentic food. Delicious...will be a staple every time we're in town. Would highly recommend.

Always a must when we're in Lincoln. Awesome, cheap Mexican food- can't beat it. I get the enchiladas and my partner gets the huevos rancheros. Big portions for a small price. The chips are great and lots of sauces and salsas to choose from. The table salsa is a little spicy but really good. read more

One of my favorite Mexican places in town! Food is fantastic and a great price. My go-to is the 5 taco plate for $7!

The food was incredibly authentic, it looked like a nice local Mexican restaurant. My family was a little nervous about the neighborhood because it was a little run down but the food was amazing! read more

This is probably my favorite Mexican restaurant in Lincoln. The food is excellent and the price is good. The atmosphere is friendly and upbeat with exceptionally good service! read more

The Short Guy?!? Yes my friends, that is what this restaurant's name translates into in English. But this place could be called El Corn-hole and I would still eat there. When I visit my Mom in Lincoln we always make a trip to the midget. We go because the food is el magnifico and the service is El.. um... Very good-o. The authentic (as far as I can tell) dishes are all very Mexican-y and the spices are just at the right level of intensity The decorum is nice without being overly pretentious. You realize you are partaking in a well thought out dish with many layers of complex flavors and nuanced aromas but you don't feel the need to be a douche about it. 20 Dollars will go pretty far at lunch time, 30 if your you bring your lush Mother who seems to think margaritas are at the base of the food pyramid. (Ha Ha just kidding, Mom's been dead* for years). If you like to eat, and you like to have high cholesterol and feel like you earned it, make "the little man" your next lunch destination. Oh, and use their facilities and get revenge on Montezuma for once. *only on the inside. read more

Being a relatively new transplant from Arizona to Lincoln, I was sure I was going to miss having a good Mexican place to visit. So when I moved I was happy to be in the same neighborhood as El Chaparro! I love that they are open until 3am and the servers are always great. Cinco tacos with your choice of meat, burrito grandes and enchiladas are all delicious! This isn't fancy but it's good. The Menudo is hard to come by as they usually sell out fairly quickly. They only offer red which is not my favorite but at least they offer the option! read more

Best Mexican food to be found in Nebraska, also best Mexican food I've had outside if southern California. Go eat there now! They also let you do to go Its not the prettiest ever, but the places with the best food are often not. read more

It's the best Mexican place in town, in my humble opinion. And by that I mean it's not Mayonnaiser Mexican -- it's authentic. I tend to get the five tacos with beef, with a few fried peppers. I tend to go for lunch, though I know it does a brisk after-hours business. When I'm sitting in this place, with Liga MX futbol or a classic Univision telenovela on the TVs above, realizing I'm one of the only people speaking English in the joint, I can't help but feel like I'm back on the West Coast, where these kinds of awesomely basic family-owned dives were legion. The atmosphere ain't much, but I don't go there to be wowed by the waiter's wine-pairing knowledge. It's lovably divey. The food is superb and the staff are friendly and a joy to have around. What's not to love? read more

I absolutely LOVE this place! Hands down the best late-night Mexican food in Lincoln. But you better get there as soon as you can after last call because this tiny space fills up fast. Why I like it: 1. Grande Buritto con pollo. MMMmmm! 2. Quesadilla con carne asada (grande, no chico) It's also good at times other than 1 o'clock in the morning. read more

OK, i'm writing this as a single experience customer driving through Lincoln on way back home from a Colorado spring break. I chose this place based on Yelp reviews, and my guess is it's fine for cheap eats by local college students. But my experience was not very good. The food was average, albeit quickly served. The place is a bit rough - our table was dirty, and plus the tiolet was all clogged up. I can't recommend it for travelers passing through, i would definitely choose somewhere else. Only good part was family of 4 ate for $30. read more

Staff and food at top notch! Favorite little secret in Lincoln! I bring all my favorite people here-get quite busy on Sunday, but it's worth the wait. (Ask for the green sauces) read more

This is authentic Mexican food. If you are looking for over-sized portions, fancy tex-mex sauces, or gimmick-y reinventions then you will be disappointed. Amazing salsa. We always buy a large container on our way out. No surprises on the menu. I enjoy their rice & beans with whatever I choose! The atmosphere isn't fancy. Although the dining area, the kitchen, and the bathrooms all appear clean. Good, simple service to go with good, simple food. read more

I'm so bummed I found this place my last week in Lincoln. If you want truly authentic Mexican food then this is your place. I had the six tacos and the meats were moist and served with onion and cilantro! so delicious! read more

Awesome food, quick service, extremely reasonable prices. As in my dinner was $5.84 including tax and I'm stuffed. read more

El Chaparro - Mexican Near Me - Lincoln, Nebraska

Such good food. Tongue tacos are to die for. Very fast friendly service. Very casual and laid back. If you enjoy authentic Mexican food then certainly give them a try. read more

Excellent food, quick and friendly service, and great prices! If I ever get back to NE I will make a point of going to this place.

Usually when I come back to a city I've been before I have one or several places I just have to go eat while I'm back there. Aside from people, foods are what I remember best from places I've visited. As we were driving into Lincoln my co workers asked where to go, I honestly had no idea, sure Lincoln has a few staples such as Tasties, Misties, deLeons and of course Runza yet nothing that warranted something along 'they have the best damn [fill in the blank] in 100 miles. That changed after grabbing a quick bite at El Chaparro with my son last night. Best damn tacos North of Texas, by a long shot. After having lived in Texas for a few years I have given up on finding great Mexican food somewhere people didn't speak with a drawl. No more! I've found a 'have to eat here at least once' spot for when I'm back in Lincoln and reinvigorated my desire to possibly, maybe, find some good Mexican closer to home as well. read more

This is the best place to eat...ever. Best mexican and also just THE BEST. I get cheese enchiladas every time and a TON of their amazing, homemade hot sauce. They have amazing chips and THE BEST cilantro-ey homemade salsa you've ever had. I don't live in Lincoln anymore and it is a tragedy that I can't eat El Chaparro everyday. It's so good. I can't talk about it anymore because I'm depressed that I can't be eating it right now. SO GOOD. read more

their food is SO GOOD! you absolutely won't regret supporting this local business. they make it super easy to call and place a takeout order, although you can also just show up and place one to go. also get their horchata!!! read more

I love that they have shrimp sopes and tacos. One of my fav to get good mexican food for cheap.

I'm writing on my experience with the dish I got. I got the carne asada plate and honestly it was by far the worst I have ever had. The meat was paper thin and the portion was really small. The taste was below average with the beans and rice. Again this is my experience with the carne asada plate. The chips at the beginning were stale. The place itself is small and out dated. Not that I care because some of the best places are mom and pops. I won't be going back. read more

Fast/Affordable/Authentic. This is a gem hidden in a weird location. Food is kick buns. Love the steak tacos. Salsa is made in house and amazing. Great late night after the bar food, or random dinner. It isn't the best I've ever had, but it's good enough to be my favorite place in Lincoln. read more

This is my favorite Mexican Restaurant in town. The food is amazing and the price is pretty decent. I really enjoy going there. Real Mexican food. read more

Great Food, Great Price, No Wait, 3/4 the menu is under $10, Great Service, Nice People, Clean, the Tacos are Amazing (along with everything else), Tasty Homemade Salsas, Need I Go On! read more