I moved to Johnson City 8 years ago and this the absolute worst customer service I've experienced since I got here. my wife works at the VA and she wanted me to bring her some Mexican lunch although I've never been to this restaurant before she suggested I try their tacos.. When walked in to place my order there were two people at the counter:an older gentleman and a younger gentleman. The latter started to take my order when the older inserted himself in the process. i spent the next 5 minutes trying to convince the older man that there is probably more than one "Smith" in Johnson City and order on his computer was not me. Then he spent the next 3 minutes correcting my pronunciation of the order, I was trying to make. I could see the embarrassment in the younger man's face. Finally, I gave up and decided to leave. I enjoy supporting small businesses. I have family members around the country who own everything from restaurants to apartment buildings. I know the importance of good customer service. THAT WAS NOT WHAT I EXPERIENCED! To all my local community as well, as all the folks working at the hospitals. Don't eat there, they don't deserve your patronage. read more

El Charolais - HELL NO!!! - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Warning: not your average Mexican restaurant. This place (El Charolais) stands above the rest because while they have competitive prices, typical fun atmosphere, and a good menu variety.... the service is first rate. Our waitress (didn't catch her name) was nice, quick, helpful with our questions, and brought us more salsa than we could even eat! And it is REALLY good too. The chips they served us were all hot and perfectly fresh. I'm enthusiastic about this place. If you are in Johnson City, give this place a try. read more

El Charolais - The table display - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

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I came by here to have dinner on a Monday evening while I was in the area and a co-worker recommended them. They were pretty packed on a Monday and relatively loud, with many of the people being from the nearby University. They have a decent draft selection. The waiter was friendly but he wasn't very knowledgeable about the beers and could not really tell me what kind of beer some of the drafts were. I settled on a Mexican beer, Pacifico, which ended up tasting like a light lager. They bring out the complementary chips and salsa pretty quickly. The salsa was top notch, a bit on the spicy side- just how I like it. The chips complemented it well. I ordered the cheese enchiladas and asked for some jalapenos on the side to eat with them. The enchiladas looked good but I expected the sauce to taste a little bit plain based off of how they looked. But they were better than they'd looked! I probably didn't need to completely bathe them in jalapenos as I'd done, but I thoroughly enjoyed them just the same. My service was reliable and it wasn't too pricey. You pay up front by the door on your way out. Overall, great experience and food. If I lived near this place, I'd be here weekly. read more

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we have been there twice with no complaints, but this time was different. took a long time to get served. loved the table side guacamole before but this time it wasn't so good. food was pretty typical for an average Mexican restaurant, nothing to write home abou. read more

The food was great... but ROACHES!!! - One crawled across the wall right next to us, during the day, while we were eating. - We grabbed our stuff and left QUICKLY! - We told the cashier as we were walking out the door, and she only offered an 'I'm so sorry'. We paid and left. - Im not the kind of person to make a scene and ask for any kind of accommodation, but I urge El Charolais' ownership, please guys (if you read this, and care about your business) to take the necessary steps to take care of this problem! - We won't be back, unfortunately. read more

Yelp reviews did not steer me wrong on this recommendation! It is more authentic than Tex-Mex. The salsa was on point bursting with flavor and a little heat. I asked the server what he would recommend based on I like heat and open to any meat selection. He recommended the Shrimp el Diablo and oh my goodness!!! The sauce I can not do justice in explaining it, however I shall try. The sauce had a mild smokiness flavor and just when you think this isn't spicy the heat creeps up and explodes. I haven't ever had a spicy sauce quite like it. The shrimp was chargrilled and flavorful. The rice was like I'm used to eating in southern boarder Texas. Highly recommend this restaurant and will eat there again whenever I'm in Johnson City next month. This is worth the 45 minute drive! read more

Don't do it! Food is very salty.. everything is covered in queso that is not great. As someone who speaks Spanish (but would not appear like I do) I do NOT appreciate the staff talking about myself or the customers mockingly. This is happened the whole 2x I went... in the door way, on the way to our seats and on the way to the bathroom. BOTH times we went. I feel like even if you weren't fluent, you would pick up on it. Additionally we waited 40 mins for our food in a very hot and humid environment. Not a thing I would recommend, would give "0" stars if I could. Gordon Ramsay said it best, when the menu is that many pages, you know it can't be great. Simply take a few things and do it well. It's hard to f*** up a taco... but I guess I should give 4 stars for that kind of talent. Maybe a 5 for being able to do that kind of damage to a burrito too. So, to wrap it up (pun intended) I strongly recommended going to here to get made fun of in a pool of your own sweat while ordering a buckshot queso splattered burrito that is just as drenched as you are when you leave... The silver lining is, that onion pit smell now radiating from your body after spending an hour waiting for your food in a loud fiesta themed sauna -- your smell will be unnoticeable to the one you leave caked in. read more

El Charolais is our go to Mexican in JC. After Moving from Arizona, we struggled to find authentic food, but El Charolais is as close as we can get to AZ. If you haven't checked it out, head there now! read more

Some of the best Mexican food I have had! Great service, and fantastic flavor. I loved that they had some authentic and delicious heat.

I die for the camarones a la mexicana! I will say, it is 100% worth it to get the dinner portion over the lunch (it's like ~$2 extra for significantly more + both rice and beans, and it makes for great leftovers). Try it with their house-made spicy green sauce -- SO good. My partner says the al carbón, barbacoa, and chorizo tacos are excellent, and he also loves the tamales! He and some friends also split the piña loca recently and all seemed to really enjoy it (it looked delicious)! Their classic margarita on the rocks is delicious and not too sweet/syrupy like you might expect. We eat here at least once a week and will keep coming back! read more

I'm not sure what it is about Tennessee and Mexican Cuisine, but I have a difficult time finding Mexican restaurants that are authentic. Being from California, and having Hispanic relatives, I have certain expectations when it comes to the food. I have no complaints about the service or the ambience of the restaurant. The food on the other hand resembles little of authentic Mexican food. Chili Rellenos should be filled with mozzarella cheese, dipped in thick fluffy egg batter and lightly fried until just tender and the cheese melted. topped with Pico de Gallo and shredded cheese. What I was served was a mass of very thick nasty cheese sauce with some weak salsa mixed in and some very flat overcooked peppers untried, no egg batter, buried somewhere at the bottom. So much of that awful cheese sauce that I couldn't even taste the peppers. Everything on the menu listed "smothered in cheese sauce ". The only Cheese sauce you will find in a Mexican restaurant in California is as a dip for chips. One has to wonder why everything is buried in cheese sauce so that you can't taste anything else. Authentic Mexican food is made from fresh ingredients from seasoned shredded meats and cheeses to fresh chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, peppers sauces are typically made from a mixture of fresh veggies and not cheese. They enhance the flavor of the meats, not hide the flavor. I'm very confused about the heavy cheese sauce coating everything in TN Mexican restaurants. It would be nice to take visiting family and friends to an authentic Mexican restaurant, but in TN, authentic means I do all the cooking. Wish I didn't have to do that. read more

Charolais- one of a breed of large white or cream-colored beef cattle, originally of France, often used in crossbreeding. Also,Cha*ro*laisePronunciation: (shar"u-lāz'). [key]. This according to dictionary.infoplease.com What does a white colored beef cattle have to do with a Mexican restaurant? Absolutely nothing. Much like Hagen Dazs is a made up German name to invoke Swiss alps memories while tearing through a carton of rocky road ice cream, Charolais seems to be a made up name to invoke the sights and sounds of walking the streets of Oaxaca while indulging on chicken tacos and refried beans. Did the name force certain imagery into my head? No. Charolais is French, so Mexico was the last thing on my mind. With that history lesson over, let's discuss the food. Yelper Bob M comes here like 8 days a week, so at least one person seems to enjoy the food. I figured I would give it a try to. Got here at lunch time on a dreadful, rainy, English looking day (French, Mexican, German, English. Let's see what other nationalities I can insert into this review). I was gathered from a lovely señorita and escorted through the streets of an idyllic Mexican town that more resembled the mazed streets of Mykonos, Greece. We seemed to aimlessly meander through the booths and walls until we arrived at my table. Most people, I would say, have one particular food within each ethnicity which cements their thoughts on the overall restaurant. Shepherds pie in a pub, gyros in a Greek restaurant, shrimp and grits in a southern restaurant, poutine in a Canadian restaurant, etc. Okay, the last one was a stretch, but you get the idea. Chimichanga is my baseplate for Mexican. Accordingly, I ordered a chicken chimichanga. Everything on the plate tasted great, but it was thrown about so haphazardly I had a hard time distinguishing the beans from the chimi from the rice (see picture). The chimichanga was not crunchy, so it was basically a burrito. Good bit of chicken inside though. The salsa was great; nice and spicy. 4.3 stars. Soggy chimichanga and poor plate presentation factor-in to the less than perfect score. You're off the hook on this one Bob M! As they say in Italy, "Buon apetito!" read more

El Charolais - There is supposed to be a chicken chimichanga under there somewhere. - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

This place has been a favorite of ours for years. I was appalled when I walked in (masked) to pick up an order and saw customers sitting in every booth -the booths are backed up to each other. Also, customers who were waiting for their orders or had finished eating had no masks on. What's happened that state and local covid recommendations are totally ignored with the virus spreading like wildfire? This restaurant is off our list. read more

If you're a fan of Mexican food as much as I am. You can't do much better than here. The food is great, tasty, and not overdone. The ambiance is a little over the top but fits well with the service. The staff is good however, I would have given this site 5 stars except for a bit of forgetfulness. Nothing major but a little irritating when you run out of tortillas and still have food to eat. The same for refills on drinks. I believe it to be a memory problem for the wait staff since they do not write your order down. You may often have to remind them of what you need. Again this is not a major problem and once they realize they forgot they are quit to fix it. If you want a really good Mexican you can't beat this place. read more

On they way to Asheville NC from Ohio and decided to stop off for a quick lunch. This place had good Yelp reviews so why not. Well, I was definitely disappointed. Got the lunch (mix) fajitas, it came out cold and was super bland. Salsa was terrible and the margarita was just sour mix. The restaurant itself was pretty big and seemed to be clean. Service was alright. Unsure if I just stopped at the wrong time but I don't think I'll be returning anytime soon... read more

Very good as usual. The 27 oz margarita was out of this world. The food was hot and delicious. The desert was fantastic. Our waitress took real good care of us. Very cheap price for the quality and quantity of food you get. Always a pleasure to come here. Monday and Wednesday are happy hour and a real deal for margaritas. read more

El Charolais - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

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Food quality is fairly good. Has gone down a little but that's understandable due to the circumstances. Unfortunately there is one big issue and that is compliance to mask mandate. One of the bartenders and a person filling the ice containers were not wearing masks . A clear violation of county mandate not to mention CDC guidelines. That's a big risk to diners as well as staff. If some staff member were to test positive the restaurant might be forced to close. My advice is to steer clear. read more

Queso was great but the chicken in the tacos were over cooked and dry. Perhaps if cut differently or use of chicken thighs it would be tastier and moist. read more

One of the top Mexican Restaurants prob in a 100 mi radius. Tasty and fresh. sauces for enchiladas and tamales were authentic. The carne asada tacos were delicious and quite filling as I couldn't eat more than one. Ambience is fun and they even have outdoor seating area away from the parking lot. Salsa was good too. read more

El Charolais - Tamales and Enchiladas verdes- perfectly done! - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

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Ok, there just wasn't any good Mexican food in Tri Cities until El Charolais (nee El Torito) opened. The staff are very friendly, and the food is excellent. My favorite dish is "Jaliciense" which is grilled chicken mixed with chorizo sausage and white cheese sauce. Full bar, huge menu, lunch specials, and they'll make it as spicy or mild as you like. It's casual, right next to the university, and the prices are really reasonable. They've expanded twice now, and the patio is really nice on summer evenings. If the Jaliciense is too spice for you, you might also really like the Torta (sammich) Carnitas (pork roast). read more

El Charolais - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

There really is no better place to order from a full menu Mexican restaurant in Johnson City. The staff from the owner, servers to the bartenders are all there to make sure you have a really enjoyable meal and a great atmosphere. All meals come with free chips and salsa. The salsa is made fresh everyday and is the perfect start to any meal at El Chaolais. The location on State of Franklin near ETSU is my favorite. They have grown over time and never skipped a beat with the quality of food and service. Prices are to be praised. The whole menu is very reasonable price wise considering that it is all made fresh to order. The variety is all you could ask for - from traditional to pork to seafood dishes. On the back of the menu is an order by the numbers which has a very wide variety of choices. The speciality burritos are really something special and should be considered if you are leaning that way. The full bar has anything you could imagine but the speciality margaritas are really delicious and go perfectly with anything you are ordering. Lunchtime specials everyday for under $5 you should ask about if you are there. They change daily and are worth considering. Also if you have a lighter appetite the ceviche tostada is really excellent and fresh made. This place is truly one you will enjoy over and over again. Very family friendly as well. read more

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As much as I love Mexican food, I always make the mistake of overeating and it was no exception here. I just can't pass up table side guacamole. I think theirs may be the best I've ever tried. Everything tasted so fresh and they used a heavy hand on the cilantro. As for my meal, I ordered shrimp diabla. I've had this dish plenty of times before and theirs was quite unique. Usually the dish is just spicy, but it tasted like they used chipotle peppers so I had a great smokey flavor. I probably won't return often just because it takes me about 3 days to recover from the amount I eat, but I did love it when I was there. read more

El Charolais - Table side guacamole - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Great Mexican food. Great price for portions received. I have been going for years and cannot ever remember a disappointment.

Nope..nothing convinced me to visit agian . I am hard core authentic Mexican and Texas mex..this is not.! Two stars is being generous . I could ramble on but well leave it there read more

Being a local and visits quite often the food has been going down and comes out cold. Waitresses and managers are rude. Will not be visiting this place again. I'm sure other locations in the JC area will love to have our business. read more

I'd rather drink a bottle of magnesium citrate than eat here again. The food was good but now it's going on hour 30 of being stuck in the bathroom due to their food read more

Always delicious. Been eating here for years and it just keeps getting better. Nice patio for outdoor dining. Try the chicken sopa or the fajita mixed grill nachos. read more

This is a favorite of ours! Service at tables usually very good. Oscar and Jorge our favs! Bar service needs a little more.... Food delicious! We have tried many things on the menu...a few favs from tonight....very good !! read more

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Best Mexican restaurant in Johnson City! The tacos are the best and I love their green jalapeño sauce. Salsa is always fresh, service is top notch and the prices are great. Don't forget the super yummy margaritas!! read more

I don't know what happened on this visit I order the same as normal. I have caught food poison and never had it all. I was so happy to be able to order this day .I want to say i have never been so sick in my life. I ate the Chile rellonos. I can not even think of the word or look at salsa anything. Again . I am still suffering . Service was good . But the food no . They were my favorites . Never effect me before. read more

Best place around for Authentic Mexican food. Friendly, colorful and clean, great service by our server Tony. We are never disappointed. We ordered the combo for two. Tons of food and a great value. read more

When my friends want Mexican, this is one of our go to spots. Clean, friendly staff, easy on the wallet prices, and great food!

Food was good. Temperature of food was good and it looked fresh. The reason for only two stars is the cleanliness of the place. The booth looked awful and you could see crumbs in the seams and crevices , of the part you sit on. Right before leaving we witnessed a roach crawl up beside us on the wall near where they napkins were. This was during broad day light. Thank god I always have a bag zipped and didn't take any critters home with me. I understand that restaurants are more prone to get pests, but it is no excuse, that is what you pay exterminators for. Will not be back personally. We did tell someone and they apologized. read more

Always a win for that SALSA craving you get sometimes that needs good crispy CHIPS and a beautiful table side GUACAMOLE to go with it. I always leave this place with leftovers and a full tum tum! Need I say more? The CARNITAS TACOS are perfect with onion, fresh cilantro, and lime! If you're a"foodie", ya gotta try it! They have awesome VEGAN items too! read more

El Charolais - Carnitas, table side guacamole & vegan bean burritos & rice - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

Moving here from CA was easy, not finding good Mexican was horrific...until I found El Charolais. Very good selection, great staff, awesome prices, good food. It's not as good as it gets, but i'm definitely a fan! Excellent customer service, very good prices, stocked bar! read more

One of my 'go to' Mexican restaurants in town. Service is always solid even though it's usually busy. The selection of food is a good mix of traditional Mexican dishes and Mexican inspired American dishes. The tacos are really great and affordable. Some of the dinner meals are a little pricey but it's a lot of food. This restaurant is worth going to read more

El Charolais - Carne Asada Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Tennessee

El Charolais has excellent food! The flavors are great, and the kitchen lays out the perfect spiciness when the menu says it's spicy and perfect non (or limited) spiciness when the menu does not specify. The _huge_ menu is full of expected standards and many more items I don't often see, and there are loads of combinations available. (Starting at the combination page on the back of the menu may be a time-saver, with all the amazing things to look through.) The drinks menu includes GIANT beers. Across the board, the prices that I registered seemed to be excellent -- $7-12 for most entrees. El Charolais is a good sized place with three dining rooms in various levels of brightness: a bright one done up mostly in yellows with mainly smaller tables, a dimmer one done up mostly I reds with mainly larger tables, and a darker bar area. The staff is friendly, efficient, and patient. I would definitely return! read more

Located next to a Kroger, I had low expectations for this Mexican joint, but boy was I impressed. A self declared Tex-Mex connoisseur, I found the enchiladas delicious and well priced. I enjoyed the salsa thoroughly and had great service. I will be sure to come again if I go through Tennessee. read more

To eat here was a blessing. - Very friendly service - Wide array of options (nice authentic dishes. Not just listing of different dinner combinations) - Atmosphere was exciting and energetic (pleasant Latin American music playing in background) - Food was good quality Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Really good Mexican food and I enjoyed the atmosphere. When we go to Johnson City we make a stop at El Charolais