El Charro is celebrating their 50th year, this year. AndI've probably been eating there, most if not all, of those 50 years. Growing up, we always celebrated birthdays at El Charro. And the food tastes just as good, and the same, as it did back in the 70's. For most of my life, I always ordered the chile relleno lunch special or small dinner, but this past year, I've moved on to the cheese enchilada lunch special. Equally as tasty. And my mom today had the melt in your mouth goodness of the Tacos Nacionales lunch special. If you know you know, and if you don't you should absolutely try it. Service is always super friendly, and the restaurant is warm and inviting. read more

El Charro Avitia - Cheese Enchilada lunch special - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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This place may be a hit or miss depending on what you get. But, i do remember having the Baja shrimp platter and loved it. Shrimp is battered in a tequila batter. Nice and crispy, served with rice and beans. A satisfying dish. My husband got the fajitas with steak. Their portions are huge and the amount of meat they gave him was definitely a value with what they charged. I also, had the best horchata there. Not too sweet and perfectly balanced with just enough cinnamon. The best item I had there. The 2 items not worth getting is the shrimp tostada. Literally a boring ice berg lettuce salad with cold shrimp filled in a tortilla bowl. And their choco-flan. The cake part was dry and hardly tasted chocolate. However, the flan layer was pretty good. Maybe just order the flan. This is an old place that could definitely use a renovation. The place over all is just dirty. Everything needs an upgrade. read more

It's unfortunate that living in Sparks, this Mexican restaurant in Carson City has become my favorite. The decor is cozy, the food is amazing and they put their own twist on some recipes making them even better. Servers are great and as good as any I remember from years ago when service mattered. Love this place. Well worth the drive! read more

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Decided to giv e it 1 last try. Thats what it is, our last visit. The food was ehh. Not overwhelming like it used to be. Just ehh. Well the only thing yummy was the huge stuffed jalopeno, but they are like 5.25 each. The waitress that caused us to not go back for over a year is still there. I would have requested someone else if she would have been ours. It just was not as good as it used to be. Recipe changes?? Not sure. Still a very nice place inside. Just not our go to anymore. The cheese enchilada was not very good. The piccadillo ground sirlion was very dry with little flavor. So long El Charro Avitia. It was nice knowing you read more

El Charro Avitia - Chili relleno sauce on the side, ehh cheese enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

We came here to support a friend with his campaign. When we walked in we were greeted by their hostess who was very nice and helped us back to our seat. We enjoyed some chips and salsa to start which was great. The Chicken Wings were fresh and so were the taquitos and Refried Beans. All of the staff were very kind and everyone all over the restaurant seemed to be enjoying themselves. It wasn't too loud or crowded which was nice and the building is pretty big on the inside. We look forward to going back and trying more authentic food read more

El Charro Avitia - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

The margaritas are good. I like the daily unique flavors and those are a 4.5/5. Chips are good. Salsa is okay. I have had good service at the restaurant as well. The lo carb Baja Crab enchilada's were just not a hit with me. It comes with a salad first that was really heavy on the dressing so definitely ask for it on the side or light. The white sauce in the enchiladas left a lot to be desired. I guess I should have known it would be imitation crab so there just was not the flavor there. In the past, I have had their Baja shrimp speciality and remember that being good so I will definitely give it another go. read more

El Charro Avitia - Low carb shrimp and Lo Crab Baja Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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We had a lovely lunch at this very old place in Carson. We ordered the beef tacos (shredded beef w cilantro) and the chicken fajita. Both were very good. And the yummy frozen margaritas really helped wash everything down. Chips nice and fresh and the two salsas were tasty without being overpowering. We'd definitely dine here again when in Carson City read more

The salsa tastes like bottled salsa from the grocery store. The albóndiga soup tasted like albóndigas from Costco in a broth again store bought. The taco had dried chicken not to mention the shell looked a store bought. The margaritas were good. read more

The food is delicious! We enjoy the Bar menu. We've had Enchiladas, Calamari, tacos & Big burrito with pork. However we've tried both beef & chicken. The service is always excellent and friendly. We just plain love the restaurant. Ambiance in the restaurant is cozy, however we spent most of the time in the Bar. Happy hour is 2 to 6 everyday with help yourself chips and salsa, Bar menu and discounts on well drinks. They make great Margaritas with generous pours. read more

El Charro Avitia has been around for ever since I can remember, I haven't been here for years. I live in Reno/Sparks and don't get into Carson City often. My friend and I felt like Mexican food after referring to Yelp, I chose them. I have to say right off the bat that I wish we had gone elsewhere. First of all the restaurant has a charm that hasn't changed in a million years. I love the large Mexican scenes hanging on the walls and the fireplace. The staff seemed friendly and our waitress was accommodating. We began with Margaritas and oh boy, they were difficult to get around the sourness of these. We swore they came from a machine, but I asked and an employee and she said they were handmade. We voted them the worst we ever had in our 60 some years on this planet. Whew ! My friend ordered the Chilie Ogada , she was excited about it originally, but the more she got into it her excitement disappeared.The dish is one Anaheim chile , stuffed with seasoned ground sirloin, almonds and pork.It's topped with a special white sauce and pomegranate seeds. Very appealing looking, but as she got into it she remarked that the Chile seemed raw. I tasted it and we both agreed. I liked the flavor of this dish though, she not as much. For myself I ordered a combination of 1 pork tamale and 1 Chile relleno , both of dishes came with the usual refried beans and rice, I loved the beans! But now we're coming to the tamale and Chile Relleno . The Chili Relleno was quite good and my friend wishes she had ordered it instead, but, but ,but ; the Tamale was filled with gigantic chunks of pork, well I not complaining about the generous amount but the pork was cut so large it didn't make it pleasant to eat, and it was a bit salty too. Oh, I completely forgot about the delicious soup that came with the meal.. My friend ordered the Cheesy potato soup and I the albondigas soup, both were terrific. So despite everything as a whole I would say we were disappointed and I expected it to be a stellar meal considering it's been around for so long. Very sorry we ate here. read more

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Nice Mexican restaurant. We went there for our first time and the food and drinks were good. Great atmosphere and excellent service. We'll go again. read more

I love this place. The atmosphere is great, the seating is fairly private. You are not in one huge loud room. The service has always been wonderful. If you go you should ask what the specialty margaritas are. They are always amazing. I have been multiple times and tried multiple dishes and have yet to have anything I didn't enjoy. If I had to find something to complain about it would be the parking lot. Always full and very rough. read more

Been going here 20 plus years. Great service, atmosphere and GREAT FOOD! Very courteous servers! Like going to Mexico and not leaving to go there! read more

We had another wonderful experience at El Charro Avitia! My husband and I were visiting from California, and this restaurant has become one of our annual stops when we're in town. Maria, our waitress, was absolutely exceptional. Her service was warm, attentive, and welcoming, making us feel right at home from the moment we sat down. She truly went above and beyond to make sure everything was perfect. The food portions are tremendous -- definitely big enough to share -- and everything was delicious. The guacamole was especially amazing and a must-try! We always look forward to coming back each year, and Maria's outstanding service made this visit even more memorable. Highly recommend for great food, generous portions, and incredible hospitality! read more

Excellent service and delicious food especially for seniors. Small portion menu items were right on. Seated quickly in private booth which was perfect for an old guy that doesn't hear as well anymore. read more

El Charro Avitia - Small portion chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

El Charro Avitia delivers delicious, authentic Mexican food with warm, welcoming service. The plates come out hot, well-seasoned, and clearly made with care. It has that true family-restaurant feel--comfortable, consistent, and genuinely satisfying every visit. read more

Went in on Saturday evening, I usually don't leave reviews but my service was exceptionally good. I ordered the side of guac and usually they forget about my guac but it got brought out right away by Lali. She was very attentive and made sure to keep out drinks refilled even though it was a busy night. She made us feel welcomed and we will be going again. Thank You Lali hope to see you soon! read more

Fast service and Great food! the Staff are so friendly and accommodating and prices very good with senior discount offered

At$11 a great buy! So soft it melts in your mouth! Great service snd Tony's paintings are real art! Very friendly place! Maria is great waitress! read more

We finally got a chance to eat at El Charro Avitia, we were taken care by Christian, friendly and great recommendations on the food and drinks. Everything was on point, delicious!! The music was soft and relaxing, great ambiance. We will go by again to have some more great food and excellent customer service by Christian. See you all soon!!! read more

Server was friendly and fun Food was really good- had the seafood enchilada and the jalapeño margaritas was the bomb! read more

Food: Right on point all the way down to their salsa. The fajitas are to die for and you will have leftovers for lunch the next day. There isn't a better Mexican food place anywhere in the area. Service: The staff does a great job. They always remember who I am. Ambiance: Great fir a Mexican restaurant. Deals: if you buy a gift card for $100, they will give you an additional $25 to your card. That's a deal. Just remember when using the gift card, you have to use cash for a gratuity. There is not another Mexican restaurant anywhere around that I will go to. I've tried them on, and the only one worth going back to is El Charro Avita. read more

As others have echoed, margs are great, food not so much. Service was slightly spotty and my margarita first came out ridiculously strong and unbalanced. I'm all for a strong drink but it shouldn't taste like rubbing alcohol either, it defeats the entire purpose of a margarita instead of a straight tequila shot. My enchilada came out cold with the cheese unmelted so I I just pushed it to the side and ate the taco my entree came with. The refried beans are top notch and I took them home for a nice midnight snack. Despite all of this I still want to come back? Make that make sense. read more

El Charro Avitia - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

Jen is the best! we celebrated a birthday party here and it was just wonderful service and great food and drinks! thank you!!

We have gone here a few times and this is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. They always have a Special and we have always been happy with our choice. Last time was the quesadilla taco which we chose carnitas. Delicious and d leftovers too. read more

I've been going to this restaurant since the 80's. You can always count on consistent service and food. If there's ever an issue, they're quick to resolve it and make it right. It's one of the last family owned and run restaurant in Carson City. Support local restaurants and try their fajitas.. read more

The Best Mexican food restaurant in Carson City. Their food is authentic and delicious. The service is great too. Never disappoints!

While the Ambiance seems authentic and cozy, the food and service was not my favorite. Issues: 1) Mom ordered a shredded chicken taco- bland chicken, no seasonings added. 2) Chicken Chicharrons were super tough to chew. 3) Cheese enchilada had a strange texture. 4) Salsa had terrible flavor. 5) Server forgot to bring a side of sauce requested. Our server seemed to take a 30-minute break during our lunch, food took forever to get to us (and was mediocre once received), and she didn't check in for more than 30 minutes since ordering. Honestly there's no excuse for poor food and service like this. With so much competition, unfortunately this will be the last time I visit. read more

Great food, had an amazing time because of the amazing service from Christian. Would highly recommend! Five stars!!

5-Star Review for El Charro Mexican Restaurant What a wonderful experience--food and humanity. I was dining at El Charro and went to use the restroom when I noticed the most adorable horse handbag hanging on the hook. As a lifelong horse lover, it stopped me in my tracks. I asked a couple of staff members whose bag it was, and one of the waiters said it belonged to him. I complimented it immediately and asked where he got it--he said TikTok, which I don't use, but I couldn't stop thinking about that little horse bag. Later, while we were sitting at the bar enjoying our meal, I gathered the courage to ask him if he'd consider selling it to me. Without hesitation, he said yes. What happened next was pure kindness: he emptied the bag, found a grocery bag to put his things in, and graciously sold it to me on the spot--all with a smile. That gesture meant more to me than he probably knows. It wasn't just about the bag--it was about generosity, warmth, and the kind of human connection that makes a place memorable. Great food, great atmosphere, and truly exceptional people. El Charro isn't just a restaurant--it's a place where kindness lives. I will absolutely be back. With my sincere Gratitude, Sandra read more

It was meeh!! I liked the complimentary chips and salsa and after that our entree dishes were just ok. My shrimp cocktail was mediocre to say the least I had much better ones. To me nothing tasted fresh or original. Probably a good place for cocktails and chips, but I wouldn't recommend if you are craving Mexican food. Also, our waiter lady was short tempered not cool, I asked her a question about size vs cost and she responded very rude. read more

Just had another spectacular dinner here. This place is family run and just delicious old school Mexican. Service is always SO friendly, fast and capable. Last night mom and I ducked in before game four of the World Series. We figured if we could get in and out in 45 minutes we'd make it home in time to watch the whole ballgame. Sure enough, seated immediately, order taken, drinks arrived and then our supper. Mom got a chili relleno and I got a street taco filled with pork carnitas. Both were huge and outstanding. Mom said her margarita was delicious. Their salsa is SO good and fresh. If you live in or near Carson City and don't eat here, you are really missing the best Mexican food in town. Love this joint!!! read more

i had the Huevos Rancheros and the were great!!... the Ortega chilis on my poached medium eggs!! The plate was $15.50 + tax snd came with good chips and salsas. The people are nice & friendly in the restaurant and the atmosphere pleasant. The service is great from the time you enter...going to your seat...being served great tasting food by a friendly waitress or waiter...to a "Thank you for coming in"...when it's time to go. I like the traditional upscale old style Mexican music they play there too...makes your experience in the place more authentic. Save your hard earned by skipping a visit to any local overpriced / unfriendly Spanish Café that might make omelettes. read more

El Charro Avitia - The Huevos Rancheros...mine with poached medium eggs...a container of flour tortillas, good thick chips, salsas, and water, etc. - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

The service is friendly and the ambiance is fun. We had the Chicken Fajitas, Beef Enchiladas and a Flan. The Fajitas were ok. Something seemed off with the vegetables but the chicken was good. In the past I tried the Chicken Fajitas Burrito. It was a good 2 hand burrito. I love a good Flan, and El Charro Avitia does a Pumkin Flan for the month of October! I really enjoyed it and recommend giving it a try while they have it. It tastes like a flan/pumpkin cheesecake cross over! read more

Our party sampled 4 different burrito styles and found them all to be really lacking in flavor and overly loaded with under-seasoned meats. Pleasant service and nice Mexican decorations. Tip: request the extra hot salsa to eat with chips. This was the best tasting thing we had. read more

WELL... My sister always takes me here for the margaritas! That's a great reason to go. Friendly, pleasant busy atmosphere so go ahead and give it a try! Happy hour food is simple and better than most of the menue items. I don't recommend the chili relleno or the Enchiladas. Guess some things must be good as plenty of people are eating there. The three and half stars sounds about right but don't look for any really excellent food. Hot sauce and chips maybe the best part of the meal. If you sit in the bar you can get more chips yourself. read more

El Charro Avitia - Wedding party - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

Decided to stop for lunch after an oil change. Very glad I did!! The chips were warm... the salsa was good! The chimichanga was flavorful to me but I can see how others might think it was on the bland side. The margarita was strong!! Everyone working was very nice and smiled at me even if they weren't helping me. I'll definitely be back! read more

El Charro Avitia - Lunch mini Chimichanga - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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The best pozole I've ever had. Christian was our waiter and he was absolutely fantastic! Thank you!

I only realized I have been frequenting El Charro Avitia here in Carson City and have failed to review them, guess it just feels like home, and who reviews their home? We always sit in the bar, something about the restaurant just does not make the experience for me. I'm not particularly a drinker, but my partner likes a good margarita now and then. They make them strong! The bar area has booths and high seating at long tables. Plenty room even on a Friday. Tuesday is Taco Tuesday, they have chicken and beef or pork tacos as pictured for only $1 each. And Happy Hour 2-6 or7 (I think) drinks and some snacks are specially priced. Grab yourself a basket of chips, some salsa, ask for bean dip if you like. The crowd in here is fun loving. TV screens on sports but not always, music played is good too. Honestly, except for the once in awhile that Squeeze Inn makes it, El Charro's Albondigas Soup is THE BEST! I have managed to make my own twice and it was pretty good, so I must keep going to break the code of the ingredients they use! And come in with an eye for what you'd like to hang on your walls! Tony Avitia is a painter, multi-media. Bold, bright and fun, many will remind you of his 4 daughters. You will see him chatting happily with those who sit at the bar. I'll get a pick of the meatball soup next time, we usually plough right thru it THEN remember! read more

El Charro Avitia - Beef $1 tacos, I asked for no hot sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Carson City, Nevada

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Best Mexican food and best service in Carson City. We drive from Reno to eat here. The flan is incredible!