One word...Delicious. Ok maybe a few more words... service was great. Waitress remembered my order and the salad was delicious read more

El Charro Cafe - Carlotta's guacamole tostada. - Mexican Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

Very good food, they were out of three of the items I wanted. Also the Nachos were very heavy in the cheese and lacked toppings. Otherwise, it's a great place, friendly people, and the food really is delicious. read more

This is not just another airport restaurant. I arrived early for my flight with enough time for lunch, and fecided to sit and eat instead of grabbing a togo meal. I'm so glad I did. I had one chicken and one corn tamale; both were excellent. The tomatillo sauce added just the right amount of piquant. The service was great, the server even went next door to get me a cup of coffee. read more

Terrible RUDE service...Basically NO service at all!!! They walked past me nimerous times without even acknowledging my presence then flippantly told ke if I need to order tahe I am going have to wait. They appear to make money selling alcohol and not food. read more

Oh my. Where do I start? Surly waitress, all the way to salty soup! Of course, there was the $19 glass of Cabernet. The only thing worth having here, was the unsweetened iced tea. read more

Best tamales ever!!! I love flying in and out of the Tucson airport because I can get tamales at El Charro.

We have tried to eat here twice on different trips through Tucson. But the service is so slow we ended up leaving. I don't understand how a restaurant in an airport can get away with slow service when everyone there is on a limited time. I recommend BUILT burger next door. Really good! read more

I drove 40 miles looking for good Mexican food and I was totally disappointed. The food was cold (I think it was prepared ahead of time, then microwaved because the plate was cold to the touch when it arrived at the table). The shredded beef was dry, slightly warm and tasted nasty. The El Charro Carne Seca Enchiladas were $17.95 and a draft beer was $6.00. I have had better at truck stops and greasy spoons. They had no public restrooms because I needed one. I now wished I had continued up Broadway to Pollo Feliz which I really enjoy. read more

I can definitely see why this place is a Tucson staple that's been around for nearly 100 years. I was in town from Texas, so I know my way around different types of Mexican food (not just Tex Mex), and this place delivered. The atmosphere was nice. Vibrant colors, and a nice covered outdoor area that was awesome this time of year. The food was excellent. I got the enchiladas banderas. They were flavorful and delicious. The regrows beans and rice were really good, and there was some kind of squash/zucchini chowder side that was tasty. The price was also right in line with what you'd expect. I didn't give it 5 stars, because the service left a little to be desired. The wait staff was nice, and pretty quick, but not super attentive. I'll dive in a bit to tell you what I mean. First, they set a bowl of chips on top of a candle holder, and then set a bowl of salsa on top of my plate. Not the biggest deal in the world, but it was just kinda strange. Then most of us got the wrong kind of beans (I wanted charro but got refried, others got charro but wanted refried). The shocker for me was after everybody ordered, I decided I wanted charro beans, so I told him? And he started to write it on his pad, and then just didn't write anything down. But now for the real kicker. A nice young man came over to refill my water, and he hit me with a question that has probably never been asked in relation to refilling a water glass in all of human history...."you want me to fill it up, or just halfway?". Say huh? You think I want half a glass of water for some reason? I'm still very perplexed, and I can't wait to go back to see if t happens again. I found it to be kind of entertaining. I think they were just really busy, and that this young man was conducting a radical social experiment that I can't fathom, and that might change the way we think about beverage refills for the rest of time. All in all though, it was great. Everything that we orders looked really tasty, and everything I ate was awesome. read more

Great food! Best of all was Sammy, our server! He was attentive and hustled his $;& off. If you go , ask for his table.

Very good quality of beef for stakes, service is outstanding. It's pricey but worth the quality- great place to take a date or your spouse for a date night. read more

We had the best experience at El Charro with our server Peter! We came on a very busy night with a long wait. Although he must have had a lot on his plate, Peter recommended wonderful dishes and had such a positive presence! All of the staff was so kind and thoughtful, including another waiter Sam, (we wanted to shout him out too!). Coming from Texas, we pride ourselves on being connoisseurs of good Mexican food: El Charro did not disappoint! The food and margaritas were so delicious and unique. Nothing but good vibes at El Charro! read more

El Charro at Tucson Airport is pure garbage, through and through. Like most Airport food stops, they sell the cheapest garbage and charge the highest prices. This is an example of why this country is in deep trouble. Allowing this kind of theft and justifying it as "just business" is pure BS. You have been warned. It's awful! read more

Delicious food! And great airport food! When I saw that this restaurant had great reviews and we didn't get a chance to get a bite to eat before coming to the airport, we knew this was our spot. I had their "V" burrito (vegan burrito) and my mom got a breakfast burrito. Super good! Love the avocado inside, and the salsas that come with. The burritos came out delicious and yummy and hot! Definitely wouldn't hesitate to pay this place another visit! read more

Disappointed. As a frequent traveler (American exec. Platinum), I usually try to get to the airport early enough to grab lunch at El Charro. Love the restaurant downtown, and the food here is usually pretty good. Today, all my time got burned up waiting for someone to acknowledge me - never happened (table in the center). After 20 minutes of being completely ignored, I finally had to leave. Was never even asked if I wanted a drink. I guess I'll eat and have a few beers at PHX. read more

Great food and pleasant atmosphere, the music was a little loud but we were able to have a conversation. The cheese on the nachos was unique and delicious. The soft taco was also very good. read more

Had about 45 min before boarding and the staff was terrific about grabbing our drink order and then food order and it came out very quickly. It was hot and delicious. The staff was very friendly and I would definitely eat here again on my next trip through Tucson! read more

The food was phenomenal and the service was even better. A must do before getting on that long flight.

Service was good. The food was awful. What I imagine prison food is like. The carnitas burrito was tough and flavorless. The beans appeared to be something akin to yellow baby food but tasted like nothing. I was super hungry and regretted eating that stuff. Avoid. read more

Great authentic restaurant. Lots of history here too. Everything was very tasty. Had carne seca, sangria, sopapillas, and churros. Yummy!!!

This review is for the TUS airport location. There is no doubt that COVID has undermined many restaurants, but the sad fall of this one is heightened by way out-of-line pricing. We ate there yesterday. $16 for two small enchiladas that badly needed salsa (not provided), dry beans and even dryer, and obviously hours-old, rice. Poor food is one thing, but then a bill of $40 for 2 for lunch just clarified that I won't be back to a restaurant I saw as a mainstay of my frequent travel to Tucson. read more

This is for the airport location. I don't know where to begin. The fact is, this Tucson landmark restaurant has lost its way. The food is sub par, the service is non existent. Every time I've flown out of Tucson and tried this place I've wished I went anywhere but here. Tonight, the place doesn't have tortilla chips! Lol what Mexican restaurant on the planet runs out of tortilla chips - especially one which has sister restaurants less than 20 min away. The staff simply don't give a damn. Go to the bagel shop next door if it's open. You'll be much more satisfied. read more

Great experience! Yes experience! Enjoyed the food and then the owner graciously shared the history of his family owned restaurant and the history of the building. Thank you for making our dining experience extra special. read more

So my wife and I had lunch at El Charro this week, after having really enjoyed our first visit earlier this winter. At that time we both had a glass of wine with our food which was very good. This time we both ordered house margaritas with our food. BIG MISTAKE. These things come out of a machine and are barely more than flavored water. You can probably get a proper margarita if you pay for one of their higher priced offerings, but please do not order the house version. We were both shocked that such an institution like this would even offer such a drink that was obviously awful. It ruined our meal, and in the future we will either stick with wine or try a more expensive margarita. But we will never get another house drink at this establishment and neither should you. read more

Thank you for a wonderful dining experience today. The burrito Chile Colorado was so full of meat and savored so well! We had to split it because it was so big! We also enjoyed the chips and salsa! Every dish we saw looked delicious. The atmosphere is so inviting; the staff welcomed our inquiries about the history of the restaurant. It was very interesting! I can't wait to go back with all the friends that visit us! Thank you Staff! read more

We love this place. We visit Tucson every 1-2 years and this is a must visit restaurant. We also get the pitcher of Sangria and it doesn't matter what you order, it's all GREAT. You do need to have the bacon wrapped prawns, WOW, they are the best appetizer we've had. read more

The 5 star rating is for Keisha - the ONLY server in the entire place. It seems El Charro has been impacted by the lack of employees, as many other businesses have been. I overheard Keisha tell a customer she had been working 5 days straight and was the only server. This isn't just a bar in TUS, but also a restaurant. As a physician, I know first hand the impact COVID has had on staffing. Not complaining, Keisha hustled the entire time I was there. She clearly has an amazing work ethic. Thankfully, customers were patient and didn't get upset. She makes a mean mango margarita (on ice) and I was happy the chips were warm in my chips & salsa order. While I would recommend stopping by if you are waiting to takeoff in TUS, I am hesitant to put any more on Keisha's plate. I can only hope her employer realizes what a gem he/she has and reward her accordingly. In case he/she doesn't, please tip generously in cash, if you have the pleasure of being served by her. read more

This place has amazing food..... meet up with family for dinners and happy hour. The staff is very friendly and professional. You'll never regret eating here! read more

This place has good food but the service is god awful. I waited in there for 45 minutes until someone even said a word to me. Didn't even give me something for free either. read more

I ate at El Charro two nights in a row while in Arizona. The first time my food was delivered from GrubHub. I had the vegan burrito with rice and beans. It was full of favor and the burrito had an abundance of vegetables. The rice and beans were fluffy and the guacamole was excellent. The next night I went to the restaurant with a large group about 1.5 hours from closing. The restaurant was booming and appeared to be kid friendly. We sat in a partial close off space in the back due to the large amount of people in our party. I ordered the vegetarian fajitas and a sangria. The fajitas were pipping hot and the flour tortillas were fresh. My only complaint is they only brought out two flour tortillas for the mass amount of vegetables that were given. My server gladly added additional tortilla in my to-go box. The menu featured several vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options. My colleagues enjoyed the steak and chicken options as much as I enjoyed my meal. I would definitely recommend this place is you are ever in Tucson. read more

I got the chicken enchilada and tamales combo and ordered and a side of green sauce. Both the enchilada and tamales were pretty good. The beans and rice had a nice flavor too. The waiter was attentive and the prices are reasonable for an airport restaurant. Would recommend ! read more

Stopped here for lunch during a very busy time. The food was a taste delight, but our server, Annette, was an even greater delight. She attended to our every need with calm and efficiency that belied the challenges of a hungry airport clientele. Annette and El Charro's cuisine deserved our shout-out. Thank You! read more

stopped in for lunch while in town for a conference. great service and everyone was very happy with their dishes. cool to learn that they are the home of the 1st chimichanga. read more

Don't bother especially if you have been to others in town. Food was cold and uninspired.

Stuck here on a layover and not a huge Mexican food fan (tired of routine cookie-cutterMexican food actually). I was told this place was different and it was HOLY FRIJOLE this was the best Mexican food I have had in a long time. I had the carnitas chimichanga with the green sauce and ate the whole thing...very, VERY good! read more

Terrible service employees walked by me multiple times without saying a word. Took 45 minutes for them to come give me service