For better restaurant suggestions, allow location access to see nearby places first.
Mexican restaurant in Tucson, Arizona
What should I order at El Charro Café Downtown?
What to order
-
🥇
Chimichanga
One of the most frequently praised items; reviewers called it the birthplace specialty of the restaurant and described it as crispy, flavorful, authentic, and excellent with brisket.
-
🥈
Chips and Salsa
Repeatedly mentioned as a strong start to the meal, with hand-made, thick, flavorful salsa and chips that were fresh and not greasy.
-
🥉
Carne Seca
Several reviews highlighted the restaurant’s signature sun-dried beef, praising its unique history and very flavorful preparation.
-
4
Enchiladas Del Rancho
Highly recommended for its tender carnitas, smoky flavor, and amazing cheese or cream sauce; reviewers said it was one of the best enchilada dishes they had.
-
5
Tamale Platter
The fresh corn tamale platter was singled out as a standout dish, described as absolutely delicious and the clear star of the meal.
-
6
Carnitas Tacos
The carnitas taco was especially praised as delicious and scrumptious, with the pork standing out among the tacos ordered.
-
7
Churros
Mentioned as an excellent dessert that was satisfying and a great finish to the meal.
-
8
Tres Leches Cake
Recommended as a tasty dessert with a caramel drizzle that added a nice twist.
-
9
Chicken Mole Enchiladas
Called wonderful by a reviewer who enjoyed the rich flavor and authentic preparation.
-
10
Tamale Stuffed Chicken With Roasted Vegetables
Praised as one of the yummiest dishes a reviewer had ever enjoyed, making it a standout choice.
Details
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
About El Charro Café Downtown
Long-standing Mexican cafe with a colorful vibe offering a menu of Sonoran-style fare.
Amenities
From the business
- Identifies as women-owned
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- College students
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked
What is El Charro Café Downtown known for?
It is best known for carne seca, the sun-dried beef that reviewers repeatedly call out as a signature local specialty. People also mention the historic setting and traditional Sonoran-style menu as major reasons to visit.
What dishes are most recommended at El Charro Café Downtown?
Reviewers most often recommend the carne seca, chimichangas, table-side guacamole, cheese crisps, and enchiladas, especially the Enchiladas Del Rancho and quesabirria enchiladas. Chips and salsa also get strong praise for being thick, flavorful, and made in-house.
Is El Charro Café Downtown good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is $20 to $30, and many reviewers feel the portions and quality justify it, especially for dishes like chimichangas, enchiladas, and the specialty meats. Some guests mention paid parking as an extra cost, but the meal itself is often described as worth the price.
When should you visit El Charro Café Downtown?
Dinner reservations are recommended because the restaurant is often busy and there is usually a wait. Reviewers also mention happy hour drinks and food, plus specials like Half Price Wine Bottle Wednesday, as good times to go.
Is parking available at El Charro Café Downtown?
Yes. Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does El Charro Café Downtown have vegetarian options?
Yes, El Charro Café Downtown offers vegan options.
Is El Charro Café Downtown kid-friendly?
Yes, El Charro Café Downtown is good for kids.
