El Charro Restaurant Review

If the authentic Mexican grocery and the Spanish speaking soccer announcer on the little TV isn’t enough to convince you that El Charro is one of the best and most authentic Mexican restaurants in own, just try the food.

Located on Green Street, on the west side of campus, El Charro is proof that great things can come in small packages. The restaurant only has one small parking lot in the back, and only a few tables inside. On a busy day the line for food sometimes goes out into the street, but it’s worth the wait. A young man wearing a black beret is usually behind the counter when I stop by for lunch, and gives off an instant vibe of friendliness, making the customer feel comfortable. “Hello, my friend” he says to most, and it’s not unusual to get engaged in a short conversation.

Being in El Charro is a comfortable experience overall. You can see and hear your food being cooked right behind the counter, and no ingredients are hidden from the customer. Although they have an unusual system of ordering, I believe it adds to the comfort level; even though you order at the counter, you don’t pay until you finish eating. Somehow this makes a customer feel trusted, and they have time to browse around while their food is being prepared.

El Charro serves not only as a restaurant but as a Mexican grocery as well. While you hear your food sizzling on the grill, you can walk down the aisle and choose from authentic Mexican candies, spices, snacks, and more. A favorite of mine is the Valentina hot sauce; I always buy a bottle when I run out at home.
When your food is ready, they call out your order and set it on the counter, and there is a fridge nearby where you can select your beverage (you will pay for this when you are done as well).

Although the menu is full of delicious items, I think their burritos are what put them above other places in town. I usually order the pastor burrito (seasoned pork). After you sit down at one of the little tables, there is a TV in the corner usually playing Mexican wrestling or soccer, although the lively taste of the food is usually entertainment enough.

The first element of an El Charro burrito that makes it my favorite in town is the tortilla. It’s made to perfection, with just enough crunchiness to give the meal a perfect crunchy texture. The lettuce also contributes to the crunchy texture and mixes well with the spicy meat. The seasoned pork is flavorful and, combined with the beans, creates a tasty interior for the slightly crunchy outer layer.

For those who don’t find the pastor spicy enough, they have sauces at the tables, or you can buy your own from the grocery. I recommend the Valentina brand mentioned earlier.
After you have finished your meal, you can set your plates and empty drink bottles on top of the trash can, and approach the counter to pay. If you still need any other reason to try El Charro, the prices are extremely good. The savory, authentic meal I just described only costs five dollars, plus the price of any drinks you chose. Some Mexican grills in town will charge twice as much, for a burrito that I find not even half as good.

An employee will usually ask you if you enjoyed it, and I would it find it difficult to believe that anyone has ever answered no. Even after being full, the delicious blend of tastes still lingers and will make a customer feel like they must come back soon.
If you are looking for the exact location, then yes, it is across the street from the popular Mexican grill “Maize,” although I believe that there is no reason why Maize needs to be put above its neighbor.

The authentic atmosphere, friendly employees, and savory burritos with perfect texture are what keeps bringing me back, and is why I would call El Charro my number one Mexican restaurant in town.