This is probably the best overall restaurant in Escondido, considering ambiance, service, and food quality and value. Under the Especiales menu we had the Carnitas and Cochinita Pibil and both were excellent, especially the Cochinita Pibil which is a nice diversion from standard Mexican fare with a Mayan twist. Also had a couple of excellent carnitas tacos. My complaints are that the free chips are not very good with many small broken pieces at the bottom, and the default red salsa is bland. I asked for something hotter and they did bring a thicker hotter red sauce which was very good. They really need more salsa types, in particular creamy green (Jalapeño) and orange (Habanero) styles. The pork in the Cochinita Pibil was tender and tasty, but would be better with a drizzle of creamy green salsa. read more

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The SDHS - Escondido Campus had a lunch event here for long time supporters. We were happy to hear it was here as we like this place a lot. Guess it use to be held at another restaurant in Escondido who became way too expensive to have it there any longer and Cuchina gave them a better deal. Buffet food was great as was the service. Good little dessert snacks too! Bless the SDHS group for helping so many animals & this place for making it reasonable to have their luncheon here. PS. The patio IS dog friendly too! read more

Cocina del Charro - Dog friendly patio! - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Monday, 11-10-2025: My husband and I had lunch with my girlfriends and their husbands. I've known one girlfriend since kindergarten and the other since first grade. My friend from kindergarten highly recommended this restaurant. It has an impressive facade and the restaurant was spacious and decorated tastefully. My one friend was already seated at a table with her hubby so there was no waiting. My other friend arrived shortly. The chips and the salsa were very good. Due to my limited appetite I ordered the albondigas (meatball) soup. I believe everybody else had opted for the combo plates. The meals came out quickly and they were huge portions. Everybody enjoyed their meals. My soup was very satisfying with a bit of heat, which enhanced the flavor. I would order it again! This was a nice restaurant and it was the perfect setting to catch up with friends. The service could have been more attentive. Our server rarely made it back to check on us. We would definitely return! read more

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We were visiting the area. Nice gem! Great service & wonderful food! We had enchilada suiza. I don't usually eat enchiladas but these were amazing probably since I was really hungry anyways. read more

Food and the service were very good. Ambience is good. There was a party on the upstairs but it did not affect the service downstairs

I have been a visitor to Escondido CA, for over 40 years. During that time, I have eaten in many a restaurant, including Cocina del Charro. It has been considered one of the most popular Mexican restaurants in town for a good 20 years. Today, I must register my disappointment. Cocina chefs, your shrimp taco (for over $6) a la carte, is the sorriest excuse for a shrimp taco I have eaten in a long time. One tiny taco, 4 shrimp (the ones you buy frozen) a little shredded lettuce, hardly any sauce: I can think of several nondescript places that serve astounding shrimp tacos for the same price, including a delicious mayonnaise sauce, some shredded cabbage, an extra sprinkling of fresh cilantro, and a few chips on the side (Here EXTRA guacamole comes for a fee on request with a little container of chips). Needless to say, I will not return, and shame on you for being so stingy. read more

Great service, food and drinks. I got the house margarita which was perfectly balanced. For food I ordered the shredded beef enchilada a la carte and added rice and beans. The plate looked great and tasted even better! Lots of seating inside which is perfect for big groups. read more

Cocina del Charro - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Check your bill! The most recent two times we've eaten here we have been overcharged. The first time we caught it before paying because there were extra items on the bill. Then the next time wew were charged for a combo when the order was a la carte. We do like the food. read more

Came here for a private event. The servers were friendly and attentive. The food was served buffet style -- I enjoyed the salad, rice, chicken, and enchiladas. The salad dressing and salsa were a bit on the watery side, but overall everything was tasty. read more

Cocina del Charro - Front - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

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Great Service from Saul! We had an awesome experience at Cocina del Charro thanks to our waiter, Saul. Drinks came fast and he kept them flowing all night. I had the three-item combo (beef tamal, cheese enchilada, beef taco with rice & beans) for $21.99--delicious and generous portions.authentic Mexican food and quality not commercial processed. True Mexican food at its finest. My husband got a three-item combo too, and Saul went above and beyond by packing his leftover bean & cheese burrito as a wet burrito for lunch the next day. Chips and salsa were free with plenty of refills. Great food and outstanding service--Saul made the whole visit even better! Happy customers Mike & Laura S read more

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This is my second visit. I've ordered the chicken soup both times which is wonderful. I can't speak for the restaurant side but the bar is sticky, the menus are filthy and the tap water both times tasted terrible. The service is okay, could use polishing for sure. The seasonal margarita flight caught my eye with one featuring beets, ginger, carrots and turmeric puree. read more

Cocina del Charro - Seasonal Margarita Flight - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Family owned and still great. Moves out of the area so it has been a while. Still good food and service. Pricing is fair for what you get. The "Chile/Chile" is not on the menu but get it. Amazing. Verde and Colorado. Yummy. read more

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Large portions. Food was hot and served quickly despite the crowded restaurant. Service was fast and not overwhelming. Bit noisy. Won't work if you want romance. lol. Good meal. We will probably come back. Chile Rellano was good despite being greasy. But I ordered it with sauce on side and they accommodated that. So they put the Rellano directly from oil onto plate. read more

Cocina del Charro - Chile Colorado - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

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We absolutely LOVE Cocina del Charro! I swear I DREAM about their cochinita pibil; it's out of this WORLD! The service is always great, even when they're busy. Excellent, classic, homestyle Mexican restaurant vibes. read more

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Food: 5/5 Portions: 5/5 Atmosphere: 5/5 Cleanliness: 5/5 Customer service: 5/5 Speed: 5/5 Price: $$ Takeout: yes and catering Outdoor seating: yes ADA access: yes Restrooms: yes M/F Dogs: no Kid Friendly: yes Vegetarian options: yes Vegan options: few Ambiance: casual, great for large parties Pros: delicious food. Complementary chips and salsa Cons: bar area gets busy on weekends read more

Cocina del Charro - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

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We happened upon Sunday Brunch and wow, what a delight. My husband grew up going to Sunday brunch at his local Mexican restaurant so he was over the moon. My kids - who can be very picky enjoyed a variety of foods and drinks too. I loved the enchiladas and the pozole. This is your quintessential sit down Mexican restaurant. The servers were helpful but not overly pushy. read more

We came here after massages at a place in the same shopping center. The patio was so nice and our server was really friendly and attentive. Parking is so easy. I ordered the trio fajitas and a margarita flight, both were great! I do wish the fajitas had a touch more seasoning/flavor, but overall it was great. Chips and salsa were a hit! read more

Cocina del Charro - Trio Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

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Small Albondigas soup was a little salty and the price was increased from 2 weeks ago. The entire menu was higher priced and all the bargains are gone. Service was great as always. The price increases will hurt business here-at least for me. Sad to see that some of the great single items are gone from the menu. read more

This is a chain however the food has been delicious every visit. Lots of parking and rarely has a wait.

Ah man I REALLY wanted to like this place..my family & I came by on a Thursday afternoon and we were seated right away. There seems to be quite a large menu so maybe we just got incredibly unlucky this day. Our server was fantastic & on top of the tables (4) request. Nachos supreme with chicken: 1 star. Unfortunately, they look A LOT better than they taste. Each person only had a couple bites. Shredded chicken tasted like it had been marinating in chicken broth and brought no authentic taste to the plate. It was quite flavorless. Quesadilla: my husband ordered this and it was such a large size, which was fantastic! He only had one slice and his stomach was messed up for the last two days. Luckily the leftovers we did take home he didn't eat otherwise I'm sure it would have prolonged the upset stomach. Chile verde: I ordered this. Anytime I don't know what to order at a Mexican restaurant this is my go to. It was just okay, tastes better with some of the white cheese. Unfortunately, I too ended up with an upset stomach and ended up spending most of my Friday in the restroom. Parking: plenty of it as it shares a huge lot with other stores. 2 stars because the server was great. Other than that, will not be returning and will try another place in the area. Really unfortunate because they have some nice sized plates, awesome specials, & by the looks of it some delicious tequila flights. read more

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Went there this afternoon at 3:15, ordered a carnitas toasta . They charge more for verses pork? Isn't it the same? Plus there's nothing on the menu saying it's extra by 3.00, plus I ordered a side of guacamole which was literally a teaspoon in a tiny cup that they charged 3.50 for. I will never go back because that was a 7.50 extra charge or rip off. Beware of what you're paying for. read more

Cocina del Charro has been a North County San Diego institution for 40 years. With two beautiful locations, they are a second-generation family run Mexican restaurant that prides itself in serving their community. One of my favorite things to order here are their excellent tamales, beautifully presented in a corn husk. I usually get it in a combination plate with either a taco or enchilada. The tamales here are very well balanced with a nice amount of meat filling inside the tender, moist and tasty masa. read more

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We went for Easter brunch and it was amazing. The food was so good and the service was also amazing. I highly recommend this restaurant.

This place is definitely worth going to especially if you're in the area.. my wife & I take the 30 minute drive here food is delicious tonight we had great service the manager Jen was on point making sure that we were comfortable eating on the patio & made sure that the food came out fresh hot and in a timely manner Thanks Jen appreciate your professionalism it didn't go unnoticed read more

Come for the Cochinita Pibi, and stay a bit longer for the best Micheladas in town! You'll enjoy the covered patio any time of year, or lean into chips and salsa at the long bar while watching your team. Family friendly or welcoming for just one, you'll feel at home (and well-fed!) here. read more

This restaurant has become just like every other Mexican restaurant. It's always busy. The staff is always nice and helpful and it always appears to be clean. But the truth is there was only one dish that I always enjoyed coming to this restaurant for and went out of my way to come to this restaurant for And that was a dessert deep fried cheesecake bits with ice cream But now they no longer sell that and because their food taste just like all the other Mexican restaurants I am no longer going out of my way to eat here read more

Cocina del Charro - The most delicious dessert this restaurant ever served and is no longer available - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Hector was our waiter and is phenomenal. Thanks Hector for the service. Much appreciated.

Staff is absolutely amazing! Bianca is awesome and bartender Juanito youre incredible! Do not sleep on the brand new skinny strawberry margarita! It is insanely good! Chips and salsa are good the salsa is nice there isn't much fluctuation unless you like really spicy. Rice and beans are delicious I always pay attention to the rice the beans and the salsa. The flan is going to be the deciding factor on if I come back again. I'm getting it to eat here and I'm getting taquitos to go. Reason being is that I ordered the Carne Asada tacos and I was impressed with the very small plate especially for the price! It was like a child size portion but in adult size pricing. I would say you're going to do the carne asada tacos you wanna have a larger plate a little bit more flavor to the steak on the Carne Asada. Has a lot of potential special with the rice and beans but the pricing point is just not where it needs to be. The best part about the location are the staff drinks the mild salsa the chips are good and it's conveniently located. Flan is good and homemade. I would come back but it would be more like a drinks and maybe I'll try a burrito kind of a thing. staff was ridiculously awesome so that is a huge push for me. Would not recommend the Carne Asada so we shall see about the rest next time! read more

Cocina del Charro - Mexican Near Me - Escondido, California

Margarita was good, guacamole was huge and nicely done, beans weren't to bad but the chili relleno was putrid. Salsa was lame gringo style. I suggested arresting the cook for selling foe rellenos. I should know better than to order that dish at a Bar imitating a Mexican food restaurant. Wife liked her tostada Service was good Go for the margaritas, and guac, bring you own salsa. read more

Good food Good margaritas Fantastic waiters Would suggest this place to anyone. Go to happy hour , you have a very good choice of Happy Hour food and drinks! read more

Food was great. Service was efficient and our drinks stayed full. We didn't get any, but it looks like they have a fun drink menu with a few Hawaiian inspired items as specials. They also had a family meal option, which we might consider for takeout in the future. read more

Great place for casual dinner. We enjoyed a delicious margarita that was well prepared and generous serving. We had enchiladas suizas and camarones a la diabla. Plenty of beans, rice & chips. Great service and relaxing vibe. It was just what we were looking for on a Saturday afternoon. Attentive and prompt service. Plenty of Parking. I loved the music too! Traditional Vicente Fernandez, Alejandro Fernandez, Juan Gabriel, Rocio Durcal. Not noisy. read more

I thought I'd try this place, work close by. Ordered on line for curbside pickup. I arrived a bit earlier that the time I chose. I called the number to let them know I've parked. 1st gentleman was nice, then transferred me to another, maybe the hostess, she was surly. Was informed they'll be bring out my order shortly....20 mins I'm waiting and it's hot in the car even when the AC is running. I had to walk-in to get my order. They had to get the hostess, and she seem annoyed that she had to do her job. Order was beef enchilada and rice - is was not even hot anymore. Flavor was BLAND - definite NOT authentic Mexican. Even the salsa for the chips was meh. They say first impression lasts - I will NOT be back and told my family members no to bother either. I'd rather have street food...hot, flavorful, authentic and inexpensive. read more

We are in Escondido on vacation at a resort. We searched for Sunday buffet and found this place. We walked in and were seated right away. They have indoor and outdoor seating. The buffet has a wide selection. There is pineapple water and H horchata. The waitress Andrea came to our table promptly. We ordered a pepsi. She brought it out quickly. Excellent service. The place is clean. There is music playing. The music is at the perfect volume not too loud. I definitely recommend this restaurant. We will come back when we are back in town. read more

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The food and service is excellent at a very fair price. When the rice and beans are just as good as the main course that's a good sign in a Mexican restaurant. No QR codes on the tables, real servers actually talk to the guests and smile and seem genuinely happy that people chose to dine here. The bar area is clean and has a great selection of house made tequila infusions and craft beer on tap. My wife and I will definitely be coming back. read more

We really love their chicken soup! Probably not better than the place that starts with an L but its still good. Really comforting during the winter. The portion is sizable and a good price! We love service at the Bar. They are very attentive. Chips and Salsa are fresh. This place is very popular. I recommend going early to avoid waits. read more

We had 5 people at our table and asked for individual tickets. Was told by server we could not have separate tickets. It took about 20-30 minutes to divide the 1 ticket to figure out who owed what. Very confusing ,hassle ,was not pleasant. After leaving I did call and talk with management over phone she claimed their policy is any more than 7 in a group is their mandatory 1 ticket policy. Unfortunately she continued to repeat this over and over several times, I wasn't getting anywhere I simply wanted to know if next time we came in if we could have separate tickets. Than she said it would be left up to the individual server discretion. We was a group of 5 wanting 4 individuals tickets. We as a group like to go out as a group but ,pay our own individual meals. We leave 18-20 %tips. Even if service is bad because we know sometimes a server or kitchen may be having an off day. I've worked in the restaurants business for decades as server , kitchen and management. We will not be back as a group unfortunately we'll be taking it off our list. Service was good, server was attentive, Food was just ok. Tamales no flavor, fish tacos were very good. Hopefully this policy will be reconsidered. This isn't good business and unfortunately will cause customers to go elsewhere. read more

Go to place , friendly staff , food is fresh and taste is great . Let my dachshund on the patio and make him a chicken pup cup lol and the Cadillac margarita was great good job read more

There carnitas is nothing but dried shredded pork not moist with no guacamole or sour cream to moisten it up The beans had no flavor. Tasted like cooked beans simmered in water and the portion was tiny for 18$. Not going back. This was my second trip there. read more

The only Mex. Restaurant I have ever been to where they had "Run Out" of simple chips & salsa...WTH ! Granted, it was later in the evening, but COME-ON...NO Bueno. Have been coming here for many years. Service was good...food was good...beer was cold. If this happens again, will not be back. A little planning goes a long way read more