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    El Charro

    3.9 (33 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Open 9:00 am - 11:00 pm

    El Charro Photos

    EL CHARRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    Recommended Reviews - El Charro

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    Reviews With Photos

    Sopes
    Damaris F.

    Fresh corn tortillas! We had the kids and they don't care for seafood so we saw this place with rotisserie chickens being made in the window and corn tortillas. We had sopes, chicken flautas and chicken quesadillas, guacamole and chips and salsa. All was delicious! The chicken was so flavorful and juicy and guacamole and Cadillac margs were excellent!

    Combination: taco, tamale, enchilada with double order refried beans
    Amy V.

    We only had a few hours off our cruise ship. I had seen a video showing the rotisserie chicken here and wanted to give it a try! It appeared we were the only Americans in the restaurant which is always a great sign to us! Our server was responsive and her English was great so communication was not a problem. Service was fast. Our food was fantastic. My husband said it was the best refried beans he'd ever had. Beers were nice and cold. Our friends had margaritas and said they were great. It was the perfect meal for our quick trip to Mexico!

    Different angle of semi-private dining area
    Lauren S.

    This was a gem among rocks! Lucky to have found such a beautiful restaurant with friendly staff, delicious food and cheap prices! We will go again (if we ever go back to Ensenada)...

    mole enchiladas, vegetarian
    Elizabeth A.

    We stumbled on this place and the crowd was a mix of locals and tourists. Got cheese mole enchiladas and they were great!

    Jennifer S.

    We had an excellent experience at El Charro today. I actually contacted them by telephone (with use of a translator friend) and via FB Messenger from their Facebook page to schedule a large party of 42. They were accommodating, professional, and helpful. Our reservation was for 1pm and they scheduled us in the second floor so we could have a private area. The tables were set and ready when we arrived. Unfortunately half of our party was unable to arrive until two and the staff was understanding and worked with us with this situation. With that many people a lot of the menu was ordered and I haven't heard any complaints. I ordered the Mexican Combo with a taco, an enchilada, and a tamale. I loved it. My husband ate tacos, parents shared tales and my aunt and uncle shared child rellanos. Everything looked great and I believe everyone enjoyed their good. We had one snafu with a group of four not receiving their food. Because it was late they opted to just cancel it, but even with that, the woman in that group still wanted to "take care of" her server because everyone working our party was kicking butt! They were a little stressed about doing separate checks but they adjusted and made it happen. For six of us with alcoholic beverages our tab was $63!!! I've posted a bunch of photos so you can get a feel for the place. It's such a nice respite from the hustle of downtown Ensenada's tourist district but it's literally a half block from Papas $ Beer, so great location I highly recommend El Charro for a place to dine in Ensenada, especially if you've got a large party to accommodate! The menu is traditional Mexican dishes with a focus on their wood fired rotisserie chicken. They also have a few shrimp and fish dishes. Please feel free to contact me with questions and hope that you get Norberto as your server. He's amazing

    Chips and salsa were really good-the salsa has a bite!
    Gloria L.

    We have been looking for a nice quiet restaurant near downtown. We happened to go on a Saturday when 2 cruise ships were in so the street was very busy but when we ducked into El Charro, all was quiet. The restaurant is large with seating near the window or in back where it is cooler and more quiet. We ordered two margarita. They were very large and tasted good-though a bit strong for me but my husband enjoyed that because he always gets to finish mine! They brought chips and salsa which were really good though the salsa a bit spicy for my hubs. My husband selected entrees of a half chicken with fries. I asked if they had Chile rellenos and they said yes-even though they aren't on the menu. The chicken was amazing-the skin perfectly crispy and fries were pretty good. The chili rellenos were in a light red sauce that was light and delicious. The rellenos were so stuffed with cheese that I took some out (not my favorite) and the chilis were soft and tasty. We ordered flan for dessert. It was a too bit thick for our tastes but that's personal preference. The price was excellent, customer service was good and food was good-the chicken enough to come back! We recommend this for a nice dinner.

    Half a chicken smothered in white crema sauce
    Myleen R.

    Was looking for a place for dinner and wanted roasted chicken! This place was very appealing with the chicken roasting right by the window. The ambiance was very family-like, and definitely loved that my tia or abuelita would be working at. Got this chicken cream and rice dish. Didn't know the cream was smothered in the chicken. Was not very impressed. The chicken itself looked like it was boiled with no flavor, so maybe the white sauce to cover. Not impressed. Maybe I'll come back just to ask for the roasted chicken and rice/beans only. Not the boiled, barely cooked, flavorless chicken.

    Michelada
    Anthony P.

    Situated on the main drag in Ensenada, El Charro is your typical tourist trap with tables overlooking the street where tourists haggle for deals and locals go cruising looking for a good time. From the large store front windows, you can see the big rotisserie ovens slowly turning whole chickens to a golden, crispy brown. While they specialize in other dishes, come here for the chicken. It's moist and the sides compliment it well. The portions are a good size and if you're looking for just a snack, I highly recommend sharing a plate. For kids, it's more than enough to share. Unlike the many bars that line the street, if you're looking for a family spot or someplace quiet but centrally located to all the tourists' shopping, then look no further.

    Andrea B.

    Searching for a decent bite in Ensenada, but had no internet, so no Yelp Walking up and down the main street we stumbled upon this place. It was one of the few restaurants that didn't have staff outside begging you to eat their establishment. We were seated by the waiter after briefly reviewing their menu. They brought us homemade chips and salsa. We ordered a Mexican combo and a burrito along with a side of guac. My combo came with a cheese enchilada which not good, a chicken flauta since they ran out of tamales which was just okay, and a crispy beef taco which was okay. The burritos were small, more like fajitas. Prices were not too bad. The best thing about this place was they had pretty fast wifi after you order!

    Rotisserie chicken cooked over an open flame

    The architecture and furnishings were just beautiful. I talked to one of the family members who was working there, and he was more than happy to show me around. I wish I was more fluent in Spanish, as I didn't understand all he was saying to me. We only had drinks and chips, with queso. We had already had lunch but couldn't help but stop into see this place. We noticed everyone around us was eating the chicken th flat was rotisserie cooked over a wood fire. EE.UU. eo are definitely going back for the chicken.

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    3 years ago

    Everything was amazing here! Omg you won't be disappointed!!! No chef. All homemakers making the food. Truly authentic Mexican food.

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    Best rotisserie chicken you will find anywhere. The French fries are also to die for!!

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    Review Highlights - El Charro

    El Charro restaurant is very eye catching from the street with it's large window displaying it's rotisserie chicken.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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    Birrieria's La Guadalajara - Condiments were brought to the table upon our arrival.

    Birrieria's La Guadalajara

    (300 reviews)

    $$

    Trust me if you're in town try this place out. I always enjoy going where the locals go and just…read moreoff the main road this place is nestled. Lots of seating , friendly staff, fresh ingredients and delicious tacos. These were authentic, flavorful and pure goodness. Complimentary chips and salsa to start and although it was piping hot the consome was packed with flavor and a tad bit of spice. The meat so tender in the tacos. I ordered the birria taco plate 1 lamb 2 beef and I should have got 2 lamb. The cook was phenomenal the meat was so juicy and tender.

    This Birrieria came recommended by our fellow Yelp community. Located central of Ensenada and near…read moremarketplaces and shopping centers. I came here during lunch hour on a Monday and it seemed moderately busy. Quite the cozy place, very comfortable and it was decorated with Christmas decor. I was seated quickly, and my order was taken efficiently. Chips and salsa quickly came out along with the condiments I would later use on my meal. Overall, I received excellent table service. The focus of this restaurant is on Birria, both beef and lamb. There isn't a variety of other Mexican dishes here such as enchiladas, burritos or seafood. There is instead a plethora of ways to eat the Birria including tacos, quesa-birria, and stew bowls only in beef or lamb. No chicken or vegetarian options available. I ordered the lamb Birria, which came in a standard sized bowl. The portions were modest, and the ratio from broth to chunks of meat was reasonable. While this place was highly rated, I found my meal to be average in both size and taste. When it comes to this delicious dish, I am a bit of a connoisseur, and I've had birria in different parts of Mexico, including Mexicali, Guadalajara, Ensenada and outside of Mexico- restaurants throughout Los Angeles and all the way up to northern California. This was not the best tasting birria I have experience up-to-date but it also was not disappointing. The flavors were standard and fair yet not memorable. I would recommend this establishment. Tip: my usual order at these places is the stew in a bowl with a side of corn tortillas. For those with larger appetites, I would suggest ordering the same thing, but consider adding one-to-two quesa-Birrias to reach satisfaction. I would return here but also leave my options open to try the competition.

    La Comadre Taquería - Tortillas

    La Comadre Taquería

    (53 reviews)

    $

    Be sure to ask how much everything costs before ordering. The guy standing outside who seats you…read moremay try to overcharge. He tried getting me to order me guacamole and chips, I asked how much, he said $14 USD, I declined yet he still tried to bring it to my table which I declined a second time. Payment is cash only (USD accepted). That said, the tacos were delicious. The meats were marinated so well and were addicting. The tortillas were handmade and had an excellent texture. Prices might not be the cheapest but it's worth it for a great meal.

    While all the cruise ship passengers are getting their drink on at Papas & Beer (we started there)…read moresave your appetite and head a block away to La Comadre for some of the best tacos you'll ever have. It's not hard to find, but unlike so any other options, it's not loud or flashy. We weren't ushered in by some guy on the street promising "the best" of anything. It's small, but clean.. you order at the counter.. my wife and I were the only gringos in there, and we don't speak Spanish. We were quickly presented with a sample plate of all the meats available for their tacos. The wife and I each got a Birria taco and I also got a chicken taco with some of the best Mole sauce I've ever had. They had a table set up in back with all the fixings and salsas you could ask for and the tacos came with beans and rice. We grabbed a bottle of water from the cooler, and the whole meal came to $13 with a tip!!! I mean, that's an unbelievable value for your money. The tacos were incredible. The beans and rice were delicious and the corn tortillas were homemade and some of the best we've ever had. The wife and I often use Yelp! to find places exactly like this, and once again, it did not disappoint. If you're in Ensenada do yourself a favor and skip all the hype spots and go find this place for some amazing food at incredible prices!!

    El Güero Mariscos

    El Güero Mariscos

    (47 reviews)

    $

    Omg I love Mariscos and this spot did not disappoint. It's a small vendor posted outside on the…read morestreet with a bunch of guys, basically in an assembly line, slanging seafood. The long lines meant - it was so good and worth the wait. Honestly, it wasn't too long. My friend and I ordered 1 tostada each. She got the aguachiles and I the Guera. Great portions packed with flavor. I went back for oysters, which they shuck right in front of you. There were so many chile bottles to choose from. They also had some dark "crack" sauce that I chose to put on. I'm no sabo so I no sabo what the salsa was but it was delicious. Spicy, tangy, umami. Muyyyy ricooooo

    During our first cruise stop in Ensenada while walking back from our lunch stop back to the ship,…read morewe noticed the large crowds gathered around El Guero Mariscos. Thus we made a point to stop by for food during our second cruise stop in Ensenada, 4 days later. We discovered the large crowds were not in line waiting, but were instead enjoying their ceviche and other cold seafood while standing up. It made for a festive atmosphere, definitely ramping up the enjoyment of really great tasting seafood. The food stall is located facing the main road of Ensenada (walking distance from the cruise port) and is separated into two parts: the front serving seafood tostadas and the back serving cocktails and aquachiles. Each had different lines, with a common guy accepting payment after delivery. They have been doing this for a while (1981?) and things are efficient. I wanted one thing, which was the mixed cocktail with all the seafood available (campechano, a word I've come to love since moving to the LA area). They have 4 sizes from chico ($105) to jumbo ($360). The seafood mix is diced together ahead of time to save on time, and are mostly diced pretty fine. The mix is prepared fresh though, and was ready in about a minute. It was excellent, refreshing and just the right amount for me. I had wanted to try the seafood cocktail again from La Guerrerense (another nearby famous seafood stand), so that was our first stop during our second visit to Ensenada in 5 days. We then visited other sites in the area, saving El Guero for the end before we headed back to the ship. As expected the cocktail from Guerrerense was very good, but this version from El Guero was even better....better selection of seafood, and more finely mixed to give a better representation of the different textures of the freshness. That would make it the best seafood cocktail I've ever enjoyed.

    El Charro - mexican - Updated May 2026

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