Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    El Charro

    3.6 (76 reviews)
    ModerateMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm

    El Charro Photos

    EL CHARRO ATMOSPHERE

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

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - El Charro

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    They still offer the specialty crafted lava rock service piping hot specials. Come see...
    Mae W.

    Food still the Best Service still Amazing Ambiance still Gotta Love Come on in. Check it out. Thank you El Charros

    Chips and salsa with Margarita
    Summer G.

    El Charro is a decent Mexican restaurant in Farmington. When I visited it was a very busy Friday night and had to wait 45 minutes before being seated. Initially I wasn't sure if I even wanted to stay to eat, as there was heavy cigarette smoke outside the entry doors and that just kind of threw me off a little bit because it gave a "dive" feel to the restaurant and didn't really come off as family friendly. However I waited it out and finally got seated. Once seated I was able to order drinks right away, which when delivered were huge! I didn't realize there were different margarita sizes and was given the largest size which was so huge. For me, I asked if I could have a smaller drink because I didn't realize that there were different sizes (nothing listed and nothing shared by waitress). The waitress was a little frustrated it seemed but she took it back and gave me a smaller size. (I also had to ask for a water because they weren't delivered to our table.) The margarita I found to be quite sour and a little "fake" tasting compared to other margaritas I've had. Upon ordering, I asked for the Fajita Mexicana with chicken and shrimp (additional $2.99) and included bell peppers, onions, rice, beans, guacamole, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and tortillas. My husband got the Alambre with chicken and with bacon, bell peppers, and onions on a bed of corn tortillas; served with rice, beans, shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. We also asked if we got chips and salsa because nothing was delivered to our table yet and so the waitress came back after our order placement with those. My husband requested an additional side of Queso which was cold when delivered to our table. We had to ask the waitress to warm it because it tasted awful cold and really had limited flavor, even when warmed. When we got our meal I found my shrimp was not thoroughly cooked - still cold in areas and my husband had to pull the Alambre bacon off because that was not cooked either. I found that the overall flavoring - spices and such - was limited. There really wasn't much flavor at all and I found myself having to use quite a bit of salt and pepper, of which I normally don't do. Overall, I thought it was quite pricey and the taste of the food and drink to be a little off. Wasn't my favorite choice for Mexican but was a nice change to try somewhere new and support a locally owned business.

    a margarita sitting on a table
    Aneesa K.

    Service outstanding, authentic (enough) good food. Sitting outside was a little uncomfortable since it was ridden with flies, made eating hard since we had to shoo away flies from our food and bodies. Perhaps they could install some fly traps OR screen the surrounding area? Great staff besides ,

    Jeremy S.

    Not too shabby of a Mexican restaurant for being in a small town in the middle of Minnesota. I usual rate the Mexican restaurants based on their salsa and Carne Asada, and both were pretty good. I mean I took their salsa and dumped it on my dinner. I will definitely be back to give them another go around.

    Steak burrito with sweet potato fries
    Emma K.

    Stopped here on a Saturday afternoon for a late lunch. We sat on the patio and enjoyed a beautiful spot in the shade. The service was quick and our waiter was very nice! A lot of food choices and everyone at our table was pleased with their decisions. We will be stopping in again soon!

    The Fixin's
    Sheldon B.

    I've driven pat this spot many times but tonight was my first visit. Was looking for authentic Mexican food so I knew this was the place. Pulling into the lot, I couldn't tell if the windows were tinted or if they were closed, I couldn't see the open sign until I was walking closer to the door. Welcoming atmosphere with quality service! Hooked us up with chips, guac, salsa and queso blanco that is the truth!! Split the molcajete Guadalajara with my wife and couldn't decide if we wanted corn tortillas or flour, but our server suggested the flour so that's what we went with. The flavor was on point and it didn't disappoint!! Yes I recommend this place, and I could tell by the smiles on all the guests inside and on the patio that they would recommend it too!!

    Wednesday special
    Jim L.

    We love Mexican food. They have all day drink specials. The food is fresh. I do not come here often because of mixed feelings about it. We tried a Sampler last night, I find it odd that they put refried beans in a chimi but they had other decent foods. We will try something else next time.

    Loco special
    Ellie E.

    The food at El Charro was good, but in the middle of our service our server was FIRED. I hesitated to even include this, but it was a huge part of my experience. At the time of our visit, El Charro had only been open for three weeks. We arrived around 8pm on a Friday and decided to sit at the bar. Our server/bartender was friendly, and helped walk me though the different margaritas and pointed out several things on the menu that she recommended. We munched on chips and some disappointing watery salsa while looking at the menu. Our food was unmemorable based on what happened next. In the middle of our meal, our bartender said she had to go call her manager and would be right back. She was gone for a while and when she returned she was crying. She apologized and said she was sorry, but she had to leave immediately. We were shocked. A coworker walked up and hugged her. Once she left, the atmosphere changed. We could hear other employees talking about it in hushed tones. We were largely ignored after she left. Finally, someone showed up behind the bar and chatted with us for a minute telling us that yes, she was fired and then TOLD US WHY SHE WAS FIRED (which I refused to disclose, based on principal). Not only was she fired in the middle of our dinner, but another employee was now discussing it with us! I was stunned and still am. Our new server got our check and said "since I didn't help you, you don't have to tip me." Win? I have no freaking idea. We saved $6 and saw the hopes and dreams dashed of a very friendly woman. I 110% wish El Charro had waited until the end of my server's shift or spoke with her at the start of her shift. However, I do not know what happened - just the servers version. Perhaps something happened that could have not have waited until the end. I wish El Charro the best, however I'm extremely disappointed in how it was handled. I tried to give a star rating based on the experience without the drama and came up with three stars. I took a star off for what I witnessed.

    A nice upgrade from its past life as a BK!

    See all

    Photo of Mike H.
    14
    46
    125

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Emma K.
    1
    14
    13

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Monster burrito is way too good for that price!! Great service, waiter was fast and polite!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    If you like eating garbage...and you have no other choice...it will make a turd. Service is ok....food is terrible.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jim L.
    3525
    722
    30611

    5 years ago

    Helpful 19
    Thanks 0
    Love this 11
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Always enjoy the food here. Salsa is excellent. Really haven't had anything that wasn't good. Margaritas awesome as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Food is always very good and margaritas are !!!!! Service is very attentive. We've never been disappointed.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Super friendly and fresh Mexican! Family atmosphere and family owned, these people do a great job!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ken H.
    0
    47
    4

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of D J.
    18
    39
    43

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kara M.
    3
    19
    12

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dana C.
    144
    10
    12

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Trudi L.
    42
    38
    19

    10 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - El Charro

    Review Highlights - El Charro

    We had the Molcajete Guadalajara which was plenty for 2-3 people to share (and take home extras) and there are two other variants of the Guadalajara for us to try in the near future.

    Mentioned in 2 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Mexican 3,746 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar

    Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar

    4.0(142 reviews)
    6.8 mi

    One of the best hidden Mexican gems around. Homshuk nails that balance between laid-back and…read moreelevated. The patio is super chill, and the cocktails are creative without trying too hard, tons of variety and some really fun flavor combos. Their late-night happy hour is a great deal, especially with food this good. We rolled in with a big group and ordered half the menu. The shrimp tacos were a standout, massive, perfectly-cooked shrimp with bold, punchy flavor. But the real showstopper was the flank steak chimichurri. Every single person at the table said they'd come back just for that. It was tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, everything you want from a classic done right. Carne asada fries were super fun and flavorful, and the cod + pineapple fish tacos were fresh, bright, and balanced. Add in a killer tequila lineup and some seriously authentic flavors, and you've got one of the best modern Mexican spots in the area.

    My boyfriend and I decided to give this place a try one night after work…read more This restaurant is connected to Bodega 42, which is a Hispanic grocery store! They have so many different, foods, drinks, pastries, deli items, it's definitely worth exploring before or after dinner! There is free parking but the lot is not very big. You may need to park in the street (also free). Upon walking in, we were greeted by several employees! We opted to sit out on the patio, since it was a gorgeous night! After 10 minutes no one had come to the table... 15 minutes... still no one. No water, drinks or their complimentary chips. They weren't overly busy, so this didn't make sense to us. At minute 20 I got up to talk to a manger. The waitress saw me go up to the front and tried to wave me down to say "I got you." I'm sorry but 20 minutes in a restaurant that isn't packed is ridiculous. At the very least she could have brought water and said she would be with us soon, but she never acknowledged we were there. I spoke with the manager and noted that it had been 20 minutes with no one coming to our table. I told him i understood she had other tables but that we just hadn't even been acknowledged. He said "she doesn't have that many tables! Let's go!" He took our order on the spot! He brought us complimentary guacamole and horchata with our chips! That was a very nice gesture! I assured him we weren't out for freebies, we just wanted to order our food. He was very friendly and definitely took care of us! Our food came out very quickly and we were checked on multiple times. He definitely turned what was a very negative experience around! The vibes here are really great! The patio was so nice! It was well maintained and clean! The food: I got the pulpo (octopus) tacos! They had a tropical and buttery flavor to them! I opted to take the picked onion off mine but I'm sure that's tasty as well! The chips had a nice crisp and saltiness to them and the salad was one of the best complimentary ones we have tried! My boyfriend had the chicken fajitas and noted they were tasty with a solid portion. The horchata here is also pretty solid! Overall, this place is worth the try! Tip: don't get the dessert at the restaurant, grab it to go from the bodega! It's about $4-$5 cheaper!

    Photos
    Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar
    Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar - Flank Steak

    Flank Steak

    Homshuk Mexican Kitchen & Bar - Roasted Poblano Pasta topped with Grilled Chicken.

    See all

    Roasted Poblano Pasta topped with Grilled Chicken.

    El Super Taco - Barbacoa Super Espada

    El Super Taco

    4.2(58 reviews)
    6.9 mi

    Really good food! The service was excellent and even came with a smile. The restaurant was nice on…read morethe inside with a bar just for the different sauces they offer. The Super Espada was packed full of flavor and the tortilla was perfect. My wife had the Quesabirria which is her favorite. I'm glad this one is closer to me than their other location in Burnsville. In terms of quality there's no difference between either restaurant. Consistency down the line.

    Still fantastic! Unfortunately their prices have gone up quite a bit. Service seems slower too…read morelately (lot of turnover I've noticed, new employee faces a lot). This is the food spot we eat at the most hands down. At least 2-4 times a month. I love the food. Their Tinga is sooo good. I ordered a side of their rice the other day (because I love it in my burritos) and oh my gosh that was amazing. But the staff don't even fill up my cup full of rice . It was only like 80% full. Felt like I got ripped off a bit, for the cost. I also really wish they would look into adding more menu options. We need queso here, I bet they could make an amazing queso. I also wish they had a salsa specifically for chips. Their sauces/salsas are great, but only on food. Not great with chips. Overall - still great. Go eat here. Service is slower than before. Prices have gone up. Wish they had queso and a salsa for chips specifically. Wish I got a full cup of rice when I order a side of rice, considering how expensive the rice is.

    Photos
    El Super Taco
    El Super Taco - Birria tacos and street tacos

    Birria tacos and street tacos

    El Super Taco

    See all

    Costa Vida

    Costa Vida

    3.5(101 reviews)
    5.8 mi
    $

    I know a lot of people that love this place! So I was super excited to give it a try!…read moreUnfortunately, this fell super flat for me... There is plenty of free parking! There is also a drive through. The place was clean and the vibes are very chill. It's got more personality than a chipotle. Service here was top tier! Everyone was very nice and personable! It honestly pains me to move on to the next topic... food I got horchata, a bowl and chips/queso. I have had a lot of horchata and this was just not it... there was too much cinnamon and the flavor was... off. The chips tasted like they had been fried in bad oil. They had a horrible smell to them. It made the vehicle we were in sleep bad. I had my friend try them as well and he also thought they smelled and tasted bad. The queso did taste good! It was a little spicy. I ended up throwing the chips away and put the queso on my bowl. The ranch and queso definitely carried the bowl. The chicken was dry and I didn't like the cheese being melted, it got hard. I just couldn't finish it. I don't know if I just came during an off time or not, but this just didn't live up to the hype

    Happy happy joy joy! One of my fav fast casual restaurants in Colorado was Costa Vida so when I…read morewas randomly in Apple Valley over the weekend I was ecstatic to find a Costa Vida! My fav is the small salad with sweet pork and the tomatillo sauce. It was as delicious as the last time I had Costa Vida which was 4+ years ago. Woo hoo! The associates were friendly and happy I found a more local option in Minnesota. Yay!

    Photos
    Costa Vida
    Costa Vida
    Costa Vida

    See all

    El Charro - mexican - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...