I've never had a bad meal at El Charro. The service is quick and friendly! I wish the guac portions were bigger.

Place was extremely clean and the food was very good. Every employee we encountered was pleasant and there seemed to be enough staff on to cover the dining room and bar. We were greeted promptly and pleasantly as we entered and were seated at a nice booth in the dining area. Service was spotty throughout the meal. We order the guacamole and it was disappointing in 2 respects: it was tiny. Smallest sized ramekin ever, it reminded me of a condiment sized dish. Secondly, and worse, we had gotten through nearly all the complimentary chips while we waited to place our order and so when our server brought out the guacamole, we had nothing to eat it with and he dropped and dashed. I wanted to ask for more chips and order a beverage and we waited an unusual amount of time between any visits from our server to our table, and this was consistent throughout the meal. We needed napkins after our meals were served and he was nowhere to be found for a long time. Didn't check on us or ask How things were. Wasn't around for us to order additional drinks or get any refills. So overall, the food was great, prepared and presented well, very flavorful and seasoned & cooked properly. The portions were plentiful/large. But the service, having to wait for drinks and refills, having to wait for service, for napkins, for take out containers, for the check and then after we gave card to pay, wait a very long time to actually cash out. It wasn't fully packed and I like a slower paced meal, but the lack of server presence was really the only disappointment. Well that and the size of the guac. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Vallarta - Shrimp, Scallops, and Chicken in a red special sauce with onions, peppers, pineapple, and mushrooms. - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

Friendly staff. Good value. House Margaritas for happy hour were perfect. Wait staff engaging. Worked well together. We will be back read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

Mexican isn't what I normally pick when we go out, but Sarah got to choose so we came here. We sat inside and it was loud with several 8+ birthday parties going on around us. But we did get a table quickly, which was nice for a Saturday night. Normally I get the same few things so I decided to try two new things for me. I ordered the appetizer "Esquites", which is grilled corn served off the cob with creamy chipotle sauce, tajin, cotija cheese and cilantro. I was a portion large enough to share and spicy but not too hot. I would order it again, or perhaps try and make it at home. I also ordered the "Charro Sampler" which came with 3-4 chicken wings; 3-4 deep fried jalapeño poppers; several cut up pieces of a chicken flauta; a cut up cheese quesadilla; and sour cream and guacamole. The wings were breaded and fried but were soft and without much flavor. A sauce would have helped, unless that was what the guac. was for. The jalapeno poppers likely came from the freezer but they seemed several steps above what I can find at the supermarket. The quesadilla was unremarkable. The chicken flauta was like a large glorified taquito and it was enjoyable. For a platter that was completely full of deep-fried items, though, I wouldn't order it again as my entree. My son ordered the chicken fingers kid's meal (which had a kid-friendly price, thank you!) and the fries seemed very limp and perhaps undercooked. Maybe all my food was hogging the fryer. Our waitress was very nice though also very busy with other tables and I had to fetch my own water after a while. This seems to serve the normal Mexican style food like other places and it doesn't stand out to me. read more

Latinx Heritage Month. It's time to discover, support, and celebrate Latinx-Owned businesses on Yelp. From now until October 15th. I don't think it's owned by Latinos but it sure is run by many Spanish Speaking People from Mexico and as far south as South America! This is the main Mexican restaurant we go to in the Albany capital district area. You know why? It's because everyone that works there is from South of the Border and are some of the nicest people we know. They treat us with great attitude, integrity, they follow the rules, accept mistakes and respect others, are dedicated, dependable, and committed to keeping their job. It is a joy to return there many times a month. So this month and every month my hat is off to El Charro Mexican Grill !! read more

Lunch was amazing. One of the best taco salads I've had in a while. Great customer service. Loved the Mexican ambiance. read more

See all

So food was OK. Ever have a meal where you are eating it and it's OK as you can't figure out what's missing? Just seamed like there was no punch of flavor. It looked nice. I got a Texano burrito. "Smothered" in cheese... kind of. If it was me (I do cook a lot), I would have put the cheese on the inside and put the burrito in a panini grill and make it a bit crispy. Would have been better with some fresh salsa on the top. For me however, where they lost points is service. How many times can you walk by a table and see an empty glass at the end of the table and not ask if you need more? It didn't happen any of the 4 - 6 times our waiter walked by. Wasn't a busy night, so not sure why, but it's a quick way to not get a tip from me and I almost never give under 15%. Having something to drink with your meal is essential. Ended up only with 5% as that is what it was to get to a round number. Such an easy thing to do too. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Texano Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

This is my third time coming and every time, the food is just so good! The servers are attentive but not pushy and the food comes out super quick. You have the authentic Mexican vibe with comfortable seating options. Will continue to come back and bring others to experience the high value and great quality of food. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Chicken Fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

Went last night because I'm an idiot. My Oaxaca bowl was a laughable melange of hot garbage--tiny shreds of lettuce in beans and sautéed bell peppers and weird mushy rice. It was supposed to be drowned in queso, which is apparently how they disguise the fact it doesn't taste like anything. Chased down by a margarita featuring "fresh lime" which is what they call sour mix apparently--it was also weak AF read more

Best Mexican Restaurant in the area! My family always gets seated quickly, chips and salsa are great, food comes out quick and tastes great. Check and payment is quick. I couldn't ask for anything more. The staff is always nice and friendly. read more

Our first time here. The atmosphere is lively, and the employees seem naturally happy to be there. Which is always a good thing being in the service industry. The Steak Enchiladas Suprema were outstanding. Light with cheese and crema. Then got Chocolate Empanadas and Tres Leches Cake. The empanadas were outstanding. The cake was excellent. Will be a frequent guest and supporter in the future. Thank You Amigas y Amigos! read more

Best Mexican restaurant so far in Albany area!(I think) the service is great! All the food I had was amazing! The homemade flan was awesome!! read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

Food is excellent ... the chili replenish is awesome and the chipotle chicken ... sooo good

We had lunch at the bar yesterday (12/27/2025.) First of all the cucumber jalapeño margaritas were the best margaritas we've ever had anywhere. The food was outstanding as well. I'd eat there every day if I wasn't just passing through. 5 stars!!! read more

Have been going to El Charo for over10 years..Lunch /Dinner ..,Doesn't matter has been consistently great service at a fair price..The food in my opinion is top notch Mexican cuisine..Always friendly service,..I can't say enough about El Charro read more

My order was a take out order besides missing items the major down fall was my allergy alert for mushrooms and my dish came covered in mushrooms. Careless and reckless if I didn't check and my daughter had just ate it who knows what tragedy could have happened ! read more

Authentic Mexican food, service is top notch and the drinks are yummy. Go here often and have never had a bad experience or a bad dish! Highly recommend! read more

It has been a long couple of months without dining out. I am sure that others feel the same way. When we found that El Charo had outdoor dining available, we decided it was time for us to venture out. There are a number of tables available outside and I believe most have made available a few inside tables. I am a shrimp fan, so I chose the shrimp fajita. It is served with lettuce tomato sour cream and quac on the side of the shrimp and pepper onion combo to stuff into the warmed tortillas. Shrimp were large and succulent. You could only fit 3 shrimp into the smallish tortilla. (I tried more but they kept falling out.) The outside tables do not interfere with the parking lot like I've seen with other establishments. Nice that we have options other than home cooking again. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Shrimp fajita. - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

I actually enjoyed the food inspite of the bad reviews. We ordered the el molcajete and i love the steak and how it was prepared. The chicken looks dry but still taste good and the shrimp atr so tasty and fresh. The side order of enchillada is ok, looks dry when served, it's good but not something I would crave for. I did not taste the quesadilla but my friend said it's good. The desserts are delicious. The flan is not too soft and just the right sweetness. The fried ice cream is delicious too. The crust is crispy and yummy. The place looks nice. The furnitures are a bit old but thats ok. The service could be improved. The waiter looks so busy, doesnt wait a second in our table or ask if you need anything, always in a hurry to leave. The woman at the reception did not smile when we came in, she just stared at us! Smile! Make your customers feel welcome! Well since i like the food and everything was delivered as ordered, still keeping the five stars! read more

See all

Took my mom out to celebrate her 80th birthday and she chose El Charro. We were a party of six and visited around 3PM on a Saturday. I recognized the location as the former Nothin' But Noodles, which occupied this spot in the late '90s-early '00s. Initially we were seated at a table with chairs but requested a move to a booth. The server didn't seem thrilled but accommodated our request. Everyone ordered a dinner burrito or enchiladas; my mom and I, the rebels, both ordered chicken burritos from the lunch menu and received them ice cold. Yes, we sent them back, and received the same plates... this time, swimming in HOT chile verde sauce. read more

Outstandingly good food. Sometimes they forget stuff but are quick to make it better when you call.

Our go to restaurant for Mexican food,the chili rellano is the best I've had in a long while and the margaritas can't be beat.good authentic Mexican food friendly staff and inviting atmosphere. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill receives a solid rating of "MEH" from me. MEH=I have seen and eaten this before. The food isn't all horrible but nothing was particularly good either. The restaurant is located in a spot that has changed hands many times before. Each time I have been to the Peter Harris plaza I have noticed El Charro, took note of the crowd and said "I should check this out!" So I did and..... MEH. The service was lightening fast. So fast that they served my food and I had to ask them to bring me silverware. The obligatory chips and salsa were served. The salsa was fine. The chips were not homemade and boring. They had one of my favorites which is queso with chorizo. It was reminiscent of Moe's queso which I admit I have a weakness for. The chorizo had no spice level at all and just added more salt and fat. One of my new go to's at Mexican restaurants is Tacos Al Pastor and they had them on the menu listed as a specialty. Maybe the every day restaurant goer doesn't really know what Tacos Al Pastor are but this one does. "Siren Wailing" this version ain't it. Their Tacos Al Pastor were served on mediocre corn tortillas. The pork had a decent marinade but it was not hot and leaning towards dry. They were accompanied by a very fresh pico and a unique hot sauce that had a nice kick. Where were the grilled pineapples you ask? They weren't served at all. Perhaps they were not even used in the cooking process. Bottom line, these were not authentic. They were just MEH pork tacos. They also served the same tired old refried beans. They were perhaps the worst I have ever had. I swear I tasted dried fish. Blech!!! There are just too many good alternatives in the area for me to ever return. I can't go below 3 stars because clearly they are trying and maybe there is a 4 or 5 star dish on their menu. For now, as far as I am concerned this restaurant should be renamed "El Sorrow" Mexican Grill. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Hello? Where are the grilled pineapples? If you want authentic tacos al pastor go elsewhere. - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

Best place on troy/schenectedy road for Mexican. That quest birria is perfection. Always free chips and salsa.

I ate here for the first time tonight and have to say I was mortified. Our table within minutes of the food arriving was swarmed by flies (6-10 easily). It took us waving our arms around to keep them away from the food for a few minutes while trying to get staffs attention until we finally had to directly call for them to come over. They came saw all the flies and asked if we wanted to move to another table. Barely apologized and the new table still had flies around. Looking around you could see this was throughout the restaurant, I can't believe the health department hasn't been called. Update: to top it all off my wife got food poisoning. read more

I have been here a bunch of times and really enjoyed the food. This is my second time back since they expanded. The first one was ok, I decided I made a bad choice for my entree. This time I went for late lunch/early dinner with my adult children. We ordered a cheese dip and never got it. My daughter had the shrimp tacos, my son had a mixed taco dinner they enjoyed them. I ordered the carne asada tacos. The meat was very dry and they were tasteless and the lettuce and cheese served on them didn't help. We were out of salsa so I couldn't add that to give them flavor. The server delivered the food and never came back until he dropped off the bill. Nobody ever asked if we needed anything or if everything was ok in spite of the fact that I didn't even eat one of the tacos in my order. The company was good! read more

All in all it was a pleasant evening overall. Reading the reviews had me a little worried but I didn't experience the things that other reviewers did. The waitstaff was friendly and patient with us ignorant Americans who don't know how to pronounce Mexican dishes. The ambiance was quite nice. Nothing looked cheap or thrown together. I have to give a lot of credit to the restaurant for its level of cleanliness. The restaurant and even the bathrooms were immaculate. I can't tell you how much confidence it instills in me when I see a clean restaurant and bathroom. If you can't keep a bathroom clen, you can't keep a kitchen clean. As far as the food goes, I gotta say first that the menu is HUUUUGE. I was scrolling on my phone for a good five minutes before I got to the bottom. I get that Mexican food, like Italian food, is mostly the same ingredients prepared differently to make a different dish, but when your menu is to miles long consisting of nearly a hundred different items, customers don't know where to land. And that was the problem we faced. It was all just too much to look at and try to narrow down. The appetizers, which consisted of avocado fries and the sampler, came out very fast. These were just okay. This may be my only complaint. They were nothing special, really. They all tasted frozen from a box and microwaved. None of it tasted freshly made. Next came dinner and I had the steak quesadilla, which they loaded with strip steak. I have to credit them here. They did not skimp on the steak. The rice was a little dry though and the lettuce was blah. I know it's more of a garnish but presentation goes a long way with me. It's an important aspect to any meal. If it doesn't look appetizing, it puts preconceived thoughts in my head about how it'll taste. Overall I think the restaurant has commendable atmosphere, cleanliness, and wait staff but the menu is too big and the food leaves something to be desired. There are better places around Albany for Mexican food. read more

Ordered pickup Taquitos Supreme which comes with Six taquitos: two beef, two chicken and two potato served over a bed of lettuce, garnished with pico de gallo, sour cream, queso fresco and guacamole. When i got home never had any pico de gallo , sour cream or guacamole! I understand putting this on the food may make it soggy. But not even given to me in a side dish! Wow ! You should tell your customers this wont be included next time they order take out. read more

The food is great. Maybe not 5 stars but the staff, cost, atmosphere, and facility sure are. The food is always out quick, the staff is phenomenal, and the place is always clean. The same staff has worked here for years which says something! It's my go to when I don't want to deal with crowds and want good food and good drinks. It's not perfect but close to it! read more

Excellent food and service. I enjoy going there each and every time. Service is always on time.

My favorite Mexican restaurant in the capital region. I'm glad they expanded the size of restaurant. Well deserved. I'm never disappointed when I come here to eat. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Arroz con Pollo - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

Delicious Mexican food, and excellent bar with really good drinks to choose from, I recommend the margaritas, or the piña, and they have great service with nice staff! The ambiance is also nice not too fancy but just right and they have a good amount of TVs at the bar too if you're trying to watch a game. read more

AMAZING FOOD! Service was incredible! Asked if they had a specific margarita on the menu and waiter said no, but he thought he could make it and it came out delicious! Highly recommend! read more

I was really stuck between a 4 and a 5 star for this place. Pros: $5 margs during happy hour, nice portions, friendly service (they made my friend feel special on her birthday), and food came out hot and fairly quickly. My ooooonly complaint that knocks off a star is I felt the flavor was lacking a little. I got the birra tacos and while they were VERY tasty, they were almost slightly bland- mainly the dipping juice that comes with it. Everything the table got looked great-especially the burritos. The table salsa and ordered guacamole we ordered were excellent. Great place to come with a group of friends! read more

Slow service. Waited 45 min for food. Food came out warm/cool. A couple next to us got up and left. Ground beef was pink. I think it was canned. Cheese was not melted. Overall not a good experience. Will not go back or recommend. read more

Our fave lunch spot! Great prices and nice menu options. The service is very quick and the staff won't leave you waiting. Nice atmosphere and quick refills. I've tried out a lot on the lunch menu, and am looking forward to trying out happy hour soon! I would recommend the chicken fajitas. read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Chorizo and Chicken Plate - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

See all

Very authentic food. Iived in Mexico for three years, and this i9s the closest I have ever had. Jalisco and Northern Mexico cuisine. Extremely good prices. 5 star!!!!!!! Still have not made a dent in the menu. Great chile rellenos, and mole sauce on some dishes. A wide spectrum of cuisine. Owners I believe are from Guadalajara, Mexico. Great beers on tap, Pacifico, Sol. read more

I visited Albany on business mid Summer and was staying at a local hotel. Desperate for a margarita on my first night in, I found El Charro through a quick Yelp search. El Charro is an unassuming small Mexican restaurant bookending a local strip of stores. There is a handful of dining tables on the sidewalk for outside dining. On my first night in town I sat at the bar with a colleague and we ordered drinks and dinner. They delivered fresh tortilla chips and a delicious salsa and my giant jalapeno margarita was exactly what I was feening for. The fajita quesadilla was so delicious, that I returned a second night to order the exact same thing. Service was great when the bartenders were at the bar however when it got busy they were running drinks out to tables and it was hard to get their attention again. On the second night it took the bartender 20 minutes to greet us and although the wait was worth the delicious food and drinks had I not been exhausted from my day working at HQ I would have probably found another restaurant. You should also note EL Charro closes early on Sundays. Make sure you order a margarita before last call! read more

El Charro Mexican Grill - Jalapeno Margarita made with Tanteo by request. - Mexican Near Me - Latham, New York

The sangria was delicious. Food was excellent. Service was attentive! This will be a regular stop for Mexican food now.

the food felt like it was reheated and the corn off the cob definitely came out of a bag frozen. The service was very lack luster for how many people worked there. A lot of people walk around doing nothing but waited a very long time for any service. when the food finally arrived so did the fruit flys. Very un appetizing. will never go back. read more