Good food reasonably priced street tacos were great coffee fresh and breakfast too service okay

It's always fun when we find good restaurants when we least expect it. On our way home from Aledo, we decide to stop in. Well more like everything else on the road didn't look to appealing. Let's get straight to it. The service was great, the bathroom was clean, and the tables were clean. It could use a little update, but that's not what I'm reviewing this time. We had the papas locas, quesabirria, and fajitas chilingas and of course corn tortillas! The basic chips and salsa were brought to the table. The salsa literally tasted like only black pepper. I thought there is no way anyone on purpose puts that much black pepper in a salsa. Maybe an accident? It was inedible. Kinda of scared us with the start. The next dish was good but not good. Let me explain. The papas locas are just fries, with some type of white cheese sauce, guac, meat, and sour cream. It just felt lazy. It needed something to tie it all together. It wasn't until they brought our mains, with the spicy table sauces that it hit. It needs some type of spice, to mellow out the richness and balance and meld it all together. The portion was great for the price. Maybe add jalapeños and you hit something. The mains on the other hand were dang good. Especially the birria. In this world of food trends, the quesabirria is the current star. Most places have their own version, but the top two mistakes, is that the make its either entirely too salty or they don't add enough spice and it feels more like a broth for soup rather than a true consume. This place did neither. The munchkin has never said any birria is as good or better than mine. Well looks like the day came. It was absolutely fantastic! The corn tortillas, spectacular alone, elevated this to the point it's probably in the top three birria tacos I've ever had anywhere! Bravo! The fajitas chilangas were great. But the problems I always have resurfaced from time to time. First, this was cheap bistec, they just seasoned it perfectly. NOT fajita. The chicken was good, and the chorizo and jalapeno were a great new way to have it. The problem is there was neither enough chorizo nor jalapeno to take it to the level of the birria. It was almost good enough, but with the beautifully executed corn tortillas, it was more than adequate for our hunger pangs. The charro beans I asked for were actually undercooked. That is a first for me. They are usually overcooked. They had decent flavor, just needed more time. The table salsas were also good. Just enough spice, and just enough heat. Not salty at all. I work stop by again if I was in the area! We had great dessert, but can't give them credit since it was a third party. read more

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Overall: 3.5 (decent/good, but nothing great) Walking in we noticed it was a bit warm temp wise in the restaurant but still a good vibe, but right when we sat down (it's self seating, no hostess) they promptly brought us very large and crisp ice waters with limes which helped a lot. The chips and salsa were alright, a bit greasy chip wise but we liked the salsa. My husband and I ordered the Muchos Nachos with fajita meat and the Crispy Taco plate. My mexican food go to is usually tamales but they didn't have any :,(. The muchos nachos were definitely MUCHOS, I barely ate a third before calling it quits, you definitely get bang for your buck with this one, tasted pretty good too with good servings of jalapeños, sour cream, and guac. The crispy tacos had the same problem as the chips with being a bit too greasy for our liking, but the rice and beans were quite good and flavorful and made up for it a bit. Overall, I was filled up but if I ever came back to town and was reallyyyyy in the mood for mexican I would probably come here but avoid any fried things for sure. read more

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I got the Gordita asada plate. my husband got the quosobirria plate. All I can say is Wow! Sooo much flavor, and the prices are wallet friendly. read more

Food was good, prices ok, our waitress sucked, but the others seemed better. A good option away from the crowds

Every time I walk into El Charro, I am greeted with a friendly smile and feel super welcomed. Although I get most of my items to go, the staff must know my voice because my order is constantly changing and they never ask for my name. However every time, my request for a small side of the regular table salsa is already in my to go bag when I pick up...I don't even have to ask anymore! To me, that attention to detail and really knowing your customers is one of a kind. Thank you El Charro for always taking care of our local athletes before/after games when they come in starving and of course for making me feel like a VIP!! read more

AMAZING FIESTA SALAD!!!!!! Food is great, service is awesome - Maria such a nice cashier!!

Place is nice it has some kind of rustic feel, it looks clean. The waiter was the best, real helpful and kind. The food was one of those hit or miss situations. I had a large shrimp cocktail and it was fresh and good quality although it was too plain for my taste, it did not have any kick to it, they brought me Valentina hot sauce and while I am not a fan of that specific sauce I tried it out anyway to add some spice, that seemed to improve my cocktail quite a lot. The shrimp soup my wife got was super good. Real tasty. read more

Great road trip stop! Location: Johnson city, Main Street Parking:Plenty as well as street parking Staff: everyone was nice and friendly, greeted us and allowed us to pick our seating spot. They came by fast and started serving our drinks. Wait time: none, for food @8 minutes Seating: indoor and outdoor, however we decided for indoor as it was a chilly morning. Place is very spacious open concept. Price: Low-Average Drink: Disappointed they did not have cafe de olla. We opt for a glass of water and a drip coffee. Food: I went for the red chilaquiles. They were not spicy but had a good flavorful taste. Definitely a good spot to stop on your way out or into Johnson city. Great breakfast spot with good size portions. After you are done eating you pay at counter. read more

It's an ok restaurant with plenty seating. There was a weird smell (probably from the kitchen) all around and felt quite stuffy indoors. Food was alright. However, no decent vegetarian options on the menu which is surprising for a Mexican restaurant. read more

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Had the chili relleno. Excellent sauce. Great cheese. The refried beans were vegetarian and really excellent as was the rice. Chips and salsa were perfect as well. This was a great meal and a very nice price. read more

El Charro Restaurant - Chili relleno - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

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Always amazing! Best Mexican food in the area! I love the chicken fajita burrito, simply the best!

If you can get Mama J to come here, it's good to go. I bring my Mom here now regularly when I come to visit, and she likes it. For small town Mexican food, this is solid. The service is also very friendly here, which is a plus. You can tell that they work hard even with a limited staff and manage to bring out hot food quickly. Admittedly, I have only ever had their enchiladas. They are delicious. Not too saucy or cheesy and with a good amount of filling. The beans and rice are also good and complement the entrees nicely. El Charro definitely gives you good portions at a great price. I recommend this place if you are ever in Johnson City and are craving some good no-frills Mexican food. read more

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Restaurant appeared to be clean. Saw some reviews that it smelled bad. We did not experience that. The service was okay. The server who took our order was super sweet. The server who brought our coffee couldn't make it around the table to give each person their coffee so we had to grab hot cups and pass them out. As if we worked there and were expected to help serve. The food, not good. None of us are out scrambled eggs. They were way overbooked. Beans and potatoes were good. Tortillas not the best. Def will not be back. read more

Family owned restaurant with great prices and authentic dishes. The barbacoa was super legit. If I lived in this town I would come here regularly. The family that owns or operates this place is super friendly. This is a business that I would be happy to support even if prices started to go up. read more

El Charro Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Food was just below ok. The torta bread was not fresh. The tacos were the best part of the meal but I had just bought one for taste. The salsas didn't have a good taste to them. read more

Being in a small town, I was nervous trying this Mexican restaurant but I was pleasantly surprised. Breakfast was simple and delicious. I enjoyed the ranchera sauce on my eggs and the pork chop was perfectly seared/cooked. Service was great and waitstaff were all attentive. Nice place if you are in the area. read more

El Charro Restaurant - The Texas Cowboy (I added ranchera salsa to my eggs) - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Stopped here for breakfast on our way back home from Fredericksburg. Our entire group had zero critiques about the food. Everything was fantastic, from the server who was very sweet and always kept our coffee cups filled, to the fresh salsas and tortillas. The space is well mapped out to allow for large and small parties, and the seats themselves were unique and added to the cozy feeling. We will definitely be stopping here each time we pass through Johnson city. read more

Quaint little small town Mexican restaurant in an older building. The chips are fresh and hot and sometimes tastes like they're fresh out of the fryer.... They're not the store-bought chips did you get it most Mexican places. The fajitas come sizzling as they should and the Margaritas taste a little bit syrupy. I've had better margaritas. Service is quick and you pay at the counter. read more

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The food was amazing, the quality of it, the environment was just perfect. Don't even get me started on the service, the manager, Cristian Alvarez, greeting himself and being generous and kind. 100/10 recommend to everyone. read more

El Charro Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Just recently moved to the area and tried the "3 Breakfast Tacos for $4.49" deal and I was quite impressed. I got 3 Potato, Egg and Cheese Tacos. The tortillas were the regular sized tortillas but they were packed with ingredients. Ill for sure go back soon. Next time I'll try to remember to snag a picture! Give it a try! It'll be worth it, I promise! read more

Server was able to accommodate our large group pretty well. Food was decent, nothing was over the top but still good. Also, no alcoholic beverages are served here. read more

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The worst margarita on planet Earth. Question if any substance is real? Taste like a lemon marmalade slushy. Wait that sounds actually good. However this is not a margarita. "Ms? I'll take another!?" read more

The food is good, but reminds me of California Mexican since it doesn't seem to have the spices. You might want to bring your own pico de gallo or jalapeños. read more

In 2019 I stopped here on my way out of Texas for the last time in a long time. Was disappointed when I was told they didn't serve margaritas. But then I was served the best crispy taco I have ever eaten. I think about it often. read more

El Charro Restaurant - a plate of mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Visited this place while passing through Johnson city for a meeting. Stopped here on my way home for breakfast and it was a good stop. It was your typical Mexican restaurant. No frills just good Mexican food that came out super fast even for a party of 5 adults. If ever in the area and looking for a good place, this will probably be a good bet. I eat a lot of Mexican food so the reason for the 3 stars are 1. Tortillas were ok. Didn't appear homemade but I could be wrong. 2. Food was ok. Nothing great tasting just ok. 3. Coffee was good but not very strong. Overall I would eat here again, just not the best I've had. read more

Went for dinner. We had fajitas and steak asado. Some of the chicken fajitas and beef pieces had bad taste. Not sure if it was due to it being bad or outdated or dirty pans. Flour tortillas were not fresh or homemade style. Service was friendly and establishment was very spacious. There's definitely better Mexican food in other places. read more

El Charro Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

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Driving through Johnson City on our way home there were many choices. But Tex-Mex was calling and here we stopped. On a Tuesday night there were lots of families and soccer teams having a great meal. The waiter & waitress did the usual great job at family owned spot. We enjoyed the chips and the salsa can get HOT. We ordered a plate of nachos and it was HUMONGOUS. I had the Tuesday special (taco, cheese & meat enchilada, beans & rice). It was VERY good in a food area that is boring. The taco was exceptional and I think I would just get a taco dinner next time. Then entire family enjoyed this spot and we will visit again any time we travel through JC. read more

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Stopped in at El Charro restaurant today for lunch (first time visitor). The beef tacos were so flavorful and the fresh-made shells so crispy. Truly authentic and perfectly created. The beef chimichangas were just as yummy. A one-hour drive from Austin but well worth it. Will definitely be coming back for more. read more

Food was bland, not spicy at all. Service was horrible! We received a friendly greeting, but once we received our food, staff disappeared. My sister actually had to go find someone so we could pay our check! I should have kept going when we pulled up at 5pm on a Saturday and the place was empty. read more

Not a fancy restaurant, but the food was so good we went two nights in a row. There was beer and frozen margaritas available if you'd like an alcoholic beverage. I had La Favorita #23 both nights. The cheese enchilada was fantastic. Beans were good. Rice was good. I liked the mini burrito and chalupa as well. My husband had The Mexican Plate #22 one night and a hamburger the next and enjoyed both. We agree we will be back next time we are in the area! read more

Excellent family owned Mexican restaurant. -Chicken fajitas, beef fajitas had incredible seasoning -Corn tortillas were fantastic I will be back! read more

El Charro Restaurant - Storefront - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Very nice, authentic small town Mexican food. The food isn't going to win any Michelin stars, but it is nicely decorated with cute Mexican themed tables and booths, has a full bar, friendly competent service, and the food is really good with a large selection of entrees. Large portions and good price. It's by far the best Mexican restaurant in Johnson City. read more

Enjoy my three huge tacos! Definitely one of the few places were they have real home cooking!

El Charro is good for what it is - a casual, family-run diner with fresh (not fancy) Mexican food and reasonable prices. Great place to take the kiddos - the food is accessible and we saw lots of families eating here during our visit. I had the chile rellenos with cheese. Relleno, which means stuffed in Spanish, wasn't exactly the right term, as this one had all of the cheese melted on top rather than stuffed inside. At only $7 for the lunch special, though, who am I to nitpick, and the portion was very generous. I also had a size of guacamole, fresh and fairly priced. Budget bonus - Charro's is BYOB. You can grab a 24 at the gas station next door, or bring in one of the bottles of wine you might have purchased on the wine trail. read more

El Charro Restaurant - The cheese chile relleno - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

El Charro is absolutely worth a try, and if you are like me regular return visits. My group of 5 gals has regular trips out to Johnson City a few times a year, and this restaurant is on our must eat list. The food is delicious, super inexpensive and everything you want in a Mexican taco shop. We have been twice now and both time they have had excellent service as well. We recommend the Quesadillas (shrimp is my favorite) fajitas, and the kids cheese burger is a great deal too. We honestly haven't had anything that isn't great. Highly recommended! read more

Great authentic Mexican food. Located right on Highway 290/281 in Johnson City, TX it makes for a easy pit stop. The service was great.

El Charro was on our way home from vacation, so we tried it . My food was good, but the waitress and owner were so friendly it didn't matter about the food ! I eat out so often, that the food sometimes become second to the service and friendliness . If you have a chance, stop by and see what I mean . Go get Full read more

El Charro Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Johnson City, Texas

Awesome I had beef enchiladas with 2 eggs on top, rice and beans. Awesome Our waiter was excellent and attentive. I will be back. read more

Service was great! Food was just meh. Guacamole was disgusting. Margarita was just okay. I would not recommend this place. The two stars were mainly for the service, our waiter was awesome! read more