We go here occasionally because it's been consistently good. Now it's just OK in our opinions. We had chile rellenos. They're usually reliable. Last night there were...OK. Obviously prepared in advance, they were bland. No flair. For $15 you get beans and rice and tortillas-- except they forgot the tortillas. No real presentation values. Slow service despite being almost the only ones in the restaurant. The stuffed chilies were.... greasy, their (red) sauce bland. Blah. We understand food costs are rising, but here, the quality is going down. I shrug. Lots of competition around town. The upsides are that it's clean, nice restrooms, and very polite. Downsides are slower service, and no flair. We don't drink alcohol, and didn't sample their drinks. Maybe those are good. We'll never know or care. read more

Thanks Yelp! We stopped in for lunch after touring IU based on Yelp reviews. We were immediately greeted and seated! Our server was so friendly and helpful. We ordered chips, salsa and cheese dip. YUM! Our food came out quick, hot and delicious! The location has lots of seating, well decorated and so clean. We will be back! read more

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Very good food and nice people! They even helped me practice my Spanish. Definitely going to return.

Amazing!!!! This is the best Mexican food ever. The service is amazing. Stephano is the goat

La Charreada Mexican Restaurant is our favorite Mexican restaurant, in Bloomington, IN. They have awesome food and the helpings are big. You will not leave hungry or disappointed. The service was extremely impeccable. You couldn't ask for better. Very attentive. The ambiance is great in the bar area where we sit. read more

Ever since El Rey Azteca closed we have been looking for decent Mexican food in Bloomington. Happy to say, I think we have found it. "La Cha" (as some locals call it) has been around for a long time. Family owned and operated. A co-worker recommended it when I was complaining about the lack of good Mexican food in this town. My partner and I decided to check it out for lunch on Saturday. Plenty of parking, and it looks like they have outdoor seating, although it was not set up for dining when we were there. Plenty of room inside the restaurant, and the tables were nicely distanced from each other. (we are fully vaccinated, but still in pandemic mode). Chips and salsa (warm chips!) arrived right away. Delicious salsa. Huge menu. I chose the shrimp enchiladas with a side of refried beans. My partner had the lunch combo, which came with a chili poblano, bean tostada, and a side. (she also got refried beans). To drink we ordered horchata and jamaica. The jamaica was not on the menu, but they had it and it was good. The food was great. I loved my enchiladas. They were full of plump prawns and a veggie mix that they call "Fiesta mix" which was basically roasted corn and peppers. They had a really good, light queso covering the enchiladas, but they were not drowning in it like at so many Midwest Mexican places. Jean enjoyed her food. The beans were great. We are eager to go back and try other things on the menu. The food was great. I loved my enchiladas. They were full of plump prawns and a veggie mix that they call "Fiesta mix" which was basically roasted corn and peppers. They had a really good, light queso covering the enchiladas, but they were not drowning in it like at so many Midwest Mexican places. Jean enjoyed her food. The beans were great. We are eager to go back and try other things on the menu. Really good meal, looking forward to returning. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Chips (warm!) and salsa. - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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Jose was a very nice, attentive server. We always enjoy eating here, our favorite Mexican restaurant. Portions are big, food always tasty.

Really dope restaurant. Hubby and I were staying at a hotel nearby for work and wanted to see what this place was about. Service was outstanding. I did not get the name of our server, but he was awesome. The guava drinks were delicious, and veggie quesadilla with the queso blanca was fire. Hubby said his veggie fajitas were decent with his corn tortillas. Overall ambiance was nice, I loved the art decor and how family oriented the restaurant was. We would definitely stop by again when in the area. read more

great food, quick service and strong margs.. couldnt ask for more. i highly recommend

We had the best server, Deja. She was amazing. Excellent service and made our experience so fun!

We stop by this place while we were visiting her grandma up in Bloomington Indiana. I got my big burrito with cheese on it and it was fantastic I enjoyed it a lot my girls got tacos they like there's chips and salsa was on point everything was great cool atmosphere on the inside had all them little cool skulls around the place which I can dig that a Day of the dead stuff I like that and I had some decorations of that yes place definitely worth checking out read more

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Chip and salsa perfection!! That's my first indication of what's to come. First test passed. Chips were hot, just pulled from the fryer, and sprinkled with just enough salt - the salsa passed test #2. I ordered the Mexican Bowl from the lunch menu, and when it was presented to me I was in shock. It was literally enough food for 4 meals for me! Visually it was stunning with perfectly sliced avocados topping the pile of rice and chicken. Come to find out, they brought me the dinner portion!! No wonder! Not mad though, as I always look forward to left-overs. It was absolutely delicious! I also got a cheese enchilada on the side to taste and was less than impressed. The queso they use just tastes like processed, white cheese and took away from, what seemed to be, some flavorful enchilada sauce. Aside from that, our server was bubbly and personal, and brought a smile to my face many times. I will be back next time I'm in town. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Mexican Bowl - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

When I needed catering for 20+ people, La Cha came through big time! I ordered a taco bar which included beef and chicken, tortillas, rice, beans, and many toppings. There was plenty of food for everyone and we even got to take some leftovers home. It was definitely a hit! Ordering was super simple, and there were many staff members available to load things in my car. I will definitely be recommending them to anyone who wants authentic Mexican catered. The restaurant itself is also worth a stop in. I got drinks with a friend there after work on a Friday and it was a nice treat after a long week. I prefer the "lounge" side of the restaurant, there's plenty of TVs, a bar, and comfortable seating. read more

I really enjoy La Charreada . IMO the best Mexican in Bloomington. Service is always fast and friendly.

This place was great!!! Loved the restaurant layout, and the staff were so friendly...at least my waiter was. They take care of business in a good way. Food was marvelous. The only thing I don't like (AND I MEAN ONLY) is the smell when you first enter the restaurant. Smelt like dirty dishes. I really hated that and hope somehow they find a way to fix it. But the pros out weighed the cons and was very appreciative. Thank you! :D read more

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Great service, large portions, and inexpensive. Very pleased with how fresh the food was. Just wish the chips would've been warmed up, but other than that, it was good. read more

Amazing service, great food and food comes out pretty quickly. Also has a great full bar ! Everyone was super greeting, good music too Always super quick with my to go orders which is super convenient. Will definitely keep ordering to go from here read more

Service was very displeasing. From the minute we walked in the door we weren't greeted at all. The host seemed to not even notice we were there until another employee came up to walk us to a table. Then throughout our meal I had to walk over to the bar just to get a water refill which was upsetting. Our server spent a maximum of 60 seconds at our table the entire meal. Seemed like we were an inconvenience to him which was also pretty upsetting. On another note the entrees we had were good but the rice was very dry and unenjoyable. I have been here in the past and had better experiences but I was very upset with our visit this time. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Enchiladas Verdes - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

They have the biggest Margheritas I've ever seen. We had a group of around 15 people for a birthday party. It's a lot of work trying to provide for 15 people. Our waiter did an awesome job providing for us. Our waiter probably shouldn't have but he took a tequila shot with us, which was awesome. Everything was great until they were trying to sort out the bill. Our waiter put everyone still on the same tab so it took a very long time to try and get them separated. It took so long but one of the guys in our party ended up paying for everyone's meal. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Monster Margheritas - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

The BEST guac I have ever had!!! Seriously...it's so fresh and creamy tasting. I also love the charreada burrito. I used to eat here about 25 years ago and it was good then, but like everything else, it fell apart. Went there again after hearing it was good again and I was impressed. I'm sure it's better than before. read more

I have been coming here ever since I was an undergrad, and I'm kinda amazed that the food has stayed pretty much the same in all these years! We came here for dinner on 1/25/2018. We started with the guacamole and the famous queso. Both were excellent. The guacamole is slightly spicy and we really enjoyed its flavor. The queso was rich and smooth and had a great overall flavor. For entrees we had one la Charreada burrito, one combo with a chicken tamale, cheese quesadilla, and rice & beans, and beef tacos. I was told the La Charreada burrito was pretty good, but it was surprising that the tomatoes, lettuce, and sour cream were served on top instead of inside the burrito. The combination platter was excellent. The chicken tamale was super flavorful, the cheese was properly melted in the quesadilla, and the rice and beans had a nice flavor. I was told that the beef taco was a little bland and that the meat could have used some seasoning, but that it still tasted ok. Overall, this is a decent place to go to for Mexican food in Bloomington. Make sure you get the guacamole and queso if you come here! read more

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The del sol is a bacon wrapped burrito and it's fucking incredible! Might be the best Hispanic food I have ever had. If you need tacos in Bloomington eat here!! read more

This is my favorite Mexican restaurant in town! I love their specials and the food. The bar area is so nicely put together it is a perfect place to have a large gathering. The staff is always friendly and accommodating and the food always comes out quickly. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Dining area - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

So bear in mind that we just came out of The Hoosier National Forest so our expectations weren't all that high, but this place is amazing. See the attached picture for Jill's $10.99 sampler. The margaritas were fantastic and came with the largest glasses ever which were fun. #UberHome. Make sure to ask for Lucy. She's the best. The prices are quite honestly ridiculously low. Don Julio 1942 for $17.00! Whaaaat? read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I very much enjoy La Charreada. In my experience it is the best Tex-Mex in Bloomington: and I measure that both on service of the staff as well as how well each dish tastes. I have yet to have a bad experience with enchiladas, or quesadillas, or other house specialties. Personally, I enjoy their Chilliquilles. read more

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Great food, great drinks, nice and friendly & fun environment. Always clean, inside and outside. Affordable prices. Enough said , you got the picture. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Super clean. As you can see they are cleaning. - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

"Yay! I'm a fan." - This is true! La Charreada or "La Cha", as the locals say, was great! It is an interesting concept because there is a casual restaurant side, and then a side that is called "The Lounge" which you must be ID'd to be seated in. It is very lounge-y, including some couch seating, along with loud, EDM, popular music. A completely different ambiance than the other side of La Cha! Either side is great! Just depends what mood you're in. :) There was a "drink special" - $7.99 for a margarita on a Friday evening. Pretty good margarita but wasn't overly impressed! My friend and I had split the rice, fajita chicken and vegetables with queso on top. I was trying to find the name of it on their menu but had difficulty locating it. This meal was HUGE! And definitely shareable. It was SO delicious. I am still thinking about it... I want it NOW! Great flavors. The vegetables were grilled to perfection and I was very impressed. Any time I am back in Bloomington, we will most likely stop in! read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Rice, fajita chicken, grilled veggies AND queso! - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

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I had a quarter inch chunk of glass that was sharp and jagged on one side that was in my burrito. Bit down and hurt my tooth quite a bit. Waiter took it back to the kitchen and I followed to talk to the manager about it. He said he didn't know what it was from but was going to look in the kitchen. Was there for another hour with my group and never heard a single word from anyone about it. Not an explanation, or even the slightest apology. Unfathomable. read more

We had take out here and it didn't travel well so one night we decided to give them another chance and eat inside. So glad we did! When we ordered margaritas to start, the manager (who was helping serve on that snowy night) asked if we'd like a small or a medium. We went big with the mediums and whoa! It was so big I couldn't finish it! I can't imagine what the large looks like! Chips were hot and their table salsa is very good. My husband and I like it spicier but the flavor was on point. The shrimp fajitas were fresh and cooked perfectly. The shrimp were large and flavorful. I now actually crave these shrimp! My husbands Molcajete Jalisco was piping hot and full of meats, shrimp and melted cheese. He said next time he'll order just the Carnitas one because that was his favorite in the mix. I cannot remember if the tortillas were homemade or not but they were very good. Rice and beans were very tasty and they give you lots of guacamole and sour cream, lettuce and pico on the side. We'll be back! read more

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My husband & I were passing through Bloomington & decided to eat Mexican next to our hotel, Hampton Inn. The waiters were very attentive. Unfortunately, we do not speak Hispanic so there were some communication issues. The frozen lime margaritas were good. Loved the colorful glasses! The food however was mediocre. Not much spice for a Mexican meal. My husbands plate was unidentifiable. Didn't know if there was a cactus leaf or poblano pepper hidden under gravy. read more

I've been to La Cha many times during my time in Bloomington, however, I've always had mixed feelings about it. The first few times I went the food was really good and the margaritas were plentiful and tasty. They have great deals, most every week night there is a half-priced menu item. On my most recent visit, I ordered the Chile Rellenos and shared shredded chicken nachos with my partner. I love Chile Rellenos and often use it as a measuring point for Mexican restaurants. Unfortunately I didn't care for La Cha's stuffed pepper option - it was just a tad bit one-note. I'll definitely be back, because I generally love La Cha, but the food definitely isn't the best in town. read more

nacho, mexican, nice :) it has bar and cozy seats. little salty for me but it's typical mexican taste. It opens til 11pm in sat, but yelp said for 10pm. Last order is 10:30 i guess(when i order cocktail at the time, bar was finished). Meat on the hot stone bowl with cheese was great. Salmon salad was good, and less salty for salmon. read more

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Slow service, didn't get our drinks until after we finished all our food... Found a hair in my food. Ordered the carne asada, very dry and the pico de Gallo looks very concerning read more

Have yet to try a meal I didn't love! Service can go either way, but it doesn't take away from how tasty the food is! My personal fav is the fiesta chimichanga read more

La Cha has always been a local classic, but the new additions of "The Lounge" and menu updates make it worth the visit! Isaiah was our waiter and did an amazing job- he made some of the best margaritas we've had in town in a long time! Great service and it was obvious he wanted to make our dinner enjoyable- don't write La Charreada off as "another Mexican restaurant in town." Very socially distanced and felt especially clean during COVID19 times. read more

La Charreada Bloomington - New Menu Additions and Best Margaritas in Town - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

More like 3.5 stars. The food is so-so typical Mexi-American. I usually order the Nacho mexicanos with marinated steak or chicken. The margaritas are what I come for. Belly up to the bar get to know your bartender, throw back a couple shots of patron and who cares about the food. No complaints about service from me and if u go with the "duke" Ivan G. You may get a free t-shirt;) read more

La Charreada Bloomington - Mexican Near Me - Bloomington, Indiana

I've dined in at this location numerous times and occasionally get carry out as well. Wait staff is on point, food is always scrumptious, portion sizes are incredibly generous, and -- most important to me -- the chips and salsa are out of this world. The salsa in particular is flavorful, spicy, and packed full of balanced tones of tomato, cilantro, and perfectly diced Spanish or white onion. I always get extra to go and it's never wasted... ever! Definitely a must try location in Bloomington. read more

What a pleasant surprise! It is difficult to find good Mexican food in Southern Indiana. I'm raised in the business and I'm a harsh critic, but this place was exceptional! The service personnel are serious about their patrons and care about your experience. The food is autentico! It's the real deal! I recommend the fish tacos, the fajitas, the carnitas, and the enchiladas! I've tried each of these and they each hit the spot! They make their own tortillas and they are scrumptious! ps. Their decor is clean and comfy, their margaritas are sinful and their beer is ice cold! Bravo! Well done! This is now My "go to" Mexican place when I'm in Bloomington. read more

Good food, large portions, good variety, and quick and good service. Have came here every 2 or so weeks for 2 Years and always satisfied. It was first restaurant I sat down in after shutdown. Not usually too busy. Chips occasionally have been stale, besides that no real issues. read more

I love La Charreda. I always feel welcome and right at a swanky place on the bar side. Nice outside seating for the summer. Good drinks....and good daily specials on food and drink. Yes. This is you standard Mexican restaurant in Indiana. No....there aren't better places. I have had a bad experience or two out of the many many times I have gone. Usually I can get in, get fed, get a buzz for under $15 and less than an hour. Can't beat that!!! read more