El Charro is a well-established fixture in the Carthage community, located conveniently on Grand Avenue. Known for its inviting, casual atmosphere and vibrant interior murals featuring classic characters like Speedy Gonzales, this restaurant serves as a local hub for comfort-food Mexican staples and signature margaritas. Whether visitors are looking for a quick lunch special or a relaxed family dinner, El Charro has earned a reputation for providing a neighborly vibe with efficient service and consistent quality that keeps generations of families returning to their tables.
Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms
Atmosphere
Casual, Cozy, Family-friendly, and Quiet
Amenities
Full bar onsite, Restrooms, High chairs, Changing tables
Crowd
Suitable for groups, families, and solo dining
Payment Methods
Credit cards, Debit cards, NFC mobile payments
Parking
Free parking lot and free street parking
Why Visit? Key Highlights
Fast and Attentive Service: Customers frequently praise the speed of the kitchen and the friendly, humorous nature of the waitstaff, particularly noting the efficiency even for large parties.
Signature Margaritas: The restaurant is famous for its exceptional margaritas, served in large glasses, which are a staple for regular diners.
Highly Recommended Tamales: The tamales are often cited as a standout menu item, described by guests as some of the best available in the region.
Family-Oriented Environment: With a dedicated kids’ menu and staff who are noted for being patient and engaging with children, it is a top choice for family outings.
Fresh Starters: The complimentary thin, fresh chips and salsa are a guest favorite, often paired with their popular white cheese dip.
Community Staple: Long-term patrons appreciate the consistency of the food and the warm hospitality of the owner, often referred to affectionately as Papi.
Menu and Offerings
Appetizers and Nachos
Item
Description
Cheese Dip
Creamy melted cheese sauce served in small or large portions
Guacamole Dip
Freshly prepared avocado dip
Cheese Quesadilla
Flour tortilla filled with melted cheese
Nachos El Charro
Cheese nachos topped with beef, shredded chicken, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream
Pork Nachos
Shredded pork topped with cheese sauce, grilled onions, and pico de gallo
Fajita Nachos
Nachos topped with choice of fajita-style meat and cheese sauce
Pork Specialties
Item
Description
Carnitas
Pork tips served with rice, beans, guacamole salad, and tortillas
Enchiladas Verde
Three cheese enchiladas topped with pork and grilled onions, covered in green sauce
Chile Verde
Beef or pork chunks served with a spicy green sauce, rice, and beans
Burrito California
Large flour tortilla filled with carnitas, beans, rice, lettuce, and avocado, topped with cheese sauce
Seafood Entrees
Item
Description
Enchiladas Mazatlan
One shrimp, one crab, and one cheese enchilada smothered in cheese sauce and topped with pineapple
Shrimp Cocktail
Fresh shrimp in a special cocktail sauce with pico de gallo and avocado
Seafood Tacos
Three grilled fish or shrimp tacos served with rice, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream
Shrimp Chimichanga
Deep-fried flour tortilla filled with shrimp and topped with cheese sauce
Ceviche
Shrimp and pico de gallo mixed with lime and topped with fresh avocado
Pescado Mexicano
Fish fillet grilled with onions, tomatoes, and bell peppers
Steaks and Tacos de Asada
Item
Description
Tacos de Asada
Three corn or flour tortillas filled with steak, beans, and pico de gallo
Carne Asada
Sliced steak topped with grilled onions, served with rice, beans, and salad
El Steak Special
Ribeye steak grilled with shrimp, onions, and bell peppers on a bed of rice with cheese sauce
Steak Ranchero
Beef steak topped with hot sauce, served with rice and beans
Steak Guanajuato
Ribeye steak served with two eggs, rice, beans, and special cheese sauce
Tacos Al Carbon
Three flour tortillas filled with steak and smothered in cheese sauce
Chicken Specialties
Item
Description
Pollo Loco
Grilled chicken served with rice and tortillas
Pollo Chipotle
Grilled chicken topped with a special chipotle sauce
Pollo Con Espinacas
Tender chicken breast grilled and topped with spinach, mushrooms, and cheese
Pollo Hawahiana
Bed of rice topped with grilled chicken, pineapple, mushrooms, and cheese sauce
Pollo Feliz
Grilled chicken breast with bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, and cheese sauce
Fajitas
Item
Description
Fajitas Mexicanas
Chicken, steak, and chorizo (sausage)
Shrimp Fajitas
Grilled shrimp with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes
Jalisco Special
Grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp served on a bed of rice with cheese sauce
Molcajete El Charro
Grilled chicken, beef, and shrimp served with grilled onion, tomato, and bell pepper in a special hot sauce
Fajita Vegetariana
Grilled broccoli, carrots, zucchini, squash, and mushrooms
Enchiladas and Burritos
Item
Description
Enchiladas Supremas
Four rolled corn tortillas: one beef, one chicken, one cheese, and one bean, topped with sauce and salad
Enchiladas Mexicanas
Two chicken or beef enchiladas topped with cheese sauce, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream
Burrito Special
One beef burrito with sauce, topped with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream
Burrito Panzon
Large flour tortilla with choice of chicken or beef, lettuce, rice, and beans, smothered in cheese sauce
Burrito Cancun
Shrimp and chicken grilled with onion, pineapple, and tomato, served with rice and beans
Combination Dinners
Option
Items Included
Combo 1
One Taco, One Enchilada, and One Chalupa
Combo 2
One Enchilada, One Taco, and One Chile Relleno
Combo 3
Two Tacos, One Enchilada, and One Chile con Queso
Combo 12
Two Enchiladas, Rice, and Beans
Combo 28
Two Burritos, Rice, and Beans
Combo 36
Two Cheese Rellenos, Rice, and Beans
Express Lunch and Specials
Item
Description
Speedy Gonzalez
One taco, one enchilada, and rice or beans
Huevos Rancheros
Ranch-style eggs topped with ranchero sauce, served with rice, beans, and tortillas
Acapulco Grill
Grilled chicken or steak with sautéed onions and cheese dip on a flour tortilla
Special Lunch #1
Chile relleno, taco, beans, and salad
Special Lunch #4
Cheese quesadilla, one spinach enchilada, rice, and beans
