Mexican food holds a special place in the hearts of most Arizonans, especially when the restaurant has stood the test of time. El Charro Cafe in Tucson certainly checks that box, having been continuously operated for nearly a century. See the historic authenticity of El Charro Tucson for yourself:

Open since 1922, El Charro Cafe is the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. It has since expanded to three additional locations, but the original in downtown Tucson is a living piece of history, and it's one I highly recommend dining at.
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
Corny as it sounds, 'charming' is the only word that sufficiently describes the interior atmosphere. Sombreros hang from the ceiling and are mounted on the walls, and a generally warm, inviting energy permeates every inch of the space.
Google/Bill Starr
Once you sit at your table and take in the ambiance, it's time to look at the extensive El Charro menu. When I was here, I found it hard to settle on just one thing as everything sounded absolutely delicious!
Melissa Mahoney/OnlyInYourState
When you dine here, you may choose to kickstart your meal with some queso fundido, which is melted white cheese covered in chorizo, roasted corn, and chile verde, served alongside perfectly salted tortilla chips. Other starters include tableside guacamole, nachos, and shrimp ceviche.
TripAdvisor/BLBTraveler

Related Stories

The Humble Little Restaurant Arizonans Are Quietly Obsessed With

The Humble Little Restaurant Arizonans Are Quietly Obsessed With

 Enjoy Homemade Tortillas And Tableside Salsa At Guadalajara Original Grill In Arizona

Enjoy Homemade Tortillas And Tableside Salsa At Guadalajara Original Grill In Arizona

 This Charming Restaurant In The Heart Of Grand Canyon Country Is An Arizona Dream

This Charming Restaurant In The Heart Of Grand Canyon Country Is An Arizona Dream
El Charro in Tucson, Arizona is said to be the birthplace of the chimichanga, so you'd be remiss not to order one. These deep-fried burritos are filled to the brim with rice, cheese, beans, and your choice of meat.
TripAdvisor/Mac776
Sonoran Dogs are a classic Arizona food, and they certainly live up to the hype here. Just look how stuffed those puppies are! A delicious mouthful, that's for sure.
TripAdvisor/KBenson5
You can never go wrong with a combo platter, boasting enough food to satisfy even the pickiest and most indecisive eaters. Enchiladas, refried beans, Spanish rice, fresh pico de gallo, and various sauces present flavor combinations sure to leave your taste buds begging for more.
TripAdvisor/Michael M.
We know it's hard, but at least try to save a little room for dessert. Chocolate hazelnut tamales, sopapillas, flan, and tres leches cake are just a few of the decadent options.
TripAdvisor/Inwyd
Address: 311 North Court Avenue, Tucson, AZ 85705. Visit the website for hours of operation, menus, and purchasing gift cards.
Google Maps


Take a look at this video of El Charro Tucson by @azpm:

I don’t know about you but the El Charro Tucson photos are making me crave Mexican food! For more information, visit the El Charro Cafe and give the El Charro Cafe Facebook page a follow.

Have you ever eaten at El Charro Tucson? If so, what’s your favorite menu item? Do you have fond memories of dining here in years past? Let us know all about it.

Before or after dining at El Charro Cafe in Tucson, how about taking a historic bike ride through the city? You can book a Historic Bike Tour in Tucson on Viator.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Historic Restaurants In Arizona

Melissa M. | December 14, 2023

What are some of the oldest restaurants in Arizona?

Arizona has some of the best restaurants in the Southwest, at least I think so! And some of the best ones have also been around the longest. Here are a few of the top-rated restaurants that are also among the oldest in Arizona:

  • Palace Restaurant & Saloon in Prescott first opened its doors in 1877. The servers here even wear costumes from the period which adds to its historic ambiance!
  • Mormon Lake Lodge Steakhouse in Mormon Lake has been around since 1924.
  • Rock Springs Cafe in Rock Springs has been open since 1924. If you’ve ever driven on the I-17, you’ve probably seen it. This historic roadside stop is best known for its pies, and I have to say, they are worth the stop!
  • Charlie Clark's Steakhouse of Pinetop-Lakeside has been around since 1938. It first started as a speakeasy.
  • The Stockyards in Phoenix first opened in 1947. This is one of the best places for steak and you’ll love the Wild West feel to this place.

Check out more on these and other historic restaurants in Arizona.

Related Articles

Explore Arizona

Featured Addresses
El Charro Café Downtown, 311 N Court Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701, USA