FAQs
El Charro Café offers a wide variety of Northern Mexican and Tucson-style Mexican dishes, from enchiladas to tamales to mini chimis, and their insanely delicious food has been hailed by everyone from Bon Appetit to the NY Times to Nation's Restaurant News, which named it one of America's 50 most iconic restaurants.
What is the oldest Mexican restaurant in the world? ›
Established in 1922, El Charro Café of Tucson, Arizona is The Nation's Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Featuring traditional Northern Mexico-Sonoran style and innovative Tucson-style Mexican Food, El Charro Café is truly as Gourmet Magazine wrote: "A Taste Explosion".
Where is El Charro birthplace of chimichanga? ›
The History of the Chimichanga – Fried Goodness
Both El Charro in Tucson, Arizona, and Macayo's Mexican Kitchen in Phoenix, Arizona, claim to be home to the first chimichanga. El Charro claims the chimichanga was created when a burrito was accidentally dropped in a deep fryer.
Who owns El Charro in Tucson? ›
Flores is a chef and the owner of Flores Concepts, a Tucson-based umbrella company containing restaurants, airport cafes and a catering business. The core of Flores Concepts is El Charro Café, which was founded by Flores' aunt in 1922.
What does charro mean in Mexican? ›
a Mexican horseman or cowboy, typically one wearing an elaborate outfit, often with silver decorations, of tight trousers, ruffled shirt, short jacket, and sombrero.
Is Tucson a cowboy town? ›
Tucson is a modern city, sure, but you don't have to go far to find a taste of the Old West. Start light. Experience a romanticized, entertaining view at Western-themed attractions with rides, shopping, and dining: Trail Dust Town boasts Wild West stunt shows, a military museum, and a shooting gallery.
What is America's oldest restaurant? ›
The White Horse Tavern is a National Historic Landmark being America's oldest restaurant, having served guests since 1673.
Who invented the chimichanga? ›
Folk history
According to one source, Monica Flin, the founder of the Tucson, Arizona, restaurant El Charro Café (est. 1922), accidentally dropped a burrito into the deep-fat fryer in the early 1950s.
What is America's oldest fast food restaurant? ›
Arguably, fast-food restaurants originated in the United States with White Castle in 1921. Today, American-founded fast-food chains such as McDonald's (est. 1940) and KFC (est.
What does chimichanga mean in Spanish? ›
First recorded in 1950–55; from Mexican Spanish (Veracruz, Tabasco) chimichanga, chivichanga “trinket, trifle,” of uncertain origin.
Burritos can also be filled with vegetables and condiments such as pico de gallo, guacamole, and salsa. Chimichangas are deep-fried burritos, and cold condiments like pico de gallo and guacamole are served on the side as they don't tolerate high heat well. Both of these dishes are delicious when smothered in salsa.
Do Mexicans eat chimichangas? ›
Chimichangas is a Mexican dish that has gained popularity in the United States. They are deep-fried burritos that are crispy on the outside and filled with various ingredients on the inside. Chimichangas are a great comfort food that is perfect for lunch, dinner, or a snack.
What is the oldest Mexican restaurant in the US? ›
Established in 1922, El Charro Café of Tucson, Arizona is The Nation's Oldest Mexican Restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. Featuring traditional Northern Mexico-Sonoran style and innovative Tucson-style Mexican Food, El Charro Café is truly as Gourmet Magazine wrote: "A Taste Explosion". ..........
What is El Charro Tucson known for? ›
As the nation's oldest family-owned Mexican restaurant, El Charro Cafe has had decades to perfect its Famous Carne Seca dish, whose mix of sun-dried shredded beef and green chiles packs a flavorful punch. You can also feast on chimichangas, tacos and enchiladas, all served with beans and rice.
Which is the oldest restaurant in the world? ›
Casa Botín, founded in 1725, is the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records and a benchmark of Madrid's best traditional cuisine.