Charro

Always Something New. Went back to Charro last night with some friends & tried their new tapas menu. How cool was this?! Everything was under $10 and was really tasty. Our favorite was the lamb skewers, but the steamed mussels & kobe flautas weren't far behind!

It looked like they had added a few items to the regular dinner menu since the last time I'd been there. That's good to see, as long as they keep the Seafood Paella!!

The tv's at the bar were a nice added touch, and everyone there was friendly & helpful.  View Less … View More

Deceiving Appearance. Walking inside Charro it was obvious that I was in what was supposed to be a high end restaurant. While I thought there was a fairly nice modern feel to the place, my date noted that they went a bit overboard with crosses on the walls. Although a different reviewer had commented on the music being a mish-mash of spanish top 40 hits, I noted that the music was actually a pleasant blend of latin chillout tracks.

After taking in everything I made my way to the hostess desk, where there was a host in a suit looking extremely sharp, and next to him a girl in khakis and a light blue sweater who looked like she'd be at home in a land's end catalog. I told them I had a reservation at 7pm, to which the girl immediately responded that I was early and I would have to wait at least ten minutes. I was shown a place to sit while I was waiting, very small seating area that could accommodate three comfortably. Once seated I checked my watch which showed 6:58pm. After waiting for over half an hour the male host asked if he could grab us complimentary cocktails of our choice. My date had a very strong vodka tonic, and I had probably one of the best margaritas I've ever had. 15 minutes later and we were seated.

After a quick look at the menu I decided on the torta sliders for an appetizer and the mole enchiladas. We were brought chips and salsa almost immediately after being seated. The host came over and apologized again for the wait. The chips were excellent, and the salsa was alright, but nothing really jumped out at me in terms of flavor. As expected at a high end restaurant that likely isn't catering towards people looking for spicy and flavorful food, the salsa, appetizer and entree had virtually no spice to them.

The torta sliders were very simple, but were good and filling, the perfect portion for an appetizer. The beans and rice that came with the enchiladas were very bland, but not bad. The enchiladas were covered in cheese, and it appeared as though they were just lightly brushed with mole sauce as I could only taste a hint of the mole flavor. The meal was fair, but definitely not worth the price in my opinion. I don't mind paying top dollar for an outstanding meal at a hip location, but the food was only average.

Once seated the service was good, but I must admit I after waiting 45 minutes WITH a reservation to get seated I was very anxious to eat and leave. I would have been much happier at a Taqueria on Lincoln Ave, where in the time it took me just to get a table at Charro I would I have driven to a Taqueria, ate, and drove back home. I also would have a full wallet at the end of the night.

After hearing so many rave reviews I expected to be wowed. Instead I was disappointed. Like another reviewer stated, if you like bland Mexican food, and a pleasant ambiance this place might be for you, but if you are looking for authenticity and a rich, flavorful meal look elsewhere.  View Less … View More

Always Something New to Try. A group of us went out to celebrate a friend's birthday and had the most memorable experience. They had a great variety of margaritas that really quenched our thirst, as well as a really good rum cocktail w/ blackberries in it. We tried all 3 ceviches, and agreed the lobster one was the best... but the hamachi & whitefish were good too. The tacos & enchiladas were good, as one would expect... but the salmon & ropa vieja were amazing. I can't wait to go back & try the seafood paella! The table next to us ordered it & it looked REALLY GOOD.

When we first got there they had a variety of latin music pumping through the speakers, but it was soon replaced with a festive mariachi trio. They even came by and played a birthday song for our friend (but not happy birthday at his request!)

The service was great, as it seemed every time we needed something it was already there. Decor was great too .... bold to say the least.

DEFINITELY going back.  View Less … View More

Favorite New restaurant!. Dang! This place is poppin! I love charro! A few girlfriends and I were downtown for the night, before our night of mayhem at apartment 720. We decided to go into charro beforehand for some drinks. They've got GREAT drinks! I loved it! The bartenders really know what they're doing. A few weeks ago I made my way back to Charro (unintoxicated this time :P ) to try the food. Let me just say YUMMMYYY! It was excellent! I heard that charro is opening another location on bluemound road, and it just made me jump because it will be closer to where I live! I'm super excited for this!  View Less … View More