El Charro Named Among Nation’s Best Mexican Food

That’s right, Tucson’s oldest Mexican restaurant, El Charro, has placed among Thrillist’s list of Best Mexican Restaurants in the Country.

“They’re known for their carne seca (dried beef), which is literally dried in a cage on top of the restaurant,” the site said. “But you can’t go wrong with any of their enchiladas, burritos, and quesadillas, all of which are made with the same aplomb that defined them over 90 years ago.”

Apparently, El Charro actually invented the chimichanga. If you’ve forgotten about this Tucson staple, take advantage of their $5 summer menu, which lasts until August 31st. Or head on down for a happy reunion the next time you’re craving beans, cheese and spice.

Also on the Thrillist list is Arizona eatery Barrio Cafe–renowned for its slow-roasted pork cochinita pibil, Dallas’s Meso Maya, Portland’s fashionable Nuestra Cocina and New York’s Empellón Cocina.