El Charro

Best restaurant in Tucson

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We walked in the door and immediately loved the atmosphere. There were four of us there for lunch. This was our first time in Tucson. We had margaritas and they were very good. The lunches were all great and especially the fact that you have such great variety of gluten-free items. Everyone was friendly and we had a wonderful time.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Make a reservation or you won’t get in! Our waitress was great and got us take. Care of quickly. We had nachos and enchiladas-all celiac safe! The chips are safe too!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Grandissima scelta di pietanze gluten free. Tutto Mexican style e tutto delizioso. Assolutamente consigliato!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Went at lunch during the week and it was very busy. Still had a great experience. The menu is clearly marked for gluten free, plant based and vegetarian items. I’m gluten intolerant and also allergic to dairy so had no issues finding something here, which is unusual at a Mexican restaurant. I had the tableside guacamole (skipped the chips even though they are marked GF) along with the Nopalitos Enchiladas, charro beans and rice. Everything was great and no reaction.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

We really enjoyed our dinner here. We shared a very hearty and good posole soup as an appetizer. The base reminded me of New Mexico red chile and it was full of big chunks of pork. If we knew how big the entrees would be we might have passed! The server was very attentive and worked with me on both gluten and dairy free options - GF is marked on the menu.. I got the three assorted enchiladas with beans and rice and non dairy cheese. One was carne seca, their specialty. We also had a good classic sangria. The back patio is a rightful place to eat on a nice evening. The atmosphere there was pleasant. They had options for vegetarians/vegans, too. In the photo, my husband's dinner is covered with a creamy cheese sauce. He has no dietary restrictions.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for keto
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

Has the steak tacos with corn tortillas. Very tasty. Chips and salsa were good as well. If going on Fri/Sat night worth making a reservation.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

Really delicious food. Menu clearly marked. Owner is celiac.

It doesn’t get more authentic than this! One of Tucson’s original Mexican restaurants. However with most Mexican restaurants, there isn’t a lot of gluten awareness. This restaurant is very aware, and has things like dedicated GF friers for chips.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

El charro was amazing. So accommodating for celiacs. The food was fabulous. Must try the plant based gf taquitos!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

This place is amazing! They have a large selection of gluten-free items and are very understanding. We ate here three of our four nights in Tucson (both the downtown and Ventana locations), and I had zero issues. I tried something different every night, too, and ate the chips. Absolutely loved the pork enchiladas, and the chocolate tamal on the dessert menu is just a “wow.”

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner

Service minded and knowledgeable staff. GF options clearly stated on the menu. I got a little nervous though when we ordered pico de gallo and sour cream instead of baked beans and rice to little one (our son has celiac disease and we’re very careful) and he got baked beans and rice but no pico de gallo or sour cream until we asked for it. No gluten in the other side dishes fortunately but I just didn’t know if we could trust them until we asked again about the ingredients. The food was tasty and we did feel safe due to the staff. The nachos were deep fried in a separate fryer and there where a lot of GF options. Nice atmosphere.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Offers outdoor seating

The food was great! I did not get sick. I called and the hostess was aware of gluten and stated to let my server know. I did and she stated they were very cautious and the owner has Celiac Disease so they are very cautious. MANY choices!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They have lots of “gluten friendly” options but won’t go so far as to commit to gluten free. (That said, chips are done in a separate fryer.) Our waiter was kinda too busy to deal with our specific concerns and was like “yeah, if it says GF on the menu it’s safe.” We were too tired to press it so we rolled the dice and everything was delicious and neither of the celiacs in our party got symptoms.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The overall experience was okay. I was served a flour tortilla taco despite telling our server that all the food needed to be gluten free. They did not remake the entire order, but rather simply placed a corn tortilla taco on the already contaminated plate. The entire meal was remade upon request. Otherwise it was a good experience. Just double check everything before you eat.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegetarian options
• Reservations recommended

Placed an order online and it was rejected, so called and there was a large catering order or something going on and they’d only accept phone orders. Placed a phone order for a keto salad, marked gf on the menu. They said it would be 40 minutes - when I arrived, the cashier in the to go area wasn’t aware of my order. I waited 30+ minutes and multiple restaurant staff came in and out of the area during that time. Finally found our order 40 minutes later - food was cold and for $40, not at all worth the hassle here.

Updated to add: definitely having digestive issues the next day, including pain (which is rare for me). Would not eat here again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

As another reviewer said, they didn't seem hip to reviewing safety protocols but assured us the chips were fried spray and everything labeled gluten-free would be ok. No reaction. Great food and atmosphere.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

One of my favorite places, many gluten free options, the enchiladas are the best!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

The owner has celiac and the menu has plentiful gluten free options. Delicious food and margaritas! Can't wait to come back.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

One of my favorite places in Tucson. Sometimes the service is a little odd but otherwise the staff is lovely. Lots of GF options and they’re willing to customize or make changes per request. Though not celiac, I’ve never been glutened. Even after getting takeout and it sitting around for a bit the food’s still warm and tasty.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Dog friendly
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

WORST Restaurant Service we experienced after a month of traveling cross country. When requesting hot water and lemon with her meal the waiter indicated that their hot water maker was out of service. Likely never heard of a microwave or simply too much trouble! While gluten free, Food was mediocre at best!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Below Average

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout

Really good busy Mexican restaurant. It's downtown and has lots of spaces. The server said someone on the staff is GF, and assured me that they know how to deal with it. Next day, I felt perfectly fine and I'd recommend it for others.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Having family in Tucson, this is my go-to when we drive down from Tempe. A dedicated fryer and SO many gf options! It's really nice to have so many wonderful choices. And the flan!! Definitely get the flan!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Went to El Charro with a group of friends and they gave us an awesome little private room. Menu was clearly marked with what was gluten free. I got a steak taco plate and it was amazing. The horchata was the best horchata I’ve ever had.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating
• Reservations recommended

El Charro has many many GF options, delicious food, and a wonderful dining experience! I have been here multiple times and the servers have always been very knowledgeable about celiac, the menu is well-marked, and the chips are fried in a separate frier. One of my favorite GF places in Tucson!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

Great good. I have celiac and had no issues eating here. Lots of gf options! Great ambiance. Great service!!!

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for takeout

The food was good. Not a fan of the salsa

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

They have a separate fryer for the chips and were very helpful in ensuring there was no cross contamination. Such good food!!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for breakfast/brunch
• Good for dairy-free
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

My husband and I shared the 99 Combination plate, table side guacamole and flan for dessert. Seriously delicious!! Server was knowledgeable and friendly. I highly recommend this restaurant!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free space in the kitchen
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

After an hour long wait, finally got a table. I had spoken to the manager during my wait and she explained that they had a dedicated gluten free fryer for the tortilla chips AND that they prepared gluten free foods in a back room to avoid cross contamination.

Ordered the original tacos and the waiter came back saying that they were not gluten free (my bad, I must have missed that on the menu, so thank goodness they caught it for me.)

I questioned the Spanish rice that comes with every meal and they ultimately left off the rice on my plate. The waiter didn’t confirm that it had gluten in it but I figured it did as most Mexican restaurants add something to their Spanish rice that makes it not gluten free (learned that the hard way).

I did find a few grains on the edge of my refried beans though. Luckily I caught it and avoided that section. I did not get sick and the food for everyone at the table was amazing and worth the hour wait.

I wish we had gotten the guacamole at the start of our visit and not with our dinner but oh well. We still ate it and enjoyed it.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

They do a pretty good job of identifying dish's that are gluten friendly, however the kitchen doesn't seem to pay attention to allergy information, or the servers don't do a good job of letting them know. I have other allergies beside being Celiac, and every time my dish comes out with something I'm allergic to on it. So be cautious when you order.

OMG this place was amazing and 95% was gf so so good and filling was an understatement. The owners mom has celiac and was very sweet about my food allergies and was extremely attentive as was our waiter. Definitely coming back here again on our next trip and will probably be our go to place when we visit Tucson. There is also this amazing artist who sells artwork next door and it's such beautiful things.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

It’s hit or miss with the staff so make sure to ask a lot of questions about cross contamination. I have eaten here three times with no reaction.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Real good food, knowledgeable about GF. Service was so so. They told us this is the oldest Mexican restaurant in the United States.

Many GF options. Excellent freshly made food. Generous servings, knowledgable staff regarding GF options. In business for 95 years!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Lots of gluten-free options! Staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Food is great. This is one of the few places I’ve been that has gluten-free chili renellos.

I have celiac disease and I am very sensitive. I had the chicken fajitas and I was fine. I decided not to have corn tortilla chips after reading the reviews about a shared fryer. The server was not very knowledgeable about gluten free and both my husband and I were scared by his lack of knowledge but In the end I was fine and didn’t get sick. The food was okay.

Our waitress really understood Celiac Disease and what gluten free means. They have a dedicated fryer. Food is clearly marked GF on the menu. Large corn tortillas meant I could finally have a burrito again! Very good Mexican food.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We had 2 gluten free meals. Beef fajitas and beef flautas were both excellent. They fry all the chips in separate oil. Flautas & chimichangas can also be fried in the gluten free oil. Allowing us to eat some things we usually can’t enjoy.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I asked about gluten free options and the server didn't know what that meant and had to ask someone. They use a shared fryer and when they brought my food, the server had his thumb on my plate after touching who knows what. I should have just left but I wanted to see what all the fuss was about. First of all, the food wasn't good. Secondly I immediately began having gastric issues and by the time I went home I was in a full blown auto immune attack. Do not go here.

Celiac friendly?

No

Very celiac friendly. If they didn't know, they happily investigated, great service. Food was delicious - seriously the best Mexican food I've had in years. Only wished I lived nearby!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Great experience here! I had knowledgeable servers that helped me feel a bit easier about ordering. No reactions, and the food was amazing!!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Do not go here if you have Celiac.

Waiter, nice guy, but had no idea what I was talking about.

The menu has items marked as GF but there was no knowledge or information about cross-contamination or dedicated fryers, grills, etc.

I was told chips and salsa are fine because 'chips are just corn'

Knew it was time to go when they asked if I wanted corn or flour tortillas.

Celiac friendly?

No

Knowledgeable servers & kitchen. We were told the owner has an autoimmune disease & keeps a gluten-free diet & that is why the menu is diverse & clearly marked.The awareness of Celiac Disease & related safe food prep was evident. Highly recommend!!

Lots of GF items on the menu. Food very good.

My wife has celiac disease and we go here all the time. We love it, we always share the el charro nachos and she's never had a reaction. Love this place, good food and not too expensive

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Not all of wait staff are equally knowledgeable. After eating there many times we discovered that the chips are cooked in a fryer that is also used for non-gluten free corn tortilla products. The Spanish rice and refried beans can have varying ingredients, depending upon who makes them. Ask for white rice instead of Spanish rice, Charro beans instead of refried beans, and avoid the tortilla chips. The food is great, just make you ask all the right questions.

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

I was reassured they would take precautions against cross contact and ate the shrimp ceviche and hola hemp plant-based tamales. It was good but I was sick with mild glutening symptoms afterwards. I am guessing it was a cross contact issue.

While we were in the middle of ordering our food another server came by and dropped off a plate of chips and salsa on our table. I was ordering with our server so didn't have time to ask him any questions about the chips and salsa besides "are these gluten free" to which he replied "yes." As I was eating the chips I felt nervous because I hadn't asked about how they were prepared or if they had taken cc precautions in getting them on the plate. Obviously I don't know what thing caused my symptoms and maybe it was my actual meal but I am guessing it was the risky chips I decided to eat without knowing how they were made. I am not sure how to give a safety rating because I was reassured about their practices when I called ahead and by our server taking our order and it seemed relatively safe as non- dedicated restaurants can be. Eating chips that weren't prepared for me specifically was my fault. So I'm going with 3 hearts and a note not to eat things that aren't prepared specifically for you.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dairy-free
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options
• Reservations recommended

A lot of gluten free options. I have eaten here many times with no problems. The chips are safe.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Dedicated gluten-free fryer

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most/All

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good with other allergies
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

They offer gluten free options. Very delicious. One of my favorite Mexican restaurants.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

Kids gf menu! Awesome. We finally have somewhere to take our grandson where he has choices! Food and service is excellent. They brought out his plate and he was so happy. I almost feel like crying. Thank you for this app. Thank you for this place.

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu