El Charro

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

So excited to have not just Mexican but GOOD Mexican without worrying!

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

Menu is labeled. Waitress was pretty knowledgeable and checked with the kitchen when she was unsure. Food was good. Chips and salsa are gluten free (dedicated fryer).

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 lunch
• Good vegan options
• Good vegetarian options

We went tonight and ordered the Combo 5. The menu was very clearly marked on what items were GF or able to be made GF. It came with an enchilada, a chile relleno, carne seca, and corn tortillas. It was all prepped safely and was absolutely delicious! Their chips are fried in a dedicated fryer, and their salsa was great. We will definitely return next time we’re in the area!

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?

— Most/All

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

— Excellent

My son is a very sensitive celiac and was really questioning the server about whether the kitchen could prepare his meal free from contamination. The server was so sweet and answered all of his questions, but had the cook come out to reassure him. The cook said he would change gloves, use fresh utensils, and open new containers of ingredients. My son ordered 3 enchiladas, beans, rice, and had chips and salsa. He really enjoyed it and didn’t get sick.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Dedicated gluten-free fryer
• Other dedicated kitchen equipment (oven, toaster, pots, pans, utensils, etc.)
• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the 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

Food was good and safe. Most of the menu is GF and the waiter was very familiar with Celiacs. If he didn’t know something he checked and did a great job. I didn’t get sick and the food was very good.

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

— Very

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked
• 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 dairy-free
• Good for dinner
• Good for kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good selection of healthy options
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies
• Reservations recommended

One of my favorite places. I can safely get my enchilada fix!

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?

— Some

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 for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Good with other allergies

Very happy with this place. Placed chips and salsa on table. I told waiter I had to eat GF, He said chips were ok but he wanted to confirm with the kitchen. Came back with they are GF and kitchen has dedicated fryers to prevent cross contamination. About 1/3 of the menu was GF. Writing this the next morning and no issues. Really liked the food and good sized portions.

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?

— Some

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

— Excellent

Other Characteristics

• Good for keto
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Good vegan options
• Offers delivery
• Offers online ordering
• Offers outdoor seating

One of my favorite restaurants! The food is always delicious, and the service is always prompt and friendly. They have a stunning amount of gluten free options, and I have never had an issue with getting sick after eating here. I highly recommend the carne seca platter, the tacos, and the enchiladas, but all of their food is amazing. The flan is also a must have! All of their locations are reliable in quality, and they all have a great vibe. Please try El Charro if you want some of the best sit down Mexican food!

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 breakfast/brunch
• Good for lunch
• Good selection of healthy options
• Offers outdoor seating

I have eaten here and had take out several times without issue. The food is delicious and there’s several options available.

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

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

Such flavorful food and wide variety of options noted as GF on the menu.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Delicious and so many GF options!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I’ve seen some negative Yelp reviews but I have to say, for us, it’s been nothing but great at El Charro Cafe (and yes, the one on Oracle Rd in Oro Valley). Now, we do typically sit at the bar, so I don’t know if that makes a difference, but we’ve been treated so kindly by the staff, the bartenders, by everyone. First of all, Ciara has been great, to mention one bartender. She remembers what we like after very few interactions, she’s pleasant to talk to, she’s efficient and personable and makes great drinks and checks on us at the appropriate times. Rachel, if I got her name correct, is also a great bartender. Very pleasant to talk to, knows the menu, knows her stuff as far as mixing drinks is concerned, she’s great too. Margaritas are excellent here, not that overly sweet mix out of a machine but good tasty drinks.

We’ve never had an issue with food not coming out fast enough or anything at all in the service department. And the food is great here. I particularly enjoy the tamale stuffed chicken but there are lots of winners on the menu here. Original enchiladas are great, the hola hemp tamales are also delicious, and the standard fare (tacos, etc) are also quite enjoyable.

You absolutely cannot beat happy hour here either. Incredible value for the quality of food and service you receive.

On top of all that, lots of gluten-free options - and truly careful gluten-free, not lazy “it’s corn therefore it must be gluten-free” but real care in understanding cross-contamination (i.e., yes you can eat the chips without worrying about other fried items because it’s a dedicated fryer).

We will continue patronizing El Charro (we really like Charro Vida too and still have to try Charro Steak) because of excellent food, service, and value.

Staff was very knowledgeable. I have eaten here twice without a reaction, and I am very sensitive to any exposure. Food was DELICIOUS. Highly recommend the enchiladas banderas!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have eaten here numerous times, and I have never had a reaction from the food. They have a good selection of GF options which are marked on their regular menu. They even have a dedicated GF fryer for things like chimichangas. The service is usually rather slow, so have time and patience when you go there, but the food is very good.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Almost everything on the menu is gluten free! I felt very safe here. Plus it’s delicious!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Almost everything on the menu is gluten free.

Gluten free chimichangas from a dedicated fryer! Specify that it's for an allergy and they take very good care of you.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Amazing selection! Celiac friendly

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Celiac friendly?

No

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