El Charro

We were unsure if they had a dedicated fryer so we decided to play it safe and just ordered the tacos with the corn tortilla. Tacos were tasty and were a good size portions.

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

— 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

Our server seemed to understand cross contamination. I consider myself to be sensitive and had no issues after eating here. Will return.

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

— Somewhat

Safety Feature Ratings

• Staff is knowledgeable and can answer questions
• Staff will clean kitchen space or change gloves if asked

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

I love El Charro and I’m glad I can still eat there now that I know I have to eat gluten free. It’s nice they mark on the menu which items are GF. Although they do call it “gluten friendly” because they aren’t a gluten free kitchen. I always make sure to tell them when I’m ordering and need GF though just to make sure. I get the impression that most of the menu is available GF but I have never liked flour tortillas very much anyways.

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

— 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

We’ve always had great food here. Service can be a bit slow at times, but they have a nice kids menu and none of us have ever had a reaction.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I have eaten here multiple times. Everything was amazing. Menu is clearly marked. No reaction. Staff very knowledgeable and they know Glutenfree.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

The menu has clearly marked gluten free options and the staff were well versed about Celiac!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

LOTS of gluten free options and delicious, too!! My first time at this restaurant and the manager came out to explain how they handle GF prep and made sure my server and kitchen knew how to prepare (tip: he said ALWAYS ask to speak to the manager when ordering so he/she can confirm with kitchen and server that ALL precautions are taken...separate prep area, change of gloves, etc). Highly recommend and will definitely be coming back!!! 😊

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Manager's mother is celiac so very knowledgeable about safe handling. Prepared GF fish first to avoid cross contamination. No reactions. Very extensive GF options and amazing food!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

We had a “gluten found” result on the Nima sensor when ordering the gf burrito. The management was very concerned and suspected a cross contamination issues. They made a new order of chicken fajitas with corn tortillas, beans and rice which all tested “no gluten”. Excellent service!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I was a little hesitant after reading the reviews of the "original" El Charro in the downtown area, but our experience at this location was fabulous. Menu was well-marked, and staff checked with the kitchen on all questions. Many GF options, and all in our party (3 celiacs) enjoyed and were safe. Would definitely return!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Fabulous! Great GF items that are clearly marked on the menu with very helpful and knowledgeable staff. Owner is a fellow sufferer and has created a wonderful GF option.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Chef Carlotta has reengineered many of her award winning recipes to feature rice flour for making enchilada sauce, mole's, salsas and most of her major recipes gluten-free!

The menu is marked and the staff knows about it! Great food and service! I love this place!

The service is excellent & this place offers inside eating options as well as take out. They were very prompt in their service and very cordial. Food was great and abundant. Ate here because of the high reviews and would recommend it for eating especially if one is hungry

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Most

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 kids
• Good for lunch
• Good for takeout
• Offers online ordering

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.

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.