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El Charro Mexican Food
Mexican, Burritos

2547 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625 (773) 654-3550
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Lincoln Square Best Burritos in Lincoln Square Best Cheap Mexican Food in Lincoln Square Best Cheap Tacos in Lincoln Square

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

El Charro Mexican Food 7.6
Lincoln Square
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Family Friendly Favorites Hidden Gems Heaven
A compact Lawrence Ave spot built for practical, filling Mexican comfort—tacos, burritos, and breakfast-leaning plates without a lot of fuss. It’s at its best when you order one signature burrito, add a taco or two, and skip over-ordering sides.
Must-Try Dishes: Breakfast burrito, Steak tacos, Classic burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2 Service: 7.2 Consistency: 7.4 Food Quality: 7.8 Atmosphere: 6.1 Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: No-fuss, filling Mexican staples with strong everyday value.
Who should go: Budget-focused families and quick-stop regulars
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest turnaround
What to order: Breakfast burrito, steak tacos, burrito
Insider tip: Order one burrito plus tacos—better range than two burritos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Lawrence Ave; usually manageable at lunch, tighter during evening rush.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and work clothes are standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service chatter but easy conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, often faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or just a few minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and breakfast egg-based options.
Vegan options: Limited—bean, rice, and veggie combinations without cheese; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortilla tacos and plates, but no dedicated gluten-free prep.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date—it’s casual, quick, and functional rather than romantic. Better for a low-pressure daytime meet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seating is first-come, and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, quick service, and familiar flavors make it easy for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Mexican comfort at a lower price point—especially burritos and breakfast-style plates.
Skip if: You’re looking for standout regional cooking, a full-service experience, or a destination taco spot.

Hours

Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday10am - 10pm
Sunday10am - 9pm