Cocina Del Charro

Overview

If you're in the mood for authentic Mexican flavors and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere, Cocina Del Charro in Escondido is the perfect spot. Located at 890 W Valley Pkwy, this gem is a local favorite for those craving rich, flavorful dishes with a traditional touch. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual lunch or a family dinner, Cocina Del Charro offers a menu packed with both familiar favorites and exciting options.

The restaurant’s charm lies in its cozy, yet vibrant setting that brings the heart of Mexico to Southern California. The walls are adorned with colorful murals, and the staff is known for their warm hospitality, making every meal feel like a special occasion. You can tell that the owners and staff take great pride in creating an environment that’s as enjoyable as the food they serve.

When it comes to the food, Cocina Del Charro doesn’t disappoint. The menu is a beautiful blend of traditional and contemporary Mexican cuisine, featuring everything from sizzling fajitas to mouth-watering enchiladas. One standout is the “Charro Special,” a flavorful combination of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and a side of beans and rice, perfectly seasoned to bring out bold, vibrant flavors. If you’re a fan of seafood, the shrimp tacos are a must-try. They’re loaded with tender shrimp, zesty lime, and fresh salsa, served on soft corn tortillas-simple, yet incredibly satisfying.

The burritos are another crowd favorite at Cocina Del Charro. These aren’t your average burritos; they’re generously stuffed with your choice of meat, beans, rice, and a variety of salsas that bring an extra layer of complexity to each bite. What sets this restaurant apart is their commitment to quality ingredients. The meats are always tender, and the vegetables are crisp and fresh, offering a balance of textures that elevate each dish.

For those who love to pair their meals with a refreshing drink, Cocina Del Charro also offers a great selection of margaritas and traditional Mexican beverages like horchata and jamaica. The margaritas are served just right-smooth, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Whether you’re enjoying a glass with a meal or sipping on one as you unwind with friends, you can’t go wrong.

But it’s not just the food that keeps locals coming back-Cocina Del Charro excels in providing a memorable dining experience. They’ve built a reputation for consistency, with many long-time customers returning week after week. The service is always friendly and attentive, making sure that everyone feels at home. Whether you’re dining solo or with a group, the staff goes out of their way to make sure you’re taken care of.

Another great feature of Cocina Del Charro is its location. Situated in Escondido, it’s conveniently close to local attractions and perfect for a stop during a day of exploring. The restaurant also offers takeout, so if you’re on the go but don’t want to miss out on a delicious meal, you can enjoy Cocina Del Charro’s offerings from the comfort of your home.

For anyone looking for something truly unique, the “Sopa de Mariscos” (seafood soup) is a must-try. This rich, flavorful broth filled with shrimp, fish, and other seafood is both comforting and filling, making it a perfect dish for a chilly evening. The balance of spices and fresh seafood makes it a standout dish that you won’t find at just any Mexican restaurant.

If you happen to visit during their weekend brunch, be sure to check out the “Huevos Rancheros.” The eggs are cooked to perfection and served with a hearty sauce that’s full of bold flavors. Paired with crispy tortillas, this dish makes for an ideal brunch experience. The combination of savory and slightly spicy is a crowd-pleaser, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the restaurant’s top sellers.

There’s something truly special about a place like Cocina Del Charro-its combination of delicious food, welcoming atmosphere, and exceptional service makes it stand out from other Mexican restaurants in the area. Whether you’re a regular or a first-timer, every visit is sure to be a memorable one. So next time you find yourself in Escondido, make sure to stop by and indulge in the incredible flavors that Cocina Del Charro has to offer. You won’t regret it.

Good to know

Service options

âś“ Outdoor seating âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ Delivery

Highlights

âś“ Fast service âś“ Great beer selection âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great dessert âś“ Serves local specialty âś“ Sport

Popular for

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo dining

Accessibility

âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toilet

Offerings

âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Happy-hour drinks âś“ Happy-hour food âś“ Private dining room âś“ Quick bite âś“ Small plates âś“ Spirits âś“ Wine

Dining options

âś“ Breakfast âś“ Brunch âś“ Lunch âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table service

Amenities

âś“ Bar on site âś“ Toilet

Atmosphere

âś“ Casual âś“ Cosy

Crowd

âś“ Family friendly âś“ Groups âś“ LGBTQ+ friendly âś“ Tourists âś“ Transgender safe space

Planning

âś“ Brunch reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations

Payments

âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cards

Children

âś“ Good for kids âś“ High chairs âś“ Kids' menu

Parking

âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ Parking

Pets

âś“ Dogs allowed outside

Photos

Location

Reviews

- No ratings yet 1836 reviews
Amazing 1135
Great 456
Okay 161
Not Great 63
Terrible 83
Dee Dee

The fish tacos were so good we couldn't wait to eat before the pic! Amazing happy hour, fantastic margies with fresh squeezed lime, fabulous service: THANK YOU HECTOR AND JOCELYN!

leenie espi

Amazing! I got the carnitas family deal. For meal prep, it lasted all week for lunches. The chips are fresh & plenty of sauces.

Allisen Fernandez

First time here, and it didn't disappoint. The food and drinks were delicious and the service was impeccable! We will definitely be back again... soon!!

TC Freebird

My mom and I were seated as soon as we walked in and presented with freshly made tortilla chips and some fresh mild salsa. I appreciate that the salsa is not automatically served so spicy it burns my taste buds. Just because you enjoy Mexican food doesn’t mean you want everything with a ghost pepper effect. The service by our waitress, Rachel, was spot on. The plates were so plentiful of food, that mom and I could have shared one plate and still been stuffed. We ended up taking half the food home, which by the way was excellent the next day for lunch. The atmosphere is inviting and calm, we were not forced to listen to loud, obnoxious music like some places, and you couldn’t help but watch the place fill up. When a restaurant is steadily busy, that tells you that their reputation precedes them. It’s always a good sign. We will definitely return for more great food and one more those oh so attractive margaritas! UPDATE (2/18/24): We went for Sunday Brunch and it is the most spectacular spread I have ever seen! So many options from a variety of fruits, enchiladas, tostadas, desserts— you name it. Everything on the menu is at this all you can eat extravaganza! Oh my oh my… gotta go back again and again. I have never been to a brunch that goes all morning until 2 PM! Have you? Most end by 11:00, but not this one. They have a kids table as well if picky eaters prefer kid style foods. Marvelous! Absolutely delicious!!

J R

Not a bad place to eat. We were seated quickly. All the staff were wonderful. Granted I don’t think our waiter thought our soda joke was funny. Then again who has Pepsi over Coke. Anyways, the food was delicious! The main dishes for sure. The rice and beans were a tad basic an could use some touching up. The kids menu (under 10) is great. I would probably make it a soft taco an not a hard taco for kids under 10. $12 margaritas that are large too! Excuse the messy pics we were too busy eating.

Paul LeFevre

Food was fresh, seasoned, delicious. It had been a while since we came here, because previous experiences were...just ok. But today I was very impressed! Shootout to our server, Karen, who was great. I'll be back.

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