El Gran Charro Mexican Restaurant
| Address: | 2834 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Stafford, VA 22554, USA |
| Phone: | +1 540-720-7770 |
| Site: | elgrancharro.net |
| Rating: | 4.6 |
| Working: | 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–10PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–11PM 11AM–9PM |
Location
Photos 100
Reviews 12
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Rachel Dean
I am going to start off by saying that I have been coming here for years. The quality of the food and service has gone way downhill. For the 5th time in a row, I did not enjoy my visit and now I will no longer go back. I kept going back hoping that the experience would improve again but it did not. The service: There is one friendly server at this place, that is it. One. Both female servers that I have had as waitresses several times were always rude and impatient. I showed up at 9:30pm one Saturday evening, they close at 11pm. The waitress completely rushed me through dinner from the very beginning. Even telling me I could not order a Corona an hour and a half before they close. I complained to the Manager. Come to find out her kid was there waiting for her. I am a single Mom with three kids, I understand but do not rush me through a dinner I am paying for because you had to bring your child to work and you want to close early. Another experience was when a child threw up right beside our table and the waiter still brought our food to our table as if he wasnt even going to offer to move us. After we got up and started moving our stuff, then he asks "Oh, do you guys want to move?" UM, YES. I know its not their fault that someone threw up but of course we do not want to sit there and eat while we smell throw up and watch someone clean it up. There were only two parties in the whole section including us, they should have immediately moved us both to the other side of the restaurant. They didnt even ask the other party if they wanted to move. The food: Every time I get the rice it is dry and tastes like they cook an entire batch and let it sit all day. I cook better spanish rice with the "Fiesta Sides" pouches of instant rice. They charge $2.99 for cheese sauce. When I asked the manager about the charge on my bill he said that it says it on the menu as if I read the entire menu. He also told me that it would be rude for the waiter to advise me that there was a charge for sauce when I ask for some. If the sauce comes on my burrito and I ask for more, I dont think it is rude for the waiter to let me know that its $2.99 considering that is pricey for a tiny thing of sauce. Or if I simply ask for sauce I dont think it hurts to say "is it okay that theres an extra charge for that?" While I was discussing this with the Manager, the waiter says under his breath "Well I dont have to tell you that its extra when you order another drink, you just know". Im not sure what he is referring to because the sodas have free refills obviously since we were only charged one time for each soda and both received refills. Clearly the speciality drinks are charge per drink which is common knowledge. It is completely rude and child like to make a comment like that while I am having a separate conversation with the manager at the front counter. They charge 85 cents if you ask for lime. I have never been to a restaurant where I ask for lemon or lime and then see a charge for it on the bill. The manager was completely rude and irritated with me that I found this strange. The one good thing that I will say bout this place (The only reason I gave it two stars instead of one) is that they serve chips and salsa AS SOON as you sit down. The salsa is always good but tastes different every time, sometimes spicier and sometimes saltier but it always tastes fresh.
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Ramon Zegarra
I went to dinner with my wife on Sunday night for the first time. Dont count on a great customer service, if youre Spanish. Our server was more attentive and smiling with his white customer tables than us. We ordered a dinner for two special Mexican parridilla (something like that). The fajita came with steak, chicken and chorizos look disgusting something we will feed to our dog. It looked like they used the smallest spoon in the kitchen to serve our rice and refried beans. The prices are cheap. But obviously you get what you pay for. Overall, unsatisfied and never returning.
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Javin007
With a wife from San Antonio Texas, were spoiled for good tex mex. This is hands-down the closest thing youre going to get to authentic Mexican food in this area. We were so afraid during the remodel that they wouldnt reopen their doors, and couldnt be happier with the changes. The services is always fantastic, and the food is amazing (I recommend the Mexicano burrito). Pancho Villa, Carlos OKellys, etc. just cant hold a candle to them.
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A Private User
Im always surprised Charro doesnt do more business than it does -- it really is an undiscovered gem in the area. This place has better food at lower prices than Pancho Villa (not swimming in cheese sauce) and leaves nasty old Anitas across the street in the dust. The service is good and food excellent. Go to Charro and enjoy a HUGE lunch for less than $5!
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Jacob Wheland
They do not shell their shrimp before serving it in things. In addition the beef and chicken was extremely dry. Only two stars and not one because our server was extremely nice and courteous. Restaurant looks very nice as well, with new upholstery. Would eat here again, but I would not go out of my way. Even a minute.
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A Private User
Probably the best Mexican Restaurant I have ate at. Ive been to other places that left my meals soggy and not so great, but I LOOOOOVE El Gran Charro! The service is always great and we eat pretty cheap there. My husband, daughter, and I come to this restaurant pretty often and will continue to do so!
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A Private User
Growing up in Texas, I crave Mexican food weekly. This restaurant serves my "cheap Mexican" needs quite well. Everything is standard (good), but you can get out of the door for under $10 with tip. Pancho Villas flavors are better, but I can afford to come here once a week instead of once a month!
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meredith williams
Come here for drinks mostly but today I came and ordered beef Nachos with steak instead of ground. Completely disappointed. They literally throwed fajitas steak on the nachos. No lettuce, tomatoes, salsa or cheese. Asked for extra queso it was soooo runny and watery. It sucks because I LOVE queso.
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Becca
The BEST Mexican food around. Totally better than Pancho Villa(where Ive been twice and hated each time). Ive been going to El Gran Charro since opening day and because of this, they paid for my meal one time. Awesome people, great food, quick, and cheap.
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jerry anderson
Forgot about us when we go sat, but, server noticed us looking around and promptly apologized and took our order. Mine was fine with the picture, but, others in my group mentioned the chicken tasting a little off and the rice being a bit crunchy. Not bad.
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chris phillips
Food was just ok. Wife had enchilada supreme and she did not like hers. Hers was cold. The tea was good, sausa was good fajitas were decent but the beans were awful. No sour creme or salad provided with fajitas which is a standard. Service was just ok.
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Patrick Derr
The best Mexican food in Stafford. Quick seating. Fast friendly service. Food comes out lightning fast and piping hot. Doesnt matter if youre the only people in the joint or if its packed to the gills. All at great prices. Love this place.
