El Charro Café

El Charro Café, the oldest Mexican restaurant in the United States

El Charro Café is a Northern Mexican and Tucson-style Mexican restaurant located in Tucson, Arizona. It was founded in 1922 by Monica Flin, known as Aunt Monica, and the business presents itself as the oldest Mexican restaurant in the country in continuous operation under the same family. Its history spans three generations and is tied to the city of Tucson.

Family origins and ties to Tucson

Monica Flin arrived in Tucson in the 19th century from France, when her father, Jules, a renowned stonemason, was hired to build St. Augustine Cathedral. Jules's work can be seen in Tucson's historic district; he also built the family residence in 1896, the building that today houses the original El Charro Café location on Court Avenue.

Sonoran cuisine and signature dishes

The menu includes a wide variety of Northern Mexican and Tucson-style dishes, including enchiladas, tamales, and mini chimis. The business also offers a brunch menu, as well as drinks and desserts. Carne seca, made from sun-dried shredded beef, depends on the unique climate of the Sonoran Desert for its preparation; according to Zagat, it can be sampled at this establishment. Tradition credits Monica Flin with inventing the chimichanga.

Recognition and media coverage

The restaurant has been reviewed by publications such as Bon Appetit, The New York Times, and Nation's Restaurant News, which included it among the 50 most iconic restaurants in the United States. Gourmet Magazine described it as one of America's 21 most legendary restaurants. Edible Baja Arizona highlighted its family history, and USA Today mentioned it as the oldest Mexican restaurant in Tucson. Forbes magazine included a representative of the business in its "50 Over 50" list.

Services: orders, catering, and shipping

El Charro Café offers takeout service, reservations, and catering. Catering is available at the Downtown, Ventana, and Oro Valley locations, with delivery, pickup, and on-site service options. The business also sells gift cards and accepts orders for groups of more than 20 people. Through Goldbelly, it ships tamales and other dishes nationwide.

Three locations in Arizona

The restaurant operates three locations: the original in Downtown Tucson, on Court Avenue; the Oro Valley location, on North Oracle; and the Ventana location, on East Sunrise, in Tucson. The Downtown location offers online orders only, while the Oro Valley and Ventana locations have their own menus. The site also mentions a location at Tucson International Airport.

Locations and venues

Downtown Location: 311 N COURT AVE TUCSON, AZ 85701

Oro Valley Location: 7725 N ORACLE ORO VALLEY, AZ 85704

Ventana Location: 6910 E SUNRISE TUCSON, AZ 85750