The first thing to say about El Charro is that it certainly must win the award for consistently serving great food over the years. I've been going there since the 70's, and can't believe there's no review here. In fact, I was at first hesitant to write this, to keep it a secret, but the owners (the same since the 70s--when they were just kids!) deserve to be bragged on. Perhaps the anonymity, at least here on this site, is because of the location, which isn't the greatest, on South Union just south of 58 freeway.
Now, on to more important matters. First things first: Salsa is great. It's light, on the spicy side, without cilantro, and reminiscent of what you find in New Mexico, as is the Chile Verde, which is for me without question, the best in town, and I've eaten in many many Mexican restaurants here, and in TX, NM, AZ, CO, etc. Chile verde is made with green chiles, of course, but without the fake green color or corn starchy gravy so many places add. Try this in a bowl with tortillas on the side, in a combo with rice and beans, or in a burrito. If you want to give this a place a try, start here with the Chile Verde, then explore other items, because I guarantee you'll be back.
Menu itself is pretty standard--rellenos, tacos, enchiladas, burritos, tostadas, tamales, carnitas, barbacoa, menudo specials, etc. They also make a good and simple steak, skirt steak, I believe, which I've had a few times, again consistently good. Of course chips and salsa are complimentary, chips are usually hot and fresh, and the'll keep 'em comin if you want.
Finally, to top this off, the prices are very reasonable, I'd guess $5 or more less per person than what you pay almost anywhere else.
For a frilly atmosphere and fancy decor, definitely try somewhere else. For an unpretentious atmosphere, and the feel of a quiet little Mexican diner that puts the focus where it should be--on the food--come here.
I don't know what I'll if they ever go out of business! Closed on Mondays.
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