El Charro Café

El Charro Café

El Charro Café has been serving downtown Tucson since 1922, and the Flores family bills it as the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant in continuous operation by the same family. That longevity is part of the flavor — this is Sonoran-style cooking with deep roots, in a warm, colorful setting just north of the downtown core.

The signature dish is carne seca: beef that's marinated and traditionally sun-dried in a cage on the roof, then shredded and grilled. It's a taste you won't find done quite this way anywhere else. Margaritas, enchiladas, and the cheese crisp round out a menu locals have leaned on for a century.

It's popular and can get busy, so consider going a little before the usual rush, especially on weekends. From most central Tucson rentals it's an easy drive or streetcar ride downtown — a fitting first meal for understanding the city's food heritage.