El Chaparro

"Good place to eat Mexican food. Prices are reasonable. Restaurant is clean w/casual atmosphere. The staff is very good and friendly. I eat there a lot for Mexican. You get generous portions."

"Food is delicious, my favorite is tamales with yellow rice and no beans. This is the reason I gained 19 pounds, no lie. Workers are super kind and treated me like family."

"Chile Verde, enchilada's rice, and beans are very good. However, tamales are awful! Very little meat and more masa (dough). Someone needs to go back to Tamale making school. Sorry, El Chaparro."

"I got the El Grande Burrito with Carnitas as a takeout order a couple weeks back. It was absolutely fantastic quality! Very friendly staff, I felt welcomed and the food was not only affordable but absolutely delicious! Plus how awesome that they are open so late! Helps for people coming from out of town after a whole day of driving like myself. Will be revisiting for sure! My new favorite gem!"

"I recently dined at El Chaparro. My overall experience at this establishment was a mix of hits and misses. Being Mexican, and having traveled throughout Mexico and the Southwest, I do expect Mexican food to be authentic and tasty. I love little hole in the wall mom and pop spots because that's where you find the best food. This spot was disappointing. Let's start with the positives. The carne asada, despite being slightly overcooked, was flavorful and enjoyable. The torta de al pastor stood out as a highlight of the meal. It had a delicious combination of marinated pork, fresh bread, and a variety of toppings that created a satisfying and well-balanced sandwich. Unfortunately, not all the dishes fared as well. The Chile verde left much to be desired, lacking the vibrant flavors typically associated with this traditional dish. The sauce was bland, and the meat had small, pebble-like chunks that were not particularly appetizing. Similarly, the siete mares soup was a letdown. It tasted more like a reheated shrimp cocktail than a rich and flavorful seafood soup. As for the ambiance, El Chaparro is a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall type of restaurant. While it may not offer a fancy or upscale dining experience, it does provide a casual and relaxed atmosphere. If you're in the area give it a try but do not order the site mares or Chile verde. Personally, I had better Mexican food at El Potrero in the Haymarket."