Monday night in Tucson

[catdaddy]

I'll be in Tucson for dinner on Monday night and we will be dining at the El Charro. Anyone familiar with the place? and if so what should we eat?

[lemniscate]

Yes, famous for the carne seca, which is air dried then rehydrated beef.  I like it, but it's not for everyone, and they may warn you of it.  It's texture is nothing like a traditional shredded beef that people may be used to in American style Mexican food.  If you are an adventurous eater, definitely try some of the carne seca.   The tamale plates and the enchilada plates I have had there are quite excellent also.  Other diners in the group enjoyed the chile rellenos also.  

 

[FauxPas]

Are you going to the downtown location? I think it's the most authentic. Absolutely you need to try the Carne Seca. It's their signature dish and I think they still dry it on the rooftop at that location. 

https://www.elcharrocafe.com/

Tableside guacamole is overpriced but fun. Fajitas or tamales can be decent. 

 

And if you want really good Sonoran cuisine with delicious moles, consider visiting Cafe Poca Cosa. A bit more upscale, more adventurous flavours. 

https://cafepocacosatucson.com/

 

 

[lemniscate]

6 hours ago, FauxPas said:

Are you going to the downtown location? I think it's the most authentic. 

 

 

Oh yes, I forgot about the other locations, I just assumed the downtown one was the destination.  I agree with @FauxPas, the downtown location is the best one.

[BetD]

I heartily second the suggestion of carne seca!

[catdaddy]

Thank you all for your suggestions. We did indeed go to El Charro downtown. Over all it was not a pleasant experience. I don't want to judge a place on one visit so I'll just say I would try it again some day based solely on it's reputation. Carne seca was ordered and passed around the table...1 thumbs up and 5 thumbs down. It's not for everyone.

 

We did find a little gem in Marana near where we were staying.  http://mexicanrestauranttucson.com. Breakfast, lunch ,and dinner in a strip mall between a sports bar and a bike shop I think. Really good red chile sauce and two table salsas to die for. Everyone enjoyed their meals. Drinks were good too although I didn't partake.

 Nana, whose name is Maria, was there on the floor bringing flatware and napkins to the table and her son was making drinks and serving them. Mostly locals and all age groups. Isn't serendipity grand!