Viva Taqueria Los Charros

I almost hesitate to write about this little place because it’s small and I want to always be able to get a table. If I let too many people in on the secret, there might not be room for me. Let’s all agree not to tell people that don’t live in Mountain View about it. Locals only please.

Mountain View is blessed to have so many incredible Mexican restaurants and Taqueria Los Charros is at the top of the list. It is located at 854 W Dana Street. The friendly, fast service is complimented by the authentic home-style menu. There’s a big lunch crowd every weekday since most of us in the downtown area can walk and don’t have to worry about parking.

The specialty meat is carnitas, (pork) but everything is wonderful. Since it’s called a “taqueria,” it’s safe to assume that the tacos are spectacular, as are the burritos and quesadilla. I love that the beer is served with a cold glass, lime juice and salt instead of me having to shove the lime slice inside the bottle neck.

Taqueria Los Charros also serves breakfast, which is unusual for a Mexican restaurant. They have both Mexican and American style breakfasts, but since you’re at a Mexican restaurant, it only makes sense to order a Breakfast Burrito or Huevos Ranchero. They have excellent horchata and fresh watermelon juice.

I’m always fascinated by the crowd at the taqueria. There could be a table full of soccer players who are celebrating a victory, a little family who just rode up on their bicycles, a cute couple on a date and a group of co-workers from a nearby start-up. The diversity of the customers represents what Mountain View is all about.

There is another restaurant owned by the same family. Los Charros Restaurant is at 89 W El Camino. They have a completely different food and drink menu and a big bar area. They have live mariachi band on Friday nights. It would be a good place to go with a big group, but the small taqueria is funky and familiar and everyone feels like family. Check them both out and decide for yourself.

Reader's Comments

1. 

   i love the tacos!
2. doris valladao on 15 Dec 2009 1:51 pm
3. 

   it’s all about the quesadilla here…seriously, it’s a whole other level of cheesy deliciousness
4. Dianna on 12 Dec 2009 12:29 am
5. 

   Los Charros is my favorite Mexican place! I agree, don’t tell too many people about it cause I like that service is quick and I can get a table. :)
6. Jenn on 09 Dec 2009 3:31 pm