Charlie's Taqueria

Great homemade tasting fresh food. Large variety at salsa bar. Chips are always crisp. Comfortable atmosphere and good service. We look forward to our weekly Mexican meak. We have taken many of our friends who become repeat customers.

My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed our meals :). Fried tilapia delish and bistro ranchero excellent and very large portions.

Been coming here regularly. I've enjoyed different plates, they are all good 👍 Update: If you like cocktails you have to try their shrimp cocktail! The portion of shrimp is generous and it's really delicious! Last 3 times I've been here I've ordered their shrimp cocktail!

We weren’t even halfway through our meal before unanimously deciding this was our new family favorite! Tried three types of “super tacos”, all were delicious with perfectly roasted corn tortillas shells. Chips and salsa were fresh, tasty, and unlimited. Will definitely go here again!

The food was really good, especially for the price. One of the best Mexican spots around San Mateo.

One of the best Taqueria's in the San Mateo County! Really great tacos and burritos. Their meats are juicy and full of flavor. Highly recommend this place, they make their food with passion and you can really taste it. Micheladas are awesome too.

Fantastic Burrito. I will be coming back!!

Ok, maybe not a 5 star restaurant, but the best places to eat are always the small ones that are "muy auténtico". Charlie's Tacos always serves a burrito filled with robust and varied flavors and textures. The only fault may be they're too big to consume at a single sitting. A big plus is serving the best (and only, to my taste) habanero salsa, El Yucateco Green.

One of the best burritos in the peninsula. The super burrito is absolutely gigantic so don't eat breakfast before coming! The regular plates are also pretty delicious. Come to Charlie's and you'll never be disappointed

I usually rate a Mexican restaurant by how delicious their carne asada meat and refried beans are. This place hits the mark for their thin and juicy carne asada steak. Their refried beans was consistently smooth, with that right umami flavor.

This was the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. The burrito was absolutely massive—the longest and girthiest thing I’ve ever seen. I cannot believe that I ate it all, it was that good. The tacos were perfect, with the meat wonderfully cooked and seasoned. The salsa bar and chips were also delicious.

Found this restaurant on Google and decided to try out as the reviews were good. Loved the whole Mexican vibes of the place and the decor. The hostess/ server was attentive and friendly. Loved the complimentary chips, salsa, peppers and radish counter. The Tostada was simple and yet delicious. Between the two of us we found one dish sufficient along with the complimentary chips and salsa. A great place to try out good Mexican cuisine. Reasonable and tasty with quick service.

Perfect spot for a quick take out grab. We arrived and ordered a super burrito and 2 super tacos. The portions were huge, the salsas and chips were great. I would come here again.

We found this place by chance share getting a hankering for tacos. The menudo was great. Perfectly spiced and the tortillas were nice and warm. Will come here again very soon

Top notch authentic mexican food. Reasonably priced, good ambiance super friendly staff. Will come back.

Best burrito I've ever had

Zachary Lihn

This was the best Mexican food I’ve ever had. The burrito was absolutely massive—the longest and girthiest thing I’ve ever seen. I cannot believe that I ate it all, it was that good. The tacos were perfect, with the meat wonderfully cooked and seasoned. The salsa bar and chips were also delicious.

Gunjan Asher

Found this restaurant on Google and decided to try out as the reviews were good. Loved the whole Mexican vibes of the place and the decor. The hostess/ server was attentive and friendly. Loved the complimentary chips, salsa, peppers and radish counter. The Tostada was simple and yet delicious. Between the two of us we found one dish sufficient along with the complimentary chips and salsa. A great place to try out good Mexican cuisine. Reasonable and tasty with quick service.

Lo

Perfect spot for a quick take out grab. We arrived and ordered a super burrito and 2 super tacos. The portions were huge, the salsas and chips were great. I would come here again.

Anthony Godoy

We found this place by chance share getting a hankering for tacos. The menudo was great. Perfectly spiced and the tortillas were nice and warm. Will come here again very soon

Evan S

Top notch authentic mexican food. Reasonably priced, good ambiance super friendly staff. Will come back.

Andrew Li

Best burrito I've ever had

Used to go here basically every Thursday for dinner (I have a class Thursday night and it was easier), and every single time I went there it was incredible. The portions are incredibly generous, the food itself is an 11/10, and authentic too! Staff are incredibly kind, and even got to know me and my parents after a while. I miss going there, I’ll try and support them again. P.S. They give free chips and salsa with every order if you remember to pick them up! Don’t forget about those!

I popped in to see their menu, with no intention of getting anything but this little gem of a place had quite a few patrons enjoying meals, and I love trying tacos. I ordered a taco de carnitas and a small horchata and it was delicious! Staff was efficient and service was fast. The taco came with onions, cilantro, and salsa on top. Great flavors and the horchata wasn't too sweet, and just the right amount of ice so it kept its flavor to the end without getting watered down. I will definitely come back and try the other menu items! Great prices, too!

Love it ! A regular go to place .

First time I came here and on my way to our table i looked to see what others were having.. Everything looked and smelled delicious in there. I had the fish fillet plate. It was cooked to perfection. Even had a bit of toasty edges.. the lady there was really pleasant to speak with..and I could tell she was ready to help in anyway she could. I definitely am going back with friends and family.

I only submit reviews in situations where the experience was outside the norm in some way. In this case, the Nachos that I just scarred down might be the best I've ever eaten in my 40 years of life. I wish I took a picture before I started eating them because the chips were stacked really neatly with the toppings on top. It was actually very esthetically pleasing, which I assume probably took some effort. Well, it didn't go unnoticed. Absolutely delicious!!

Always solid!! I can’t explain it but their bean and cheese burrito is my favorite thing ever. I love 30 miles away and drive for it.

Brandon Colbert

I only submit reviews in situations where the experience was outside the norm in some way. In this case, the Nachos that I just scarred down might be the best I've ever eaten in my 40 years of life. I wish I took a picture before I started eating them because the chips were stacked really neatly with the toppings on top. It was actually very esthetically pleasing, which I assume probably took some effort. Well, it didn't go unnoticed. Absolutely delicious!!

Winter Downing

Used to go here basically every Thursday for dinner (I have a class Thursday night and it was easier), and every single time I went there it was incredible. The portions are incredibly generous, the food itself is an 11/10, and authentic too! Staff are incredibly kind, and even got to know me and my parents after a while. I miss going there, I’ll try and support them again. P.S. They give free chips and salsa with every order if you remember to pick them up! Don’t forget about those!

Claudia Middendorf

I popped in to see their menu, with no intention of getting anything but this little gem of a place had quite a few patrons enjoying meals, and I love trying tacos. I ordered a taco de carnitas and a small horchata and it was delicious! Staff was efficient and service was fast. The taco came with onions, cilantro, and salsa on top. Great flavors and the horchata wasn't too sweet, and just the right amount of ice so it kept its flavor to the end without getting watered down. I will definitely come back and try the other menu items! Great prices, too!

Manny D Stone

First time I came here and on my way to our table i looked to see what others were having.. Everything looked and smelled delicious in there. I had the fish fillet plate. It was cooked to perfection. Even had a bit of toasty edges.. the lady there was really pleasant to speak with..and I could tell she was ready to help in anyway she could. I definitely am going back with friends and family.

This is my 2nd favorite taqueria in San Mateo. Portions are a good size, prices are reasonable, and the chips and salsa bar are the best. Last couple of times though the food was just so-so. Chicken was dry and lacking in the usual good flavor; if this continues, will have to dock it a star and move on.

Don't be turned off by the name, I admit that kept me away for a while, how can a place called "Charlie's" have good Mexican food? Well it just does. They even have lengua on the menu which is more than I can say for other taquerias in downtown San Mateo. This is a no frills spot, the food speaks for itself. Since it's tucked away outside the typical downtown crowd, you don't have to wait long for some authentic tacos or a filling burrito. They also have outside seating which is a plus. Don't judge a book by its title, and don't miss out on this taqueria! I recommend the wet burrito, you won't regret it!

Despite the faded and eclectic decor, Charlie's is a neighborhood favorite. The salsa bar has the fresh condiments and crisp tortilla chips. The seating is plentiful. The ladies here take care of you. And the food is flavorful and generous. Try the tacos, burritos, the ceviche, menudo. Oh my gosh they are tasty. Street parking only, limited outdoor seating.

This place looks authentic, has good food and the prices are fair. The staff were also very nice.

A bit too greasy for my taste. I like the salsa bar with the free chips but the radish wasn't fresh or maybe too water logged.

Robert

This place looks authentic, has good food and the prices are fair. The staff were also very nice.

Cali Native V

A bit too greasy for my taste. I like the salsa bar with the free chips but the radish wasn't fresh or maybe too water logged.

Loved the salsa bar and the super carnitas wet burrito. Didn't love the indifferent service and the shrimp burrito with 3 shrimp. Yes, we counted.

Shawn C.

Loved the salsa bar and the super carnitas wet burrito. Didn't love the indifferent service and the shrimp burrito with 3 shrimp. Yes, we counted.

Sydney Song

Despite the faded and eclectic decor, Charlie's is a neighborhood favorite. The salsa bar has the fresh condiments and crisp tortilla chips. The seating is plentiful. The ladies here take care of you. And the food is flavorful and generous. Try the tacos, burritos, the ceviche, menudo. Oh my gosh they are tasty. Street parking only, limited outdoor seating.

The food is great. But the people working there is awful. They are always rude and not friendly at all. If you can get pass by that the food is good if they get your order correct. The prices are good too. But for me every time I go I always have to go back because they get the orders wrong. If they had other people working there this would be a good place to eat.

What I ordered: super burrito combo with rice and beans Meat: grilled chicken The burrito had a good taste The rice and beans on the side were not good at all. The stuff in the burrito was better. No black beans which wasn't the end of the world Definitely more taste than Pancho villa

Wow! The truth is that this place is one of the Best in San Mateo CA. Truly thought; if you are looking for a good tasting Mexican food restaurant (Taqueria) this is one has to be in your list. Some friends told us about some taco truck all the way in San Jose (I leave in Redwood City) saying that they had the best tacos and when i made it there I have to say that I was disappointed. So now, if I want a good tasting taco or burrito or what ever Mexican food that i want. This is it; Charlie’s Taqueria. RESTROOM: sadly the restrooms are one of the worse in town :( I was in there and i couldn’t literally breath; I had to get out. Please fix this it will make you a 5/5 stars if you just fix that :)

Strange little spot - dark and has the most bizarre decor. Order at the counter and choose your own seats. Got some tacos to try out the various meats and everything was incredibly oily and served with very thick cut slimy grilled onions. Honestly can pass on this one.

I don't know what happened but the burrito I got with no tortilla, not what I was expecting after 12:15 years of being a patron of Charlie's this was the worst burrito I've had, it look like someone taking a burrito, and throwing it onto, a plate because I ordered it without tortilla, ice cold and I remain ice cold, meet hard and crispy like I have been sitting for hours nothing left on the burrito, it could even be misconstrued as warm, worst ever, worst ever I think I'll just go to Pancho Villa and I can watch my burrito being made and not know somebody's going to take a lunch item and throw it on my plate and say it's new. Unbelievable

michael brandy

I don't know what happened but the burrito I got with no tortilla, not what I was expecting after 12:15 years of being a patron of Charlie's this was the worst burrito I've had, it look like someone taking a burrito, and throwing it onto, a plate because I ordered it without tortilla, ice cold and I remain ice cold, meet hard and crispy like I have been sitting for hours nothing left on the burrito, it could even be misconstrued as warm, worst ever, worst ever I think I'll just go to Pancho Villa and I can watch my burrito being made and not know somebody's going to take a lunch item and throw it on my plate and say it's new. Unbelievable

I spent practically $30 for a couple tacos and a quesadilla, which tasted alright. It’s not that this restaurant is bad, it’s just that they’re charging an arm and a leg for subpar food.

I was here about a week ago to get their tasty bean and cheese burritos. Someone needs to tell this lady that this isn't how you wear a mask. She was talking to the lady at the register while prepping food like this the whole time I was there. Also my burrito had several chunks of ground beef in it, which wasn't a huge deal for me, but really not good work guys.

Jordan ff

I was here about a week ago to get their tasty bean and cheese burritos. Someone needs to tell this lady that this isn't how you wear a mask. She was talking to the lady at the register while prepping food like this the whole time I was there. Also my burrito had several chunks of ground beef in it, which wasn't a huge deal for me, but really not good work guys.

Raining when went,so thought extra service. Wrong. Got the cheese enchiladas with no bean.#5. No sause,burnt cheese,and yeah...beans. it's on the top of the menu. Shouldn't be. Other customers was correct got no smile no hi. Just yes and that's it (for me) Ambient holey seat at counter with some dirty glassware. Authentic..no.rice had no veggies of any sort. I'd say try another.

The food was really bad. The oil was old you can smell it and got me sick this place was very dirty and nasty

I ordered a veg burrito and was shocked to find a hair while eating it. Extremely disgusting and the kitchen and food is very unhygienic. Best to avoid this place.

Disappointing Experience with Room for Improvement I recently visited Charlie’s Taqueria hoping to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. The quality of the ingredients was my primary concern. The chicken used in place of chicken breast was overly fatty and greasy, resembling rib meat rather than what was expected. The beans, though flavorful, had an excessive amount of lard, which left them sitting in a pool of oil. Additionally, the chips were stale, seemingly left out in the open, and the salsa tasted as if it came directly from a can, lacking freshness and depth of flavor. As someone who appreciates well-prepared, authentic Mexican cuisine, these shortcomings were disappointing. However, I believe [Restaurant Name] has potential. With more attention to ingredient quality, preparation techniques, and presentation, the dining experience could improve significantly. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as I would like to see Charlie Taqueria thrive and live up to its full potential.

Hemant Khandelwal

I ordered a veg burrito and was shocked to find a hair while eating it. Extremely disgusting and the kitchen and food is very unhygienic. Best to avoid this place.

Julian Alcaide

Disappointing Experience with Room for Improvement I recently visited Charlie’s Taqueria hoping to enjoy an authentic Mexican meal, but unfortunately, the experience fell short of expectations. The quality of the ingredients was my primary concern. The chicken used in place of chicken breast was overly fatty and greasy, resembling rib meat rather than what was expected. The beans, though flavorful, had an excessive amount of lard, which left them sitting in a pool of oil. Additionally, the chips were stale, seemingly left out in the open, and the salsa tasted as if it came directly from a can, lacking freshness and depth of flavor. As someone who appreciates well-prepared, authentic Mexican cuisine, these shortcomings were disappointing. However, I believe [Restaurant Name] has potential. With more attention to ingredient quality, preparation techniques, and presentation, the dining experience could improve significantly. I hope this feedback is taken constructively, as I would like to see Charlie Taqueria thrive and live up to its full potential.

Just visiting from brazil I took my two daughters here after pulling back to back double shifts tired and the cashier in Spanish said to a guy sitting down to come and protect her from the black guy who looks like a gangster I watch the guy come sit at the front table by the register and in Spanish ask if this is the guy she says yes and he smiles like he's up to something shady I didn't trust that weird interaction before we got the burrito I heard her say we out something special in his burrito so before I gave my daughters the burrito I opened it like we do with Halloween candy and sure enough I find two pieces of chewed peppermint gum in spit rolled into the burrito I had to file a police report .if you are black I advise you to learn Spanish check your food and to stop supporting racist establishments like this how many other black people have dealt with this without being as lucky as my daughters were imagine if I didn't catch that and my daughters caught something the authorities and the news will be here investigating soon.

Damien Genovese

Just visiting from brazil I took my two daughters here after pulling back to back double shifts tired and the cashier in Spanish said to a guy sitting down to come and protect her from the black guy who looks like a gangster I watch the guy come sit at the front table by the register and in Spanish ask if this is the guy she says yes and he smiles like he's up to something shady I didn't trust that weird interaction before we got the burrito I heard her say we out something special in his burrito so before I gave my daughters the burrito I opened it like we do with Halloween candy and sure enough I find two pieces of chewed peppermint gum in spit rolled into the burrito I had to file a police report .if you are black I advise you to learn Spanish check your food and to stop supporting racist establishments like this how many other black people have dealt with this without being as lucky as my daughters were imagine if I didn't catch that and my daughters caught something the authorities and the news will be here investigating soon.

jesus mendez

The food was really bad. The oil was old you can smell it and got me sick this place was very dirty and nasty