Last night, I had the absolute pleasure of dining at El Charro Express with three of my closest friends, and let me tell you—it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by the warm, modern ambiance of the restaurant. The teal furniture gave the space a fresh, cozy vibe that felt both stylish and inviting. It was the perfect backdrop for what turned out to be an incredible meal.
I started with the carne asada, and oh my goodness, it was a masterpiece. The meat was perfectly grilled, tender, and bursting with smoky, savory flavors. Every bite was a celebration of homemade authenticity. Next, my friend shared with us a bite of his tacos, which were generously filled with fresh ingredients and topped with the most delicious salsa. My friend’s enchiladas were equally impressive, with their gooey cheese and rich, flavorful sauce that had us all raving.
One of my friends ordered the torta, and it was a towering masterpiece of bread, meat, and veggies—so hearty and satisfying. Another friend went for the salad bowl, which was anything but boring. Packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, it was a refreshing contrast to the other dishes. And let’s not forget the wings at the beginning! Crispy, juicy, and coated in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce, they were the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
But the real showstopper was dessert. The churros were golden, crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, dusted with cinnamon sugar and served with a decadent dipping sauce. And the flan? Creamy, silky, and just the right amount of sweetness—it was the perfect ending to our feast.
What truly stood out, though, was the efficient and friendly customer service. Our server was attentive, knowledgeable, and made sure we had everything we needed without ever feeling rushed. It’s clear that the team at El Charro Express takes pride in what they do, and it shows in every detail.
By the end of the night, all four of us were in complete agreement: El Charro Express is a gem. The food, the atmosphere, and the service all came together to create a dining experience that we’ll be talking about for weeks. If you’re looking for a place that delivers homemade flavor, stunning presentation, and a cozy vibe, this is it. We’re already planning...
Read moreEl Charro Express — Lexington’s Hidden Gem is Serving Heat and Hospitality! Location: 4350 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC 29073
I first heard about this spot from the Columbia Foodies Facebook group — shout out to them for always dropping gems in the Columbia area! If you're not in the group already, do yourself a favor and join. That’s where I saw the first photos of El Charro Express, and I had to see it for myself.
From the moment I pulled up, the colorful, vibrant exterior already set the tone. Walking through the doors, we were greeted with a big smile and genuine welcome — and that energy held strong the entire visit. Shout out to Alvaro, our server, who kept the good vibes going and made sure everything was just right.
Let me talk about the atmosphere for a second: it was spotless, well-lit, and inviting. You could tell the place was either brand new or just extremely well taken care of — either way, major points for cleanliness and presentation.
Now… let’s get into that FOOD. Because listen: it was GOOD. We tried the fajitas chimichangas with rice, beans, and fresh pico de gallo — flavorful, generous portions, and plated just right. The rice was fluffy, the beans creamy. We also tried a charro bowl with grilled shrimp, steak, chicken, broccoli, mushrooms, and onions — and wow, talk about a full-flavored combo! Every bite was packed with seasoning and that authentic Tex-Mex flair.
And if you’re a fan of sweet tea, go ahead and try it. El Charro Express gets it right — smooth, sweet, and perfectly chilled.
Overall, this place checks all the boxes: great food, top-notch service, generous portions, and an atmosphere that feels both fresh and familiar. I’ll definitely be back — and I’m telling everyone: El Charro Express is a must-try.
Thanks again to Columbia Foodies for putting me on — and much love to the whole El Charro crew. Keep...
Read moreI have visited Mexico. I lived in El Paso. And let me tell you. This has to be one of the best Mexican restaurants I’ve been to. The food was great!! I had a beef enchilada that was delicious. Even the rice and beans were seasoned to perfection. I’m very picky about tamales. I don’t usually like them from restaurants. Not only did I like this one, it’s the best tamale I’ve ever had.
Also, the margarita was so tasty! I’d go just to sit outside and drink margaritas ones day. 💁🏻♀️
All of the staff were super friendly and the vibe was super chill. The food was presented nicely and that was very unexpected! I love the cohesive branding with the indoor seating, menus, etc. Obviously, none of that determines food quality. BUT the care put into all the little things was a sign it was going to be a great experience.
Husband also had the burrito loco(?) and I sampled- sooooo good. He said it might be the best burrito he’s had. Did I mention that even the beans and rice are perfect?
I wasn’t even hungry when we went but I wanted to try it. I’m so glad. Though, now my belly is so full. 😭😂 I’m very glad we tried this place!
10/10 will go again.
P.S. Went a little crazy on the margarita and ordered the “large”. It’s so pretty, tasty, and I couldn’t...
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