Lienzo Charro — Restaurant in Poway

Don't let the lack of a flashy sign or lack of renovated look scare you away. It's a casual atmosphere and they clearly spend their money on the food. This place was worth every penny and then some.

We went with 3ppl at 5p on a Sat for dinner. We were seated immediately and brought chips and salsa, not spicy salsa, but good flavor, and the chips were crisp but not greasy or overly so. We were also served ice water immediately.

It took a little longer than expected for them to take our order, but maybe we also just decided quickly? Once we ordered though the food was brought out quickly, nice and hot, presentation beautiful, plates bountiful, and food delicious.

I had albondigas (soup) as my side, which they brought first. Oh my this was yummy. Full of flavor! When I was about half way through they brought the main dishes.

The teenage boys ordered the carnitas plate (2 servings) with rice and beans for one of them and rice for the other. You can see in the pictures, this was a huge plate! The boys ate a ton of this and loved it. Even after a day of exercise, these two boys both had leftovers to take home!

I got the 2 enchiladas, one chicken and one beef. It's just meat in the tortilla and then cheese on top and drowning in enchilada sauce. (FYI if you have an allergy, the beef was cooked with some kind of peppers. It wasn't spicy but had that flavor to it. The chicken seemed pepper free.) Both were quite yummy, but I think next time I'll ask for lettuce and sour cream just to add more flavor profile and something a bit fresh to go with it. I ended up stealing some of the boys' lettuce and guac. Which btw the guac was delicious too, very fresh and flavorful.

The food was outstanding, especially for the price, and I'll definitely be back to try some of their other dishes that caught my eye, like the shrimp tacos, surf and turf burrito, pozole or...

I left my phone upstairs and truly couldn’t set my spoon down once I started enjoying the Menudo. So, no photo for this meal and I had it as a takeout item from my parents who dined in. They commented that the service and ambiance were good!

What I can attest to: Their menudo is one of my new favorites (top 3 best) menudos I’ve had…and that includes home-cooked, authentic menudo I’ve had throughout the years at family gatherings.

The broth was seasoned well with just a little spice, and the tripe was very fresh (texture was meaty and tender, not chewy) and accompanied by the classic garnishes: cilantro, fresh onion, half a lime. All garnishes were high quality.

I had some spicy carrots which tasted very fresh as well, and my dad brought home some of their SPICY chíli de árbol salsa (not for the faint of heart this is hot!!!) which I only tasted to ensure I’d survive the rest of the day 🚨🔥

Flour tortillas were good, nothing special but also weren’t doughy and gross.

Overall, I am definitely impressed by Lienzo Charro’s Menudo, from the to-go packaging, to the homemade flavor, I am excited to dine in next time we want...

This is now my # 1 Go to Mexican Restaurant. The food was plentiful and very delicious! No skimping on the main ingredients. I have been there twice, now. The first time, I had a Shrimp Taco. The amount and size of the shrimp brought an instant smile to my face. Also, came with shredded cabbage and a soft tortilla. The second time I came, I ordered a Fish taco. The fish was lightly seasoned and there was no greasy taste. Had a nice crunch to the crust. It came with not just one piece of fish, but two! It also came with cabbage and a soft tortilla. Both thimes, when arriving I was promptly greeted by a very sweet waitress, whom delivered my regular Margarita, some chips and salsa, promptly. She brought my food shortly there-after. She checked up on me from time to time. I asked for more napkins, and she obliged quickly. So, kudos to the cook/s, waitress, and the Cashier. The Cashier was a happy man whom smiled and was very polite and friendly. The restaurant was clean, well organized seating, and the furniture was nice.

I will definitely be returning to try a new...