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Welcome to El Charrito / Birria el Gordo

El Charrito / Birria el Gordo, located on U.S. Route 66 in Gallup, NM, is a cherished family-run gem serving authentic Mexican cuisine. Here, you'll find a warm, inviting atmosphere where family members play distinct roles—from the skilled hands of the dad in the kitchen to the cheerful hospitality of mom and grandma. Guests rave about the delicious beef and chicken enchiladas, flavorful salsa, and hearty menudo, making it a top choice for travelers craving substantial, home-cooked meals. Whether you’re stopping for breakfast or a flavorful burrito, El Charrito promises great food and exceptional service that draws patrons back time again.

El Charrito / Birria el Gordo: Reviews & Ratings

Zachary Johnson
Zachary Johnson

Excellent food and service! The cosmetics could use some work, but that didn't detract from my rating. The place is a family run business dishing out authentic Mexican food. It appeared that the dad was the cook, mom was serving, grandma took care of payments, and the little girl was brightening up the place with her smile. We had chicken and beef enchiladas and everything was delicious. The salsa is very good and just the right amount of spiciness. Definitely recommend!

Dave Hall
Dave Hall

Food and service were great!! Will definitely stop here every time we are traveling through!

Anthony Velasquez
Anthony Velasquez

As a truck driver it's hard to find great food and parking for a semi. Theres plenty a room 100ft away or you can park along side road. Service was Great food was delicious. I recommend the menudo

laveda
laveda

My first visit here. I enjoyed my breakfast . The server was extremely nice as well. I would recommend and definitely go back.

T P Stilly
T P Stilly

Wow! Great food. We had the Burria Burrito, enchiladas and soft tacos. Really great food and good prices! Worth stopping for!

Melinda
Melinda

We had very good Mexican food in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, then on the way home to Las Vegas, Nevada, we had GREAT Mexican food in Gallup at El Charrito. Their enchilada sauce (red) and green chile sauce are the best we've found throughout the Southwest in decades. (One quibble: since a change in ownership, they no longer do flat (stacked) enchiladas, only the rolled ones. But our friendly, efficient server assured me I would love them, and she was right. They were delicious.) Hubby said their Chile Relleno is still the best anywhere. Not ridiculously puffy and deep-fried Poblano, dripping with grease like you get in most restaurants, but a proper New Mexico long Chile, with a stem, stuffed with just the right amount of cheese, coated in an egg batter and pan fried. Perfect. Sopapaipillas were just right, not as heavy as Navajo Fry Bread but not the brittle things we've encountered at some places lately. We bought 4 quarts of Green Chile and Red Chile Sauces also from these nice folks.

Exit 343
Exit 343

Went here for lunch, had the birria tacos and ramen. No complaints. Awesome food!! A bit on the pricey side, but there is nowhere else in Gallup to get birria. I'll definitely be going back.

M. G.
M. G.

Came with a group of people to eat here and I ordered the tostada plate. I appreciated how the meal came with little cups of both nice and hot red and green chili. The service was great and the food was delicious.

Location

Welcome to El Charrito / Birria el Gordo, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Gallup, New Mexico. Known for its warm family atmosphere and genuine hospitality, this establishment has quickly become a favored stop for both locals and travelers alike. Located at 2003 U.S. Rte 66, this family-run restaurant serves up authentic Mexican cuisine that showcases the rich flavors and vibrant traditions of the culture.

The magic here begins with the hands that create the food. Based on the rave reviews from customers, including Zachary Johnson, it’s evident that the kitchen is led by a dedicated father who pours his heart into each dish. Guests have raved about the menu, which features standouts like chicken and beef enchiladas, Birria burritos, and hearty soft tacos. Each plate comes alive with flavors that are both comforting and exciting, appealing to the taste buds of all who walk through the door.

One of the highlights that consistently garners praise is the salsa. Customers describe it as "just the right amount of spiciness," providing a perfect balance to the rich and savory dishes. For those in search of a cozy breakfast spot, El Charrito delivers with enthusiasm, as noted by first-time diners like Laveda, who were charmed by not just the food, but also the friendly service.

Parking is also a breeze, particularly for travelers with larger vehicles, making it an ideal pit stop for truck drivers. As Anthony Velasquez pointed out, there’s ample room nearby, encouraging weary travelers to indulge in a satisfying meal without the stress.

While the restaurant's aesthetics may have room for improvement, the genuine warmth and flavor-filled dishes more than compensate. With glowing recommendations from patrons like T P Stilly, who emphasized the good prices and great food, it’s clear that El Charrito / Birria el Gordo is a must-visit destination.

In conclusion, if you're journeying along Route 66 or simply seeking an authentic Mexican dining experience, make sure to stop by El Charrito / Birria el Gordo. The combination of heartfelt family service and flavorful dishes will leave you craving more. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning, just as many loyal customers do!