Serving Yuma's Best Mexican Food For Over 75 Years
More than a restaurant, it's our family's legacy. Step into our history and discover the heart of Yuma's favorite Mexican food.
Our History
In April of 1949, Antonio "Tony" and Dolores "Lola" Gutierrez opened the doors to El Charro Cafe, originally located on 4th Avenue in Yuma, Arizona. It was a small but cozy café that seated 50 people, and quickly became a favorite spot for Yuma Families. Tony and Lola and their two sons, Raul "Sonny" and Leo, lived in a small home behind the restaurant. In one of these rooms they began making their now-famous homemade flour tortillas—soft, flavorful, and crafted by hand with care and tradition.
Where It All Began
A glimpse of El Charro Cafe back in 1952, when it first stood proudly on 4th Avenue in Yuma, Arizona. This vintage photo captures the early days of our journey, a humble storefront, a bold dream and a whole lot of heart. It is where our story began. So many longtime customers still tell us how they would walk over from Yuma High during lunch, grab a burrito and a Coke and race back to class, a tradition that fed generations.
Growing with Yuma, One Plate at a Time
Twenty years later, in 1970, the Gutierrez Family built a larger restaurant at our current location to welcome more guests and continue sharing the same great meals. Today, El Charro Cafe proudly serves a mix of Mexican and American dishes, all inspired by the original recipes passed down from Lola. Her famous Chile Rellenos and signature Green Saddles remain customer favorites to this day. What started as a small dream grew into a beloved gathering place to so many of our loyal customers.
Three Generations of Fine Mexican Food
In 1975, the restaurant was passed on to the eldest son, Raul "Sonny" Gutierrez. El Charro continues to be family owned and is now under the management of the third generation of family members. Two of Sonny's daughters, Pauline Villa and Anna Martinez took over the business in 2015, along with their husbands, Frank Villa and Kenny Martinez. Both having grown up in the family business, from rolling tacos, waiting tables to dishwashing, they are excited to continue to serve Yuma families.
A Taste of Tradition, A Lifetime of Memories
For decades, El Charro Cafe has been more than a place to eat-it's been a part of growing up in Yuma. We have heard countless stores from customers who used to walk over from Yuma High for a $.49 burrito.
Now those same customers return with their children and grandchildren, keeping the tradition alive. It's the greatest honor to serve generation after generation, creating memories around the same recipes that started it all.
A Taste of Home, A History Of Heart
A legacy built on family, flavor, and our profound love for Yuma, AZ. For the third generation leading El Charro, this isn't just a business—it’s home. Our lifelong passion, born from growing up within these walls, is now poured into every detail of your dining experience. We are deeply committed to honoring our history by preserving our authentic family recipes while creating a warm, welcoming place for our cherished community to gather for generations to come.
Tradition With A Twist
The soul of our kitchen will always be Grandma Lola’s authentic recipes, but we love mixing tradition with new energy! Join us for a vibrant Happy Hour in Yuma, discover a favorite from our new margarita menu, or be part of our popular community takeover events. Our passion extends beyond our doors with a deep, personal commitment to supporting local youth—celebrating our heritage while investing in the future of the community we are proud to serve.
From Our Family To Yours, Gracias!
The family is proud to continue the tradition of serving authentic Mexican Food along with friendly service and are very honored to be voted Yuma's Best Mexican Food. The Gutierrez Family would like to thank all of their customers and dedicated employees for an incredible 76 years!
El Charro Cafe was voted Yuma's best Mexican Food by the citizens of Yuma.