Serving The Best Mexican Flavors For Over 75 Years
Generations of tradition
Our History
In April 1949, Antonio "Tony" and Dolores "Lola" Gutierrez opened El Charro Cafe, which was originally located on 4th Avenue. It was a small café that seated 50 people, that 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 the rooms of their house, they began making their famous homemade Sonoran Style flour tortillas.
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 meals that made us a Yuma favorite. The restaurant serves both Mexican and American food, using Lola's recipes that were loved by many. Her chile rellenos and green saddles are still one of our customer's favorites. 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 Cafe continues to be family owned and is now under the management of the third generation of family members. Two of Sonny's daughters, Anna Martinez and Pauline Villa took over the business in 2015, along with their husbands, Ken Martinez and Frank Villa. Both having grown up in the family business, from rolling tacos, waiting tables to dish washing, 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.
El Charro Cafe continues to be family owned and is now under the management of the third generation of family members. Two of Sonny's daughters, Anna Martinez and Pauline Villa took over the business in 2015, along with their husbands, Ken Martinez and Frank Villa. Both having grown up in the family business, from rolling tacos, waiting tables to dish washing, they are excited to continue to serve Yuma families.
Although the original recipes of their Grandma Lola are still being served, they have added Happy Hour, new margarita flavors and community takeovers. Both Anna and Pauline worked many years with children in our community and continue to have a personal commitment to the youth in the Yuma Area.
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 73 years!
El Charro Cafe was voted Yuma's best Mexican Food by the citizens of Yuma.