El Charrito Express

4.3 ( 130 reviews )
$10–20
483 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA 93940, United States
+1 831-884-5143

El Charrito Express, located at 483 Calle Principal in Monterey, CA, has quickly become a local favorite and for good reason. This Mexican restaurant is celebrated for its top-notch burritos and homemade tortillas that diners rave about. Customers like Julie Thomson and Anna Marie highlight the freshness and authenticity of the food, noting how the tortillas are made right in front of them. The burritos, especially the chili verde and carnitas, are described as bursting with flavor, a delightful contrast to many fast-casual places.

The aesthetic of El Charrito Express adds to the experience, creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere that is hard to resist. As Victoria Mavricakis puts it, walking through the door is like stepping into a cute, clean vibe that makes you want to stay. Season Santillan shares the joy of discovering a beloved brand now available in Monterey, solidifying the restaurant's reputation for quality with a loyal customer base.

Moreover, the freshness is complemented by unique offerings like their refreshing hibiscus drinks and exceptional salsas, enhancing the overall dining experience. With praise for its homemade tortillas and the commitment to avoiding greasy, heavy food, it's clear that El Charrito Express isn't just another Mexican restaurant; it's a celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine right in Monterey.

Amenities and More

  • Service options
    • Delivery
    • Takeaway
    • Dine-in
  • Highlights
    • Fast service
  • Popular for
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Solo dining
  • Accessibility
    • Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Offerings
    • Coffee
    • Comfort food
    • Food
    • Quick bite
    • Small plates
  • Dining options
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Atmosphere
    • Casual
  • Crowd
    • Tourists
  • Planning
    • Accepts reservations
  • Payments
    • Credit cards
    • Debit cards
    • Credit cards
  • Children
    • Good for kids
    • Kids' menu
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Parking

Reviews For El Charrito Express

Julie Thomson
May 30,2025
wow. As someone who is made up of 90% tacos and burritos, this place is amazing. This is the freshest, non-oily/greasy, quality burrito I’ve ever had. You can literally see them making the tortillas on the side as you order. No or limited seating based on when I walked in in the morning but perfect grab and go.
Anna Marie
May 9,2025
One of the best burritos I've ever had. The tortilla is on the thinner side, but the flavor of everything was absolutely delicious. The chips were nice, the salsa verde they gave us with them was also really good. Usually, I find most places make their green salsas too salty, but this was so flavorful. The hibiscus drink I got was just sweet enough, refreshing, and a great pairing with my meal. Looks like a classier Chipotle... tastes like a much more authentic Chipotle.
Victoria Mavricakis
May 4,2025
HONEY!!!!! This place is a 10/10 I DO RECOMMEND!!! When you first walk in it's a VIBE! The aesthetic is everything!! It is so cute and clean. The staff is amazing they speak to you right as you come to the door. The choices are just enough to make you second guess which burrito you want so we left with 5! The flavor is everything it needs to be so good, so fresh and the homemade tortillas are to die for!! I had the chili verse, carnitas, and chipotle chicken. Sooo good my hubby and son loved it as well. I can't wait to go back to try more of the meats!! So happy with my experience!!!
Season Santillan
May 3,2025
I love love love this place. I am sooo fricken excited that there is now an express one in Monterey. As you can tell I grubbed on my burrito within minutes of purchasing it. Their tortillas are the best. I have been craving a chili Verde burrito with rice and beans forever. The store in Salinas was packed, at capacity as usual, because their food is bomb. So when I discovered there was a store in Monterey I couldn't believe it until I saw it and tasted it. Well it's real I tasted it and wasn't disappointed.
jake london
Apr 18,2025
Great burritos. Perhaps the best flour tortillas I've ever had in 50 years of eating flour tortillas. Worthy of all the Kudos it has received.
stacey lundy
Apr 8,2025
Chili verde is great! And I absolutely love the homemade flour tortillas! But the burrito now only comes with meat, rice, and beans so anything extra will cost you (cheese, salsa, lettuce, etc). And don’t come here SUPER hungry because they are pretty small, but so is the price.
Dan Williams
Mar 29,2025
After having a wonderful meal the night before at Alejandros, their full-scale restaurant, I came back to get El Charrito for a bit of brunch before leaving Monterey.. and it was just as good as what I had at dinner. The fresh flour tortilla was excellent, as was the salsa, carnitas, beans, etc. Don't expect a giant burrito - but if you're in it for the flavor and quality, 100% worth a trip.
Sunny S
Mar 8,2025
Still the best burrito I’ve ever had (solely due to the homemade tortilla)

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