Charlie's Taqueria

Best chicken asada tacos in town. Served with a salsa, grilled onions, on a homemade tortilla -- just delicious standard street tacos. Reminiscent of TJ style taquerias (which are delish). Been eating here more frequently as of lately, and it reminds me why we love this place. While some of the other local Mexican spots are inconsistent/hit or miss, we can always count on Charlie's to have the same taste and quality. I feel as though San Mateans gravitate towards bougie or whatever is on the main strip, so it is never really packed here. Fortunately for Charlie's, their clientele has kept them in business regardless.My family and I have been eating at Charlie's since 2003. Cannot recommend their restaurant enough!

What a great little gem located in San Mateo ca. came here on a Sunday afternoon not really busy. The food is great. Make sure you try the beef and chicken fajitas. They were the bomb. Note parking is little hard to find. I would've gave it Five stars, but one star was lost on the stale chips overall I will definitely come back again.

The Al pastor tacos are hella good. The tacos at our usual go-to spot are kinda dry, so Charlie's came in clutch when we wanted to try a different Mexican spot out. It's a cute place that you can order out and also sit in to eat. We've been here twice and have no complaints at all. Service is good and the employees are friendly.

I'll have to admit: My SO and I only shared a burrito here because I wasn't that hungry, but we enjoyed the burrito so much, I had to write a review ASAP!We've lived in San Mateo for years now and haven't really found a taqueria we love, especially not one for burritos. A couple bites into our super burrito and my SO was already claiming this is his favorite in SM. I might have to agree! The burrito itself is also pretty big and I felt like they didn't skimp out on the ingredients. They have a self serve chips station, which I had assumed was for dine in only, so I didn't touch it initially. But while I was waiting for my food, the waitress told me to get some chips and salsa. I really appreciated that! Along with chips and salsa, there were radishes, pickled veggies, and grilled jalapeños (super nice touch). Although I didn't dine in, the dining area seemed very spacious with lots of tables. It's colorfully decorated--think floor to ceiling jungle mural-- and just puts you in a good mood. I can't wait to come back and try more of the menu!

Hey there Party People Charlie's has great atmosphere and décor to get you into the Latin mood. The wait staff was very nice and helpful with the menu. You order first then are given a number to sit where you like, the food will come to your table. You will get one bowl of chips per order for free so load it upFood rating= 0 to 5 's....5 being the bestChips & Salsa=3..the chips where on the thick side and the salsa was tasty but very mild.Mega Quesadilla=4....the pork meat was good and there was plenty of sour cream and guacamole. It could have used more pico de galloSuper Burrito=3... carne Assada meat was a bit grissily but it was huge. Beans were traditional as was the rice. The whole dish needed to amp up the spice.Combo #6=3....the chili relleno was the star of the dish. The enchilada was lack luster in flavor.If you have a sensitive gut and can't take spice then you may rate this place higher. I however crave good spicy Mexican food hence the overall 3 rating.Be kind to one another

Been meaning to try this place after passing by over the last couple years. Finally got around to it. Decent amount of street parking around since it's on the fringe on the downtown area with perhaps a little competition from the Espetus crowd across the street for spaces.The restaurant itself is surprisingly large. Plenty of indoor seating with a couple outdoor tables should you choose the Al Fresco option.We ordered an Al pastor super burrito (unfortunately they were 'out of tripe') and three tacos (Al pastor, asada and carnitas). The burrito was absolutely massive! Everything was served fresh/hot. Taste wise, the burrito was pretty standard perhaps on the slightly salty side but still acceptable. The tacos were quite decent as well: crispy fried tortillas and tender carnitas that we preferred over the Al pastor and asada.The serve yourself chip/salsa bar was a nice touch as well!

Place has been here forever for a reason. Great food. Great tacos. Classic San Mateo place.

3.5 stars... The taco was good but wish the beef was a bit less tough. Waited 10-15mins for takeout order. Casual ambience with sauce bar. The staff was friendly

I have ordered from Charlie's before however my latest experience was not the best. I contacted them to preorder food for 8 and was told that it wasn't necessary I could order the same day and pick up within 15 to 20 mins. That was a mistake the food seemed rushed. I wanted Fajitas, but was told there weren't enough for 8. Tacos and quesadillas were very greasy. Also beans and rice were missing from the order. Please note if you are ordering for quite a few please pre-order. Also it was my Mom's 85th Birthday. We were so disappointed

Been here twice and have to say i they have the best burrito.... looking forward to eat there in the future...