El Charro Café stands as a living monument to Tucson's rich culinary heritage, holding the distinction of being the nation's oldest Mexican restaurant continuously operated by the same family since its founding in 1922 by Monica Flin.

This historic establishment, now led by Carlotta Flores (Monica's grandniece), has become synonymous with Tucson's Sonoran-style Mexican cuisine and plays a central role in the city's UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy designation. El Charro is widely credited with creating the chimichanga—allegedly born when Monica accidentally dropped a burrito into hot oil and exclaimed a modified version of a Spanish expletive, "chimi-changa!"—though the restaurant's culinary influence extends far beyond this famous creation.

While primarily known for meat dishes, El Charro has evolved to accommodate modern dietary preferences, offering vegetarian and vegan options that incorporate traditional Sonoran ingredients and techniques. The restaurant's downtown location in a historic adobe home creates an atmospheric dining experience that connects guests to Tucson's past, while its continued culinary innovation ensures El Charro remains relevant in the city's ever-evolving food scene.