Business Details
About
RestaurantMexican Restaurant
El Charrito’s Helena’s Original Restaurante' was opened in 1969 by Urbano and Maria Villarreal, who then passed it down to Helen Villarreal. Today, the restaurant is owned by Helen’s son and his wife, Javan and Tiffany Tijerina. Since 1969, we have used the same family homemade recipes. Our attentive service, welcoming ambiance and authentic flavors have earned us the distinction of being voted the “Best Restaurant in Lapeer” two years in a row by the County Press. We were voted best Mexican Restaurant in Davison since 2009 by the Davison index! Come visit us today for lunch or dinner. We have daily luncheon specials until 4 p.m., and party pans are available for small or large events. Come & Enjoy With Friends And Families! Visit us today!
Location
El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante
203 North Main Street, Davison, MI
48423, United States
Hours
Reviews
4.0
868 reviews
5 stars
466
4 stars
177
3 stars
63
2 stars
49
1 star
113
What are people saying?
AI-generated from recent customer reviews
Food Quality
Many customers reported that the food was bland, overcooked, or not authentic, with several mentioning issues like dry meat and poor seasoning.
Pricing
Numerous reviews highlighted that the prices were considered high for the quality and portion sizes of the food, with complaints about additional charges for chips and salsa.
Service Issues
Several customers experienced slow service and unhelpful staff, with some noting rude behavior from waitstaff and management.
Positive Experiences
Despite the negative feedback, some customers praised the food and service, mentioning specific dishes they enjoyed and expressing loyalty to the restaurant.
Atmosphere
The restaurant's atmosphere received mixed reviews, with some appreciating the decor while others found it outdated and uninviting.
- EGErikka Gibson5 days ago5.0What a fantastic night celebrating our birthday girl. We were going to try another local new Mexican restaurant but came here instead & glad we did. Service by Avery was AMAZING. Food was on point & hit the spot. Definitely will be back. Thank you for having us!
- ADAmber DeClercq5 days ago5.0was here for a birthday celebration and Feral was the best server ever. attentive, understanding and adorable. Food recommendations were amazing and the coronita margaritas were fantastic. Thank you Avery
- CCCheryl Campbell-HobergNov 16, 20255.0I love the new location! The art work is gorgeous and the vibe has an upscale feel. Teresa and Rosie are both the best servers. Food was delicious! 5 starts overall!
- EMEd MungerNov 9, 20252.0Tried their new restaurant yesterday, we both ordered the golden taco dinner with a full order of chips, the food was mediocre at best, the chips really being the best part of the meal , the stew beef was very salty and nothing was hot, service was absolutely horrible for a meal that cost us $60 which is almost double what we used to pay when they were in their old location across the street .
- MCMatthew ClausNov 8, 20251.0Atmosphere was good, but food was just not good at all. See plenty of the reviews saying the exact same thing. Only thing we requested was no onions and was hard to find something they could make without onions which is odd unless it's prepackaged. Got the chicken chimmie and a side of rice.. Ate about half of it. Don't want to just complain but it was literally canned chicken in a tortilla with no seasoning. And the rice...lol full of onions go figure. Didn't eat the rice but pretty sure it was just uncle bens rice with onions added. The chips not being free was a bit shocking, since they put a bowl of salsa down then came back and asked if we wanted chips and then charged us for them, while every other Mexican restaurant offers them for free. But after all that, it was a small amount of stuff that we got and bill was near $50. Quite excessive to be honest. And for the first time after leaving a restaurant we both actually have stomach aches by the time we got home. We gave it a shot, by far not worth it with other options in town. Maybe other people will like it.
Frequently Asked Questions About El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante
What is the history of El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante?
El Charrito’s Helena’s Original Restaurante was opened in 1969 by Urbano and Maria Villarreal and has been family-run since, now owned by Helen's son and his wife, maintaining the same homemade recipes.
What type of cuisine does El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante serve?
El Charrito's is a Mexican restaurant known for its authentic flavors and homemade family recipes.
Where is El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante located?
El Charrito's is located at 201 Mill Street, Davison, MI 48423, USA.
What are the opening hours of El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante?
They are open from Tuesday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and closed on Monday and Sunday.
What payment options are accepted at El Charrito's?
They accept American Express, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Does El Charrito's offer any specials or catering options?
Yes, they have daily luncheon specials until 4 p.m. and party pans available for small or large events.
How can I contact El Charrito's-Helena's Original Restaurante?
You can call them at +1 810-658-9308 or email at ttijerina1550@charter.net. Visit their website at http://www.elcharritos.com for more information.
What nearby wellness and massage services are close to El Charrito's?
Nearby massage and wellness options include The Relaxation Station LLC, Nonies Therapeutic Massage, Vigorous Wellness Massage, Woman At The Well Massage, and Wallace Charles Ross chiropractic and naturopathic services.
Which nearby establishments could enhance my visit to El Charrito's for a full day experience?
You can visit The Davison Hotel nearby for accommodation or drinks, enjoy shopping at My Thyme Boutique or Gloria's Bodywear Boutique, or relax at Chromatic Society Salon and Village Hair Parlor before or after your meal.
Are there nearby dining options or places to explore close to El Charrito's?
Yes, other nearby restaurants include Belva Bar and Restaurant for American cuisine and Bear Soup Deli, in addition to the nearby Downtown Davison area for events and historic sites.