# Cocina del Charro > Cocina del Charro is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in San Marcos, CA, with roots going back to 1978 and a warm, casual atmosphere that feels like home. Signature dishes include Shrimp Mini Chimichangas, Cochinita Pibil, the Cancun Burrito, and a comforting Chicken Soup served with avocado and tortillas. Every meal comes with chips and salsa, and the menu spans everything from quick tacos to full surf and turf dinners with signature margaritas. Sunday brunch runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. The outdoor patio, complete with a tranquil water fountain, is a favorite among guests for relaxed lunches and casual evenings. ## Key facts - **URL**: https://frankiapp.com/business/cocina-del-charro-129550 - **Type**: Restaurants - **Cuisine**: Mexican - **Location**: San Marcos, CA - **Address**: 1020 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078, US - **Phone**: 17604716644 - **Website**: https://www.cocinadelcharro.com/home - **Coordinates**: 33.135073, -117.190023 - **Claimed**: unclaimed - **Vibes**: Casual ## About Cocina del Charro is a family-owned Mexican restaurant in San Marcos, CA, with roots going back to 1978 and a warm, casual atmosphere that feels like home. Signature dishes include Shrimp Mini Chimichangas, Cochinita Pibil, the Cancun Burrito, and a comforting Chicken Soup served with avocado and tortillas. Every meal comes with chips and salsa, and the menu spans everything from quick tacos to full surf and turf dinners with signature margaritas. Sunday brunch runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and happy hour takes place Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 p.m. The outdoor patio, complete with a tranquil water fountain, is a favorite among guests for relaxed lunches and casual evenings. ## Hours - Monday: 11am - 7pm - Tuesday: 11am - 7pm - Wednesday: 11am - 7pm - Thursday: 11am - 7pm - Friday: 11am - 8pm - Saturday: 10am - 8pm - Sunday: 10am - 7pm ## Highlights - **Family-owned since 1978** — North County San Diego's beloved Mexican staple, open for over four decades. - **Weekday happy hour** — Monday through Friday, 3 to 6 p.m. brings specials on margaritas and appetizers. - **Patio with fountain** — A gorgeous outdoor patio with a tranquil water fountain draws guests back every time. - **Standout signature dishes** — From Cochinita Pibil to Shrimp Mini Chimichangas, the menu goes far beyond the basics. ## FAQ ### Where is Cocina del Charro located? Cocina del Charro is located at 1020 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078. ### What are Cocina del Charro's hours? Monday through Thursday, Cocina del Charro is open from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday hours run from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. On Saturday, doors open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Sunday hours are 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ### What type of food does Cocina del Charro serve? Cocina del Charro serves classic and regional Mexican cuisine in a casual, family-friendly setting. Signature dishes include Shrimp Mini Chimichangas, the Cancun Burrito, Cochinita Pibil, and a traditional Chicken Soup served with avocado and tortillas. Every meal arrives with complimentary chips and salsa, and the menu ranges from quick tacos to full surf and turf dinners. ### Does Cocina del Charro offer brunch? Yes, Cocina del Charro hosts a Sunday brunch from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Adult pricing is $35, and children ages 2 to 10 dine for $16. Prices are subject to change, so it is worth contacting the restaurant for holiday pricing. ### What is Franki? Franki is a restaurant discovery app that helps you find great places to eat through real video reviews from actual diners. You can browse reviews, photos, and videos of Cocina del Charro on Franki, and earn cash back when you dine there. Download Franki on the App Store or Google Play to start exploring. ### When is happy hour at Cocina del Charro? Happy hour runs Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. You can expect specials on some of North County's best margaritas and Mexican appetizers during that window. Reviewers praise both the value and the speed of service during happy hour. ### Does Cocina del Charro have outdoor seating? Cocina del Charro features a gorgeous outdoor patio with a tranquil water fountain, ideal for a relaxed lunch or casual evening out. Guests consistently praise the patio as one of the restaurant's standout features, and it suits everything from solo outings to date nights and family gatherings. ### How can I contact Cocina del Charro? You can reach Cocina del Charro by phone at (760) 471-6644 or explore their menu and offerings at cocinadelcharro.com. ### How long has Cocina del Charro been in business? Cocina del Charro has been serving quality Mexican food to North County San Diego since 1978, making it a long-standing institution in the San Marcos community. ## Reviews ### goldenpebbleroars83 — 5.0/5 · Jan 13, 2026 beautiful day beautiful patio perfect place for lunch. ### goldenpebbleroars83 — 5.0/5 · Jan 12, 2026 great outdoor seating! ### zanyfoxsleeps333 — 4.3/5 · Nov 30, 2025 Great patio and good service. ### goldenpebbleroars83 — 5.0/5 · Jan 12, 2026 gorgeous outdoor patio with tranquil water fountain. ### zanyfoxsleeps333 — 5.0/5 · Feb 19, 2026 Good food and service. ### zanyfoxsleeps333 — 5.0/5 · Mar 11, 2026 Good food, but they just raised prices again. ### zanyfoxsleeps333 — 5.0/5 · Mar 3, 2026 Great service and good happy hour. ### graciescakes — 5.0/5 · Oct 22, 2024 I love this family owned Mexican restaurant because you can get a couple quick tacos for lunch, or a full surf and turf, dinner, a signature margarita and can’t forget the fried ice cream! The happy hour deals are great Monday through Friday and every meal comes with chips and salsa. Yum! ### zanyfoxsleeps333 — 4.3/5 · Mar 24, 2026 Happy hour prices are good and food and drinks came out quickly ## Nearby - [El Pollo Loco - San Marcos](https://frankiapp.com/business/el-pollo-loco-san-marcos-765960) — Mexican · $$$$ - 692 W San Marcos Blvd, San Marcos, CA 92078, US - [San Elijo Vine & Tap](https://frankiapp.com/business/san-elijo-vine-tap-295987) — Wine Bar · $$ - 1231 Elfin Forest Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078, US - [Shabu Works](https://frankiapp.com/business/shabu-works-255724) — Shabu-Shabu - 575 Grand Ave, San Marcos, CA 92078 - [Aria Restaurant](https://frankiapp.com/business/aria-restaurant-18946) — Persian - 1650 Descanso Ave, San Marcos, CA 92078, US - [Holbox](https://frankiapp.com/business/holbox-31954) — Mexican - 3655 S Grand Ave #C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007, US - [Tacos Los Cholos](https://frankiapp.com/business/tacos-los-cholos-132226) — Mexican · $$$$ - 821 S State College Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92806, US - [Mercado Gonzalez Northgate Market](https://frankiapp.com/business/mercado-gonzalez-northgate-market-96807) — Mexican · $$$$ - 2300 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626, US - [Tamarindo Del Mar](https://frankiapp.com/business/tamarindo-del-mar-12187) — Mexican - 1555 Camino Del Mar Ste 116-117, Del Mar, CA 92014, US --- View full profile, photos, videos, and reviews on Franki: https://frankiapp.com/business/cocina-del-charro-129550