For an authentic, delicious and cozy dining experience, come down to El Charrito's Helena's Original Restaurante'. Family owned and operated for three generations, our authentic Mexican restaurant features a large menu of finely crafted dishes sure to please all taste buds and satisfy every appetite.
Whether you wish to dine in, take out or order one of our party pans, you can count on an appetizing meal every time. 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. If you're ready for a fantastic feast, come down and taste what our chefs have prepared for you.
Whether you wish to dine in, take out or order one of our party pans, you can count on an appetizing meal every time. 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. If you're ready for a fantastic feast, come down and taste what our chefs have prepared for you.
Services
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.
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.
Reviews (10)
Sabrina Smith
Jan 27, 2022
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Kat Kerby
Jan 25, 2022
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Super inconsistent hours, and never expect to order for a group or work lunches. They are closed Sundays and Mondays despite what their signs and hours say when you look them up. Calling to place an order is a nightmare because they never pick up. They randomly decide to close during the day, and don't stay open until their listed closing time. The service is lazy and undereducated with the menu to say the least. I would love to see some consistency when it comes to operating the business. The only saving grace is the food, but let's be honest, none of it is very hard to make and it's extremely
Tiffany Must
Jan 19, 2022
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Courtney Criner
Jan 14, 2022
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Don't go here.
They're ok sometimes, but extremely inconsistent. Go to El Cozumel instead if you want food that's authentic and always delicious.
I really hated that they asked if I wanted chips, we said yes, only to find out we'd been charged for them. Free chips and salsa at Cozumel. Plus, Cozumel does takeout very well packed, and even takeout margaritas.
They're ok sometimes, but extremely inconsistent. Go to El Cozumel instead if you want food that's authentic and always delicious.
I really hated that they asked if I wanted chips, we said yes, only to find out we'd been charged for them. Free chips and salsa at Cozumel. Plus, Cozumel does takeout very well packed, and even takeout margaritas.
Amanda Vickers
Dec 17, 2021
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First, they’re open only 4 days a week. We arrived at 7:10 and ordered; the waitress never came back to give us refills or check on us the entire meal despite being one of only two tables. She was too busy cleaning to close at 8:00 (Even though their hours are shown as 9pm). At 8:03, I went to find her to order dessert. She was incredulous, “We close at 8:00.” When I complained, she told me “This is a family owned business, a husband, wife, and daughter just trying to make it.” I had to laugh. Perhaps they should be welcoming to guests who are there, or maybe open on weekends? Seems like
Xiene
Dec 14, 2021
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Helen was such a part of why this restaraunt was amazing while I frequented it and when she was at Tia Helita’s also. This is the only mexican restaraunt in Genesee county (aside from Los Panchos) that I will ever eat. Anything else isn’t worth the time! This is an amazing business that deserves the support of the community!
The chips and salsa are soooo good and so are the steak quesadillas and cheese enchiladas. Yummy!
The chips and salsa are soooo good and so are the steak quesadillas and cheese enchiladas. Yummy!
Elizabeth Anne Ziembo
Nov 24, 2021
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My mother and I use to frequent your establishment. The last two times we were there, my mother ordered her usual 1/2 nacho supreme. When it came it appeared to be an appetizer. Not only had the price increased by a dollar but the portion was decreased by MORE than half. There were approximately 7-8 chips, a tablespoon of meat, ONE jalapeño and the rest was a pile of lettuce. REALLY?? I understand the price increase, but if you think you're fooling anyone with the miniscule amount of food on the plate, you're NOT. We WON'T be back.
M. T.
Nov 20, 2021
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Rude service, food was maybe good enough to feed to a dog: cheese enchiladas came out an interesting gray-green color, beef quesadilla had the toughest oldest meat I’ve ever seen at a restaurant…my gf is mad at me for writing this but please beware! I wish I had taken fotos. The “salsa” was some minced peppers that had clearly been in a fridge for more than a week…this place really needs to do better because this was a disaster
Kathy Root
Nov 16, 2021
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Great food! We had a party of 6, started with chips and salsa then everyone had something different and everything tasted really good! Friendly service - understandably not as quick because of lack of hired help but we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and our meals. Reasonable prices too. Would definitely recommend this restaurant!
DrKillology
Jun 19, 2020
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I won't lie, I was pretty disappointed in my nachos. Shredded cheese and no queso just made the whole plate dry. $3.00 up charge for grilled chicken rather than shredded chicken. And paying for your chips and salsa is a major reason why I wouldn't return. The service was really great, though. Overall, I just didn't feel like it was worth the money.
