El Chaparro

Food is usually up very fast no matter what time of day it is. Always complimentary chips and salsa while you wait for your food. Staff is friendly and the food is top quality locally. This place usually stays open alot later than other places although I wish they were still open a little later on weeknights

Authentic and delicious! 5 full of meat tacos for 10 bucks. Sign me up. Everything else is spot on.

You'll have to find sparse parking on the streets nearby so come early if you're meeting someone, but this place really has the best deals and quality in Lincoln! Great service, great flavor, great prices. Lengua burrito was great, and adding on a chicken tamale as a side only cost $2.75!

Walked to Tico but it was after 8:00 pm, so I had to find plan B. Usually that unique flavors of the beef in the hard shelf taco, would tell me if I like the food or not and El Chaparro did it right for me! The flavors of the rice and been too … this place did it right! Will do the Diablo shrimp next time!

You know its going to be good when your in the inner city and next to a Latino market with a bunch of dudes loitering outside, and even better if you need a translator to order! I had some sort of spicy sausage thing that was simply impeccable. they give you a variety of salsas as well. Would recommend

Really fantastic tacos here. I mean, it's all incredible, but the tacos, the price, the service, it's all top tier. Great neighborhood spot in Lincoln!

Love it. The food is outstanding and the service is great. Stopped in for the first time and wasn’t disappointed. Really flavorful and it hit the spot. You have to try this place. The staff is great. Thank you and see you soon.

Only been here once, but I definitely plan on coming back. Prices are very affordable, food came out to the table quickly, portion was large, and the food itself was delicious! I've gotta try more on the menu. Would certainly recommend this to anyone looking for good Mexican food.

El chaparro is some of the best Mexican in Lincoln and a great lunch stop. I have only stopped in and grabbed lunch to go or delivered it, but sometime I need to dine in and have the full experience. Regardless, they are extremely nice, fast, and efficient every time I come in and I don't call in advance. Prices are so reasonable, you get tons of food. You can tell it's family owned and they take pride in their restaurant. The parking lot is often disorganized and people kind of just pull in, but it's worth the challenge for this food. Some favorites: enchilada/tamale combo, burritos, and of course the cinco tacos are Amazing--served street taco style with cilantro, onions, and fresh lime. My preferred meat is the barbacoa, it's so flavorful but chicken and beef are also good. Don't forgot to ask for extra hot sauce! It's delish and packs a nice kick.

Lincoln, Nebraska downtown This place was recommended to me by a local. I expected so much more when I headed to this location. Upon entering the restaurant you go through an entrance that takes you back by the kitchen, storage area, and takeout. Then they tell you just to seat yourself. The tables are simple with just napkins out of a dispenser and salt and pepper on the table. The chairs are metal. Very small restaurant with only 10 tables. The place is extremely casual with people just walking in and seating themselves. They do provide you with a basket of chips and salsa. Not a fan of either. The salsa is very watery. Chunks of onion and cilantro. The chips are dry and flavorless. I do like the crunch. I had some questions for the waiter regarding the menu. Two waiters had to come over to help me. Neither one understood so they had to go back to the kitchen to ask. The prices are incredibly inexpensive. Nine dollars for a burrito that is accompanied with rice and beans. You do not get your choice of beans as they only have refried beans. No black beans. The food arrived rather quickly. It was served on plates that had chips, broken off the side of the plate. My plate had three different chips on it and probably should not be used for serving food. I had a chicken burrito. The chicken was very tender. The sauce on top was just a regular tomato sauce. Nothing special. The food really lacked flavor. My husband had a chicken chimichanga. Same thoughts for his food. I had a glass of water, but could not drink it as the water had a very foul taste to it. The restaurant seemed clean, but the menus were very dirty. They seem to do a lot of takeout business. The price point is perfect. Cheaper than fast food Mexican. I would give this place 3.0 stars. No, I would not come back here to eat.

So well priced and I have no clue how. The food is pretty good and this place is open super late which is amazing lol. Service is good too

One of the best mexican restauraunts in lincoln, always packed every time ive gone. The food is great and I reccomend the camarones con crema.

I eat there every couple of weeks. I accidentally hit on what now is my favorite. THEY HAVE IMPOSSIBLY DELICIOUS food. I am stuck on a giant dish of 2 chil rellenos with homemade beans and rice and by eating this, I can tell that everything else must be wonderful. I would enourage your trying it out.

This place has good food and fast service even if you have a big party. The tacos are always satisfying and a great meal. The restaurant has the same vibes as many other Mexican places but the service and food are the important parts.

The food was tasty and service was quick for this little hole in wall eating establishment. Good value for the money to say the least.

I haven't tried all the Mexican food in Lincoln, but this place is the best I've found. We've only gotten takeout so I can't speak to "service" but they're very quick and my order is always on-point and incredible value for cost... easily worth 15% more. We usually get two sets of the cinco tacos and two sides of beans and rice. That's enough for me, my wife and our 3-year-old son. It's in a rough part of Lincoln, with limited parking and seating, so I don't necessarily recommend dining in, but the food is premier!

Full flavor and reasonable prices. No charge for chips and salsa. Lunchtime is always busy.

Great food and perfect portion for what you pay. Service was fast and consistent. Definitely a go to restaurant for lunch or late nights.

El Chaparro has fantastic food, they serve everything very quickly, and it was very packed inside but it didn't feel too loud. They came out with complimentary chips and salsa, and water. After we ordered, the food came out within 5-10 minutes and GOOD LORD what food it was. So damn good. My friends got the torta and the burrito and they said it was some of the best Mexican food they have had in Lincoln. 10/10

This is my go to place! Quick service, the food is great every time, and I love the vibe! Definitely a favorite in the household!

great food. I like the chicken enchiladas. fast service and good prices. beans and rice are comfort food

Great food !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And atmosphere nice staff and great location. Wish we lived closer and could get there more often

There good !Me and my mom and family has been comeing here since I was born so 13 years love there food !!! And I know all the workers already and there service is amazing !

If you lived around 13th & G at any point you know this place is the heart of this community. Foods always ready in 10 minutes, staff is truly so attentive and easy going, and I don't even really eat inside restaurants like that but I come here and I ALWAYS want to sit in a booth and just chat for 2hrs. I am reviewing today because I had the carnitas and rice & I was transported, I haven't had a meal that so reminded me of home in a long long time. Everything I've tried on the menu is incredible, but if you are questioning what to grab, try the carnitas, you will not be disappointed.

These people are like family. They take care of the neighborhood they're fast and friendly you could not ask for a better restaurant fantastic food fantastic prices

Had an excellent dinner here last night. The place was pretty busy despite all the snow on the roads, and I got served very quickly. Decided to go with the enchilada plate with mole sauce, as I'd seen it on somebody's plate coming out the kitchen as I walked in and thought it looked good. The comp salsa they gave me was fresh, properly seasoned and a bit spicy. Next time I'll definitely be asking if I can buy some to take home. My enchiladas came out just a couple minutes after I ordered them. I went with barbacoa for the meat, and the four enchiladas came with a big helping of rice and beans on the side. Everything tasted amazing, especially that mole sauce. I've only been here one other time years ago, but I should be making this a regular spot from now on.

Very tasty food and fast service! Was in Omaha for a work trip and saw a TikTok showing this place off. Drove the hour to come check it out, and it reminds me close to the SoCal Mexican food I grew up on. Got the 5 tacos de carne asada and an Al pastor Chiquita quesadilla. So full now nice and flavorful salsas too, I was very surprised !

A reliable and affordable option for good Mexican food. Don't be confused by the entrance, it's on the northeast side of the building. Though it feels like you are walked in through a back door it is in fact the main entrance. The three salsas they bring out with your food is one of my favorite things about this place. Yum! Cinco tacos is always a great option, but beware, no sides! Also, the parking lot has no specified parking spots and feels like everyone is making it up as they go. That's cause they are. Embrace it, but try to avoid getting parked in.

Great food very fresh and flavorful. Liked the green taco sauce. Great tacos! Good food.

The best carne Asada I have ever eaten! It was moist, but still charred on the outside. Often Carne Asada is very watery (maybe kept in a warming tray with liquid) and drips out through the bottom of your taco or burrito, this Carne Asada was not in a liquid, but the meat was not dried out. the flavor was exceptional. We are new to Lincoln, and this will be our go to Mexican! I went with a large group, and everyone agreed that it was some of the best Mexican food we have ever eaten. Two people in our group got the lengua (tongue.) burritos and mentioned that they are amazing. Don't let the idea of eating a cows tongue put you off. It is tender and flavorful. The staff was friendly, and quick, even though we were there at lunchtime, and they were quite busy . I look forward to eating there again real soon.

This place is very expensive. Went here for lunch on a Friday and two lunch special and two margaritas cost $48 before tip. YIKES.

I order here often and always get the same thing and tip but I found a big rock in my beans with my #5 and the rock is almost as big as my teeth. It's White with black speckles and is definitely a rock as it probably cracked my tooth. Very disappointed and will definitely not return

Great food and service! I had the cinco tacos and they were really good for a great price. Very unassuming place from the outside but don't let that dissuade you. Been twice and will come back next time I'm in Lincoln!

Located in an older neighborhood of Lincoln is El Chaparro restaurant. I had first heard of them as a late night tacoria after the bars close at night. My friend and I were nearby at lunchtime. And decided to stop in for lunch. This is not a fancy restaurant. 4 booths and 10 tables. We ordered Huevos with chorizo and a carne asada torta. The meal came and it was quite good. I do recommend testing the three different hot sauces. As they are home made. They can vary from mild to oh-my-gosh hot. The staff is friendly and polite. The food is quite good. Definitely worth coming to give them a try.

Great food, super fast, friendly staff! Will definitely eat here again. Lots of specialty dishes.

Delicious find- great stuff. Would highly recommend. We've been there twice and will return again soon.

Fantastic food and fantastic service. I ordered for pickup and it was done when I got there. I was 5 minutes away.

We decided to pay a visit after overhearing the waiters at Chili's singing the praises of El Chaparro's tacos one night. It is definitely a charming little neighborhood dive with a cozy family feel and Mexican TV programs playing overhead. We stopped in for lunch and decided to order two of our favorites instead of tacos.The carne asada, while good, paled in comparison to the fork-tender cut found elsewhere, particularly at the Mexican bar and grill on Cornhusker Highway. I ordered the camarones en la crema and requested that they add chipotle pepper. The chipotle shrimp was perfect. The choice of three homemade table sauces added great flavor to the already-tasty rice and beans made with lard and topped with cheese. The corn tortillas which accompanied the meal were warm but somewhat dry. The chips and salsa were disappointing. Tortilla chips are pre-portioned into baskets and stacked where they turn stale. The salsa was very thin and did not have much depth of flavor. Save your chips and eat them with the table salsa, guac, and sour cream that accompanies the shrimp or carne asada instead. You'll be thankful that you did, even if you're feeling famished. All in all, it was a good meal and you'll be quite satisfied if your expectations are in line with what's offered. It's a decent no-frills Mexican place with polite but spotty service and late night hours.

El Chaparro is absolutely delicious, they're hot sauce is to die for and their street tacos are some of the best I've ever had. Definitely recommend!

Let's start by saying, I'm pretty sure I was a bad vegetarian today....and I'm not sure that I care after a great meal. Ordered the Huevos Rancheros and they were delicious. No meat in the dish, but I'd be willing to bet that there was lard in the beans and chicken broth in the rice. I didn't ask before I ordered...and not going to lose sleep over it. The meal was outstanding and what you get for the money is unreal. My bill was less than $7 and I don't know that I'll need to eat again today. Great chips and salsa (brought our right away) and the food came out quickly as well. Service was outstanding with more than one person checkin in with me regularly. Not sure if/when I'll be back in the area, but if/when I am I'll be coming here again!

I had fajita pollo there. Came sizzling and fresh, the portion was great. I had more leftovers than I ate. They have friendly stuffs, on street parking. The place was definitely worth my money!

This place is legit. I had the carne asada Cinco tacos with guacamole and it was so delicious. I miss the Mexican food in San Diego, CA. Wasn't sure how good it would be but I'm very impressed.

Authentic and very delicious Mexican food! If you're looking for a new weekly staple, this place is it. Great food with even better prices.

I've loved everything about this place. Delicious, inexpensive, super friendly and attentive. Also really liked the 3 sauces they bring to the table. Mild, hot and salsa verde. Parking was the only drawback at high noon. We made it work and all is right in the world.

In a excellent dining experience, I hope for a great meal, attentive service, decent atmosphere - all at a reasonable price. If I'm lucky maybe I'll find something that's takes me to another place or time. In my opinion - that's how I define authentic. The real deal is here. El Mero Mero. You will find all of the above at El Chapparo, while at the same time enjoying delicious Mexican food. You walk in and that cool AC just wraps you up. Next to the counter, is a fridge full of Jarritos, and real sugar colas. Don't worry they have horchata too - once it hits your lips it's so good. Wham, as soon as you sit down - chips and salsa on the table. The menu has more than 40 items, with some real gems. The Chilaquiles, this dish is so hot right now. You'll find it at Dixie Quicks, The Four Seasons, etc. The reason being the dish is OG y'all - derived from Nahuatl for crying out loud. So corn tortillas cut in quarters and lightly fried with red salsa, simmered until the tortilla starts softening. I added chorizo. You can add anything you friggin want. Garnished with shredded queso fresco, sautéed onions and avocado slices. It was spicy my friends, next time this guy is getting a side of sour cream... The burrito grande, Si si it's big. Nothing monstrous. Mission style, so not as meat heavy. Meat, rice, beans, lettuce. Topped with sour cream and guac. What else could you want. The Plato Mixto, marinated skirt steak, chicken breast and shrimp, rice, beans and tortillas. Just so beautiful - and I promised myself I wouldn't cry. Barbacoa, Caldo de siete mars, albondigas...this is it my friends. Do it.

Wow! What a gem! A total drive in the very best possible way. We were looking for a restaurant that was C open late and stumbled across this delight. Completely unpretentious serving up delicious authentic Mexican cuisine. Seriously one of the best Mexican meals I've had in longer than I can remember. Don't let it fool you. If you're looking for a great meal, look no further. I promise, you won't be disappointed.

The nearest Mexican restaurant to my work, I stopped in one evening to check it out. I got the enchilada platter w/refried beans & rice. Placd is always busy so I was sZurprised got a table right away. The waiter was courteous & friendly. The food came within minutes. The enchilada was cheesy, sauce just the right kick of spice, rice excellent. I normally leave the ;beans or give them away. I took a bite & b4 I could blink, I had cleaned my plate! Prices were excellent. Avg ticket less than $10 per person. They have seen me several times since, and definitely be a frequent stop.

Amazing authentic food. Delicious...will be a staple every time we're in town. Would highly recommend.

I always have a good experience at El Chaparro, the wait for seating and for food is very reasonable, give that this place is always busy. Staff is kind and happy, food is very good, they have a variety os salsas to choose from upon request and free. Their taquitos, tacos, tamales and tortas are really good.

This is an amazing little restaurant. It was packed at 5 p. m. Saturday night: tables were full and take-out waiting seats were full. When I stepped in there were about 8 young people behind the counter, which was too busy for me to sneak a look to see how extensive it was. Then a few minutes later, three more people arrived. The choreography they used to move past each other in the extremely narrow galley kitchen was remarkable. Smiling faces and energetic staff. Someone was at the counter to take my order as soon as I stepped up. I ordered Cinco Tacos al Pastor for take-out. I didn't have my watch or phone but it couldn't have taken 5 minutes and my order was ready. The tacos were delicious but didn't look or taste like tacos al pastor, which are quite spicy and don't have a sauce. They used tiny bits of meat. While usual tacos al pastor are made with extremely small slices of meat, I've never had them with bits. As I mentioned, the tacos tasted good but weren't the al pastor I'm used to. I'll try again. I'm sure they do a great cheese enchilada.

Went here A couple months ago after a long day at work very hungry and tired. I ordered a torta and explained to the lady taking the order that I am allergic to avocado to please not put any avocado on my food she said OK I saw her write it down and when I got home there was still avocado on my torta I was so pissed and hungry threw it in the garbage and went to sleep. Just thankful I checked b4 biting into, I was that hungry! Never went back!

El Chaparro is the real deal when we are talking Authentic Mexican food! Which is sometimes a bummer for a vegan! Cause yep they have lard in the beans! Oh well! The chips are great and so is the salsa! They have great hot sauces, and the flavors hit you with a punch! It's a pretty small joint, so it can fill up fast during the dinner hours! Our waitress was really nice and very attentive to my diatary needs and made sure I had the perfect little meal crafted especially for me! The really great thing about El Chaparro is that it's super super super cheap! WOW this is the spot to go if you are on a budget!

This a little gem in south Lincoln. The food comes out fast and delicious! I can not believe that I've never known this place while living in Lincoln ? I got the 5 tacos, 3 chorizo, and 2 tongue. So so so muy bien!!!!!! I will have to come back after the bars.

I'm really waffling between two and three stars here... Words like 'decent' and 'regular' are springing to mind as I try to write this review. Even right after leaving the restaurant I was having trouble remembering anything that stood out to me in terms of flavor - aside from the bottles of salsa (with ample cilantro) that were provided. The chips seemed fresh out of a bag, and weren't replenished (greedy American want, I know). After much deliberation I ordered chicken enchiladas - pretty standard fallback item when I can't decide on anything else (and our server had no recommendations for me besides the generic... 'everything is good' resonse). I did consider the taco platter option, but didn't want to risk it given my love for other tacos in town. It's unlikely that I'd return, but if 'regular' food where what you see is what you get and there's not too much confusion or challenge is right up your alley, then this might be the place for you.

From what I've had, possibly the best Mexican restaurant in Lincoln. I've been going here every now and then since freshman year and have eaten most of the menu. Pretty much all of it is good, and there's enough variety for whatever kind of Mexican food you're in the mood for. The prices are pretty cheap, and most plates are served with quite a bit of food. However, the main attraction for me is that they serve the single greatest non-alcoholic drink ever invented: HORCHATA. It's a really simple drink, just rice water, sugar and a little bit of cinnamon, served cold. It's got enough sugar to kill a horse, but OMG it's so good. It's like the baklava of drinks; I know it'll kill me some day, but until then I have it with abandon. I'll have a glass there and then get a big gulp cup to go. Another big draw for them is that they're open until 3 a.m. most nights, so it's an excellent late night destination. Their parking lot out front is pretty small, so you might have to park on the side of the street, but it's usually not too crowded.

Great authentic Mexican food, reminded me of good old times in Michoacán. Passing by from LA California I decided to give it a go and was surprised! Friendly host guy, great portion size and rather cheap comparing to CA. The best part - it's super tasty!! I can definitely recommend. It might not be the fanciest place in Lincoln, but don't judge the book by its cover! Would love to come back if I ever in NE again.

Always a must when we're in Lincoln. Awesome, cheap Mexican food- can't beat it. I get the enchiladas and my partner gets the huevos rancheros. Big portions for a small price. The chips are great and lots of sauces and salsas to choose from. The table salsa is a little spicy but really good.