El Charro Mexican Dining, a favorite Lamorinda lunch and dinner spot for more than 70 years, has close permanently.
Restaurant owners Laura and Dave Shields announced the closure in a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. The COVID-19-related county health orders restricting on-site dining, along with other factors, led to the decision to close. Takeout orders were fulfilled through New Year’s Eve.
Hundreds of commenters on the Facebook page, not surprisingly, wished a sad farewell to El Charro.
“So sad to hear of your closing. I have been going for over 50 years,” Vicki Nye wrote. “Just enjoyed take out on Christmas Eve. I am hoping you will reopen somewhere else. It has been a staple for us for four generations.”
Relative newcomers connected with El Charro, as well.
“Our family felt connected to Lafayette through your restaurant when we moved here two years ago, it was our first meal out when we arrived,” Rachel Force said. “We’ve been regulars ever since.”