El Tio – Mexican
El Tio invites diners into a vibrant, welcoming space where the rhythmic patting of handmade masa and the savory aroma of melting cheese signal a true taste of Central American tradition. Golden-brown pupusas arrive piping hot from the griddle, pulling apart to reveal molten centers of earthy beans, piquant jalapeños, or delicate loroco, while hearty traditional breakfast plates offer a soulful start to the day. The experience is anchored by a sense of rustic comfort, where every dish—from the crisp, golden-fried tilapia to the signature house specials—feels like a seat at a generous family table.
2171 Ivy Road, Charlottesville VA 22903 https://eltiorestauranteytienda.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Saturday
- 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its authentic El Salvador and Central American flavors, guests love the lively ambiance and upbeat music that defines this family-owned spot. Diners rave about the plentiful portions and reasonable prices, noting that the extensive menu rewards those eager to explore traditional dishes. Reviewers highlight the vibrant atmosphere as a key part of the experience, with many expressing excitement to return and discover even more standout menu items.
Menu
Breakfasts
- Typical Breakfast #1 - $16.24: Scrambled eggs with tomato and onion, served with beans, fried plantain, Salvadorian cream, cheese, avocado and bread Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Typical Breakfast #2 - $14.69: 2 sunny side up eggs, served with beans, fried plantain, Salvadorian cream, cheese and homemade corn tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Typical Breakfast - $12.99: Scrambled egg with tomato and onion, with beans, fried plantain Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
Pupusas
- Cheese Pupusa - $3.74: With cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Pork and Cheese Pupusa - $4.06: With pork and cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Bean and Cheese Pupusa - $3.74: With beans and cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Jalapeño and Cheese Pupusa - $3.74: With jalapeño and cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Loroco and Cheese Pupusa - $4.06: With Loroco and Cheese Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Main Courses
- Fried Tilapia - $14.99: Fried Tilapia served with rice, salad, cheese, lemon and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- El Tio Special - $18.99: Grilled steak, chicken and shrimp, served with rice, beans, pico de gallo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Chicken with Green Banana Slices - $15.59: Fried chicken with green banana slices, served with cabbage slaw, pico de gallo, onion, sauce and special dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Choripollo - $18.74: Grilled chicken breast with grilled sausage and melted cheese, served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Grilled Chicken Breast - $16.88: Grilled chicken breast served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber
- Fried Chicken - $14.99: Fried chicken served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Chicken Wings - $16.25: Chicken wings served with carrot, celery and ranch dressing. Choice of BBQ or Buffalo Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
Fajitas
- Chicken Fajitas - $18.74: Chicken fajitas made with onion, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Beef Fajitas - $19.94: Beef fajitas made with onion, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Mixed Fajitas - $21.95: Mixed fajitas made with beef, grilled chicken and shrimp, onion, tomatoes and bell peppers, served with rice, beans, salad and tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Salads
- Chicken Salad - $12.44: Grilled chicken, lettuce, carrot, cheese, cucumber, tomato, radish, avocado and ranch dressing Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Zone, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Special Salad - $10.31: Lettuce, carrot, cheese, cucumber, tomato, radish, avocado, boiled egg, and ranch dressing Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, High-Fiber, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Kids Menu
- Chicken Tenders with Fries - $8.13: Tender chicken strips served with crispy fries Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Cheese Pupusa with Fries - $6.24: Cheese pupusa with french fries Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
- Cheese Quesadilla - $6.19: Cheese quesadilla Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free
Frequently Asked Questions about El Tio
- How extensive is this restaurant's menu selection?
- The extensive menu features diverse Central American dishes, including various pupusas, breakfast plates, and numerous options for seventeen different dietary preferences.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- This restaurant specializes in authentic Mexican, El Salvadoran, and Central American cuisine, featuring traditional dishes like handmade pupusas and hearty breakfasts.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- This budget-friendly ($) restaurant offers great value, with reviewers specifically praising the plentiful portions and reasonable prices for authentic dishes.
- How can I contact this restaurant?
- You can contact El Tio by visiting their official website at https://eltiorestauranteytienda.com/ for more information.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This family-owned restaurant stands out for its authentic Central American flavors, handmade pupusas, lively music, and generous portions at budget-friendly prices.
- How many reviews does this restaurant have?
- The provided restaurant data does not contain the specific number of reviews for El Tio.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking authentic Central American flavors, lively music, and large portions at budget-friendly prices would most enjoy this restaurant.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The menu accommodates mixed diets with gluten-free pupusas, high-protein meats like choripollo, and vegetarian options including jalapeño and cheese pupusas.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy the lively ambiance and upbeat music while exploring extensive, budget-friendly Central American dishes like pupusas and hearty breakfast plates.
- Is this restaurant suitable for families?
- This family-owned restaurant is suitable for families, offering a lively atmosphere, upbeat music, plentiful portions, and budget-friendly pricing.