El Chalaco brings Peruvian flavors to its menu, with lomo saltado and causas priced to compete with nearby lunch spots while staying true to traditional recipes. If you want the full El Chalaco Menu with Prices before you go, this guide breaks down the main dishes, sides, drinks, and typical costs. You will also see what makes each section worth trying.
The restaurant keeps things simple. Most plates land between $12 and $18, which fits the area well. Below is a clear look at the menu so you can plan your order and your budget.
El Chalaco Menu With Prices
Prices can shift by location and season, so treat these as close estimates. The core dishes stay the same.
Main Dishes And Typical Prices
- Lomo Saltado — $16.50
- Pollo a la Brasa (quarter chicken) — $11.99
- Pollo a la Brasa (half chicken) — $18.99
- Ají de Gallina — $14.25
- Tallarín Saltado — $15.00
- Arroz con Mariscos — $17.75
- Seco de Res — $15.50
- Anticuchos (skewers) — $9.99
The lomo saltado is the top seller. It mixes beef strips, onions, tomatoes, and fries over rice. The pollo a la brasa is the better deal if you are feeding two people.
Appetizers And Sides
- Causa Limeña — $8.50
- Papa a la Huancaína — $7.25
- Choclo con Queso — $6.50
- Yuca Frita — $5.99
- Extra White Rice — $3.00
- Fried Plantains — $4.75
The causa is cold mashed potato with lime and chili. It is light and works well as a starter. If you order a heavy main, share one side between two people.
Drinks And Desserts
- Chicha Morada (large) — $4.50
- Inca Kola — $3.25
- Maracuyá Juice — $4.75
- Alfajores (2 pieces) — $5.50
- Suspiro a la Limeña — $6.25
- Flan — $5.00
Chicha morada is the drink most regulars get. It is sweet and made from purple corn. The suspiro is a safe pick if you want something rich but not too heavy.
How To Order Without Overspending
- Pick one main dish per person. The portions are big.
- Add one appetizer for every two people.
- Skip extra sides unless you have a large group.
- Order chicha morada instead of soda. It costs less and refills are often free.
- Check the lunch special. It usually runs from 11am to 3pm and saves you $2 to $4.
Lunch specials change daily. Call ahead if you want to know the exact plate and price that day.
What Makes The Pricing Fair
El Chalaco uses fresh beef, chicken, and seafood. That keeps costs higher than a fast food spot but lower than a full sit-down Peruvian restaurant downtown. A solo meal with a main and a drink lands around $20. Two people sharing a half chicken, one side, and two drinks pay about $35 total.
Tax and tip are not included in the prices above. Most locations add 8 to 10 percent tax. Tipping 15 percent is normal for table service.
Quick Tips Before You Go
- Weekends are busy after 1pm. Go early or order takeout.
- Ask for the ají sauce on the side if you dont like heat.
- Prices on delivery apps run $1 to $2 higher per item.
- Cash is faster at some counters, but cards work fine.
Now you have a full picture of the El Chalaco menu with prices. Pick your main, add one side, and you will eat well without spending too much.