What drove me to Carmela's was that they had some Redwood Curtain IGA on tap, and after some reviews of Yelp, I soon realized that this was probably the "best" Mexican food in the Arcata/McKinleyville area. So we hopped into the FJ and gave it a try. I have to say the main problem with the review streams on Yelp, is SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE. But for us, Victor was more than pleasant. He was also timely, non-intrusive, and professional. Hmmm, so it depends for sure, or maybe the management has been turning staff, I don't know. But if service is your beef you need to re-invest in a visit. Let's move on to the critical area of the kitchen quality: My wife had the Mole Poblano with chicken, VERY good. It was spicy warm and just oozing with that Mole richness. It was twice what she could eat. A lumberjack's portion. My 12 year old son had a Chimichunga. It looked good, fresh and big. I wanted to try the Mole Verde, but they were out. So Victor suggested one of his Mexico City favorites, a Huarache. It's a masa base topped with a delicious steak and cactus fry. It is then finished off with Pico de Gallo, Cilantro, and Queso Fresca. I found it delicious indeed! This was the first time I got to sample this popular (in) Mexico dish, and I was thrilled. I know there are so many good dishes in Mexico most Americans never touch, and Carmela's has some. I saw a person order the Burrito Supremo, my god it looked like 3 pounds of food. Again lumberjack portions are here at average prices. If I were to ding Carmela's for anything it would be the ambience. It is a bit confused between diner quality and finer quality. It has clean and and some interesting Mexican artifacts, but overall the dining experience could be enhanced some with a few changes out in the dining room and I guess a long run at Service quality. Overall Carmela's is very enjoyable and feels like home cooked Mexican fare. But don't take that from a Gringo. Just go venture that menu and try it.
(4)
Danielle T.
I've been eating here once in a while for almost two years now, and it's a hit or miss, I find that I like getting my order to-go best. Any time I have eaten at the restaurant in the past the service was slow, food was slow, or the waitress/waitor was unfriendly, but the food is typically good. I normally get a chimichanga with carnitas, and it is pretty good. The burrito is reasonably large and on the side you get lettuce, diced tomatoes, guaucamole and sour cream, Mix all those flavors together and it is super yummy. I called in my usual order and it took about fifteen minutes. When I went to pick up my order the staff just looked at me, no greetings, no smiles, nothing but a blank stare. Nobody came up to the counter for a good five minutes. When I called in my order, the man asked me if I would also like rice & beans with my food and I ended up saying "yes" in case my boyfriend wanted some, but he didn't warn me that it would cost extra (silly me for not knowing better...) my bill was a lot more than I was expecting, but I was way too hungry at that point to bring it up. The three stars are because the food was good and filling..and because it was the first time in my life that I actually liked rice & beans...
(3)
Beth M.
MOLE chicken.. great dish.. been going to carmellas for years.. there is a shortage of good mexican food in humboldt county but not at carmellas,,, ;)
(5)
Kyle D.
Overall: Above average mexican fare that is hindered because of terrible service. The good: The food is the saving grace, it's above average. Not amazing, but not the typical fare you get at a lot of mexican places. The super burritos, while $15, were absolutely huge and quite good. Could feed 3 easily. Gorditas were good as well. The bad: The service was slow, confusing, and ineffective. Pickup for food took 25-30 minutes. Might as well have just eaten at the restaurant at that point. They didn't have change and had to cross the street? Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 5/10 Food: 7.5/10
(3)
Clay C.
My favorite carnitas in the county are served here. The shrimp cocktail is also a must. Don't pass up the margaritas, can't go wrong with one of their pitchers!
(5)
Rebecca F.
The hubs and I have eaten here many times since arriving in Humboldt county. It's worth driving to get to. The food is excellent. The waiters remember us. We are working our way through the menu. If you've ever eaten at Fiesta Del Mar in the Bay Area, well, this is a good competitor! More on the menu, and they use local fair when available. Their Patron margaritas are scrumptious! We think the Mckinleyville Carmela's is 2 stars above the Arcata local, but that's just our opinion based on service & food.
(5)
Amber B.
Best Taco Tuesday in town!!! Super Nachos are delicious, honestly the whole menu is stellar. Dine in or pick up because this is the best Mexican food in town!
(5)
Lucia O.
I wouldn't know if the food is any good here, because we never got any. It was a busy night and although the staff was obviously flustered they continued to seat people all over the restaurant. We ate chips and (mediocre) salsa for 20 minutes before I had to ask a table busser to please have someone come and at least acknowledge our existence. Then we ordered, and waited another 50 MINUTES while everyone else was eating around us! Almost a whole hour! They obviously never even started making our food. We missed the movie we were going to see and by that time every restaurant in town was closing. Carmela's, you completely ruined my night. QUALITY over quantity please; if you can't handle what you're seating then don't seat, have a host stand or take reservations.
(1)
Spencer P.
Food is C+ but the atmosphere is A+! They have some of the best servers in town! I feel like their food comes off a truck frozen... Which is too bad because their cooks do an excellent job with what they're serving up! Never a bad time when I go to this place! Ask for Jorge! Guy is hilarious and super friendly! Beer is relatively cheap here! Taco Tuesday is a great night for 1$ tacos and an ice cold dos Equis!
(3)
Rachel S.
Sometimes, and only sometimes- service can be slow. I'm here on a Saturday afternoon at 3:30 and the woman working just made me two of the best Cadillac margaritas I've ever had. I've had my Togo orders messed up four times in a row. They always replace it and I'm fine with it but this place requires patience and double checking sometimes. I love that this place uses a lot of masa flour. The salsa is okay but the guac is killer. Favorite go-tos? Huarache with carne asada or carnitas and black beans Gorditas with grilled chicken Tortilla Soup- I was sick recently and it was the turning point in my wellness. Besides Alma's which is a food truck this is the best Mexican
(4)
Mollie B.
Service slow. Chile rellenos were poor.
(2)
Jessica H.
Went back recently and it must have been a fluke the last time. Had exceptional service and the food was great! Even had the same waiter! :)
(4)
Marlyn D.
We had been avoiding Carmela's because of the bad service reviews. Last night, a Friday night, we went and it was great!!!!! Our daughter had a plane to catch and we told that to the staff. They could not have been better. Our waiter Victor was a gem. Margaritas were yummy in their clay tumblers and dinner was the best mex I've had since leaving LA. I can't wait to go again! Thank you Carmela's!
(5)
Amanda H.
the only reason I'm giving any stars is because the food was good... not great but good... the customer service on the other hand was outrageous. I called in an order, and went to go pick it up. i stood waiting for about five minutes before a girl poked her head around the corner. she yelled across the store "do you have a pick up"... I said yea then she saunters up (young blonde Caucasian mid 20's) no "sorry about the wait" or "how are you?"... rings up the total, doesn't say anything just hands me a slip to be signed after she runs my card. I see a bag sitting behind the salsa case and ask if its mine, she nods (doesn't proceed to hand me the bag) so I reach behind to grab my food, I say have a good day ... no response... I work in customer service and have never seen someone treat a customer so disrespectfully
(2)
Sara I.
I used to go here often for year. Let's just say my last experience about two or three months ago was horrible. I ordered a cheese quesadilla for me and a chicken quesadilla for.my daughter. When we got home with the food we opened the boxes and saw that it just didn't look right. I took a bite and the tortilla for the quesadilla was absolutely stale the rice was stale, also everything tasted really old and it was not made fresh. I was informed by the manager that they got a new cook and manager was very polite, but the waitress that I complained to before the manager treated me as if I was lying and embarrassed me so I will not be returning.
(1)
Mary W.
I love Carmellas. My favorite is super burrito with verde sauce. I think it is the best mexican food in Humboldt. I go there often. Sometimes you have to be a little patient with the service but over all the service and the people are good.
(4)
Lindsey H.
Made a large order for pick up. Order was repeated back. went to pick it up, asked if this was the complete order, Lady said yes. Went home. They forgot 3 super burritos!! My mother called, lady had the nerve to argue with her! Wouldn't let her speak to the manager and said " At least you didn't get charged for it". The food that was in the bag was crappy quality. Will NEVER go back!!
(1)
Russ S.
Terrific experience, soup to nuts! Great service, quick chips and salsa, HUGELY diverse menu, surprisingly low prices, fast, upbeat ambiance, kid-friendly, etc. A big highly recommend from us. We had a cheese burrito, tacos pescado, and some sort of tastado bowl thing. All three of us went totally silent once the hot plates arrived until it looked like our platters were ready for the sanitizer. Exceptionally tasty, hot, and 100% fresh ingredients. Really a great meal out. Rs
(5)
Kristen M.
Ramon is the sweetest! Taco Salad is bomb. Sour creme with chips is awesome! All around great food and great prices
(5)
Gena B.
This is my go to diner spot! The staff is wonderful. They are friendly and always remember me and what I like. This perfect for family dining and just a night out with friends. My favorite margarita in Humboldt!
(5)
Chris L.
Good food bad service. Our food was delicious and filling with large portions and fresh ingredients however our server was not on the ball. 4 stars if the service was better.
(3)
Monica D.
I would do five stars, but.... we'll get to that. I'm not an aficionado of Mexican food, but I do enjoy it. I always enjoy my meal at this Carmela's. Maybe run of the mill to some, but it's consistent and I appreciate that. My fave is the Huarache, a fresh made mexican bread crust with cactus. I love it, but can never it it all but it holds til the next day for reheating at lunch. When I am really hungry I like the Tres Amigos appetizer for dinner. And when I feel like branching and trying something new I'm never disappointed. They also have an amazing margarita that comes in a terra-cotta pot and with a chili-salted rim - yum! It's a taste sensation, I love it. BUT... sometimes the service is sooooo slow, and it doesn't seem to depend on how busy they are, it's just slow, especially getting your menu, water, and drinks. I would almost always want two of those margaritas, but it takes so long to get the first one that I end up not having time.
(4)
Sara K.
It takes a lot to get me frustrated to the point of never wanting to come back to a place however the "fine folks" of Carmela's definitely succeeded. Firstly, it seems regardless of the night we come or the number of people we bring with us the service is ALWAYS terrible. If you're lucky they will be quick to take your order however you're then stuck playing the waiting game to see exactly how long they will take to actually bring you your mediocre room temperature food. On average we've waited about thirty to forty minutes for simple entrees such as a chicken taco, and for more complex things like an overcooked taquito about an hour. The wait staff is always under prepared and under staffed, leaving you to enjoy empty beverage glasses and chip bowls. And if you need extra napkins chances are you'll be done eating by the time they are finally brought to the table. Some nights they bring in a musician to play music which has the potential to be nice, minus the fact that the play so loud you can't enjoy the company you bring with or nearly get a moment of peace to formulate a clear thought. However the only thing worse than the music is the loud waiter who enjoys drinking with tables and singing in a rather atrocious and obnoxious manner. I understand that there is money to be made in alcohol sales so chatting it up with tables who are consuming alcohol would behoove you, but please if I'm sitting across the restaurant I should not be able to hear your conversation with your table. Don't waste your time or money on this overpriced mediocre establishment, you'll get better service and food at the taco bell down the street ... which isn't saying much.
(1)
Tenille C.
The best mexican food in humboldt county! The owners seem to really care about your food. And getting your food right.
(5)
James J.
I used to go here all the time, when I lived up this way. Since moving to Eureka, I have not been in a long time. They are still good...but I am not a regular anymore, and I noticed a drop off in service. Same waiter I always had, but he didn't recognize me anymore. They tend to take care of the regulars....which is fine. Just prepare for it.
(4)
Katie C.
The carne asada loco burrito is the greatest thing I have ever known. And I've had sex.
(5)
Morgan B.
I usually have a great time at the mckinleyville carmelas. They always are very friendly and helpful. I stopped going to the Arcata location becuase of a less than friendly server. I thought I had struck gold, until I go into mckinleyville carmelas one night, and that server is now at this carmelas. He was just as unfriendly as he had always been at the arcata location. I'm not very happy with the switch to say the least.
(3)
Terry O.
Carmela's is mediocre. One restaurant problem we have in Humboldt is lack of flavor on the plate. There is not a true Mexican food experience in this county. Carmela's is voted best because of what I call, "Follow the crowd" mentality in our local culture. I found myself waiting for seating at Carmela's for as long as 10 minutes when no one was in line in front of me. It's taken up to 20 minutes to place an eat in order. They seem to be under staffed and the kitchen staff doesn't seem to care. Mediocre lunches. Way to big of a menu. Menu should be simple. There is atmosphere but the place is so dark it reminds of where mobsters meet in Chicago then a local Mexican food eatery. Perhaps local gangs do meet in their to conduct their business while the family of 4 eats nachos? Speculation at best. Carmela's needs to do a lot of work to earn the best. All they are best at to me is poor service, mediocre food, needing a flashlight to see your way to the table. Carmela's needs someone to run their dining room and kitchen. How involved is the owner in the day to day operations of this establishment? Can anyone say "Leadership"?
(2)
Sarah K.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. The service is always very friendly and they make us feel welcome. Love their margarita specials and super burritos. They accommodate vegetarians willing to make almost any dish meat free. Worth it for us to go a bit further to McKinleyville.
(5)
Kari M.
I am all about raving for good establishments but this place needs to called out. We arrived at 630 pm...at 750 our food arrived. During the wait time we were not once visited by staff to acknowledge, apologize or offer an explanation for the wait...three of us ordered meals. All meals were incorrect and when I pointed out to the busboy that my plate was missing the sour cream and guac he decide it was appropriate to put his fingers in my food to explore. The waitress smirked at us while we offered our complaint and seemed oddly amused that our service was horrendous. The explanation from both the waitress and the manager was that they were busy due to taco Tuesday....hmm, and we shoulda known that? And they shoulda planned for that??? The manager then came to the table and made more excuses and wanted us to wait even longer so he could go prepare the food himself. Uh, no. AND he kept touching my hand as if to console or calm me which was just creepy. The service was horrid, the meals were not prepared properly and be fairly warned...the busboy who thinks it it ok to put his finger in your food is training to be a waiter!!! I would go elsewhere for mexican if I were you.
(1)
Jessica O.
Whenever we go, they seem to be pretty busy. But that's a good thing for them, and they've always been super nice and helpful despite being so busy. The food is great too! I like the super burritos and absolutely love the fajitas (chicken, steak and shrimp)! The blackberry margaritas aren't too shabby either!
(5)
Mike H.
Our first time eating here and we loved it. The staff is outstanding and beyond friendly. Food was good and the place is very clean. I can't emphasize enough how great the staff is. They made us feel like we were longtime friends. Well done
(4)
Meri B.
Very good food, sometimes there is a bit of a wait, so don't have a movie time, or appointment, but the food is great when it arrives. The mole is so good, and the more diverse things on the menu are worth trying.
(4)
jessica a.
Celebrating with my family, being hired to a new job. Super friendly Wilson come and brings be the biggest margarita in house!!! Over the top customer service!!! The food is amazing as well... I shared the tortilla soup and Plato del peblo with my mom! Food is bomb!!!
(5)
Sarah E.
My sisters and I threw a party for my parents 35th wedding anniversary and we hired Carmela's to cater. It was absolutely perfect from start to finish. I worked directly with Wilson and he was so accommodating. They have a beautiful new website that is extremely easy to use and Wilson (and team) worked extremely hard to make this a memorable event. The servers who came to my parents house were friendly, professional, and just what we had expected. The prices were very reasonable and in our price range. Everyone said how great the food was and I can't recommend them enough! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Carmela's! And especially you, Wilson!!!
(5)
Kathrina C.
Went here during their lunch specials and the food was dericious. I ended up getting the chimichanga with carnitas. The food came out quick, fresh and hot. My fiance loves their green verde. I have never gone during dinner time and I hear it takes a while to get your food, but seriously, if you want good food, well worth every minute of the wait. The servers are nice, quick to get what you need, and check up on you (but not to the annoying point) . We came here twice for lunch and both times no failure nor complaints. I guess the second time was to make sure this place deserved a good rating. Will be coming back. This is definitely a go-to place for yummy mexican food.
(4)
Anne S.
I will only go to the Carmela's in McKinleyville as Arcata's is terrible. McKinleyville's has not always been great, but they seem to have stepped up their a-game in the last six months or so. Food is better and the service is quicker . Definitely recommended.
(4)
danielle a.
This is my go to mexican spot in Humboldt (well this and the burrito wagon!). They have great service and ambiance. It can get busy in the evenings and be a little bit of a wait but it is usually worth it. My go to is the chile colorado and I love the flour-y tortillas they serve. The rest of my family raves about the ceviche and carnitas.
(4)
George S.
Amazing service and really good food. We were driving through at the beginning of a long drive home and stopped by for some dinner to go. The manager was there and answered some questions then made it his personal responsibility to take really good care of us. He even called me by name after only asking once to put it on the order. We felt like VIPs instead of a tired family that just spent the day at the beach without a chance to shower. The food was fantastic. Great flavor and ample portions. We will definitely stop there next time we are in town.
(5)
Lotus F.
I am a vegeterian, they very accommodating and got my dish right! The chips were not crispy, we let our server know and he quickly replaced it with fresh ones. The server was attentive and food came out quickly. He even brought out special habareno salsa for us. I would definitely recommend this place. Great food and service. The ambience is nice and facility is big.
(5)
Ana B.
Two stars for the two times I had good service here. Every other time the table and chairs had food smeared on them, the waiter was rude, we had a long wait, and the food was mediocre. Most recently, I received my bill at the table and was charged $10 more when I got to the register. The waiter didnt mention this when he rang me up. When I asked what that was about, the waiter was vague, saying something about a typo, and was dismissive toward me. It's not worth my time or money to go back.
Stopped in on our way through town on the 101. Atmosphere was fun! Service had a bit of a slow start but great after that. The food was excellent and portions were huge!! Would recommend it to friends and family
(5)
Marcos F.
I love this place. The food is authentic and by far the most delicious in arcata. Taco Tuesday has become a weekly holiday for my friends and I. Not to mention the staff is beyond courteous and generous. My favorite restaurant I arcata by a long shot.
(5)
Stephanie A.
Horrible service. Stale chips. Gross salsa. Ordered vegetarian huarache and found a piece of meat in the food. Food was not hot. Food is totally white washed but look where we are. Would not come back.
(1)
Vic D.
Not sure how this place only has 3 1/2 stars?? Their margaritas are top notch, the mole burrito was amazing, and the people that work their made me feel at home. I'm a traveling sales rep and always looking for a good place to eat when I'm on the road. I will definitely be coming back during my next visit to the Mckinleyville area. My only complaint is that they are not closer to where I live.
(5)
Jessica I.
My girlfriends and I come here at least once a week. The service is amazing and the bartenders are extremely helpful. Hands down best margaritas in arcata and the happy hour specials cannot be beat.
(5)
Shoshanna R.
Consistently good food and service. How is it that there are 4 (more if you count trucks!) Mexican Restaurants in little old McKinleyville?! This definitely the best option. We come here a lot and always get great service. Very family friendly. Last night, it was super busy, but they graciously seated our party of 9 quickly. My dinner (Plato del Pueblo) was only $5! Good homemade tortillas, good soup. Lunch specials are reasonably priced too.
(4)
Kurt S.
The other couple of higher rated Mexican restaurants were either closing or empty and had too bright of lights on inside. So, we stopped here, and while they were getting ready to close, they welcomed us anyway. Nice atmosphere inside, good lighting. The food was good and the drinks solid. Staff, especially the host, was very friendly.
(4)
Jean L.
This place is fun, great with friends and the food is decent (if not the best Mexican food ever) but it's pretty good.
(4)
Lisa C.
A great place for Mexican but without the big place feel. I truly enjoyed the burrito supremo w chicken and it was huge! Definitely worth the price which is also reasonable. Salsa is a bit watery but nothing too taxing. The staff really are what makes the place. Be warned though..lots of families with kids. .I'm not a fan of the little rats but if they done bug you, enjoy!
(5)
Bernie A.
The best carnitas in Humboldt County! The beans are fresh. The rice is made right. If you grew up eating beans and rice like I did you know what I mean. The service has been slow at times but the last time I was there for lunch it was very fast. Food alone I rate 5 stars. When in Mckinleyville you need to treat yourself to carnitas here.
(4)
Zoey P.
I don't know why this place is getting such a bad rep on yelp! My boyfriend and I lived in southern California before Humboldt and after a year and a half up here had lost hope that we would ever find a good Mexican food restaurant. We went to Carmela's the other day for lunch, it was almost empty. But man, the food was AMAZING!! We split the Three Compadres Fajitas plate, it was so much food, we each got two meals out of it. And the tortillas were real, homemade Mexican tortillas. You can't beat that. We'll be going back to try some other dishes soon!
(5)
Karen K.
We have been to both the McK and Arcata location and both are good. The lunch specials are definitely the best deal. The smothered burrito is great! They have a million different selections, it is sometimes hard to choose. The front of the building might look humble, but food is good.
(4)
Alissa F.
No flavor and lying ads, I should always trust Yelp! We were in town doing some shopping while visiting the Redwoods and the cashier at Kmart suggested this restaurant. Even though the Yelp rating for this place was already low, we decided to take a local's word for it. First on the Outside it said "free wi-fi" but there was none available. It also said "lunch starting at $4.99". Nothing on the lunch menu was under $5.99. So it didn't start well. The tortillas chips were absolutely flavorless, as was everything else. I got a chicken chimichunga which was very dry and had meat burnt on the outside. No one else in my party of 5 was very thrilled with their dishes either. I would definitely NOT suggest this restaurant
(1)
Roxanne S.
By far the best place for Mexican in Humboldt County. The one in Mckinleyville, not Arcata. If you want the worst service you've ever had go to the one in Arcata. If you are looking for hilarious, friendly servers that remember you every time go to the one in McKinleyville. The margaritas are out of this world, the shrimp burritos and shrimp cocktails are PHENOMENAL. I've never had a shrimp burrito where you get a big decent sized one in every bite! Between the two of us we've tried almost everything. The tenga, tortas, quesadillas, shrimps cocktail and closed chicken tacos are also some of our favorites. Don't bother with the other places around it; Don Juans, Luzmilas, all crap compared to Carmelas.
(4)
Jonah K.
Been here a few times and it's not bad. Customer service is mixed but not terrible. The prices seem a bit steep, but the food is good. Mole sauce, and the mole burrito, are both winners. The chips were really stale one time; upon request, they were replaced with a new basket of equally stale chips -- not awesome. The massive, 14-dollar burrito (the exact name escapes me) was kind of disappointing since it was mostly a thick mass of rice and refried beans with a sad amount of meat scattered around. If I'm paying 14 bucks for a burrito it better bring the meat. Eating the leftover half the next day wasn't very pleasant because refried beans and rice in a tortilla don't heat up well in the microwave. The decor is pretty nice and has Luzmila's beat in that regard. Fun fact: both places are owned by the same family! Bottom line: if you want good Mexican food in Humboldt, find a taco truck instead. Or come here and take your chances. Odds are it might be good.
(3)
Elaine J.
Rated it four because I am a loyal fan of their food considering mexican choices in Humboldt are sad. Have never had anything I haven't liked so far. Although fact still remains that the chips are always stale and it takes them forever to take your order. Once or twice they were prompt with taking our order but usually we're done with our chips and wanting more before they've taken our order. On the other hand the margaritas are awesome and they sometimes have a buy one margarita get one free deal! Waiters are friendly enough and get your order right. We like the mexican atmosphere and the occasional band on the weekends. Kid friendly is also a plus for us.
(4)
Rachel M.
Mediocre food, slow and uninterested service.
(1)
Steve H.
My favorite place when I want to get my carnitas on. Carnitas plate is my go-to order when trying a new Mexican eatery. This place does it right. Large tender chunks of hot roasted pork, tons of beans and rice with great tortillas on the side. I really like the electronic tab ordering system the waiters use, gets your food to you fast. Always nice staff and full serve bar. I will try the other locations when I want to treat myself to some fantastic Mexican food. TRY IT!
(5)
E M.
I'm honestly shocked over these reviews and wonder how a place that is packed 99% of the time can only have 5 reviews on a site like this. We've been eating at this restuarant for years and although I will admit that sometime the service sucks the food more then makes up for it. I've always found the prices to be fair, the portion sizes to be plentiful, the margaritas to be delicious, and the staff to be awesome.
(4)
Tara M.
No this is not good Mexican food, it was the worst I have ever had. The beans and rice are so bad and so are the tortilla chips. If you cant get those things right then I'm sorry, but you lose my vote. The Chile Colorado was okay, but everything else was just so low quality.
(1)
heather p.
Nice, fast service, vegetarian options and they were able to alter the menu a little. Good chips, salsa and horchata. The food was delicious! I got a bean sope and my friend got a combo plate. Shredded beef he said was juicy and authentic tasting.
(5)
Jacob W.
If I could give less than one star I would. THE SERVICE IS HORRIBLE! The Only redeeming quality is the fact that my food was cheap...but it should be since it was mediocre at best. Won't be going back in the future.
(1)
Christina C.
We are return customers. I love the burrito a la mole.
(4)
Joel M.
We enjoy this place, and I second what the last commenter said. It was very crowded last night, but we've never had to wait to be seated. Great food, local beers on tap, and a full bar!
(4)
Gabriela L.
At first this look like a good place to eat, but then as we walk in and get a table, we sat there for 15 minutes already with what we wanted to order and nobody came to us! As we sat there someone that came in like 5 minutes after us was well attended and that really pissed me and my family off. We decided to get up and leave! They didn't even try to get us to come back in, so they must have really not cared. We decided to go down the street to Luzmila's and it was boss! Great, kind-full service and a free shot of Corralejos Tequila.. :P
(1)
Anonymous W.
I wanted a burrito without meat. I was told I could add something in place of the meat and I chose spinach. The spinach was canned and I was charged an extra two dollars for it. Their tortillas are too gooey! The person taking my order took a phone call before he helped me, not very good customer service!
(2)
Sara O.
Its about the best you will get up here... meat was tender, juicy and flavorful, salsas were pretty good, margaritas were good, and the beans weren't too bland... I will return, you should check it out, I hear they have good happy hour specials!
(4)
Karen B.
We really enjoy the Carmela's in McKinleyville. Your best bet is to order off the specialties menu, rather than the combination menu. Our favorites are the torta sandwiches and the huaraches, but we haven't had a bad meal. When I ordered a mild sauce with our dinner and found it too hot for me, they gladly remade the entire entree. They were very generous and helpful. They have made efforts to improve service recently, too.
(4)
David M.
This is the place for mexican food up here in the North Bay. I highly recommend the traditional dishes and the fresh made Margaritas. Don't just have a plain old burrito at this place- although I sure it's good- you will be missing out. Ask anyone who works there about the choices and you will be rewarded with some helpful insight, they love what they do and it shows. Ask about the Tequila too... there's alot to choose from.
(5)
Cassie C.
I love this place! The burrito loco is enough food for lunch, dinner and then some! I appreciate the Margaritas and Huaraches....best pickled cactus that I can get anywhere with tofu and black beans! I seriously love Ramon, the server, and his great authentic customer service! I like the prices and Ive never had a horrible meal there! Thanks!
Always get the burrito loco. The Carmellas in mckinleyville IA the best. Always enjoy the two for one margaritas. And the owner is always hospitable. Highly recommend!!!
(5)
Peanut B.
The blackberry margaritas are AMAZING! The rest of the menu is refreshing, not just your basic burritos and tacos... Plus they are vegan friendly- many items on the menu are already vegan- like the some of the beans and rice- and they are open to substitutions. The salsa is flavorful and spicy, goes perfect with the warm chips. I went with a large group on a night that they were slamming busy but still received decent service.
(4)
Cable K.
I enjoyed the experience. We had a large party and the service was good right up until they handed us the check. A little loud for family conversation but the food was above average. Very different from the Tex-mex I am used to back home. I really enjoyed the salsa and the carnitas were quite flavorful but not spicy enough.
(3)
Jenna G.
The chicken mole poblano is amazing. Other than that, the food is pretty bland, not that I have tried the whole menu or anything, but my boyfriend ordered a chimichanga and it was really dry, and I have had take-out a bunch of times for other stuff and none of it is too exciting. The atmosphere is really festive and fun though, and the staff is really nice. Oh and the margaritas are really good, a little expensive but cheap for happy hours. Sadly, I have lived here 6 months and haven't tried any other Mexican restaurants around here, so I can't compare it to other places around here, but I am from SoCal where the Mexican is oh so much better.
(2)
Brian H.
The food is the best Mexican in McKinleyville and that is saying a lot since we are saturated with Mexican places. Wilson, the manager, is really nice and the atmosphere is terrific.
(4)
Robert G.
The food is standard Mexican food in a decent setting. I do not come here solely for the food however. I order food to absorb the Blackberry Margarita, which I have only seen served at Carmellas. I like going here with friends and sharing pitchers of this great drink. Again, the food isn't terrible but I have had better. I have occasionally had poor service, but it isn't the standard.
(4)
Kev R.
Of the way-too-many Mexican restaurants in McKinleyville, this is the best. Carmela's serves the most consistently good food in the entire town. And, with a real-tequila liquor license it's the only place in town to get a really good Margarita (that I know of) -- a very good selection of tequilas too. We love it whenever we really want to go out for Mexican.
(4)
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Address :1701 Central Ave
McKinleyville, CA, 95519
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Frank O.
What drove me to Carmela's was that they had some Redwood Curtain IGA on tap, and after some reviews of Yelp, I soon realized that this was probably the "best" Mexican food in the Arcata/McKinleyville area. So we hopped into the FJ and gave it a try. I have to say the main problem with the review streams on Yelp, is SERVICE SERVICE SERVICE. But for us, Victor was more than pleasant. He was also timely, non-intrusive, and professional. Hmmm, so it depends for sure, or maybe the management has been turning staff, I don't know. But if service is your beef you need to re-invest in a visit. Let's move on to the critical area of the kitchen quality: My wife had the Mole Poblano with chicken, VERY good. It was spicy warm and just oozing with that Mole richness. It was twice what she could eat. A lumberjack's portion. My 12 year old son had a Chimichunga. It looked good, fresh and big. I wanted to try the Mole Verde, but they were out. So Victor suggested one of his Mexico City favorites, a Huarache. It's a masa base topped with a delicious steak and cactus fry. It is then finished off with Pico de Gallo, Cilantro, and Queso Fresca. I found it delicious indeed! This was the first time I got to sample this popular (in) Mexico dish, and I was thrilled. I know there are so many good dishes in Mexico most Americans never touch, and Carmela's has some. I saw a person order the Burrito Supremo, my god it looked like 3 pounds of food. Again lumberjack portions are here at average prices. If I were to ding Carmela's for anything it would be the ambience. It is a bit confused between diner quality and finer quality. It has clean and and some interesting Mexican artifacts, but overall the dining experience could be enhanced some with a few changes out in the dining room and I guess a long run at Service quality. Overall Carmela's is very enjoyable and feels like home cooked Mexican fare. But don't take that from a Gringo. Just go venture that menu and try it.
(4)Danielle T.
I've been eating here once in a while for almost two years now, and it's a hit or miss, I find that I like getting my order to-go best. Any time I have eaten at the restaurant in the past the service was slow, food was slow, or the waitress/waitor was unfriendly, but the food is typically good. I normally get a chimichanga with carnitas, and it is pretty good. The burrito is reasonably large and on the side you get lettuce, diced tomatoes, guaucamole and sour cream, Mix all those flavors together and it is super yummy. I called in my usual order and it took about fifteen minutes. When I went to pick up my order the staff just looked at me, no greetings, no smiles, nothing but a blank stare. Nobody came up to the counter for a good five minutes. When I called in my order, the man asked me if I would also like rice & beans with my food and I ended up saying "yes" in case my boyfriend wanted some, but he didn't warn me that it would cost extra (silly me for not knowing better...) my bill was a lot more than I was expecting, but I was way too hungry at that point to bring it up. The three stars are because the food was good and filling..and because it was the first time in my life that I actually liked rice & beans...
(3)Beth M.
MOLE chicken.. great dish.. been going to carmellas for years.. there is a shortage of good mexican food in humboldt county but not at carmellas,,, ;)
(5)Kyle D.
Overall: Above average mexican fare that is hindered because of terrible service. The good: The food is the saving grace, it's above average. Not amazing, but not the typical fare you get at a lot of mexican places. The super burritos, while $15, were absolutely huge and quite good. Could feed 3 easily. Gorditas were good as well. The bad: The service was slow, confusing, and ineffective. Pickup for food took 25-30 minutes. Might as well have just eaten at the restaurant at that point. They didn't have change and had to cross the street? Atmosphere: 7/10 Service: 5/10 Food: 7.5/10
(3)Clay C.
My favorite carnitas in the county are served here. The shrimp cocktail is also a must. Don't pass up the margaritas, can't go wrong with one of their pitchers!
(5)Rebecca F.
The hubs and I have eaten here many times since arriving in Humboldt county. It's worth driving to get to. The food is excellent. The waiters remember us. We are working our way through the menu. If you've ever eaten at Fiesta Del Mar in the Bay Area, well, this is a good competitor! More on the menu, and they use local fair when available. Their Patron margaritas are scrumptious! We think the Mckinleyville Carmela's is 2 stars above the Arcata local, but that's just our opinion based on service & food.
(5)Amber B.
Best Taco Tuesday in town!!! Super Nachos are delicious, honestly the whole menu is stellar. Dine in or pick up because this is the best Mexican food in town!
(5)Lucia O.
I wouldn't know if the food is any good here, because we never got any. It was a busy night and although the staff was obviously flustered they continued to seat people all over the restaurant. We ate chips and (mediocre) salsa for 20 minutes before I had to ask a table busser to please have someone come and at least acknowledge our existence. Then we ordered, and waited another 50 MINUTES while everyone else was eating around us! Almost a whole hour! They obviously never even started making our food. We missed the movie we were going to see and by that time every restaurant in town was closing. Carmela's, you completely ruined my night. QUALITY over quantity please; if you can't handle what you're seating then don't seat, have a host stand or take reservations.
(1)Spencer P.
Food is C+ but the atmosphere is A+! They have some of the best servers in town! I feel like their food comes off a truck frozen... Which is too bad because their cooks do an excellent job with what they're serving up! Never a bad time when I go to this place! Ask for Jorge! Guy is hilarious and super friendly! Beer is relatively cheap here! Taco Tuesday is a great night for 1$ tacos and an ice cold dos Equis!
(3)Rachel S.
Sometimes, and only sometimes- service can be slow. I'm here on a Saturday afternoon at 3:30 and the woman working just made me two of the best Cadillac margaritas I've ever had. I've had my Togo orders messed up four times in a row. They always replace it and I'm fine with it but this place requires patience and double checking sometimes. I love that this place uses a lot of masa flour. The salsa is okay but the guac is killer. Favorite go-tos? Huarache with carne asada or carnitas and black beans Gorditas with grilled chicken Tortilla Soup- I was sick recently and it was the turning point in my wellness. Besides Alma's which is a food truck this is the best Mexican
(4)Mollie B.
Service slow. Chile rellenos were poor.
(2)Jessica H.
Went back recently and it must have been a fluke the last time. Had exceptional service and the food was great! Even had the same waiter! :)
(4)Marlyn D.
We had been avoiding Carmela's because of the bad service reviews. Last night, a Friday night, we went and it was great!!!!! Our daughter had a plane to catch and we told that to the staff. They could not have been better. Our waiter Victor was a gem. Margaritas were yummy in their clay tumblers and dinner was the best mex I've had since leaving LA. I can't wait to go again! Thank you Carmela's!
(5)Amanda H.
the only reason I'm giving any stars is because the food was good... not great but good... the customer service on the other hand was outrageous. I called in an order, and went to go pick it up. i stood waiting for about five minutes before a girl poked her head around the corner. she yelled across the store "do you have a pick up"... I said yea then she saunters up (young blonde Caucasian mid 20's) no "sorry about the wait" or "how are you?"... rings up the total, doesn't say anything just hands me a slip to be signed after she runs my card. I see a bag sitting behind the salsa case and ask if its mine, she nods (doesn't proceed to hand me the bag) so I reach behind to grab my food, I say have a good day ... no response... I work in customer service and have never seen someone treat a customer so disrespectfully
(2)Sara I.
I used to go here often for year. Let's just say my last experience about two or three months ago was horrible. I ordered a cheese quesadilla for me and a chicken quesadilla for.my daughter. When we got home with the food we opened the boxes and saw that it just didn't look right. I took a bite and the tortilla for the quesadilla was absolutely stale the rice was stale, also everything tasted really old and it was not made fresh. I was informed by the manager that they got a new cook and manager was very polite, but the waitress that I complained to before the manager treated me as if I was lying and embarrassed me so I will not be returning.
(1)Mary W.
I love Carmellas. My favorite is super burrito with verde sauce. I think it is the best mexican food in Humboldt. I go there often. Sometimes you have to be a little patient with the service but over all the service and the people are good.
(4)Lindsey H.
Made a large order for pick up. Order was repeated back. went to pick it up, asked if this was the complete order, Lady said yes. Went home. They forgot 3 super burritos!! My mother called, lady had the nerve to argue with her! Wouldn't let her speak to the manager and said " At least you didn't get charged for it". The food that was in the bag was crappy quality. Will NEVER go back!!
(1)Russ S.
Terrific experience, soup to nuts! Great service, quick chips and salsa, HUGELY diverse menu, surprisingly low prices, fast, upbeat ambiance, kid-friendly, etc. A big highly recommend from us. We had a cheese burrito, tacos pescado, and some sort of tastado bowl thing. All three of us went totally silent once the hot plates arrived until it looked like our platters were ready for the sanitizer. Exceptionally tasty, hot, and 100% fresh ingredients. Really a great meal out. Rs
(5)Kristen M.
Ramon is the sweetest! Taco Salad is bomb. Sour creme with chips is awesome! All around great food and great prices
(5)Gena B.
This is my go to diner spot! The staff is wonderful. They are friendly and always remember me and what I like. This perfect for family dining and just a night out with friends. My favorite margarita in Humboldt!
(5)Chris L.
Good food bad service. Our food was delicious and filling with large portions and fresh ingredients however our server was not on the ball. 4 stars if the service was better.
(3)Monica D.
I would do five stars, but.... we'll get to that. I'm not an aficionado of Mexican food, but I do enjoy it. I always enjoy my meal at this Carmela's. Maybe run of the mill to some, but it's consistent and I appreciate that. My fave is the Huarache, a fresh made mexican bread crust with cactus. I love it, but can never it it all but it holds til the next day for reheating at lunch. When I am really hungry I like the Tres Amigos appetizer for dinner. And when I feel like branching and trying something new I'm never disappointed. They also have an amazing margarita that comes in a terra-cotta pot and with a chili-salted rim - yum! It's a taste sensation, I love it. BUT... sometimes the service is sooooo slow, and it doesn't seem to depend on how busy they are, it's just slow, especially getting your menu, water, and drinks. I would almost always want two of those margaritas, but it takes so long to get the first one that I end up not having time.
(4)Sara K.
It takes a lot to get me frustrated to the point of never wanting to come back to a place however the "fine folks" of Carmela's definitely succeeded. Firstly, it seems regardless of the night we come or the number of people we bring with us the service is ALWAYS terrible. If you're lucky they will be quick to take your order however you're then stuck playing the waiting game to see exactly how long they will take to actually bring you your mediocre room temperature food. On average we've waited about thirty to forty minutes for simple entrees such as a chicken taco, and for more complex things like an overcooked taquito about an hour. The wait staff is always under prepared and under staffed, leaving you to enjoy empty beverage glasses and chip bowls. And if you need extra napkins chances are you'll be done eating by the time they are finally brought to the table. Some nights they bring in a musician to play music which has the potential to be nice, minus the fact that the play so loud you can't enjoy the company you bring with or nearly get a moment of peace to formulate a clear thought. However the only thing worse than the music is the loud waiter who enjoys drinking with tables and singing in a rather atrocious and obnoxious manner. I understand that there is money to be made in alcohol sales so chatting it up with tables who are consuming alcohol would behoove you, but please if I'm sitting across the restaurant I should not be able to hear your conversation with your table. Don't waste your time or money on this overpriced mediocre establishment, you'll get better service and food at the taco bell down the street ... which isn't saying much.
(1)Tenille C.
The best mexican food in humboldt county! The owners seem to really care about your food. And getting your food right.
(5)James J.
I used to go here all the time, when I lived up this way. Since moving to Eureka, I have not been in a long time. They are still good...but I am not a regular anymore, and I noticed a drop off in service. Same waiter I always had, but he didn't recognize me anymore. They tend to take care of the regulars....which is fine. Just prepare for it.
(4)Katie C.
The carne asada loco burrito is the greatest thing I have ever known. And I've had sex.
(5)Morgan B.
I usually have a great time at the mckinleyville carmelas. They always are very friendly and helpful. I stopped going to the Arcata location becuase of a less than friendly server. I thought I had struck gold, until I go into mckinleyville carmelas one night, and that server is now at this carmelas. He was just as unfriendly as he had always been at the arcata location. I'm not very happy with the switch to say the least.
(3)Terry O.
Carmela's is mediocre. One restaurant problem we have in Humboldt is lack of flavor on the plate. There is not a true Mexican food experience in this county. Carmela's is voted best because of what I call, "Follow the crowd" mentality in our local culture. I found myself waiting for seating at Carmela's for as long as 10 minutes when no one was in line in front of me. It's taken up to 20 minutes to place an eat in order. They seem to be under staffed and the kitchen staff doesn't seem to care. Mediocre lunches. Way to big of a menu. Menu should be simple. There is atmosphere but the place is so dark it reminds of where mobsters meet in Chicago then a local Mexican food eatery. Perhaps local gangs do meet in their to conduct their business while the family of 4 eats nachos? Speculation at best. Carmela's needs to do a lot of work to earn the best. All they are best at to me is poor service, mediocre food, needing a flashlight to see your way to the table. Carmela's needs someone to run their dining room and kitchen. How involved is the owner in the day to day operations of this establishment? Can anyone say "Leadership"?
(2)Sarah K.
Our favorite Mexican restaurant in the area. The service is always very friendly and they make us feel welcome. Love their margarita specials and super burritos. They accommodate vegetarians willing to make almost any dish meat free. Worth it for us to go a bit further to McKinleyville.
(5)Kari M.
I am all about raving for good establishments but this place needs to called out. We arrived at 630 pm...at 750 our food arrived. During the wait time we were not once visited by staff to acknowledge, apologize or offer an explanation for the wait...three of us ordered meals. All meals were incorrect and when I pointed out to the busboy that my plate was missing the sour cream and guac he decide it was appropriate to put his fingers in my food to explore. The waitress smirked at us while we offered our complaint and seemed oddly amused that our service was horrendous. The explanation from both the waitress and the manager was that they were busy due to taco Tuesday....hmm, and we shoulda known that? And they shoulda planned for that??? The manager then came to the table and made more excuses and wanted us to wait even longer so he could go prepare the food himself. Uh, no. AND he kept touching my hand as if to console or calm me which was just creepy. The service was horrid, the meals were not prepared properly and be fairly warned...the busboy who thinks it it ok to put his finger in your food is training to be a waiter!!! I would go elsewhere for mexican if I were you.
(1)Jessica O.
Whenever we go, they seem to be pretty busy. But that's a good thing for them, and they've always been super nice and helpful despite being so busy. The food is great too! I like the super burritos and absolutely love the fajitas (chicken, steak and shrimp)! The blackberry margaritas aren't too shabby either!
(5)Mike H.
Our first time eating here and we loved it. The staff is outstanding and beyond friendly. Food was good and the place is very clean. I can't emphasize enough how great the staff is. They made us feel like we were longtime friends. Well done
(4)Meri B.
Very good food, sometimes there is a bit of a wait, so don't have a movie time, or appointment, but the food is great when it arrives. The mole is so good, and the more diverse things on the menu are worth trying.
(4)jessica a.
Celebrating with my family, being hired to a new job. Super friendly Wilson come and brings be the biggest margarita in house!!! Over the top customer service!!! The food is amazing as well... I shared the tortilla soup and Plato del peblo with my mom! Food is bomb!!!
(5)Sarah E.
My sisters and I threw a party for my parents 35th wedding anniversary and we hired Carmela's to cater. It was absolutely perfect from start to finish. I worked directly with Wilson and he was so accommodating. They have a beautiful new website that is extremely easy to use and Wilson (and team) worked extremely hard to make this a memorable event. The servers who came to my parents house were friendly, professional, and just what we had expected. The prices were very reasonable and in our price range. Everyone said how great the food was and I can't recommend them enough! THANK YOU SO MUCH, Carmela's! And especially you, Wilson!!!
(5)Kathrina C.
Went here during their lunch specials and the food was dericious. I ended up getting the chimichanga with carnitas. The food came out quick, fresh and hot. My fiance loves their green verde. I have never gone during dinner time and I hear it takes a while to get your food, but seriously, if you want good food, well worth every minute of the wait. The servers are nice, quick to get what you need, and check up on you (but not to the annoying point) . We came here twice for lunch and both times no failure nor complaints. I guess the second time was to make sure this place deserved a good rating. Will be coming back. This is definitely a go-to place for yummy mexican food.
(4)Anne S.
I will only go to the Carmela's in McKinleyville as Arcata's is terrible. McKinleyville's has not always been great, but they seem to have stepped up their a-game in the last six months or so. Food is better and the service is quicker . Definitely recommended.
(4)danielle a.
This is my go to mexican spot in Humboldt (well this and the burrito wagon!). They have great service and ambiance. It can get busy in the evenings and be a little bit of a wait but it is usually worth it. My go to is the chile colorado and I love the flour-y tortillas they serve. The rest of my family raves about the ceviche and carnitas.
(4)George S.
Amazing service and really good food. We were driving through at the beginning of a long drive home and stopped by for some dinner to go. The manager was there and answered some questions then made it his personal responsibility to take really good care of us. He even called me by name after only asking once to put it on the order. We felt like VIPs instead of a tired family that just spent the day at the beach without a chance to shower. The food was fantastic. Great flavor and ample portions. We will definitely stop there next time we are in town.
(5)Lotus F.
I am a vegeterian, they very accommodating and got my dish right! The chips were not crispy, we let our server know and he quickly replaced it with fresh ones. The server was attentive and food came out quickly. He even brought out special habareno salsa for us. I would definitely recommend this place. Great food and service. The ambience is nice and facility is big.
(5)Ana B.
Two stars for the two times I had good service here. Every other time the table and chairs had food smeared on them, the waiter was rude, we had a long wait, and the food was mediocre. Most recently, I received my bill at the table and was charged $10 more when I got to the register. The waiter didnt mention this when he rang me up. When I asked what that was about, the waiter was vague, saying something about a typo, and was dismissive toward me. It's not worth my time or money to go back.
(2)Zelda B.
Family owned, This McKinleyville, Ca business is a amazing family restaurant with generous portions, tons of balanced flavors and Ice cold beer. I love this restaurant and I have been a customer for about 4 years. My personal recommendations: 1. The Three Compadre Fajitas which are grilled chicken, steak and shrimp served sizzling with sautéed garde fresh vegetables. 2, Second choice is the Huaraches a few Thick oval shaped corn masa dough baked on the grill. They top it with a layer of black beans, cactus, pico de gallo, cilantro, and a tasty green salsa, and fresh Mexican cheese. WOW, WOW WOW, So yummy! ( I do ask them to give me the same amount of ingredients with one less of the thick Masa tortilla though, cause its just one to many.) . and third, I love the Ceviche Tostada a la Mexicana , which is Fresh fish marinated in a zesty citrus sauce with thick slices of avocado (I personally ask them to not put the tostada on my plate and to serve it to me in a bowl with a side to warm corn tortillas. ) Considering there are 4 Mexican restaurants within 1 block I have to say this one is the best! They make fresh salsas that are tasty especially in the summer time. I avoid their burritos cause they are just bulky and too much rice and beans Their restrooms are clean and the staff are very friendly and make sure your water/tea glasses are always full. Great for lunch and dinner
(5)Erik L.
Stopped in on our way through town on the 101. Atmosphere was fun! Service had a bit of a slow start but great after that. The food was excellent and portions were huge!! Would recommend it to friends and family
(5)Marcos F.
I love this place. The food is authentic and by far the most delicious in arcata. Taco Tuesday has become a weekly holiday for my friends and I. Not to mention the staff is beyond courteous and generous. My favorite restaurant I arcata by a long shot.
(5)Stephanie A.
Horrible service. Stale chips. Gross salsa. Ordered vegetarian huarache and found a piece of meat in the food. Food was not hot. Food is totally white washed but look where we are. Would not come back.
(1)Vic D.
Not sure how this place only has 3 1/2 stars?? Their margaritas are top notch, the mole burrito was amazing, and the people that work their made me feel at home. I'm a traveling sales rep and always looking for a good place to eat when I'm on the road. I will definitely be coming back during my next visit to the Mckinleyville area. My only complaint is that they are not closer to where I live.
(5)Jessica I.
My girlfriends and I come here at least once a week. The service is amazing and the bartenders are extremely helpful. Hands down best margaritas in arcata and the happy hour specials cannot be beat.
(5)Shoshanna R.
Consistently good food and service. How is it that there are 4 (more if you count trucks!) Mexican Restaurants in little old McKinleyville?! This definitely the best option. We come here a lot and always get great service. Very family friendly. Last night, it was super busy, but they graciously seated our party of 9 quickly. My dinner (Plato del Pueblo) was only $5! Good homemade tortillas, good soup. Lunch specials are reasonably priced too.
(4)Kurt S.
The other couple of higher rated Mexican restaurants were either closing or empty and had too bright of lights on inside. So, we stopped here, and while they were getting ready to close, they welcomed us anyway. Nice atmosphere inside, good lighting. The food was good and the drinks solid. Staff, especially the host, was very friendly.
(4)Jean L.
This place is fun, great with friends and the food is decent (if not the best Mexican food ever) but it's pretty good.
(4)Lisa C.
A great place for Mexican but without the big place feel. I truly enjoyed the burrito supremo w chicken and it was huge! Definitely worth the price which is also reasonable. Salsa is a bit watery but nothing too taxing. The staff really are what makes the place. Be warned though..lots of families with kids. .I'm not a fan of the little rats but if they done bug you, enjoy!
(5)Bernie A.
The best carnitas in Humboldt County! The beans are fresh. The rice is made right. If you grew up eating beans and rice like I did you know what I mean. The service has been slow at times but the last time I was there for lunch it was very fast. Food alone I rate 5 stars. When in Mckinleyville you need to treat yourself to carnitas here.
(4)Zoey P.
I don't know why this place is getting such a bad rep on yelp! My boyfriend and I lived in southern California before Humboldt and after a year and a half up here had lost hope that we would ever find a good Mexican food restaurant. We went to Carmela's the other day for lunch, it was almost empty. But man, the food was AMAZING!! We split the Three Compadres Fajitas plate, it was so much food, we each got two meals out of it. And the tortillas were real, homemade Mexican tortillas. You can't beat that. We'll be going back to try some other dishes soon!
(5)Karen K.
We have been to both the McK and Arcata location and both are good. The lunch specials are definitely the best deal. The smothered burrito is great! They have a million different selections, it is sometimes hard to choose. The front of the building might look humble, but food is good.
(4)Alissa F.
No flavor and lying ads, I should always trust Yelp! We were in town doing some shopping while visiting the Redwoods and the cashier at Kmart suggested this restaurant. Even though the Yelp rating for this place was already low, we decided to take a local's word for it. First on the Outside it said "free wi-fi" but there was none available. It also said "lunch starting at $4.99". Nothing on the lunch menu was under $5.99. So it didn't start well. The tortillas chips were absolutely flavorless, as was everything else. I got a chicken chimichunga which was very dry and had meat burnt on the outside. No one else in my party of 5 was very thrilled with their dishes either. I would definitely NOT suggest this restaurant
(1)Roxanne S.
By far the best place for Mexican in Humboldt County. The one in Mckinleyville, not Arcata. If you want the worst service you've ever had go to the one in Arcata. If you are looking for hilarious, friendly servers that remember you every time go to the one in McKinleyville. The margaritas are out of this world, the shrimp burritos and shrimp cocktails are PHENOMENAL. I've never had a shrimp burrito where you get a big decent sized one in every bite! Between the two of us we've tried almost everything. The tenga, tortas, quesadillas, shrimps cocktail and closed chicken tacos are also some of our favorites. Don't bother with the other places around it; Don Juans, Luzmilas, all crap compared to Carmelas.
(4)Jonah K.
Been here a few times and it's not bad. Customer service is mixed but not terrible. The prices seem a bit steep, but the food is good. Mole sauce, and the mole burrito, are both winners. The chips were really stale one time; upon request, they were replaced with a new basket of equally stale chips -- not awesome. The massive, 14-dollar burrito (the exact name escapes me) was kind of disappointing since it was mostly a thick mass of rice and refried beans with a sad amount of meat scattered around. If I'm paying 14 bucks for a burrito it better bring the meat. Eating the leftover half the next day wasn't very pleasant because refried beans and rice in a tortilla don't heat up well in the microwave. The decor is pretty nice and has Luzmila's beat in that regard. Fun fact: both places are owned by the same family! Bottom line: if you want good Mexican food in Humboldt, find a taco truck instead. Or come here and take your chances. Odds are it might be good.
(3)Elaine J.
Rated it four because I am a loyal fan of their food considering mexican choices in Humboldt are sad. Have never had anything I haven't liked so far. Although fact still remains that the chips are always stale and it takes them forever to take your order. Once or twice they were prompt with taking our order but usually we're done with our chips and wanting more before they've taken our order. On the other hand the margaritas are awesome and they sometimes have a buy one margarita get one free deal! Waiters are friendly enough and get your order right. We like the mexican atmosphere and the occasional band on the weekends. Kid friendly is also a plus for us.
(4)Rachel M.
Mediocre food, slow and uninterested service.
(1)Steve H.
My favorite place when I want to get my carnitas on. Carnitas plate is my go-to order when trying a new Mexican eatery. This place does it right. Large tender chunks of hot roasted pork, tons of beans and rice with great tortillas on the side. I really like the electronic tab ordering system the waiters use, gets your food to you fast. Always nice staff and full serve bar. I will try the other locations when I want to treat myself to some fantastic Mexican food. TRY IT!
(5)E M.
I'm honestly shocked over these reviews and wonder how a place that is packed 99% of the time can only have 5 reviews on a site like this. We've been eating at this restuarant for years and although I will admit that sometime the service sucks the food more then makes up for it. I've always found the prices to be fair, the portion sizes to be plentiful, the margaritas to be delicious, and the staff to be awesome.
(4)Tara M.
No this is not good Mexican food, it was the worst I have ever had. The beans and rice are so bad and so are the tortilla chips. If you cant get those things right then I'm sorry, but you lose my vote. The Chile Colorado was okay, but everything else was just so low quality.
(1)heather p.
Nice, fast service, vegetarian options and they were able to alter the menu a little. Good chips, salsa and horchata. The food was delicious! I got a bean sope and my friend got a combo plate. Shredded beef he said was juicy and authentic tasting.
(5)Jacob W.
If I could give less than one star I would. THE SERVICE IS HORRIBLE! The Only redeeming quality is the fact that my food was cheap...but it should be since it was mediocre at best. Won't be going back in the future.
(1)Christina C.
We are return customers. I love the burrito a la mole.
(4)Joel M.
We enjoy this place, and I second what the last commenter said. It was very crowded last night, but we've never had to wait to be seated. Great food, local beers on tap, and a full bar!
(4)Gabriela L.
At first this look like a good place to eat, but then as we walk in and get a table, we sat there for 15 minutes already with what we wanted to order and nobody came to us! As we sat there someone that came in like 5 minutes after us was well attended and that really pissed me and my family off. We decided to get up and leave! They didn't even try to get us to come back in, so they must have really not cared. We decided to go down the street to Luzmila's and it was boss! Great, kind-full service and a free shot of Corralejos Tequila.. :P
(1)Anonymous W.
I wanted a burrito without meat. I was told I could add something in place of the meat and I chose spinach. The spinach was canned and I was charged an extra two dollars for it. Their tortillas are too gooey! The person taking my order took a phone call before he helped me, not very good customer service!
(2)Sara O.
Its about the best you will get up here... meat was tender, juicy and flavorful, salsas were pretty good, margaritas were good, and the beans weren't too bland... I will return, you should check it out, I hear they have good happy hour specials!
(4)Karen B.
We really enjoy the Carmela's in McKinleyville. Your best bet is to order off the specialties menu, rather than the combination menu. Our favorites are the torta sandwiches and the huaraches, but we haven't had a bad meal. When I ordered a mild sauce with our dinner and found it too hot for me, they gladly remade the entire entree. They were very generous and helpful. They have made efforts to improve service recently, too.
(4)David M.
This is the place for mexican food up here in the North Bay. I highly recommend the traditional dishes and the fresh made Margaritas. Don't just have a plain old burrito at this place- although I sure it's good- you will be missing out. Ask anyone who works there about the choices and you will be rewarded with some helpful insight, they love what they do and it shows. Ask about the Tequila too... there's alot to choose from.
(5)Cassie C.
I love this place! The burrito loco is enough food for lunch, dinner and then some! I appreciate the Margaritas and Huaraches....best pickled cactus that I can get anywhere with tofu and black beans! I seriously love Ramon, the server, and his great authentic customer service! I like the prices and Ive never had a horrible meal there! Thanks!
(5)Linda M.
Service that went above and beyond: no Sidral (my fave) in the fridge, so the waiter checked in the garage, none there either, then he remembered his personal stash in his car, went and brought me one, and didn't even charge! Taco Supremo (I ordered it with fish) was over-the-top delish. Companion's quesadilla was so generous half of it came home for breakfast. A real Mexican restaurant with imaginative dishes (try the huarache) prepared on site and served with flair. Bright decor, music, reminds me of Melaque. ¡Olé!
(5)Azzie E.
Always get the burrito loco. The Carmellas in mckinleyville IA the best. Always enjoy the two for one margaritas. And the owner is always hospitable. Highly recommend!!!
(5)Peanut B.
The blackberry margaritas are AMAZING! The rest of the menu is refreshing, not just your basic burritos and tacos... Plus they are vegan friendly- many items on the menu are already vegan- like the some of the beans and rice- and they are open to substitutions. The salsa is flavorful and spicy, goes perfect with the warm chips. I went with a large group on a night that they were slamming busy but still received decent service.
(4)Cable K.
I enjoyed the experience. We had a large party and the service was good right up until they handed us the check. A little loud for family conversation but the food was above average. Very different from the Tex-mex I am used to back home. I really enjoyed the salsa and the carnitas were quite flavorful but not spicy enough.
(3)Jenna G.
The chicken mole poblano is amazing. Other than that, the food is pretty bland, not that I have tried the whole menu or anything, but my boyfriend ordered a chimichanga and it was really dry, and I have had take-out a bunch of times for other stuff and none of it is too exciting. The atmosphere is really festive and fun though, and the staff is really nice. Oh and the margaritas are really good, a little expensive but cheap for happy hours. Sadly, I have lived here 6 months and haven't tried any other Mexican restaurants around here, so I can't compare it to other places around here, but I am from SoCal where the Mexican is oh so much better.
(2)Brian H.
The food is the best Mexican in McKinleyville and that is saying a lot since we are saturated with Mexican places. Wilson, the manager, is really nice and the atmosphere is terrific.
(4)Robert G.
The food is standard Mexican food in a decent setting. I do not come here solely for the food however. I order food to absorb the Blackberry Margarita, which I have only seen served at Carmellas. I like going here with friends and sharing pitchers of this great drink. Again, the food isn't terrible but I have had better. I have occasionally had poor service, but it isn't the standard.
(4)Kev R.
Of the way-too-many Mexican restaurants in McKinleyville, this is the best. Carmela's serves the most consistently good food in the entire town. And, with a real-tequila liquor license it's the only place in town to get a really good Margarita (that I know of) -- a very good selection of tequilas too. We love it whenever we really want to go out for Mexican.
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