I think this place is either hit or miss... Got the chips and salsa with a side of white cheese dip (I was corrected when I said queso). It was good but white cheese was very liquidity? Tasted ok but was almost too thin that it didn't really want to stay on the chips. Could definitely use something although I'm not sure what. Don't get me wrong I still dipped my chips like it was my job. I ordered the combo enchiladas and the spinach enchilada just tasted blah. Not bad but like it was frozen steamed spinach rolled in a tortilla and baked. Nothing else in it. No additional ingredients in it to make it not taste like frozen birds eye spinach. All I thought was I could probably do better than this by simply added some tomatoes, onions and even a jalapeño. Something, anything. My boyfriend got a combo of tacos and tostadas. It looked ok and he was happy, but any food makes him happy. He said it was decent which to me, isn't encouraging. Refried beans and rice were the best I thought. Oh and my chicken enchiladas was good. Very tender chicken with some good flavor inside. The service wasn't the great. The server was nice and was clearly trying his best but was preoccupied with the table next to us. He seemed to be overwhelmed in general. I'm sure I will go back but it will awhile before I do. I left feeling like I wanted good Mexican food. On second thought, maybe it will be a longer time than I thought before I go back.
(3)
Kelleigh M.
Don't get me wrong, I love Carmelita's, but this location was not all that great. I arrived at lunchtime and it was quite empty. My server was fine-attentive but not overbearing. I was given the chips and salsa-the salsa tastes different here. Not nearly as good as the original on Park Street. My beef enchiladas didn't come out piping hot either. I could touch the plate, which I shouldn't be able to considering they put the plates under the broiler to melt the cheese. Next time I'm craving Carmelita's, I'll stick to the original.
(3)
Kim S.
Chicken fajitas were mediocre at best and rice wasn't very warm. I've been here once before and the food was great. Where's the quality control? I don't think I'll be back, I'll stick to the Carmelita's in Dunedin.
(2)
Michele B.
I loved the mole. The chips were warm and fresh. The homemade salsa excellent. Service was friendly and helpful.
(4)
Andrea R.
Carmelita's is my go to Mexican place in St Pete. They serve really fresh and flavorful salsa with warm chips, their sangria and margaritas are really tasty too. My favorite thing to order is their 3 taco entree. Served with rice and beans it makes a filling meal. I've also tried their tamales, burritos, chimichangas and all were good. Never really had a bad meal here, only down side is I'm always too stuffed to try their sopapillas!
(3)
Dave K.
As the other reviews say, Taco bell is better. Please do not eat at the Dunedin location, reported them to the health department for severe food poisoning. See my review under the Largo location.
(1)
Mark B.
Chilli rellenos are awesome. My daughter has tried and enjoyed everything on the kids menu. Fresh affordable with friendly service.
(5)
Shae D.
Mexican pizza needs more meat, barely any on there. Was good though
(3)
John N.
(5 stars for their prefect Tex-Mex food, Just 3 for the service here...) Carmelita's Tri-City location was my favorite. Now gone, so I had to pick another one. This is my second favorite location now... I question the "not authentic Mexican" reviews here? Carmelita's is not authentic, and that's a good thing. It's Tex-Mex. Most outside of the SWest US, were never exposed to real Mex until a few years ago. Besides, you can get that authentic Mex now in a bunch of local, trendy joints. So if you mostly enjoy assorted meat on a floppy raw corn tortilla, topped with only raw onion and a pile of cilantro? You took a wrong turn finding this joint! Carmelita's is our local "KING" of the Americanized Tex-Mex food you grew up with! As for the menu stand-outs? Their simple refried beans beat the sombreros and serapes right off of ALL the other "authentic" Mex joints in our area. Seriously! Senor or Bus Who? Carmelita's refrieds are not only creamy but have a depth from being made with lard or bacon fat? You can taste that meaty goodness in every bite! Decadent... Plus call me crazy, but sometimes I really enjoy the simple "gringo" tacos from my youth. Almost like I make at home, meaning a CRISPY corn tortilla shell, ground beef, and lettuce/tomato/cheese. Carmelita's are always the very best in our area, and I've sampled many. Carmelita's also has great shredded pork tamales if you care for more traditional Mex fare. My favorite authentic Mexican dish is mole negro. Hoping to find an amazing one here is like hoping to see a giraffe at SeaWorld... Finally, the real menu secret here is their "kitchen special." It's just simple shredded beef, slow simmered in a complex sauce, served over rice with tortillas on the side. There is a reason this joint has survived so many years, and has spawned so many other locations... It's because they put out the best TEX-MEX in our area...
(4)
Taylor M.
I went here with my brother last night since he is a huge fan of the chips and homemade salsa. He advised me that the combo meals were the way to go, so I started perusing those! I read in some of the reviews that the chile rellenos were so wing I had to try, so I looked for combos with that. I ended up ordering the carne asada combo which came with: a generous portion of thin, tender carne asada, a spinach enchilada, and a chile relleno. I really enjoyed the carne asada. The spinach enchilada was just okay, lots of spinach, I wish there was some cheese in it. The chile relleno was different, but delicious. I have never had one that was flat before. There was a ton of food,Mao I ended up with leftovers. I thought it was cool that you get to pick your sides. I ordered a side salad and rice. The rice had a lot of flavor. I also ordered a melon margarita. I wasn't a fan of the melon flavoring they used. The margarita was good overall. It was a huge margarita for $7. I couldn't finish it because I was too full!
(3)
Susie H.
They have THE best salsa I have EVER eaten, chips are good, haven't found anything here that I didn't like, but my favorite is the Kitchen Special. Did I mention they have singers? They have singers!
(5)
James B.
Solid Mexican food. I was not disappointed. I would try again. I would give 3.5 stars if I could. It isn't a 4 star, but isn't bad.
This place is horrible, their margaritas were awful and when we asked the server if these were pre-made. She said they were horrible because we got the cheaper kind! (2 for $7.50, the "good" ones were 2 for $10.00) However I had such a horrible experience back in 2010, I decided this taco Tuesday. I would try it again, mainly cause it was so close to my house. 5 years later still disappointing. I really don't know how these people are still in business!
(1)
Brittni L.
Been coming to Carmelitas for years love love love it!!!! A taste of mexico with multiple locations you can't help but stop for lunch or dinner...There salsa does something to my taste buds just can't get enough!!
(5)
Michelle G.
Food is always tasty and great. They have taco Tuesdays and they're probably the best tacos around. I really like the Mexican pizza too. It'll feed like 3 people for less than $10 and you'll walk out the door stuffed.
(5)
Hillary V.
Yelp has given me a badge informing that I eat too much Mexican food. It also states that apparently burritos are not a food group. Despite Yelp's clear attempt at an intervention, I still checked out Carmelita's. Very, very good! The plates are heaping, and the dishes are insanely filling. EVERYTHING was on point. And added to this, their frozen margaritas and sangria are muy bueno. My only complaint is the location. This joint is very easy to pass up because it doesn't stand out.
(4)
Kevin E.
Great food, my wife loves their mexican pizza and their chicken tacos are amazing. This is my preferred place for mexican food. A must dine.
(4)
Jamie H.
Great authentic mexican cuisine. I thought the food was great. The location is not the best but pinellas park is not the best.
(4)
Heather M.
Located in plaza so keep your eyes open so you don't pass it. Caramelita's is one of the best local Mexican places! The inside has a standard restaurant feel. It's not updated, but it doesn't matter because it's all about the food. They offer homemade chips and salsa, which are addicting and can fill you up. I try to limit myself, but I always indulge especially when I have the white Queso dip. The dip is super creamy, which equals yummy! I go for dinner and order a burrito every time. Depending on how I'm feeling I'll either get the Del Rey chicken burrito or a veggie burrito, both are huge and delicious. With the burrito I get black beans and rice. The rice is not yellow rice and that's a good thing. Again, delicious! I always make it into two meals, which makes the price right. Margaritas and Sangria always refreshing. The service is good too. If you haven't tried, go now!
(4)
Grneyedmnst R.
Salsa is sweet and they limit u to one small saucer refill. Food was very bland, americanized and a little overpriced, not a fan and would not return.
Honestly, Taco Bell is better than This place. I would recommend you fulfill your Mexican cravings elsewhere. I will say that their salsa is good and the wait staff is friendly. I've been here a few times and this last time when I went I ordered a chimichanga, which is like a fried burrito. They put lettuce inside. Who likes hot lettuce? It was nasty.
(1)
Tim J.
No bueno. Three of us decided to give this little place a whirl after a relaxing beach day. I decided to go with just simple tacos, which were gringo style(lettuce, tomato, and cheese), something I normally don't do unless I am hitting taco bell up but I went for it. They were dry and flavorless. The chicken was just terrible. I've had more moist beef jerky, and it was big chunks making eating the tacos very awkward, which I wouldn't care if they tasted good. The beef tacos weren't even as good as previously mentioned taco bell's, and we all know that they are more fast service/ cheap food than any Mexican joint would bill itself as. The black beans were ok, again lacking any real flavor, and the rice at least wasn't bad. The only good thing there was the salsa, which was admittedly very good, saving them from a dreaded one star. The service was about as bad as it can get too, there were two tables(including is walking in) and it still took over 5 minutes to get a drink order taken, and longer for chips and salsa. I am normally willing to give places a second try, but there really were no saving graces to get me to want to go back.
(2)
R David P.
Carmelita's We arrived late in the evening around 8pm and the place only had one other table sat. We utilized a Living Social Coupon and we were served by Danny whom I found to be charming, knowledgeable and relatively efficient. We were brought the traditional chips and salsa fare. The chips seemed fresh but were not warm. The salsa was wonderfully thick and chunky but lacked the sweet tang of fresh basil. The side of Verde we ordered was strangely cold and lacked all flavor but was hot as hell with peppers and inedible. I ordered 2 steak and 1 chicken taco at the advice of our server and found that the chicken was horrible and I quickly traded it out for another steak one which had by far the best tasting steak I have ever eaten in a taco. The steak was served medium rare with great flavor. The side plate of toppings seemed fresh but needed a slightly larger portion size of sour and guacamole. The lettuce was crisp and abundant. The refried beans were served warm with a smokey flavor that made them unique and just the right amount of shredded cheese. I washed it all down with a pitcher of Dos Equis which was a great deal for a 60oz pitcher. The steak and the low cost of the beer caused me to give this so so place an extra star. All and all not a bad meal and with just a bit of care could be an excellent meal.
(4)
Cassie S.
Very delicious and authentic Mexican food- actually run by Mexicans (which doesn't always seem to be the case down here). The complimentary chips and salsa are good, the service was fine, the entrees are reasonably prices and huge- they definitely fill you up and are amazing! Definitely coming back.
(4)
Donald P.
We have been going to Carmelitas since 1993 or so. The food and the service are first rate. The sangria was great. The Chicken Enchiladas were awesome. Highly Recommend.....
(4)
Brian B.
Consistently great food but, for me, what's beyond compare is the salsa. I've never had better salsa anywhere. Casual atmosphere, good prices and great Mexican food.
(5)
Melanie D.
My boyfriend and I live close by so this is our "go-to" place when neither of us care to cook and don't want pizza or Chinese food delivered. We have never really had a problem there and love it. Our chips have always been warm and the salsa delish. We do order the same things when we go - he gets the enchilada platter and I get either the chicken taco salad or the Mexican pizza with chicken. Staff is always prompt and polite. We enjoy it!
(4)
Angela S.
Do not eat there, the food is terrible and the serve is horrible. We went to order take out at the bar. When we sat down the bartender was talking about some girls underwear and that she has a "Camel Toe" to the people at the end of the bar. We went to place our order he couldn't even look at us. Gave us nothing but attitude and than another guy comes out who works there starts burping in front of the guests again giving attitude. We ordered a drink while waiting for our food and he seemed like it was problem from him to make them. Once we got our food and went home we discovered that we were missing items from our order. So I called them and had to drive all the way back there to pick up the items they forgot. When we got there again nothing but attitude. The drinks that we ordered and finished were still sitting on the bar along with food from other people. I guess he was too busy watching tv. The only thing they did right was discounting our meal. When we did finally eat the food was not good. They use cheap shells not even real ones. Don't waste your time.
(1)
Erin S.
I have been coming to Carmelita's for good Mexican food for as long as I can remember. I love, love, love Carmelita's. I've only ever gotten their enchilada's - because they are so delicious! I just can't get past them! The sauces are always so tasty and the chicken is tender and flavorful. I also appreciate that they still provide free chips and salsa. This past visit we were using a living social deal, but we come here without one as well. They run pretty good specials throughout the week and that helps too. I think this is the best Mexican restaurant in St Pete.
(5)
Rob C.
That was the worse restaurant experience I have ever had. There was a quarter inch of grease on top of my microwaved chili that was cold and disgusting. Everything on the table looked Luke it was microwaved back from oblivion and covered in a disgusting sauce. Send Ramsey in this place is a kitchen nightmare.
(1)
BooBooKatie M.
The best Sangria and salsa in town! I'd bring a tub home with me but it's preservative-free. Made fresh daily and HOT! Well, you have to specifically ask for the hot salsa or else they will only bring you the mild. Only thing missing is some outdoor seating.
(4)
Jacob B.
The BEST mexican food in town. Steak tacos are awesome!!! The best salsa verde ever... Just so you know I am mexican and I really love it :D
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : 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.
Skye C.
I think this place is either hit or miss... Got the chips and salsa with a side of white cheese dip (I was corrected when I said queso). It was good but white cheese was very liquidity? Tasted ok but was almost too thin that it didn't really want to stay on the chips. Could definitely use something although I'm not sure what. Don't get me wrong I still dipped my chips like it was my job. I ordered the combo enchiladas and the spinach enchilada just tasted blah. Not bad but like it was frozen steamed spinach rolled in a tortilla and baked. Nothing else in it. No additional ingredients in it to make it not taste like frozen birds eye spinach. All I thought was I could probably do better than this by simply added some tomatoes, onions and even a jalapeño. Something, anything. My boyfriend got a combo of tacos and tostadas. It looked ok and he was happy, but any food makes him happy. He said it was decent which to me, isn't encouraging. Refried beans and rice were the best I thought. Oh and my chicken enchiladas was good. Very tender chicken with some good flavor inside. The service wasn't the great. The server was nice and was clearly trying his best but was preoccupied with the table next to us. He seemed to be overwhelmed in general. I'm sure I will go back but it will awhile before I do. I left feeling like I wanted good Mexican food. On second thought, maybe it will be a longer time than I thought before I go back.
(3)Kelleigh M.
Don't get me wrong, I love Carmelita's, but this location was not all that great. I arrived at lunchtime and it was quite empty. My server was fine-attentive but not overbearing. I was given the chips and salsa-the salsa tastes different here. Not nearly as good as the original on Park Street. My beef enchiladas didn't come out piping hot either. I could touch the plate, which I shouldn't be able to considering they put the plates under the broiler to melt the cheese. Next time I'm craving Carmelita's, I'll stick to the original.
(3)Kim S.
Chicken fajitas were mediocre at best and rice wasn't very warm. I've been here once before and the food was great. Where's the quality control? I don't think I'll be back, I'll stick to the Carmelita's in Dunedin.
(2)Michele B.
I loved the mole. The chips were warm and fresh. The homemade salsa excellent. Service was friendly and helpful.
(4)Andrea R.
Carmelita's is my go to Mexican place in St Pete. They serve really fresh and flavorful salsa with warm chips, their sangria and margaritas are really tasty too. My favorite thing to order is their 3 taco entree. Served with rice and beans it makes a filling meal. I've also tried their tamales, burritos, chimichangas and all were good. Never really had a bad meal here, only down side is I'm always too stuffed to try their sopapillas!
(3)Dave K.
As the other reviews say, Taco bell is better. Please do not eat at the Dunedin location, reported them to the health department for severe food poisoning. See my review under the Largo location.
(1)Mark B.
Chilli rellenos are awesome. My daughter has tried and enjoyed everything on the kids menu. Fresh affordable with friendly service.
(5)Shae D.
Mexican pizza needs more meat, barely any on there. Was good though
(3)John N.
(5 stars for their prefect Tex-Mex food, Just 3 for the service here...) Carmelita's Tri-City location was my favorite. Now gone, so I had to pick another one. This is my second favorite location now... I question the "not authentic Mexican" reviews here? Carmelita's is not authentic, and that's a good thing. It's Tex-Mex. Most outside of the SWest US, were never exposed to real Mex until a few years ago. Besides, you can get that authentic Mex now in a bunch of local, trendy joints. So if you mostly enjoy assorted meat on a floppy raw corn tortilla, topped with only raw onion and a pile of cilantro? You took a wrong turn finding this joint! Carmelita's is our local "KING" of the Americanized Tex-Mex food you grew up with! As for the menu stand-outs? Their simple refried beans beat the sombreros and serapes right off of ALL the other "authentic" Mex joints in our area. Seriously! Senor or Bus Who? Carmelita's refrieds are not only creamy but have a depth from being made with lard or bacon fat? You can taste that meaty goodness in every bite! Decadent... Plus call me crazy, but sometimes I really enjoy the simple "gringo" tacos from my youth. Almost like I make at home, meaning a CRISPY corn tortilla shell, ground beef, and lettuce/tomato/cheese. Carmelita's are always the very best in our area, and I've sampled many. Carmelita's also has great shredded pork tamales if you care for more traditional Mex fare. My favorite authentic Mexican dish is mole negro. Hoping to find an amazing one here is like hoping to see a giraffe at SeaWorld... Finally, the real menu secret here is their "kitchen special." It's just simple shredded beef, slow simmered in a complex sauce, served over rice with tortillas on the side. There is a reason this joint has survived so many years, and has spawned so many other locations... It's because they put out the best TEX-MEX in our area...
(4)Taylor M.
I went here with my brother last night since he is a huge fan of the chips and homemade salsa. He advised me that the combo meals were the way to go, so I started perusing those! I read in some of the reviews that the chile rellenos were so wing I had to try, so I looked for combos with that. I ended up ordering the carne asada combo which came with: a generous portion of thin, tender carne asada, a spinach enchilada, and a chile relleno. I really enjoyed the carne asada. The spinach enchilada was just okay, lots of spinach, I wish there was some cheese in it. The chile relleno was different, but delicious. I have never had one that was flat before. There was a ton of food,Mao I ended up with leftovers. I thought it was cool that you get to pick your sides. I ordered a side salad and rice. The rice had a lot of flavor. I also ordered a melon margarita. I wasn't a fan of the melon flavoring they used. The margarita was good overall. It was a huge margarita for $7. I couldn't finish it because I was too full!
(3)Susie H.
They have THE best salsa I have EVER eaten, chips are good, haven't found anything here that I didn't like, but my favorite is the Kitchen Special. Did I mention they have singers? They have singers!
(5)James B.
Solid Mexican food. I was not disappointed. I would try again. I would give 3.5 stars if I could. It isn't a 4 star, but isn't bad.
(3)Ross M.
I wanted that home grown Americanized Mexican style chips and salsa complimentary before my meal. The salsa at Lime, or Chipolte, or Tijuana Flats, or even Taco Bus, would not do the trick. Nothing against the salsa at those places, but I just wanted something less commercial and more, I hate to say it because it is probably not really authentic, but authentic Mexican. Caramelita's had it. Free chips and salsa with one refill. It made my day. I also got steak tacos. They were excellent. They might have been a bit bland had I not asked for the HOT salsa. I had to remind the waiter once of twice. Service was less than stellar. The restaurant was empty when we arrived. Maybe 1 person at the bar. I only saw 1 or 2 employees total. It was Sunday around 5pm (but I think the Ray were playing downtown, so maybe that explains why it was dead). Nevertheless, server was a bit slow and not overly friendly. I decided not to test out his knowledge. Note: salsa is a bit bland. Ask for the hot sauce / salsa and mix it with the salsa. WAY BETTER, but pretty darn spicy, so be warned. I loved it, fiancée liked the bland stuff better. She got chicken tacos. Overall, food was 4 star and service was 2 star. We will likely be back and hopefully we have more fun next time. I was very full and satisfied when I left. FREE CHIPS AND SALSA!!!! HOORAY!!!!!
(3)Kayla S.
This place is horrible, their margaritas were awful and when we asked the server if these were pre-made. She said they were horrible because we got the cheaper kind! (2 for $7.50, the "good" ones were 2 for $10.00) However I had such a horrible experience back in 2010, I decided this taco Tuesday. I would try it again, mainly cause it was so close to my house. 5 years later still disappointing. I really don't know how these people are still in business!
(1)Brittni L.
Been coming to Carmelitas for years love love love it!!!! A taste of mexico with multiple locations you can't help but stop for lunch or dinner...There salsa does something to my taste buds just can't get enough!!
(5)Michelle G.
Food is always tasty and great. They have taco Tuesdays and they're probably the best tacos around. I really like the Mexican pizza too. It'll feed like 3 people for less than $10 and you'll walk out the door stuffed.
(5)Hillary V.
Yelp has given me a badge informing that I eat too much Mexican food. It also states that apparently burritos are not a food group. Despite Yelp's clear attempt at an intervention, I still checked out Carmelita's. Very, very good! The plates are heaping, and the dishes are insanely filling. EVERYTHING was on point. And added to this, their frozen margaritas and sangria are muy bueno. My only complaint is the location. This joint is very easy to pass up because it doesn't stand out.
(4)Kevin E.
Great food, my wife loves their mexican pizza and their chicken tacos are amazing. This is my preferred place for mexican food. A must dine.
(4)Jamie H.
Great authentic mexican cuisine. I thought the food was great. The location is not the best but pinellas park is not the best.
(4)Heather M.
Located in plaza so keep your eyes open so you don't pass it. Caramelita's is one of the best local Mexican places! The inside has a standard restaurant feel. It's not updated, but it doesn't matter because it's all about the food. They offer homemade chips and salsa, which are addicting and can fill you up. I try to limit myself, but I always indulge especially when I have the white Queso dip. The dip is super creamy, which equals yummy! I go for dinner and order a burrito every time. Depending on how I'm feeling I'll either get the Del Rey chicken burrito or a veggie burrito, both are huge and delicious. With the burrito I get black beans and rice. The rice is not yellow rice and that's a good thing. Again, delicious! I always make it into two meals, which makes the price right. Margaritas and Sangria always refreshing. The service is good too. If you haven't tried, go now!
(4)Grneyedmnst R.
Salsa is sweet and they limit u to one small saucer refill. Food was very bland, americanized and a little overpriced, not a fan and would not return.
(2)Isaak S.
Took 40 minutes for food to arrive at which point it was wrong AND came out cold. I only ordered tacos and three kids meals. Then I sent back wrong entrée and they said they wouldn't honor the kids eat free for the item I ordered even though I asked the waiter before ordering. Horrible experience!!
(1)Amanda W.
Honestly, Taco Bell is better than This place. I would recommend you fulfill your Mexican cravings elsewhere. I will say that their salsa is good and the wait staff is friendly. I've been here a few times and this last time when I went I ordered a chimichanga, which is like a fried burrito. They put lettuce inside. Who likes hot lettuce? It was nasty.
(1)Tim J.
No bueno. Three of us decided to give this little place a whirl after a relaxing beach day. I decided to go with just simple tacos, which were gringo style(lettuce, tomato, and cheese), something I normally don't do unless I am hitting taco bell up but I went for it. They were dry and flavorless. The chicken was just terrible. I've had more moist beef jerky, and it was big chunks making eating the tacos very awkward, which I wouldn't care if they tasted good. The beef tacos weren't even as good as previously mentioned taco bell's, and we all know that they are more fast service/ cheap food than any Mexican joint would bill itself as. The black beans were ok, again lacking any real flavor, and the rice at least wasn't bad. The only good thing there was the salsa, which was admittedly very good, saving them from a dreaded one star. The service was about as bad as it can get too, there were two tables(including is walking in) and it still took over 5 minutes to get a drink order taken, and longer for chips and salsa. I am normally willing to give places a second try, but there really were no saving graces to get me to want to go back.
(2)R David P.
Carmelita's We arrived late in the evening around 8pm and the place only had one other table sat. We utilized a Living Social Coupon and we were served by Danny whom I found to be charming, knowledgeable and relatively efficient. We were brought the traditional chips and salsa fare. The chips seemed fresh but were not warm. The salsa was wonderfully thick and chunky but lacked the sweet tang of fresh basil. The side of Verde we ordered was strangely cold and lacked all flavor but was hot as hell with peppers and inedible. I ordered 2 steak and 1 chicken taco at the advice of our server and found that the chicken was horrible and I quickly traded it out for another steak one which had by far the best tasting steak I have ever eaten in a taco. The steak was served medium rare with great flavor. The side plate of toppings seemed fresh but needed a slightly larger portion size of sour and guacamole. The lettuce was crisp and abundant. The refried beans were served warm with a smokey flavor that made them unique and just the right amount of shredded cheese. I washed it all down with a pitcher of Dos Equis which was a great deal for a 60oz pitcher. The steak and the low cost of the beer caused me to give this so so place an extra star. All and all not a bad meal and with just a bit of care could be an excellent meal.
(4)Cassie S.
Very delicious and authentic Mexican food- actually run by Mexicans (which doesn't always seem to be the case down here). The complimentary chips and salsa are good, the service was fine, the entrees are reasonably prices and huge- they definitely fill you up and are amazing! Definitely coming back.
(4)Donald P.
We have been going to Carmelitas since 1993 or so. The food and the service are first rate. The sangria was great. The Chicken Enchiladas were awesome. Highly Recommend.....
(4)Brian B.
Consistently great food but, for me, what's beyond compare is the salsa. I've never had better salsa anywhere. Casual atmosphere, good prices and great Mexican food.
(5)Melanie D.
My boyfriend and I live close by so this is our "go-to" place when neither of us care to cook and don't want pizza or Chinese food delivered. We have never really had a problem there and love it. Our chips have always been warm and the salsa delish. We do order the same things when we go - he gets the enchilada platter and I get either the chicken taco salad or the Mexican pizza with chicken. Staff is always prompt and polite. We enjoy it!
(4)Angela S.
Do not eat there, the food is terrible and the serve is horrible. We went to order take out at the bar. When we sat down the bartender was talking about some girls underwear and that she has a "Camel Toe" to the people at the end of the bar. We went to place our order he couldn't even look at us. Gave us nothing but attitude and than another guy comes out who works there starts burping in front of the guests again giving attitude. We ordered a drink while waiting for our food and he seemed like it was problem from him to make them. Once we got our food and went home we discovered that we were missing items from our order. So I called them and had to drive all the way back there to pick up the items they forgot. When we got there again nothing but attitude. The drinks that we ordered and finished were still sitting on the bar along with food from other people. I guess he was too busy watching tv. The only thing they did right was discounting our meal. When we did finally eat the food was not good. They use cheap shells not even real ones. Don't waste your time.
(1)Erin S.
I have been coming to Carmelita's for good Mexican food for as long as I can remember. I love, love, love Carmelita's. I've only ever gotten their enchilada's - because they are so delicious! I just can't get past them! The sauces are always so tasty and the chicken is tender and flavorful. I also appreciate that they still provide free chips and salsa. This past visit we were using a living social deal, but we come here without one as well. They run pretty good specials throughout the week and that helps too. I think this is the best Mexican restaurant in St Pete.
(5)Rob C.
That was the worse restaurant experience I have ever had. There was a quarter inch of grease on top of my microwaved chili that was cold and disgusting. Everything on the table looked Luke it was microwaved back from oblivion and covered in a disgusting sauce. Send Ramsey in this place is a kitchen nightmare.
(1)BooBooKatie M.
The best Sangria and salsa in town! I'd bring a tub home with me but it's preservative-free. Made fresh daily and HOT! Well, you have to specifically ask for the hot salsa or else they will only bring you the mild. Only thing missing is some outdoor seating.
(4)Jacob B.
The BEST mexican food in town. Steak tacos are awesome!!! The best salsa verde ever... Just so you know I am mexican and I really love it :D
(5)