Cancel

Open app

Search

Carbon

3.6 (659 reviews)
InexpensiveMexican, Desserts, Salad
Open • 10:30 am - 11:00 pm
Updated over 3 months ago

Order Carbon Takeout or Delivery

Carbon Photos

Business Info

CARBON ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Quiet
Casual
Outdoor seating
Good for kids

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - Carbon

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

Birria Tacos
Jonathan B.

I have two different reviews since I went to the regular Carbon for years and then I tried their Carbon Cantina (sit down style eating) in the back. The regular Carbon in the front has always been amazing to me. I love getting the stelote, mother clucker, or the fish called William; all three are packed with flavor and come with beans and rice! The pineapple salsa is also to die for!!! When I went to the Carbon Cantina, I got the birria tacos, and it seemed like a small portion of two tacos for the price. I do like how they give free chips at Carbon Cantina though. The service is always good when I pick up, and they never forget anything in the order. The Carbon Cantina waitress was so nice when taking our order, and she was so considerate with it came to refilling our drinks/chips. The ambiance is very simple at the front part, so I expect that with the takeout style service. The Carbon Cantina section seems unrecognizable since it's in the back and they have very nice seating!

This is a view of the front door and to the right is the kitchen and bar.
Ashley M.

The food was extremely fresh and delicious. The fajitas came out and they were steaming and sizzling for a good 10 minutes. It was fresh and flavorful. The restaurant was so cute! The old doors and paintings were so unique and ambiance was relaxed. I highly highly recommend this place!!!!

The Mother Clucker: 1 lb tequila lime chicken  w/ creamy sauce, onions & cilantro. Served w/ black beans, rice, chips & salsa--delicious.
Bernardo A.

I'd give it 4.5 if that was an option. The food was very good. This is the second time I've had this burrito. The first time, the chicken was very moist, tender and juicy the second time around, the only downside was a few of the chicken pieces seemed a little dry which was just a little bit surprising but it was still good. I do like the rice and the black beans that come on the side with it. I was a total glutton and ordered the chips with hot salsa but I have no regrets. It was good. I also love that the Diet Pepsi fountain had the right amount of fizz. The last couple of places I've been to they were kind of flat. So kudos to Carbon for this. The staff are great and they definitely keep on top of keeping tables clean (which I am noticing lapses at other places). The ultimate verdict is that I look forward to going again.

Jocelyn H.

One of my favorite caterers and tacos in Chicago. I got the fish taco and lomo taco which I think are perfectly flavored by themselves (I barely used the salsa). We also got a chicken burrito but I liked the tacos better. Each taco is about $4 and it took about 15 minutes for our order to finish, but I think the tacos are worth it. They have about 10 seats inside and some seats outside.

Happy hour every day. This is a berry margarita. Yum yum yum
Lisa G.

Who knew this place had a sit down restaurant next to the whole in the wall. Still yummy food and happy hours all day everyday!!! $7 margaritas. Go!!

Stelote Burrito
Antonio M.

The Stelote Burrito was truly impressive. The steak inside was tender and really delicious along with the awesome taste of the corn. Employees are courteous and always smiling. Carbon remains consistent.

2 fish tacos. Just a snack for us.
Lisa P.

Tacos are such a treat; hand-held, versatile, deliciousness that can be filled with anything your heart desires. Was in the area and decided to try the fish tacos. Made to order but worth the wait. Carbon uses cod and it's crusted with tortillas, served on a flour tortilla with cabbage and cilantro lime sauce. One taco is filling as they use a generous portion of fish. Next time I will try it with the corn tortilla and less sauce. There was a couple that sat down to eat and was served huge taco salads in tortilla bowls. It looked amazing. I'll have to try that as well.

Key lime pie
Akshay S.

I tried their Chicken Burrito & Key lime pie, loved both. Wish they were a little less expensive though, but still, amazing food!!

Leftover catering tray from Carbon including corn, steak, chicken, rice
Michelle G.

I have to preface this by saying I have never once eaten in any of Carbon's locations, but I have attended events where Carbon was catered countless times in my life. It was a popular catering option in college because it feeds so many people with great prices, and I most recently had it catered at a professional event. Is it my go-to for Mexican food? No definitely not, but it's definitely a good place to feed a group. I love their corn so much that even my colleagues know this about me. Their chips are also good and they have so many yummy sauces that come with it. If you ever want affordable catering to feed a group of people, Carbon is the place to go.

Angela H.

Food spectacular, service so friendly and consistent. The atmosphere makes it an experience. First timer and I'll be back consistently! But, back to the food! So delicious and savory! The drinks were delightful. I had the strawberry maguerita

Amber J.

The food is amazingly delicious. The staff are awesome. The environment is warm and welcoming. The Birria tacos are outstanding and full of flavor. And the mixed berry margaritas are out this world. I definitely recommend !!!!

Jess H.

Carbon Mexican Grill is my office's go-to for catered meetings, and it's always been so good that I had to try it on my own! I ordered the steak burrito bowl, which came in a crispy shell--so tasty! The meat is seasoned perfectly, and I'm a big fan of their elote as well. Great spot for flavorful, satisfying Mexican food!

Premium Fire Grilled Steak Quesadilla and Tortilla Encrusted Tilapia Signature Taco
Maricel J.

I have eaten here before, but this is my first time writing a review. Every time I order from here, I always order anything steak. Today, I ordered the steak quesadilla, and since I love seafood, their tilapia taco sounded tasty, so I ordered one. Their steak is always tasty and cooked well. It comes with melted cheese, but you also have the option to add other ingredients, which I added onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. Jalapenos were hot! My choice of salsa was the picoso (hot). Next time I will try the roasted red pepper (medium) salsa. I wasn't sure what to expect from the tilapia taco, but the cabbage and lime sauce, make this taco delicious! Next time I order tacos or another quesadilla, it just might be tilapia instead of my beloved steak. The service was great as well. Someone from the restaurant called to let us know that our delivery would be about 15 minutes late, which was very much appreciated.

3 tequila lime chicken tacos, 1 with cheese

See all

Reviews are mixed. Many highlight the flavorful Mexican dishes, welcoming atmosphere, good margaritas, and friendly staff.

Read the full review summary in the app

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Michael B.
52
537
1357

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

1 year ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Loved dining outside and their food was in incredible Lots of parking by the bridge too!!!

Helpful 1
Thanks 1
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of D J.
1
67
12

3 years ago

The food is always great here. They are friendly and fast. I had a bowl recently and it was delicious.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Went to the Carbon cantina behind the regular restaurant. The food and service were great!

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lydia H.
1
69
209

4 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 1

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Food was good but I got minor food poisoning from here. Probably have questionable food handling in the back.

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 2

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Cook S.
8
107
287

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Megan M.
231
16
6

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Cute little joint by China town. Great food! Part of Chicago's ambiance. Not a large restaurant but always busy.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tiffany H.
4382
1244
3528

9 years ago

Helpful 9
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 3
Oh no 0
Photo of Kyla R.
4
45
28

6 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 1

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Love eating their food when I want a tasty night in! It's quick and easy and I haven't had a bad service experience yet

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Sami J.
39
38
36

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Irvan S.
123
23
21

6 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lily Z.
121
955
1031

14 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Lee J.
0
111
89

5 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Tommy L.
43
29
15

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

Page 2 of 17

Carbon Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Carbon

You might also consider

La Mejikana - Taco de Lomito

La Mejikana

4.3(453 reviews)
1.8 mi•Pilsen
•$$

We have eaten here inside once. Loud music but great music. If you want a calm night - they are…read moregreat with takeout and delivery. Fast service as well! Our go to is quesabirria or regular birria soup for delivery but tonight we ordered Chicharrón de ribeye (no pork since we are Muslim but be cautious with beans they add to this has bacon in it) - incredible dish with cheese and tortillas Grilled chicken salad with La Mejikana dressing (my new go to - AMAZING fresh and filling salad) Wings - great a little spicy and not greasy at all

It was not stated anywhere else on their digital menu that they their tacos come individually;…read morecompared to their three taco plate option, but thanks to checking the yelp menu first I was able to make my choice for 2 birra tacos! (inquire about the 4% service charge added) No rice or beans with any of my parties' dishes, not sure if that is an option. Time to be seated was less than five minutes for a party of four around 2:20 PM on a Sunday; busier times or days enforce their 90 minute time limit policy per table. The food was well seasoned, wish I tasted it a little more on the meat itself, yet all the vegetables tasted crisp and fresh. If you are looking to have intimate conversations be prepared to speak a lot louder, the DJ booth by the front keeps it pretty lively, but difficult to hold conversations across the table. Open authentic Mexican soda is always refreshing, and if you're looking for a place that has soft serve margaritas this is one of them. If you notice and unusual wait time or slow service please make your choice accordingly as I started to notice it was a case by case basis like some of the previous reviews had mentioned.

Photos
La Mejikana - Interior of Buisness

Interior of Buisness

La Mejikana - Fish taco

Fish taco

La Mejikana - Chicharron de Ribeye

See all

Chicharron de Ribeye

Barrio - Quesabirria tacos

Barrio

4.1(1.4k reviews)
3.0 mi•Near North Side
•$$

Barrio - Chicago Strawberry mint margs + Saturday happy…read morehour = YESSS Chips + dip trio with queso, salsa & guac = all 3 were delicious Steak + shrimp tacos = so flavorful & a must try Cornbread skillet = surprisingly SOOO good, so glad we got it 5/5 Loved the fun patio vibes, nice service, clean bathrooms + such a good Chicago happy hour spot! Happy hour is EVERY DAY 4-6pm Check out the full review on IG: @ratedbyaleena_

This place happens to open late as we were able to grab a light dinner after a festival. We arrived…read morea bit over an hour before closing and got seated at a high top. We got the mixed shrimp and steak fajita as the fajita Friday would give us a $5 discount. The fajita gives you a great fire show! However, if we didn't catch the server prepare the first few seconds, we would've missed it, so a heads up would've been appreciated. It felt a bit rushed. The steak and shrimp were solid but for $33 before tax and tip, it is a bit steep. However, the amount of food is good enough for 2 people for a light satisfying meal. I docked off a few stars because while the food is good, service really needs improvement. We had no utensils for 15 minutes. We had to flag the server a few times, nowhere to be found. They didn't even end up discounting the $5 and with how hard it is to get attention from a server, I had to force to leave no tip in the end to make up for the difference, in addition to the very poor service. For near closing when it's not busy, it's not acceptable to not be attended to during the dining service especially we had to leave the food cold waiting for utensils to even start eating.

Photos
Barrio - Interior views

Interior views

Barrio - Chicken fajitas

Chicken fajitas

Barrio - Margarita time!

See all

Margarita time!

Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Enchiladas

Sabroso! Mexican Grill

4.7(554 reviews)
3.7 mi•Ukrainian Village, West Town
•$$

Over the weekend we had our daughters quince and we used Sabroso as our caters. I ended up finding…read moreSabor last minute after our caterer back out. Our family fell in love with the food at the restaurant and was very certain we had found our caterers for the big day. Working with Sabor has been a great experience. They did such amazing job the day of and of course everyone loved the food. They met our expectations and beyond. They helped even with clean up and cake cutting which was a last minute asked and truly appreciated. I definitely recommend and appreciate all they did. Thank you so much Vincent, Karina, and the catering team!

Four of us (two adults and two kids) visited Sabroso! Mexican Grill for the first time during a…read moretrip to Chicago. I must admit that I had low expectations because quite frankly, I have not enjoyed Mexican food outside of Mexico or California. However, we were hungry, and it was near where we were staying, so I decided we should check it out, and I am so glad we did! The food was great. Both adults and the VERY picky children in our group all enjoyed our meals. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas and the other adult ordered a chile relleno combo, which I also got to try. Everything was delicious and devoured by all! We were so full but the owner talked us into the chocoflan, and we did not regret trying it. It was soooo good! Speaking of the owner, the service was great. We really enjoyed how he and the rest of the staff were very courteous. It is a small establishment, and it gets a good amount of people, so I assume that there are waits during peak hours. I highly recommend Sabroso! And we plan to return the next time we are in the area.

Photos
Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Interior din6

Interior din6

Sabroso! Mexican Grill - Enchiladas

Enchiladas

Sabroso! Mexican Grill - CHICKEN TAQUITOS

See all

CHICKEN TAQUITOS

5 Rabanitos - Chilaquiles verdes

5 Rabanitos

4.2(853 reviews)
2.0 mi•Pilsen
•$$

The chef who owns this restaurant trained with Rick Bayless for 19 years and it really comes out in…read morehis cooking. All of the food was absolutely delicious. We came later on a Monday night so we did not have to wait to get a seat although it was still pretty busy. The place is decorated nicely. Well on a block with many other Mexican businesses. Located right off the pink line it is very easy to get to and also noted to be near the Mexican art Institute. The chicken mole enchiladas were delicious. Spicy and bitterness of the chocolate balanced super well. rice was also cooked perfectly. The shredded beef dish was short rib and mashed potatoes. They were meant to be assembled into a homemade tortilla - a very interesting concept. The homemade tortillas were so warm and fluffy. I have never had such good tortillas. I took a tamale plate home. It was large and had a good portion of shredded pork. Super flavorful, but also I felt the texture might've been firmer than I would've expected.

I was introduced to the place by a Mexicans from Chicago and it's such a hidden gem. She suggested…read morethe we try the sopes and i don't regret it at all. I got the chicken tinga and carne asada and it was really good. We had the verde ceviche (not pictured) and it was a table fav. We also got the elotes which were good but nothing special. It was my first time have queso fundido and i really like its. The staff was really friendly and the place is so cute. Most places are going for a minimalist look not but the bright blue, green, and yellow works really well today as well as the various artwork!

Photos
5 Rabanitos - Interior

Interior

5 Rabanitos - Chips & Guac

Chips & Guac

5 Rabanitos - This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

See all

This bright mural on the side of 5 Rabanitos drew us is for refreshing Micheladas!

Frontera Grill - Trio Ceviche

Frontera Grill

3.9(2.8k reviews)
3.1 mi•Near North Side
•$$

The vibes were really nice for casual Mexican food. Dim lighting, candles on the table, and a cozy…read moreatmosphere. 8/10. The Chicken Taquitos (8.5/10) were perfectly crispy with tender, smoky chicken inside paired with fresh guac. The Corn-Masa Quesadillas (8/10) were more like crispy cheese-filled turnovers. The cheese pull was crazy, and the tomatillo salsa added a nice tangy kick. The Enchiladas de Birria (8/10) had tender, savory birria with a nice crunch from the cabbage and radish. The chile-sesame salsa added a great depth of flavor. The Barbacoa (7/10) was tender. I wasn't a fan of the salsa borracha, but the consome was delicious with a nice kick. The Fried Sweet Plantains (8/10) were soft and caramelized. The crema and cheese were a great addition. Overall, a solid spot for Mexican food when you want something a little nicer than a casual taco spot.

It's a terrific still solid stalwart of restaurants in Chicago's legendary portfolio of amazing…read moredining experiences. Creative authentic Mexican specialties and delicious specials. The service is impeccable warm and welcoming! The restaurant interior and adjoining dining experiences are beautifully art directed from Rick Bayles's brilliant eye for art culture and food. The mole is lendary and the branzino was delicious. Beautiful food great full bar and drinks.

Photos
Frontera Grill - Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Back room, additional eating area at the bar

Frontera Grill - Duck carnitas

Duck carnitas

Frontera Grill - Pork shank

See all

Pork shank

Carbon - mexican - Updated October 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...