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Saw this pop up on Yelp and that it was rated a 4.8 so I thought "I gotta try it!" Well... I ALMOST GAVE THIS A 3 star review but let me tell you the reasons why I gave the restaurant a 4 and the benefit of a doubt. (For reference, I'll return to a restaurant I rate a 4 but I won't return to a restaurant I rated a 3 unless someone I'm with wants to go to it). Here's what they do well: exceptionally good and friendly service, the portions are extremely generous given the already great prices, homemade flour tortillas, smooth horchata, great guac (finely diced onion and tomato in it), delicious bean and cheese burrito with great umami (love when it's salty and richly flavorful), being able to view the kitchen in action (people pay a lot of money for those teppanyaki show style dinners! lol), and frankly because they were already rated so high I figured the Yelp community can't be wrong! Here's what was less than impressive on my visit in late August 2026: my huevos rancheros sauce was bland. I could sense there was a hint of chicken bullion in the background but for the most part I felt like I was eating watered down canned tomato sauce that had been thickened with cornstarch and had a pinch of bullion. I was hoping for some acidity, some cumin, some spice-- something! But it just fell flat. I was also disappointed that there was essentially bits of raw bell pepper just thrown on top. In addition, I personally don't mind their deteriorating "ambiance" but I think it might matter to the average person searching reviews on Yelp so I gotta tell ya, it's rough inside; I'm talking exposed wood in the countertop, cracked and peeling barstool cushions (all they have is barstool seating by the way, but there's plenty of seats and they are lined up around a long counter that faces the kitchen). Now, I can't end with that for a "4" so do let me remind you of some of the good: great prices, good portions, friendly service, and lots of yelpers appear to rate them highly. My recommendation, perhaps try a burrito-- the simple bean and cheese burrito my daughter got (that I took a bite of) was fantastic.
What a total hidden gem! This place is a cozy little hole in the wall but packed with delicious food! It's bar seating so you can watch the amazing cooks prepared your meal right in front of you! I had the chilaquiles with green salsa, carnitas, and a side of potatoes and they were fantastic! The carnitas are so tender and flavorful. It's a huge portion for an amazing price, but you'll still want more!
This is an absolute must-visit place if you're in Reno! We stopped here for breakfast on our last day in the city, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The food was absolutely amazing. To be honest, some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. Every bite was flavorful and clearly made with care. I also loved the atmosphere. We sat where we could watch the food being prepared, which made the experience feel very authentic and casual. I even had the chance to practice my Spanish, which was a fun bonus. The whole place made us feel immersed in Mexican culture, at least as I imagine it. Everything about the experience felt warm, welcoming, and genuine. What surprised me the most was the value. We received two enormous plates of food, and the price was incredibly reasonable. If I return to Reno, I will definitely come back. Highly recommended!
Run here. Now. This is the best breakfast in the town. Small little diner with bar seats and the kitchen right in front of you. These guys are fast and provide you with some authentic Mexican brunch food. Got the carne asada and eggs and got a plato the size of the moon. Potatoes, eggs, tortillas, guac, asada, onions and it was delicious. Gotta get here if you can, you're missing out...
My first impression is a new impression for me. When I look at the menu, it occurs to me, that this place needs to update their pricing. I have never in my life before looked at the menu and thought.... These prices seem too low. (:-) I am getting my car hand washed at Sam's Sparkle Shop only a .2 mile walk away. I just wanted something to do while I waited, so I didn't arrive very hungry. I ordered the a la carte Chili Rellano and it was a perfect little snack. At first I was concerned by the chopped peppers on top but they were not spicy at all. Totally Gringa friendly. I cannot handle spicy. This was perfect. I steered clear of the dark green pepper cut in half for fear it might be spicy.(:-) The little dollop of guacamole was delicious and appreciated. This is a very simple cafe designed to provide excellent service and delicious food. It does both very well. Check it out! The menu in the pictures here is current as of today. Very reasonable prices! If you find this review useful please VOTE!
I honestly don't understand the high reviews for this place. The restaurant itself is really small, and unfortunately, the food was just not good. I ordered the chilaquiles rojos. The sauce tasted like it came straight from a can and had very little flavor. The beans were also extremely bland. I tried the food, but I ended up leaving everything on my plate and had to go somewhere else to get something to eat.
This place is legit. I live in Austin, TX which has some great Mexican, but this beat anywhere I've been for breakfast. Perfect little hole in the wall with great food and prices. Oh yeah, huge portions too. So glad someone mentioned this place on Reddit. Already looking forward to my next breakfast there
Wow how have we not been here before!! After reading reviews we knew we could be up for a wait but the stars aligned and two spots were open when we walked in. Small but mighty menu we opted for the chile verde and my husband had the chef pick his meal. Both were delicious and it was neat to watch them make the meal pretty much in front of you. We both decided we will definitely come back when in the area!
It was good breakfast food. 1st timer will definitely return when in town. I ordered chilaquiles with over easy eggs and dad ordered over easy eggs with steak (carne asada) on the side. We both enjoyed our meal. See you guys next time!
Small restaurant with huge flavor- that's what you'll get at Carlillos Cocina. The restaurant has a small seating area so go early. The staff quickly greets you and keeps the coffee cup filled. Traditional Mexican breakfast is served. The breakfast burrito is a huge hit. I got mine with carne asada and it's packed with freshly scrambled eggs, onions, peppers and a wonderfully spiced salsa. They have a small menu but each dish is freshly prepared and is quick to arrive to you. Like I said, the restaurant and parking are small but you'll leave Carlillos full and completely satisfied. Go early and avoid the wait.
Great value because 1 dish can feed 2 people! Sitting at the counter watching your food being made by the kindest people is a wonderful experience. We got the breakfast burrito to split. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for?
Breakfast of champions at this local Mexican joint. I had the enchilada breakfast and my companion had the huevos rancheros. My enchilada with an egg was way better than his dish. I chose Al pastor meat and there were pineapple chunks in my meat. Yumm! Additionally they had plenty of veggies on the plate which is refreshing as most places only have proteins and starch. Seating is diner style. Service was good and attentive. Parking lot is very small so that might be challenging. Definitely a value place if you are looking for a filling meal. Note- this was on a Yelp Best Places to eat list by state and this place was noted for Nevada. I say it was a very solid choice for breakfast!
Brought friends who had never been to Carlillos and we had the best lunch. Our friends loved the place and the amazing food! They remarked that it was fun to sit at the counter and watch all of the cooking action. The food that is prepared in front of us makes me want to try so many more things on the menu, instead of always just getting my favorites. All of it looks so delicious as it's freshly prepared! We'll be back soon.
Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the authentic flavorful food, friendly attentive service, and cozy diner-style atmosphere. Pricing is seen as good value.
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19 days ago
7 days ago
This place is amazing! The portions, prices, and flavors are on point! The building does have limited seating so I wouldn't reccomend eating here with a large group. The service is great and you can see how the food is made with care. They let me order beans and potatoes instead of beans and rice which I thought was awesome. In all honesty, the potions are so large you could likely share with others. read more
We stopped by here after the hot air balloon races. The parking lot is small but we were able to get a spot. This is classic diner style, with seats along the counter. Talk about vintage vibes! Because of this, it might be difficult for large groups to be accommodated all at once, or sit together. But for groups of 1-3, maybe even 4, it shouldn't be a problem. We noticed that groups of 4 took the corners, probably to make socializing easier. We were only 2 that day, so finding a spot wasn't too difficult. The good here is great. The chorizo is not great at all. Add avocado to everything - they give you a substantial portion! Fresh corn or flour tortillas. Attentive and kind wait staff. Nothing but good things to say about Carlillos! read more
Saw this pop up on Yelp and that it was rated a 4.8 so I thought "I gotta try it!" Well... I ALMOST GAVE THIS A 3 star review but let me tell you the reasons why I gave the restaurant a 4 and the benefit of a doubt. (For reference, I'll return to a restaurant I rate a 4 but I won't return to a restaurant I rated a 3 unless someone I'm with wants to go to it). Here's what they do well: exceptionally good and friendly service, the portions are extremely generous given the already great prices, homemade flour tortillas, smooth horchata, great guac (finely diced onion and tomato in it), delicious bean and cheese burrito with great umami (love when it's salty and richly flavorful), being able to view the kitchen in action (people pay a lot of money for those teppanyaki show style dinners! lol), and frankly because they were already rated so high I figured the Yelp community can't be wrong! Here's what was less than impressive on my visit in late August 2026: my huevos rancheros sauce was bland. I could sense there was a hint of chicken bullion in the background but for the most part I felt like I was eating watered down canned tomato sauce that had been thickened with cornstarch and had a pinch of bullion. I was hoping for some acidity, some cumin, some spice-- something! But it just fell flat. I was also disappointed that there was essentially bits of raw bell pepper just thrown on top. In addition, I personally don't mind their deteriorating "ambiance" but I think it might matter to the average person searching reviews on Yelp so I gotta tell ya, it's rough inside; I'm talking exposed wood in the countertop, cracked and peeling barstool cushions (all they have is barstool seating by the way, but there's plenty of seats and they are lined up around a long counter that faces the kitchen). Now, I can't end with that for a "4" so do let me remind you of some of the good: great prices, good portions, friendly service, and lots of yelpers appear to rate them highly. My recommendation, perhaps try a burrito-- the simple bean and cheese burrito my daughter got (that I took a bite of) was fantastic. read more
What a total hidden gem! This place is a cozy little hole in the wall but packed with delicious food! It's bar seating so you can watch the amazing cooks prepared your meal right in front of you! I had the chilaquiles with green salsa, carnitas, and a side of potatoes and they were fantastic! The carnitas are so tender and flavorful. It's a huge portion for an amazing price, but you'll still want more! read more
This is an absolute must-visit place if you're in Reno! We stopped here for breakfast on our last day in the city, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our trip. The food was absolutely amazing. To be honest, some of the best Mexican food I've ever had. Every bite was flavorful and clearly made with care. I also loved the atmosphere. We sat where we could watch the food being prepared, which made the experience feel very authentic and casual. I even had the chance to practice my Spanish, which was a fun bonus. The whole place made us feel immersed in Mexican culture, at least as I imagine it. Everything about the experience felt warm, welcoming, and genuine. What surprised me the most was the value. We received two enormous plates of food, and the price was incredibly reasonable. If I return to Reno, I will definitely come back. Highly recommended! read more
Run here. Now. This is the best breakfast in the town. Small little diner with bar seats and the kitchen right in front of you. These guys are fast and provide you with some authentic Mexican brunch food. Got the carne asada and eggs and got a plato the size of the moon. Potatoes, eggs, tortillas, guac, asada, onions and it was delicious. Gotta get here if you can, you're missing out... read more
My first impression is a new impression for me. When I look at the menu, it occurs to me, that this place needs to update their pricing. I have never in my life before looked at the menu and thought.... These prices seem too low. (:-) I am getting my car hand washed at Sam's Sparkle Shop only a .2 mile walk away. I just wanted something to do while I waited, so I didn't arrive very hungry. I ordered the a la carte Chili Rellano and it was a perfect little snack. At first I was concerned by the chopped peppers on top but they were not spicy at all. Totally Gringa friendly. I cannot handle spicy. This was perfect. I steered clear of the dark green pepper cut in half for fear it might be spicy.(:-) The little dollop of guacamole was delicious and appreciated. This is a very simple cafe designed to provide excellent service and delicious food. It does both very well. Check it out! The menu in the pictures here is current as of today. Very reasonable prices! If you find this review useful please VOTE! read more
26 days ago
I honestly don't understand the high reviews for this place. The restaurant itself is really small, and unfortunately, the food was just not good. I ordered the chilaquiles rojos. The sauce tasted like it came straight from a can and had very little flavor. The beans were also extremely bland. I tried the food, but I ended up leaving everything on my plate and had to go somewhere else to get something to eat. read more
9 days ago
This place is legit. I live in Austin, TX which has some great Mexican, but this beat anywhere I've been for breakfast. Perfect little hole in the wall with great food and prices. Oh yeah, huge portions too. So glad someone mentioned this place on Reddit. Already looking forward to my next breakfast there read more
2 months ago
Wow how have we not been here before!! After reading reviews we knew we could be up for a wait but the stars aligned and two spots were open when we walked in. Small but mighty menu we opted for the chile verde and my husband had the chef pick his meal. Both were delicious and it was neat to watch them make the meal pretty much in front of you. We both decided we will definitely come back when in the area! read more
2 months ago
It was good breakfast food. 1st timer will definitely return when in town. I ordered chilaquiles with over easy eggs and dad ordered over easy eggs with steak (carne asada) on the side. We both enjoyed our meal. See you guys next time! read more
Small restaurant with huge flavor- that's what you'll get at Carlillos Cocina. The restaurant has a small seating area so go early. The staff quickly greets you and keeps the coffee cup filled. Traditional Mexican breakfast is served. The breakfast burrito is a huge hit. I got mine with carne asada and it's packed with freshly scrambled eggs, onions, peppers and a wonderfully spiced salsa. They have a small menu but each dish is freshly prepared and is quick to arrive to you. Like I said, the restaurant and parking are small but you'll leave Carlillos full and completely satisfied. Go early and avoid the wait. read more
Great value because 1 dish can feed 2 people! Sitting at the counter watching your food being made by the kindest people is a wonderful experience. We got the breakfast burrito to split. If you haven't been, what are you waiting for? read more
Breakfast of champions at this local Mexican joint. I had the enchilada breakfast and my companion had the huevos rancheros. My enchilada with an egg was way better than his dish. I chose Al pastor meat and there were pineapple chunks in my meat. Yumm! Additionally they had plenty of veggies on the plate which is refreshing as most places only have proteins and starch. Seating is diner style. Service was good and attentive. Parking lot is very small so that might be challenging. Definitely a value place if you are looking for a filling meal. Note- this was on a Yelp Best Places to eat list by state and this place was noted for Nevada. I say it was a very solid choice for breakfast! read more
Brought friends who had never been to Carlillos and we had the best lunch. Our friends loved the place and the amazing food! They remarked that it was fun to sit at the counter and watch all of the cooking action. The food that is prepared in front of us makes me want to try so many more things on the menu, instead of always just getting my favorites. All of it looks so delicious as it's freshly prepared! We'll be back soon. read more
Carlillo's Cocina is one of Reno's true hidden gems a breakfast and lunch spot that never misses. It's been a long-time staple in the area, and those who know, know. The atmosphere is always lively and full of energy, especially if you're lucky enough to grab a seat at the bar where you can watch the organized chaos of the tiny kitchen it's impressive to see. The food is outstanding across the board, but my go to is the carne asada burrito. Everything is made fresh, full of flavor, and served with genuine hospitality that keeps you coming back time and time again. Carlillo's Cocina is the kind of place that makes Reno feel like home. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you'll leave full, happy, and already planning your next visit. read more
3 months ago
Great food. Great people. This small kitchen had the feel of a friends house. The staff was welcoming and seemed to know the names of many of the patrons. I am from out of state and was greeted with a smile. Now the food. The best. We tried to go back the next day even. But they are closed on Sunday. Out of the three nights and two days we were in the area. We wanted to eat there twice. That should tell you how good the food and the staff was. read more
Stopped by this little diner after a relaxing morning at the annual hot air balloon race in Reno. When you walk in, you are met with a fast-paced diner atmosphere and very limited seating. Every seat was full, but we were given menus right away and told to wait until one opened up. Within about ten minutes we were seated and served refreshments. The menu is surprisingly large with plenty of meats and dishes to choose from. We decided on the chorizo plate and the meat lovers plate, which included every meat on the menu. The food came out in around ten minutes, though it hardly felt like a wait because it was so fun to watch the kitchen. The team moved with such rhythm and efficiency, almost like a dance, with no wasted motion. Our meals arrived on piping hot plates, and we dug in. What stood out most was how clean and light everything tasted. From the pictures you might expect something heavy, but the meal left us satisfied without feeling weighed down. If anything, I wished for bolder flavors, but that is my only critique. Overall, this diner feels like a go-to spot for locals looking for a quick and affordable meal. read more
Best breakfast in Reno / Sparks. They will make your meal to suit your tastes, just ask. This local family loves to make diners feel at home. This is where amazing service meets amazing food. Yes the parking lot is small and seating is up close and personal, but that is all part of the experience. read more
When I pulled into the parking lot right off I-80 to go to this tiny restaurant, I got the side-eye from my spouse. But once we got inside and sat down, he was wide-eyed with delight. The interior is basically a kitchen with a wrap-around counter. There is barely enough room for the crew to move past each other. But, wow, do they cook! They're only open for breakfast and lunch and (as you might guess) seating is limited. There are a ton of locals who, clearly, go here every day. "I come 6 days a week," said the grizzled truck driver sitting next to me. "I almost always get the same thing -- and I have it for breakfast and the leftover for lunch. I love it." BTW, I asked what his go-to breakfast was. It's the off-menu "Joe's Special" -- a chicken enchilada topped with a Chile relleno. So what did I choose? I got the Chile relleno and eggs, which came with refried beans and potatoes. I could have had rice instead of the potatoes but, hey, it's breakfast. My spouse chose the chorizo and eggs which he proclaimed had the perfect amount of heat when he combined all the elements on the plate. Plus, brewed iced tea. If I lived in the area, I'd be joining that crowd of locals. But will I be back when I'm in town? You bet. read more
Quaint little divey breakfast and lunch counter. This place's is cool but there's not many seats so it can be "busy." I went by myself on a Saturday morning and there were three seats available when I sat. 4-5 Mexican guys are working like busy bees calling out orders, creating platters in a tiny little kitchen prep area. They don't with ease. The food came out at the expected amount of time. I had the asada breakfast burrito. It came with choice of potatoes or rice and beans. I opted for the latter. Food was tasty and I truly enjoyed the rice and beans. I'm planning on coming back here but will likely try a dish with fried eggs next time. You'll like this place! Go try it!! read more
29 days ago
4 months ago
Where do I start! This joint has the old school mexican village vibe. From the authentic food to the Spanish speaking cooks. Always love the service here and the food is amazing! Too many great items to choose a favorite. Don't sleep on this one folks. read more
3 months ago
Constant flow of customers coming in all sitting at the counter on a Monday morning at 8:30 am. Had the Breakfast of Champions (chilaquiles). I think the best part was their hot sauce (ask for it after get your food) and the cooked peppers! read more
2 years ago
Welcome to the neighborhood, glad you are here, come, sit and enjoy. You're at Carillos Mexican Cocina sharing traditions through food. Whether you speak Spanish, English, Spanglish or something else, the love language of food...welcomes you. Monday through Saturday this small inviting restaurant bustling with conversation, an orchestrated symphony of persons and cookware alone with the quintessential smells of home is open until 2. It doesn't matter where you call home, this place is open arms to all who enters its doors. Note this place is Extremely small! I think less than 30 seats along an old fashioned diner bar with worn padded stools. Give it a minute, someone will be leaving to the sounds "adios mi amigo!" Aka goodbye my friend. Once you eat here, you are a friend for ever. No matter what you order, the earthy flavors, the warmth of the spices allow you to feel as though you have traveled to a place not your usual but to a destination close to home. The menu is a guideline. If you see something that catches your eye but you just have to have a poached egg, just ask. Don't be discouraged by the outside or the lack of parking. Drive around, step inside and truly enjoy. It's worth the effort. read more
11 months ago
5 stars all around for Food, Service and Price. Hole in the wall but clean and inviting. Where can you get tacos with tons of carne and fresh vegetables for $3? Dishes are huge for the big eaters! We r light eaters so we learned to order the a la cart menus. read more
2 months ago
I can tell why the locals like this place. Plate speaks for itself. Owner and the cooks are good people. In business for 14 years. read more
Met a friend late morning for breakfast/lunch; we met at 11:00AM. Having never eaten here previously I was surprised to see the number of patrons seated. It took me a minute to realize seating was limited to stools at the counter. We each ordered quickly. I chose the Huevos con Chorizo dish. I was surprised when the "dish" was delivered as a "platter" The servings are large, the Chorizo is very high quality and accompanied by rice and refried beans. If you are looking for an informal quick wholesome and high value meal, you will not be disappointed here. read more
3 months ago
6 months ago
This place is amazing. Best chilaquiles and breakfast burrito I've had, ( and I've tried hundreds) This Resturant is a must have Great service read more
1 month ago
9 months ago
This Place Is A Hidden GEM . The Food is AMAZING, Service is GREAT! It's Small But Worth the Wait . read more
3 months ago
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More info about Carlillos Cocina
415 S Rock Blvd
Sparks, NV 89431
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(775) 351-1274
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Ask the Community - Carlillos Cocina
Is this place currently open, have called no one answersed?
Yes, they are open for take out and have very limited space for dine in with social distancing.
Are there vegan friendly options?
They have wonderful chile rellenos! That's what I had along with rice, beans, and a salad. This place will accommodate anything you wish them to make. We were told, you think it up, we'll make it for you. Awesome!
Is there a corkage fee if you BYO Fritos Scoops?
Pretty sure there is not one, though you might be forced to share the Frito scoops with the surrounding patrons :)
Do they serve real breakfast, all reviews refer to brunch dishes?
They specialize in Mexican style breakfast, but I am sure they would be more than happy to serve up just some simple eggs and bacon if that's what you prefer!
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Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
65 reviews that are not currently recommended
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