Cinco de Mayo day and it falls on a Taco Tuesday as well.. it's a Carlitos Diner for the three of us. Grand daughter and the lovely missus are inside already and getting menus and a booth. The young server was very nice and the lady manager made sure our feast would be a super experience. Did I say feast...yes! For the grand daughter it is #8 which looks like taquitos with rice and beans, but she is also fond of a crunchy potato taco and hortacha drink.. the lovely missus loves chili Relleno with rice and beans and gets a crunchy beef taco as well. She opted for lemonade. My eyes are on the tacos for this special day and I get 2 beef crunchy tacos and ofcourse I opt for the pozole with hominy and lots of chunky morsels of protein....sprinkle the cabbage, onions and cilantro and seasonings with 4 hot corn tortillas and I have my feast.... Horchata is my drink of choice and Carlitos Diner has a good tasting one. We also ordered a breakfast burrito and a bean and cheese burrito which will prolong our feast at home. We loved the paintings of Mexican food fare by OVHS art students. The paintings line the wall in a decorative fashion making for a bright and comfortable dining room. This Carlitos Diner was on the winning side of the battle. read more

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Probably one of the worst breakfast burritos I ever had, walked in, cashier was nice, i ordered a bacon and sausage burrito (paid extra for sausage) the burrito was just egg and hash browns, probably not even one single strip of bacon and almost no sasage I was very disappointed but it is what it its. read more

Taco Tuesdays are truly Taco Tuesdays here! I came for Taco Tuesday and their Junior Crispy Tacos are only $1.49 each. The taco shells are fresh fried and packed with meat, lettuce and cheese. So good and such a great deal! My order came with complimentary chips and salsa and the food arrived at my table within a few minutes. I will need to come back and try some of the other stuff, but I really love the tacos! read more

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The burritos are really good. My favorite go to is the fried fish. The people who work here are really nice and it seems like it's a family business. You can't go wrong with the breakfast burritos here. Happy Yelping! read more

Food was good, service was great I went for a quick bite ~ great crunchy taco. Service was wick, food tasty! read more

Carlitos Diner - Crunchy taco - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

Always great affordable meals. Good quality generous portions and wonderful service. Our go to for lunch hands down!

Love the food here and if you pass by, turn around and go back! Three meals a day, so there is no excuse!

Great place!!!! My first time coming here and the service is 10/10 every one is so nice and the food is really good. Will definitely come back to this place. My husband got the sopes with asada and I got asada fries. read more

I walked in without being acknowledged. No greeting or anything. I sit down, not knowing if a server takes my order or not. The first 2 visits, the owner's daughter took my order at the table and was friendly. The green haired cashier, clearly didn't want to be bothered. I walked to the register and asked if I only order at the register, then she grabbed her pad and pen/pencil and walked around the counter and took my order. The chorizo burrito had no flavor. The potatoes seemed frozen packaged, then heated up. I read on Facebook that they are having financial concerns. I think the cashier and the chorizo burrito are a good percentage of the reason. read more

I've been coming here regularly for a few months ever since I heard this place was struggling possibly due to an illness in the family. Not sure how true that story is, but my point here is... the lady at the counter is not as "friendly" as one would expect, especially if they are trying to keep their business alive. I thought she might be having a bad day, so I just wrote it off, but now that I've been here numerous times, I guess that's just how she is. Not a customer oriented friendly "front office" type. I referred this place to a friend who has also been a regular customer recently but, today, coincidentally, he mentioned he had a bad experience with the younger cashier. The food here is good and I don't mind continuing to support them, especially because it's convenient for me, but ... there are plenty of other small businesses to support, if I don't feel appreciated... After reading a few other reviews... it seems we're not the only ones who've noticed this "not exceptionally friendly" service... SMH read more

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Cute, mom-and-pop spot that instantly feels welcoming. The bright yellow walls give the place a cheerful vibe, making it a fun stop for a casual lunch. My husband and I are big fans of hardshell tacos, so naturally, we had to give theirs a try. Both the chicken and beef were very good. The chips and salsa they brought out were also solid, with just the right amount of kick. This place is perfect for a spur-of-the-moment lunch. The menu has plenty of options, but honestly, I think I'll definitely come back for the tacos. read more

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Really felt like we were interrupting the cashier from more important tasks and the food was only fair. Will not be back.

This restaurant has good food but they need to be more transparent with their customers. We've had two subpar experiences back to back. We went a few weeks back on May 29th because they put out a flyer saying that the FV location was going to have a buffet but the HB location would have their taco Tuesday specials all day. We went and tried getting the Taco Tuesday special and the lady who took our order said they weren't doing that. I was a bit surprised since the flyer stated they did and the last time they had the buffet at the other location, we had no issue ordering the special. If they didn't want to honor their special, it should not have been included on the flyer. The second time was tonight. We went in for a smash burger and made it a combo. Usually when you order a combo, it comes with fries and a drink. We were surprised when we saw the price and when we questioned why we were charged an additional $3.50 each, they said it was for the sodas. If the sodas are not included in the combo, this should be relayed to the customer so they aren't surprised when they pay. We like coming here for food but I unfortunately don't see us coming back here for all the surprise charges on the food. read more

Carlitos Diner - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

I came here yesterday to have lunch with my husband and first they greeted and we sat down. I ordered a sandwich with side of fruit and my husband a plate of chile verde plate. I clearly told the waitress with the blonde hair that I don't want cheese and mayonnaise on my sandwich. I don't know if it was her or the cooker that didn't took my order seriously, but when i bite my sandwich i felt something wasn't right, It was there the mayonnaise! I clearly said no mayonnaise it didn't had cheese but i feel they don't care. It wasn't busy, there were only one customer finishing eating. They need to train their cooker to pay attention at the orders. Not everyone can eat certain things or sauces. Have some respect when customers ask for modifications! I well never come back. back then was better. I do not recommend this place. read more

This was some of the best Mexican food I have had in Orange County. I haven't found anything that reminds me of home in a hot minute. The staff were kind and it was cute to eat there. Their weekly deals are incredible. You will see me there every taco Tuesday read more

Carlitos Diner - Taco Tuesday combo plate and two street tacos all for $11 - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

Wifey and I ordered desserts next door and went to one of our favorite places to eat for a light snack but was greeted by a scowling, indifferent and attitude-filled server. We asked for specific menu items and were answered with an eye roll! So, we just ordered and left... I guess you should only come in for breakfast and lunch because the service goes out the window when the closing shift shows up. read more

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Who would have thought a small, rinky, hole in the wall Mexican diner would offer one of the best chicken fried steaks!! Being from the south, I grew up on hearty breakfasts. Everything loaded with gravy. Carlito's CFS did not disappoint!! Crispy chicken steak smothered, no, drowning in sausage gravy! For the price you really get a large portion too. It included 3 eggs made your way, I opted for hashbrowns and a side of toast. The diner itself is very tidy and clean. Excellent customer service. Upon entry, go to the counter to place your order then they will bring your food out. read more

Carlitos Diner - Chicken Fried Steak - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

Carlitos is my go to place for hard shell tacos. Great taco Tuesday deal!!! The pork chop plate was really good with the grilled peppers. The person at the from is so nice! read more

We always go there on Taco Tuesday. So my review is based only on tacos, salsa, chips, beer and attentive service. The tacos are perfect size and taste great, especially when you consider less than $1:50 each. Bottomless salsa and chips are perfect. If you like hot add the habanero sauce to the salsa and tacos. Expect service with a smile! read more

Came across this taco place through research on Yelp. I ordered a crunchy taco plate with rice and beans and I enjoyed my dish. The salsa was also very delicious and I was given extra salsa when requested. So service here from placing the order to getting my order to leaving the restaurant was very good. Inside is very homey / mom - n - pop style vibes. It's comfortable and I can understand why they were busy inside at the time of visit. My mom order a shrimp dish with rice and she didn't like it because she said the shrimp wasn't cooked enough. I will definitely be back to get more crunchy tacos in the future. read more

Carlitos Diner - Inside + specials - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

What a great little gem of a place. Salsa chips and avocado sauce! Delicious...amazing service and food is authentic and yummy. Would highly recommend. Big menu too...so something for everyone. read more

Service is great.food is awesome.Taco Tuesday is a great value.Ive been coming since opening day! Love the vibe.Ambiance on point! Great family too read more

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My 3rd time being here. MENUDO I asked if meat (tribe) was cut small the girl said yes. doesn't come close to pic. Meat was big to hard for my mom to eat. Not enough meat & Corn. I also got chip salsa again still good. still going to go back to try their crispy tacos. read more

Carlitos Diner - Menudo - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

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This review is just for their menudo. They stopped putting homeny in it but still advertise that it comes with homeny. Super disappointing when you're looking forward to it. read more

Walked here from across the street, Discount Tires, while waiting for new tires. First impression was good. A friendly greeting, very neat and clean, music playing at the right volume, and booth seats that were comfortable and the right height for eating at. We both ordered coffees that and they had great flavor and were piping hot. We were asked several times if we needed more, which is always appreciated! I had a cheese and vegetable omelet with hashbrown potatoes. The omelette was full of vegetables and cooked to just the right consistency. It was fluffy and tasted perfect! My spouse had a wet chicken burrito which was filled with chicken, beans and rice. The burrito was gigantic and was definitely a full meal! I wish this restaurant was closer to our place in Costa Mesa, because it would happily be our weekly breakfast spot! read more

Carlitos Diner - Inside restaurant. Very comfortable place! - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

WOW! If you haven't tried Carlitos Diner for Taco Tuesday ($7.99 for 3 Tacos w/ Beans & Rice), you are missing out! I can't wait to try other dishes here because it is so close to my house and a family owned business! I had both Shredded Beef and Chicken. I can't pick a favorite, they were both so good! The shell was light and crispy and the Salsas and Habenero Sauce were perfect compliments! Rice and Beans were delish also. Friendly and clean! And we were served very quickly for lunch read more

Carlitos Diner - 3 Tacos Beans and Rice - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

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Ordered a bacon breakfast burrito this morning, all I got was egg & cheese in a tortilla. I thought maybe the farther down the burrito there would actually be bacon except for the 1 tiny piece I got in the beginning. I was wrong. If I wanted egg & cheese in a tortilla I could've ate at home. read more

Carlitos Diner - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

I've been meaning to try Carlitos forever because I always hear about the great taco Tuesday deal. I finally made it there today! $1.49 each or a 3 taco combo with rice and beans for $7.99! What a deal! They have crispy shredded beef or chicken and then soft carnitas, pastor or beef. Of course I went with the crispy shredded beef taco combo. They are made with freshly shredded cheese, which is always how I judge my shredded beef tacos! The house salsa and habanero salsa are both good. I mixed them both in fact and that was a good combo! I will definitely be coming back to try some other items off the menu :) read more

Carlitos Diner - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

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I love this place the food is always very good, well priced, and servicee moves quickly. The mom is my favorite !

This place is great with great service. I had the Carnitas helping was good and they were browned perfectly. Salsa taste great too.

Carlito's is the real deal. First time I visited here it happened to be Torta special night. I did not have my phone on me so didn't take a picture but their Torta are amazing. read more

Carlitos Diner - Awesome Verde burrito, so good and hard shell tacos like my wife likes them - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

Ordered through Uber Eats from Goldie's Burger and Fries. Goldie's is not on Apple Maps. They called me and said they were calling from Carlitos Diner and they only had 5 burgers (we ordered 6) and we replaced the 6th with a pastrami sandwich. When it arrived there were only four burgers with no toppings and the fries are not seasoned per the special order options. The pastrami sandwich has American cheese and is not good quality. Burgers had a fishy taste. Believe they are operating a ghost kitchen out of the restaurant. read more

Carlitos Diner - This is what the burgers and fries look like on Uber Eats. - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

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I've driven by this place for years too and from work. I assumed (like others) that, being in a strip mall that it was just a taco place. Saw it on Door Dash today and cannot believe their menu! Holy cow! Got a chicken taco and cheesecake (delicious!). Looking forward to trying more items! read more

This was friends recommendation. Although it's a diner, it has Monday to Thursday specials that comes with a small drink Monday - quesadillas Wednesday - torta Thursday - wet burrito That's what it's mainly for. I try the wet burrito special and it gave a good amount of portions. Sodas are fountain but it's weird: $1.00 refill. Not worth it. The only ones that's free is if you buy the regular price of $3 but it's only free for up to 3 times then after that...it's charge. What is the point of that? Also the workers does give an attitude if you come here only for specials and asking for the habanero salsa every time and no tipping. Seriously? Because of that, it's a mix opinion to whether that is true or not. Overall it is good but because of the refill tule and that attitude myth...not with it. read more

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I went back and was happy with food but yelp would not let me take down negative review

GREEEAAATTT!!! Great food, great service...a must try. We had the potato taco, shredded beef taco and half red/half green chicken burrito with guac and sour cream added no rice. It was so good. read more

Came here for the taco Tuesday special. We ordered 3 shredded beef and 3 shredded chicken jr tacos since they were under $2 each. Decent size for a jr, loaded with lettuce and cheese. Meat was tasty, salsa was good. We preferred the chicken over the beef. Lots of choices of other items including sandwiches, smash burgers and more Mexican food. Close to work so this was easy! read more

Carlitos Diner - Junior tacos - Taco Tuesday special! - Diners Near Me - Huntington Beach, California

Saw Carlitos Diner on Instagram and we had to check it out.. We ordered tacos ala cart and they were nice and crispy the way we like and very tasty!! Be going back soon to try and burrito!! Very friendly staff too read more

HECHO CON AMOR!! The pozole here warms the soul as much as the friendly employees. My husband and I adore the sopes and crispy tacos which are a steal on Taco Tuesdays. These are the best and only crispy tacos I will eat in HB. They also serve really great Mexican breakfast dishes and affordable prices. Stop by now because pozole is served EVERYDAY! read more

Not your typical diner. There's no waitresses. I had to order at the counter and find my own table. I ordered the Machaca with scrambled eggs with beans and rice with a cup of coffee. The coffee was cold. The Machaca and eggs were dry with no flavor whatsoever. Thank God, the beans were creamy to make it more palatable. at least the restaurant was clean. I don't think they should be calling themselves a diner if there's no waitress to refill your coffee or ask if you want anything more or ask how everything was. overall it was a very sad experience. Unfortunately, I will not be returning and if anyone asks, I will detour them to other establishments. read more