For all the negativity that was talked about causing the market really doesn't matter because we appreciate Carlton market no matter how much negativity the store gets it still helps the community by letting us have a car wash for Angel Gutierrez who died of cancer and we appreciate him for letting us do the car wash thank you George read more

Know ownership well and treat community GREAT! Have been open for quite a while . Would recommend anytime of the week....PERIOD.

MUST TRY! Every item ordered was so flavor & fresh! Super fast service! The chef was incredibly kind and sweet! Will be a repeat customer! read more

See all

This review is for the new food spot they opened inside. The menu is pretty diverse and so far everything we tried has been surprisingly good. Charlene, the chef, is able to customize your orders and service is fast! read more

Carlton's Market - the inside of a restaurant - Grocery Near Me - El Monte, California

Nacho Cheese Carne Asada Tacos!!! Omg I'm sorry for pronouncing the name wrong. I said it like goo-ey but I was corrected by the kids to say whey. Decided to try this place out after seeing it on ig. They are located inside Carlton's Market in El Monte. I was so lucky to come today because I was informed by Sabrina(the girl who worked there) that there was a special on the tacos and they were only a dollar. I decided I wanted to get a side of nacho cheese to add to it. I also got hot cheetos esquite and mango agua fresca. All in all it was a great deal of a meal. read more

See all

I went with a group to eat there, and we were not disappointed. I ordered chicken kabobs that did not disappoint and we also got spring rolls that were amazing! Everyone ordered different items and they were all pleased. When other patrons heard we were new, they let us know ALL items on the menu are delicious, it's been recently revamped! The market has a great variety of Mexican products that I'm always on the lookout for; soap, food, etc. and the alcohol selection is pretty wide. Will take the trek again! read more

Carlton Market food here is so great. I got the Famous BBQ burger with fries. And mark my words this is the greatest hamburger that I ever taste. And it was so good it reminded me of the movie "Friday" when they said "Taste so good wanna smack your mama". And they make their food so fast that you be there for 5 minutes and then you're food is ready. I recommend eating here for something fast and quick. read more

Carlton's Market - Work Burger with BBQ sauce - Grocery Near Me - El Monte, California

See all

I thought I'd give they place a chance based on there menu and pictures I seen here. But honestly big mistake, I showed up and its located inside a market, literally. It was deserted, I was asked if I wanted a table and at first I said yes, they walked me to there restaurant area that was blocked by carts and other items from the store on the walkway there. I finally sat and was given a menu, but every table looked dirty. I choose the cleanest looking one and then got a napkin to wipe down and it was so full of dust. I just couldn't go on to stay and try food, had to leave. I honestly wish they were more organized and clean and more private. Maybe one day I'll be back if I see any improvement. read more

I saw a review of food they prepare & drove all the way there to try it. Totally disappointed as they didn't have any & it looked rather run down. read more

Food is good the burger is gourmet fries are bomb the burrito is more americanized though comes with bell peppers not for me but maybe for others have been having lunch here a handful of times and never disappointed read more

Always the go too spot they got everything you need if not give them a heads up and you'll see it the next day would recommend for your local necessities read more

@ great place to eat. Or dine in fast friendly peeps cheese burger with fries every thing fresh recommend this place

Their burgers are soo good it's a must try Also the egg rolls !! She really nice her food speak quality read more

I love their new restaurant! The cook Shirley is the best and she cooks with lots of love! Definitely a must try, it's also a liquor store so it's great for all your needs ;) read more

Charline made me the BEST burger I have ever tasted, definitely giving In n Out a run for its money. She was so sweet and made our dining experience fun (even sat with us and told stories!) Overall really smug place located inside a store, so any drink you want! Definitely go to spot when I'm in El Monte area. read more

Elgueys-BBQ is awesome!!! We get the 3 meat combo. Brisket,brisket and turkey always tender and juicy. Cream corn and mashed potatoes are delicious. Legitimate BBQ in El Monte. read more

George runs a great local market where I can pick up eggs, milk, bread, liquor, and much more for far less then I would pay at a large grocery store. He also carries all kinds of gift items, T-shirts, belts, and household items at dollar store prices. I try to shop here now that the other store charge way more. Carlton's Market has good service, and saves me money read more

You might have overlooked this place with that usual nasty meat smell in the ghetto with helicopters above your head at night... They have gotten the most amazing Mexican take-out...! That's right, walk to the meat counter on your left, go all the way and the ready-to-eat is right there...! Tamale, enchilada, taco, burrito, beef / pork in red sauce, fried chicken... everything in good portion for maybe $6.50...! Basically it's like a take-out stand attached to the supermarket... No one knows about it unless you do your grocery there... It's such a hidden gem... Their pork in red sauce... is one of the most unforgettable Mexican I've ever eaten in my whole life... It's spicy, fat and tasty... Woo... Even though I moved away from the "far east" ("eastside" now means Silverlake, Los Felix, downtown by most L.A. people so El Monte is really nowhere even close), once in a blue moon, I still drive longer than half an hour just for it... A take out from the Mexican supermarket... so you can have an idea how attached one can get to it... I feel like a very happy loner... Except the take-out, there's nothing to be said about the supermarket. It's just another Mexican supermarket. The cashiers don't speak that much English either. So again, your index finger. read more

Looks may be deceiving ....I absolutely love the authentic Mexican restaurant inside . Very nice family with some amazing food . read more

Carlton's Market - POZOLE y Menudo - Grocery Near Me - El Monte, California

yes it smells yes it feels grimy yes it looks dirty it assaults 3/5 of your senses... but you know what? its a simple and cheap market to get booze. they have a decent selection of beer and liquor and i was attending a party across the street and needed to get some alcohol to keep the party going. the parking lot is also in shams... so watch out for pot holes and random debris. read more

Ok, I will admit it.. I "shop" here when I am desperate and need one item quickly to hold me over until I can get to a real store the next day. Example.. it's late, cat's hungry and ran out of cat food cans.. run to Carlton's and get one. There are no lines and you are out of there quicker than lightning. I don't see anyone doing real grocery shopping there.. just one-item-and-get-the-hell-out folks like me. There is no way I would buy stuff like produce or anything in the meat department case here. It's just an ugly place.. rather dirty and run-down. read more

Market is big wth a plenty of parking spaces, but doesn't carry too much items in here. Or is it just me because you only see a few people in here doing a quick in and out... That means the line moves really quick like a gas stop with one cashier (actually not really a line, since I never really have to wait and will be help immediately once I reach back to the front). Seems like people come in for a few items, mainly junk food, liquor or tickets. I usually stop by during the night time (since the store is at be corner) when I am desperately need junk food (such as a bag of chips or ice cream). Doesn't seem like anyone do some real grocery shopping here. Price isn't cheap and produce food doesn't look bright, for I see flies flying around it. I can see this place raises their sales if they put more effort into their market with their big spaces. As of now, just a quick in and out junk food market for me. read more

Like Carmen posted, go somewhere else! Ever since new owners took over and named it "Carlton's Apple Market" it was the beginning of the end..... I believe this place has been here since 1939 or so.... At least that's what I remember their sign saying when I was a kid. They used to sell hot dogs from something sort of a kiosk back in the day. That's where we would do our weekly grocery shopping. But then things changed. True, I've heard the Mexican food you can get from the "tiny" window outside is good. (so they say) Now it's just a dump! Empty aisles, the meat dept. looks like a tornado swept through town and opened coffins at the cemetery! Products are all from China or Japan or from some other Oriental places... Northgate down the street is better. If you can find parking. Just go East on Ramona and go to 7-11.... I'm really surprised that Carlton's is still in business... read more

Been coming to this place for years, and it's hands down one of the friendliest markets in the city. Whether you're looking for a spirit or looking for a bite to eat. Cartons market is the spot. read more

This place is disgusting. The new owners are pervs. They always make me feel uncomfortable.

This used to have a pretty funky smell that kept me from actually buying anything that wasn't canned first, but someone else bought the place recently, Jan '12. I am really surprised at the clean up on this place. It looks better (and smells better) inside and out. There isn't the widest of selections, but for a corner market it is pretty good. read more

Very convenient and fast place to pickup my beer and some snacks. Good selection of american and mexican junk food. The marinated meat makes for some excellent bbq. read more

Over priced and no fresh food. The original Carltons was a great small neighborhood market. They need to change the name as not to sully my childhood memories of a good market. I also noticed that they vastly expanded the amount of alcohol. As if El Monte needs more alcohol. read more

They don't carry a variety of baby formula..

i give this disgusting, dirty, filthy place a ZERO. I gave it a 1 star because i have to rate it....it is so disgusting. As soon as u open the door it reeks. Don't bother. If your out of something and need to go to the market, just drive a block down and go to Northgate and get what you need. Trust me read more

long time ago it was like a mini swat meet inside but all changed now new owners there from mid east somewheres but they know how to take care of there customers if u need a certain drink soda they will get it for u and no longer smells as bad as it used 2 WOW when the other owners had it it was a dump, new lights and fridges and the meat looks good not like it used 2 ..... any how i'ma go try there tacos today they got 2 for a $1 today so ill let u know how it turns out. read more