Absolute gem of a quick service taco restaurant. My partner and I visited after many many times of passing by and going "we should eat there!!" Our food was prepared fresh to order and was sooooo good. The flavor in the Al pastor is unmatched. We added avocado and the creamy contrast was delightful. $23 for 2 (very filling) burritos with premium meat + a glass coke. Incredible value and the quality is top tier. Dining area is limited but a compact menu means folks are in and out pretty quickly, so stick around for a table. You don't want to miss this place. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Steak Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Carmela's Taqueria has flavorful Mexican food at an affordable price. The restaurant is pretty small with only a few tables and a counter to sit, but the food comes quickly and the staff is polite. I ordered the Al Pastor Burrito and an Horchata. The pork was very flavorful and goes well with the green salsa, but the burrito is on the smaller side. The lettuce and tomatoes within tasted very fresh. The red salsa wasn't bad either, a little spicier than the green. I definitely recommend this place if you like Mexican food. Although do note that they charge a credit card fee at 3.5%, which is a bit much. read more

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Great Al pastor tacos. No frills but great food, decent prices and great service. Small but decent place and a go to for great tacos.

No frills and quick service, but the beans in our burritos were unbelievably bland which was a complete letdown because the meats were so rich and tender. I appreciated the salsas provided with our food and the taco was decent as well. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

really love this spot these guys do such a great job for excellent Mexican food. Can't go wrong with fish tacos, and Horchata and also the steak burrito is a mega read more

Best burrito I've ever had. Got the Al pastor with everything on it and it was incredible. Their guac is phenomenal as well.

We came here for a bite before heading to a music venue nearby and we were very pleasantly surprised! The place is tiny, and was completely full, but several people were waiting for to go orders so we actually got a seat right as we ordered. The kitchen is right in front of you, and as a microbiologist, I love that. And the big rotating al pastor is awesome. The service was excellent. With only two people working they had orders out in less than 5 minutes. Impressive. And super nice! Prices are similarly good. I had three tacos - Al pastor (it looked too good to pass up), pollo and carne molinado. All excellent, but the al pastor was the best. They needed a little more punch of flavor without adding hot sauce. But the tacos were good, fresh and generously filled. We also had the carne asada burrito and that was excellent. I love their chips too (no queso). If you're in the mood for a quick, cheap and tasty bite, this is the best place around! read more

I'm not sure if people just have low standards for burritos or what, but I decided to finally try this place out given that it's one of the closest restaurants to where I live and kind of regret it. I know I've been wanting to try it out since moving here a while back so I'm glad I did try it finally, but my al pastor burrito really fell short. I was surprised to find sour cream and a wet lettuce inside. The consistency was like a slimy Al pastor burrito all around and it just didn't taste at all what I was hoping for. As an LA transplant, I know this would have lower reviews if this place was in LA, but I still know there are better options in Chicago. I'll have to try Primo Chukis down the street next time. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - a view of the kitchen - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

My friend and I were going to go the Birria spot next door because we heard good things, but they were closed so we went to Carmela's instead. I really like this taco spot that is super casual and a little bit tucked away! I got 2 Al Pastors and 1 Lengua Taco as well as a Diet Coke for under $15. The tacos were filled to the brim and both the pastor and the lengua were so good. I will definitely stop by again! read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Al Pastor Taco, Lengua Taco - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Best tacos!! We were walking by and saw this hole in the wall spot... best tacos and super friendly staff. The Gauc was so dang fresh and flavorful. We got extra tacos to go to have for lunch the next day. If you want an authentic taco, this is the spot! read more

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This place was a great spot for a quick dinner before a show at the Riviera. The guys were quick, the place was clean and the carne asada torta was delicious. Hard to ask for much more. A little hidden on Lawrence but definitely worth a stop in! read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Carne Asada Torta - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Very expensive. 6 tacos for $30. No sides. No limes. One green salsa for the 6 tacos for $30. 3 asada. 3 pastor.

Love this place! The food delicious, kind of just wish their Al pastor had pineapples in it ! The sauces the red and green salsa very delicious not too salty ! Just right read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Wanted to find a new spot away from my house with good reviews and this place did not disappoint! The staff was great and the food was even better. I can't wait to come back. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - two tacos on a yellow plate - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Went to Carmela's Taqueria with a relative who swore up and down that many years ago when they lived in the neighborhood, Carmel as had the best al pastor tacos ever. I had high expectations, but, the tacos did not live up to them. The tacos were good, but nothing spectacular. Even my relative who used to go here, was disappointed. The restaurant is very small with only three tables and limited seating at the counter. With close proximity to the Aragon theater, I am told that after concerts, the line for food can stretch all the way around the block. read more

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I'm an immigrant. But how the hell can you get mad at a customer for not understanding a foreign language and you can't speak English? This asshole got so mad at me for not being fluent in his language, I thought he was going to attack me. He was so pissed off that I couldn't understand him. F.... this place! read more

The tortas are amazing. The service is amazing as well and the atmosphere is great even though is small space. The food is great quality meat. read more

Carmela's is your classic hole-in-the-wall kind of taqueria. Built into the south side of the old Uptown theater complex, it literally looks like someone carved a box out of the monolithic stone wall and shoved a restaurant inside. These are easily some of the best tacos in the area, rivaled only by primo chukis a few blocks down the street. Carmela's doesn't serve tripas, which is genuinely a bummer, but their al pastor and carne asada are wildly good. I also can't imagine a better location, as they are right around the corner from the Aragon Ballroom, the Riviera, the Green Mill (you need to check these places out if you're in the area) and First Ascent. So whether you are climbing, enjoying a cocktail and some jazz, or rocking out to your favorite indie band, you can easily stop in here for a quick bite to eat. The servers are always fast and friendly, the space is clean, and even though it's small, it does have a public restroom. It also has massive windows so you can people-watch whatever sort of unique individuals are waiting in line to get into the Riviera concert that night read more

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This is a hole in the wall gem! The place is compact but tables turn over quickly. I love that it's a simple menu because you know the quality of each platter is going to great, which it didn't disappoint. The flavors were incredible and fresh! Most Mexican food bloats me after but I felt great! What a wonderful place, totally recommend! read more

I have popped into Carmela's several times for a quick taco when in the area. It's fine but I don't find it amazing. It's quick and moderately priced at about $2.50~3 per taco. Sometimes the place smells so icky I can't stand eating inside (like yesterday). They do give huge portions of meat on their tacos! Sooo much it all falls off and out of the tacos. Kind of funny but when I go in, they automatically give me lettuce & tomatoes instead of cilantro & cebolla. I'm a gringa. I get it. In a pinch when in the 'hood, Carmela's gets the job done but it's not a destination spot by any means. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Chicken - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

The reviews of this place are so all over the place! There were so many good ones that I gave it a try anyway, and 4 stars for sure. The carne asada was just okay, a little dry, but the al pastor was great. It has just the right amount of pineapple to add a little sweetness without it being super sweet. read more

This is a great local taqueria that you might be missing out on! It's a great locally owned business and their tacos are to die for. The service was great as the tacos came out quick without sacrificing their quality. Highly recommend! read more

A small place, but the tacos are amazing after a night out or a concert at the Riviera. Even though you order at the front, they still come up to your table and give you your food which was awesome. read more

I used to live off Lawrence ave and come here weekly. I always got their carne asada tacos with rice and beans. These were the best tacos I could find near and I miss them all the time now that I moved away. The staff was always good to me! Definitely a spot I try to go to when I'm visiting the north side. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

They have one of the best pastor tacos out there. Juicy, fresh, and made to order. I always come here for the pastor tacos because they have never disappointed. Everything is cooked fresh right in front of you. The place is small, but perfect for 2-3 people at a table. You must try it if you're in the area! read more

Carmela's Taqueria - El pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Inexpensive, tasty and filling! We wandered over here for a mid-afternoon fuel up before some evening shenanigans. We had walked by earlier and Yelp told me they had 4 stars. And I am always down for some tacos. It is not fancy. It is a hole in the wall. And the customer area inside is about that big. So we gladly got ours to go. The fillings were generous and I was very satisfied! read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Very small inside - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I'm working a double shift near this area. I ordered 2 steak tacos with rice & beans to go. The yelp app allows you to order beforehand which allows me to spend my 30 mins lunch not waiting on food. Nothing fancy, just good eats. Grill is close to the cashier so you can watch how the food is cooked. It defintely smells when you go inside the place, good smell for me of course! Menu is not posted up on any wall, only laminated menus. Right near the Lawrence bus stop. Forgot to take picture because i was really hungry. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - The grill is near the cashier. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This is a hole-in-a-wall gem! I love authentic (or as authentic as it can be in America) Mexican food. I've also been binge watching the Tacos series on Netflix. Anyways, it is affordable, quality, big serving taco like the way it should be. It doesn't have a the fancy other ingredients. They just have shells, meat, cilantro, and your choice of salsa. Tacos should just be simple like that. I had the lengua, al pastor, and carne asada. The meat were moist and juicy. They packed it with so much meat, three tacos was perfect serving to keep me full for lunch. The restaurant is a typical hole-in-a-wall aesthetic. I don't think you should be expecting it to be nice and fancy, as long as it is clean read more

Most average tacos I have ever had.... Don't waste your time or money. It Lacked flavor and value

Price wise and taste wise there are far greater options. Tacos were not good and had a bad taste.

I was highly disappointed with the quality of the food I received from Carmela's. My boyfriend raved about their tacos so I thought the rest of the food would be okay. But the burrito was absolutely disgusting. I'm a huge burrito lover so naturally I ordered the steak burrito because it's hard to mess that up. So... I thought. The food didn't take too long to be delivered which was a plus but that was the only thing good about the experience. I bit into the burrito and was instantly hit by a lukewarm chewy steak burrito. The meat was either undercooked or overcooked because it was ridiculously chewy and it tasted old. The burrito was also very small compared to other places that I've gone to with similar prices. read more

Ordered chicken taco dinner, half my tacos were mixed with steak. I called to resolve and it seemed like they didn't care. Never again I'd rather go to Taco Bell read more

Quite possibly your best option for a quick and delicious bite to eat before seeing a show at The Riviera. Standard taco filling options, meat cooked well with lil crispy edges, and good tortillas. Staff is fast. There is a customer restroom. What more could you want from a pre-show taqueria? Strongly considered post-show tacos second dinner, but they were closed by the time we got out. You might also get to see your headliner walk by to their tour bus! read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Meaty tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Keep driving West about half a mile until you hit Primo Chuki's. Carmela's just isn't good anymore. The steak tacos were never particularly good, but now even the highly touted al pastor is flavorless. Quality has gone downhill. Primo's is a far better option. read more

The last reviewer must be a pack-a-day smoker - you should check your tastebuds, buddy, they may be all burned up. Carmela's is hands down the best taco joint south of Devon and west of Ashland. Their al-pastor and carne asada are on pair with the best of them out there. Guacamole is always made to order. The house salsas are great. The horchata is above average. Service is fast. If you want anything fancier than that, you should go to an actual restaurant. read more

Best tacos! Great flavor and always mouth watering! Always a pleasure and go to! Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Chicken Taco Dinner!

I usually don't mind buying from this overpriced place but PLEASE pay attention when your food is being prepared! I walked in Tuesday 11/29 and ordered the 2 taco with rice dinner. The cashier rung me up and asked about my toppings. As I'm sitting there, the cook takes his BARE hands to the toppings and proceeds to place them on my tacos. I was in disbelief and asked him if he had gloves on. He uttered, "I washed my hands today." I politely asked for a manager or supervisor but got the young cashier, calmly explained that per health code that's not acceptable. He looked at the cook who told him he washed his hands. Long story short, I walked out with a refund after the two refused to prepare my food with gloves. I wish I could give NO stars. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I don't like to give a review unless it's positive, but I thought I'd put this out there so that maybe the owners of Carmela's can make some improvements. I'll be happy to modify this rating if they do, so just let me know. I ordered an al pastor burrito with a side of rice and beans, to go. Beyond the service being somewhat robotic and impersonal (i.e. nary a smile to be seen), I just can't forget how flavorless my meal was. Almost $12, too. I'd been working all day and hadn't eaten in 8 hours, so I was starved. I would've scarfed a microwaved McRib if I had to. So, I get home and the beans have absolutely no flavor. We're talking aggressively tasteless. I add some salt, but meh. The rice is only marginally better as the lime helped some. The burrito, however, was the tragedy: I dumped it after 3 or 4 bites. Just no flavor whatsoever. Nothing to scintillate the taste buds. Not even the hot sauces could rescue this poorly seasoned wreck. We're all doing the best we can in these difficult times, but given Carmela's proximity to my residence, perhaps I'm just more put off that my local spot is a disappointment. As a point of comparison, try the Bistek a la Mexican at Buena Vista in Lakeview. Every bite sings, and you often find yourself dreaming about it. Good luck to Carmela's; if I get word they've revamped their recipe, I'll give them another visit and add more stars. read more

Best tacos on the north side of Chicago hands down. I'm from little village 26st we are known for our tacos but these are really good ,steak is always marinated and cooked just right green salsa is mild with a little bit of spice and red salsa is nice and hot. 10/10 on the tacos. Restaurant is small only a few tables but staff is friendly place is clean and tacos are GREAT keep up the good work fellas. read more

Carmela's Taqueria - Steak tacos with cilantro. - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Crummy tacos and service which straddles the line between indifference and rudeness. I can't comprehend how they carry a four-star average here. When I came in, the place was empty except for two guys chatting with the two employees. One worker went behind the counter to take my order. I asked for four tacos, one each of four different meats. When I got done enumerating the four choices, the guy rolled his eyes and made a face. That really turned me off. Oh, I'm sorry to put you to so much trouble to make a few tacos, dickhead. When the food was ready, the other dude rang me up. He kept participating in the house conversation the entire time, nearly ignoring me--no greeting, no statement of the total, no "thank you." I really, really hate that. Forget about warmth, how about some basic courtesy? Just pretend that you appreciate my business? At that point, I vowed never to return, even if they had been the best tacos on earth. But they were far from it. I could only identify the pollo by process of elimination. (Next time I'll know to look for grey, rubbery bits of meatish substance, except that, of course, there won't be a next time.) The carne asada was chewy and flavorless. The chorizo was bitter rather than salty or spicy. And of course they gave me all three of those gringo style. Despite me sitting eight feet away from the prep area, they didn't ask how I wanted my tacos dressed. The al pastor came with onions and cilantro and also happened to be the only one worth eating. Way too little, too late. There are so much better options further west along the Lawrence Avenue Taco Corridor. Don't give these jerks your business. read more