Prompt service; excellent food! Among the best Mexican options in the area! We will be back and highly recommend. read more

We ordered the chili relleno stuffed with chicken and it did not disappoint. The side of rice was actually my favorite so savory and flavorful. I ordered a Paloma, which was just okay; it seems like this might be more of a frozen margarita kind of place. For dessert, we tried the special: a tres leches bread pudding with bourbon sauce. The server mentioned it's not always on the menu, but it was absolutely worth ordering. The vibe is very casual and welcoming, decorated with lots of house plants, and the Spanish music added a nice touch. Overall, a great experience with friendly service and tasty food. We'll definitely be back! read more

First time here, nice place inside. Salsa and bean dip is served with chips, for me the salsa was sweet and no heat, the bean dip lacked flavor. Requested a hotter salsa not sure what it was called but it was delicious and spicy. We ordered the corn dip and guacamole and both were good. I ordered the green chicken enchiladas they were ok, my son had a bean burrito and he said it was just ok, my dad had chicken tacos said they were just ok and my mom had the red cheese enchiladas and she said just ok. The rice was definitely different, white with cilantro and tomato's my dad really liked it, I thought it had a taste to it that was almost like a seafood taste not sure. Service was ok, all in all it was ok and pricey for what you get... I live in Tolleson area and have been all over the place for tacos and none of them cost what they charge. I guess for the area it's what you would expect to pay. I wouldn't say I wouldn't go back if I was in the area but I wouldn't go out of my way. read more

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What a hidden gem this spot is! Heard great things and had to give it a try myself... brought my friends from out of town here for dinner and we were all throughly impressed. Delicious, flavorful food and friendly staff. Will definitely be back and would love to try their happy hour menu in the future! read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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The ambiance was pleasant and the staff were polite, but the food was just okay. Some dishes felt more authentic than others, but overall it was an average dining experience. read more

A friend wanted to try a new restaurant for lunch. We live in the area of El Carbon. I had never heard of this place and I'm not a real Mexican food fan. We had lunch yesterday and I was blown away! I ordered 2 chicken Enchiladas and one cheese enchilada with a cheese sauce over the top. DELICIOUS! They also serve a delicious salsa and a bean dip with tortilla chips. Both were the best I think I have ever had. My friend is a huge Mexican food freak. He loved his burrito . It was huge and stuffed with chicken. If you are visiting the area or are a resident, you must try this place. It is small, quaint and the service is exceptional. I'm now a regular. read more

This is a cute little restaurant and the servers were super nice and friendly. The f&b was a bit of a mixed bag. The chips were really good and the salsa and bean dip were pretty good. The guacamole was really good and the skinny margarita was pretty good. The cheese crisp was so so. I had the Tampiquena. The steak was cooked well and I did like the cheese enchilada. I had the flan for desert which was pretty good. Overall the food was fine but just not amazing. And there had to be something wrong with the AC because the restaurant was uncomfortably hot (usually I'm freezing) which was not great read more

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The restaurant was very clean with giant TVs showing NCAA football on Saturday night for a sports bar type vibe. Unfortunately it was uncomfortably warm inside the restaurant. The servers were attentive and friendly. The salsa and bean dip were decent, and the Guacomole was delicious with ample lime. The Cheese Enchilada with green sauce had a slight kick. The Cheese Crisp had a weird slightly fried texture unlike most cheese crisps in Arizona. I would not order again. The Fish Tacos were ok. Portions were generous but nothing stands out here accept the Guacomole. read more

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There was only 1 server since it was slow so it took us a few minutes before someone could come talk to us and seat us. He was a great server despite it being only him bussing out dishes, taking checks and orders, and clearing tables. Space was clean and had a bar area with sports on various tvs. Food was so mediocre. I would not pay full price for the food, thank goodness we came for their lunch pricing. For some reason my sister's water tasted disgusting. I had a sip and it tasted like sewer water, the rest of our waters were fine. It's really annoying when restaurants don't have clean tap water. I got the carne asada fries and the fries look like they were fried from a frozen bag from the store. The only redeeming thing was how good the toppings were. The chicken burrito was also very okay, nothing outstanding but nothing bad. I had to give the low reviews because of the frozen fries and gross water. read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Chicken burrito - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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We brought 2 guests here and they loved it. We had salad, chicken and shrimp fajitas and guacamole/chips. Generous portions and the food was hot and delicious. Service was good, nice neighborhood atmosphere. read more

Found this while looking for a good fish taco restaurant for my mother-in-law. What an awesome find for us. She had her fish and I had a hankering for enchiladas. She loved the ahi ahi special and my chicken enchiladas were one of the best I have ever had. They allowed me to have all three sauces on the three enchiladas, which was the best tasting combo. See pic. They also sat us in a table location we wanted but it was in front of a door. They simply said no problem we will just lock this door and direct people to the front. This, among the great service is why I gave them the highest rating. read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Chicken Enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

We stopped in for lunch at El Carbone. The place was fairly empty, so we were hoping for a quick and pleasant experience. Unfortunately, the service was just okay--our server never asked if we wanted drinks and only brought water, and overall seemed a bit bothered by even simple requests. Food was a mixed bag. The cheese enchiladas were disappointing--dry and tasted like they'd been reheated rather than freshly made. On the flip side, the beans, chips, and salsa were solid, and the burrito and fajitas were both good. Tacos are street-style with small portions, but the flavor was good and the menu has a nice variety of options. Prices are fair, which helps balance things out. Overall, not a bad spot if you're nearby and want something quick, but definitely some room for improvement. read more

Tried el carbon last Friday for lunch and had a great experience! Friendly staff, beautiful restaurant and amazing food. Very nice ambience but very understated. I got the shrimp tacos, everything on the side, and skinny margs. My buddy got the enchiladas... the food here is amazing!! Highly recommend read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Shrimp tacos and enchiladas - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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This restaurant came highly recommended to us from several people that visit Scottsdale often. It was about 25 minutes away from where we were staying, but with all the recommendations, we couldn't miss it. The food was delicious and authentic! The menu is smaller than most Mexican restaurants, but I would just say the dishes arehigher in quality. I was pleasantly surprised by the crab and artichoke dip. Typically crab dip is made from fake crab, but this was authentic crab and even tasted fresh! Everybody at our table, enjoyed what we had. The only strange thing is that this large restaurant in a strip mall was significantly empty for a Friday night. While we were there from around 7 to 9 PM, of the 30+ tables there were only patrons at about five of them . Hope they do lots of business on other evenings and they continue to succeed! read more

The food was fantastic. We had shrimp tacos and fish tacos and absolutely delicious. Some of the best tacos we've had since we've been here in Arizona for the last six weeks. Service was great, but we went at a very quiet time in the early afternoon. Prices are moderate. They're not cheap and it's not super expensive but about what you would expect for being in Scottsdale. Definitely recommend this place. read more

Restaurant week, great opportunity for my friend and I to try a new place for MX food. I made Opentable Saturday 6:15 dinner reservations for 2. Upon arrival, we saw a nice patio seating area, when entering, the atmosphere was pleasant. The place was occupied with several small tables and booths. No hostess, it just starting to get busy as they were getting a party of 12 settled in which the hostess was helping. Finally we were seated. Stephanie our server introduced herself, very nice. She gave us some time to decide on our drinks. As I notice she was the only server taking orders. We got her attention as I wanted to put our order for cocktails and food in before the table of 12 did. We ordered off the "restaurant week" menu plus margaritas. We were given chips, salsa and a bean dip. The margaritas were excellent. We ordered another round, by now our guacamole appetizer came. I noticed a table of 5 came in followed by another table of 8. By this time Stephanie was all over the place. Our dishes were not being cleared by the young men working there. My friend's sides came for his fajitas, then waited for some time before his beef fajitas were delivered. In the meantime I'm putting our empty margarita glasses, guacamole bowl and extra plates on the empty table next to our because no on is clearing dishes. My friend did not want to start until my chicken fajitas came. We waited and waited and saw the table of 12 were getting food along with people getting take out. It got to the point I hailed down the hostess to please check on my chicken fajitas. Finally my sides and dish were delivered. I even notice that the table next to us with 2 women were thoroughly getting annoyed for the lack of attention. We ate and at this time, I requested boxes to take my leftovers home and that we were ready for desert. At this point Stephanie is really running around servicing the 12 and 8 table. My friend and I waited and waited literally 20 mi. until I flagged down Stephanie and told her I wanted our desserts to go and our bill. We got the bill but again had to wait and 15 minutes for the desserts. The women next to us we complaining to us about the lack of service. On the up side, the guacamole was very good, chunks of avocado and a nice touch warming up the chips. Salsa could have been spicier, and I did ask for their hottest sauce they had on the side and that was excellent. Margaritas were excellent. Both chicken and beef chicken fajitas plus all the sides were excellent. Our take home desserts were just thrown into boxes at this point, 4 churros no ice cream. The brownie in the box with a container of ice cream. Though my friend did say the brownie was really good. So what started out as a very enjoyable dinner that we were looking forward to, ended up leaving me extreme annoyed at the lack of service. I have my doubts to revisit just for that reason. Atmosphere: nice, simple, indoor and patio seating. Service: poor (lack of servers). Food: very good. read more

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Fantastic place. We are staying at a hotel next door, walking distance. I'm so glad we found this place. I'm from San Diego and have been to many Mexican restaurants. These are the flavors of food and drinks I'm craving for. The young bartender with curly hair is attentive and hospitable. They have daily special on food and drinks. My favorite is the jalapeño margarita. We came for lunch and dinner. A must try if you live in the area or are from out of town. read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Jalapeño margarita - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

We had reservations at 6 PM on a Friday and the place was already at least half full if not more by then. They do have a problem with returning phone calls or answering messages on Yelp however as they never responded to my question on Yelp or the voicemail that I left when they were closed. The service was very friendly, efficient and professional. Chips and dip were delicious with light and thin chips, a pinto bean dip and nice - not watery - tomato salsa. Even nicer they brought out more without us asking. The menu is just big enough and just small enough to include nearly everything you might want without it being a litany of every taco, burrito or quesadilla possible as you often see at Mexican restaurants. Bowls are a nice change of pace for this type of restaurant and I ordered mine with no cilantro rice to keep the carbs low. It had extra chopped iceberg lettuce instead of the rice, a small pile of lightly seasoned great northern or navy beans, a few tablespoons of cold charred corn kernels, a dollop of sour cream and then the warm cooked protein - my choice being the shrimp as it was Good Friday. There were about 8 to 10 decent size shrimp which were pan seared with a dark chile seasoning. They were only medium spicy and very tasty! The bowl would have tasted better with the cilantro rice as I tried a small amount on my better half's rice which was moist and quite flavorful - nothing like those typical dry annatto colored (and tasteless!) rices often served at many Mexican restaurants. The mocktail margarita was really missing flavor and the regular margarita was decent. They should looking into Ritual zero proof tequila alternative as it is pretty tasty and it is being used at some local restaurants such as Cafe Monarch. Ritual is pricey however the tequila in a mixed drink is a very close substitute to the real thing. The enchiladas were tasty and it was nice that one could order each of the three with a different sauce - very colorful! The chile relleno was flavorful however the yellow sauce on top looked a bit gloppy (as if thickened with corn starch) and it made for a very different overall flavor (still good) versus the more traditional light red sauce. The chili itself was not battered or fried so it was a much lighter dish than normal. We did not try dessert. The patio outside looks like a nice place to eat as it Is off the parking lot a tad more than most and because it is under cover is shaded from the sun. The bar looks like a nice place to sit as well. We look forward to returning. read more

They are super busy during the weekday dinner. Luckily there were available spots at the bar. Even though there were many customers, food came out really fast. The chip/bean/salsa is tasty. The tamplaquena is huge and the beef is perfectly cooked. The green sauce in cheese enchilada is so delicious. It is a bit spicy but so refreshing. The rice is creamy delicious and we can not stop eating it. The choco flan dessert is a big piece. It is definitely for sharing. read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Choco flan - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

So, we were looking for a good mexican restaurant in the gainey area and El Carbon opened a few months ago. We decided to try it and were pleasantly surprised! They did a really nice job inside with a nice long bar and 2 TVs. Atmosphere is casual but not fast casual- just right to come with friends or alone to grab a margarita (or 2) and some snacks at the bar. We all had great food from the guacamole, salsa, street corn, beef crispy tacos and the Quesabirria ( yum). Don't forget the churros-they were delish! I think they have to be homemade. We ate them too fast and couldn't snap a picture they were that good. Price point was super reasonable as well. Great service. Bonus: they have a frozen margarita machine - heard that was good too! My Cadillac margarita was yummy. I will be back. read more

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This place was fantastic. Quick service, nice dim lights. We had chips and guac... wanted queso too and they were able to make some! How delightful! We also got the elote which was so delicious. I got the quesabirria tacos which were out of this world. So happy I got those. My gf got the chicken burrito bowl and that's the only reason i'm taking off a star. it was really bland and lacked flavor. i'd recommend getting tacos over bowls. read more

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Our first time here last night and it was fantastic. Complimentary chips and salsa and some refried beans with cotija we loved. Ordered the guacamole. we added a little seasoning but it was fresh and tasty. We shared the carne asada tacos and cheese quesadilla. The beef was tender and well seasoned and we enjoyed both. And the margaritas -- well balanced and fresh... super tasty! We will be back! read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Spicy margarita - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

El Carbon is fantastic! The food was delicious and the drinks were even better. I highly recommend the house margarita, it's amazing. And they have great happy hour deals! The restaurant itself has a warm and welcoming vibe, and everyone there was so nice. I got the fajitas and they were to delicious. Definitely a spot I'll be coming back to! read more

El Carbón Mexican Eatery - Chicken fajitas - Mexican Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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This is a very nicely decorated restaurant with very happy and helpful staff. My husband and I visited after the lunch service and before the dinner service. This was our first visit and we were warmly welcomed. My husband had his favorite dish, the Chile Relleno. He was very happy with his choice and finished his plate. If we go somewhere and he doesn't it we won't return. I had the Chicken Fajitas. The chicken was tender, delicious, and juicy. The entire platter was well presented and was served with guacamole, crema, beans, rice and choice of corn or flour tortillas. There was no upcharge for this and I only mention it because we visited another restaurant recently and I was up charged for adding guacamole and crema. We will be back because the food was delicious and we enjoyed the ambiance and service. read more

This was a delivery so will be fair since it all had to be reheated. Corn was 10 Shrimp tacos was 10+++++ Fish tacos 9 Carne asada tacos 9 Carnita asada tacos 7 Tres Leches 10 Guacamole 10 Will definitely try in person. Best Mexican we have had since we moved here from PB. read more

Everything was great. Went on a Saturday night. Seated promptly, service was fast (almost too fast haha), food came out timely. Bean dip and salsa for table was tasty. Tacos and enchiladas were flavorful. The frozen drink machine was broken and while disappointing certainly does not take away from the food. Guacamole was excellent. Loud table next to us but they left before we were done so all good. Would definitely return. read more

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Excellent menu, reasonable prices, family friendly, and friendly staff, The essentials for success. read more

I have been on the hunt for a local Mexican restaurant and I may have found it. The spicy marg was delicious and the chips were so good, you could eat them without salsa (but why? The salsa is delicious too). They also bring a little cup of beans that were so good my husband asked for more. My final test for a good Mexican joint are the enchiladas (usually cheese). Theirs were pretty good! Sauce was a little smoky which was really good. Definitely coming in again soon to explore more of the menu. read more

We had an amazing dinner here! Everything from the chips, guacamole, margaritas and entrees were fresh and amazing! A definite repeater.

How is it truly possible for this restaurant to have so many 5 star reviews? Cleanliness great, staff great, food lame at best. Wanted to love this place because it's close bye. But the food is below standard for even a middling Mexican restaurant. No bueno read more

Have been many times since the first review and it's still solid. In fact, tried the carnita tacos today at HH...wife and I blown away by the flavor and presentation. Still highly recommended read more

Food was excellent and arrived hot and fast! Under-rated Mexican restaurant, in the Scottsdale area! Don't be dismayed that its location is in a strip-retail setting. I predict a stand alone brick/motar location is in their future if they so choose! read more

Hands down our new favorite spot for Mexican food. It's not too big and has an outdoor patio. Music set the ambiance. Server Bre was fantastic and recommended the special. The food had amazing flavors and did not disappoint. The chips and salsa were fresh, salty and just enough kick. We had tacos and a seafood enchilada that was over the top. The happy hour menu is limited but their house margaritas are very strong. I can't wait to go back! read more

Dinner out-of-town guest on a Sunday night outside at El Carbon's was perfection. Service , curt watch our waiter. Drinks were excellent & dinner delicious. read more

Nice small restaurant/ hole in the wall place. Food is delicious! I got the shrimp tacos- best shrimp I've had here in AZ! And I'm not the biggest fan of sea food. The tres leches was the cherry on top! We were shocked big it was! It was a great portion for the 4 of us! Highly recommend the tres leches as your sweet treat! Took one home too. The service was friendly as always. Recommend paying a visit here read more

Great food and service!! Nice variety on menu!! Love the drink menu!! Real Mexican, real good!!

The food was competent, but under seasoned. Presentations are very mundane. Considering it's a new upscale Mexican restaurant I didn't feel the dishes were particularly impressive. The open face/deconstructed Chile Relleno a good idea, but the execution was just OK. The shrimps ceviche was bland at best.... It needed some cilantro, garlic, and a little more. The Carnitas tacos were just meat on corn tortillas. Absolutely no sides other than the sauces or toppings. You think you'd at least get the classic cabbage/diced onion/cilantro. There is no plate garnishing on anything whatsoever. There's a ton of potential here, but they need to get somebody with some better food acumen to improve the recipes and presentations. The service was just fine, and the staff very friendly. I hope the cuisine can improve, they have a great location. read more

Next to my hair stylist and we were starving so gave it a try. Yummy!! 2 lunch specials and a beer and it was less expensive then fast food drive thru. I tried the recommended chicken enchiladas with white sauce. Delicious!!! read more

The food was very tasty and our server was awesome! Only drawback is our tacos were SMALL. Like street taco tortilla size. Feel like if that's the size you get the menu should be clear about it. The salsa and bean dip were great too! read more

Love this restaurant! The chicken mole is delicious. Bri our server was fantastic. New favorite Mexican place in Scottsdale.