tip: top your tacos with condiments and have a seat in the relatively clean outdoor seating area. This food stand is not the cheapest out there because their karamelo is $3 for a small and their hot dog is pretty much market price at $2.50. The taste is so so for the karamelo, nothing really stands out. The hot dog is not bad however. it is really up to par with el guero canelo (though i still think the best sonoran dog is from bk's). read more

*LOCAL Patron- have eaten at Karamelo King since 2005* First let me tell you that this place is amazing, food wise, The *CARNE ASADA TACOS* are King* Flour is my go to. Having eaten here for over 13 years now I've tried it all, but those tacos are to die for. This place has changed a ton since I first began going. It is a food truck, with an outdoor grill separate from the actual food "stand". It has now become an actual sit down place with a converted store front that customers can sit inside and dine at. (Used to be outdoor picnic tables only- several years ago- but not any longer- and, yes they have a restroom with running water inside). The same family has always been there and running it since I began coming here, great people, great food, but the people who dine there are of course from all walks of life. *If you go in on a hardcore night expect it to be busy, expect the salsa bar to be a bit rough, the amount of people who come and go is absurd if you're actually aware of that exact fact* so don't condemn the short handed family on days like that, be aware that so many people flood this stand it's unreasonable to think that they can always maintain it with the on hand staff, given the location and during rush hour times. PS they stay open late on the weekends and yes this is THEE spot to go if you're local af and go out for food after the Tucson nightlife scene. The pico is ridiculously good, hope you like spicy, if you're boring though, the meat is bomb enough, guaranteed. Tons of pickled onions, carrots, peppers etc- and of course salsas. *parking can be a pain, again this is usually from people who don't know what's going on, because if you frequent this place, it's obvious how *not to park in this one driveway in & out lot, so be advised* *the family takes holidays off so don't go when there's a legit holiday aka Easter, Christmas, thanksgiving etc. sometimes in the summer I've seen them take vacay but it's rare* *clean up after yourself*, there are recycle racks for glass bottles, trash cans, and napkins, everyone eats at the same tables inside and the employees like I said can't maintain a rush of 50plus people in this small area, and it's more common then you might think, but if you go on a docile night, expect to get your food lightening fast. Don't get bent out of shape and be considerate, not a slob...families, young, old, students etc all eat here. This is real Tucson, the food the location, and the people who go, most definitely authentic. The pics I attached are from my latest visit. Not really sure what the prices are ($2.50ish per tacos) but I have a menu pic in my phone from awhile back I may upload later. 5 carne tacos and 2 drinks came right up to 15$ and I factually know that can't be beat in Tucson especially on taste. Xo, I love Karamelo King read more

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Great seasoning, fair price, consistent quality. I wish I can have it everyday. Carbon grilled favor always better than Gas grilled or pan fried. Really nice Mexican people. Reason why not five stars, the foam plastic plates they using, would melted by the very hot food. It's not really healthy. read more

well this will be the shortest review of a place that I have ever done. Stopped by here for the girl to get a burrito and it was a disaster. I asked for a beef bean and cheese burrito and I was told that they were out of beans and cheese. Then the menu said they had cabeza, so I tried to order that and was told they no longer have that either. So all in all this is the first food truck that I have ever just walked away from. Good job Karamelo king!!!! read more

Tacos were not that good. The Carne Asada needed some seasoning. I saw it had high ratings, but I was a bit disappointed when I tasted the food. They did have good salsa though. read more

This is my go-to place when i need some delicious late dinner, no expensive at all, cash only, salsa/veggies bar.

Truly, a hidden gem. It isn't often that you stumble upon an establishment with grilled meats so delicious, sonoran dogs so flavorful, or salsas so rich-- and to find them all in one place is a phenomenon. This isn't as much a food truck as it is a restaurant with an outdoor kitchen and open charcoal grill-- the hot smoke spilling over the top of the steel grill and into the streets of Tucson beckoning all to come partake. It is cash only but well worth the 5 minute stop for cash back. The ambience transports you across the border to a simpler place where friends and family enjoy an evening full of tacos, quesadillas, sonoran dogs, laughter and love without a care in the world. All things considered, this is an amazing restaurant that you must try-- you won't regret it. My favorites: sonoran dog, Hass steak taco, the entire salsa bar read more

Holy Karamelo, this storied truck/tent/taco stand is the best Tucson taco experience north of 22nd Street, and that's a weighty recommendation. The condiment cart is well-stocked with the Mexican staples, and the thick cuke slices are snapping fresh with rock salt on the side. The Dorado ($1.85) is a mini tostada piled with succulent carne asada chunks and white cheese, straight off the grill. The taco plates are plentiful, roasted onions are always available, and the smoky mesquite grill wafts mouth-watering redolence far and wide. Why the King wasn't approved for a restaurant site is confounding (he lacked a loading bay. WTH??) and is a testament to Tucson's lousy city business practices. Karamelo prevailed, as all top Mexican eateries will in this town, but I would love to see them with a brick and mortar space and a liquor license. Dios mio, you can't beat the King. read more

Karmello Kings is Hands down the BEST Taco Stand in all of Tucson, and Arizona!!! Tucson's Best kept secret. The food is always fresh and they cook to order. Prices are very reasonable, and they have a salsa bar with fresh veggies to snack on while you wait with tables and chairs for your comfort. The food is always consistent, simple, and great tasting. My boyfriend and I have both been going there for over ten years!! read more

Just moved to Tucson? Want authentic no watered down Mexican Sonoran food? You've found it! This place is what you've been searching for. It's not your average Los Betos or Nicos commercialized Mexican food but the real deal. Want some, 'que me lleve la verga!' Feeling? Just go on down and try it, you won't be disappointed. 10 out of five stars! And they are open til 3 am! read more

Not your typical "roach coach"...I've eaten here SEVERAL times and although I now have the booty to show it, I keep coming back for more! Everything about Karamelo King screams, local, authentic, and delicious! From the homemade salsa cart right down to their signature item "the karamelo's"-duh! They even have bottled coca-cola in the glass bottle! It doesn't get any better... read more

The quality of the prepared food was good. The Sonora Dog is one of the better I have had because they at least manage to serve theirs warm. The condiment bar is just disgusting and unsanitary. Especially the way the plastic ware is handled and the serving implements. Virtually everything was also empty/just bottom scraping. If it were clean and sanitary and the condiments were handled properly and kept clean from icky customers licking their hands and fingers and then hitting the condiment bar and silverware buckets... it could be 4.5 to 5 stars. read more

Ive traveled the world, these are the best carne asda tacos.... on earth. Ive been coming here for a decade and more than one location, and I will never stop while they are still servring read more

Karamelo king never disappoints! When the karamelo, hot-dog, and taco dorado cravings come late at night, this is the place I go to. And yes I order all three of those items!! Everything is so fresh and delicious. The meat is the best, it always has flavor and is freshly grilled next to some green onions! Yummy!! The tacos dorados are so good, I'm in love with them! It's not your typical folded in half taco dorado that you know, this is a corn tortillas that has been grilled until it turns into a tostada then topped with their juicy meat, some cabbage, and a mild tomato salsa! Mmm...(mouth is watering from writing this review!) Then you can top it off with anything you want from the salsa bar, which is always well stocked. Don't forget to wash down all the delicious food with a glass bottle soda from Mexico. It taste so much better from a glass bottle, trust me! If you haven't already, go give them a try. You won't regret it! Karamelo king has won my heart(and stomach), and I will be coming back for more!! read more

Many of my friends recommend me this place so I gave it a try yesterday, and I love their food! Ordered a small burro and sonoran dog for only 7.75 and you will be easily filled up. The small burro actually is not that small, I guess it is only 2/3 of the big one. And the steak in burro is really great! The flavor is nice and the meat is tender. The hotdog, which is also really good, looks not special, but I ate it and couldn't stop! Anyway, if you want to get nice and cheap food in late night, give this place a try! read more

Best carne asada tacos in town! Will be going back to try the Sonora dog and other menu items. The food truck does not open until after dark though, contrary to the hours posted on yelp. read more

Undisputed Kings of Tucson Mexican Street Food. Like for real for real. Tucson is known for its Mexican food and this is one of the bread winners. Array of flavorful grilled meats, Sonoran dogs, super nachos, and of course the Karamelo King for the win !!! read more

You can tell how tasty his place is by the smell when you walk up. Awesome, huge grill with veggies going. Generous toppings bar. We'll definitely be back. read more

Awesome taco stand. We had excellent carne asada tacos. I was actually kind of embarrassed because I had a 10 dollar budget and the food was so cheap, we kept adding on an item. Excellent bang for the buck but not grimy and shady at all. Nice guys, too. read more

There are many good taco stands in tucson, but i would have to admit they do make the King of Karamelos here. The Karamelo has freshly grilled onion, and mixed with the bubbling cheese and carne asada are slices of avocado. BOMB And being open until 3am on fri and sat is a nice plus. Their salsas actually have a kick to them and are not watered down, all food is fresh; and for how busy it was we barely had to wait, they even brought the food to us. Dirt cheap, quality ingredients, a highly recommended staple of tucson food carts. read more

ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! Lorenzo ! Highly recommend omg. Sonoran dog -- insane! So good! Taco Haus .. does not disappoint. One of my new fav places in tucson read more

I had a delicious sonoran dog here. It's just a little truck with an inside eating area. Food comes out hot an delicious.

Saw Karamelo King driving home multiple times, decided to stop by and try them out. The reviews are accurate. The tacos are 1. Priced well 2. Fill you up and 3. Taste great. Had a Sonoran hot dog as well just as good as the tacos. Does it get better? Yes it does! All their salsas have great flavor and a nice kick to them. Most definitely my go to street taco spot in Tucson now! read more

My Goodness do I love this place. The hotdogs are amazing (way better than the "famous" places in Tucson). Tacos are perfect, condiments bar is well stocked, sodas are in glass bottles, food is made to order. Closed on Sundays (boo). From my talks with the people who work there, it looks like they're eventually going to move into the building that the truck is parked in front of (not sure if that is a good thing or bad thing). Also, as of the last time I went there, they had specials during the week (the only one I remember is Taco Specials on Tuesday where they're cheaper than they are the rest of the week). This place is open late and can get crowded pretty late too. This is definitely a Mexican food gem for mid-town. Cheap, great, and made fresh. What else could you ask for? read more

I like this taco stand. There's nothing exact about it that makes me pick this over the other taco stand. I just been coming here for years, when they use to be across the street in front of the antique shop. I live right down the street. I ask some of my friends, from east side or north side of Tucson, and they will agree that this is a pretty darn good taco truck. Their nacho is something. Just a bunch of chips with a bunch of nacho cheese and carne asada. Of course you can add guacamole and pico de gallo as you please. Its just simple and its good. They use to serve this cold nacho cheese sauce (or i thought it was cheese sauce lol) but they dont have it anymore when they moved :( read more

I am giving them one star for no longer being open yet not communicating this in yelp. I drove out of my way and it doesn't exist. So lame.

This restaurant was not existance anymore Lame, drove a long way to try it. And apparently I need more than one sentence to complain.

Ordered a carne asada burrito and caramelo. Both were delicious! Good quality of meat and cheese. Would have given 5 stars but the portions were a bit on the small side. All in all I would definitely come back! read more

Really good food & great prices! However Yami's Sonoran dogs are hands dwn way better, just sayin!!

Been here many times over the past 7 years. Service and food were usually very good. Even now the food was good. Clean and relatively comfortable atmosphere. I even went here when they were next the the antique mall. Why one star? Recent trips I have been getting a cold shoulder - very unfriendly service. Last time I was there I saw this one guy barely look at me and seemed to force a your welcome to my thank you. It was when I saw how friendly he was to the Hispanic (Spanish speaking) groups of people that I realized that perhaps I was discriminated again. Sorry but given what is happening today there is no reason to be treating customers this way. Let alone treating me this way in my own country. I never treated them with anything except respect. WHETHER IT WAS DISCRIMINATION, PREJUDICE OR JUST PLAIN RUDE SERVICE, I WILL NEVER GO THERE AGAIN!!!!! read more

After having a busy Saturday visiting Tucson, we stopped at Karamelo King to grab some food to bring home. It was nearly 10pm so they weren't super busy but still had a few customers. We decided to try a few different things off the menu. First, we got the "super nachos". They were smothered in melty gooey cheese and carne asada. The flavor was awesome, although I don't recommend them for take out because the steam made the chips soggy. I would definitely recommend them for eating there. Then we got 2 tacos - hass and carne asada. They were on thin flour tortillas that I thought would fall apart but they held up well and had a lot of flavor in the meat and in the tortilla. The hass was the same but with green chiles. Delicious. We got a Sonoran dog, which I liked but my girlfriend thought was mediocre. Personally I thought it was the best one I've had. Last but NOT least - the Karamelo King itself. What looks just like a quesadilla is filled with tons of flavor! I highly recommend a karamelo and I will definitely be having another soon! read more

Very friendly staff. The sides bar is always well stocked with fresh stuff like cucumbers, pico and salsa. I don't usually eat carne Asada beef but I actually crave the meat here. I could literally just eat the meat and be happy. They're also only 1.85. The only downfall is they ONLY accept cash. read more

Yummy!!!!!!! Best Sonoran hot dogs!!!!! In my opinion best carreta in Tucson love the carne asada tacos and lorenzas. This place is clean.

Ok. I don't even know where to start with this place so I guess I'll start with the negatives. First, it doesn't open until 6:00pm and it's closed on Sunday's. And that's about all the negatives I can think of. The carne asada is hands down the best in Tucson. The pollo may actually be better. The menu is limited but they only do what they're great at. Service is a bit slow but it's worth it and the sign even says so. They're open late and totally reliable. One cannot suggest to be an afficiando of the local taco truck scene and not be a big fan of Karamelo King. read more

Karamelo and hot dogs are so good here. I must say better than Guero Canelo. They should open a real shop though. Their cashier is suspect. On occasion she or he will ring me up on the register and sometimes they don't ring me up. Something fishy here whoever owns the place. read more