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Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
8.0
Carbon Live Fire is a long-running Bridgeport counter where fire-grilled tacos and oversized burritos anchor a fast-casual menu. The focus is on customizable steak, al pastor, and chicken tacos with generous toppings, strong salsas, and late-evening hours that work for quick dinners or takeout before and after games.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Campechano Taco, Tequila-Lime Chicken Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Fire-grilled tacos and burritos with lots of protein and salsa options in a fast-casual Bridgeport setting.
Who should go: Casual diners craving fast, customizable tacos and burritos.
When to visit: Weeknights 6–9 p.m. or late evenings before 11.
What to order: Al Pastor Taco, Campechano Taco, Tequila-Lime Chicken Taco.
Insider tip: Order elote and extra salsas on the side and use them to customize each taco.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks and along Halsted is usually available; expect tighter availability during Sox game days and peak evenings.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; game-day gear and jeans are common.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service bustle with some music; fine for conversation but can get lively during rushes.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes depending on game traffic and takeout volume; orders move quickly once placed.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, with short lines during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options (e.g., vegetable fillings, cheese quesadillas, customizable burritos), but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — you can build a taco or burrito with vegetables, beans, and salsas, but verify ingredients and sauces at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available for most tacos, though the kitchen is shared and cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key meetup than a formal date — counter service, quick bites, and a neighborhood feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with first-come seating; during busy periods you may share or wait briefly for a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual seating, quick service, and build-your-own burritos work well for families; best for school-age kids and up.
Best For
Better for: Fast, customizable fire-grilled tacos and burritos, generous portions, and reliable late-evening takeout.
Skip if: You want a full-service sit-down experience, cocktails, or an expansive vegetarian/vegan menu.
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
8.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill is a counter-service Mexican spot under the expressway where steak, al pastor, and specialty burritos anchor a large delivery and takeout following. Thousands of high-rating delivery reviews praise the smoky grilled meats and customizable burritos that travel well and arrive consistently hot.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stelote Steak Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Steak Burrito Salad Bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume live-fire grill turning out customizable burritos with standout steak.
Who should go: Burrito lovers wanting big, customizable portions fast.
When to visit: Lunch and early dinner for the fastest counter service.
What to order: Stelote steak burrito, al pastor burrito, burrito salad bowl.
Insider tip: Order steak burritos sauced heavy and grab extra salsas to-go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along nearby residential blocks and under the expressway; usually available but can tighten during dinner rush and game/event nights.
Dress code: Casual — come as you are; counter-service with many guests stopping in between errands or on lunch break.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout and delivery traffic, with light grill noise but easy conversation at the counter.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for counter orders; delivery can run longer during peak rush.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though brief lines form at noon and move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — can build vegetarian burritos, bowls, or quesadillas with beans, rice, and salsas.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, veggies, and salsa if ordered without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Partial — bowls work well; tortillas contain gluten and cross-contact is possible due to shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-key bite than a formal date — it’s counter-service and geared toward quick meals and takeout rather than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — reservations aren’t used. Seating is limited, so many guests opt for takeout or delivery during busy hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — casual, fast, and portion-friendly for families, though seating is minimal and there are no high chairs or table-service amenities.
Best For
Better for: Smoky grilled steak and customizable burritos that travel well, strong delivery consistency, and big portions at budget pricing.
Skip if: You want a full-service dining room, large dine-in seating, or expansive vegetarian/vegan menus.
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
8.2
Carbon is a counter-service Mexican grill at the edge of Bridgeport and Chinatown that runs late every night on build-your-own tacos, burritos, and hefty grilled platters. Thousands of reviews point to it as a reliable, fast-moving option for fish tacos and burritos after games or shifts when you still want a full plate, not just a snack.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Mother Clucker platter, Stelote corn bowl
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume counter-service Mexican that stays open late with grilled tacos, burritos, and platters at accessible prices.
Who should go: Late-night diners needing fast, filling tacos and burritos.
When to visit: After games or late shifts when you need a substantial quick meal.
What to order: Fish tacos, Mother Clucker chicken platter, Stelote corn-and-steak bowl.
Insider tip: Use the online ordering for late-night pickup; the tiny dining room fills quickly and lines can back up at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby Bridgeport side streets; usually manageable late night but can be tight after games or events. No valet.
Dress code: Casual — hoodies, jerseys, and workwear are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively late at night — conversation is possible, but expect frequent order calling and takeout traffic.
Weekend wait: 5–20 minutes during post-game and late-night rushes; faster outside peak surges.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, with steady takeout flow.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options — veggie tacos, bowls, and customizable burritos, but ingredients skew grill-focused.
Vegan options: Limited — customization possible with beans, rice, salsa, and veggies; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and platter/bowl formats can work, but cross-contact is likely in a shared grill environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangs than formal dates — it’s counter-service, compact, and fast-moving, ideal for a low-key bite after an event.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — no reservations are taken. Seating is limited and turnover is quick; many guests order takeout during peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; portions are hearty and service is informal, but space is tight and there’s no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling late-night tacos and burritos at budget prices, with generous platters and reliable takeout speed.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience with table service, quieter ambiance, or an expanded margarita and cocktail program.
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
8.2
Carbon runs a counter-service taqueria up front and a separate Carbon Cantina in back, turning out live-fire tacos, burritos, and salads alongside margaritas. Happy hour and all-day margarita promotions make it a go-to for casual pregame meetups and easy group meals in Bridgeport.
Must-Try Dishes:
Stelote Burrito, Mother Clucker Tequila-Lime Chicken, Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 6.5
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Hybrid taqueria-and-cantina setup where live-fire burritos meet daily margarita deals.
Who should go: Friends wanting affordable tacos, pitchers, and a relaxed cantina.
When to visit: Tue–Fri late afternoon for $7 margaritas before the dinner rush.
What to order: Stelote burrito, Mother Clucker chicken plate, one or two fish tacos.
Insider tip: Walk through the front counter area to the cantina in back for full bar service and happy hour specials.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on neighborhood side streets; usually manageable but can tighten up during White Sox home games and weekend evenings.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, hoodies, and game-day gear are common; no need to dress up for the cantina side.
Noise level: Moderate — lively in the cantina during happy hour but conversation is still workable at most tables.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes for larger groups in the cantina; counter-service side usually moves quickly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; fast counter ordering with open seating.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some customizable items (veg tacos, salads, and bowls depending on toppings); ask at the counter for modifications.
Vegan options: Limited — possible to build a vegan taco or bowl by omitting dairy and meat, but options are not menu-dedicated.
Gluten-free options: Tacos on corn tortillas are a common workaround, but there is no formal gluten-free prep separation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual hangouts than a formal date — it works if you want relaxed tacos, margaritas, and a low-pressure setting rather than a romantic atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — the front operates counter-service and the cantina is first-come, first-served. Arrive earlier during happy hour or game nights to secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes during daytime and early evening; the cantina skews more adult and bar-focused later at night, so families may be most comfortable earlier.
Best For
Better for: Affordable burritos and tacos with easygoing group seating and value-driven margarita deals — especially strong for casual meetups and pre-event gatherings.
Skip if: You want upscale Mexican dining, table-service formality, or a quiet, special-occasion atmosphere.
Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill
8.5
Since 2007, Carbon has anchored Bridgeport’s taco scene with live-fire grilled steak, fish, and barbacoa tacos served fast up front and with a separate cantina in back. Regulars time visits around Taco & Marg Tuesday, when $2.50 select tacos and $7 house margaritas turn it into a de facto happy hour hub before Sox games or neighborhood nights out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Taco, Fish Taco, Barbacoa Taco
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: Bridgeport counter-service taqueria with a back cantina built around live-fire tacos, all-day Taco Tuesday deals, and daily margarita specials.
Who should go: Taco and margarita fans wanting casual, affordable pregame fuel.
When to visit: Tuesday evenings for all-day tacos, margaritas, and relaxed crowds.
What to order: Steak Taco, Fish Taco, Barbacoa Taco.
Insider tip: Skip the front counter seats and slip into Carbon Cantina in back if you want margaritas, proper tables, and a longer happy hour feel.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking along Halsted and nearby side streets; usually manageable on weeknights but tighter before White Sox games or peak Taco Tuesday hours.
Dress code: Casual — jerseys, jeans, and everyday attire are common; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversational during slower hours, louder in the cantina during drink specials and game nights.
Weekend wait: Generally short to medium waits (10–30 minutes), but expect longer delays on event nights nearby.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with fast counter-service turnaround.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Some options available (e.g., veggie tacos and customizable plates), but selection is limited.
Vegan options: Limited — customization may be needed; confirm ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Several tacos and protein plates can be gluten-friendly if you avoid flour tortillas; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Best for a casual, low-key date or pre-game meetup rather than a formal first date — the vibe leans social, fast-casual, and cantina-style.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service up front and open seating in the cantina; arrive early on Tuesdays or game nights to secure a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families during daytime and early evening; the cantina feels more adult-oriented later at night when drinks and crowds pick up.
Best For
Better for: Affordable taco-and-margarita meetups, quick pregame meals, and relaxed group hangs with consistent specials.
Skip if: You want polished table service, a quiet dinner environment, or a broader craft-cocktail program.