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Carmela's Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Carmela's Taqueria
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A compact Uptown counter where the strength is straightforward tacos with strong pastor and a no-nonsense pace. It’s best as a focused order—two tacos and a drink—because the room is small and the line can move fast when you keep it tight.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Lengua taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A small, counter-serve taco stop where al pastor is the reliable move.
Who should go: People who want fast tacos near Uptown
When to visit: Early dinner before the post-show rush
What to order: Al pastor, lengua, carne asada
Insider tip: Skip the big spread—two tacos land better than a crowded order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets but can tighten up in the evening.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — counter chatter and line movement, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours if the line builds
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — typically a couple of non-meat taco options depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with simple bean or vegetable tacos, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual — it’s fast, informal, and more about good tacos than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating, so you order first and grab a spot when one opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who can eat quickly; not ideal for strollers or long sit-down meals.
Best For
Better for: Quick, reliable tacos when you want strong al pastor without committing to a full meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for a relaxed sit-down taqueria or broader menu depth beyond classic tacos.
Carmela's Taqueria
8.2
Vibes:
Hidden Gems Heaven
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact counter spot where burritos feel meat-forward instead of rice-heavy, and the flavors stay sharp all the way through. The move is simple: one burrito (or two tacos) plus horchata—fast, focused, and consistently satisfying for the price.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor burrito, Steak burrito, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A tiny Uptown counter spot that packs burritos with real filling, not filler.
Who should go: Al pastor fans and quick lunch regulars
When to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon lull
What to order: Al pastor burrito, steak burrito, horchata
Insider tip: If you like heat, ask for the spicy salsa—then go easy.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; generally manageable during the day but tighter in the evening.
Dress code: Ultra-casual—jeans, hoodies, work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—small room, order-at-the-counter energy, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, often shorter if you’re ordering to-go.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean-and-cheese or veggie burritos are available, though not the main focus.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with beans, rice, salsa, and veggies if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas for tacos are the safest option; burritos are flour-tortilla only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re already comfortable—this is more quick, casual fuel than linger-and-talk romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system and seating is limited; plan for a short sit or takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos or burritos, but there are no kids’ menus or extra amenities.
Best For
Better for: Meat-forward burritos that stay flavorful and filling without getting bloated or rice-heavy.
Skip if: You want a sit-down taqueria experience, lots of customization, or a broad vegetarian menu.