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Carlos Mexican Food ico

Carlos Mexican Food
- 71 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424

Mexican restaurant ★4.0 (37)·$10–20

71 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA

4.0
Carlos’s Mexican Food in Little Falls, NJ, is not a bad restaurant. That might sound like faint praise, and it is. But in a world of soggy quesadillas and menu items that taste like they were photocopied from a 1997 Taco Bell ad, “not bad” counts for something.At this squat outpost on Newark Pompton Turnpike—wedged between a tattoo parlor and the ghost of mom-and-pop shops past—Carlos serves up Mexican-American comfort food with the kind of cheerful indifference that’s as comforting as it is mildly maddening.Let’s start with the good news: the chips are fresh, the salsa is bright (though suspiciously heavy on the tomato paste), and the staff couldn’t be more friendly if they handed out hugs with every horchata. There’s a warmth here that can’t be faked. It’s the kind of place where every burrito comes with a smile and a “How you doin’, hon?”—which, in Jersey, is practically a Michelin star.The menu is a novella-length declaration of culinary neutrality. You’ll find tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas—the whole gang. The Chicken Mole Enchiladas arrive bathed in a sauce so dark and mysterious, it deserves its own Dateline special. Unfortunately, the mole’s complexity doesn’t extend beyond “sweet with a side of cloying.” The balance, like a tipsy waiter, is off.Carnitas, that glorious confetti of pork, should sing. Here, it mumbles. And while the rice and beans are generous, they feel like the culinary equivalent of a shrug. “Here,” they seem to say. “We tried.”And yet… you’ll probably come back.Maybe it’s the Margarita mix with just enough tequila to make you forgive the sins of under-seasoning. Maybe it’s the flan, which, against all odds, is creamy, eggy, and delightful—like a surprise ending in a predictable movie.Carlos’s is the kind of place that isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Or even rotate the tires. But it doesn’t need to. It’s a neighborhood standby, the kind of place that shows up on your doorstep when your fridge is empty, your mood is low, and your cravings are predictable.Would I drive an hour for it? No. Would I cross the street? Absolutely. Especially if someone else is picking up the tab.3 stars — because comfort, even when bland, sometimes earns its own kind of praise. - Daniel Stepel (The last Baby Boomer)
Carlos Mexican Food Overview Intro Menu Detail Photos Location Reviews
$10–20 per person Reported by 37 people$1–10$10–20$20–30$30–50$50–100

Carlos Mexican Food Introduce

Introduction / Overview

When New Jersey residents in the Little Falls Township area crave a reliable, comforting, and authentic Mexican meal, Carlos Mexican Food on the Newark Pompton Turnpike is the name that often comes to mind. This establishment has cemented its place in the local community as a dependable "neighborhood standby," delivering a vast and accessible menu of Mexican-American comfort food that satisfies cravings at any hour of the day. From the crack of dawn to evening dinner plans, Carlos Mexican Food is Popular for its continuous service, covering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner options, making it a truly versatile local dining spot.

More than just a quick bite spot, the restaurant prides itself on being a women-owned business, bringing a dedicated and warm approach to its service. The atmosphere inside is described as a pleasant blend of Casual and Cozy, designed to make every diner feel right at home. It is lauded as being exceptionally inclusive, identified as both LGBTQ+ friendly and a Transgender safespace, ensuring that all members of the New Jersey community have a welcoming place to enjoy a meal.

The menu is arguably the biggest draw, often described as an expansive "novella-length declaration" of culinary choices. It spans all the classic categories, from affordable Aperitivos like the popular Empanadas De Pollo ($2.50) and Elote ($5.00), to a deep dive into Plato Mexicano. Signature plates include Mole Poblano /Chicken Puebla Style Sauce ($17.00), the hearty Especial De La Casa/Our House Special Feast ($25.00), and numerous seafood options under Pescados y Mariscos. While the food's authenticity is often measured by its comforting familiarity, one dedicated customer review succinctly notes the food as "delicious, well made, original, authentic," confirming its appeal to those seeking genuine flavors.

The emphasis here is on accessibility and convenience. Patrons appreciate the Fast service and the availability of multiple ways to get their food, including Drive-through, Curbside pickup, and full Dine-in with Table service. Whether you’re stopping for a Quick bite or settling in for a family meal, Carlos Mexican Food offers a friendly, straightforward, and satisfying experience.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in Little Falls Township, Carlos Mexican Food is positioned to be easily reachable for residents across Passaic County and beyond. The strategic address makes it an accessible stop for both local traffic and commuters utilizing the major regional roadway.

  • Address: 71 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA

Parking is straightforward and stress-free, a significant bonus for a New Jersey business. The restaurant offers both a Free parking lot directly on-site, as well as plenty of Free street parking in the surrounding area.

A core component of the business's commitment to the community is its dedication to universal accessibility. Carlos Mexican Food has gone the extra mile to ensure that every visitor feels accommodated and comfortable. The accessibility features are a testament to this commitment:

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating

Inside, the environment is set up for modern convenience. Diners can take advantage of Wi-Fi and clean Restroom facilities. The establishment accepts a wide range of payment options to streamline transactions, including all major Credit cards, Debit cards, and tap-to-pay technology via NFC mobile payments.

Services Offered

  • Flexible Ordering Options: A comprehensive suite of service choices including Curbside pickup, Delivery, Drive-through, Takeout, and comfortable Dine-in seating to suit any daily schedule or preference.
  • Full-Service Dining: Offering Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner, complete with Seating and friendly Table service in a Casual and Cozy setting.
  • Special Occasion Catering: Available for Catering services, and the option to Accepts reservations makes it easy to plan and host gatherings for Groups and families.
  • Wide Menu Selection: The menu is rich in Comfort food, Small plates, and includes essential Vegetarian options to accommodate diverse dietary needs and cravings.
  • Hand-Crafted Companions: A selection of sides, or Companions/ acompañantes, that includes classic Arroz / Rice And Beans/ Frijoles and the authentic Tortilla De Maiz/Corn Echa A Mano/Hand-Made, which elevates the quality of the main dishes.
  • Specialty Beverages (Bebidas): Features a refreshing selection of authentic Mexican drinks such as Horchata, Jamaica, Sandia/Watermelon, and unique blended fruit drinks like Betabel Con Zanahoria Y Naranja (Beet with Carrot and Orange).
  • Child-Friendly Environment: Recognized as being Good for kids and Family-friendly, making it a great destination for parents in the New Jersey area.

Features / Highlights

  • Extensive Authentic Menu Categories: The menu boasts distinct, traditional sections including Sopas (Soups, like Menudo De Res/ Traditional Mexican Beef Soup), Pescados y Mariscos (Seafood, with options like Sopa De Mariscos and Salmon), and a comprehensive array of Desayuno (Breakfast) plates.
  • Fast and Friendly Service: Highly valued for its speed, the Fast service ensures a minimal wait time, while the staff's warmth and friendliness are consistently praised by customers.
  • Unmatched Accessibility and Convenience: Offering the rare combination of Drive-through, Curbside pickup, and full Wheelchair accessibility across parking, restrooms, and seating, prioritizing ease for every single customer.
  • Authentic Tacos de Tortilla Selection: Features nearly a dozen different varieties of tacos, from Pastor/ Pork With Pineapple Taco and Carnitas/Diced Meat Taco to the specialty Tacos De Birria and Alambre/Kabob Style Tacos—a true highlight for taco aficionados.
  • Inclusivity and Welcoming Atmosphere: Identified as both a Transgender safespace and LGBTQ+ friendly, which creates a comfortable and inclusive dining environment for Groups and individuals.
  • Signature Dessert Surprise: The Flan is specifically highlighted in reviews as an unexpectedly creamy, eggy, and delightful treat—a must-try conclusion to any meal.
  • All-Day Mexican Breakfast: Serving an extensive Desayuno menu that goes beyond simple eggs, including Chilaquiles Con Huevo/Eggs and various traditional Tortas like Milanesa De Res/ Breaded Beef Torta.

Contact Information

Address: 71 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA

Phone: (973) 272-2162

What is Worth Choosing

For New Jersey locals, Carlos Mexican Food is worth choosing because it perfectly balances authentic, vast menu options with unparalleled local convenience and a genuinely warm, inclusive atmosphere. This is more than just a place for Mexican food; it is a true community hub.

The diversity of the menu means you can rely on Carlos for almost anything. Need a quick and filling Burrito ($14.00) on the run? They have Drive-through and Fast service. Hosting a large gathering? They offer Catering and Accepts reservations for your Groups. Looking for a Sunday morning authentic treat? The Desayuno menu is ready with traditional plates like Huevos A La Mexicana ($15.00) and sweet, hot Champurrado ($2.50).

While some traditionalists may find the flavor profile leans toward comforting familiarity, the one consistent fact is the exceptional friendliness and warmth from the staff—the kind of service that one local reviewer called "practically a Michelin star in Jersey." This level of personal touch, combined with the business being proudly women-owned and highly accessible to all—notably one of the few places offering extensive Wheelchair accessible features—makes Carlos Mexican Food a stand-out choice. You are choosing a business that cares about quality, convenience, and community. Next time you're craving authentic comfort food, from Quesabirias to a surprisingly delicious Flan, look no further than your local standby on the Newark Pompton Turnpike.

Carlos Mexican Food Menu

  • Aperitivos

  • Empanada Queso/Cheese $2.00
  • Empanada Carne Molida/ Ground Beef. $2.50
  • Empanadas De Pollo /Chiken $2.50
  • Chisp Con Salsa / Sauce $6.00
  • Chips With Guacamole $9.00

    Chips con guacamole.

  • Tamales De Pollo /Chicken Tamales $2.50

    Chicken Tamales in green, red or mole sauce

  • Tamales Dulce $2.00
  • Chisp Guacamole Grande / Large $14.00
  • Elote $5.00
  • Plato Mexicano

  • Burrito $14.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/ beans, cheese/queso, Pico de gallo, sour cream/crema and meat.

  • Bistec A Lo Pobre/Steak With Eggs. $20.00

    Steak with eggs, fries , rice, beans and tortilla corn. Bistec con huevos , papas fritas, arroz, frijoles y tortill

  • Sopes $17.00

    With red or green sauce.

  • Fajitas Mixta /Mixed $20.00

    Chicken/ pollo, steak/ bistec and camaron / shrimp.Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn

  • Barbacoa De Pollo/ BBQ Chiken $16.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Enchilada Green/Verde $16.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans.

  • Mole Poblano /Chicken Puebla Style Sauce $17.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Tacos Dorados Con Consommé De Pollo $15.00

    Deep Fried tortilla with consommé soup with Chicken

  • Bistec Rancheros/Ranch Style Steak $20.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Chimichanga /Deep Fried Style Burrito $16.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/ beans, cheese/queso, Pico de gallo, sour cream/crema and meat.

  • Quesabirias $18.00

    Cheese, tortilla maiz/corn . soup/sopa.

  • Fajitas De Camarones /Shrimp $18.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Quesadillas Corn/ Maiz $17.00

    Cheese, tortilla maiz/corn and salad.

  • Pollo Al Horno/ Baked Chicken 1/4 $15.00

    potatoes/papas, rice/ arroz and salad/ensalada

  • Costillas De Puerco Con Salsa Verde O Roja $14.00

    Pork Ribs in Green or Red sauce

  • Pechuga De Pollo /Grilled Chiken $16.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans, ensalada/salad and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Quesadilla Flour/Arina Whit Cheese/Queso $14.00

    Flour Quesadillas filled with cheese

  • Especial De La Casa/Our House Special Feast $25.00

    Chicken/ pollo, steak/ bistec , chorizo, shrimp/ camaron, chorizo and cheese/queso. Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Bistec A La Mexicana/Mexican Style Steak $18.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Fajitas De Bistec / Steak $18.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Calabacitas A La Mexicana/Zucchini Squash $15.00

    Zucchini squash Mexican style.Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Pozole Sopa De Maiz Y Pollo $17.00

    Mexican soup with corn and Chicken

  • Pechuga A La Mexicana/Chiken Mexican Style $17.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Enchiladas De Mole $18.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans.

  • Flautas $17.00

    4 rolled corn crispy tortillas filled with any choice of meat and a salad.

  • Carne Asada/Grilled Beef $18.00

    Rice/arroz, frijoles/beans, ensalada/salad and tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Companions/ acompañantes

  • Arroz/ Rice $0.00
  • Arroz / Rice And Beans/ Frijoles $0.00
  • Salsas / Sauce Or Sour Cream $1.00
  • Pico De Gallo $0.00
  • Tortilla De Maiz/Corn Echa A Mano/Hand-Made $0.00
  • Bebidas

  • Jamaica $6.00
  • Melon/ Cantaloupe $6.00

    Cantaloupe

  • Plátano Con Fresa Y Leche $8.00

    Banana, Strawberry & Milk

  • Horchata $6.00
  • Sandia/Watermelon $6.00

    Watermelon

  • Jugo De Naranja $10.00

    Orange Juice

  • Piña/Pineapple $6.00

    Pineapple

  • Betabel Con Zanahoria Y Naranja $10.00

    Beet, Carrot & Orange

  • Coffee $2.00
  • Champurrado $2.50
  • Desayuno

  • Chilaquiles Con Huevo/Eggs $14.00
  • Huevos Rancheros/Ranch Style Eggs $15.00

    Rice/ arroz, beans/ frijoles y tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Chilaquiles Carne Rez /Chilaquiles With Meat $18.00

    beans/frijoles, cheese/queso and/y sour cream/crema .

  • Milanesa De Pollo/ Breaded Chicken Torta $9.00

    lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño and mayonnaise./ lechuga, tomate , cebolla , jalapeño y mayonesa

  • Milanesa De Res/ Breaded Beef Torta $9.00

    lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño and mayonnaise./ lechuga, tomate , cebolla , jalapeño y mayonesa

  • Jamon Con Queso/ Ham With Cheese Torta $9.00

    lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño and mayonnaise./ lechuga, tomate , cebolla , jalapeño y mayonesa

  • Huevos A La Mexicana/Mexican Style Eggs $15.00

    Rice/ arroz, beans/ frijoles y tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Huevo Con Jamon/Egg With Ham $15.00

    Rice/ arroz, beans/ frijoles y tortilla Maiz/corn.

  • Chilaquiles Con Pollo / Chiken $15.00

    beans/frijoles, cheese/queso and/y sour cream/crema

  • Huevos Con Chorizo /Eggs With Sausage Torta $9.00

    lettuce, tomato, onion, jalapeño and mayonnaise./ lechuga, tomate , cebolla , jalapeño y mayonesa

  • Tacos de Tortilla

  • Bistec/Steak Taco $12.00

    Steak

  • Pastor/ Pork With Pineapple Taco $12.00

    Pork with Pineapple

  • Pollo/Chicken Taco $12.00
  • Camarones/Shrimp Taco $14.00
  • Carnitas/Diced Meat Taco $12.00

    Diced Meat

  • Alambre/Kabob Style Tacos $14.00

    Kabob style tacos

  • Tacos De Birria $16.00
  • Cecina/Dried Meat Taco $12.00

    Dried Meat

  • Carne Enchilada/Meat In Chili Sauce Taco $12.00

    Meat in Chili sauce

  • Barbacoa/Shredded Beef Taco $12.00

    Shredded Beef

  • Pescados y Mariscos

  • Caldo De Camarones $18.00

    Shrimp Broth

  • Camarones A La Diabla $18.00

    Spicy Shrimp

  • Mariscos A La Mexicana $20.00

    Mexican style Seafood

  • Sopa De Mariscos $20.00

    Seafood Soup

  • Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo $18.00

    Shrimp in Garlic Sauce

  • Coctel De Camarones $18.00

    Camarones a la Mexicana

  • Salmon $22.00
  • Camarones Con Arroz $18.00

    Shrimp with Rice

  • Filete De Pescado $15.00

    Fish Fillet

  • Ensalada

  • Ensalada De Aguacate Y Cebolla/ Avocado & Onion Salad $12.00

    Lettuce/ lechuga, tomatoe/ tomate , onion/cebolla y lime/ limon.

  • Ensalada De Camarones/ Shrimp Salad $15.00

    Lettuce/ lechuga, tomatoe/ tomate , onion/cebolla y lime/ limon.

  • Ensalada De Pollo/ Chiken Salad $14.00

    Lettuce/ lechuga, tomatoe/ tomate , onion/cebolla y lime/ limon.

  • Sopas

  • Caldo De Pollo / Chicken Broth $15.00

    Chicken broth with Vegetables

  • Caldo De Res Con Verduras/ Beef Broth With Vegetables $18.00
  • Menudo De Res/ Traditional Mexican Beef Soup $18.00

    Traditional Mexican Beef Soup

Carlos Mexican Food Details

  • From the business

  • Identifies as women-owned
  • Service options

  • Curbside pickup
  • Delivery
  • Drive-through
  • Takeout
  • Dine-in
  • Highlights

  • Fast service
  • Popular for

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Solo dining
  • Accessibility

  • Wheelchair accessible parking lot
  • Wheelchair accessible restroom
  • Wheelchair accessible seating
  • Offerings

  • Coffee
  • Comfort food
  • Quick bite
  • Small plates
  • Vegetarian options
  • Dining options

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Catering
  • Seating
  • Table service
  • Amenities

  • Restroom
  • Wi-Fi
  • Wi-Fi
  • Atmosphere

  • Casual
  • Cozy
  • Crowd

  • Family-friendly
  • Groups
  • LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Transgender safespace
  • Planning

  • Accepts reservations
  • Payments

  • Credit cards
  • Debit cards
  • NFC mobile payments
  • Credit cards
  • Children

  • Good for kids
  • Parking

  • Free parking lot
  • Free street parking
  • Parking

Carlos Mexican Food Photos

Carlos Mexican Food Picture 1Carlos Mexican Food Picture 2Carlos Mexican Food Picture 3Carlos Mexican Food Picture 4Carlos Mexican Food Picture 5Carlos Mexican Food Picture 6Carlos Mexican Food Picture 7Carlos Mexican Food Picture 8Carlos Mexican Food Picture 9Carlos Mexican Food Picture 10

Carlos Mexican Food Location

Carlos Mexican Food

71 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Little Falls Township, NJ 07424, USA

Carlos Mexican Food Reviews

An average rating of ★4.7 from 98 user reviews.

enchiladastacosmoleempanadaschimichangatamalestastesteak burritobarbacoachips

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

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