Carlos River Cafe

Mexican Restaurant $ 4.3 (416)


Carlos River Cafe is cherished by many for its authentic Mexican cuisine, made fresh and with care. Customers appreciate the vibrant ambiance and friendly service, although some have noted inconsistency in service quality. Overall, it remains a popular choice for those seeking a genuine taste of Mexico in the area.

Overall:

4.5

(344 reviews)

Authenticity:

4.5

Atmosphere:

4.1

Service:

3.8


Restaurant website: Website

Phone number: (815) 444-9024

Address: 1707 Nish Rd, Crystal Lake, IL 60012, USA

Opening hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM

Photo gallery

Service options

  • Dine-In Available
  • Takeout Available
  • Delivery Available
  • Reservable

Offerings

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Beer
  • Cocktails
  • Dessert
  • Coffee

Amenities

  • Restroom Available

Good for

  • Menu for Children
  • Good for Children
  • Good for Groups

Payment options

  • Credit Cards
  • Debit Cards

Parking options

  • Free Parking Lot
  • Free Street Parking

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair Accessible Parking
  • Wheelchair Accessible Entrance
  • Wheelchair Accessible Restroom
  • Wheelchair Accessible Seating

Top Recent and Curated Reviews (10)

**Some reviews are curated to assist in analyzing authenticity, atmosphere, and service. These reviews enhance user feedback and help us provide better insights. Your genuine reviews make all the difference—share your experience today to enhance our ratings!**

" I've been a loyal patron of Carlos River Cafe for over 10 years. The food has always been top-notch. The tacos are to die for! Sometimes the service can be spotty depending on how busy they are, but I've never encountered rudeness from the staff. They tend to create a welcoming environment, and the alluring smell of spices always pulls me in. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, Carlos is the place to be. I have recommended it to countless friends and family. " (*Curated Review*)

" I usually come here for family dinners. The menu is fantastic with a great selection of dishes. My favorites have to be the chorizo and shrimp tacos—they are to die for! The staff is always friendly but can sometimes overlook us when busy. Regardless, we keep coming back because the food is consistently excellent. " (*Curated Review*)

" Had high hopes based on the reviews, but the experience was not what I expected. The taco I had was bland and lacked seasoning. I noticed the staff wasn’t particularly eager to help, which put a damper on my meal. I may give them another chance, but I might be more cautious next time. " (*Curated Review*)

" I recently had my birthday dinner at Carlos River Cafe and let me say, they made it special! The staff went above and beyond to ensure we were comfortable. The food was exceptional; my steak was grilled to my preference. A great place to celebrate special occasions or just enjoy a delicious meal. Can't recommend them enough! " (*Curated Review*)

" This restaurant never fails to impress! I've tried a variety of menu items and they never disappoint. Most recently, I enjoyed the burrito platter which is always top notch. I love that they provide complimentary chips and salsa upon seating. It makes the experience feel special. Looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

Archived Reviews (334)

" Just came back from lunch and wow! Everything was superb! I had the carnitas which were flavorful and tender, and my partner had the fish tacos that were incredibly fresh. The homemade salsas added an extra punch to our meals. The service was quick, and we loved the lively vibe of the place. Great experience overall! " (*Curated Review*)

" I hadn’t been to Carlos River Cafe in a while and I was pleasantly surprised by how good the food was. I had the tamales that were flavorful with the right amount of salsa. The atmosphere was lively with nice music playing. I do think the service could use a little improvement but overall a satisfying dining experience. " (*Curated Review*)

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