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!**

" The vibe at Carlos River Cafe is always so enjoyable. I love bringing my friends here because everyone can find something they like. I often order the tacos, which are always made new and fresh. I had them recently and was surprised by how much they changed! The flavors are consistently good. Looking forward to my next visit! " (*Curated Review*)

" I visited Carlos River Cafe for the first time last week, and it knocked my socks off! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with the incredible aroma of fresh cooking. I ordered the chicken enchiladas and they were some of the best I've ever had—perfectly seasoned and smothered in delicious salsa. The atmosphere is vibrant with Mexican decor and music, which really sets the mood. Our server was friendly and attentive. I can't wait to come back! " (*Curated Review*)

" Last Saturday, I had dinner at Carlos River Cafe and it was an experience to remember. I ordered the fajitas, and the flavors transported me straight to Mexico! Everything was vibrant and fresh. The staff was exceptionally friendly, checking in on us often to ensure we had everything we needed. However, I must say, the portion sizes were slightly smaller than I remembered. Nonetheless, the quality of food made up for it. Will definitely return soon! " (*Curated Review*)

" My family and I visited Carlos River Cafe during the weekend and were pleasantly surprised by how busy it was! We ordered an assortment of dishes, including the guacamole, burritos, and tamales. Each dish was bursting with flavor, showing off the freshness of the ingredients. It felt like home-cooked food shared among family. The atmosphere was lively with beautiful music enhancing our experience. I highly recommend the tamales! The only downside was that it was a little cramped during peak hours. " (*Curated Review*)

" Horrible experience. I ordered a chimichanga and it arrived cold. I mentioned it to the server, and she didn’t seem very interested in resolving the issue. It disrupted what could have been a pleasant evening. To make matters worse, when I checked the price on the menu after paying, it was different from what I was charged, and the manager didn’t help. The food has been good in the past, but this visit left a sour taste in my mouth. I probably won't return. " (*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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