Not stoked about this place whatsoever. Pros: the hot salsa and the Mexican rice, horchata Cons: old corn tortilla chips, poor guacamole, soggy chicken Caesar salad. I have a pretty low bar in regards to Mexican food. Any dive resteraunt is good enough for me... In saying that, the $22.00 I just shelled out was not worth the food I received. The Caesar salad is soggy, the guacamole cup has more onions and tomato than avacado, and the chips are old- the chewy/cold chip is never a good thing. The horchata, salsa, and rice are decent though. This was my first and last visit. Expensive mistake. read more

This place is normally great and a staple for us in the office! Today was a sad day as people either didn't get their food or the wrong food was delivered. Also, the shell of the salad bowl needs to be packaged separately or else it's a soggy mess by the time it gets delivered. You know we'll try again because they're great and will fix these problems next time. read more

I loved their delivery...it was fast and the food was nice and warm. Fish Tacos-Nom-Nom Vegetable Quesadilla-Nom-Nom Guacamole- Nom-Nom Mild Salsa- Nom-Nom Brownie-Nom-Nom Will be back :) read more

Do you know how hard it is to find quality...somewhat authentic...Mexican food? Extremely. That being said, Carbon is a must for those like me who enjoy taqueria style mexican fare. Cilantro y cebolla? Yes, please! While it's not as ethnic as some of the other places I've frequented, the flavors are there and the prices aren't THAT bad. Plus they deliver, which prevents me from having to travel to the ends of the earth. read more

It's was good until the people that came to my bridal shower and myself all had food poisoning and couldn't hold our projectile vomit ...thanks read more

I learned about Carbon tacos a few years ago when they were a vendor at the Taste of Chicago. I had only eaten the chicken taco and heard rave reviews about the fish tacos so I knew that at some point I had to go back and eat them. My boyfriend and I stopped by after a White Sox game to pick up some tacos to go. We got 5 fish tacos and paid a little over $18 so that is a bit pricey when you think about it. The fish was absolutely amazing even slightly colder than usual. I loved that it was crispy on the outside and breaded perfectly. The only downside was that they were on flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Decor wise, I did not like what it looked like at all and wouldn't eat inside it. The location was super small, somewhat dark and dingy looking. Also, the bathroom is extremely small and narrow. But, at least they have one! Also, location wise, I did not like having to cross a relatively big street to get to it. But, great tacos and I definitely would eat them if I was in the area and grab some to go since they held up well on our somewhat long drive home. read more

There is nothing healthy about the quesadillas at Carbon, but I don't care when it's this good. The cheese is melty, the chicken flavorful, and the tortilla is soft and flat grilled with enough butter to make it taste good, but not make you feel like death itself. I first discovered Carbon via a craving for late night food. They were more than happy to deliver. One Tequila-Lime Marinated Chicken Quesadilla later, I was sold. I went to the actual location recently, and it's a pretty cool joint. It's really small on the inside, but in the summer they have an outdoor tent/patio. I do recommend staying away from the burrito bowls. The bowl they're in is a deep fried taco bowl, so it's more like what we Americans know as a Taco Salad. If I ever need Mexican food near me, Carbon is the place to go...or get delivery from (what? I'm lazy). read more

I really enjoy the food at this place although it is a little expensive. Don't drop in to place an order because it is extremely slow. The other day they promised my order in 15 minutes and it took 30 min for a chicken burrito and elote. From now on, I am ordering online! I've really never had anything that I did not like. I love the horchata and the chocolate dessert. However, they need to work on time management! read more

Really good tacos! Place is small so make sure if you have a group you stake out some tables first. The veggie tacos are a sleeper because normally I wouldn't order it and they are actually super good on that grill. Chicken taco was super filling and really good. One taco and a side, or two tacos is definitely a meal for one person, they don't skimp on dem taco fixins. I read more

I live about 4 blocks from Carbon, and I go every now and then. The first time I had it when it opened a couple years back I was quite disappointed with their food. But I went back a year ago or so and was very impressed. My favorite: Fish taco $ fish burrito bowl - yes the fish is supposed to be grilled on real fish tacos, but the way they make it is so delicious!!! nice and crusty on the outside, and the fish is soft and flaky on the inside. yum. The fish burrito bowl almost seems like a bottomless pit of tasty discoveries. Lettuce, mexican styled corn!, fish, cheese, beans. excellent! honorable mentions: steak taco - the steak is very seasoned and you can taste the smoky grill flavor as well. chips&salsa - can't go wrong here. i usually opt for their fresh salsa, which is very tasty. this might be the only place in chicago that i have been to that serves both flour and corn tortilla chips which is very good and out of the typical chips. The red and green salsa that comes with the tacos are also very good and spicy as well. This is a great local neighborhood taco joint! read more

Happy to have received a call from management to finally address the issues with my order and to follow up on my refund status. Mgmt was never made aware of the issue till just prior to contacting me - and very apologetic that this was not handled better. read more

We love this place!! They have the best steak tacos & the stelote is absolutely delicious read more

Carbon - Steak tacos..with cheese, cilantro cherry tomatoes & tequila lime sauce - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I just came into town for a convention and I was staying at a hotel nearby when I stumbled upon this place. Carbón is definitely worth stopping by. They are very intimate dining with not much seating, best for those that come in pairs or even alone. They are amazing for a late night bite. The menu is also very reasonably. And everything is so authentically made. read more

A couple girl friends and I came by on one of their recommendations. The place is really small, with a few tables to sit at. I ordered a couple steak tacos, and one crusted tilapia taco with cheese. The steak tacos were pretty good, but what I was surprised about was the tilapia one. Tilapia is probably the cheapest of the cheapest fish out there, but this had a strange tasty sensation in my mouth. Maybe it was the combination with the cheese, or taco stuff, but I recommend trying it if you are in the South Loop/ China town sometime. read more

I order from them all the time . Delivery is always super fast and the food is almost always great. They have their off days when it comes to Guacamole but their steak burritots and their Elote are always good! read more

I don't know a lot about this place, but I just had catering delivered to my office from this restaurant, and it was AMAZING! The chicken was ALL white meat, the steak was juicy and tender, the guacamole and chips were to die for. I have not visited their restaurant yet, but I intend to very soon. I'm not sure that they can top this experience, but I'm hopeful, and I'll let you know. read more

Disappointed. Unfortunately, my steak tacos were not at all edible. The meat was chewy to the point that I couldn't chew through it and had to spit out half of it. Never again. read more

"I heard so much, but alas it's just Carbon" I heard a ton about this place and how delicious it was. I had the chicken tortilla soup (hated it) and 2 fish tacos that weren't too bad. My dining mate had fish tacos and a chicken and steak burrito that was devoured. At the end of the day, I thought it was just okay. The prices are super reasonable and the employees are super friendly. I would totally go back, but I wouldn't slosh across the city to get there. read more

I had Carbon once.. liked it. Then I had it again. I liked it enough the first time to purposely bringing a friend there. I ordered a chicken burrito with rice. I was excited to bite in and my first bite was ..ew. But I soldiered on and took another bite. Another ew. I look inside my burrito to try to figure out what is so unpleasant about it and realize that there are PEAS in the Mexican rice. Seriously.. peas?? I despise peas. Mexican rice w/ peas needs a warning label. Then I proceeded to try to pick the burrito apart in an attempt to get rid of the disgusting bits, but I had no luck so I just gave up and accepted that I wasted money. read more

Ordered from this place on 12/15/19 to work for me and 2 co workers who all became violently ill the next evening from it. Was most definitely food poisoning. I emailed the restaurant to inform them as to not have to write this review and was never responded too and wanted to make sure that people are aware of the fact that not only has this place gotten people sick recently, but 2 years ago was shut down for a food poisoning outbreak. Eat at your own risk read more

Carbon is still a great place that will continue to be near and dear to my heart, but I have one piece of advice. For grubHub.com users out there, DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT order online! The boyfriend and I ordered 2 burrito bowls and 1 elote (all still delicious) and it took an hour and a half for it to be delivered. I suggest either calling the restaurant directly or going there yourself. Also, a couple of other bad things: 1) the bowl itself (a fried corn tortilla bowl) can get soggy and 2) the cheese melts into one giant piece and clumps together. Still though, couldn't bring myself to give it less than 4 stars because the food is just that good. read more

Came here with a buddy that was raving about this place. So glad I did! Still craving one of their steak burrito bowls as I type! LOVE the side of elotes in the bowl! Also had a bit of my wife's crusted talapia bowl. The fish was exactly as advertised. Crusted on the outside, soft and cooked perfect. I found myself eating both my steak and wife's fish! Solid place and it's definitely made my list of go-to places during the weekend for quick and cheap eats. read more

So I ordered a fajita burrito because I've heard many good things, $13.50 for a burrito and a tiny cup of rice and beans? Way too expensive for a quick little spot. But whatever, I've heard good things so it doesn't bother me too much. Man.. This steak was extremely good , whatever They marinade it in mixed with the grill taste, I loved it. I was extremely full as well. Also got flour tortilla chips and guacamole , the guacamole was really good, the flour chips were different, I enjoyed them but I prefer a salty corn tortilla chip , the mild and hot sauces on the table were really good as well, overall I'd recommend this place, the price is up there but it's worth it every now and then. read more

I tried the steak burrito and nothing impressive. I tried the taco bowl and bleh. My guy bought a burrito and he was like they charged for cheese. He was like WTF! It's a burrito. It should come with it. Overpriced and not very good. read more

Had the steak bowl. It was delicious. Steak is so flavorful. Just make sure you ask for extra lettuce. They hardly put any in there. Service was just ok. Cashier wasn't really helpful. Asked if cilantro was included in the bowl. She said yes, but when I got home there was no cilantro. Also asked for some fresh grilled Jalapenos. Was disappointed when I discovered I was given pickled jalapenos. Overall.. Food is great as long you know how to order it. read more

I tried Carbon for the first time at the Taste of Chicago and was absolutely blown away by the tequila lime chicken tacos! They were fantabulous; my mouth is watering at the thought of them! The restaurant is nice, definitely don't eat inside - check out the patio! read more

Carbon - Tequila Lime Chicken Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

I love the location - even though it is strange. We sat outside under the tent on a very hot, humid summer night for 4th meal. I had a trio of tacos (fish, steak, chicken), my husband had a burrito (steak). The tacos were... just OK. Too many onions, not enough oompf. His burrito was awesome! We also had the elote - no lack of oompf there! The beans are more like a bean-stew and they are so freaking awesome. We have been back a few times - take out and delivery. I order extra beans because I like them leftover for lunch :) I really like the chicken burrito - the onion to other filling ratio is much better. I really like their guac and salsa as well. Just be careful of the onions! read more

Oh yes, these are some of the tastiest vegetarian tacos in Chicago!! Fire roasted mushroom, onions, peppers, all marinated in balsamic vinaigrette and served in a whole wheat tortilla. Seriously good. And two of them make for an inexpensive and satisfying lunch. Sure, I suppose it is not the most traditional of taco joints, but I'm fine with that. If a Mexican place is being really serious about traditionalism, then I won't be able to eat there! And I do appreciate being given my options. So I like this place. Plus they keep my carnivorous spouse happy, too. He general orders the Mother Clucker Burrito - grilled chicken marinated in tequila-lime sauce. The thing is huge and he generally gets two meals out of it. Plus, it's chicken so he feels like he's eating healthy! It also offers easy, free parking right nearby. What's not to love? read more

Great, massive burritos. Took a little while to get them, but totally worth it. Even my boyfriend, who's Mexican, was impressed.

This restaurant has taken a nosedive over the past year. My boyfriend and I order frequently. Their delivery used to be prompt. We have had nothing but problems for at least the last 6 months. Our last several deliveries have taken over an hour and a half, and we've had to call customer service to track down our order. Tonight we asked if there was anything they could do (we weren't looking for a refund but rather they fix the underlying problem), and the girl told us no. The fish tacos were bland even after adding cheese and elote. The chips range from completely flavorless to salt with a side of chips. The last straw was my boyfriend found a hair in his quesadilla tonight. Carbón has lost our business. read more

I tried one of each of the tacos including fish, vegetable, steak and chicken. No complaints about the quality - all were fresh and super tasty. I should have gotten a burrito because the tacos are $2.50 each, a little high for tacos. Staff was helpful and super friendly. Interesting location: right under the Stevenson. read more

I first visited Carbon for their fish tacos while working at Area 1 Police Headquarters on the South Side. I love this hidden gem and have gone out of my way to go back for their offerings; the best reasonably priced delicious fish tacos in Chicago. It's a pain in the ass to get to, being located UNDER the Dan Ryan at 26th and Princeton, but this place is worth the trip for a great lunch. I learned about this place by asking the ASAs and police officers around the courthouse, so if you ever want to know where the best places for the cheapest price are, ask a cop. They know where all those places are. read more

After receiving the menu in the mail a couple of times we decided to sample the fare at the Taste of Chicago. Hello....we sampled the chicken tacos and they had this lovely sweet citrus taste to them! We've been looking for some good Mexican delivery to the South Loop and finally have found a place that's on the rotation. We order delivery from them regularly. At first we were unsure about the size of the tacos so ordered three each to come to find out that they are really big! Going forward my hubby and I order two for each of us and share large sides of rice and beans. The only thing we didn't like were the chips. We found the to be a little greasy seeing that the bag it came it looked oily. As well, I think they were flour shells that were cut and fried, not corn chips...meh.... You will be pleased if you order the chicken tacos as the flavor of the chicken is super yum-o. Recently I decided to drive around Chinatown just to take a little look see and ran into Carbon. It was a tiny little dive sitting alongside the expressway. I can't speak for dine in but take out is always good. They actually messed up my delivery order once when I asked for no onions and cilantro, they actually had it on my tacos :( I called back and they sent a new order shortly.... read more

For a good quick protein meal for your after work out meal, hit up carbon and order the lime chicken burrito. There is tons of meat for the price. A lot of people complain about the lack of flavor,but honestly its better without the grease or the sauces that other joints put on. The chicken is never dry on the inside. Plus i recommend the red roasted pepper sauce. MONEY! read more

I absolutely loved the elote. It is a delightfully creamy corn with a hint of spice. It was so good. For my meal I ordered the burrito bowl. It needs some work in my opinion. There was too much going on there but it is definitely workable. I ordered the Tilapia bowl. The fish was fried and not overly seasoned but it was over-powered by the tons of cheese they smothered on top. Definitely took away from the flavor of the dish. And I really don't understand the point of lettuce. Lettuce is just filler and not a very good one for this dish. Next time, I order hold the lettuce, easy on the cheese and I little lemon juice instead of salsa for the fish. read more

Had their fish tacos at taste of Chicago last summer, they were great. Went to their restaurant and the quality was not as good, I will be back, and hopefully the tacos will be as good as I remember. read more

This is my favorite type of spot: an upscale dive with GREAT, fresh and flavorful food and reasonable prices. Most dives have great food but you look at the decor, close your eyes and hope the kitchen is sanitary. This place (although it looks like a converted garage) is clean and nicely decorated. You order at the register, they bring it out to you if you dine in and then you bus your own tables. Very casual but we noticed on the way out that they have outdoor seating under a tent--kind of more upscale than your average dive. Runs about $36 for a family of two adults/ two kids. Oh and I highly recommend the steak tacos and burrito bowls! read more

Ok, I skimmed a bunch of the previous posts to see what people were talking about because I know exactly what sticks out in my mind there, but surprisingly I didn't see it in as many posts as I would have thought. THEY HAVE AN AMAZING PINK "SALSA" that I literally would PUT ON ANYTHING. It's so so so good. Great amount of spice, nice cool creamy texture. So delicious. I think it's the roasted red pepper salsa, but I'm not 100% sure. To compliment the great dip are some GREAT chips!! The mix of corn and flour tortilla chips is so fun and unlike anywhere else. I also love the tacos, burritos, and TAMALES!! This is a great restaurant to get some super yummy food. Bring a couple people with you so you can try many things. read more

Recently decided to stop in after passing Carbon tons of times... I had the chicken (lime) tacos and they were pretty good. Can't say they were the best I've ever had in the city but they were decent. Carbon isn't exactly what I'd call "authentic" either so considered yourself warned on that aspect of the experience. Head over to Pilsen if you're looking for that experience. The service was good, restaurant was clean, etc. I don't really have any complaints. It's a solid establishment if you're looking for something in the area. Try the salsa too. I passed on it but I've heard that it's fantastic if that's your thing. My sister LOVED it. Looking forward to stopping in again to see what else they have to offer. read more

Ah Carbon, you hooked me with your crunchy fish tilapia tacos with the lime sauce drizzle. Love the mixed chips, the corn and flour kind which give a different texture from your regular nachos. TIP: order the elote and eat them with the mixed nachos. They are delicious. So glad that this is an option in my work 'hood. Could be an excuse to get away from the hub bub or even after hours and share a beer with a coworker or two. read more