Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Carlitos Diner

    4.4 (716 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Carlitos Diner Takeout or Delivery

    Carlitos Diner Photos

    Business Info

    CARLITOS DINER ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Carlitos Diner

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Interior
    Howie C.

    Taco Tuesdays are truly Taco Tuesdays here! I came for Taco Tuesday and their Junior Crispy Tacos are only $1.49 each. The taco shells are fresh fried and packed with meat, lettuce and cheese. So good and such a great deal! My order came with complimentary chips and salsa and the food arrived at my table within a few minutes. I will need to come back and try some of the other stuff, but I really love the tacos!

    Crunchy taco
    Kim W.

    Food was good, service was great I went for a quick bite ~ great crunchy taco. Service was wick, food tasty!

    This used to be a wet burrito.  My hub ate the whole thing!!
    Julie N.

    I've been coming here regularly for a few months ever since I heard this place was struggling possibly due to an illness in the family. Not sure how true that story is, but my point here is... the lady at the counter is not as "friendly" as one would expect, especially if they are trying to keep their business alive. I thought she might be having a bad day, so I just wrote it off, but now that I've been here numerous times, I guess that's just how she is. Not a customer oriented friendly "front office" type. I referred this place to a friend who has also been a regular customer recently but, today, coincidentally, he mentioned he had a bad experience with the younger cashier. The food here is good and I don't mind continuing to support them, especially because it's convenient for me, but ... there are plenty of other small businesses to support, if I don't feel appreciated... After reading a few other reviews... it seems we're not the only ones who've noticed this "not exceptionally friendly" service... SMH

    Fish Taco
    Amanda C.

    Cute, mom-and-pop spot that instantly feels welcoming. The bright yellow walls give the place a cheerful vibe, making it a fun stop for a casual lunch. My husband and I are big fans of hardshell tacos, so naturally, we had to give theirs a try. Both the chicken and beef were very good. The chips and salsa they brought out were also solid, with just the right amount of kick. This place is perfect for a spur-of-the-moment lunch. The menu has plenty of options, but honestly, I think I'll definitely come back for the tacos.

    Cristine O.

    This restaurant has good food but they need to be more transparent with their customers. We've had two subpar experiences back to back. We went a few weeks back on May 29th because they put out a flyer saying that the FV location was going to have a buffet but the HB location would have their taco Tuesday specials all day. We went and tried getting the Taco Tuesday special and the lady who took our order said they weren't doing that. I was a bit surprised since the flyer stated they did and the last time they had the buffet at the other location, we had no issue ordering the special. If they didn't want to honor their special, it should not have been included on the flyer. The second time was tonight. We went in for a smash burger and made it a combo. Usually when you order a combo, it comes with fries and a drink. We were surprised when we saw the price and when we questioned why we were charged an additional $3.50 each, they said it was for the sodas. If the sodas are not included in the combo, this should be relayed to the customer so they aren't surprised when they pay. We like coming here for food but I unfortunately don't see us coming back here for all the surprise charges on the food.

    Taco Tuesday combo plate and two street tacos all for $11
    Beau A.

    This was some of the best Mexican food I have had in Orange County. I haven't found anything that reminds me of home in a hot minute. The staff were kind and it was cute to eat there. Their weekly deals are incredible. You will see me there every taco Tuesday

    Menudo con pata
    Anacleto E.

    Wifey and I ordered desserts next door and went to one of our favorite places to eat for a light snack but was greeted by a scowling, indifferent and attitude-filled server. We asked for specific menu items and were answered with an eye roll! So, we just ordered and left... I guess you should only come in for breakfast and lunch because the service goes out the window when the closing shift shows up.

    Chicken Fried Steak
    Michelle N.

    Who would have thought a small, rinky, hole in the wall Mexican diner would offer one of the best chicken fried steaks!! Being from the south, I grew up on hearty breakfasts. Everything loaded with gravy. Carlito's CFS did not disappoint!! Crispy chicken steak smothered, no, drowning in sausage gravy! For the price you really get a large portion too. It included 3 eggs made your way, I opted for hashbrowns and a side of toast. The diner itself is very tidy and clean. Excellent customer service. Upon entry, go to the counter to place your order then they will bring your food out.

    Inside + specials

    See all

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    11 days ago

    Delicious food and attentive customer service. Also, the best pozole I've had compared to other restaurants!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Howie C.
    1153
    916
    6123

    1 year ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 4
    Love this 7
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Kim W.
    0
    34
    107

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    27 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 2
    Love this 1
    Oh no 3
    Photo of Eddy P.
    255
    29
    12

    8 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Love the food here and if you pass by, turn around and go back! Three meals a day, so there is no excuse!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Really felt like we were interrupting the cashier from more important tasks and the food was only fair. Will not be back.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Always great affordable meals. Good quality generous portions and wonderful service. Our go to for lunch hands down!

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cindy Y.
    41
    111
    181

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kris P.
    14
    97
    114

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sandra B.
    150
    54
    29

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Long C.
    199
    302
    2698

    4 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Guy J.
    3
    68
    11

    1 year ago

    This place is great with great service. I had the Carnitas helping was good and they were browned perfectly. Salsa taste great too.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Josh R.
    97
    16
    5

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    I went back and was happy with food but yelp would not let me take down negative review

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    I love this place the food is always very good, well priced, and servicee moves quickly. The mom is my favorite !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 18

    Carlitos Diner Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Carlitos Diner

    Carlito s has very good food & the people are very nice.?

    Very nice staff. Carlito's met me at their front counter. He's a really nice guy and spoke to me for awhile. Their tinga was great! A little bit of onion and cilantro topped it off nicely.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Woody's Diner

    Woody's Diner

    3.7
    (384 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Was treated to dinner here by a friend so unfortunately I can't comment on price as they hid the…read morebill from me but the food was awesome. Cute, comfortable interior. Booth seating is available both inside and outside - that's awesome, never seen booth seating outdoors! Ordered a Texas BBQ Burger with some fries and ranch. Ranch passes the not-too-runny test. Fries are good - crisp, seasoned like curly fries typically are but they are straight, natural cut. I may have ordered them extra crispy, I usually do. Burger was delicious, bacon onion ring, BBQ and cheese, what's not to love? Hard to mess up a western bacon cheeseburger and thankfully Woody's has a great one. Wish I would've tried a shake or malt - they looked super yummy. I had a bite of each, tasted similar so I'm unsure what the difference is. If they have a banana shake with like.. oreo or chocolate, I think that'd be divine. Service was quick, server was friendly, napkins were conveniently stocked at the table. Each booth had the fun, old-school jukebox selection, although ours was not working so I am not sure if this feature is currently active but I hope it is - always a fun thing to make people suffer with an awful song of my choice. Jokes.. jokes... they don't usually have bad songs anyway! Plentiful parking, and the restaurant is located on it's own private lot so no big strip mall traffic to deal with. Convenient. Looking forward to my next visit and bringing my burger-loving buddies along with me. Thanks for having us!

    Woody's HB is the best!! The Thai chicken salad, Tuna Melt, BLT, Fajitas are all sooo good!! The…read moreranch dressing is really good, tastes homemade. The veggie beef soup is a go to as well. The staff is the best, friendly and on it! They all seem to like their jobs and always helpful! I love the bar area, so fun... feels like Cheers, lol.

    Photos
    Woody's Diner
    Chilli bowl
    Chilli bowl
    Kids menu. Kids eat free Wednesday with an adult entree purchase.

    See all

    Kids menu. Kids eat free Wednesday with an adult entree purchase.
    Dick Church's

    Dick Church's

    4.1
    (690 reviews)
    6.9 mi
    $$

    I grew up going to Dick Church's - whether that was after hitting dawn patrol at Blackie's or…read morepost-church services - my family has seen meals under multiple owners. I recently went back after many, many years away and I have to say that the current owners have done a fantastic job of keeping what was always special about the place while updating some of the less-than-stellar things that existed. I think the scaled down menu really does the place justice - because you can still get a Dick's Scramble, but they've kept the menu minimal so everything feels intentional and tastes delicious. It's still diner food, but that's exactly why you're here. The coffee is strong and hot, the eggs are fluffy, and the service is friendly and fantastic. Love the old photos of Costa Mesa everywhere and the outdoor seating for families with pets. Dick's is a staple of CM, and you can tell it will continue to be with this great for years to come. And yeah, still highly recommend the Dick's Scramble.

    We mostly go for breakfast and the food has always been great. However, we were just there for…read moreFather's Day and as expected, it was packed. But come to find out after an hour later, the girl who seats you forgot about us. After being seated, it took another hour for the food to come out. Keep in mind, we ordered everything right when we sat down because we were watching the tables as we were waiting for ours. One thing we observed was how the front door worker was seating people. Party of 4 was seated with three tables. There was room to move the tables apart and seat others who had been waiting but that didn't happen. We came here for Mother's Day and it was packed but service was quick. Not sure what went wrong on staff for Father's Day but it was not pleasant.

    Photos
    Dick Church's
    Dick Church's
    French Toast Combo

    See all

    French Toast Combo

    Carlitos Diner - diners - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...