Great service, delicious food and very reasonably priced! We went a bit before the dinner rush on a Tuesday, so glad as they filled up quickly. Definitely will eat here again and again and again! read more

I would give it a lower star but I don't want to be that person. I'm from Chicago & also lived in AZ, so I have to say my expectations are different and the dislikes I have about this restaurant could be meaningless to someone who rarely eats Mexican. I don't discourage anyone from trying it, but still wanted to point out my disappoints in the restaurant as my way of venting. NEGATIVES: The "queso" fries had American cheese. (Big Mexican no no) My tostada didn't have beans on it. (Please google tostada & tell me I'm crazy.) I've never in my life had a tostada without beans. It's like a quesadilla without cheese! & Like another reviewer, I was disappointed that the "sopaipilla" was more of a big crunchy elephant ear, rather than the fluffy donut-like treats. POSITIVES: Super busy. Fast service. Lots of options. Friendly staff. Great atmosphere. big tvs. The cocktails looked amazing. Super tasty chips & Salsa. We moved out of the city to get away from the hustle & bustle. At the end of the day we appreciate our new small town and when we saw a new restaurant open we were excited for Iron Mountain & it's variety. I love supporting local business & despite my disappointments I hope it sticks around. :) read more

Great place an decor wonderful, I had a mexican style shrimp cocktail! It was delicious right blend of sweet with spicy backing little salt couple pops of tapatio hot sauce I was good to go.. read more

Carlos Cantina - Mexican style shrimp cocktail.. - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

I've been here for dinner several times and have found the food and service to be reasonable each time. The atmosphere is nice with plenty of seating choices - the bar is very tiny. The quality of the food is fair with fresh chips and tasty salsa provided free before dinner. The menu selection is huge and overwhelming (all Mexican). I'm not sure the food is authentic Mexican cuisine, and all the dishes I've had lack any real spicy flavor (cumin/cilantro etc). The heat level is also nonexistent unless you add it via their bottled red/green sauces. They could be a bit more generous by including sides of beans/rice when a customer orders a dinner. Finally, the mix they use in their margaritas is fake tasting. My gf and I ordered an un-blended pitcher with top shelf tequila - the mix ruined the flavor of the tequila. This past summer the AC didn't seem to be working making for an uncomfortable atmosphere on those rare warm UP days. A friend and I were also rushed out before we were finished with our drinks. This was after the manager insisted we pay at our table rather when we left as per usual. This happened when we arrived and ordered two dinners about 15 min. before their kitchen closed. I have high hopes for their survival in a tough, small town market. Given the fact that the owner has several other restaurants bodes well, but they will have to get consistent support from the locals to make $$. This area can starve restaurants in January so time will tell... read more

So good!! Love having this place in Iron Mountain as our to go to spot. Really good food that you want to go back for My almost 90 year old parents that were not fans of Mexican now have been converted read more

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Wonderful friendly staff, always treated with a smile, never had to wait long even when there's a full house!, Food always hot and fresh, don't even have to ask for refills, always happy to go there, the food is amazing!! The price isn't bad for what you get, very happy customer here, I have gone back a few more times, they even come to your table with a cimbro if it's your birthday and bring you fried ice cream and sing Happy birthday, defently go there, you won't be disappointed, they even had a child's menu,my daughter got a hamburger and fries! read more

Carlos Cantina - Went for my husband's birthday and they gave him fried ice cream,had him wear a cimbro and sang Happy birthday, great food and service! - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

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Absolutely fantastic food! I go maybe once a month with my boyfriend and it's ritual to get chicken panchos and it never disappoints! Fantastic Mexican food! read more

For the Iron Mountain area, this place is pretty good. The service and drinks are awesome, but if you have eaten a lot of Mexican before you'll find this place quite Americanized. They use a lot of queso and not a lot of heat in their food, and it doesn't taste like the Mexican food I've had in Mexico and larger cities. That being said, it tastes pretty decent and it's nice to see an ethnic restaurant thrive in iron mountain. read more

Excellent food, great variety! Atmosphere is very nice. I couldn't stop eating the chips and salsa. Will definitely be back. read more

Carlos Cantina - I couldn't wait to start eating before taking my picture. - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

When our party went to Carlos Cantina on Friday, September 1st, we had a few problems with the food. First of all, ordering the Carne Asada, it was much too chewy. This took away from the overall flavor of the steak itself. The sides (refried beans, lettuce, rice) were very good, and the lemonade I ordered was great. Nobody in my party finished all of their food, and they all said the food was just decent. This restaurant's food really did not stand out to us. The thing that we really enjoyed about the restaurant was the interior decoration. The booths on the top part were decorated very well, and the place had much ambiance, leaving a lasting impression on us. The hostess table was decorated as a box surrounding the hostess, which was neat. The service was also very good, with our waiter being cheery, prompt, and helpful with menu decisions. The food was ready quite quickly. It was great service. The dessert, however, was GREAT. I absolutely loved the churros I ordered, and the chocolate drizzle was amazing. It looked great, too. The other members of the party ordered fried ice cream, which they also thoroughly enjoyed. Overall, we recommend this restaurant for casual dining. The food is okay, but the service and design made it much better. read more

For the UP it's probably as authentic Mexican as you're going to get. We were only there for drinks and appetizers, Had margaritas, jalapeño poppers and Fajita nachos. I can't say that I was impressed, but I was pleasantly surprised at the flavors. The last couple of years visiting Iron Mountain people would say to stop and try their food. I can't speak for their food as we didn't really have much to eat there, Their poppers I would say leave a lot to be desired. the fajita nachos were good I totally recommend and the margaritas are also delicious. PS. if you are a Spanish speaker, and the waitstaff realizes this, The news spread quickly that you understand what they're saying and they will try and be on their best behavior as far as not throwing temper tantrums! This was just a funny note from my experience there! read more

Food is great! Fourth time eating here. But also fourth time the men's and lady's rooms could be much cleaner.

Had my first meal at this new establishment, it was very good and authentic. Chips and salsa were made in house and all ingredients were fresh, our meal was delicious. I had burritos deluxe and my wife had chimichangas both large portions and very satisfying. Prices very reasonable. A little hard to find, they need a sign outside the door. If you're not a local you would have hard time finding it. read more

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Meh Mexican food. Service is fast but not friendly. Food is a C+ at best but if you are desperate for Mexican food this joint might work.

I moved to western Michigan after living 14 years in Oklahoma City. I traveled Texas frequently for work. I love Mexican food but have not been able to find anywhere that meets my expectations in Michigan This place is the exception. I stopped here for lunch during my business travels. Who would have thought the U.P. would be where I would find the same style of Mexican food I became accustomed to from Oklahoma and Texas! I ordered guacamole as an appetizer to go with the free chips and salsa. Combined with our entrees there was way too much food for the two of us. There was plenty to make a second meal out of. Again I must say both my wife and I thought it was excellent. No question I will seek this place out again next time I am in the area. It may even influence my travel plans. read more

The only place that is worse than this is their other Mexican restaurant up in Hancock, Mi. I had the Pollo Cremoso and it was so dry, hardly any sauce, one mushroom, chicken burnt. My husband had the Tres Marias enchiladas and they tasted like they were from the frozen food section and microwaved. The hostess asked us how our food was and I told her that is was not good at all. She said "OK, have a great night". Obviously they don't care whatsoever. I will not go back. Don't waste your money. Taco Bell would even be better. read more

Good Mexican food for standard Mexican food price. Close to holidays inn. Nice and warm in the end the October. read more

Carlos Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

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Lots of selection. Great tasting food. Chips, salsa & cheese were ALL really good! Had a 8.50 margarita. It was darn tasty. Fast service. I would recommend coming here-really nothing like it in town. Thank God because I'm TIRED of steak & spaghetti at all the other restaurants. Yuck. Yay for Mexican! read more

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This is a great place Fantastic food. The best I have had in long time everything was fresh. Excellent salsa and chips. It is a must. The guacamole was great. I just cannot say enough great things. Debbie R read more

Love this place. Good food. Great staff. A little kitchy with the decor.... But, Hey! It's da UP after all....

I really enjoyed this place. It's pretty authentic for northern Wisconsin and the UP. It's a little hard to find but its in a great spot with lots of street parking. read more

Carlos Cantina - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

We had lunch at Carlos Cantina today. It was our 45th wedding anniversary and were looking at Yelp for lunch suggestions. I saw this place, read the reviews and said "Let's go". I've had Mexican food in Arizona and in Mexico and loved it. The food here was almost as good. Probably the best Mexican place in Upper Michigan and far northern Wisconsin, in my opinion. They have a six page menu. The portions we had were big enough for almost anyone. Their prices were reasonable. The waitress was attentive and very friendly. The restroom was spotless. This is our new goto place for Mexican food. Update- May 16, 2018 We went there for dinner. The ice tea was awful, mostly water. Seemed like the waiter was having a bad day and couldn't give us better tea. That made our dinner less than enjoyable. The food was good. When I mentioned the not good tea, he said he would not charge us. Then he came back with a third of a glass that we had to share between us. read more

Was not real busy and the service was less than adequate. Food was flavorless and not real warm. Not sure I will go back.

We showed up around 11:30 am and were seated immediately. The staff was very friendly and attentive. We were served warm tortillas with salsa which were great. When our lunch entrees arrived they were sizzling hot and smelled amazing! We had the #15 Chimichanga and the Texas Fajitas. Both were absolutely delicious. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal and look forward to going back. I would definitely recommend Carlos Cantina! read more

One of our favorite places to go while in the UP! The service is always fast and friendly and the food is great! We love the cheese and bean dip with chips and always try a new dish that never disappoints. Today I had the huevos rancheros -- 2 fried eggs, rice and beans, and 3 tortillas. Such a satisfying meal :) I'm a vegetarian and there aren't many great options for me elsewhere. I always find something at Carlos Cantina! read more

Great food, great service and a fun atmosphere. All the favorite Tex-Mex standards and a full bar. You should be able to find something for everyone. read more

My family was thoroughly thankful for the clearly marked vegetarian section of the menu. The staff informed us that almost anything from said section could be made vegan. My wife and I shared the double order of vegan fajitas, and they where phenomenal. The staff was friendly and the area had a fun and festive vibe which was both warm and welcoming. Great place! read more

My husband and I traveled all day from Minneapolis and stopped at Iron mountain to spend the night. We were hungry and we turned to yelp and found this place. So glad that we did. I ordered the Lindo's special. So delicious. Has chicken , Shrimp, steak, mushrooms, onions and peppers over rice. There are limited choices in iron mountain and especially on a Sunday night. This place rocks. Really good artwork here. I would most definitely eat here again. The prices are very reasonable. Try it, you won't be sorry. read more

Great place to get great Mexican food! Highly recommend coming here to eat if you have no other ideas of where to go to eat. Workers are kind and quick, food arrives quickly too. So, like I said, overall a great place! read more

Happy find! Good Mexican food, good prices in the cutest place. Great decor. And as many of the restaurants in town are closed on Monday, we're happy to have found one that's open AND good! It was pretty busy but we got great service. For me it's a big plus that they offer ala carte items since entrees are just too much for me, and being from out of town, can't take leftovers home. Thanks Carlos! read more

I ordered delivery for the second time today. Most of their meal items are good just really really really salty. The salads are NOT salads. They should not even be allowed to call the items on their salad menu salads. I really did not want to complain so I called to ask the manager about their salads and he basically said that is how they always make them. Apparently you have to be very specific about how to make your salad if you want ANY lettuce whatsoever in your salad. The first salad I had ordered a few days ago was the Pedro's with grilled chicken. It was almost ALL chicken and fried or sauteed peppers/onions. I didnt call or complain because I thought that is maybe how they make that one and it does have a mexican name. The second time I placed an order I thought I would add the ceasar with grilled chicken. Because Caesar salads are pretty standard at all restaraunts and come with fresh romaine. This time the salad was again almost entirely grilled chicken. Some sauteed veggies again (weird and definitely not a caesar). I could barely get more than a bite or two of some wilted romaine and the rest was chicken and sauteed peppers and onions. Oh and they threw in a prepackaged caesar dressing (low standard dressing, btw) and I guess THAT is what makes it a Caesar according to them. Don't mistake this place for a place that has reasonably healthy vegetarian options. You will be disappointed. And yes I ordered the chicken on it because usually on a caesar they put a normal portion size of grilled chicken that I could give to a friend or pet. But any sane reasonable person would expect a caesar to be packed with mostly romaine lettuce. I wish I could show you guys a picture, because its just unbelievable that someone would even call it a salad. read more

Carlos Cantina - Do you see any lettuce? - Mexican Near Me - Iron Mountain, Michigan

It's ok, decent chips and cheese/salsa. The margaritas are good. The lime chicken is my favorite. It seems to be inconsistent though.

The food was mediocre. I ordered burritos they were just ok. my complaint was when I put my name in the host seated 4 larger parties before I got seated. read more

Go! Great selection of Mexican food. EXTREMELY fast service. Waitress was VERY NICE. I agree with other reviewers: THIS is the place to eat when you are in Iron Mountain! read more

This restaurant exceeded my expectations. The manager went above and beyond to make sure I was pleased with the service. The meat selection was fantastic. You get a romantic view from the second story over the balcony. Also our server Ruby was super attentive and friendly. read more

I have been here twice now. First time was decent, it has a good variety of food and overall was pretty good. The margaritas tasted like syrup and lacked that authentic flavor. I tasted absolutely no tequila! It was just an overpriced slushy. The reason I gave it one star is because I went back for beers this time and a more straight forward dish. I HAVE NEVER BEEN SO SICK in my life. I was sitting on the toilet or hugging it all night and all morning from some incredibly severe food poisoning. I threw up and sat on that toilet for a solid 10 hours. No sleep for two days ! I'm sorry, but there was clearly a cleanliness issue or good preparation problem. Never again will step foot in my this place. I know this place was the culprit because it was the only thing I ate all day. One of the worst 24 hours of my life. read more

Carlos Cantina in Iron Mountain Michigan was quite a pleasant surprise! What a neat place! A festive atmosphere in an old building located downtown- reasonable walk from hotel. Two story brick restaurant- colorful decor, large screen TVs- comfortable seating with plenty of table room. Friendly and efficient service and great prices- most meals in the $10-12 range and large portions- 16 ounce frozen margarita at $4.50- but weak not much alcohol- but tasty. Had the carnitas and the pork was moist and flavorful - onions were a little too strong- needed to stay on the grill a few more minutes. The refried beans were excellent! My portion had a "smokey" flavor- and were moist instead of the usual bland flavor with a pasty texture. The chips were crisp and fresh however the salsa was too thin and needed a little heat- a little too weak. I was pleased - drink and meal- $15! Will return when in town again- better than any other Mexican restaurant I have been in while on work in the UP specifically Marquette and Escanaba! read more

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Did not expect such a good Mexican restaurant in a remote location like Iron Mountain. The food, the ambiance everything was good about the restaurant. Must try. read more

Mexican cuisine is by far my favorite and I (and I'm sure many others) have been waiting a long time for a true Mexican restaurant in this area, so I was super excited when I found out about Carlos Cantina! I was there on opening night and have been there for both lunch and dinner many times since (and they've only been open a short while!) so that says something, right? :) THE GOOD: - Food is exceptional! - Super fresh salsa and chips - Excellent lunch and dinner - Superb guac - Huge menu THE BAD: - Service could be better: The service has been hit or miss for me. The other day I went at lunch and my food came out in literally 10 minutes. The time before this I went at dinner and we waited an hour and a half before getting our food. - Margaritas could be better: seems like they are made with an inexpensive (not really that great tasting) margarita mix currently. Frozen/fresh fruit margaritas would be awesome! - Hard to find: A noticeable sign by their door would be a plus. Overall, I will definitely continue going because the food is phenominal, but I'm hoping their customer service will be a little more consistent! read more

We went there with a party of about 16 and everyone was satisfied! I don't remember every detail because I smoked some gorilla glue #5 (super fire, better than the #4) before we got there, but everything tasted good!!!!!!! read more