Food is good, is hot the dinner area and the server mistake or order but other that it food 11/10read more

Carniceria San Juan de Los Lagos in Carlsbad, NM has to be some of the best Mexican food I've ever…read morehad! I usually have a rule when traveling that I don't visit the same restaurant more than once, but this place was the exception. I came back three times in two days. Yes, it was that good. Sadly, the third time I came back, they were closed. The food tasted very authentic and absolutely worth the visit. I noticed some reviews mentioned communication issues or that the staff may not speak much English. I had a little bit of that struggle too, but honestly, that's how you know you might be in the right place for truly authentic Mexican food. I also felt like it was partly my fault for not doing enough research before ordering. But we figured it out, and the food was more than worth it. One small suggestion: it would be helpful if the menu had a little more English explanation, pictures, or item numbers to make ordering easier for both customers and staff. Overall, this is the kind of true hidden gem you hope to find in a small town. I would definitely take a detour to come back here whenever I'm in the area again.

El Charro keeping it humble and absolutely delivering. Not fancy (nothing in this town really is )…read morebut daaaaauuum... that bean burrito was one of the best I've had in a long time. The burritos do run a little on the smaller side, but they're packed with flavor and definitely hit the spot. The salsa bar actually brings the heattttt spicy spicy, not just "I promise it's hot" spicy and the guac has legit flavor. Best part? You finish your meal and casually wander next door because it's connected to an ice cream and fruiteria situation. Dinner + dessert without even leaving the building. Say less.

I was recommended El Charro in Carlsbad, NM by some locals, and I'm so glad I listened…read more I'm a big fan of quesabirria and have been on a little quesabirria journey, and this has to be one of the top two best quesabirria tacos I've ever had. The taco was crispy and filled with delicious meat, and the consommé was rich and flavorful. If I hadn't been on the road, I probably would have ordered another one. The portion was generous, and the price was fair too. The service was quick, and the overall dining environment was bright and clean. Definitely a great local recommendation and a spot I'd happily come back to.

Food: The chips and salsa are very good. Salsa has a good kick, but it's addicting…read more The chicken tacos weren't bad, meat was a bit bland, but it did come with a lot of meat Crispy taco had an interesting taste. Couldn't tell if it was the meat, or the shell Service: not bad. Friendly staff, just a busy night, & didn't get to see her much Ambiance: a bit loud. Crowded, & music was up a bit, making people talk louder haha Prices are a bit high, but for the portion sizes, it's not bad. About $15 and up per plate

True disappointment food was flavorless tacos were similar to those at Taco Bell. I would not…read morerecommend this place. The beans were just awful. They don't have any alcohol other than beer I would look for other places if you're looking for Mexican food in Carlsbad

My husband and I shared: - Steak Quesadilla…read more- Chicharron en Verde Burrito - Barbacoa Torta - Carnitas Taco Plate My favorite thing was definitely the burrito. I also enjoyed the torta. I thought the tacos were a bit dry and the quesadilla was a bit plain, but it wasn't bad.

Food was super yummy. Great flavor. The staff was super nice. Also was very clean. We will be back…read moreagain for sure.

This place is a gem in Carlsbad. Started out with some complimentary warm chips and salsa…read more The food was exceptional and the prices reasonable for the quality. Service friendly and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. The spouse had the CAMARONES A LA PLANCHA looking for a non-fried seafood and not disappointed. Plenty of sides with salad, rice and mashed potatoes. I had the A LA DIABLA, the sauce was so flavorful and generous amount of chicken was able to take leftovers of a grilled chicken sandwich and about 1/2 the pasta. It will not go to waste

We've been in NM four days. This is the best food we have had so far and not by a little bit. We…read moregot the stone dish for two my kid got pasta with shrimp. Both were out of this world.

Oh my god! The food is AMAZING. And the portions are huge. Try the fired ice cream! You will not be…read moredisappointed

Great service! Even allowed our dog inside because it was so hot. NO outdoor seating, despite that…read morelisting on Yelp. Reasonable prices and good food.

This was some of the best Mexican food I ever had. My brother and I were driving cross-country from…read moreNew Jersey to Los Angeles, and this was one of our favorite meals during the entire trip. Maria was incredibly kind, and the food came out quickly. I got the Chiles Rellenos burrito and loved every bite. Plus the side salsa was delicious too. I highly recommend coming to Maria's Mexican Food truck!

Stayed in Carlsbad on a Tuesday night during my trip to the Caverns and needed to find a place to…read moreeat at that was open past 9pm. Boy was I glad I chose Maria's. It's a food truck stand with a few picnic tables in front and a full bathroom to the side. When I arrived around 10pm, besides the group leaving, my party was the only one there. There's also another food truck serving Mexican food in that same area. I ordered the carne asada burrito and it was so gooood! The meat had so much flavor and wasn't chewy. There isn't any rice in the burrito which I'm not used to, but given the plentiful meat portions, I was still very full. The salsa in the container was also delicious, even asked for extra. It's spicy though (gave me acid reflux haha). Highly recommend going to Maria's if you're craving Mexican food!! There are times where I want to drive back three hours just for that burrito again

Food was delicious. We had torta asado, burrito de chicken fajita and the carnitas plate. Food…read morewas hot, taste was great, home cooked flavor. Their salsa verse was best I've tasted. Would highly recommend.

Amazing food!! Loved the spice level. Service was great and the ambiance was nice. We had…read moreenchiladas, burgers, and tacos.

We came here on 4.22.24 after a long 12-mile hike ready to throw down. Our server was quick and…read morefriendly in taking care of us. Chips and salsa have to be ordered and you are charged for them - but trust me when I say you get ALOT of salsa and chips - and both are house made and delicious. There is also a very well-stocked salsa bar here with a diverse selection of salsas, taco toppings, and pickled jalapeños. You have got to try the jalapeños that taste like they were marinated in soy sauce. I had the cheese enchiladas dinner - I ordered them Xmas style with half and half red and green salsas. My very tired hiking partner restored her energy with a delicious dinner entree of flautas. We each really loved our meals and not just because we were operating on starvation mode! My enchiladas were stuffed full of Mexican cheese and were well covered with tasty red and green salsas. The refried beans were SO good and the rice tasted even better with a nice dose of pico de gallo. Pay cash if you want to avoid a CC fee. Come here for a great meal in a super clean establishment with quality service. You won't be disappointed.

OVERALL Not favorite Mexican restaurant in Carlsbad, New…read moreMexico, but Pancho's was good. RATING BREAKDOWN Food: 4 | Service: 4 | Ambiance: 4 | Price: 3 PARKING Limited spaces out front. LOCATION/AMBIANCE It's about a 25-minute drive from Carlsbad Caverns on the northwest side of town. THE GRUB + Modelo especial ($5.25) + chile relleno plate ($12.99) - this was enjoyable with the brighter green sauce from the salsa bar. Served with salad, beans, rice & your choice or 2 flour or corn tortillas. + gordita ($3.99) - my daughter liked this with asada. + guacamole ($4.99) - my 10-year-old ordered this with her gordita & there was plenty left over. Pretty good! + shrimp tacos ($13.99) - my 9-year-old devoured all three of them + Mexican Coke ($2.75) + small fountain drink in Styrofoam ($1.99) LITTLE YELPER'S CLUB There were some kids menu items, but nothing my kids liked. SERVICE It helps if you know a little Spanish. Our waitress was Spanish only speaker. She didn't tell me I had to go up front to pay so we sat there for a while until I figured that out. MY FAVORITE PART... The chile relleno. NOT SO FAVORITE PART... - Chips & salsa are not complimentary. - The soy-sauce drenched jalapeños at the salsa bar! Nope. Never again. TIP Beer is served. Cocktails are not.

This place isn't really mexicand it says that it is, but it's not. The waitress is really nice. The…read morefood wasn't that great chips were stale Their sauce saw was just haljapeno Salt in garlic The restaurant looked really clean, though. They really keep up on that part. I would not really recommend But overall I have to say is it was really nice and clean in there, and customer service was excellent.

Had lunch there yesterday and since the. My husband, baby and myself have had the worst case of…read morefood poisoning.. baby ate off my plate and my best guess is it was the pork. We have literally been in the bathroom Sick all night/day. The service was wonderful though, that's why I gave the 3 stars.