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    Tio Carlos

    4.1 (244 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Tio Carlos Photos

    TIO CARLOS ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Tio Carlos

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    Terrible service! Laid down dirty cup but didn't say one word to me

    Well I've been here for 10 minutes no acknowledgment. Waitresses look at me and don't even address me. One waitress even set a dirty cup on the table where I finally sat and helped another table grabbed the cup and didn't even say anything. A family just came in were helped and I had to ask her if anyone was going to help me. She told me one moment then ran away and came back to service that family. This is crazy in 2026.

    Where to begin with Tio Carlos. It started off as a quick decision. I expected almost nothing but my group and I desired cheap Mexican food. The energy in there was superb. Live music and possibly Carlos himself hanging around the restaurant. I was excited for my food to say the least. The beef quesadillas I had were easily the best I've ever had from any restaurant. This is my first ever yelp review. Usually people are whining about something nobody cares about, but I was compelled to write today because of how perfect this experience was.

    Lomito argentino sandwich
    Michaela R.

    This place seems old but the food is great. We went inside and I almost had to ask my husband to just forget about it as there's not much people inside but good thing we stayed as we got a very good meal. My sister in law got a fajita beef and she loved it. She said the meat is to tender and good. I got enchiladas and the cheese, chicken and brisket are a must to try. The best that they have is the sandwich lomito argentino. It's Large Argentine style sandwich filled with grilled steak, fried eggs, jack cheese, ham , lettuce, tomatoes, and salsa rosa, served with French fries. My husband loved it so much that he had to order again in our 2nd visit here. You've got to visit this surprisingly hole in wall good place for Tex max food. By the way I wouldn't pass up the plantains which is always my favorite thing to order in any restaurant that has that in their menu ;)

    Chicken tortilla soup
    Andrew M.

    It's been 22 years since my first trip to Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico where I learned Spanish and discovered Chili Rellenos. I loved them immediately. Ever since in my travels throughout the US I have sought a perfect chili relleno. My serveR recommended the chicken. It was stunning. I actually tell you better than my first those long 22 years ago! I loved it. Kudos to the chef. I startedd with their chicken tortilla soup. Look at those chunks of chicken. And so juicy. So tender. As a big kid I asked for horchata. Maybe a bit to much cinnamon on top, but gosh to feel over 2decades younger, what a great experience.

    Skirt stake with chimichurri
    Bertha M.

    The place was super hot no Ac The food was good and service was great Music was awesome

    Chicken Fajita Nachos

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    3 months ago

    Food was delicious. I will be back. I had the brisket nachos. My husband had the cheese enchiladas daughter had the chicken enchiladas.

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    15 days ago

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    8 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Even though they were about to close- they welcomed us in and gave great customer service. Food was delicious!

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    11 months ago

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    7 months ago

    The service was excellent and the food was absolutely delicious! I can't wait to return next time I'm in Irving. Highly recommend!

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    2 years ago

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    9 months ago

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    11 months ago

    Love this place - consistently great service and food. Dependable, great prices and lots of options

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    3 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Yummy authentic Mexican eats. They are very friendly folks. Customer service is great. Food comes out hot and quickly.

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    2 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Great food service was average it's worth trying. I will go again for my 3rd time soon.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    This is one of the best restaurants I've seen the food is really good and the service was amazing!!!

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    7 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Was better than expected. The QuesaBirra tacos were really good! The services was good also!

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    11 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Nothing fancy, just great mexican food and great atmosphere . Had Chicken enchiladas w/green sauce. 5 stars all the way

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    8 years ago

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    Page 1 of 7

    Ask the Community - Tio Carlos

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    Via Real is an OG Las Colinas spot, family-run for years and it shows in both the food and the…read moreservice. The menu leans Mexican fusion, with standout seafood and steak options across the board. One of my personal favorites is their sea bass special with pineapple reduction. It's beautifully balanced sweet, savory, and rich without being heavy and comes with perfectly cooked charred vegetables on the side. The drinks are excellent, especially the margaritas, which definitely lean on the stronger side, fair warning that one drink can feel like two. Save room for dessert too; they offer a solid selection of cakes and sweets that are a great way to close out the meal. Service is attentive and warm, and they also have private group dining rooms available, making it a great option for corporate events or holiday parties. Valet parking is available, but there's also plenty of convenient parking right next to the restaurant. Overall, Via Real is a reliable, elevated dining experience that still feels welcoming and rooted in tradition, a Las Colinas classic for a reason.

    Via Real is an Irving-Las Colinas landmark which serves Southwestern cuisine with amazing service…read more I've attended Via Real for numerous events and have enjoyed the bar, so this review focuses on these experiences. My Overall Rating - 5 Stars (Atmosphere, Service, Food, Return) Atmosphere - Via Real has a dedicated parking lot and valet parking - this is a sign of an upscale restaurant. Inside, it's a beautiful restaurant (currently decorated for Christmas). There's a dedicated bar in the back, the tables are perfectly set, and the vibe exudes an upscale feel. 1 Star. Service - Upon entering, you're greeted with a smiling hostess to assist. Since I was here for an event, they walked me to the appropriate room. Via Real has dedicated rooms for events, and we had a dedicated staff member who made sure we had drinks in hand. All requests were taken care of. They were fast, accommodating, and professional. 1 Star. Food - Via Real specializes in Southwestern cuisine. It's not Mexican or Tex-Mex, but if you're fans of that cuisine, you'll find familiar flavors. My events had several items, but my favorite were the individual nachos. Instead of a shared platter, a single (large) tortilla chip is topped with chicken or beef and oven-melted cheese. It felt more like bite-sized appetizers than traditional nachos. At the bar, I enjoyed a decaf cappuccino and creamy caramel flan. You can eat at the bar, but there are also tables you can sit at. 2 Stars. Will I Return? - Yes. Via Real is in my neighborhood and has been in Irving-Las Colinas as long as I can remember (mid 90's). If you are ever in the area, make sure you stop by. 1 Star.

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    Familia Restaurante - Chips and Salsa

    Familia Restaurante

    4.8(121 reviews)
    2.7 mi
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    I almost want to gate-keep this place. When you find a hidden gems and you're afraid it's going to…read moreend up on one of those DFW love Instagram/tiktok post and ruin it. Lol But I also want to support this small restaurant and brag about literally how delicious everything is. From the empanadas that are cheesy and meaty you could eat as a meal alone, to all the flavors of each sauce they offer is exceptional. The poblano sauce is so good, I'd like to get a job in the kitchen for the recipe. We also asked for a side of the mole sauce just to try, it was smoky, sweet, and the right amount of spices. The tacos remind me of the tacos I get in Mexico with the grilled pineapple and picked onions. The salsa offered with the chips is warm and I love that. Will definitely be a go to restaurant for me. Thank you for the delicious meal.

    I have now ordered takeout from Familia once as well as had lunch in the restaurant. Both…read moreexperiences were very good. I forgot to snap a picture but I'll list some things I tried: Empanadas- 10/10- a must order. Flavor, texture, and taste are all amazing. Molé enchiladas- the molé is so good- especially for Dallas since most places are Tex Mex and molé is more Mexican. Definitely order if this is in your "taste profile." Lunch specials- I don't even know if this is on their website but they have a great lunch menu and they have a lunch combo special where you can pick two items for $10.50 and it comes with rice and beans. I ordered the cheese enchilada and the mini chimichanga. Full disclosure I didn't eat the mini chimichanga because I didn't know it was covered in queso and I hate queso (unpopular opinion- I know). I loved the enchilada though and it had chili con carne sauce which was delicious. Rice and beans were also very good. Next time I'll just say no queso on the chimi. The restaurant is really tiny but cozy and you can tell it is family owned. Definitely will be a regular spot for me and will be back.

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    Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant

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    3.5(438 reviews)
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    On our way back from Asia, my husband and I had a stop through the DFW area and immediately decided…read morethat we needed to take advantage of being back near a region that really knows Mexican food. Living in Sioux Falls has many positives, but distinct and deeply flavorful Mexican cuisine is unfortunately still something that's a little harder to come by compared to places like Arizona or Texas. So, we made it a point to stop at Lupe Tortilla while passing through Irving. The first thing we noticed was how packed the restaurant was during lunch. People were pouring in steadily, and the atmosphere had that energetic local favorite feeling where you know people come because they genuinely enjoy the food. Thankfully, the meal itself delivered. Now, was it the absolute best Mexican food I've ever had? No. But it was still leagues beyond most of what we've experienced lately back home in South Dakota. The carne asada especially stood out. The portion was massive, tender, and packed with smoky, savory flavor. You could immediately tell it had actually spent some time on a grill instead of simply being rushed out of a kitchen. We also enjoyed the tacos, enchiladas, and burritos, all of which had that comforting Tex-Mex richness and seasoning that we've really missed. Unfortunately, we were on a fairly tight travel schedule and couldn't linger the way we would have liked. Honestly, this felt like the sort of place where you could easily sit awhile longer, enjoy another drink, sample more dishes, and just soak in the lively atmosphere. Still, even as a quick stop, it was a great experience and a delicious reminder of how much we miss the bold Mexican food culture of the Southwest.

    The food was just okay overall. The lobster tacos I ordered were quite salty, as were the chicken…read moreenchiladas my friend got. I finished one taco, but for the second I only ate the lobster since I didn't want to waste it, especially considering the $30+ price point. My husband ordered the carne asada steak Lupe and said it was fine, though he's definitely had better. On a more positive note, the chili con queso was good, and the frozen strawberry margarita was both tasty and generously sized. Service was friendly, but we were given multiple chip refills without being asked, while the salsa and beans that come with them were never replenished, which felt a bit unbalanced. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere and was on the louder side, which made it a little difficult at times to hear our server. My Apple Watch even gave me a loud-environment alert, so it might be something to keep in mind if you prefer a quieter dining experience.

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    El Viejon - Camarones en salsa verde

    El Viejon

    4.4(20 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    (English down below)…read more Saliendo del aeropuerto DFW, busqué algún restaurante que tuviera sopa de mariscos; no sé de dónde vino el antojo. Entre varias opciones apareció El Viejón. Revisé el menú en línea y las reseñas, y manejé 13 minutos para encontrarme con una verdadera maravilla. Lo que me encantó: La atención fue excelente. Nos atendió Nidia, quien no solo es muy amable, sino también servicial y eficiente. Adolfo, el gerente, es un tipazo. Lo simple pero importante: Sus vasos de plástico, tan originales. La sencillez y el humor del menú. Los precios son justos para la cantidad que sirven. Lo que me dejó impresionado: La sopa de mariscos. Este tipo de sopas es sencillo: o la sabes hacer o no. Si no, termina siendo como la de Pappadeaux--para llorar. Esta sopa, en cambio, tiene mariscos abundantes (cangrejo, almeja, pulpo, pescado, camarón, calamar, etc.). El sabor es ligeramente dulce y cada nota se distingue con claridad. Muy recomendada. Una sola sopa es más que suficiente para una persona. Esto último lo aprendí demasiado tarde, después de haber pedido también el pulpo a la plancha, que terminé llevando para casa porque era demasiada comida. Mis únicas dos quejas: Las tostadas que ofrecen vienen con un pollo que parece atún, pero sabe a plástico. Mi perrito iba conmigo y ni siquiera él quiso comérselo, lo cual dice mucho. Algo raro ahí. La otra es la música: demasiado fuerte y del mismo género. Si el objetivo es honrar la cultura mexicana, hay muchísimos géneros entre los cuales escoger. Digo yo... no sé. Mejorar estos dos detalles llevaría la experiencia en El Viejón a otro nivel. ¡El Viejón, recomendadísimo! ------------------------------------- Leaving DFW airport, I found myself craving seafood soup--no idea where the craving came from. I searched for nearby options and El Viejón came up. I checked the online menu and reviews, then drove 13 minutes, only to discover a real gem. What I loved: The service was excellent. Nidia took care of us--she was not only kind, but also attentive and efficient. Adolfo, the manager, is a great guy. The simple but important things: Their plastic cups are surprisingly original. The menu is simple and humorous. Prices are fair for the generous portions they serve. What truly impressed me: The seafood soup. This kind of soup is simple: either you know how to make it, or you don't--and when you don't, it ends up like the one at Pappadeaux... something to cry about. This one, however, is loaded with seafood (crab, clams, octopus, fish, shrimp, squid, etc.). It has a subtle sweetness, and you can taste every distinct note. Highly recommended. One soup is more than enough for one person. I learned that lesson too late--after also ordering the grilled octopus. I had to get it to go because it was simply too much food. My only two complaints: The tostadas they serve come with chicken that looks like tuna but tastes like plastic. My dog was with me and wouldn't even eat it--which says a lot. Very strange. The other issue is the music: too loud and all from the same genre. If the goal is to honor Mexican culture, there are so many genres to choose from. Just saying--I don't know. Fixing these two things would take the experience at El Viejón to another level. El Viejón--highly recommended.

    A second, dine-in visit provided more reasons NOT to return than to return:…read more - Prices for most things are far too high when considering location and ambiance--I mean we're not talking "fine dining". - Margarita prices are very vague and I was passed a "tequila menu" to choose from. Confused, I chose one of the cheaper options only to find out after getting bill that my margarita was $18.95! Is this Via Real?!? If so, take some lessons from them on how to make a quality margarita since this one was not $18.95 material. - 3% service charge over posted prices for using a credit card. Didn't realize that on last visit. You do that, you're telling me you never want me to return. Food was good. Just not THAT good. I will say that the entree I received was large enough for 2, which would have made the $27.50 more reasonable. But if that's the intent, mention it on the menu. But I'm not sharing a nearly $25 margarita (after tax, tip and service charge).

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    El Viejon
    El Viejon - Mojarra frita

    Mojarra frita

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    Variety of Salsas

    Tio Carlos - mexican - Updated May 2026

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