El Cazador Carolina Beach — Restaurant in Carolina Beach

The decor was pretty standard but they did have some nice woodwork on their railings and other places on the upper floor. There wasn't much room for people to move in and out of the building though and everything seemed a bit cramped (Yes, skinny kids were even sliding sideways passed each other to get through). When we were getting seated we were placed at a booth that had about six inches between your chest and the table and then the next booth they took us to had almost two feet between us and the tables edge. The server tried to sit us in that tiny seat first and when it didn't work, she just motioned for us to sit in the next one that was too large. It would have been better if she had realized that the spacing was off and we just needed to scoot one of the booth seats back a little. We would have gladly helped but she didn't say a word. It was pretty awkward.

The salsa was extra spicy, I think they had added some jalapeno seeds, but both the queso and salsa seemed like the basic kind you get at most places. When the food came out, we were pleasantly surprised that it was not as typical of food like the chips and dip were. The rice was still about average but the refried beans seemed like they were cooked better than most places. The beans were less like a paste and had more chunks of actual bean in them. They were seasoned well and had butter and cheese mixed in.

I ordered the Tacos Mexicanos Asada and they were FANTASTIC. The skirt steak was seasoned and cooked to perfection and the cilantro and onions were fresh and tasty. I threw some of the spicy salsa and some of the rice on mine to kick it up a little bit but it was excellent on it's own as well. I think maybe grabbing the food to go would have been better. Because the servers lingering upstairs that kept glancing over at us was a bit weird, and the bathrooms were really unclean. Overall, I had to give them only three stars because of the unclean bathrooms and how the booth situation was handled. I don't know if we'll go back next time we're in town but I really hope we just caught them on a bad day because those tacos were absolutely delicious. Visited the...

El Cazador now holds a very special place in my heart. Not only because of their delicious food and hospitality but also for their graciousness in caring for PEOPLE! Around the 4th of July holiday of 2022 a friend and I decided to go to El Cazador for a bite to eat after a day on the beach. We drove past and saw some available seating on the upper balcony and decided this was the perfect place to eat! We got seated right away and the service was prompt as usual. I was about half way through my meal and my delicious margarita when suddenly I began feeling faint. I told my friend that I think I may pass out and that I thought we should go, so we asked for the bill and the next thing I know, I have people staring down at me as I’m lying on the floor. Apparently I didn’t make it back to the golf cart before passing out…. :( I recall watching the servers gently step around me as my body wasn’t ready to move yet. I remember asking for ice, once I came to, and they graciously brought a gigantic bag of ice in which I placed on my chest to cool myself down. Unfortunately these things happen to me, and I’m not sure why…probably the cause of that episode was exhaustion from a beach day with very little food on board. But irrespective of that, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for all that you did for me and that I am so very sorry for causing a scene in your restaurant. There was also a very special woman, whom I believe was a nurse, who came to my side as well to make sure I wasn’t dead (because I think my friend thought I was dead/ dying 😬)!! She looked like an angel 😇 peering down upon me. So, thank you all for everything and I hope I’m not listed on a ban sheet or anything because I really do enjoy coming here! I promise next time I won’t...

If you're looking for a truly authentic Mexican burrito, this spot is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance immediately sets the tone—simple, rustic, and brimming with the essence of traditional Mexican eateries.

But the real star is the burrito. It’s unlike anything you’ve had before. The tortilla is thick, soft, and perfectly warm, with that slightly crispy edge that only comes from being expertly griddled. It's not the overly large, stuffed-to-the-brim type you find at most places; instead, it's a more refined version, perfectly balanced in both size and flavor.

The filling? Where do I even begin. The carne asada is hands down the most tender, flavorful beef I’ve ever tasted in a burrito. Marinated with just the right amount of citrus and earthy spices, each bite has an incredible depth of flavor—smoky, savory, and just a touch of heat. The onions and cilantro provide a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich beef, and the homemade salsa adds the perfect kick, blending perfectly without overpowering the other elements.

The rice and beans, while simple, are cooked to perfection. The rice is light and fluffy, with a slight tanginess from a hint of lime, and the beans are creamy, rich, and seasoned to perfection. Each component feels thoughtfully crafted, not just thrown together as filler.

The beauty of this burrito lies in its balance—each ingredient plays its part, complementing the others rather than competing for attention. It’s a perfect reflection of authentic Mexican cuisine: bold yet harmonious, straightforward yet complex.

If you’re after an authentic, no-frills burrito experience that transports you straight to Mexico, this is the place. It's not just a meal, it’s...