El Carajillo Mexican Cafe & Bar — Restaurant in Columbus

Revised Review: I made a revisit to El Carajillo today. What as great: -The Service -The Guacamole -The Margarita

I ordered Chorizo Nachos, queso on the side as it was a to go order & I wanted to ensure chips wouldn't get soggy. The chorizo was very dry, like it was burnt up in a warmer. The service was friendly & very quick, too quick for them to have had just prepped it and overcooked the sausage. The queso wasn't hot, and honestly would have probably taste better with 30 seconds in the microwave. The guacamole was fantastic & so was the margarita.

While waiting on my togo order I noticed they were able to make another customer and Iced Latte - which was not available as an option at a previous visit so they're listening and trying!

An odd quirk to note, the business created a new google listing for their business and its been filled with positive reviews - seemingly a response to counter the poor first impression & star rating. My original review from that listing is copied below.

Original Review El Carajillo is in a spot that is perfect for the neighborhood with its concept - but needs work or they won't survive. Not much of a person who leave reviews but hoping the ownership makes changes - because a Mexican cafe & bar is such a great idea in Italian Village.

I've stopped twice, first for an iced latte - but they don't do iced drinks. I can't do a hot latte when it's 80º so ended up walking across the street to bada bean for my fix. Stopped in at 9pm to give things another go. Ordered the queso covered burrito & chorizo queso dip + chips. Shortly after ordering they notify they don't have any queso - bummer. They offer guac - not my thing, a margarita - or a refund. I wanted to support them so I went for the margarita. Everything to go since it's an hour before close on a weekday.

Got home and the food looked decent - but was very under seasoned - under salted. Salsa was good. Margarita was no good either.

Hope to revisit in a few weeks and will revise...

In the heart of Columbus' Italian Village lies a hidden gem: El Carajillo. From the moment you step inside, the ambiance whispers sophistication, but it’s the food and service that steal the show.

The chilaquiles are nothing short of a revelation. Perfectly crisp tortillas softened just enough by a tangy salsa, topped with crema and cotija, deliver a masterful balance of flavor and texture. And the churro latte? Pure indulgence. Sweet cinnamon notes dance on a rich coffee base, making every sip a luxurious treat.

But the true standout is the service—attentive, intuitive, and undeniably warm. The team at El Carajillo ensures every detail of your dining experience feels effortless and extraordinary.

Discovering a place like this is a rare pleasure. Go for the chilaquiles, stay for the churro latte, and let the impeccable service remind you that excellence is alive and well...

HANDS DOWN.. the best Mexican food in the city!! Starting with the drinks, The Cafe de Olla and the Coffee Chata were so good, that high fived the waitress and the owner. The were well balanced, and the toasted spices felt like a hug in a mug!

They served the coffee with warm bread filled with cream cheese, which was a nice surprise. For entrees, we had chilaquilese with the tomatillo salsa, steak and eggs.. just yes 🙂.. for a great twist, try the waffle tres leches which is sweet but not overly sweet. If want something hardier go for the breakfast burrito with souffled eggs and chorizo.

If you're craving lighter/refreshing options, then the shrimp ceviche and chicken street tacos is what you should order.

SAVE ROOM FOR DESSERT! the warm churro is what dreams...