Carlitos Diner — Restaurant in Huntington Beach

Originally rated the restaurant 5 stars. The 1st time I ordered posole and it was great, and so was the service. 2nd and 3rd time, food was great, but service wasn't the best. I decided to dine in for my 3rd visit and couldn't understand why I had to call the waitress over after sitting at the table for 15 minutes after my meal was finished. She never checked on me and she didn't make eye contact once until I waved at her to come to my table. She smiles occasionally, but her customer service isn't the best. Another reason I rated Carlito's 3 stars this time is because everytime I ask for an extra sauce I'm asked to pay. Wanted a side of green salsa for my wet burrito because it was a little dry (even for a wet burrito) and they wanted to charge me $2 for 2oz. The problem is not only do they charge for a small extra sauce, but I've watched them give extra sauces on the side at no charge to other people. Really hoping that it's not a racially profiled decision. Might have to stay away for a while. Hopefully if I return service will improve.

I returned 10/6/18 and had to change the stars back to 5. Apparently they actually value the customers opinions! And the posole... I just...

I have to say reviewers around Huntington Beach are ever generous with their stars especially when it comes to Mexican food. There are tons of 4 1/2 stars with over 100 reviews on Yelp all throughout HB. I tried Carlito's after doing the quick research on Yelp and I had to try it since it's 4 1/2 with close to 200 reviews. Unfortunately this place didn't live upto its raves. Some reviewers even go about saying "the best tacos in town" claim. I tried the typical carne asada and el pastor tacos. I also added hard shell chicken taco and shrimp cocktail. Taco meats were dry and tortilla was plain. Their deep fried chicken taco was better with their cheese melted with shredded chicken. It reminded me of that 2 for $1 tacos from the Jack in the Box. The shrimp cocktail was missing some ingredient which I cannot pinpoint. The shrimp cocktails that I tried in other places always came out chilled but this one was warmer, one reason I was thrown out. But I liked the fact that they gave you bigger...

Food very good. Authentic, just loose ends Americanized. Plentiful, 3 taco combo on tues. was filling and great price. Nice atmosphere, eating in. Music rocks...really impressed, best Mexican food yet in this area after 3 weeks trying to find the perfect triple, food, atmosphere and price. Found it, at least Tuesdays. The verde sauce is so home made, you can feel it, like it was just made. But I didn't know what to make of #1, the drinks. They are filled behind counter and I did ask if there were refills. At least with this special, no, no refills. Gave me one anyway, but that bothers me. They are not counting pennies to get by. Also the salsa is good, asked for spicier and he handed me the Verde sauce, #2, then came to the table to take back the 1 red salsa that I was going to use, but they obviously needed it, here I just wanted it. I sure didn't get free chips and salsa. BUT, due to their location, which makes everything ok again, I'm coming back, even sans soda and...