Carlos Mexican Food — Restaurant in Little Falls

Carlos’s Mexican Food in Little Falls, NJ, is not a bad restaurant. That might sound like faint praise, and it is. But in a world of soggy quesadillas and menu items that taste like they were photocopied from a 1997 Taco Bell ad, “not bad” counts for something.

At this squat outpost on Newark Pompton Turnpike—wedged between a tattoo parlor and the ghost of mom-and-pop shops past—Carlos serves up Mexican-American comfort food with the kind of cheerful indifference that’s as comforting as it is mildly maddening.

Let’s start with the good news: the chips are fresh, the salsa is bright (though suspiciously heavy on the tomato paste), and the staff couldn’t be more friendly if they handed out hugs with every horchata. There’s a warmth here that can’t be faked. It’s the kind of place where every burrito comes with a smile and a “How you doin’, hon?”—which, in Jersey, is practically a Michelin star.

The menu is a novella-length declaration of culinary neutrality. You’ll find tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas—the whole gang. The Chicken Mole Enchiladas arrive bathed in a sauce so dark and mysterious, it deserves its own Dateline special. Unfortunately, the mole’s complexity doesn’t extend beyond “sweet with a side of cloying.” The balance, like a tipsy waiter, is off.

Carnitas, that glorious confetti of pork, should sing. Here, it mumbles. And while the rice and beans are generous, they feel like the culinary equivalent of a shrug. “Here,” they seem to say. “We tried.”

And yet… you’ll probably come back.

Maybe it’s the Margarita mix with just enough tequila to make you forgive the sins of under-seasoning. Maybe it’s the flan, which, against all odds, is creamy, eggy, and delightful—like a surprise ending in a predictable movie.

Carlos’s is the kind of place that isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel. Or even rotate the tires. But it doesn’t need to. It’s a neighborhood standby, the kind of place that shows up on your doorstep when your fridge is empty, your mood is low, and your cravings are predictable.

Would I drive an hour for it? No. Would I cross the street? Absolutely. Especially if someone else is picking up the tab.

3 stars — because comfort, even when bland, sometimes earns its own...

Always wanted to try this little place. We've driven past it for a couple of years. We went for dinner tonight (Sunday). It's small (maybe 8 tables) , clean and appointed with the Mexican flag on the wall, and colorful table covers and a tv playing Mexican music videos on repeat. Looks promising. We were the only diners. There was a young child playing very very loud video games in the dining room as well. No one came to seat us. I went into the back room/kitchen to let them know we would like dinner. A young woman seated us, then brought menus - standard Mexican fare. We asked if the volume of the video game could be turned down. She tried to shed the child into the kitchen, but let him stand in the doorway. We were literally drowning in little kid video noise. We waited and waited for our order to be taken, had to again go find the server to take our order... We ordered birria tacos for an appetizer, enchiladas verde and a chicken mole. She brought some chips (homemade) and salsa- it was fine. The 4 birria tacos were freshly made and tasty. The entrees came and they too were very good. The verde was spicy and fresh. I got 2 beef and 2 chicken enchiladas . The mole came with 2 chicken legs smothered, a tiny cup of unseasoned puréed beans and rice. Homemade tortillas on the side. The tortilla's were fresh but not light or especially flavorful. Meanwhile we are still listening to little kid video game music. Time to go- the server is totally absent. Went again into the back to request the check. There was no physical check- she just said $46. We paid cash and left. The child actually followed us outside playing his video game music. It was a bust. Not worth a second visit. Food was good but the service was really disappointing. The atmosphere was basically Chuck E. Cheese. So...

Horrible customer service. I placed a take out order and because I did not pick it up in 25 mins they cancelled it. They called me when it was ready and I missed call. I called them back and said I am in another store and will be there in 20 mins to pick it up but when I went in to pick up the order she started to yell and argued that it's been 1 hr and she can't have food waiting so she cancelled the order.

Response to owner’s message: If I called back and spoke to someone saying I am coming to pick up food in clear English, why was my order cancelled and I was notified of cancelled order only when I walked in. No restaurant ever cancels orders without informing customer. The food can be reheated at home. You were rude and yelled at me for no reason In front of other customers and interrupted me when I was speaking while your staff in the back laughed. Please learn some manners and...