Carlillos Cocina — Restaurant in Sparks

I discovered this place a few months back, and have been coming back ever since. There are three people who run it, Carlito (the cook), his dad (the assistant), Carlito's wife (the cashier & waitress). Every single time I have been in there the customer service is over the top!!! I am always greeted with a smile from all three and asked about my family and my dogs. The mere fact that they remembered my dogs and me from my first visit to my 2 was astonishing. Now let's talk about the food AMAZING!!! Carlito and his dad take so much pride in the food. The presentation is so beautiful you almost don't want to eat it cause you don't want to mess it up lol, once you finally start eating the food is burting with true authentic flavor your tastebuds jump up and down with joy. This cafe never disappoints honestly I will go back for as long as they are around. The best part is it is family owned so you get the warm welcome "hello how are you" not the cold corporate "how can I take your order". I read the one star review and can honestly say this lady must either be jealous of Carlito's wife, or him idk but she is so far off with her review that it shouldn't even be considered. There is no way she spent 45.00 on 2 breakfast unless they ate 2 each. I have gotten both breakfast and lunch and it is always just under 10.00 but I always leave a 5.00 tip because of the excellent customer service and the amazing food I have received. I recommend anyone to go there and try it and I can guarantee you...

I have been wanting to try Carlillos Cocina for awhile. Today I finally found it. The landmark to look for is the sign that reads "Landrum Cafe", picture attached.

Entered the building and found neat, clean counter seating. Most of the seats face the prep area. Fascinating to watch the cooks prepare each dish. The cooks were friendly enough to explain what they were preparing. Server was pleasant and attentive.

The food was darn good. I ordered a breakfast burrito and the wife had cheese enchiladas. The surprise here was that we could have potatoes in lieu of the standard rice and beans. My burrito was flavorful but not very spicy, which I like. I can spice it up with hot sauce or the jalapenos provided. The wife's was the same, however she chooses not to use anything spicy. Again the surprise was that the potatoes were well made and tasty as they put some enchilada sauce and cheese on top.

Overall a very pleasant experience. I will be returning and bringing friends.

9/1/22 Update:

Nothing has changed. Still great food and service. Also still a bit of a dive, building wise. I have posted new pictures of the current menu.

2/3/23 Update:

Outstanding that this place hasn't changed. They know what works and it ain't broke !! If you have a chance, you have to visit.

5/23/23 Update

Same fantastic food, same great service and still kind of a dive. Wouldn't change it for anything.

1/19/24 Update

Ordered the same old thing, a breakfast burrito and still the best wet breakfast...

I can see why all the high ratings rave review are all about...

Carlillos Cocina is synonyms with a hole in the wall. It's local hidden gem. I believe "Carlillos" rented this tiny spot and just started churning out some tasty food. This place is tiny! There was only bar seating available; while facing the open kitchen. You can literally watch the staff make your food it the tiny kitchen. The venue was also a bit challenging to find, even with the assistance of GPS. Then there is the parking...lets not even go there. I think we found some street parking.

#CarlillosCocina: ~ Arriba Mexico (Huevos con Chorizo) - 5/5 Just a perfectly made Breakfast Plate, Mexican style of course! Perfectly Scrambled eggs with Chorizo and Onions. The flavor and the spices are what make this great. Delish!

~ La Machaca - 5/5 Another one...perfectly made Breakfast Plate! This bad boy is with beef, bell peppers and tomatoes. Once again amazing flavor.

I would most definitely come back to try the other dishes. Make the effort and seek out Carlillos Cocina,...