Carmel's Mexican — Restaurant in Toledo

Having moved back to the area from Arizona, I had mentioned to a friend that I would love to find a place with a decent margarita. They recommended Carmel's as an option. While I rarely eat at the same restaurant twice in the same week, I had such an overall wonderful experience, and enjoyed the food so much, I went back (to Carmel's) two days after my first visit. Both times were weekdays, both times the parking lot was almost full; and yet both visits I was impressed with the great experience from both the waitresses, and the fast service from the bar & kitchen! The food portions and flavors were very satisfying. I had the Burralada the first time, and the Wet Burrito the second time. Also, I tried a couple of the special appetizers and limited time dessert. Loved every one of them! The margaritas were enjoyable as well, and didn't give me the fatigue and heartburn that some margs give me (I suspect they use a higher shelf Tequila here). Lots of options of margs. Between my two visits I tried the Peach (my favorite), Mango (also very good! ), Strawberry (decent), and Raspberry (personally won't get again as it was more a 'candy Raspberry flavor; and I prefer a more natural taste). Vicky and Veronica (servers) took great care of me on my visits, and both times management (Roger) checked in as well to ensure I was content with everything. I've already been recommending this place to family, friends, and co-workers, and will most certainly be back! Added note; the chips and salsa are among THE BEST I've ever...

Let's start with the decor, overall, it wasn't terrible, but generally was a bit tacky, attempting to be authentic through genetic Mexican items.

The food was mediocre at best, and while palleteable, from the two times I've been there now, isn't a place I'd suggest for authentic Mexican food, or for cheap prices, which is usually the one of the other reason for a place like this.

The wait staff was the real issue though. Last time, we were on the patio, and the wait staff was generally helpful, but about as much a I'd expect for a general time.

This time however, the waitress was terrible. She had us seated for ten minutes before taking our drink order. It three times of her passing our table before I was able to stop her for a appetizer, and my drink was empty most of my time there. The only time I got a refill, was when she openly admitted she filled a glass with what I was drinking by accident. She seemed to spend more time talking to people I presume are regulars, and after an hour of waiting, with not a mention of 'what can I get you', I finally left, having only had my appetizer this time.

Overall, from my two times having been there, I wouldn't recommend the food, the cost, or the service I received for anyone to stop there. There are simply too many actual good to great Mexican restaurants in the area for this place to be...

Three of us met up after work for Margaritas. The food was fine (Funky Dip is AMAZING) thats the ONLY reason I gave 2 stars instead of one. The blonde female bartender at the back bar and the short brunette who kept walking in and out of the back bar ((Im assuming some type of manager) were among the RUDEST I've ever encountered . They never even cracked a smile, never thanked us , and barely looked at us while they gave short inadequate answers. I felt as if we were bothering them. For example, our pitcher of Alcohol tasted sour and gross. Its questionable if there was even alcohol in there ( since I only drink few times a year and after 2 cups felt nothing). When we mentioned it to the blonde- shrugged her shoulders saying its the "same recipe as always " talking with her back turned to us. We then asked for shots of tequila and were told they were out for now. But when we asked how the pitcher was made then she rolled her eyes and pulled a huge bottle of well tequila from under the bar she never even offered us! So im sure thats why our drink was so weak- they were trying to hold onto it. We ended up leaving to go some place else but those 2 "ladies" need to be back in the kitchen or in a NON public facing role! And it really just gave the entire...