Carmelita’s Mexican Restaurant

Updated:
Remember the last part of my first review? How I was rooting for them because they seemed like an awesome family owed business? Well ownership and no bs excuses are something rarely seen in a restaurant. Except when it’s owned by one of these rare owners who take pride in their establishment. I got an email back saying the fans/​lights and chicken would be addressed and they were making the changes and aware. This is a place I’d be proud to eat at again and am happy it’s ran by such amazing people. For that reason knowing my concerns would be addressed and how awesome the email was I’m updating my review to 4 stars.
On a road trip with my boyfriend we stopped here randomly. The place could use a deep cleaning (hope you don’t sit at a booth with a fan/​light fixture there is an inch of dust and was afraid it was going to fall into food). The service was slow. The chicken in my mole was not fresh– you could tell it was frozen and rubbery. The two stars is because it was a poor experience, I think they can get their act together– get better quality food and deep clean it. Plus I liked on the menus it said something to the effect of «everyone deserves a margarita let us arrange your ride home». It seemed like a sweet gesture from a sweet mom and pop shop and I’m rooting for them to get it together.

Great food, descent service. I had the steak and shrimp fajitas and it was excellent. My brother had the pork chop and it was so good! I think I might order that next time.

Best authentic Mexican food in town! Everything I’ve tried there is delicious. The staff are very friendly too.

This place is OK. Came here for lunch with some coworkers. Ordered a chicken tostada meal — comes with rice and beans. The beans were pretty good — has a smoky bacon flavor to it. The rice was decent. The tostada, though — meh. It was a small size fried corn tortilla smothered in mostly refried beans and lettuce. There was some meat in there once you start digging there, but that was kinda bland. Pricing not bad at approx. $ 9.
The standout was the complimentary chips and salsa. Chips are fresh fried, and the red salsa is spicy-​delicoius!

Jorge was an excellent server, and the shrimp verde enchiladas were absolutely wonderful. The Black bean dip served with chips as well as the pineapple jalapeño margarita were delicious as well!

I went here with my wife and a friend of mine yesterday, we had the chips, they were just alright, they’re complimentary and come with a black bean sauce and a thick dark red salsa. The problem I had was the menu, I just wanted a few street tacos, which they had (called «city tacos») for $ 14. Between the three of us the meal would have been over $ 50 for simple food. We awkward and apologetically told the Carmelita’s staff that we weren’t going to be getting anything and we went to Taco Bell and got chicken Fresca soft tacos for a little over a dollar each. I don’t plan on coming back here at the prices that Carmelita’s is charging.

So glad we tried this place, it is SO GOOD!!! The chips and salsa are very good, ask for the salsa verde! My verde enchiladas (one shrimp, one chicken) were excellent!!! The rice and beans are also really yummy. My hubby had the carnitas, he liked it but a bit dry and on the greasy side. Also the service was great. Overall we will definitely be back :)

Arrived here about 4:45pm tonight. Parking was tough …
Was seated immediately and glad I arrived when I did, within 15 minutes the entire place was full and they were on a wait. There was some confusion on what server had what table, as I waited until after three other tables whom came in after me before I could order, even though a couple of folks said my server would be right there. Well she came by, recognized I’d been waiting and was obviously ready to order and didn’t waste much time.
I ordered 2 cheese enchiladas and a beef taco combo. The red sauce on the enchiladas complemented the enchiladas well, although it isn’t the olé Tex-​Mex beef chili, I am used to. The beef tacos were a shredded beef and were excellent. The rice and beans is served on the side in a single bowl, they were both good, but I was too full already.
I didn’t care for the hot sauce that was served with the chips at all. The black bean dip served with the chips was very tasty and served warm/​hot. The chips are good, but I truly prefer a thinner chip. The corn tortillas (might even be a tad of flour in the tortillas) used for the chips were very thick — in fact I suspect you could make puffed tacos with them if you heated them on the grill first before frying. They were good, just not my preference.
Server did well to expedite my food and such. Dang good place and opened in 1962. Lots of business and it appeared they had some interesting margaritas — maybe next time.

I love this place. The service is great the waiter always make us feel like we are in home. Food it’s awesome we never get tire of it.

Was in the mood for Mexican and didn’t want to drive too far. This place came up on Unilocal averaging 4 stars and that is the perfect rating.
Walked in, was greeted right away. Our host was friendly and greeted us right away. Our server came along not to long after. Also, very professional, personable, and kind. And with that, our drinks came out just as fast, along with our appetizer. And then, not too long after we ordered, our food came out hot and fast also.
Perfect service. Fast and prompt service. Why not 5 stars? Well honestly, just because the food was just ok. I give up 5 stars when I am «wow’d.» And although everything was what you would hope for when dining out as far as service goes… the food was just, «eh.»
I would definitely come here again for drinks or somewhere to grab a bite to eat. But not really for a full meal again. If that makes sense. But they earned every bit of those 4 stars :)

Really loved the bean dip with the chips. The salsa not so much. I was really excited to come here because of the reviews. Food came out with nice presentation and it was fresh but the flavor was so boring. I looked around the restaurant and only saw white people. The service was great but I would not come back on account of the lack of spice. If you’re plain Jane whitey and willing to pay the $ 15 for a burrito, you will love Carmelitas.

I’ve been looking for some authentic, delicious Mexican food in the Roseville area. I think I finally found it. Everything brought to our table was delicious. We’re definitely coming back and we’ll bring the whole family next time.

This place is awesome. We ate here all
The time years back and for some reason stopped but we’re back again and I can’t understand why we stopped coming other than we moved across town. The manager is AMAZING and the chips and salsa are to die for. Just a great place to eat if you want great food, excellent service & tasty cocktails. :-)

Nice restaurant but service was «ifyy». Food was alrite. I would eat there again but kinda of on the small side of a serving. Upscale Mexican food. I had the chicken mole that was a groupon reconmedations.

OMG! those dayum chips with that bowl of beans and salsa were TO-​DIE-​FOR!!! I don’t know when the next time I will be here but I will be making a B-​LINE to here just for those anndddd the Blackberry Margarita too =}
Little Bit said she wanted Enchiladas (she being preggers) I thought whatever she wanted would be good with me! I ordered the Camarones diablo it was tasty too. Street Parking, the server kept recommending the Pork Chops… ??? not really sure why =/​anyhoo the interior was dark and it reminded me of the old-​timey Mexican restaurants that your parents used to go to back in the day-​day LOL Thankfully still serving delicious food from long long long time ago.
Respectfully Reviewed

This is one of our favorite Mexican restaurants in Sacramento. Service is always superior and the Margaritas are addictive!
In regards to food, I’ve had most items on the menu and have yet to be disappointed. A few favorites are the Pear Chicken Salad, the Chicken Fajitas and the Burrito. The salsa has unique flavors that are very good! You also have to try the black bean dip, I want to say it’s hints of bacon but I can’t put my finger on it.

We come here EVERY time we’re in Roseville or passing by.
Their chips, salsa & bean dip are so GOOD! The bean dip is BOMB! I’ve had their Chile con Carne (Meat in Chile sauce), Pollo Serrano (Chicken in creamy Serrano sauce), Pollo Chipotle (chicken in chipotle sauce), & chicken enchiladas (red sauce). Not once have I been disappointed. The food is flavorful, savory, and just delicious. You do NOT need salt & pepper once your food comes out, trust me.
Customer service is great too.
Best Mexican restaurant in Roseville! Hands down!

I guess it is only fitting that I begin my career Unilocaling with a review of the best Mexican restaurant in Northern California! (No lie) I am a true fan of Carmelita’s! I love their food and their service. I usually either order the chicken tostada or a chicken flauta, which are both AMAZING, but you really you can’t go wrong with anything you order.
Tonight we went for happy hour and ordered two margaritas (for me) and two negro models (one tall, one short) for $ 29. Not bad for four drinks with chips, salsa and bean dip!
The staff remember me and are always so welcoming! I met the owner when we planned our wedding rehearsal dinner. She is super nice and remembers my name too! If you haven’t been to this location in awhile, they have remodeled and it is not kitschy like it used to be. There was a period during the remodel when the food left something to be desired; the salsa was watered down, the dishes were too salty… you get the point. I’m glad I stayed loyal because it was worth it and the food is delish!

Amazing… lived in Roseville for 20+ years and never knew about this place! Had dinner this evening and absolutely will be back. I thought this might be another one of Roseville’s best kept secrets but wrong! It was very busy but it is Saturday night 8pm :)
Served chips, black beans and salsa as soon as we sat down. It took probably another 10 minutes when asked for a drink order… but they were busy! After the drinks arrived the rest flowed.
The décor is current and interesting. The place, including restroom, very clean. The staff is friendly and was hopping tonight!
The food was attractive, hot and very good. It was authentic and makes me what to come back for more! It’s open for lunch too so that’s the plan for my next visit and I’m ordering the veggie burrito!

My husband & I have been to this location many times now. Only recently did I start checking in…
1. Their bean dip & chips ALONE I could eat forever (oink oink) SOOO delish
2. I LOVE their chile verde sauce
3. I’ve determined by ONE visit to the other location that this is MY to go place. So much more better service, the food comes out HOT & FRESH & I don’t have to wage some one down to get some more water, chips, beans OR napkins.
This location is seriously out of our way, but would rather step foot into this location rather than the other.
He usually gets the mole & I get the shrimp avocado green sauce enchiladas, so delicious & filling. (I’ve posted pictures)
Their devote inside is very appealing. I wish they were closer to home, I would love to try their happy hour!
–1 star because they have RC cola, tried it, didn’t like it (diet one) & the last time we were on our way we called to see how busy they were & they said they’ll put us down since we are in the area (aka reservation) ONCE we got there they told us they only take reservations for 2+ people… ummmm ok… we were just happy we got accommodated…
Keep the beans & chips coming !
PS. they have FLAN now~! yummmmm & homemade.