Carlos O'Brien’s Mexican Restaurant

Great food and good atmosphere for an enjoyable dining experience

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 4

Weird though i never see mexicans there?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Great busy little place

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

We always enjoy eating here, after appointments at Mayo.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

BEST Mexican food I have ever had !!!! Even the beans and rice were so delicious they could be an entree by themselves

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

5 Stars – Carlos O’Brien’s Mexican Restaurant in Scottsdale is a hidden gem for anyone who loves bold, flavorful Mexican food without the Scottsdale premium price tag.
I recently visited the Scottsdale location (right in the Scottsdale 101 shopping center at Mayo and 68th) on a busy Friday night, and I left thoroughly impressed. This place has been serving up authentic, high-quality Mexican fare for decades, and it shows in every bite. What really sets Carlos O’Brien’s apart is the combination of an incredibly diverse, well-executed menu and prices that feel like a genuine bargain for the quality and portion sizes you get. In an area where Mexican spots can easily charge $25–$35 for a basic entrée, Carlos O’Brien’s keeps things refreshingly reasonable while delivering food that tastes like it came from a much more expensive kitchen.
Let’s start with the menu, because it’s genuinely outstanding. The offerings are extensive without feeling overwhelming—everything from classic street-style tacos and enchiladas to creative specialties and hearty pub-style plates (it is a Mexican restaurant and pub, after all). I started with the spinach con queso dip and some fresh chips and salsa. The salsa had that perfect balance of fresh tomatoes, cilantro, and just enough heat, and the queso was creamy, stretchy, and loaded with spinach—way better than the usual melted cheese bombs you get elsewhere. My table also split the botanas platter, which gave us a little taste of everything: mini flautas, quesadilla wedges, and more. It was the ideal way to sample the menu without committing to one thing, and it easily fed four of us as an appetizer.
For entrées, the Pollo Fundido was the undisputed star of the night. Tender, juicy chicken breast smothered in a rich, savory cheese sauce and baked until bubbly—every review I’ve seen raves about it, and now I understand why. It came with rice and beans that were perfectly seasoned, not an afterthought. The portions are massive; I took half home and had an equally delicious lunch the next day. My friend went for the steak fajitas, and they arrived sizzling with perfectly caramelized peppers and onions, tender strips of carne asada, and warm flour tortillas on the side. At around $20, you’re getting restaurant-quality fajitas that would cost $28+ anywhere else in North Scottsdale. The chicken fajitas and mixed options were equally popular at our table, all priced in that same sweet spot.
The combination plates are where the value really shines. You can build your own “little bit of everything” style platters—think a chicken taco paired with a cheese enchilada, or a shredded beef chimichanga with all the fixings—for under $17. The chimichangas were crispy on the outside, stuffed with flavorful shredded beef or chicken, and smothered just right. Even the Mexican pizza (a fun layered tortilla creation) and the Baja fish tacos delivered big flavor without breaking the bank. Lunch specials are even better—many of the same favorites drop to the $13–$15 range, making it an absolute steal for a midday meal.
What I love most is how the menu feels thoughtful and consistent. They use fresh, local ingredients (you can taste it in the bright flavors and vibrant colors), and nothing feels mass-produced. The margaritas? Strong, perfectly balanced, and very reasonably priced—especially during happy hour. We also appreciated the vegetarian-friendly options and gluten-free nods without sacrificing taste.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Sandy is the best bartender server ever. I come in here just to have her make my margarita. Her service is awesome. She sees me and knows exactly what I want ever time. The food is amazing here. I just wish other restaurants closer to me were just as good but I travel far to come here. Best cheese crisp ever they shredded their own cheese that’s why lol

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are always around this complex but never knew there was a Mexican restaurant here. Tried their spinach enchilada dinner. It was creamy and heavy. Taste is decent but nothing special. Portion size was good and also got complimentary nachos and salsa. They were ok too. Overall it’s good for the price and location. Service was good and nice ambiance.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 5

Had to return the taco salad twice. Once had cold chicken, the other time had a stale shell.

Happy hour prices are a bit expensive, but the Huckleberry margarita was good and decent chips and salsa for free.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Good food Good service not over priced

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I absolutely love Carlos O'Brien's they have the best the best jalapeno cream cheese dip! My favorite plate is the sampler combination of a bean tostada chicken enchilada cheese tamale and 2 taqitos (rolled tacos). Carlos O'Brien's has a wide variety of drinks alcoholic and non-alcoholic the service is always very friendly very nice very nice and comfortable cool Spanish music playing in the background and an awesome fried ice cream for dessert. I apologize for not having any photos of my dish or dessert I was very very very very hungry after working a long shift.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I love this place have been going since 1995 but to the original location that was on northern

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Went there on St. Patrick's Day and had corned beef tacos,something different. Others in party had two kinds of salad and a full corned beef and cabbage dinner. Somehow I lost picture of my tacos.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place has delicious tortilla chips and the man who brings the chips is one of the nicest people ever! With the chips i recommend ordering the spinach queso. For your main course the name Carlos O’Briens does not disappoint. The Mexican food is delicious but if you aren’t feeling Mexican they have great pub food! I go here probably 3 times a month and love it every time!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

IMHO not authentic Mexican but very tasty 😋 happy hour was affordable and service was pretty good.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4