Health HAZARD!First and last time I’ll ever order from here. Ordered a California burrito and a taco plate for my girlfriend. My California burrito was fine, pretty average but nothing horrible. My girlfriend’s food on the other hand was a nightmare. Ordered Birria Tacos, crispy. They came incredibly underwhelming, with undercooked tortillas and the meat was unseasoned and bland.This wasn’t even the issue… 3/4 through her meal, she started pulling pieces of PLASTIC from her pinto beans. Literally little pieces of thin plastic were in every bite of her beans. I would never in my life recommend anyone eat here after experiencing this.I have a video of her pulling it out of untouched portions of the food, but it won’t let me attach it to the review.
Food: 1
Russell Dragon
Kid-friendliness: Simple kid choices available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Craft Beer Line Up, Birria Taco
Humberto Aguilar
I was at the restaurant Cocina Del Carmen on March 10, 2024. My clients from Oaxaca recommended it to me, so I decided to try it and see what this place is all about. I sat down at the bar and ordered a Michelada, which was good but not the best I've had. While waiting, I was brought some chips topped with good black beans. The beans were cold. I ordered Molotes, which sounded exquisite since I had never tried them, and to top it off, I ordered a torta Oaxaqueña. The server didn't acknowledge me; I had finished my Michelada before my food arrived and wasn't offered another or any water. Sitting at the bar waiting for some service, I see a MICROWAVE! I never knew authentic food from Oaxaca was made in the microwave, which was a big red flag. The guy beside me got his food way before me: Enchiladas de Mole. They came out before my food. MICROWAVED FOOD. My food arrived shortly after his; remember, I waited longer, so I figured making the "FRESH" molotes took longer. I was wrong. I bit into the first one; it was super hot on the outside and cold on the inside! For those who don't know, those are usually signs of microwaved heated food! Not fresh at all. My torta was nothing to ride home about, and it was also cold. I would have been better off getting a torta at Valerie Taco Shop. At least their torta isn't microwaved. I was very disappointed at the restaurant and their server with the arms covered in tattoos; you know who you are. When I told you my molotes were cold, you said you would take them away and didn't do so; you didn't even offer me another drink or an apology. You only brought me the check; yes, I didn't tip you. Your service was subpar, and the lack of attention for the client was disturbing as an older man sat down and waited 5 minutes without being acknowledged. I will tell everyone to avoid this sorry disgrace of "Authentic Mexican Food" that is "Authentically Microwaved." WORD OF ADVICE: GET RID OF THE MICROWAVE! MAKE IT FRESH! YOU MIGHT BE FOOLING OTHER BUT NOT ME. RETRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEE WITH THE TATTED-UP ARMS, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER, AS I WASN'T EVEN WELCOMED AT THE DOOR. I WAS IGNORED FROM THE BEGINNINGWhat a disgrace to Mexican food. You all should be ashamed of using a microwave at a restaurant. Would our ancestors make their food or approve of using a microwave?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Pickle Yuice
Great place to grab authentic Mexican food. Went with my family and we all ordered different things and every single dish was beyond our expectations! Such delicious food and great service. Clean restaurant and fast food delivery. One of my favorite items was the cafe de olla, delicious! Will be going back.Kid-friendliness: I took my two kids and there was high chairs available for them and plenty of kid friendly meals to choose from.
It was not a very good service, I did not find what I wanted for breakfast
Paul Cruz
Great food and good prices.I recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
June D.
We just returned from our first dinner here (suggested by neighbors). WOW! This place can be summed up in two words: QUALITY and SERVICE. I grew up in the heart of the San Joaquin valley where Mexican restaurants abound. Living in San Diego county countless places serve Mexican food, but ***Cocina del Carmen is a cut above all of them!*** Let's start with the guacamole (which we rarely order as we have 3 avocado trees---they are not quite ready to be picked, so we ordered the guac). FABULOUS flavor with small chunks of red onion. One of the best we've had and that's saying ssomething, The Chile Relleno is made with queso fresco which gives it a much lighter feel. It can be topped with tomatillo sauce, traditional red or even mole. My husband had the chile verde and it was a flavor bomb with complex flavors, as were both the black beans and pinto beans. In another league from most restuarants.l The owner/chef deserves commendation for cooking with quality ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily. The 3 servers were all super and each one stopped at our table to ask how we were. When we left, all 3 staff wished us a good evening. My only negative: no hard liquor license so margheritas are made with wine--- I passed. SUPERB AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR DISCERNING FOODIES.
Iron Plumbing (Javier Lopez)
Good food and good customer service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Eric K.
First time visit to Carmen's but definitely not the last! Food was delicious! Wife had a tostada with carnitas, I had the birria tacos with consommé. Could not decide which we liked better! We always kiddingly decide who "won" when we go out and order different things. We both won tonight!
Emily M.
We decided to get lunch after visiting the Alta Vista Gardens and found this gem on yelp. The restaurant was very busy at 2 pm which was a good sign to us that the restaurant was good. The service was great and the food was delicious! Probably the best street tacos I've ever had. We brought our almost 4 year old and they had a full kids meal. Since the restaurant was busy they put us in their private party space and it was clean and nicely decorated. We will definitely eat here again.
We were so looking forward to eating at this recommended eatery... sadly it was all hype, the food was sadly prepared, not sure if this cater more to local palates or if they truly are trying to introduce San Marcos to authentic Oaxacan cuisine show us real food, hand made tortillas, little old ladies working in the kitchen etc... the wait staff is very attentive though, no complaints about that at all, as a matter of fact, they went above and beyond for us. The restaurant has a modern Mexican feel, pretty chill, but perhaps the kitchen staff was not up for it that day... I honestly don't know if we are going back or not...
Maria G.
Good food. Service is not horrible but it's also not great. Don't expect to be checked on for refills or adding anything else to your order.
Tom S.
Great little place to get some fresh Oaxaca style food. Had a great conversation with the owner during lunch. Would definitely return again and recommend to others.
Danny Dahlke
The food has never disappointed. I would highly recommend it especially if you live in the area. The owner puts a lot of love in what she makes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Enchiladas De Pollo En Salsa Verde, Quesadilla, Birria Taco
David Raine
Great find, small local spot. Food was very good and the price was excellent.
Health HAZARD!First and last time I’ll ever order from here. Ordered a California burrito and a taco plate for my girlfriend. My California burrito was fine, pretty average but nothing horrible. My girlfriend’s food on the other hand was a nightmare. Ordered Birria Tacos, crispy. They came incredibly underwhelming, with undercooked tortillas and the meat was unseasoned and bland.This wasn’t even the issue… 3/4 through her meal, she started pulling pieces of PLASTIC from her pinto beans. Literally little pieces of thin plastic were in every bite of her beans. I would never in my life recommend anyone eat here after experiencing this.I have a video of her pulling it out of untouched portions of the food, but it won’t let me attach it to the review.
Food: 1
Kid-friendliness: Simple kid choices available.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Craft Beer Line Up, Birria Taco
I was at the restaurant Cocina Del Carmen on March 10, 2024. My clients from Oaxaca recommended it to me, so I decided to try it and see what this place is all about. I sat down at the bar and ordered a Michelada, which was good but not the best I've had. While waiting, I was brought some chips topped with good black beans. The beans were cold. I ordered Molotes, which sounded exquisite since I had never tried them, and to top it off, I ordered a torta Oaxaqueña. The server didn't acknowledge me; I had finished my Michelada before my food arrived and wasn't offered another or any water. Sitting at the bar waiting for some service, I see a MICROWAVE! I never knew authentic food from Oaxaca was made in the microwave, which was a big red flag. The guy beside me got his food way before me: Enchiladas de Mole. They came out before my food. MICROWAVED FOOD. My food arrived shortly after his; remember, I waited longer, so I figured making the "FRESH" molotes took longer. I was wrong. I bit into the first one; it was super hot on the outside and cold on the inside! For those who don't know, those are usually signs of microwaved heated food! Not fresh at all. My torta was nothing to ride home about, and it was also cold. I would have been better off getting a torta at Valerie Taco Shop. At least their torta isn't microwaved. I was very disappointed at the restaurant and their server with the arms covered in tattoos; you know who you are. When I told you my molotes were cold, you said you would take them away and didn't do so; you didn't even offer me another drink or an apology. You only brought me the check; yes, I didn't tip you. Your service was subpar, and the lack of attention for the client was disturbing as an older man sat down and waited 5 minutes without being acknowledged. I will tell everyone to avoid this sorry disgrace of "Authentic Mexican Food" that is "Authentically Microwaved." WORD OF ADVICE: GET RID OF THE MICROWAVE! MAKE IT FRESH! YOU MIGHT BE FOOLING OTHER BUT NOT ME. RETRAIN YOUR EMPLOYEE WITH THE TATTED-UP ARMS, OR ANYONE FOR THAT MATTER, AS I WASN'T EVEN WELCOMED AT THE DOOR. I WAS IGNORED FROM THE BEGINNINGWhat a disgrace to Mexican food. You all should be ashamed of using a microwave at a restaurant. Would our ancestors make their food or approve of using a microwave?
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 1
Great place to grab authentic Mexican food. Went with my family and we all ordered different things and every single dish was beyond our expectations! Such delicious food and great service. Clean restaurant and fast food delivery. One of my favorite items was the cafe de olla, delicious! Will be going back.Kid-friendliness: I took my two kids and there was high chairs available for them and plenty of kid friendly meals to choose from.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Molcajete Oaxaqueno, Tlayuda Oaxaqueña, Birria Taco
It was not a very good service, I did not find what I wanted for breakfast
Great food and good prices.I recommend it.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We just returned from our first dinner here (suggested by neighbors). WOW! This place can be summed up in two words: QUALITY and SERVICE. I grew up in the heart of the San Joaquin valley where Mexican restaurants abound. Living in San Diego county countless places serve Mexican food, but ***Cocina del Carmen is a cut above all of them!*** Let's start with the guacamole (which we rarely order as we have 3 avocado trees---they are not quite ready to be picked, so we ordered the guac). FABULOUS flavor with small chunks of red onion. One of the best we've had and that's saying ssomething, The Chile Relleno is made with queso fresco which gives it a much lighter feel. It can be topped with tomatillo sauce, traditional red or even mole. My husband had the chile verde and it was a flavor bomb with complex flavors, as were both the black beans and pinto beans. In another league from most restuarants.l The owner/chef deserves commendation for cooking with quality ingredients. Everything is made fresh daily. The 3 servers were all super and each one stopped at our table to ask how we were. When we left, all 3 staff wished us a good evening. My only negative: no hard liquor license so margheritas are made with wine--- I passed. SUPERB AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED FOR DISCERNING FOODIES.
Good food and good customer service.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time visit to Carmen's but definitely not the last! Food was delicious! Wife had a tostada with carnitas, I had the birria tacos with consommé. Could not decide which we liked better! We always kiddingly decide who "won" when we go out and order different things. We both won tonight!
We decided to get lunch after visiting the Alta Vista Gardens and found this gem on yelp. The restaurant was very busy at 2 pm which was a good sign to us that the restaurant was good. The service was great and the food was delicious! Probably the best street tacos I've ever had. We brought our almost 4 year old and they had a full kids meal. Since the restaurant was busy they put us in their private party space and it was clean and nicely decorated. We will definitely eat here again.
Restaurantji Recommends
We were so looking forward to eating at this recommended eatery... sadly it was all hype, the food was sadly prepared, not sure if this cater more to local palates or if they truly are trying to introduce San Marcos to authentic Oaxacan cuisine show us real food, hand made tortillas, little old ladies working in the kitchen etc... the wait staff is very attentive though, no complaints about that at all, as a matter of fact, they went above and beyond for us. The restaurant has a modern Mexican feel, pretty chill, but perhaps the kitchen staff was not up for it that day... I honestly don't know if we are going back or not...
Good food. Service is not horrible but it's also not great. Don't expect to be checked on for refills or adding anything else to your order.
Great little place to get some fresh Oaxaca style food. Had a great conversation with the owner during lunch. Would definitely return again and recommend to others.
The food has never disappointed. I would highly recommend it especially if you live in the area. The owner puts a lot of love in what she makes.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Enchiladas De Pollo En Salsa Verde, Quesadilla, Birria Taco
Great find, small local spot. Food was very good and the price was excellent.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4