Exit 12 Mexican bar & grill

Great food fair prices and the ambiance is amazing . Bar tender Angie super friendly and great service .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

If you’re looking for a hidden gem, this Mexican speakeasy adjacent to the Red Roof Inn is an absolute must-visit! My partner and I stopped by last week, and it exceeded all expectations.

The food is simply amazing. The tacos and burritos were packed with flavor, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly fresh. Every bite had us saying, “Wow!”

The ambiance is chill and inviting, making it a great spot to kick back and watch the game. The vibe is relaxed yet lively, perfect for a casual night out or a date night with a twist.

Whether you’re craving delicious Mexican eats or just want a cool spot to hang out, this place checks all the boxes. Highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mexican Street Corn, Quesadilla, Street Tacos

Three of us came to eat here on a Wednesday night at 6pm. We walked in and there was one couple seated. No one was there to greet us or seat us so we took a booth and waited. We waited about 10 minutes and no one came out at all. Another couple walked in and sat themselves. I picked up my phone and called the place and a guy answered. I told him we were seated for 10 minutes and wanted to know if they were open. He said I was breaking up and couldn't hear me. I repeated myself, and he repeated himself so I hung up. A minute later he came out with food for the first couple. He then came to us and gave us menus and started to tell us what was available to order. I questioned ordering off the menu and he said they were out of a lot of things so he started to tell us what we couldn't order. We couldn't order burritos' , for one and that's what one of us wanted. He said there were no rice and beans, another item we wanted. We decided to leave and eat at Chevys. Turns out, on Wednesdays, Chevys has Margeritas for $3! We were very disappointed though because I live in Carteret and love Mexican food and heard the food and drinks were so good here at exit 12. I will try again but call ahead and ask if the full menu is available. I also believe this poor guy was running the show- he was probably cooking the first couples food, obviously, and that's why we sat waiting. He was our waiter, and obviously would have been our cook and bartender . They won't stay in business this way- very sad. Plus they still have the previous owners pizza sign up at the entrance!

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Nice place! Tasty and cozy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nice little hidden spot for a late taco and some drinks can't complain

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 4

Recommended dishes: Taco Truck Fries, Street Tacos, Tlayuda

I live in town and LOVE to eat. This place rocks. The staff is awesome, the food is amazing. The taco truck fries with steak are my 100% favorite. Go there an tell'em Wolfman sent you.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Taco Truck Fries, Quesadilla, Street Tacos, Birria

New place in town looking to try it today. I wanted a place to go with my sister and her husband from out of town on a Sunday afternoon which said it was open from 1pm to 9 pm. When we arrived today at 3pm it was closed! Went inside the hotel to check if we got the time wrong but they have a sign in the hotel lobby stating the same hours as the website 1 to 9 pm on Sunday…what happened?! I can’t really rate it if I can’t get in to try it!!

Horrible service, I mean absolutely horrible. Waitress immediately gave me a menu and took my initial drink order then I didn't see her for 15 minutes. Then another guy came to take my order and hand me a menu and I went I already got my order taken but its been 15 minutes since. They had more servers than tables and the servers were more concerned with talking at the bar. I witnessed two different parties walk out. I would have walked out had I not ordered a an appetizer. Saturday night and only 6 tables...should have been a sign. Food was ok, but the service needs a massive overhaul.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Food is really good, unfortunately they're severely understaffed...

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 4

Service: 1

Recommended dishes: Shrimp Tacos, Tlayuda, Exit 12 Guacamole Traditional, Churros

Came here after an IG advertisement and Im pleasantly surprised. Food was excellent drinks were 10/10 our server and bartender Angie was AMAZING!!! She was the one woman show and deserves her flowers. This place is a vibe! The atmosphere is great!! Definitely a must visit. Food is delicious drinks delicious.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Tlayuda

Immaculate vibes

Great spot for a casual night out! The drinks were strong and well-made, and the Mexican food was fresh and flavorful. They even have a pool table, which added a fun, laid-back vibe. Friendly service and good atmosphere. Definitely worth checking out!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Taco Truck Fries, Quesadilla, Vegetarian, Enchiladas Verde

Exit 12 Mexican Restaurant delivers an exceptional dining experience that goes beyond just great food. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm smiles and an incredibly friendly atmosphere. The customer service here is truly top-notch—every staff member was attentive, knowledgeable, and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we needed.

The menu features a perfect blend of traditional and modern Mexican dishes, all bursting with flavor and made from high-quality ingredients. Danny, the owner, was quick to recommend a few dishes based on our preferences, and each suggestion exceeded expectations. The portions were generous, and the food came out hot and fresh.

What really sets Exit 12 apart, though, is how much they value their customers. Whether it was refilling our drinks without us asking or taking the time to check in on us multiple times throughout the meal, the staff's attention to detail made the entire experience feel special. You can tell they care about making every visit memorable.

If you're looking for delicious Mexican cuisine paired with phenomenal service, Exit 12 is the place to go. Highly recommended!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Had a great experience at this restaurant! The food was delicious, and the environment was warm and inviting. The owner was incredibly friendly and made us feel right at home. Highly recommend for anyone looking for great food and a welcoming atmosphere!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Amazing food! Amazing Drinks! 10/10 recommend coming here! Mustvtry a margarita and their birria tacos!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5