Carlos’s Mexican Grill
2 West Grand Ave, Fox Lake, IL, 60020
Carlos’s Mexican Grill Menu
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Visit below restaurant in Fox Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Fox Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Fox Lake for healthy meals suggestion.
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Address :
2 West Grand Ave
Fox Lake, IL, 60020 - Phone (847) 973-9446
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:00 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch, Dinner
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Mexican Cuisine
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
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Blake C.
As a Texan, moving to Illinois has forced me to come to terms with the lack of quality Mexican Food I'll find. It's been a struggle so far but we're getting through. With that said, Carlos's in Fox Lake is the best Mexican Food establishment I've found up here thus far. Thanks to another Yelp review, I went for the steak burrito combo. I wish that the burritos had been packed with some more extras as it felt a little thin. But the steak was really good and it came with rice and beans to complete the meal. The staff was really friendly when we picked the food up. They don't have to-go menus or an online menu so I snapped a picture or two to try and help those who are ordering to pick up.
(4)Helen M.
I agree with everyone who gave this place a stellar review. The salsa is as straight up fresh and delicious as everyone says. Chunky and full of flavor. I ordered the ground beef chimichanga, and my sister got the steak tacos -- which she raved about. The rice was nicely flavored with chicken broth and the refried beans were terrific. My chimi was fried perfectly, not the slightest bit greasy. I got the regular size, and it was huge. Had a dab of guac on it. I'll have to get an order of it next time. Unlike some authentic Mexican restaurants in the Round Lake Area, Carlo's food isn't spicy -- perfect for the "American" palate without being bland. They do offer dishes that bring the heat, but I'll leave those for those adventurous folks! Place is cute, clean, good parking. Can't wait to go again and work my way through the menu.
(4)Jay W.
Our experience is different than most it seems. We would never go back. Stopped in about 7PM on a Friday, it was a little busy but there were a few tables open (by the way they have about 6 or 7 tables). We sat and it was down hill from there. I asked for root beer. Out. I asked for mole for the enchilada on my tampiquena. Out. I asked if we could use the bathroom. Broken. I asked where the closest bathroom was. I don't know. HUH?!?!?! So where do YOU go? I didn't ask but I should have just to embarrass her for lying because I suspect I already knew the answer. If it weren't true she would have known where else to go. The "OUT OF SERVICE" sign for the bathroom is just a ruse to keep customers from using their bathroom, and the employees are using it. We walked to Thorntons (gas station), meaning I had to cross Rte 12. to use the bathroom. What a hassle and good thing it wasn't raining or we would have just walked out. Took them about 30 minutes to get our order ready, which was ONE MEAL as my wife wasn't eating. Ridiculous. It wasn't that busy at all. This is supposed to be FAST FOOD Mexican. Skirt steak was small but overall the food wasn't bad. Not the best by any stretch but OK. Chips were lame and they hardly gave you any salsa. Extra star because the food was OK. Otherwise, this was a ONE STAR experience. Open your bathroom for your customers. If I had to eat MX food in Fox Lk again I'd eat at El Puerto way before ever going here. It's more expensive and average food, but at least they have bathrooms and quality service. Plus the view of Nippersink (OK, their docks suck on weekends).
(2)Tracy B.
I love this place! I've dined in the restaurant a few times but I mainly call for take out. The tacos are delicious - beef and chicken. Very fresh food and very friendly owners and staff. I've moved to McHenry from Fox Lake and I still head over to Carlos' when I get the craving for tacos! Their food is very authentic and does not disappoint. Check them out!
(5)Michele S.
Got stuck on metra train and rode it all the way to fox lake. Thankfully was right around the corner and the smell drew me in! I spent my 1 1/2hr delay eating yummy food. The fish taco was really salty but steal tacos were good, chips and salsa. Give it a try!!
(4)Tina L.
Hands down, best Mexican food in the surrounding area. Consistent, dependable, and quick for take out orders.
(5)Brian F.
Definitely the best Mexican food in Chain of Lakes area. This place has phenomenal quesadillas.
(5)Ryan D.
Great food. Freshly made, great ingredients. Nice, pleasant staff as well.
(5)Kyle A.
Really Good Mexican Food And Not bad Prices I go here often And love it Friendly People Great Service. Always Satisfied When i stop in for Great Tacos !!!
(5)Matthew K.
Seriously good Mexican food and very friendly service!
(5)Gerry A.
I SECOND Holly's only fresh food in the area comment; Carlos is completely surrounded by chains. They make everything BUT their soft taco shells, but do make their own chips. Breakfast all day, clean, well lit, friendly, ample parking, FREE wireless, under $10 with tip. My Mexican Sunshine egg burritos rocked, beans, salad, EXCELLENT chips and a salsa I finished by drinking it, only because it was SO delicious and not a salt bomb, $7 at 3pm. LARGE menu, take a few minutes to take it in and then ask questions. They will substitute corn tortillas for wheat if you are picky about your gmo grains like I am. They also cater and I bet they know how to throw a party. I like anyplace that I can sit in a sunny front window and keep an eye on my car. Booths, front window tables, some small tables, and a solo bar counter where you can watch the kitchen. Just do it. Cold yelp search. Thank you Yelp. 7/30/14 update: Thumbs UP on a couple $2 alacarte tacos Al Pastor and Tongue, also had steak and chicken. I would rank them Chicken, Al Pastor, Tongue, & Steak. Keep ASKING them to get Goat, and maybe they will! Smokin deal @ $2. Oct 2014 Update. TRY the fish taco dinner & substitute one fish taco and pay the difference, DELICIOUS...ps keep asking for Goat....I LOVE this place. May 2015. They even make their own chips! I couldn't convince Claudia to put Goat on the menu but I'm not giving up.
(4)Kyle D.
For the price ($7.50 for a taco dinner with rice and beans) you can't beat this place. Great food and easily the best place for Mexican in this exurban hellscape.
(5)B L.
Hands down the best Mexican food around!! The food is fresh and delicious. Everything from tacos, burritos, chips and salsa and fajitas and the fried ice cream. . Never a bad meal and very reasonable prices. A++++
(5)LinnyLynn S.
It's been great so far! This is only my second time here, I don't live around here but it's worth the drive! I recommend the tacos & tortas! As for dessert......FRIED ICE CREAM! Lovely service! Good sauces very yummy! Horchata (rice water) love it!
(5)Robert H.
Great Mexican food. Love it . Inside clean and food fast. Great job keep up the good work. Same as in island lake.
(4)Richard R.
We came here based on the reviews on Yelp and we're not disappointed. The guacamole was good, but nothing special, could use a little heat. The chips were fresh. I had enchiladas with mole, very good and I thought the mole was excellent. Good refried beans. My wife had Carne asada. She enjoyed it. This small restaurant is in a small strip mall. No liquor. They have a brisk carry out business. Definitely worth a try.
(4)TheGooch I.
4.5 out of 5. Great food. Nicely seasoned meat. A nice surprise because it looks like just another run of the mill strip mall Mexican joint. Very friendly service. Their cc machine went down one day and they were still taking orders and saying just pay later. They dont even know me or anything. I am definitely coming back to settle up and eat here again. I give it a 4.5 and not 5 because of the atmosphere. It has a cafeteria feel to it. The food gets a 5.0 though
(4)Denise G.
I heard about Carlos' through my boss and was really excited to go based on what she had to say. I brought my parents here a few weeks ago for dinner and all three of us left full and happy! The portions are very generous without being too intimidating, my dad and I ordered steak tacos, and my mom ordered enchilada suisas. My dad lived in Mexico briefly with his expatriate parents as a kid; he and his sister use enchilada suisas as the benchmark of a good Mexican restaurant. My mom was happy with her meal, and my dad thought it was decent Mexican for the Midwest. I'm a little less difficult to impress- Carlos' had me at chips & pico de gallo, and guacamole by the pound, practically. The rice and beans as sides come in giant portions, so consider splitting if you plan to order some. The horchata was delicious, the best I've had in this area. I spent some time this summer in Valencia, Spain, where horchata was created so I have somewhat high standards, but this rice milk hit the spot. Definitely will be going back to Carlos' again!
(4)Holly H.
The only decent place for fresh food in Fox Lake. As a fresh food snob, I was leary (let's face it, Fox Lake does not provide quality). With a husband who can live on Mexican food, we were bound to try it at some point, so I gave in. The BEST chips ever. Go here. Immediately. Jog, sprint, run, whatever you have to do. We order Carlos's just about weekly now. Nothing has been bad or even mediocre. It's always fresh, crisp, warm, whatever it's supposed to be. An adorable family is running the place and I couldn't be happier to support them!
(5)Matthew A.
Honestly, not sure what everyone else sees here. The food was standard, the portions were stingy, the service was slow. The hot sauce wasn't hot. No Corona or margaritas. The only reason I didn't give it 2 stars is because it looks like a family is running this place and at least they were trying.
(3)James B.
My wife loves their steak burrito. I love the milanesa torta. Everything they offer is fresh and delicious for a authentic mexican meal.
(5)Andrew W.
Best mexican food that I've had since i moved to the area! My roommate and I orded almost weekly. Service is always quick and I can expect pick up in 10 min. Great food and all staff has been friendly!! I would reccomend 100%!
(5)Mark K.
Best Mexican food we have found in Fox Lake!
(5)Sam W.
Outstanding!!! Everything is awesome and the service is great. Nothing to not like here. Go to and enjoy immediately!
(5)Kevin M.
Seriously, if you're within 30 minutes of this place and have a taste for Mexican. Go! Had the steak burrito dinner. 3 mini burrito with cheese and grilled onions, rice and beans. Unbelievable Guacamole. And the chips and salsa were great. The beef tacos were huge and tasty.
(5)Nancy A.
I stumbled upon this little gem when I was hunting for a Mediterranean restaurant that used to be in the same location. The chicken flautas with rice and beans which were delicious and the flautas were made fresh to order. Liked the salsas and they could have been a bit spicier. The portions were large and I ended up bringing 1/2 back to work to lunch the next day. Free chips and salsa were provided while I waited for my food. Yummy. Couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were. Will definitely be back. As for the bathroom issue that folks mentioned. That issues does concern me because the same sign was up when I went. It seemed very weird. Aren't restaurants required by law to have facilities that customers can use? And if it was really broken, where the heck to the workers go?
(4)Gerry A.
I SECOND Holly's only fresh food in the area comment; Carlos is completely surrounded by chains. They make everything BUT their soft taco shells, but do make their own chips. Breakfast all day, clean, well lit, friendly, ample parking, FREE wireless, under $10 with tip. My Mexican Sunshine egg burritos rocked, beans, salad, EXCELLENT chips and a salsa I finished by drinking it, only because it was SO delicious and not a salt bomb, $7 at 3pm. LARGE menu, take a few minutes to take it in and then ask questions. They will substitute corn tortillas for wheat if you are picky about your gmo grains like I am. They also cater and I bet they know how to throw a party. I like anyplace that I can sit in a sunny front window and keep an eye on my car. Booths, front window tables, some small tables, and a solo bar counter where you can watch the kitchen. Just do it. Cold yelp search. Thank you Yelp. 7/30/14 update: Thumbs UP on a couple $2 alacarte tacos Al Pastor and Tongue, also had steak and chicken. I would rank them Chicken, Al Pastor, Tongue, & Steak. Keep ASKING them to get Goat, and maybe they will! Smokin deal @ $2. Oct 2014 Update. TRY the fish taco dinner & substitute one fish taco and pay the difference, DELICIOUS...ps keep asking for Goat....I LOVE this place. May 2015. They even make their own chips! I couldn't convince Claudia to put Goat on the menu but I'm not giving up.
(4)Kyle D.
For the price ($7.50 for a taco dinner with rice and beans) you can't beat this place. Great food and easily the best place for Mexican in this exurban hellscape.
(5)B L.
Hands down the best Mexican food around!! The food is fresh and delicious. Everything from tacos, burritos, chips and salsa and fajitas and the fried ice cream. . Never a bad meal and very reasonable prices. A++++
(5)LinnyLynn S.
It's been great so far! This is only my second time here, I don't live around here but it's worth the drive! I recommend the tacos & tortas! As for dessert......FRIED ICE CREAM! Lovely service! Good sauces very yummy! Horchata (rice water) love it!
(5)Robert H.
Great Mexican food. Love it . Inside clean and food fast. Great job keep up the good work. Same as in island lake.
(4)Richard R.
We came here based on the reviews on Yelp and we're not disappointed. The guacamole was good, but nothing special, could use a little heat. The chips were fresh. I had enchiladas with mole, very good and I thought the mole was excellent. Good refried beans. My wife had Carne asada. She enjoyed it. This small restaurant is in a small strip mall. No liquor. They have a brisk carry out business. Definitely worth a try.
(4)TheGooch I.
4.5 out of 5. Great food. Nicely seasoned meat. A nice surprise because it looks like just another run of the mill strip mall Mexican joint. Very friendly service. Their cc machine went down one day and they were still taking orders and saying just pay later. They dont even know me or anything. I am definitely coming back to settle up and eat here again. I give it a 4.5 and not 5 because of the atmosphere. It has a cafeteria feel to it. The food gets a 5.0 though
(4)Kevin M.
Seriously, if you're within 30 minutes of this place and have a taste for Mexican. Go! Had the steak burrito dinner. 3 mini burrito with cheese and grilled onions, rice and beans. Unbelievable Guacamole. And the chips and salsa were great. The beef tacos were huge and tasty.
(5)Nancy A.
I stumbled upon this little gem when I was hunting for a Mediterranean restaurant that used to be in the same location. The chicken flautas with rice and beans which were delicious and the flautas were made fresh to order. Liked the salsas and they could have been a bit spicier. The portions were large and I ended up bringing 1/2 back to work to lunch the next day. Free chips and salsa were provided while I waited for my food. Yummy. Couldn't believe how reasonable the prices were. Will definitely be back. As for the bathroom issue that folks mentioned. That issues does concern me because the same sign was up when I went. It seemed very weird. Aren't restaurants required by law to have facilities that customers can use? And if it was really broken, where the heck to the workers go?
(4)Blake C.
As a Texan, moving to Illinois has forced me to come to terms with the lack of quality Mexican Food I'll find. It's been a struggle so far but we're getting through. With that said, Carlos's in Fox Lake is the best Mexican Food establishment I've found up here thus far. Thanks to another Yelp review, I went for the steak burrito combo. I wish that the burritos had been packed with some more extras as it felt a little thin. But the steak was really good and it came with rice and beans to complete the meal. The staff was really friendly when we picked the food up. They don't have to-go menus or an online menu so I snapped a picture or two to try and help those who are ordering to pick up.
(4)Helen M.
I agree with everyone who gave this place a stellar review. The salsa is as straight up fresh and delicious as everyone says. Chunky and full of flavor. I ordered the ground beef chimichanga, and my sister got the steak tacos -- which she raved about. The rice was nicely flavored with chicken broth and the refried beans were terrific. My chimi was fried perfectly, not the slightest bit greasy. I got the regular size, and it was huge. Had a dab of guac on it. I'll have to get an order of it next time. Unlike some authentic Mexican restaurants in the Round Lake Area, Carlo's food isn't spicy -- perfect for the "American" palate without being bland. They do offer dishes that bring the heat, but I'll leave those for those adventurous folks! Place is cute, clean, good parking. Can't wait to go again and work my way through the menu.
(4)Brian F.
Definitely the best Mexican food in Chain of Lakes area. This place has phenomenal quesadillas.
(5)Ryan D.
Great food. Freshly made, great ingredients. Nice, pleasant staff as well.
(5)Kyle A.
Really Good Mexican Food And Not bad Prices I go here often And love it Friendly People Great Service. Always Satisfied When i stop in for Great Tacos !!!
(5)Jay W.
Our experience is different than most it seems. We would never go back. Stopped in about 7PM on a Friday, it was a little busy but there were a few tables open (by the way they have about 6 or 7 tables). We sat and it was down hill from there. I asked for root beer. Out. I asked for mole for the enchilada on my tampiquena. Out. I asked if we could use the bathroom. Broken. I asked where the closest bathroom was. I don't know. HUH?!?!?! So where do YOU go? I didn't ask but I should have just to embarrass her for lying because I suspect I already knew the answer. If it weren't true she would have known where else to go. The "OUT OF SERVICE" sign for the bathroom is just a ruse to keep customers from using their bathroom, and the employees are using it. We walked to Thorntons (gas station), meaning I had to cross Rte 12. to use the bathroom. What a hassle and good thing it wasn't raining or we would have just walked out. Took them about 30 minutes to get our order ready, which was ONE MEAL as my wife wasn't eating. Ridiculous. It wasn't that busy at all. This is supposed to be FAST FOOD Mexican. Skirt steak was small but overall the food wasn't bad. Not the best by any stretch but OK. Chips were lame and they hardly gave you any salsa. Extra star because the food was OK. Otherwise, this was a ONE STAR experience. Open your bathroom for your customers. If I had to eat MX food in Fox Lk again I'd eat at El Puerto way before ever going here. It's more expensive and average food, but at least they have bathrooms and quality service. Plus the view of Nippersink (OK, their docks suck on weekends).
(2)Tracy B.
I love this place! I've dined in the restaurant a few times but I mainly call for take out. The tacos are delicious - beef and chicken. Very fresh food and very friendly owners and staff. I've moved to McHenry from Fox Lake and I still head over to Carlos' when I get the craving for tacos! Their food is very authentic and does not disappoint. Check them out!
(5)Michele S.
Got stuck on metra train and rode it all the way to fox lake. Thankfully was right around the corner and the smell drew me in! I spent my 1 1/2hr delay eating yummy food. The fish taco was really salty but steal tacos were good, chips and salsa. Give it a try!!
(4)Tina L.
Hands down, best Mexican food in the surrounding area. Consistent, dependable, and quick for take out orders.
(5)Denise G.
I heard about Carlos' through my boss and was really excited to go based on what she had to say. I brought my parents here a few weeks ago for dinner and all three of us left full and happy! The portions are very generous without being too intimidating, my dad and I ordered steak tacos, and my mom ordered enchilada suisas. My dad lived in Mexico briefly with his expatriate parents as a kid; he and his sister use enchilada suisas as the benchmark of a good Mexican restaurant. My mom was happy with her meal, and my dad thought it was decent Mexican for the Midwest. I'm a little less difficult to impress- Carlos' had me at chips & pico de gallo, and guacamole by the pound, practically. The rice and beans as sides come in giant portions, so consider splitting if you plan to order some. The horchata was delicious, the best I've had in this area. I spent some time this summer in Valencia, Spain, where horchata was created so I have somewhat high standards, but this rice milk hit the spot. Definitely will be going back to Carlos' again!
(4)Holly H.
The only decent place for fresh food in Fox Lake. As a fresh food snob, I was leary (let's face it, Fox Lake does not provide quality). With a husband who can live on Mexican food, we were bound to try it at some point, so I gave in. The BEST chips ever. Go here. Immediately. Jog, sprint, run, whatever you have to do. We order Carlos's just about weekly now. Nothing has been bad or even mediocre. It's always fresh, crisp, warm, whatever it's supposed to be. An adorable family is running the place and I couldn't be happier to support them!
(5)Matthew A.
Honestly, not sure what everyone else sees here. The food was standard, the portions were stingy, the service was slow. The hot sauce wasn't hot. No Corona or margaritas. The only reason I didn't give it 2 stars is because it looks like a family is running this place and at least they were trying.
(3)James B.
My wife loves their steak burrito. I love the milanesa torta. Everything they offer is fresh and delicious for a authentic mexican meal.
(5)Andrew W.
Best mexican food that I've had since i moved to the area! My roommate and I orded almost weekly. Service is always quick and I can expect pick up in 10 min. Great food and all staff has been friendly!! I would reccomend 100%!
(5)Mark K.
Best Mexican food we have found in Fox Lake!
(5)Sam W.
Outstanding!!! Everything is awesome and the service is great. Nothing to not like here. Go to and enjoy immediately!
(5)Matthew K.
Seriously good Mexican food and very friendly service!
(5)