This place was hopping when we got there. It's one of those hole-in-the-wall locations but because we heard so much about it, our entire group decided to go there for lunch. It did not disappoint. The quantity and quality were both great and they even had tap for a fairly unknown place. The price was great for the servings. The things they could work on are: 1) The appeal of the inside and some cleaner looking furniture 2) The AC seemed to not be working However, since we were there to enjoy the company, we had a fun time. I'd recommend this place but maybe have your order to go.

It's not much to look at from the outside and the dining in experience was not your normal restaurant. But the food was tremendous. The homemade flour tortillas are huge, but delicious. The chorizo and potatoes were spicy, mouth-watering, and filling. I will definitely go back.

Very disturbing and sick. You would think they'll fix up the place, since they charge more. I really want to share these pictures so people can know how nasty this place really is. These pictures were takin on separate visits. Twice in 1 month my aunt found this inside her burritos and they didn't even refund her money. I hope everyone checks their food b4 they eat anywhere. If you dont you should start!

I love me some Carolinas. I wanted a lil bit of everything. Not pictured that I devoured was combo 3 : beef taco, bean tostada and cheese enchilada was amazing. The chicken flautas were spot on and my toddlers loved them. Chimichanga was amazing. Also not pictured combo10, green burro and bean/potatoes burrito was good. They have the best tortillas I'm the valley as well....Added some more tacos to the mix. The machaca beef is sooo juicy!

This place is a gem. Food is fantastic. And Phoenix secret for sure. Lucky to live close have Carolinas anytime. Staff is straight to the point. The let the decor fool you. The foods amazing!

Recommended by a friend and my friend was right! Try the Oaxaca burrito, it includes chorizo, potato, and refried beans. Very filling and keeps me full all day. Also, they sell their tortillas by the dozen. Properly thin, large in size, makes great quesadillas at home. Happy eating!

The Original Carolinas Mexican Food Phoenix, Arizona Phoenix original 'Family' operated restaurant... Specializing in 'hand made' authentic Mexican food first established in 1968. Rustic location, this is authentic Mexican food. Hand made ...you taste the difference. The food here has the perfect flavor consistency... The food just 'tastes right' everything was delicious the Refried Beans, Mexican Rice, Chicken Enchilada, and Chicken Tacos, (Hard and Soft...) were perfect on the palate. The service was fast... And I must say ...it was a privilege to have the opportunity to eat here. They don't make Mexican food like this where I live. Very positive experience, the 'best' Mexican food I have eaten. I recommend Carolinas Original for authentic flavor and the vast menu... there's a lot of food items to choose from... The Hot Sauce was also excellent ...perfect on everything. Phoenix original and local restaurant... Mexican owned and operated...

Totally worth a trip to try their soft buttered tortillas. They have only a few other vegetarian options, but they were all good. Would recommend for a quick snack stop!

We were passing through the area, on the way back to S Florida. I wish we lived closer, the food was off the hook! Reminds me of Miami. People remember, a little grit is good for the soul!!! Thanks for the great food!

Fun to go to a local place like this - really liked the hard tacos and beans. So cool to go to a place that is obviously a favorite for locals.

So this is absolutely not a place that I would drive by and think “this is the best tortilla in town”. But-it’s not only the *best* tortilla I’ve ever had, it’s just all around great food. I ordered a red Chile burro and it was so good. It comes with red sauce, which normally I use tons of red sauce, I don’t think it was needed. The red sauce was spicy but not mouth numbing, meat was tender and it became an absolute mess as my hands were covered in delicious red Chile sauce. This is the original Carolina’s in Phoenix and you get all sorts of folks eating here-police, fire, business folks, blue collar folks, tourists etc. it’s a truly hidden off the beaten path place and I always suggest folks eat here. They do not serve breakfast all day, they stop at like 1030 or 11, but no matter what you get here it will be amazing (I’ve been eating here for 10+ years and have tried just about everything)

This place is such a hidden gem💎, a real treat once you get the chance to try it. OG Mexican food in a low key spot. Food reminded me of my grandparents and it took me back to my childhood memories. Hands down one of the most underrated joints in the valley💫 we got the 3 way burrito, the red chile & bean burrito , & the machaca w egg, potatoes, & beans burrito. All of them (plus their salsa) r delicious🔥 Also bought some tortillas to go, they’re huge thin n legit. Customer service is good, speedy service if you’re early. Definitely coming back more often. 5🌟

Cozy diner serving comfort food and brunch in historic Garfield neighborhood of downtown Phoenix. We loved the chicken biscuit sandwiches and homemade prickly pear lemonade. Convenient on-site parking lot and plenty of street parking. Fun vibes and great food

This is the worst place to eat at. My mom & I went there to eat. The place was dirty had to keep telling the cashier that our table needed to be clean. I told her like 5x's. Than when they clean it smell like dirty colorox. No a/c no ceiling fan on. Like c'mon we are in AZ... As I was eating I was sweating burning calories at the same time. Smh the drinking fountain most of the sodas were all flat. Then my green chili burrito fell apart as soon I sat down to eat it. I highly DO NOT RECOMMED THIS PLACE. unless you want to burn calories well eating...

Great customer service and great food good prices 👍 too

Being an Arizona native, I had heard of Carolinas for years but hadn't eaten there. Well that changed yesterday, what a treat. Don't go expecting a fancy restaurant with fancy food. It's just good down home cooked Mexican food served fast food style. I will be returning often! Thanks, Carolinas!!!

As usual the best in phx! I call them sloppy burritos only because they make their own tortillas and I tried to eat a green chili burro and it blew out in my lap, not all of it but it was my first time there. That wont keep me from going back as they are the best

The food was so good! We were at another location a couple of weeks ago and the flavor didn’t compare to this location. The only downside I saw was all the waste, everything served in takeout containers and disposable, even when dining in.

It’s sad to say the restaurant never spends any money to keep it looking nice. They are always busy because the food is very good. Today I called in after 4 attempts to place my order. The same person Maddie who took my call and placed order after 4 calls, I was hung up on twice I was put on hold and never came back, finally on the fourth attempt I got my order placed. They told me at this point they’re not serving breakfast. They would’ve been serving breakfast on my first call but after 15 minutes of trying it became lunch hours. She was very rude on the phone and unprofessional. I thought maybe she was just busy but when I came in she was busy even after kind words to her and being polite she was still rude. Not a benefit to the staff. I only come for the food which once again is good but the services and building are dirty

This place is old and beat up and serves some of the very best Mexican food in Phoenix. Don’t be put off by the appearance. Come during lunch hours and this place is packed with police, firefighters, and blue and white collar types. They are known for their Machaca and it’s delicious! I’m particular to the green and I like to add potatoes to my burritos and get it chimichanga and enchilada style-deep fried, smothered in red enchilada sauce, and topped with guac and sour cream. It’ll feed two people and it’s amazing. Chips and guac is another of our favorites here. Guac is very fresh and tasty here! Hard tacos, chicken or beef are also a must. I haven’t had anything here I wouldn’t get again. They are also well known for their flour tortillas. You will see people coming in just to order stacks of tortillas to go. You can’t go wrong ordering a hot buttered tortilla to go with your meal either. Carolinas truly is a Phoenix icon. If you’ve never been here and you live or visiting the Phoenix area, you owe it to yourself to try this classic Phoenix, Mexican eatery. Some of my favorite items are: Green Machaca chimichanga, add potatoes, enchilada style⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Chips and guac ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hot, buttered tortilla ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hard tacos (beef or chicken) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Red or green Machaca burrito ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ My guide on how I use the 5 star system: ⭐️ = Not good ⭐️⭐️ = Not terrible, but would not get again ⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Solid, but I’d try something else before this again ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Really liked it! You should try this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ = Loved it! Must try I’ll make adjustments to my ratings after subsequent visits. If you see a .3 or .7 it means: .3 = Wasn’t as good the 2nd or last time I tried it .7 = This was better the 2nd or last time I tried it.

Original Mohave location. I’ve been going here since I was a kid and had always loved it. Went there on Monday and what a disappointment. The burritos are so tiny and flat. Pic is of a bean burrito. My son took a bite on the sides before I could get a pic but as you can see it’s the size of a Directv remote and super flat. Mainly tortilla. For the price defiantly not worth it. The green was horrible, tasteless and watery. Sadly don’t think we will be back to this location. The one in Mesa and Avondale are much better. Rito’s is by far the best place for burritos.

Real Mexican food old school restaurant in the hood .. the best food comes from the hood ..it’s a must stop when you’re hungry for Mexican food.. menu lots to pick from..nothing is bad on the menu..red chili 🌶️ green chili 🌶️ chorizo.menudo fresh made tortillas the hot sauce wow the taste is out of this world..try it you will like…..

You wouldn't know it by the area and the looks of this list historic Mexican restaurant in Phoenix nestled in the middle of one of the oldest neighborhood's.. BUT THIS IS THE BEST MEXICAN FOOD NEXT TO YOUR NANA'S HOUSE! You can't judge a book by its cover folks! If your in the East Valley they have finally expanded from the single restaurant in Phoenix of of Mojave and are now a chain! Mesa Dr. And the 60 it's the best worth the drive.

There is not nearly enough room to practice proper distancing in any way, shape, or form. Customers will, very rudely, crowd you and majority of the kitchen and front end staff are wearing their masks half way off their faces with their noses exposed while cooking and/or serving customers. Always great food but I would steer clear of this location if you can. DEFINITELY!!! I may add that I have been a loyal patron of this particular location since I could walk and knew the original owners so I'm not talking trash just warning the public that actually cares about others as well as their own health in these times.

We called in an order, got there in 30 min, the place had maybe 10 ppl there and we still waited over an hour for our food.

10/10 I would grab a green burrito here every single day if I could.

Would be a higher rating. But I had to keep repeating my order and after waiting for a long time for my order. Then the lady repeating the order to me at pickup. They still left half my order out. I was in a hurry after waiting so long, I didn't realize it until I got to my church. I tried calling but the lady acted like I was trying to get over on them. So I am not ever going back. After buying $40 for my order.

Been going there for years but lately the place is not kept up well dirty floors could be so swept and mopped the service is drop dramatically but the prices have gone up drastically the flavor is not the same as the old days something's missing I think the original owners have know passed away so now just about making money not thinking about the good flavor have their food sad but true

Green chili burrito was good as alwayd

I usually go here when I want a bean and potato burrito. I do not get cheese in my burrito and so I have to specifically ask for bean & potato no cheese I have ordered it before as bean & potato but they always put cheese in it so if you don't want cheese you have to specifically ask. The girls here are really very very nice. I love the salsa and always ask for extra and they always give it to me no problem. This is the only thing I usually get here besides maybe a buttered tortilla but that's here and there.

Not sure what happened to customer service at this location but it was lacking. I’ve been going to Carolinas since the 80s… anyway, the enchiladas was cold when I came out, so you’ll definitely need to heat up. The crunchy taco was very good and fresh I will say.

Legit. ‘Good for the soul’ level Mexican food. My neighbor in Nashville had moved from PHX and recommended this place… otherwise we never would have ended up there, but so very glad we did.

So good! Got the bean tostado w/o cheese. I dont know if it's vegan. i tried to look on the website but didn't see. The food is so good; and the salsa!!! *chef's kiss*!!! My husband got the taco meal and we bought flautas for my grandson

Haven't been here for yrs! Want to thank you very much don't know how the workers do it cuz it's hot in there but the food is bomb! A must try ppl! 👍♥️

When I initially arrived the outside didn't look like much yet The parking lot was full and there were many backgrounds of people from all over , I had to give this place a try. It was a recommendation from a stranger and I'll tell you the stranger was on point lol. I had the beef chimichanga with tacos on the side . The cheese they used , the seasoning and ingredients were all amazing and really tasty !! I will be back once more

This review is based on tamales. Usually we love all the food at Carolina’s. We typically visit the Mesa location but we’ve visited this location before and had good experiences. This time however has me swearing to never buy tamales from them again. The masa and meat was dry. The meat was not even fully shredded. I kept finding big chunks of un-shredded meat. Also they were super bland. It almost seemed like these were frozen for a really long time, defrosted and sold. Not at all what I have come to expect from Carolina’s! This was not worth the $40 cost they charge for them, I couldn’t even finishing eating one, it was so bad. If you’re looking for tamales don’t buy them here!

Food is tasty but tortilla falls apart Taco dorado or beef taco was a little soggy

This is one of my three favorite Mexican restaurants in the Phoenix area (the others: a much different sit-down place in Garcia’s on Thomas, and Filiberto’s on Elliot for take-out). Almost 30 years ago I was working for a gum and candy machine vending company, and Carolina’s on Mojave was one of our customers, which is how I discovered them (and several other great eateries). It’s not in the best area, which is probably why they close at 6 now, but the high quality of the food makes the trip well worth it. It seems that they are always busy, so calling ahead might not be a bad idea. As far as I know this is the original location (and it hasn’t changed much since I first came here in 1995), but the other locations should serve the same quality food (disclaimer: the only other location I have visited is in Mesa on Country Club).

Always feel good after any meal from there

Institution. Carolina's is a Phoenix institution for Mexican food. Nothing else can be said. Eat here.

The Best Mexican Restaurant!!!!!

Best Enchiladas I ever ate! Since the last time I ate at the Cactus location. Drenched in delicious enchilada sauce with just the right amount of zing! Decor hasn't changed in 30 yrs but who cares when the food so good, fresh made tortillas, friendly prompt service.

Food is not good at all it made my stomach hurt and they gave me the wrong tamale which was horrible Beans and rice horrible green burrito was all so horrible... I will never eat there again.

Good food, quick service

The BEST tortillas in the world. I am 59 years old and remember growing up my parents buying freshly made tortillas. MMMMmmmmm. I can smell them, can you?

Best food by far. The green chile burro was so delicious. The rice and beans just like mom makes.

Great place for tasty mexican food. great place to chill, get away, eat some good food. i had a brother come into town and asked me to take him back here. the place has a nice atmosphere.

GREAT

Cheap, delicious, iconic Phoenix Mexican food spot. Best flour tortillas I've ever had.

I was not crazy about the idea of eating Mexican food in Arizona but this place really shines! Excellent!

I’ve only been to the new location. Food here was great. Would return for the tortillas alone. Dining in is pretty beat up but food is great, very busy all the time.

Stopped going here because my orders were always messed up...started going to ritos...tried again today and they mixed up my burritos and chimmichanga wasnt even deep fried...it was as if it had been dipped in grease and taken out...called back and spoke to bernadette who said basically bring it back and the mix up on burritos oh well sorry is all i can say...but #16 if I can see it then we can replace... inconvenience for me to go back in heat and i gotta wait for car to come.back...meanwhile im starving...no empathy at all.

Good food. My mom liked the beans and I didn't but everyone's taste is different. Awesome, huge tortillas for sale, too.

This was a very great local restaurant. Their tortillas are freshly made in store and their beef chimichangas are among the best that I have had among the legions of Mexican food places I've frequented.

Good food made the way my grandma use to make..fresh tortillas fresh everything. The young ladies who helped me out were cool the thin young lady was nice as well definitely going back.

Great food. Service was a bit slow so they upgraded our order of Pico and chips. They are always very friendly and service-oriented.

Great...

The food was excellent. Dinning area was to the coronavirus standar. My only concern was wiping or cleaning tables with the same standing water.

Was ok in my opinion.

I love the machaca burritos?

If you've never had a "buttered tortilla" from Carolinas you are missing out from an amazing experience!

Great Mexican food.

Not the Same 80's early 90's

Rice and beans were good red chilli burro not so!

Delicious

Food is always delicious

Best place for Mexican food in Phoenix!!

Best tortillas in Arizona

Best tortillas in town.

Honestly, this restaurant was perfect! Even the design was so nice and modern, and it also has a TV screen that will make your entire day so chill and entertaining. The foods and the drinks they also served taste very good and yummy. Eventually, I greatly loved my first visit here. It was all satisfying and worth it. Also, with the nice accommodation of the waiter that served my order, I felt very lively and overwhelmed. Thank you so much! Till next time!

I cannot get enough of this place! Their hard tacos are my FAVORITE!

Food is good and service was great

Fast Mexican take out

Bomb as always