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Welcome to Carmela's Mexican Restaurant

Carmela's Mexican Restaurant, located in Arcata, CA, is a gem for Mexican food lovers. With a wide array of options, from flavorful street tacos to hearty chile relleno and enchiladas, the menu caters to diverse tastes. Customers rave about the generous portions, fresh ingredients, and friendly service. The ambience may need a bit of improvement, but the delicious food more than makes up for it. Standout dishes include crispy and juicy carnitas, tasty mole, and perfectly seasoned Carne Asada Street Tacos. Whether dining in or opting for delivery, Carmela's ensures a satisfying and authentic Mexican dining experience.

LOCATIONS

Carmela's Mexican Restaurant, located in 1288 G St, Arcata, CA, is a gem for Mexican cuisine lovers. With a variety of utilities like delivery, takeout, reservations, and vegan options, this restaurant caters to a wide range of preferences. The restaurant also offers catering services, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family.

Customers rave about the generous portions and delicious flavors at Carmela's. From the crispy and juicy Carnitas to the flavorful Chile Relleno and shredded beef enchiladas, the menu offers a wide selection of authentic Mexican dishes. The Carne Asada Street Tacos, fish tacos, and shrimp tacos have also received high praise for their taste and freshness.

The ambiance at Carmela's may need a bit of improvement, but the friendly service and quick delivery of mouth-watering dishes more than make up for it. Whether you're looking for a fulfilling meal during the semester or a special night out, Carmela's Mexican Restaurant is a great choice.

So, if you're in the mood for some top-notch Mexican cuisine in the Humboldt area, be sure to check out Carmela's. With their delicious food and friendly service, it's no wonder why customers keep coming back for more.

START YOUR REVIEW OF Carmela's Mexican Restaurant
Alan C.
Alan C.

I was visiting my 96-year-old dad in Myrtletown, and I decided to do a DoorDash, not realizing that this place is in Arcata. The food came relatively quick, but because it was coming so far, it was just warm by the time it got to me. That was not a problem, it reheated just fine in the microwave. There was a lot of food. It started out with an order of chips and salsa. The chips were thick. I normally like the thinner chips, but these were extremely good. They were not greasy at all. There was also a good portion. It came with a spicy salsa that was a little bit too spicy for me, and a mild salsa. My dad had the idea of mixing the two salsas together. Doing that, it was just right for me. It had just a little bit of heat. It was still a little bit too spicy for my dad. I also split the appetizer with my dad, Four shredded chicken, mini tacos. It also came with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. We both liked it very much. The mini tacos, were a good size. The lettuce and tomato were fresh, the shredded chicken was tender and delicious, and we liked the sour cream and guac. An extremely good appetizer. Of course I forgot to get a picture. The main course was all mine. I had the Chile relleno and a shredded beef enchilada. Another home run. Both the chile relleno and the. Enchilada were good sized, they were both tender, and they were both delicious. The chile had a good flavor, and it was not spicy at all. It also came with rice and my choice of refried beans, pinto beans, or black beans. I had the black beans, just the right texture and they also had a very good flavor. The main dish had enough sauce, that I was able to put some of it onto the rice and beans. It just added to the great flavor. There was so much food, I ate about half of my main course, and a little bit of the rice and beans, and saved the rest for breakfast the next morning. It was just as good reheated the next morning. Even coming from DoorDash, the price for everything was very reasonable. We both enjoyed the food from here very much. We would definitely DoorDash from here again, and we would also like to go into the restaurant itself the next time we are in Arcata. Thanks for a great meal.

Judy O.
Judy O.

Absolutely fabulous!!! Portions are big, and delicious. My husband has a taco and chili relleno, and I had a burrito Suprema. We also had 2 Cadillac Margaritas, made with Don Julio Silver, instead of the regular tequila. The Margarita was delicious, and a generous size; neither my husband nor I could finish. Our server was Mikayla, who was prompt, courteous, and did not rush us. 10 out of 10!!

Kevin T.
Kevin T.

Student currently at Cal Poly Humboldt I don't know what the reviews are on about, but I had about 4 Carne Asada Street Tacos, 2 fish tacos, and 2 shrimp tacos, and they were beyond what I expected. The Carne Asada was juicy, and was flavored well enough that it was neither too salty or not enough taste. I paired it with Lime Jarritos, but pairing it with beer would be a nice touch too. The tacos came out as if it was just done. Service was quick, was asked where I would like to be seated, and anything that required a can opener was opened. The ambiance can use a little help (when it comes to being able to see the bar behind the counter), but for the location, and what can be done with it. The music does fit the theme when it is on. Still REALLY good for the location... seeing as I come from a location that has dozens of Mexican restaurants (not large franchises.) Need some fulfilling food during the semester? They offer Taco Tuesdays! The street tacos doesn't have a one-sized fit all when it comes to toppings. The Carne Asada Street Tacos has other topics that pair well with it versus the Shrimp or Fish Street Taco that uses a different set of toppings. I would suggest to anyone to try the different street tacos. Quite a fulfilling meal on the dollar compared to other places. "Absorbed" the street tacos pretty quickly because they were just that good. And while one is waiting for the main food, they offer you a mild and spicy salsa for your tortilla chips.

Coba W.
Coba W.

I have no idea what was going on at this place two years ago when all the bad reviews were written, but when I ate there in 2024, it was great. Service was very friendly and quick and my huarache with potatoes was absolutely amazing. I've lived for years in the Bay Area and more recently Central Valley where there's a lot of food Mexican food to be had, and at least for what I ordered (admittedly vegetarian) it was up there with the best places I've been further South.

Aaron B.
Aaron B.

Stopped in for some take-out pozole and rice and beans. Very friendly service and set me up with all I'd need for the soup .. lime wedges, onion, cilantro .. and a few extras. Super tasty! Just what I was hoping for!

Donny M.
Donny M.

Arguably best Mexican in Humboldt. Hands down best meat. Carnitas are crispy and juicy like it should be. Chicken taste fresh. The mole is incredible. Love the Gordita's.

Jessica S.
Jessica S.

Wonderful service! It is always a delight to see the owner working hard as an employee behind the scenes. I have seen her play various roles from being the cook, to the dish washer to a waiter. I have a soft spot for this location especially Doug the times they had live music, free sour cream, and yummy deserts. Now they offer a variety of deserts from flan to tres leches but let's be honest it is overpriced for the small portion. They say we went the restaurant has an empty feel to it with no one at the front. Eventually I headed to the restroom. I would rate this a decent to clean space. I left to find my partner seated at a booth. This is another thing I appreciated sitting in comfy couches rather than hard chairs. We order a mole burrito and tacos. Sadly lengua tacos were not available so we went for tacos de carne asada and tacos Al pastor. They were pretty yummy! I just wished I ordered more sour cream or added salsa since the tacos felt a bit on the dry side.