Carmela's Mexican Restaurant Menu (Update 2025)
Carmela's Mexican Restaurant in Arcata, CA offers a diverse menu with options for everyone, including vegan choices. The reviews reflect satisfied customers praising the generous portions, quality ingredients, and friendly service. Special mentions include the flavorful Carne Asada Street Tacos, juicy Carnitas, and exquisite Mole. The ambiance may need some improvement, but the delicious food and attentive staff make up for any shortcomings. With options for delivery, takeout, and catering, Carmela's aims to provide a fulfilling Mexican dining experience. Don't miss out on their standout dishes like the Chile Relleno, shredded beef enchiladas, and mini tacos. Whether you're a local or just passing through, Carmela's promises a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine worth returning for.
Dinner
Chile Verde (Dinner)
A delicious Mexican dish of pork simmered in tomatillos and chiles.
Chile Verde (A La Carte)
A delicious Mexican dish of pork simmered in tomatillos and chiles.
Chile Verde (Bowl)
A delicious Mexican dish of pork simmered in tomatillos and chiles.
Chile Colorado (Dinner)
Cubed chunks of beefs braised with tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
Chile Colorado (Bowl)
Cubed chunks of beefs braised with tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
Chile Colorado (A La Carte)
Cubed chunks of beefs braised with tomatoes, green chiles, and spices.
Carne Asada Dinner
Served with Rice and Beans, a delectable guacamole, Pico de Gallo, grilled onions, and a roasted Jalapeno. Highly recommended
Carne Asada (A La Carte)
Served with Rice and Beans, delectable guacamole, Pico de Gallo, grilled onions, and a roasted jalapeno
Carnitas (A Traditional Mexican Dish) (Dinner)
This delicious dish is made with braised pork, cilantro, Mexican cumin and Carmela's special touch. Served with Rice and Beans, guacamole, and Pico de Gallo
Carnitas (A Traditional Mexican Dish) (A La Carte)
This delicious dish is made with braised pork, cilantro, Mexican cumin and Carmela's special touch. Served with Rice and Beans, guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Bistec Ranchero (Dinner)
Beef steak cooked in our special ranchero sauce (onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, bistec sauce, a bit of bell peppers). Served with Rice and Beans. "Super Good"
Bistec Ranchero (A La Carte)
Beef steak cooked in our special ranchero sauce (onions, tomatoes, jalapenos, bistec sauce, a bit of bell peppers). Served with Rice and Beans. "Super Good"
Mole Poblano (Dinner)
Carmela's Signature Mole Sauce over a chicken tender breast made with chilies, nuts, spices, A Mexican chocolate and seasonings. One Word!!! AMAZING TO DIE FOR IT!!!!!
Mole Poblano (A La Carte)
Carmela's Signature Mole Sauce over a chicken tender breast made with chilies, nuts, spices, A Mexican chocolate and seasonings. One Word!!! AMAZING TO DIE FOR IT!!!!!
Compadre Fajitas (Dinner)
THIS MUST HAVE FAJITAS!!!! Grilled chicken, steak strips and large shrimp served sizzling with sauteed garden fresh vegetables. This also include Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and Sour Cream
Compadre Fajitas (A La Carte)
THIS MUST HAVE FAJITAS!!!! Grilled chicken, steak strips and large shrimp served sizzling with sauteed garden fresh vegetables. This also include Guacamole, Pico de Gallo, and Sour Cream
Chicken Fajitas (Dinner)
Chicken fajitas served sizzling with sauteed garden-fresh vegetables on a cast iron skillet. This also comes with guacamole and Sour Cream
Chicken Fajitas (A La Carte)
Chicken fajitas served sizzling with sauteed garden-fresh vegetables on a cast iron skillet. This also comes with guacamole and Sour Cream
Beef Fajitas (Dinner)
Beef fajitas served sizzling with sauteed garden-fresh vegetables on a cast iron skillet. Also served with Guacamole and Sour Cream
Beef Fajitas (A La Carte)
Beef fajitas served sizzling with sauteed garden-fresh vegetables on a cast iron skillet. Also served with Guacamole and Sour Cream
Fish Fajitas (Dinner)
Fish fajitas a fish filet served with fajitas veggies and also comes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Fish Fajitas (A La Carte)
Fish fajitas a fish filet served with fajitas veggies and also comes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Fajitas Camarones (Shrimp) (Dinner)
Served sizzling with fajitas veggies sauteed garden-fresh on a cast iron skillet and also comes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Fajitas Camarones (Shrimp) (A La Carte)
erved sizzling with fajitas veggies sauteed garden-fresh on a cast iron skillet and also comes with Guacamole and Pico de Gallo
Camarones A La Diabla (Shrimp) (Dinner)
Large Shrimp cooked in Carmela's signature sauce sauteed with grilled onions and some seasoning.
Camarones A La Diabla (Shrimp) (A La Carte)
Large Shrimp cooked in Carmela's signature sauce sauteed with grilled onions and some seasoning.
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo (Mild) (Dinner)
Two Words!! Yummy Yummy!!!!! Large Shrimp gently cooked with slices of onions, garlic, and some seasoning. It also comes with slices of avocado and Tomatoes.
Camarones Al Mojo De Ajo (Mild) (A La Carte)
Two Words!! Yummy Yummy!!!!! Large Shrimp gently cooked with slices of onions, garlic, and some seasoning. It also comes with slices of avocado and Tomatoes.
Camarones A La Tapatia (Dinner)
Large spicy (not too spicy) shrimp cooked in this unique tapatio sauce with some roasted diced onions and some Carmela's seasoning and topped with melted mozzarella cheese served with avocado and tomato.
Camarones A La Tapatia (A La Carte)
Large spicy (not too spicy) shrimp cooked in this unique tapatio sauce with some roasted diced onions and some Carmela's seasoning and topped with melted mozzarella cheese served with avocado and tomato.
Albondigas (Cup)
Meatballs.
Albondigas (Bowl)
Meatballs.
Menudo (Cup)
Beef.
Menudo (Bowl)
Beef.
Pozole (Cup)
Hominy and pork.
Pozole (Bowl)
Hominy and pork.
Tortilla Soup (Cup)
Tortilla Soup (Bowl)
Warm, spicy broth with chicken, avocado, cheese, and crispy tortilla strips. Choice of corn or flour tortillas.
Green Salad
Fresh mixed greens with seasonal vegetables
Grilled Chicken Salad
Tender grilled chicken strips atop a bed of crisp lettuce, sliced tomatoes, shredded carrots, and fresh avocado.
Shrimp Salad
Fresh Greens Tossed with Succulent Shrimp in a Light, Zesty Dressing
Nopales Salad
A mix of fresh nopales, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, typically includes queso fresco and a hint of lime juice.
Soups & Salads
Refreshments
Soda
Selection of chilled sodas including Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Sierra Mist, Dr. Pepper, Mug Root Beer, and Crush.
Jarritos
There has been a Jarritos & Coca Cola shortage throughout the state. We only have limited flavors
Mexican Coca-Cola (Sm Bottle)
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
Mexican Coke
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
Snapple
Refreshing blend of premium tea with a burst of fruit flavors, known for its quality and taste.
Iced Tea
Freshly brewed tea with a hint of lemon, served over ice.
Juice
Apple juice, Orange juice, Cranberry juice a refreshing choice from our Mexican refreshments category.
Horchata
Refreshing rice-based cinnamon beverage, a traditional Mexican delight.
Quesadilla
Classic grilled flour tortilla with melted cheese.
Jalapeno Poppers ()
Crispy, golden-brown jalapenos stuffed with creamy cheese and lightly breaded. Six pieces.
Nachos Small
Tortilla chips smothered in melted jack and cheddar cheese.
Taquitos
Rolled crispy taquitos. Toppings: Shredded Lettuce, Diced tomatoes, Cheese (jack & Cheddar), sour cream, and guacamole
-Amigo Platter
Jalapenos Poppers (), cheese nachos and Cheese quesadilla. Served with sour cream and fresh guacamole, lettuce and Tomatoes.
Nachos Machos
Home made chips with melted cheese, beans, grilled onions, and grilled fresh jalapenos.
Appetizers
Brunch
Huevos Rancheros
Huevos rancheros with eggs, salsa, cheese on tortilla. Options: corn or flour tortilla.
Huevos A La Mexicana
Scrambled eggs with tomatoes, onions, chili peppers, and your choice of homemade flour tortilla or three corn quesadillas.
Huevos Con Chilaquiles
Huevos over chilaquiles. Choice of flour or fresh corn tortillas.
Huevos Con Chorizo
Scrambled eggs, chorizo, served with choice of flour or fresh corn tortilla.
Huevos Con Machaca
Scrambled eggs mixed with shredded beef or chicken, served with ranchero sauce. Choice of flour or fresh corn tortillas.
Rice & Beans
Rice paired with choice of refried, black, or pinto beans. Options for no rice or beans available.
One Taco
One taco with choice of refried, black, pinto beans, or none. Select chicken, beef, asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, adobada, potato, tofu, spinach, fish, shrimp, or no protein.
One Enchilada
One Red Enchilada Sauce served with rice and beans
One Burrito
One burrito with choice of black, refried, or whole beans. Select from chicken, beef, pork, seafood, or vegetarian fillings.
Chile Relleno
Chile relleno with a selection of refried, black, or pinto beans. Option available without beans or rice.
Quesadilla
Classic grilled flour tortilla with melted cheese.
Sope
A crispy cornmeal shell filled with heaps of meat beans lettuce tomato fresh salsa fresh mexican cheese and sour cream.
Tacos With Rice & Beans
Two tacos accompanied by rice. Choose from refried, black, pinto beans, or opt for no beans/rice. Selections include meats, fish, shrimp, tofu, potato, spinach, grilled/fajitas veggies.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas with Carmela's red enchilada sauce
Burrito & Enchilada
Number : A pairing of burrito and enchilada. Options for beans include refried, black, pinto, or omitting beans or rice. Choose from a variety of fillings like chicken, beef, asada, fish, tofu, and more.
Enchilada & Taco
Enchilada and taco paired with choice of refried, black, or pinto beans. Meat or veggie options include chicken, beef, asada, carnitas, adobada, chorizo, fish, shrimp, potato, tofu, spinach, fajitas, or grilled veggies.
Enchilada & Chile Relleno
Enchilada paired with chile relleno. Choice of beans: refried, black, pinto. Options include chicken, beef variations, asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, adobada, chorizo, seafood, tofu, vegetables.
Enchilada & Tamal
Enchilada and tamal combo. Select from refried, black, pinto beans, or opt for no beans/rice. Choice of chicken, beef, asada, potato, tofu, spinach, fish, or shrimp.
Taco & Tamal
Taco and tamal combination. Options include refried, black, pinto beans, or no beans. Choose from chicken, beef, asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, adobada, potato, tofu, spinach, fish, shrimp, or no meat.
Chile Verde & Quesadilla
Chile verde paired with cheese quesadilla. Options: refried, black, pinto beans, or no beans/rice. Meat/vegetarian choices include chicken, beef, asada, tofu, fish, among others.
Enchiladas & Taco
Two enchiladas, one taco. Options include various meats (chicken to shrimp), tofu, potato, spinach, grilled/fajita veggies. Choose refried, black, pinto beans or no beans/rice.
Tamal & Burrito
Tamale and burrito combo with optional refried, black, pinto beans, or no beans/rice. Select from chicken, beef, asada, carnitas, adobada, potato, tofu, spinach, fish, shrimp, or no filling.
Tamal & Chile Relleno
. Tamal & Chile Relleno Combo. Served with choice of refried, black, pinto beans, or option for no beans/rice.
Flautas
rolled flour or corn tortillas filled with meat or vegetarian and then deep fried until extra crispy and covered with lettuce tomato onion loleta cheese sour cream and fresh guacamole.
Enchilada, Taco & Chile Verde O Colorado
Enchilada and taco served with a choice of chile verde or colorado. Options include various beans, meats like chicken, beef, asada, carnitas, adobada, chorizo, and vegetarian choices like tofu and spinach.
Burritos & Taco
Two burritos and a taco, customizable with bean choices including refried, black, or pinto, and various -item combinations like chicken, beef, asada, or grilled veggies.
Chile Relleno, Taco, Enchilada & Tamal
Chile Relleno, Taco, Enchilada, Tamal all served with Rice and Beand
Enchiladas Verdes
Enchiladas with Carmela's Green Tomatillo Sauce. Served with Guacamole, Sour Cream, Shredded Lettuce, and Diced Tomatoes
Chimichanga
A crunchy burrito brimming with your choice of meat topped with crisp lettuce diced tomato onion cheese guacamole and sour cream.
Tamal
Tamale served with choice of refried, black, pinto beans, or option for no beans/rice.
Tamal & Chile Verde
Steamed tamale paired with chile verde. Option for refried, black, pinto beans, or without.
Taco & Chile Relleno
Taco with choice of bean: refried, black, or pinto. Includes a chile relleno. Option to exclude beans or rice available.
Tostada
A crispy corn tortilla layered with beans meat lettuce onion juicy tomato cheese and sour cream. and meat of your choice
Burrito & Taco
Burrito & Taco: Choice of refried, black, pinto beans, or without. Meat or vegetarian options include shredded chicken, beef, asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, adobada, potato, tofu, spinach, fish, shrimp.
Enchilada, Taco & Burrito
Enchilada, taco, burrito combo. Choose any fillings: chicken, beef variants, asada, grilled chicken, carnitas, adobada, chorizo, fish, shrimp, vegetarian options. Bean options: refried, black, pinto, or none.
Taquitos
crispy home-made corn tortillas Taquitos. Served with Rice & Beans and garnish with Lettuce, Tomatoes, Guacamole, Sour Cream, & Cheese
Combinations
House Specialties
Sope
A crispy cornmeal shell filled with heaps of meat, beans, lettuce, tomato, fresh salsa, fresh Mexican cheese and sour cream.
Tostada
A crispy corn tortilla layered with beans, meat, lettuce, onion, juicy tomato, cheese and sour cream. And meat of your choice
Ceviche Tostada A La Mexicana
Fresh fish marinated in A zesty citrus sauce and thick slices of avocado laid on top of A traditional Mexican tostada.
Shrimp Cocktail
Medium shrimp served with avocado, pico de gallo, sweet and savory salsa, lime juice and crackers.
Chimichanga
A crunchy burrito brimming with your choice of meat, topped with crisp lettuce, diced tomato, onion, cheese, guacamole and sour cream.
Flautas
Rolled flour or corn tortillas Filled with meat or vegetarian and then deep fried until extra crispy and covered with lettuce, tomato, onion, loleta cheese, sour cream and fresh guacamole.
Taco Salad
A crunchy flour shell topped with meat, lettuce, beans, tomato, onion, cheese, sour cream and guacamole.
Super Nachos
A substantial portion of Home-Made crispy chips covered with a layer of beans of your choice, meat or vegetarian of your choice, and garnished with lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole. Please pick Large or Small Nachos
Plato Del Pueblo
Served with A plate of whole beans, cotija cheese, jalapenos, slices of avocado and two corn tortillas.
Huarache
Thick oval shaped corn masa dough with A unique and exciting Flavor baked on the grill. Topped with A layer of beans, nopales (cactus), pico de gallo, cilantro, A unique green salsa, and fresh Mexican cheese.
Torta (Mexican Sandwich)
A Mexican sandwich made from bolillo (type of bread) cut in half and stuffed with Meat or Vegetarian, Romain Lettuce, slices of Tomatoes, slices of Avocados, pickle jalapenos, melted cheese, a drop of mayo, mustard, and ketchup. Please let us know if you want a layer of beans in it (Delicious Mexican Style)
Torta Ahogada
A Mexican sandwich dipped in either Carmela's mild or Carmela's spicy special sauce. Filled in with Meat or Vegetarian, Romain lettuce, slices of Tomatoes, slices of Avocado, pickle jalapenos, melted cheese inside and on bread, a drop of mayo, mustard and ketchup. Let us know if you want us to add (free) a layer of beans Mexican Style
Gorditas
Two corn patties (about six inches) made with corn meal stuffed with Meat or Vegetarian, Mexican fresh cheese, cilantro, and onions.
Large Nachos
You can order with meat or no meat. Choices of Meat: Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, Carnitas, Shredded Chicken or Beef, or Ground beef. No meat, you'll get our home-made chips, a layer of beans (black or pinto or re fried), Melted jack and cheddar cheese and toppings shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole
Small Super Nachos With Meat
Choose any meat: Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, Carnitas, Shredded chicken or beef, or Ground beef
Deluxe Tostada
A bigger version of A regular tostada plus guacamole.
Super Quesadilla
Two inch home made flour tortilla with melted cheese, Meat or Vegetarian of your choice, tomatoes, onions, and topped with lettuce, guacamole and sour cream.
Crispy Tacos
Crispy Tacos can be prepared as Crispy Open (only shell is deep fried), Crispy Closed (Meat inside Shell is deep-fried), or Soft
Tacos (Soft Corn Tortillas)
Daily Home-Made corn tortilla
Specialty Tacos
Asada, adobada, grilled chicken, carnitas or chorizo.
Little Specialty Tacos Or Street Tacos
(Double home-made corn tortillas) asada, adobada, grilled chicken, carnitas or chorizo.
Taco Supremo
A crispy flour tortilla folded in half and filled with meat, lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese and fresh guacamole.
Four () Any Style Tacos
Any Style Tacos can be made as Crispy Open (Only Shell is deep-fried), Crispy Closed (Meat inside Shell is deep-fried), or Soft (just made tortilla)
Taqueria
Burritos
Bean & Cheese Burrito
Bean and Cheese Burrito
Regular Burrito
Inside Meat or Vegetarian, Beans , & Cheese
Specialty Burritos
Filled with meat of your choice, beans, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese
Burrito Supremo
Fresh home-made flour tortilla stuffed with rice, beans, and meat, or vegetarian topped with your choice of red or tomatillo salsa, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sour cream and guacamole. Choose Carmela's signature Red or Green or Half and half burrito sauce
Burrito Loco (Grilled Meats)
Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, Carnitas (pulled pork), or Adobada
Burrito Loco
Shrimp or Fish. Choose Red or Green Carmela's burrito sauce or Half and Half. Yummy!!
Burrito Supremo Grilled Meats
Meat Choices: Carne Asada, Grilled Chicken, Carnitas, or Adobada. Bean Choices: Black or Pinto or Refried beans. Burrito Sauce Choices, Red or Green (tomatillo). Burrito is filled with beans, rice, cheese, meat of your choice, and toppings red or green sauce, guacamole, sour cream, shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes
Burrito Supremo Fish Or Shrimp
Meat Choices: Fish (white cod) or Shrimp. Burrito sauces choices: Red or Green (tomatillo), you can get / and /. Burrito is filled with rice, beans cheese, meat of your choice, toppings red or green sauce, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sour cream, and guacamole. Bean choices: black, pinto or refried
Burrito A La Mole
A large home-made flour tortilla stuffed with meat or vegetarian, beans, rice, pico de gallo, sour cream, and guacamole. This burrito is covered with carmela's unique signature mole sauce and melted cheese.
California Burrito
Our unique California Burrito or Cali Burrito is grande size filled with our fresh fries, our delicious carne asada, fresh made in house guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese all these wrapped in a flour tortilla
Beans
Please choose Larger or Small
Beans (Small)
Small beans. Options include black, pinto, or refried.
Rice
Mexican-style rice available in large or small portions.
Fresh Guacamole ( Oz)
Mashed fresh avocados combined with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice, typically includes a hint of salt.
Pico De Gallo ( Oz)
A fresh mix of diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and jalapenos, seasoned lightly and accented with lime juice.
Sour Cream ( Oz)
An oz serving of our creamy sour cream, ideal for adding a tangy touch to your favorite Mexican dishes.
Chile Rellenos
Stuffed peppers, arcata or mckinleyville style, cheese-filled.
Tamale
Enchilada
One Enchilada a la carte (no rice no beans) topped off with red or green tomatillo sauce, and garnished with shredded lettuce and diced tomatoes
Side Orders
Chips & Salsa
Chips & Salsa
Carmela's home-made chips and try our delicious made in house salsas
Salsa ( Oz)
Carmela's salsa, oz. Choice of hot or mild.
Carmela's Salsa
Carmela's Dessert
Flan
A traditional mexican custard dessert
Bunuelos
Deep-fried flour tortilla, typically includes a generous dusting of cinnamon and sugar.