Vibrant downtown Mexican spot with a lively patio, strong margaritas, and crowd-pleasing plates; service can be inconsistent and automatic gratuity practices have frustrated some guests.
Carlitos Café y Cantina delivers solid A-grade performance anchored by strong food quality and an exceptional patio setting that makes it a natural pre-theater destination on State Street. Service inconsistency and occasional food safety lapses prevent grade A territory, though decades of loyal patrons and reliable execution across most visits support its standing as a competitive neighborhood favorite for casual Mexican dining and margaritas.
One caveat: Service can feel rushed or unfriendly during peak times; some guests waited for basics like water and silverware