Seemor

CarlaB+Worth Trying

Name: Carla
Address: 25-03 40th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101, Long Island City, United States
Rating: 4.6

25-03 40th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101 · Restaurant, American restaurant, Cocktail bar · 4.6/5 Google (428 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout

Cozy Tex-Mex fusion spot with standout tacos, cocktails, and friendly service; pricing skews high for Queens and service can slow at peak times.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Carla delivers solid neighborhood dining with strong food quality anchored by craveable tacos, enchiladas, and creative cocktails, plus attentive service that keeps guests returning. However, inconsistent execution on portions and seasoning, combined with tight quarters and variable service speed, prevents it from reaching higher territory. The cozy jungle aesthetic and dog-friendly patio create genuine charm, but pricing feels steep for the Queens market and modest portions.

Restaurant Summary

Carla is a cozy LIC hideaway where Tex-Mex meets creative comfort, with bright cocktails and a cute, jungle-tinged room. Guests rave about attentive servers and craveable staples, sharing lines like, "the burger was juicy and the fries were on point." The space is small yet warm and welcoming, with a patio that is friendly to pups and casual dates. Prices can feel high for the neighborhood, but many find the vibe worth it. The kitchen leans fusion-forward: tacos with classic fillings, a shrimp po boy, pho, and enchiladas sit alongside burgers and a signature grilled corn romaine salad. That creativity yields standout bites—crispy fish tacos, saucy enchiladas, and wings with a light, tempura-like crunch—though a few diners report inconsistent tortillas or seasoning. Cocktails shine, from hibiscus margaritas to a playful light-up pouch sipper, making it ideal for casual celebrations. Families will find it approachable: there is a dedicated Kid's Menu (burger, cheeseburger, tenders, grilled cheese) and plenty of fries and simple sides. For picky eaters, burgers and quesadillas are safe bets; adventurous kids might enjoy shrimp tacos or mild enchiladas. Note that portions on tacos can run modest, so ordering a couple per child may be wise.

At a Glance

Flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and wings earn frequent praise
Friendly, attentive service with a cozy, cute setting
Pricing feels high for Queens and portions can be modest
Service speed and consistency vary at busier times
Happy hour rules can be strict; verify days before ordering

What Sets It Apart

creative_fusion_menu
signature_hibiscus_margarita
dog_friendly_patio
cozy_pink_jungle_decor

What People Love

Creative tacos and crispy fish
Hibiscus margaritas and fun pouch cocktails
The grilled corn romaine salad
Warm, personable servers
Cozy decor and dog-friendly patio

Points of Concern

Pricing runs high for the area; some call portions small for cost
Occasional service delays and rushed closing near kitchen cutoff
Inconsistency reports: undercooked tortillas or dry meat in a few visits
Review patterns show mostly organic feedback with strong photo evidence; authenticity concerns are low but enthusiasm varies

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$38-52 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

For value, share queso ($12) and split a $18-$20 burger with fries
Build a taco duo with a side ($4-8) to create a fuller plate
Kid-friendly picks: tenders ($17) or grilled cheese ($17)

Perfect For

Casual dates with cocktails
Girls brunch with tacos and dips
Neighborhood meetups before a show
Families seeking a relaxed dinner

Location Insights

Area: Emerging LIC corridor with mixed residential and light industrial blocks; creative small spots and casual bars.

Safety: Generally safe with regular foot traffic; some blocks feel quiet late.

Nearby: Near Queens Plaza/Court Sq hubs, hotels, new apartments, and arts venues; dog-walk friendly streets.

Court SquareCourt Square is a dynamic part of Long Island City with a mix of modern residential buildings and commercial spaces. The dining scene here is diverse, featuring trendy cafes, casual eateries, and upscale restaurants catering to a young, professional crowd. The area is lively during weekdays due to office workers and more relaxed on weekends with locals and visitors enjoying the waterfront and cultural venues.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday12:00–21:30 Tuesday12:00–21:30 Wednesday12:00–21:30 Thursday12:00–21:30 Friday12:00–22:30 Saturday12:00–22:30 Sunday12:00–21:30

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout

View full analysis on Seemor →