Rick G.
Yelp
Unique! Eclectic! Fun! Clean! Fresh! Whimsical! Delightful! And even a little otherworldly! Not to mention tasty! All the elements are quintessential in making a great and superb Resto in my book! Wow! This expansive and roomy locale takes up what almost seems like a half city block and part of an old theatre whose structure was built in 1922 make this edifice apropos for Bar Carlo. It appears that since 2008 when Bar Carlo first opened, Melinda Archuleta, the chef and owner has been striving for not only excellence in her quality offerings but projecting her eclectic and distinctive philosophy to its delighted customers since. Ever since she's apparently successfully combined the extraordinary flavors of her Mexican American growing up, her obvious culinary abilities along with some international flair! Her eclectic flair is not so subtly represented in her design, layout and her in-your-face and hilarious and joyful restaurant setting that strikes you the moment you walk in the door! I might even say I felt I walked into a work of art which I became a part of. Extraordinary! I don't know how we've missed Bar Carlo over the years of visiting Portland. I regret not having discovered it much sooner! Now, as for the eats! Bar Carlo is a no holds barred superb eats joint! From their comfortable seating, tables and wide-open areas, next to the incredibly varied, diverse and extensive menu - it is difficult to decide on your selection... not to mention the scents and aromas wafting from the kitchen do not help in your selection process. Eventually we were able to decide, and the group went for the diverse directions in their selections as wide as Bar Carlo's menu. As our first visit was timed perfectly for brunch (which they are renown for), the ladies started with a flight of incredible Mimosas which allowed for a selection of either orange, grapefruit or hibiscus juices. But I went for a fabulous Tamarind Margarita perfectly concocted from Habanero tequila and mezcal, a dash of cinnamon, just the right amounts of orange liqueur, lime, tamarind along with bitters, salt and chili! Yummy! And then, of course the ubiquitous Chips and Salsa... both chips and salsa are freshly made, and the salsa being astonishingly excellent - perfectly chunky, the right amount of spice and not to mention its perfect seasoning! From there we went on to gorge ourselves with mains everyone was speaking about for days after our visit. The four of us tried the gamut on their menu including: El Plato Gordo comprised of some very crispy yet tender pork carnitas topped with over-medium eggs alongside perfect Mexican rice, delectable and tender black beans, exquisite and tangy salsa verde along with escabeche along with excellent nixtamal corn tortillas. The Huevos a la Mexicana were fab with just the right amount of spicy peppers, tomato, onion and queso fresco turned under into nicely scrambled eggs and served with Mexican rice, black beans and corn tortillas. I went for a unique take on the world-famous Monte Cristo... the Monte Carlo of Bar Carlo... a perfectly prepared French Toast rendition of thinly shaved ham, Chihuahua cheese, the right amount of blackberry mustard along with an apropos amount of delectable organic maple syrup. Last, but not least, final mention is their simply incredible rendition of Eggs Benedict served with Mexican Rice, Beans and a Tortilla. Just because they have such a great selection and huge following for their brunch does not mean they don't offer some incredible meals throughout the day such as Tuna Melts, Carne Asadas, Vegan Bowls, Burritos, Ensaladas Verde, Totopos, and much, much more. Not to mention their assorted bar with every kind of beverage one can wish for from Micheladas, Margaritas and Mojitos. When visiting, just be ready to be overwhelmed! Congratulations Chef Archuleta for inventing, establishing, operating and giving us patrons the opportunity of enjoying your whimsical and imaginative yet delicious and superbly extraordinary extravaganzas you've been prepping at Bar Carlo! Cheers, bien hecho y buen provecho!