Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill

Disappointed!!! Long wait for tacos! 🫩 This was our first time here and trying their DINE IN only promotional Tuesday tacos. It was extremely busy. But we were seated immediately. It was almost max capacity because when we sat down there was only one table left open. Our female server had a little bit of an attitude I don't know if it's because she was overwhelmed or what. We waited an hour to get our order. And we didn't get chips or salsa like everybody else had on their table until 45 minutes after sitting down. And then we got our tacos about 10 minutes after that. Which is absolutely ridiculous!!! We should not have to wait 45 minutes from the time we've been seated to get chips and salsa. I came here because I saw a promotional flyer on social media promoting the $2.50 tacos. Nowhere on the flyer does it say that the original toppings that are listed on their menu do not come with the tacos and you can only get onion and cilantro. When we ordered the female server said we can only get onion and cilantro for the promo. And the shrimp and steak tacos are excluded for that promotional value. And on top of that 15% gratuity is automatically included. I don't mind paying tip, I always leave tip, but I don't like that it's not explicitly stated until you get in the restaurant! Sneaky! Not one of these three things was noted on their promotional flyer / social media listing. I greatly dislike it when businesses play the bait and switch on you. I think it is extremely misleading in terms of their marketing and I find it just unprofessional. It does not list on their flyer/social media page that you can only get cilantro and onion toppings for the $2.50 tacos, for example, the birria taco comes with pineapple and we weren't able to have it, it also doesn't say that 15% tip will automatically be applied, and although it does say on the flyer that it's only "select tacos" they do not specifically state on there that shrimp and steak are those excluded ones. And on top of all that given an attitude when seated and asking questions about the promo when ordering. It was a first time dining in here let alone trying the promo so of course I'm going to have questions. Although the tacos are a good value for $2.50 because they stuff them well, given everything that I described above, in addition to the flavor being off for the tacos (except carnitas) I don't think it's worth it to come back. I'd rather pay the extra $2-3 per taco to get the toppings of my choice and not wait over an hour!!! You can just go to Pilsen which is 5 minutes away and get your order right away with the toppings you desire and no attitude for asking questions. They don't have enough servers to accommodate the amount of people that they are servicing. They only have one bartender making drinks and two servers. One of the female servers was helping to make drinks while the second female server was doing most of the orders and delivering food to the table. They really need to hire more servers as well as more cooks or they need to reduce the capacity for how much people they allow in their restaurant. There's no reason why somebody should wait 45 min for chips n salsa and over an hour for tacos! Here are the tacos we ordered ranked in order from favorite to least: Carnitas-very tender and juicy, good with or without salsa (my favorite) Al pastor-tender, but very salty (maybe would have better with the pineapple??) Birria- tender, lacks flavor (needs a bit of consume or should be soaked in the consume longer to absorb the flavor) Chicken-tender, but no flavor at all (needs to be seasoned or add salsa for flavor like we did) The light green/yellow dressing they give on the side in the small tin container to drizzle on the tacos wasn't appetizing, it was very watery and didn't really have a flavor. I wish they had more of the traditional Mexican salsas not Americanized one. The chunky salsa that comes with the tortilla chips was actually very good and I used that for the plain chicken tacos. FYI, parking is almost impossible to find.

First time at this place but came highly recommended so I had to try for myself. We did three tacos (2 steak 1 barbacoa) and a steak and shrimp burrito. Everything was well seasoned and delicious. The red salsa was the perfect kick of heat and flavor to add. They also have a full bar so we ordered the lime and strawberry margarita- both were delicious. The place was busy but didn’t have too long of wait to get our food. Witnessing the amount to traffic at the restaurant told me everything I needed to know. Carbon will be seeing me again in the near future.

Great spot if you are looking for a quick bite to eat but want a fancy restaurant atmosphere! Staff very friendly and so was the owner!

I ordered the Mother Clucker and it was burrito with just char-grilled pieces of chicken and tequila lime sauce. The sauce is on the sweet side, so Inwont be getting it next time, but the chicken is delicious and plenty. I’m satisfied as a first timer with my $20 lunch w drink. I recommend it and will be returning.

First time here, loved the full strips of steak on the tacos and they were loaded right! The server was very attentive! Shocked at how good the special Margs were. For the great price usually places don't make them that good but this place does!!! So happy we stopped in!!!

Stopped in 8-6-2025 and the experience was everything. I did not get a chance to try the main course of food but I did the black beans and the potatoes. I wish the potatoes were cooked a lot longer they were probably flash cooked with some sort of tomato sauce on them, herbs and spices. The black beans were seasoned very well. I really came here for the margaritas and upon arrival I found out that they were $7 from open to close. Very flavor I had was pretty good. The lime is definitely made fresh and in house everything else was a prepackaged bottle flavor but still good margaritas. You will not be disappointed with the side or the margs at least. I will definitely be back. Jessica was very attentive bar tender, I had the chance to meet Sal, I think he is the owner/manager. All the staff were very friendly.

I typically order delivery from Carbon Live but since I was in the area I decided to stop in for lunch recently and was not disappointed. The food is always fresh and really good. The service was fast and friendly. There are only a couple tables and a counter, definitely a no frills spot, but definitely some of the best food I've had in the city.

Food was ok! To me it lacked flavor. The guacamole was ok. The steak and fish tacos were ok. However the chicken burrito and tacos were for sure the best thing we had. Their salsa could’ve packed more of a punch. Small eating area. Dimly lit. We’ll probably pass on it next time.

The Stelote Burrito was truly impressive. The steak inside was tender and really delicious along with the awesome taste of the corn. Employees are courteous and always smiling. Carbon remains consistent.

I have two different reviews since I went to the regular Carbon for years and then I tried their Carbon Cantina (sit down style eating) in the back. The regular Carbon in the front has always been amazing to me. I love getting the stelote, mother clucker, or the fish called William; all three are packed with flavor and come with beans and rice! The pineapple salsa is also to die for!!! When I went to the Carbon Cantina, I got the birria tacos, and it seemed like a small portion of two tacos for the price. I do like how they give free chips at Carbon Cantina though. The service is always good when I pick up, and they never forget anything in the order. The Carbon Cantina waitress was so nice when taking our order, and she was so considerate with it came to refilling our drinks/chips. The ambiance is very simple at the front part, so I expect that with the takeout style service. The Carbon Cantina section seems unrecognizable since it's in the back and they have very nice seating!

I'd give it 4.5 if that was an option. The food was very good. This is the second time I've had this burrito. The first time, the chicken was very moist, tender and juicy the second time around, the only downside was a few of the chicken pieces seemed a little dry which was just a little bit surprising but it was still good. I do like the rice and the black beans that come on the side with it. I was a total glutton and ordered the chips with hot salsa but I have no regrets. It was good. I also love that the Diet Pepsi fountain had the right amount of fizz. The last couple of places I've been to they were kind of flat. So kudos to Carbon for this. The staff are great and they definitely keep on top of keeping tables clean (which I am noticing lapses at other places). The ultimate verdict is that I look forward to going again.

I tried their Chicken Burrito & Key lime pie, loved both. Wish they were a little less expensive though, but still, amazing food!!

One of my favorite caterers and tacos in Chicago. I got the fish taco and lomo taco which I think are perfectly flavored by themselves (I barely used the salsa). We also got a chicken burrito but I liked the tacos better. Each taco is about $4 and it took about 15 minutes for our order to finish, but I think the tacos are worth it. They have about 10 seats inside and some seats outside.

Tacos are such a treat; hand-held, versatile, deliciousness that can be filled with anything your heart desires. Was in the area and decided to try the fish tacos. Made to order but worth the wait. Carbon uses cod and it's crusted with tortillas, served on a flour tortilla with cabbage and cilantro lime sauce. One taco is filling as they use a generous portion of fish. Next time I will try it with the corn tortilla and less sauce. There was a couple that sat down to eat and was served huge taco salads in tortilla bowls. It looked amazing. I'll have to try that as well.

The most bland burrito, I have ever had. I ordered delivery and it came fast but the flavor left everything to be desired.

Delicious Mexican food for a great price! I'd highly recommend! Quesadillas were delicious.

Who knew this place had a sit down restaurant next to the whole in the wall. Still yummy food and happy hours all day everyday!!! $7 margaritas. Go!!

Food spectacular, service so friendly and consistent. The atmosphere makes it an experience. First timer and I'll be back consistently! But, back to the food! So delicious and savory! The drinks were delightful. I had the strawberry maguerita

The food is amazingly delicious. The staff are awesome. The environment is warm and welcoming. The Birria tacos are outstanding and full of flavor. And the mixed berry margaritas are out this world. I definitely recommend !!!!

I have to preface this by saying I have never once eaten in any of Carbon's locations, but I have attended events where Carbon was catered countless times in my life. It was a popular catering option in college because it feeds so many people with great prices, and I most recently had it catered at a professional event. Is it my go-to for Mexican food? No definitely not, but it's definitely a good place to feed a group. I love their corn so much that even my colleagues know this about me. Their chips are also good and they have so many yummy sauces that come with it. If you ever want affordable catering to feed a group of people, Carbon is the place to go.

Carbon Mexican Grill is my office's go-to for catered meetings, and it's always been so good that I had to try it on my own! I ordered the steak burrito bowl, which came in a crispy shell--so tasty! The meat is seasoned perfectly, and I'm a big fan of their elote as well. Great spot for flavorful, satisfying Mexican food!

fantastic food. but I spent $200 on a feast and they left out all the elote. They were so rude about it, acted like they were doing me a favor to refund the elote cost (not a penny more) and tried to suggest it was the Uber driver's fault. The food wasn't that good. I'll spend elsewhere for parties.

Just not good Mexican food. Paid $21 for a very cold burrito. I keep giving this place a chance and don't know why. If you're wondering where u should get Mexican food, don't pick here

The food and service is fantastic. Now that they have their Cantina and bottomless mimosas yes please. Always been great and always excited to go.

Our favorite order in/taco night. Great food and quick service! A staple - near the south loop

Make sure to try and return to Carbon Live Fire Mexican Restaurant (just behind the Grill entry) as the dinner selection and the service was incredible and drinks, food, and atmosphere outstanding! By far the best that I have had while visiting (312)!! The michelatas were fresh and light and my original 'salted' margarita had course NaCl with fresh lime zesting and honestly could be one of the top 3 that I have ever enjoyed! Finally, the lime-tequila marinated chicken and brussel sprouts was cooked to perfection and could easily feed a small family. I am bringing my to-go plate on the airplane tomorrow.

Carbon is by far my favorite taco place. My family has been going for years and even though I've lived between 6-12 hours away for 8 years now I go every single time I'm back in the suburbs. So yes, my family even drives 40-60 minutes one way to visit Carbon. From our first introduction at the Taste of Chicago in 2015 to my most recent visit in December 2021, every order has been fresh, accurate, and delicious. I usually get the tequila lime chicken tacos (at least 3) with medium/salsa verde. The mother clucker is also great and has so much chicken inside! I've also enjoyed a Campechano taco on occasion. The flavors are consistent across both locations. Ordering online is easy and so is picking up the order. Through the years I've brought so many people with to visit and no one has ever complained. In fact, many of them have returned when they're in town. If Carbon ever expanded to Columbus, OH I'd be so happy!

I have eaten here before, but this is my first time writing a review. Every time I order from here, I always order anything steak. Today, I ordered the steak quesadilla, and since I love seafood, their tilapia taco sounded tasty, so I ordered one. Their steak is always tasty and cooked well. It comes with melted cheese, but you also have the option to add other ingredients, which I added onions, cilantro, and jalapenos. Jalapenos were hot! My choice of salsa was the picoso (hot). Next time I will try the roasted red pepper (medium) salsa. I wasn't sure what to expect from the tilapia taco, but the cabbage and lime sauce, make this taco delicious! Next time I order tacos or another quesadilla, it just might be tilapia instead of my beloved steak. The service was great as well. Someone from the restaurant called to let us know that our delivery would be about 15 minutes late, which was very much appreciated.

Amazing place and tasty burritos, I always try to stop here when I'm in town. Mother clucker is my go to

They taco bowl is the bomb my first time eating one good customer service over the phone

My friend loves this place and I just don't understand why. Things I like: *shrug* It's vaguely Mexican food? Things I don't like: They nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. $5 tacos??? $13 Burritos to begin with and an extra charge for cheese?? Or if you get the burrito bowl they charge extra for onions and cilantro? What the actual eff?! I get it, the economy is bad. But the economy is bad! If I'm going to pay this kind of money for Mexican I'd rather go to Martinez and, yes, even pay a little more, to have a much tastier experience. My friend loves the flour tortilla chips. I find them soggy and underwhelming. Their corn chips are better but still nothing to write home about. The steak is ok, but nothing special. The "lomo" tastes exactly the same. I know I ask myself each time what I am supposed to remember about it and I never do. So here it is in print, Lomo is nothing different than steak. My friend loves the chili lime sauce. I think it's absolutely disgusting, so does my Latina friend. Why the heck is anyone interested in pouring sugar on their burrito??? Cause that's what the sauce is. Same for the creamy red chipotle sauce. The Verde is ok but nothing special, I've had better. If I get suckered into eating here again, I really would rather pass.

Carbon is always amazing, and would like to give appreciation to my order taker, David. David went above and beyond with customer service. My order was delivered to the wrong address and David had it correct and resent out to the correct address. Sorry this review was delayed.

Please do not waste your time or money at this restaurant. Taco was dry. When I ate my taco there was no flavor or sense of love . They gave me a hate taco. Service was not it at all. I left unsatisfied. I had to write this review.

My partner and I ordered takeout from here yesterday. Carbon has been around forever and we finally checked it out. The online ordering process was really easy, the food was ready for pickup by the time I arrived, and paying was quick and easy. The food was traditional and authentic Mexican. I ordered 3 steak tacos, and it was really good quality and thinly sliced, and they were also super generous with the amount of green sauce we got. My partner ordered a fish burrito that is deliciously huge, and we also ordered a thing of chips and salsa. Everything was well packaged, nothing spilled out etc. It's a delicious meal that had my parents curious and we'd definitely come back. I'd recommend checking this place out if you're in the area looking for Mexican cuisine. There's ample street parking right outside, first come first serve.

Honestly "chicagos best" let's not. I came here thinking I was in for a great meal. Unfortunately what I got was a unseasoned bland steak taco with cheese. It tastes like meat on a grill. That's it. No salt no pepper no nothing. Thank god I atleast got cilantro and cheese to help. Service was fast so can't complain about that. But highly highly disappointed

Ordered the steak bowl last night. Was very tasty. I'd order again. No complaints. Might do slightly less toppings next time however.

We've passed by this place so many times and had never eaten here. After opting to try a new restaurant via Uber Eats, we've ordered from here twice this month lol. You cannot go wrong with the Mother Clucker or Steak Fajita burritos. The portions are hefty - we eat off those burritos for two meals. We've also tried the chicken and steak burrito bowls which come in a nice crispy taco shell. This is definitely going to be are go-to spot for some quick, tasty Mexican food!

Holy cow this was amazing! We stopped here on a whim and were so happy with the food we were dreaming of what we would get next time. The steak taco salad was incredible. My husband got steak and chicken tacos which were also incredible. Medium salsa wasn't very spicy so we will try the hot next time. Wow even writing this review makes me want to eat it again! I recommend calling ahead if you're just getting takeout because they are pretty busy. But wow so delish!!

This little restaurant hidden under the bridge on 26th street is a gem! I love their steak burritos - so good! My kids love their chicken tacos and steak quesadillas. Really good food. Comes with lots of good salsas as well! Definitely our go to when we are in the city looking for good tacos and burritos. They have few tables inside, but it is a small place.

We got the steak burrito bowl, campechano burrito, elote, and guacamole. The steak was really well cooked, and my husband is a huge fan of the campechano, elote, and guacamole. This is a great hole in the wall spot. Great service and not crowded at all. It's also great for take out. They were great about letting me get the burrito bowl with no rice if that's something you're interested in. It comes in a taco shell that you can dip in guacamole without also offering chips.

Campechano was good. Chicken was lacked flavor and the breaded fish taco was cooked in burnt grease. It smelled and tasted bad. Cashier was friendly.

Today I needed to run some errands in Pilsen, and though I was on the fence we decided to go to Carbon to get something to eat. Today was better than the last time, because luckily they got the order correct.

Takes credit card. Parking available in lot and street parking. Steak elote burrito $15.59 (steak and corn). Steak was well cooked and well seasoned. The corn was a good touch and seasoned. Quite expensive for what it was. Campechano bowl $13.89 (barbacoa). This was excellent. The bowl was a fried tortilla that was super flaky, had good texture. I would get this next time!

Loved dining outside and their food was in incredible Lots of parking by the bridge too!!!

Went to the Carbon cantina behind the regular restaurant. The food and service were great!

Good food, consistent go there all the time wish seating areas was bigger for large groups

Delicious Food. I visited first time (2/6/20) w/friends. One friend recommended "Carbon." She considered it her favorite Taco Spot. Located @26th st./ Princeton Ave. Bridgeport/Chinatown Neighborhoods Definitely off the beaten path. This carry out style restaurant has a few small tables & seating @the bar. *the menu includes; Tacos, burritos & Taco Bowls available w/chicken, Beef, fish & veggies. Margaritas also on the menu. My friends ordered tacos w/beef & chicken. They enjoyed the fresh ingredients. I ordered "a fish called William" (crispy tilapia w/avocado, cabbage & tequila lime dressing.) Delicious fish crispy outside, tender inside, Fresh crunchy cabbage & creamy dressing. Generous Portions! We also were treated to "Elote" Mexican street corn Creamy, crunchy salad. See Photos. Wonderful service.

The food is always great here. They are friendly and fast. I had a bowl recently and it was delicious.

I love flagging "I bring people here when they come in town" in my reviews- Carbon is one of those places. Been coming here for years and it can become addictive. Started out only ordering bowls (it comes in an edible bowl), then moved on to Burritos. I will say the steak is some of the best marinated meat that you will ever have (I have to find the recipe). Then if you're really feeling froggy, get the campechano burrito or tacos - you can't go wrong. Happy eating!

Dude. This restaurant is amazing! I am OBSESSED with the Stelote burrito (steak and elotes!) The steak is always cooked perfectly and I've literally never had any issues with the food. I LOVE their flour tortilla chips (almost like pita chips but so much better), the red pepper salsa, and their pineapple salsa. This place is a no brainer, definitely 10/10!

Food was good but I got minor food poisoning from here. Probably have questionable food handling in the back.

WORST CUSTOMER SERVICE EVER VIA MANAGER ALLISON!! Ordered 10 meals for company luncheon, for pickup. Carbon failed to include 4 sides of guacamole although it was on the receipt. Called the manager and she felt it was necessary to be disrespectful, unprofessional and condescending. Great food, poor customer service!

These tacos were fire! At first glance, it's hard to see why street-sized tacos would be nearly $5 each, but after eating them, I can safely say that the flavor in the meat is the selling point. My favorites were the barbacoa and steak; the fish was ok, but the cream in the taco tasted like honey, which overpowered the entire taco's flavor. Also, while they are street taco sized, they provide an ample amount of meat, so it's very filling; I felt full with just 2 of them. The burritos looked to be larger versions of the tacos with a few more toppings. Service was nice, and they get people in and out quickly. Great spot for later night eats, but not too late, as they close around 11p on the weekends.

We used to love the food here. What happened ??? We ordered 2 chicken burritos and they were horrible ! The chicken was so dry , it was inedible. And when did they start using dark meat instead of chicken breast ?? It was gross. There was barely any cheese, onions , or cilantro either. So disappointed in how much it has changed. And didn't appreciated spending $45 for food I had to throw out

Delicious!! Tried the Burrito Clucker ? (With chicken) and the steak burrito with elote. Both were very tasty and flavorful. Meat was fresh and cooked right in the front of me. Chicken tortilla soup also fabulous! Definitely my new and favorite burrito spot! Hint* Eat there before going to Sox game and save some money on blah food at the stadium!

Cute little joint by China town. Great food! Part of Chicago's ambiance. Not a large restaurant but always busy.

Incredibly surprised the rating isn't higher. Love this small business and its delicious burritos. All this deliciousness at a quick, no-nonsense service. Been here 5x and have recommended it 10x. Everyone I know has loved it. I like that the burritos are packed with meat and ingredients. Pleasant surprises: My favorite is "A Fish Called William" burrito - the combination of the crusted tilapia, cabbage, and avocado was perfect. I usually prefer steak over chicken or fish but the creamy tequila sauce is unrivaled. And no, it does not leave a residual fishy taste. I also enjoyed the Mother Clucker which was replete with tender chicken. I think this burrito had more than enough onion and cilantro though. I'm not a salad bowl person, but I did love the crispy flour tortilla shell. Recommendations: Try the Steak Fajita which is filled with an array of peppers and mushrooms. It comes with a roasted red pepper sauce which I ask for on the side to prevent my burrito from getting too soggy. And mix this up with the A Fish Called William for a balanced meal. Come here on chill nights for a good relaxing time on the small patio area.