Yvette S.
Yelp
After our ride down PCH, my husband and I stopped at the Downtown Village in Laguna Beach to walk around, and we stumbled across Carmelita's. We requested outdoor seating because the day was gorgeous and it's across the street from the beach area. There was no wait on Saturday afternoon, and we were seated right away by the lovely host. Complimentary chips, salsa, and black beans were brought to our table. We opted to order guacamole and a couple of drinks. The guacamole serving is huge and easily shareable among four people. We were so hungry; we impulse ordered and did not expect the serving to be as big as it was.
I ordered a blackberry margarita, which packed a punch - if you enjoy a strong drink, this one's for you. My husband's spicy mango margarita was more balanced. He did not scrunch his face after the first sip like me.
While the food was delicious, I recommend sharing as the portions are quite generous. I ordered the crispy chimichanga with chicken, and they offered me a choice of shredded or whole pieces of chicken. I went with shredded, and it was quite tasty. Halfway through, I was already stuffed. It's served over rice and topped with sour cream, queso fresco, pico de gallo, and guac. My husband had the short rib enchiladas, which come with two enchiladas and a serving of beans and rice. It's worth noting that the beans and rice are excellent. I've been to many Mexican restaurants where the food is great but falls short with the sides. Here, the rice is buttery, and the black beans have great flavor.
Next time we're in Laguna, Carmelita's is a must-visit. It's an ideal spot to enjoy a couple of drinks and share starters or main plates with some friends. If the weather is nice, I recommend sitting outside, but the interior ambiance is equally inviting.