Emily L.
Yelp
Our church is just a few blocks away, and after a recent weeknight service my husband and I were starving. A friend recommended Carmelos: "No frills, but the price is right." That perfectly describes this tacky-cute cafe with delicious, homemade food.
The entrance is a little odd -- there are 4 or 5 doors on two sides of the restaurant, but only one is unlocked. Once inside, you pass the takeout counter and come to a makeshift hostess stand; she seats you at a plastic-covered table with plastic-covered chairs and plastic-covered menus. Hey, it's all scrubbable. :)
The menu is rather extensive, but we played it safe and went with two Italian classics: Lasagna Bolognese and Chicken Parmigano. Both were outstanding. My husband's chicken was a large breast, split and sauteed expertly so it was still crispy, served with a huge pile of angel hair pasta and marinara sauce. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the sauce had excellent flavor and depth. Meanwhile, I laughed out loud when they brought my lasagna: it was the equivalent of four normal-sized pieces, served in a T-shape. The pasta was, again, al dente, a lovely contrast with the creamy ricotta and tender ground beef. Oregano and red pepper were on the table, and I added both, but the seasoning was quite good as served.
When it came time to leave, I asked for a box to transport the 3/4 of my lasagna I hadn't been able to finish. I also asked for another side of marinara to take home, as I'd eaten all mine with the lasagna (did I mention it was delicious?) The server brought me a whole soup container full, and I enjoyed several more wonderful meals out of the same dinner, which cost me all of $16. The atmosphere isn't great, and there are some slightly sketchy patrons, but wow, what value for delicious Italian food.
They brought garlic bread with the meal, which wasn't the highest quality, but there's something to be said for warm and buttery! The only real miss were the side salads: one or two pieces of green amid a sea of tired iceberg lettuce and pink tomatoes. Have a salad some other time, and order pasta when you come here!