Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Carmelo’s – Seattle
Carmelo's - Seattle
Photo from Carmelo’s
Carmelo's at a glance
Seattle Capitol Hill
- 🌮 Mexican Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $11–$20
mentioned by 40 of the guests
#304 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#21 Mexican Restaurant out of 48 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
209
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious food
- Good value
- Pleasant atmosphere
Frequently criticized
- Inconsistent food
- Service issues
- Seating comfort
The restaurant, Carmelo’s, is a vibrant Mexican restaurant nestled in Seattle’s bustling Capitol Hill neighborhood. You’ll find that Carmelo’s Tacos is the perfect spot for a quick bite, offering a casual atmosphere where you can enjoy authentic flavors.
Whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or even breakfast, this welcoming establishment provides a comfortable setting for your meal.
Overview: Introducting Carmelo's
Carmelo’s offers a generally positive dining experience, with many patrons praising the delicious food, especially the flavorful tacos and tortas. The quick service and welcoming atmosphere at their new location also contribute to a pleasant visit.
However, some diners have noted inconsistencies with certain food items and occasional issues with service attention. While the overall value is appreciated, a few aspects like drink pricing and seating comfort could see improvement.
Good
7.8
out of 10
209
Reviews
77%
Satisfaction
33
negative
15
neutral
161
positive
Carmelo’s maintains a solid overall standing with a 7.8 Restaurant Score and a 77% Customer Satisfaction rate, both indicating a generally good experience for most patrons. This positive sentiment is largely driven by the Food (8.3), which receives high marks for its quality and variety.
With 161 positive remarks out of 209 total customer observations, it’s clear where the restaurant shines brightest. The Ambience (7.4) and Value (7.3) also contribute positively, suggesting a comfortable setting and reasonable pricing.
While Service (6.7) is still considered good, it’s a point where some customers have noted room for improvement, as reflected by 33 negative comments, often concerning attentiveness or order accuracy.
What people like
- Delicious, flavorful food
- Good overall value
- Pleasant atmosphere
What people don't like
- Inconsistent food items
- Service attentiveness issues
- Uncomfortable seating
Carmelo’s generally delivers a satisfying experience, particularly if you’re seeking delicious food and good value. With a strong 8.2 Recommendation Score, it’s a place many patrons would suggest.
It’s worth a visit for its core offerings and welcoming, if sometimes basic, environment. However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies with specific menu items and occasional service hiccups.
If you prioritize flavorful Mexican cuisine and affordability, Carmelo’s is a solid choice, but manage expectations regarding every single dish or peak-hour service.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Carmelo's
Food (8.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 98% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8.3 and a good customer satisfaction of 86.3%, diners are generally thrilled. Out of 124 remarks, a whopping 107 praise the delicious tacos, burritos, and especially the homemade tortillas, noting their freshness and authentic flavor.
Many rave about the variety and tasty meats. However, not every bite is perfect. The 13 negative remarks mention issues like overcooked carnitas with cartilage, chewy tortillas, or dry fajita meat.
Some found burritos too wet or lacking flavor, and a few noted a piece of plastic wrap. These seem to be isolated incidents rather than widespread problems.
Food
124
Reviews
86%
Satisfaction
13
negative
4
neutral
107
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious tacos & burritos
- Fresh homemade tortillas
- Flavorful meats & salsas
What people don't like
- Tough/chewy tortillas
- Dry/overcooked meats
- Wet burritos
Often praised
- foodI've been a fan since they were just a window at that party store on Denny! My experience was marked by super fast service and delicious food. I also appreciate their clean history on restaurant inspections 😋.
- tacosGot the tacos of course, few different flavors, all of them great.
- tortillasThe tortillas were so flavorful! They were melting in my mouth.
- Foodthe food also received a perfect 5/5
- HorchataI like it better than Tacos Chukis. The Horchata is great, but pricey at $5. The agua de Jamaica is too sweet but can be watered down.
- Mexican fooddecent Mexican food in Seattle
- horchataThe horchata is fabulous
- meatsthe meats were cooked to perfection
- salsasthe tortillas and salsas are fantastic
- tortastortas are especially delicious
Frequently criticized
- agua de JamaicaThe Horchata is great, but pricey at $5. The agua de Jamaica is too sweet but can be watered down. I still need to try the burrito though.
- bean & cheese burritoquite literally beans and cheese inside a tortilla
- burritothe burrito was quite wet
- carnitascarnitas... a bit overcooked and not as flavorful
- carnitas cartilagecarnitas had that hard cartilage in it that is real unpleasant
- fajita meatfajita meat was very dry and lukewarm
- flavorthe flavor wasn't great
- plastic wrappiece of plastic wrap or liner in my breakfast burrito
- salsa blancaa little too heavy on the salsa blanca
- toppingssalsa and onions and cilantro just sloppy
If you're craving flavorful, authentic Mexican food, this place is definitely worth a visit, especially for their tacos and burritos. While most experiences are fantastic, be aware that some specific dishes or preparations might occasionally miss the mark.
Service (6.7 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
When it comes to service, many customers have raved about the excellent service and super fast service, often noting there was no wait time at all. The staff frequently gets shout-outs for being incredibly kind, attentive, and efficient, especially the ladies at the counter. Out of 32 customer remarks, 18 were glowing about the service!
However, it's not always smooth sailing. With a customer satisfaction of just 56.3%, service can be a mixed bag, and the overall score sits at an average 6.7. Some folks experienced longer waits, especially for online order pickups, and a few mentioned unfriendly staff or issues with their take-out orders not getting enough attention, leading to forgotten items.
There were 12 negative comments, highlighting areas for improvement.
Service
32
Reviews
56%
Satisfaction
12
negative
2
neutral
18
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Excellent service
- Friendly staff
- Fast service
What people don't like
- Long wait times
- Online order problems
- Unfriendly staff
Often praised
- serviceI've been a fan since they were just a window at that party store on Denny! My experience was marked by super fast service and delicious food. I also appreciate their clean history on restaurant inspections 😋.
- ServiceI particularly enjoyed the tortas, which were especially delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I had no wait time, and the food received a perfect score.
- Wait timeThe food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a 5/5, with only moderate noise. Service was prompt, and the price per person was very reasonable ($1–10), with a wait time of up to 10 minutes.
- staffThe staff were incredibly kind and attentive
- ladies at the counterthe ladies at the counter were fast and efficient
- orderGot our order in a reasonable amount of time
- waitso worth the wait
- wait timewe got one without waiting too long
Frequently criticized
- ServiceService:1
- attention to orderdon't pay enough attention to the order
- customer serviceThe food was good. With so many other restaurant options for the food they sell, good customer service is an important part of the experience.
- girl at the registerI was excited to eat here! The ambience was nice, but the girl at the register was not friendly. The food was good.
- in house ordera tad slow for our in house order
- long timeOrders also usually take a really long time
- online order pickupswait in line to pickup online orders
- online ordersOrders also usually take a really long time because they're always busy. If you order online for pickup, you have to constantly remind the people there that you're waiting because otherwise they just put online orders on a shelf under the register right away instead of calling out the name. Still, it's the best Mexican takeout in the area, though honestly the bar seems kind of low here.
- order prioritywas skipped 2 times and didn’t receive my food
- take-out orderMy experience with this restaurant's take-out orders has been disappointing. Twice now, they've screwed up my take-out order. It seems they don't pay enough attention to the order, leading to forgotten items or incorrect additions.
If youre lucky, youll experience the quick and friendly service many rave about, making your visit a breeze. However, be prepared for potential longer waits or mix-ups, especially with online or take-out orders, as customer satisfaction is a bit mixed. It's worth a try, but keep expectations balanced.
Ambience (7.4 out of 10)
mentioned by 56% of the guests
The ambience here generally hits a good note, with a score of 7.4, indicating a good experience for many. Customers often praise the inviting atmosphere, especially loving the new location and its spacious layout. Many appreciate the ability to eat inside and the relaxed yet upbeat vibe, with the music often getting a shout-out.
Out of 37 total comments, 24 leaned positive, highlighting these aspects. However, customer satisfaction sits at a mixed 64.9%, suggesting some areas could use a little polish. A few folks, 5 out of 37 comments, found parking a bit tricky and weren't thrilled with the seating, describing it as uncomfortable.
Concerns about limited space and a less-than-pristine bathroom also popped up, so keep those in mind.
Ambience
37
Reviews
64%
Satisfaction
5
negative
8
neutral
24
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great atmosphere
- Welcoming new location
- Spacious dining area
What people don't like
- Difficult parking
- Uncomfortable seating
- Filthy bathroom
Often praised
- atmosphereI particularly enjoyed the tortas, which were especially delicious. The service was excellent, and the atmosphere was very pleasant. I had no wait time, and the food received a perfect score.
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- new locationnew location is a welcomed addition
- ability to eat insideI love this new location and the ability to eat inside. The meats are very tasty, though not outstanding in flavor or tenderness, with the suadero being a real standout.
- ambienceThe ambience was nice
- brick-and-mortarI am so happy to see their brick-and-mortar finally open! Even more on the menu, including a great breakfast menu that I plan to take advantage of on the way to work regularly.
- experiencelight sit down experience
- musicmusic was great
- noise levelNoise level:Quiet, easy to talk
- placea good place to check out
Frequently criticized
- seatingseating resembles those metal park tables and benches with hollow honeycomb structure so not super comfortable
- bathroomthe bathroom is kinda filthy
- limited spaceLimited space can make finding a spot tough
- parkingfinding parking was somewhat difficult
If a pleasant, spacious atmosphere is high on your list, this spot is generally a good bet. Just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and dont expect plush seating. Its worth checking out for the vibe, despite a few minor comfort quirks.
Value (7.3 out of 10)
mentioned by 37% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot really shines! With a solid score of 7.3 and a customer satisfaction of 75%, its clear most diners feel theyre getting a good deal. Many folks, in 12 positive remarks, praised the overall value and price per person, often calling it affordable and within budget, making it a great choice for your wallet.
However, not everyone was completely thrilled. Out of 16 total comments, 3 pointed out some minor price concerns. A few found certain items, like the Horchata price, a bit steep, and one even mentioned being charged for extra onions.
So, while generally a good deal, keep an eye on those little extras.
Value
16
Reviews
75%
Satisfaction
3
negative
1
neutral
12
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Great overall value
- Reasonable per-person price
- Budget-friendly options
What people don't like
- Potential extra charges
- Some items pricey
Often praised
- priceMy experience at this restaurant was competitively priced and highly reliable. The new location is a welcomed addition to the neighborhood.
- Price per personThe food was a perfect 5/5, and the atmosphere was also a 5/5, with only moderate noise. Service was prompt, and the price per person was very reasonable ($1–10), with a wait time of up to 10 minutes.
- valueit’s a good value
- affordableso affordable which is def an added bonus
- budgetThe food is the best, consistently fresh and delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It's also within budget, making it a great value. The service was rated a 5, and the atmosphere a 4, contributing to a very enjoyable dining experience.
- cheapand cheap, which is hard to find
- good valuesbreakfast burritos are especially good values
Frequently criticized
- Horchata priceI like it better than Tacos Chukis. The Horchata is great, but pricey at $5. The agua de Jamaica is too sweet but can be watered down.
- extra onionsgot charged for extra onions
- price9 bucks is insane for that
Overall, if youre looking for a place that wont break the bank, this restaurant is a strong contender. Most diners agree it offers great value, making it worth a try for an affordable meal, just be mindful of potential upcharges on specific items.
How are the prices at Carmelo's?
You’re looking at roughly 16 per person – reported by 40 diners. That puts it in the $11–$20 category. For a Mexican Restaurant, it’s comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
Most diners are happily spending within this $11–$20 range, showing a clear sweet spot for what people expect to pay here.
Here’s a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 40 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value for money stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Mexican restaurant. It offers a good mid-range option without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a tasty meal.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Carmelo's
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Casual Outing
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Solid Fast Mexican Food Stop
My experience at this restaurant was as a solid fast Mexican food option, often a go-to for my friends and I before a night out. The food received a rating of 4, indicating good quality. While the atmosphere was rated 4, the seating, resembling metal park tables and benches with a hollow honeycomb structure, wasn't super comfortable, though it's decent for a fast-food environment.
The service was excellent, earning a 5-star rating. The noise level was moderate.
- food8
- atmosphere6
- service10
- seating4
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
9
Mouthwatering Torta, Affordable Mexican Gem
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I had one of the best Mexican food experiences ever. The Mushroom torta was absolutely mouthwatering.
I'm eager to return and explore their other vegetarian options. The fact that it's so affordable is definitely an added bonus.
- Mushroom torta10
- vegetarian options8
- affordable9
Price per Person
- $11–$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Couple
Group Size
- Couple
Service Type
- Dine-in
Wait Time
- Short (6–15 min.)
9
Delicious Tacos, Worth the Wait
My experience at this restaurant was fantastic! I enjoyed the crispy shrimp tacos, and my partner loved their quesabirrias. Both dishes were incredibly flavorful, with perfectly cooked meats and wonderfully spicy sauces, though the salsa blanca was a bit too heavy for my liking.
Finding a spot was a bit tough due to limited space, but we were seated quickly without a long wait. I highly recommend this place and will definitely be returning.
- crispy shrimp tacos9
- quesabirrias9
- taste9
- salsa blanca4
- limited space4
Visit Type
- Delivery
Service Type
- Takeout
Wait Time
- Long (31+ min.)
7
Convenient but Inconsistent Mexican Takeout
This location is more convenient for us than their original location, but I feel like the quality fluctuates more here. Orders also usually take a really long time because they're always busy. If you order online for pickup, you have to constantly remind the people there that you're waiting because otherwise they just put online orders on a shelf under the register right away instead of calling out the name.
Still, it's the best Mexican takeout in the area, though honestly the bar seems kind of low here.
- quality5
- Mexican takeout8
- long time2
- online orders3
Price per Person
- $21–$30
Visit Type
- Business Meeting
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
Noise Level
- Moderate
8
Mexican Tourist's Seattle Lunch Experience
As a Mexican visiting Seattle for work, I'm here to share my experience. 😏 The food was excellent, earning a perfect 5/5. Service also received a top score of 5/5, and the atmosphere was rated 5/5.
However, finding parking was somewhat difficult. For those seeking vegetarian options, I would not recommend this place. The meal was for lunch, with a moderate noise level.
The price per person was between $20–30.
- food10
- service10
- atmosphere10
- parking3
- vegetarian options2
What Carmelo's offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Transgender safespace
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
Offerings
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Seating
- Lunch
- Breakfast
Service Options
- Dine-in
- Takeout
Parking
- Usually difficult to find a space
- Free street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
Is Carmelo's Tacos accessible for guests with mobility needs?
Yes, Carmelo’s Tacos is designed to be fully accessible. You will find a wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all visitors.
What dining options are available at Carmelo's Tacos, and is it suitable for children?
Carmelo’s Tacos offers flexible dining options including breakfast, lunch, and dinner with seating available. It’s also a great choice for families, as it’s good for kids and provides high chairs.
How does Carmelo's generally perform?
Carmelo’s holds a good overall Restaurant Score of **7.8** and a **77%** Customer Satisfaction. Its **Food** (8.3) is highly rated, followed by **Ambience** (7.4), **Value** (7.3), and **Service** (6.7).
What are the standout features at Carmelo's?
Customers frequently praise the delicious food, particularly items like tacos and tortas, along with the good overall value and pleasant atmosphere of the new location.
Are there any common issues to be aware of at Carmelo's?
Some patrons have noted inconsistent food items, such as certain burritos or carnitas, and occasional service attentiveness issues, including longer wait times or order inaccuracies.