Carrillo's - Full Menu

Carillo's could be not worth the trip if your expectations are too high. It is not five star or even close but it is a fun experience at a reasonable price if y... read more Carillo's could be not worth the trip if your expectations are too high. It is not five star or even close but it is a fun experience at a reasonable price if you use these tips.From Hotel Zone take the R1 to downtown for 85 pesos each way. Get off on the stop right at La Hacienda restaurant (or 20 yards after to be exact). Walk a little further down to the extra large speed bump and cross the road on the speed bump. Don't be anxious. One of the great things about Cancun is the traffic stops for the pedestrians crossing the road. Cross both streets and go right on the opposite sidewalk. One and a half blocks on the left in the road/alley you will see a sign that says LOBSTER HOUSE. This is Carillo's. On the corner before you turn left look for a man or woman who have special coupons. They will walk you to the best table available. Try to get a table in the open air close to the sidewalk on far side because this small street is fun to people watch and speculate where these people are going.Tip #1 - Out of their 2 for 1 drinks the margaritas aren't bad.Tip #2 - Their guacamole, although not prepared table side, is pretty good.Tip #3 - They will tell you the best thing to order is their dinner for 2 which includes catch of the day (ask to have it prepared blackened or grilled with garlic - it is usually red snapper), lobster tails, filet, crab, fried shrimp, a potato and other fillers. Was it great, no but it wasn't bad. The rolls should just be disregarded. Don't expect great food but it is seasoned and there is quite a bit and at a very reasonable price.Tip #4 - A mariachi guy will probably come around. If you just say no thank you they will quickly walk away. I loved that. No pressuring me to pick a song. A guy with roses will probably stop by. Just say no thank you and they disappear quickly, as well.Tip #5 - Go after 6 but before 10. I did not investigate why but there seemed to be an extraordinary amount of men dressed in contemporary clothes walking to the end of the road during this time. Not sure where they were going but they were fun to watch and come up with ideas. There is a nightclub 2 doors before Carrillo's Lobster House which opens at 10:10 every Thursday - Sunday nights and I think it could get busy.Tip #6 - There is no great view so don't expect any water. This is downtown.Tip #7 - Walk back towards the grocery store and you can catch the R1 or R2 and head back to hotel. Go back before midnight because the buses really slow down then and you may have to wait 30 minutes or more. Tip #8 - If you really want something you will never forget. Something more Anthony Bourdain. . . SKIP THIS RESTAURANT. Walk another block past this place and turn left. You will see an ampitheatre at the end of the block. Head straight for it and you will see what looks like carnival booths of food. They are all delicious. Truly. There are plenty of pictures if you don't speak Spanish and there are so many locals you will be able to follow the lines and see what everyone is eating. VERY CHEAP! We were getting Mayan tacos for a quarter and they were perfection. Now, pay attention, because I didn't see one tourist taking advantage of the tastiest thing in Cancun. There will be a vendor with a small portable stand with two large pots (kind of look like lobster pots). There will not be a sign but he will be at the end of the waffle treats. Tell him you want one small cup and it will be around $1.00 American. He will ask if you want cheese. Say yes. Take your cup. Sit down. Watch the free movie at the ampitheatre and eat this corn dish that is insanely tasty. (Now, this corn cup is outstanding but right where you get off the bus by La Hacienda is the corn cup master. I made the walk repeatedly for the corn master. It's that good.) If you like heat ask for an extra shake of chili powder. After you have eaten true local food, check out the open air catholic church across the street then go back to the little street you walked down and go into the first restaurant on the left. You can still see the ampitheatre from the tables. This is not a 5 star place but on Thursdays (and probably other days) the beers are 4 for 1. Four of us drank until 1 in the morning for $16 plus tip. No exaggeration. Have a few drinks and then walk back over to the second waffle treat stand and ask for one with Nutella and Bananas. It is a great treat that you won't want to miss and will be wondering why they aren't everywhere in the U.S. They offer other toppings like jams and sweet cream but, a word, the cheese is very heavy. My advice is skip it but you know your tastes. Go back and have one more round of beer and head for the bus. Now that is how to get the most out of Carillo's!

Great restaurant - hotel (family busines). Delicious fresh Food!! Good service. Everything clean. Nice, quiet atmosphere ideal for relax, downtown Cancún, every... read more Great restaurant - hotel (family busines). Delicious fresh Food!! Good service. Everything clean. Nice, quiet atmosphere ideal for relax, downtown Cancún, everything close.... Recomended!!!