Carlo's Cafe

I am was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba went to miami when i was 18 and after 8 years of living in Miami, i moved to charlotte. Once here, i wanted to find an authentic Cuban restaurant to keep in touch with my culture!!!! Well i finally found it: "Carlos Cafe". The food is very, very, very.... GOOD (but do not take my word for it, go there and try it, you won't be sorry). The owner and waitres both speak english and spanish, i really felt like home, never wanted to leave... lol i just kept talking with the owner and just looking at the decoration... do you know they have "cafe cubita..." haven't seen that since i left cuba... they have a lot of tables inside and outside... so that you pick where do you want to eat.... very friendly people.... just like cubans are...lol. Today i am very happy, i found a piece of Cuba in the carolinas!!! GREAT FOOD, PEOPLE AND MUSIC Oh, i almost forget..... the cuban coffe.....that is really cafe cubano... waoo I'll be there every weekend :-) Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, MUSIC( CELIA CRUZ) Cons: NONE more

I am was born in Santiago de Cuba, Cuba went to miami when i was 18 and after 8 years of living in Miami, i moved to charlotte. Once here, i wanted to find an authentic Cuban restaurant to keep in touch with my culture!!!! Well i finally found it: ""Carlos Cafe"". The food is very, very, very.... GOOD (but do not take my word for it, go there and try it, you won't be sorry). The owner and waitres both speak english and spanish, i really felt like home, never wanted to leave... lol i just kept talking with the owner and just looking at the decoration... do you know they have ""cafe cubita..."" haven't seen that since i left cuba... they have a lot of tables inside and outside... so that you pick where do you want to eat.... very friendly people.... just like cubans are...lol. Pros: FOOD, SERVICE, MUSIC( CELIA CRUZ) more

I am a Miami native and I have moved to Charlotte. After a pain staking task of searching and eating in Cuban resturants, I have finaly found an awesome Cuban Resturant and the only Cuban restaurant worth going to. The food is incredible and the service is awesome. The owners are so freindly they really make you feel at home. I had the fried pork chunks, white rice, black beans and empanadas and I have to say the dinner was perfect. I live in downtown Charlotte and it took me 18 min to get to Carlos Cafe and it was actually a nice drive. They also have the cheapest gas around so I can get an awesome Cuban meal and fill my tank up at the same time. I will be back every week to indulge in their awesome food. If you are looking for AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD, do not hesitate to try this place, its worth the drive and you wont be sorry! Pros: Food, Service, Freindly Cons: You have to order Paella a week in advance more

I am a Miami native and I have moved to Charlotte. After a pain staking task of searching and eating in Cuban resturants, I have finaly found an awesome Cuban Resturant and the only Cuban restaurant worth going to. The food is incredible and the service is awesome. The owners are so freindly they really make you feel at home. I had the fried pork chunks, white rice, black beans and empanadas and I have to say the dinner was perfect. I live in downtown Charlotte and it took me 18 min to get to Carlos Cafe and it was actually a nice drive. They also have the cheapest gas around so I can get an awesome Cuban meal and fill my tank up at the same time. I will be back every week to indulge in their awesome food. If you are looking for AUTHENTIC CUBAN FOOD, do not hesitate to try this place, its worth the drive and you wont be sorry! Pros: Food, Service, Freindly Cons: You have to order Paella a week in advance more

This is a full service restaurant that offers authentic Cuban cuisine. It is a cozy and warm little... more

This is a full service restaurant that offers authentic Cuban cuisine. It is a cozy and warm little restaurant with beautiful tropical murals tha... more

We took the family to Carlo's Cafe last evening and had a fantastic time. My husband and I have travelled all over the world and love good food, especially those of countries where Spanish is spoken. We were excited to have Plantain and fish and beans. When we arrived at Carlo's Cafe, we were warmly greeted and seated right away. The ambience was fun with a bit of Island charm. The restaurant was immaculate, and you could eat off of the floors. The staff was extremely attentive to our needs and we never had to call them, they were always checking on us, and were very helpful in suggesting things we might like from the menu. We were well taken care of. After placing our order, these wonderful aromas started to permeate the restaurant, it was garlicky and smelled delicious. Our food arrived, it was great! I had the shrimp in garlic sauce which was very fresh tasting and flavorful. My husband had the whole fish which he quickly demolished, my daughter had the Tilapia which she mentioned was one of the best she had ever had, and my son enjoyed a Cuban sandwich. Everything was well presented, well seasoned, great portions and was fantastic. We are new to the area and there are so many restaurants for us to sample but we know that Carlo's Cafe will be a place that we visit again soon. I wanted to say a word regarding authenticity. I found the food to be authentic. There will always be subtle nuances that exist in food from one region to another, from one generation to another, and from one cook to another. Each adds their own touch, this however does not mean that the food is not authentic. You will enjoy Carlo's Cafe, the ambience, the staff, the food, and the price point were all maravilloso! Pros: food, service, price point, ambience, parking more

We took the family to Carlo's Cafe last evening and had a fantastic time. My husband and I have travelled all over the world and love good food, especially those of countries where Spanish is spoken. We were excited to have Plantain and fish and beans. When we arrived at Carlo's Cafe, we were warmly greeted and seated right away. The ambience was fun with a bit of Island charm. The restaurant was immaculate, and you could eat off of the floors. The staff was extremely attentive to our needs and we never had to call them, they were always checking on us, and were very helpful in suggesting things we might like from the menu. We were well taken care of. After placing our order, these wonderful aromas started to permeate the restaurant, it was garlicky and smelled delicious. Our food arrived, it was great! I had the shrimp in garlic sauce which was very fresh tasting and flavorful. My husband had the whole fish which he quickly demolished, my daughter had the Tilapia which she mentioned was one of the best she had ever had, and my son enjoyed a Cuban sandwich. Everything was well presented, well seasoned, great portions and was fantastic. We are new to the area and there are so many restaurants for us to sample but we know that Carlo's Cafe will be a place that we visit again soon. Pros: food, service, price point, ambience, parking more

In response to theguyfoodcritic, I totally disagree. I am Cuban American and raised in HIALEAH, FL where you can find some of the best Cuban Food in the US. In fact that is where the owners grew up and one of them was born in CUBA. There are a total of 12 tables in the dining area with enough space to fit a good hungry crowd. It's a shame, but I am not surprised to see someone so low as theguyfoodcritic that would write false reviews about buisnesses that owners work so hard to manage to maintain healthy relationships and keep smiles on customers faces. Carlos Cafe is a REAL Cuban Food place and the closest to Cuban authenticity that you can find in the Carolinas. Each time I visit Carlos Cafe I order a different entree and never left there unhappy. I love this place and would recommend Carlos Cafe to all. I would tell all to visit Carlos Cafe and find out for themselves and come back to City Search and add your own review. QUE VIVA CARLOS CAFE Y LOS CUBANOS!! Pros: GREAT ALL AROUND more

In response to theguyfoodcritic, I totally disagree. I am Cuban American and raised in HIALEAH, FL where you can find some of the best Cuban Food in the US. In fact that is where the owners grew up and one of them was born in CUBA. There are a total of 12 tables in the dining area with enough space to fit a good hungry crowd. It's a shame, but I am not surprised to see someone so low as theguyfoodcritic that would write false reviews about buisnesses that owners work so hard to manage to maintain healthy relationships and keep smiles on customers faces. Carlos Cafe is a REAL Cuban Food place and the closest to Cuban authenticity that you can find in the Carolinas. Each time I visit Carlos Cafe I order a different entree and never left there unhappy. I love this place and would recommend Carlos Cafe to all. I would tell all to visit Carlos Cafe and find out for themselves and come back to City Search and add your own review. QUE VIVA CARLOS CAFE Y LOS CUBANOS!! Pros: GREAT ALL AROUND Cons: NONE more

I am a Cuban from Miami and in laws are Cuban. Two even own restaurants. Needless to say, I know Cuban food. This is most definitely NOT Cuban food. Putting a Cuban flag on the wall does not Cuban food make. First, the drive is LOOOONNNNGGG from Charlotte. When you finally get there, the food is stale, old and is obviously re-heated. The waitress (who can't speak Spanish), looks at you with a glare as if you are completely stupid. Only one waitress - couldn't even get another table. But then again, there were only 6 tables total, so you are kinda screwed with wait staff. Talking with the owner, he said that he was...get this.... he's not Cuban!!! Can't even speak proper Spanish! If you are in Charlotte, there are better options for Spanish food especially if you are in Dillworth. It may not be Cuban, but it is good with a great atmosphere. Don't waste your time, money or sanity on this restaurant. Pros: Ample Parking - because there are no customers Cons: This whole resturnat is a "con." The owner is a "con artist." Cuban - HA! more

I am a Cuban from Miami and in laws are Cuban. Two even own restaurants. Needless to say, I know Cuban food. This is most definitely NOT Cuban food. Putting a Cuban flag on the wall does not Cuban food make. First, the drive is LOOOONNNNGGG from Charlotte. When you finally get there, the food is stale, old and is obviously re-heated. The waitress (who can't speak Spanish), looks at you with a glare as if you are completely stupid. Pros: Ample Parking - because there are no customers Cons: This whole resturnat is a ""con."" The owner is a ""con artist."" Cuban - HA! more

I know Carlos Cafe will be and is already a great success. We know the owners and they will indeed make everyone coming in to dine in their establishment feel like family. The food, the ambience and the owners are the REAL DEAL! We cannot wait to get back to the Carolinas and dine in what will be the Carolinas best all round restaurant. more

I know Carlos Cafe will be and is already a great success. We know the owners and they will indeed make everyone coming in to dine in their establishment feel like family. The food, the ambience and the owners are the REAL DEAL! We cannot wait to get back to the Carolinas and dine in what will be the Carolinas best all round restaurant. more

WoW, talk about feeling at home. I am a Cuban American, and came from the cuban food capitol of the USA (Miami). Finding Carlos Cafe was a blessing. Great food, great service, and best of all, great feeling of home. Beautiful murals of tropical sights, extremely clean, and some Awesome Cuban Cofee shared with the owner. Does not get any better than that. Pros: Ambience, Food, Clean Cons: not next door to my house more

WoW, talk about feeling at home. I am a Cuban American, and came from the cuban food capitol of the USA (Miami). Finding Carlos Cafe was a blessing. Great food, great service, and best of all, great feeling of home. Beautiful murals of tropical sights, extremely clean, and some Awesome Cuban Cofee shared with the owner. Does not get any better than that. Pros: Ambience, Food, Clean Cons: not next door to my house more

I absolutely loved this restaurant!! I have never had Cuban food before so I was a bit apprehensive to try?.but boy was I impressed. The dishes are flavorful but not too salty, the drinks were reasonable and the atmosphere is inviting. The best part of the experience was the customer service. The owners treat you like family and bring along with the dishes warm smiles and laughter. I recommend this restaurant for anyone who likes good food (at reasonable prices) and a warm atmosphere. Please see the ratings below: Scale 1-10 Food: 7 Service: 8.7 Ambiance: 6.5 Pros: Great Service, Good Food, Warm Ambience Cons: None more

I absolutely loved this restaurant!! I have never had Cuban food before so I was a bit apprehensive to try?.but boy was I impressed. The dishes are flavorful but not too salty, the drinks were reasonable and the atmosphere is inviting. The best part of the experience was the customer service. The owners treat you like family and bring along with the dishes warm smiles and laughter. I recommend this restaurant for anyone who likes good food (at reasonable prices) and a warm atmosphere. Please see the ratings below: Pros: Great Service, Good Food, Warm Ambience more

Growing up in Miami, Florida Cuban food is not only comforting but very tasty. Carlos Cafe in Rock Hill, SC. offers traditional Cuban Cuisine, Friendly, Warm and at Home feeling. The New Owners make you feel that your in their home and are your best friends that you grew up with. Great Customer Service, Excellent Cuban Food, Great Prices, and Great atmosphere for the whole family. They have actually nailed what Cuban Cuisine and what Cuban people bring to the table,friendship, hand shakes, hugs and kisses. And, the best Cuban food I have tasted in NC & SC since I moved three years ago. Take the whole family to a Authentic Cuban Restaurant that will make your day! Best of the Best !!! Best Black Beans, Rice, Fried Plantatins, Breaded Steak and so much more. Great Menu and Price. Finally the Real Cuban Deal! Pros: Everything! Food, Atmosphere, Price, Customer Service more

Growing up in Miami, Florida Cuban food is not only comforting but very tasty. Carlos Cafe in Rock Hill, SC. offers traditional Cuban Cuisine, Friendly, Warm and at Home feeling. The New Owners make you feel that your in their home and are your best friends that you grew up with. Great Customer Service, Excellent Cuban Food, Great Prices, and Great atmosphere for the whole family. They have actually nailed what Cuban Cuisine and what Cuban people bring to the table,friendship, hand shakes, hugs and kisses. And, the best Cuban food I have tasted in NC & SC since I moved three years ago. Take the whole family to a Authentic Cuban Restaurant that will make your day! Best of the Best !!! Best Black Beans, Rice, Fried Plantatins, Breaded Steak and so much more. Great Menu and Price. Finally the Real Cuban Deal! Pros: Everything! Food, Atmosphere, Price, Customer Service Cons: None more