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Caramba Fresh Mexican Food
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- Yes
25 reviews for Caramba Fresh Mexican Food
Review Highlights
"...finished, I was able to enjoy a most delicious cheese crisp."
(in 2 reviews)
"...this is the best place to get a burrito in Arizona by far."
(in 8 reviews)
"addicted to the margaritas."
(in 5 reviews)
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25 reviews in English
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Review from Ashley F.
Seattle, WA
1/5/2012
I grew up in the East Valley, but my best friend and her family are from Peoria. For years, I heard about the food and margaritas at Carambas, so when my husband and I came to visit over New Year's, we had to go.
I loved it. The atmosphere is laid-back and unassuming, and perfect for the price point offered. The $3.25 margarita is better than many served at the larger restaurants for upwards of $7, and the salsa bar is fresh and tasty. Although other reviewers take issue with the $.25 refill policy, I was more than happy to dole out a couple of quarters. In this economy, I am grateful for the large portions and cheap prices at Caramba's. Perhaps Phoenicians are spoiled with the "free refill" policy at so many places, but after years of living elsewhere, I have an appreciation for a smaller business that is keeping its doors open and prices down as well as respect for a small $.25 instead of the higher $.50 and $.75 found in other major cities.
I ordered the enchilada, chicken taco combo with rice and beans, and I couldn't believe the price for the amount of food, let alone the great quality. My husband, who is a life long vegetarian, enjoyed how many options he had, and on our second trip to Caramba's he even attempted the Giant Caramba done vegetarian style!
After 5 years in Seattle, my mind had built up a shrine to good Mexican food, and Caramba's delivered. If I travel back to Phoenix, even if I'm staying on the other side of town, I will definitely be making the trip out to Glendale. My only regret is that I didn't get to try the cheese crisps...Next time!! -
Review from Rico I.
Glendale, AZ
11/15/2011
Let me start by saying i thought this place blew. big chunks. However, my wife, being the native Arizonan LOOOVES it. Thus, i would have to endure many unsatisfying dinners here while she delighted in mini chimis and bean and cheese burrito. I tried in vain to find ANYTHING on the menu i could tolerate. Any combination of food, be it chicken (always dry), steak (horrible, the kind of steak that is grade D, but edible) was awful and the ground beef? You know where i am going here.
.25 for refills? What kind of communist/socialist refill-depriving monsters run this place?
And then, like moses parting the sea, the Taco Al Pastor arrived. Served traditionally, with cilantro, chopped onion and a lime wedge, tender adobo marinated pork and proper non cold tortillas. My advice? scrap the whole menu, and just serve Al Pastor. Get a spit outside on your patio and make them 100% authentic. Until then, i now can actually eat something on their menu, and its magical. Perhaps, this is what my wife feels with the mini chimis she so loves...naturally, i think they are dry, unimaginative and bland.
Stick with the Al Pastors. You won't be disappointed. -
Review from Taric W.
Phoenix, AZ
9/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
In the working class areas of Phoenix, one can spy a small Mexican eatery every hundred yards. A tortillera here, a taqueria there...blindfold me and send me to Maryvale, my stomach will lead my feet to menudo in mere minutes.
But here on 67th & Bell, they don't seem too keen on ubiquitous Latin fare. This is middle class, soccer mom territory, and for the most part the locals seem satisfied sustaining themselves on Chipotle. But what if they dare venture to another part of town? Certainly, their curiosity must make them hungry for something slightly more authentic.
Well with Caramba's in town, they must not feel like they have to. This place is a parody of every obscure "bertos" I've stumbled into on an empty stomach. The music is all in Spanish, and there's some good ol' futbol on TV. The cashier was eager to explain away any menu item, as if the usual clientele couldn't tell their chilaquiles from an enchilada. Jajaja.
Anyways, I ordered the fundido, because I figured their specialty was more...Tex Mex. It wasn't too appealing, essentially a fried burrito topped with generous amounts of an interesting cream cheese sauce. I washed it down with a fountain drink, but then I spied a sign...they charge a quarter for refills. That's not much at all, but not even Taco Bell does that--why should they?
Out of defiance, I tossed my cup and just ordered a margarita. $3.25 seemed like a steal, I was excited to have one with my breakfast. I didn't mind it coming out of a fountain, but it was incredibly strong! Stronger than any margarita I've had in a restaurant. But, it was still worth it.
Apparently, their specialty is the cheese crisp, the more complex of them branded "Mexican pizza". I saw some being ordered, and I wasn't the slightest bit impressed, especially with tortillas that tasted like they came from the Fry's next door.
Personally, I don't think Carambas deserves the popularity it has. The food is middle-of-the-road, and their prices the same amount as a dozen places you could eat breakfast across the value. Nothing special about their salsas or tortillas, which is alarming enough. However, it was very clean, the staff was swift and polite, and they have adult beverages. It's okay for a nice, quiet breakfast. -
Review from Joe B.
Glendale, AZ
1/24/2012
Over rated... Sloppy Mexican food with plastic forks..
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Review from Cornell W.
Peoria, AZ
9/2/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Four words: I love this place. But if its not one of their cheese crisps, its almost not worth it....
The other day was my second visit to this place and I was hoping to impress my friend with their fresh delicious Mexican dishes.
It was looking good when we first arrived because the very friendly employee really did a good job displaying his knowledge of their rather impressive menu. He gave recommendations to their enchiladas and burritos. I really wanted to get one of their impressive cheese crisps like I got last time, hoping to impress my friend, however I was feeling bold and decided to get the shrimp burrito.
First wrong thing that immediately stood out was that they charge 25 cents for refills. That sort of cheap tactic really spells out a lot about an establishment. Also since their drinks are 2 bucks, I really didn't feel like buying refills. Oh and did I mention that I'm a standard debit card wielding American? No quarters in my pocket. But no big deal.
So they took some time for our dishes to be completed which was not a surprise since last time they did the same thing. However last time once they finished, I was able to enjoy a most delicious cheese crisp. This time though, I was presented with a shrimp burrito with a side of lettuce? What do I do with the lettuce? Hmmm
The burrito itself was too hot. (Not spicy). I felt that I was unable to grasp the true flavor of the shrimp because of this problem. So naturally I was much slower in my eating. I gave the shrimp an opportunity to savor in my mouth so I can get the full flavor. I was wrong. Each piece of shrimp was doused in a sauce similar to a light soy sauce. Through the hot temperature, I was able to conclude that each of the pieces were quite bland. It was disappointing per bite because I expected a flavor burst each time, but never got it.
The burrito was full of sauce. So full in fact that eventually, the bottom of the burrito collapsed and the sauce and shrimp spilled onto my plate. ]= Still hot. So I continued my meal without the tortilla and simply forked the rest of my shrimp.
Overall I actually like this place. (because of cheese crisps)
When I came the first time, there was sports on the tv and very good food being served. -
Review from Danielle A.
Peoria, AZ
12/16/2011
Love this place since they opened, but I will say they are giving smaller portions of food than they used to. Also, the salsa fresca isn't so fresca (fresh) as it used to be. But one of the best chicken chimichangas out there!
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Review from Nate M.
Glendale, AZ
11/6/2011 11 Check-ins Here
We have been coming here since it opened and we are treated like family each and every time. To have a restaurant that has had the same employees over all of these years tells me something for John the owner. Now for the food they have a large menu and there are several favorites that I keep coming back for. The menudo is a family favorite and I think it is some of the best in the valley and I have been eating menudo for over 40 years. The margaritas are special treat, inexpensive and they taste great. The flavors in the Salpicon salad are craved at least twice a week and is delicious with any of the 3 options: chicken, beef, or shrimp!
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Review from Lynn M.
Glendale, AZ
1/4/2012
I am addicted to their shredded beef tacos! Their machaca beef melts in your mouth, everything I've eaten here is delicious. They are one of the very few restaurants in the area that consistently get perfect scores from the health board. Check it out on http://maricopa.gov, it's made me think twice about eating out, but I know Caramba's is safe.
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Review from Brian M.
Peoria, AZ
5/28/2011
I have only ventured to this restaurant on two occasions...the first was on suggestion from Pastor Paul Wilson and then tonight when Kristi and I were checking out places to eat.
Caramba's menu is very simple, but offers a wide selection. I chose a combination with a taco, tostado and tamale. When the food came out, it covered two plates. Needless to say, even with my heavy appetite, I struggled to everything.
Kristi ordered a beef chimi...nothing special, but very filling as well. The big compliment came at the temperature of the food that came out. Everything was hot, and definitely was prepared fresh.
This is a great place to stop in for a quick bite or bring in the family for a meal.
Kristi and I spent like $20 and left full.
The one thing that was a little weird...the charge for drink refills. -
Review from Sean M.
Peoria, AZ
2/23/2011
Step 1: Acquire tandem bike with main squeeze to ride to local bars and eateries.
Step 2: Ditch class
Step 3: Ride said tandem bike to Carambas, where I don't peso much
Step 4: Order groin-grabbingly good margaritas, cheese enchiladas, and fish tacos.
Step 5: ?????
Step 6: Profit.
After two margaritas, two sangrias and a beer, each, we are feeling pretty hunky-dory. The cheese enchiladas are so fresh and so cheesy it's a damn good thing I am in public or else I'd make a fool out of myself pretending I'm Kobayashi.
I can't say anything too different than what's already been said except add groin-grabbingly to good to emphasize my love of this place.
Oh, but this one time I almost died here. I was so hungry from whatever activity I was partaking in and I was woofin' down some of those chips and one of those delicious bastards went in sideways. After what seemed like a minute and a half of no oxygen, I was just happy to keep eating some more of their groin-grabbingly great edibles. -
Review from Jules W.
Glendale, AZ
7/29/2011
We were one of their first ten customers when they opened the downtown Glendale location. I was so excited to see them in North Glendale . It's not fancy, but you get great food at reasonable prices. Their red tamales with sauce are to die for. My favorite chorizo is still Carolina's , but they run a close second here.
The carne asada rocks!! -
Review from Beth A.
Updated - 3/9/2011
I am updating this review for only one reason. It seems that I have spent years over looking Caramba's dessert menu. They offer a choice called "Cinnamon Crisps" which are warm cinnamon baked chips drizzled with warm honey. The huge portion they provide is only $1.99.
You need this in your mouth. Now.Listed in: Thesis Writing Sanity Havens
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/22/2011
If the Travel Channel did a special called "Best Kept Secrets of the West Valley" then Caramba's… Read more »
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Review from Kevin L.
Phoenix, AZ
11/7/2010 1 Check-in Here
I would have to say this is the best place to get a burrito in Arizona by far. Got their Carne Asada burrito with rice and sour cream inside. One of THE BEST burritos here. The tortilla was just perfect.
Tried their Chorizo burrito, and it was pretty tasty. They really don't skimp on the meat here. The chorizo was quite oily though. I was halfway done with it and it was soaked with oil.
The chips and salsa are really good too. Low prices, great food. What more can you ask for. -
Review from Bev S.
Glendale, AZ
Updated - 7/7/2011
The hubby & I go there very frequently now...addicted to the margaritas! We've tried more of the menu and it's ALL been great. We like to share the giant burrito (yep, it's huge) that's loaded with only with a really tasty shredded beef (I hate rice and beans in a burrito) and covered with a delicious red sauce. We always sit outside since the inside is so blah, but it's so hot right now, we'll have to wait til it cools off a bit. We'd get it to go, but we HAVE to have their margys! The guys behind the counter are awesome and very friendly.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/9/2009
I agree..very good margaritas! The flautas are really good also. But absolutely NO atmosphere.… Read more »
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Review from A F.
Phoenix, AZ
11/1/2010
Stopped at Carambas for some quick breakfast. Ordered a bacon and egg burrito and some chilaquiles. It came out to 15 or 16 bucks. Found the slogan "where you dont peso much" to be quite hilarious. 16 bucks for some eggs, bacon, and tortillas is nothing remotely close to a good deal.
I took it to go but still ate within 10 minutes. The tortilla chips in the chilaquiles were cold and soggy. The egg was over cooked on the outside and underdone on the inside. The red sauce was awful. Absolutely no flavor or heat. The burrito was just as disgusting. Supposedly the tortillas are made fresh but this one tasted worse than store bought. The ingredients were not tasty at all.
I have been to Carambas a few times and God knows why I ever go back. Anyone who can give this place more than 3 stars needs to check out some other places in the valley. If you think this crappy excuse for fresh authentic Mexican food is great other places were blow your mind.
Suggestion for a new slogan, "If you like real weak and over priced fast Mexican food come to Carambas, where you peso much money for so little quality." -
Review from Michael S.
Peoria, AZ
6/19/2010
I made a mental note to check Caramba's out during a visit to the Stir Fry Palace next door. The place was packed, and I figured it must good.
I took my daughter there to dine on a couple of enchilada plates.
I think based on the great reviews here and the crowd that maybe my expectations were too high. I thought the enchiladas were okay. They weren't terrible. They were just okay. The beans and rice were fine. I'll definitely give this place another try. I believe in wisdom of the crowds, and Caramba's seems to be always crowded. Those people must know something. Maybe I got them on an off day, or maybe I was just off! -
Review from Megan D.
11/8/2009
Ah, the go-to place for day drinking and ditching classes with my classmates in medical school. Future doctors of America, right here, baby! The menu offers standard Americanized Mexican food fare, but there's just enough variety to have something for everyone. On the days I thought it inappropriate to return to class smelling of beer, I would turn to the horchata -- fresh and delicious, every time. Like fricking clockwork. The food is fresh and, magically, not heavy. The salsa bar lets you dump on as much diarrheaogenic hot sauce as your asshole can tolerate, and the chips must be made fresh because nothing that good comes out of a bag.
Regretfully, I am virtually never in the northwest valley anymore, and have enjoyed the Caramba experience maybe once since graduation. This is tragic. Why can't Caramba force Mi Patio out and set up shop there? -
Review from Albert H.
Scottsdale, AZ
'Where you don't peso much" is the self-professed theme on the logo, but it couldn't be further from the truth. Burritos and entrees are $5-9 and this is a casual, pretty much fast food place. side of nachos? extra side taco? you're easily pushing $12-15.
Every burrito I've tried, whether bean and cheese or breafkast burrito, is always somehow dry as a bone. Tortillas are dry and have a cotton like dry chewy texture.
Talk radio and/or music is always in Spanish and quite loud. This is good for drowning out the loud baby crying three tables over, but it can get annoying after awhile (especially when it is Spanish talk radio).
Tables were dirty. They charge you for soft drink refills. They hoard the napkins behind the counter. There's limited seating during prime dining hours. -
Review from Blake H.
Aurora, CO
6/4/2011
Decent food, but seemingly worthy o 4 or 5 stars. The portions are large and the salsa are pretty good, but beans are out of a can... if you want a step up from cafeteria food with a mexamerican flare, this is a good choice. They do server beer and wine, but no tequilla so those margs are either beergarita's or winegarita's.
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Review from Leah R.
Oakland, CA
8/17/2009
First off, I went there at exactly 9:00 on a Thursday night (which is closing time) and the guy at the register was totally nice and accommodating for us.
Secondly, he made a great recommendation (giant stuffed quesadilla) that is served on a pizza round and weighs like 4 pounds. It was filled with cheese, meat, guac, sour cream and salsa (hella bomb)!!! My dad and I split it with some leftover!!
Lastly, they had the strongest Margarita for only $ 3.75! Unbelievable!!!
This is a no frills Mexican joint with a friendly staff, great food, and stiff margaritas. What's not to like? -
Review from Tracy T.
Scottsdale, AZ
7/24/2010
Went there for breakfast & ordered the breakfast enchiladas. They were VERY awesome! I thought it was also interesting that even though we went in for breakfast that we still got free chips & salsa from the salsa bar. Also, another 5 star worthy attribute is the fact that they serve breakfast all day long.
I enjoyed my breakfast with a refreshing large horchata. I could tell it was from a mix, but it was still very good. -
Review from Missy M.
Phoenix, AZ
2/23/2011 2 Check-ins Here
We have a lot of family get togethers at carambas! I love the staff and food! I think some things are high priced like the stuffed quesidilla and Mexican pizza but, what can you do. Best Mexican food around me.
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Review from Jaya V.
Redmond, WA
2/15/2006
This is a fantastic, inexpensive casual place to have delicious mexican food. It is almost a "hole-in-the-wall" kind of joint except the food is exceptionally good. I was a student in Glendale and Carambas was the only place where I not only got great tasting food but also could manage on a tight student's budget.
This is place is always crowded so you might have to wait for a table to become available. They have a GRRREAT salsa bar and awesome vegetarin options on their menu like the spinach enchiladas etc. Chains like Baja Fresh are based on small family owned restaurants like these. The charm at Carambas was it did not have a "chain" like feeling to it at all. It felt festive and fun and the team there were always friendly and inviting. -
Review from Vegan M.
Surprise, AZ
3/11/2010
Veggie Burro, No Cheese is the big winner here! All Vegan, All Delicious!
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Review from Summer S.
Phoenix, AZ
11/20/2010
I'm a very health conscious person, and this place was suprisingly great for me! I had a chicken burrito with veggies and pico, and they have a way to make simple and healthy very yummy! I enjoyed the availability of wheat tortillas, but was shocked that they don't have black beans; they only offer refried. Nor do they have brown rice. Nevertheless, the flavor was amazing, and the ingredients they didn't have did not cross my mind once I took a bite! I would love to have one in Central Phoenix.
