Reviews (319) 354-5800 Call Website Photos About

Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City in Iowa City

Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City in Iowa City

Is this your business?

3.9 (980)

Mexican Foods Latin American Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Restaurants Takeout Restaurants

Call Direction Website Reviews

(319) 354-5800 Direction Website Reviews

About

Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City is the premier Latin American restaurant and Mexican restaurant in Iowa City, serving up delicious dishes in a vibrant atmosphere. As a popular Restaurant, we offer a wide range of mouth-watering options for dine-in, delivery, and Takeout. Our menu features a blend of traditional and modern flavors, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. Conveniently located at 1406 S Gilbert St, Iowa City, IA 52240, we're easily accessible for a quick lunch or dinner. Whether you're in the mood for tacos, burritos, or something new, our friendly staff is dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring a memorable dining experience. At Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City, we're passionate about serving high-quality food and drinks that will leave you feeling satisfied and eager to return. Come visit us today and taste the difference for yourself!

Carlos O'Kelly's - Iowa City Review Summary

The summary is generated by AI, based on reviews.

Reviews & Ratings

Leave a Review

3.9

(980 Reviews)

5

4

3

2

1

[bip_review_summary]

Leave a Review

Kimberleigh Mann -Google user

9 months ago

Delicious food, and plenty of it! The only thing that I would say that would make the fried ice-cream even better...less whipped topping and more caramel sauce.

Dine inAtmosphere: 5

Karley -Google user

2 years ago

No wait for a booth for two. Greeted immediately with Chips and salsa. Tuesday is $2 "mugoritas" upbeat modern atmosphere with text Mexican. Gluten free and vegetarian

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Veggie menuGluten free

Mat & Melissa Muirheid -Google user

5 years ago

We used to have a Carlos O'Kellys in our town but they closed it! Whenever I get the chance to stop at another Carlos it is pure heaven! I love the Enchilada Suiza Con Pollo, the Chicken Picado and the Fajita Cheese Crisp and if...Read More

marianne satinsky -Google user

2 years ago

Haven't been to this location before, loved the decorations, and chandeliers made of tequila bottles. Good service and food, love the nachos with chips on side, so soggy chips and you control what goes on top!

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5

Douglas Dukeman -Google user

5 years ago

We have been without a Carlos O Kelly's for about 10 years.. Missed it enough to make a 520 mile round trip for lunch. Everything was over the top.. Including server #67

agiftedcurse -Google user

a year ago

Great place to eat, service was great, food was good!

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5Legendary Chili Con Queso, Chimichanga Dinner Chicken with Papas Potatoes and RicePlenty of parkingFree parking lot

Stacey Frank -Google user

Edited 3 years ago

Great visit for the 1st time. I ordered birria street taco and they didn't disappoint. Tuesday is 1/2 off the kids menu and that was awesome. Guac was 1/2 off due to happy hour. The Papa O'Kellys side was good! The host (blonde guy) was...Read More

Dine inLunch$30–50Atmosphere: 5

Faith “CheckingTheFactsFoodie” -Google user

a year ago

Absolutely worth the $$!! Go see Lily! Ask for the Blackberry Lemonade (it is so yummy). We had chicken chimichangas! Oh. My. Gosh!!! The Mexican rice was very flavorful. The chicken was tender, and the chips and salsa were the BEST!! Our absolute favorite for go to "Mexican"

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Plenty of parkingFree parking lot

Mary Elizabeth -Google user

2 years ago

Beautiful inside, staff is good a little slow for not being busy but good and friendly. Food tasted really good.

Dine inLunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Plenty of parkingFree parking lotHandicap parking, only 2 spaces however. Easy to maneuver wheel chair inside as well

Cody -Google user

2 months ago

The restaurant was quite clean and the music wasn't too loud. I was greeted immediately when I entered, and got seated right at the bar. The bartender was friendly and attentive. The food was quite good, and if I'm in town again I'll likely stop by...Read More

Lunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Reservations not requiredQuiet, easy to talk

Grace Pickett -Google user

3 months ago

Carlos O’Kelly’s is a cheesy dream come true! I came in craving comfort food and left completely satisfied. The cheese and onion enchiladas were rich, gooey, and packed with flavor—absolutely smothered in that signature queso that makes every bite unforgettable. The cheese dip was velvety...Read More

Dine inAtmosphere: 5

Bryan H -Google user

Edited a year ago

Edit 3/2024: This is still my go to place for Mexican food. Sure, it may not be authentic, but it is excellent food. On our most recent visit, I felt right at home. Everyone was very friendly, and welcomed us in. Food service was excellent, and...Read More

Dine inDinner$10–20Atmosphere: 5

S D -Google user

6 years ago

It's very nice inside and out. The staff were in happy contagious moods. The food was great for chain food. Definitely hit the spot.

Clayton C -Google user

6 years ago

I worked at a Carlos O'Kelly's 15 years ago. This is not traditional Mexican food. A good experience here is about the sauces and drinks. My Suiza con Pollo was as great as I remembered all those years ago. Let's hope they make a comeback...Read More

Laura Johnson -Google user

4 days ago

We have been dining at Carlos O’Kelly’s for many years, since the new location we have had decent experiences. Today was exceptional. The service from Janae was outstanding. She was so pleasant and paid close attention to details. The food was excellent. It all came...Read More

Lunch$10–20Atmosphere: 5Quiet, easy to talkIndoor dining area, Bar area, Booth seating

Scott Merritt -Google user

4 months ago

Carlos O'Kelly's is an excellent place to go for great food, excellent fast friendly service, drink specials all the time. Every time we go there, we are seated quickly, brought out warm chips & salsa, drink orders are always fast & correct, food orders always...Read More

Atmosphere: 5

Aaron -Google user

4 weeks ago

I love carlos okelleys, chips, drinks, friendly college student servers. Been going to iowa city location for decades, never had a bad experience.

Atmosphere: 5

Ashlyn Chaffee -Google user

5 months ago

Lexi is our favorite server!! Me and my roommate come here often and she has our order memorized, she’s so kind and the food is always amazing

Atmosphere: 5

Megan DeMeulenaere -Google user

5 months ago

Lexi was our server today and she was extremely nice and friendly service was so fast!! Thank you so much we love her!!

Atmosphere: 5

Rachel F -Google user

7 months ago

Mykenah was a fantastic and attentive server. Service was A++++. Manager on duty Sondra was also very kind and helpful. Can’t wait to come back for a visit when I’m in town next.

Dine inAtmosphere: 5

Features

Service options

No-contact delivery

Delivery

Takeout

Dine-in

Highlights

Fast service

Great dessert

Sports

Popular for

Lunch

Dinner

Solo dining

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Wheelchair accessible restroom

Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings

Alcohol

Beer

Cocktails

Coffee

Comfort food

Happy hour drinks

Happy hour food

Hard liquor

Quick bite

Small plates

Vegetarian options

Wine

Dining options

Lunch

Dinner

Catering

Dessert

Seating

Amenities

Bar onsite

Restroom

Atmosphere

Casual

Trendy

Crowd

College students

Groups

Tourists

Payments

Credit cards

Debit cards

NFC mobile payments

Children

Good for kids

High chairs

Kids' menu

Parking

Free parking lot

Parking

People Also Search

Mexican Foods Latin American Restaurants Mexican Restaurants Restaurants Takeout Restaurants