Ashtyn Asay Carlitos Tequileria, the latest concept from the team behind Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria, is now open at 185 River Road in North Arlington, bringing handcrafted tacos, smoked barbecue specialties, and agave-forward cocktails to a modern dining space with a view. The restaurant is currently in its soft-opening phase, with its official opening set for September 18th. Isabella from our team recently stopped by to get a first look at the space, menu, + the story behind the new concept. Keep reading to learn more about Carlitos Tequileria, a new taco spot in North Arlington, New Jersey.
The 150-seat restaurant is the newest venture from partners Carlos and Sabrina Castillo, Martin Moliné, and Fernando Campo, whose Carlitos brand has grown from a single food truck into multiple locations throughout the New York metro area. The North Arlington restaurant is the brand’s flagship tequileria, with an elevated dining experience rooted in Mexican cuisine while drawing inspiration from flavors and cultures found throughout Latin America.
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Carlos Castillo, founder and executive chef, first launched Carlitos as a smoked barbecue taco food truck in 2017 after leaving a career in hospitality. Influenced by his Honduran heritage and childhood in Corona, Queens, Castillo built the concept around the idea that food creates community. Today, Carlitos has expanded with locations at Garden State Plaza, Newark Liberty International Airport, and Jersey City, with additional locations planned for Newport Centre in Jersey City and Westchester Mall in White Plains. Carlos and Martin shared with The Bergen County Girl that bringing the North Arlington concept to life has been more than three years in the making. This is the team’s second sit-down restaurant location, following its original restaurant in West Nyack.
The goal behind Carlitos Tequileria is to create a space that goes beyond food and drinks, celebrating Latino culture and the many different cultures found across Latin America. The design reflects that mission throughout the restaurant, from the artwork on the walls to personal touches, including a drawing featuring all of the owners’ children. At Carlitos Tequileria, tacos remain the centerpiece of the menu, featuring hand-pressed tortillas and fillings such as Oak-Smoked Brisket, Crispy Fish, and Chicharrón, topped with house-made salsas and fresh garnishes. Guests dining with a group can also order a Taquiza, an assortment of ten tacos designed for sharing.
During Isabella’s visit, she tried several items from the menu, including shrimp ceviche, pork belly, shrimp tacos, + carne asada tacos. The menu also features appetizers such as grilled esquites, smoked and fried wings, house-made guacamole served with Oaxacan-style chips, and chicharrón with guacamole and chipotle honey. Shareable favorites include loaded nachos, street fries, and a salsa tasting featuring five different house-made salsas.
For heartier entrées, diners can choose from oak-smoked brisket, pulled pork, churrasco, carne asada, shrimp al carbón, grilled chicken, and the Carlitos Burger. Dessert options include tres leches cake, filled churros, and a churro ice cream sandwich. Isabella tried the churros filled with chocolate and dulce de leche, served with ice cream on the side.
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Guests can also expect several varieties of margaritas, smoky mezcal cocktails, palomas, and other signature drinks. The mezcal-forward cocktail menu includes the Smoky Luna, made with El Buho mezcal and pineapple and served in a hickory-smoked glass, as well as the Jamaica Blossom, made with El Buho mezcal, hibiscus, sea salt, + lime foam. The restaurant will also feature a wine list highlighting selections from Mexico, Argentina, Chile, California, and New York, as well as a custom Mexican-style lager brewed in collaboration with Hoboken Brewing Company.
Designed by Salvador Juarez, the restaurant blends contemporary Mexican architecture with desert-inspired minimalism. Guests enter through a dramatic tequila display before stepping into a dining room filled with warm terracotta tones, natural textures, lush greenery, and forest green banquettes.
The warm lighting and artwork throughout the restaurant are designed to immerse guests in Latino culture, with pieces celebrating different countries and traditions across Latin America. A mural by artist La Piztola anchors the main dining room, while private dining rooms and an outdoor patio with a view of the Passaic River provide additional gathering spaces.
According to the restaurant, Carlitos Tequileria is intended to serve as “a living testament to the unity of the Latin experience in America,” celebrating the traditions and flavors that connect cultures across Latin America. From its smoked barbecue roots to its elevated dining experience, the team hopes the restaurant will become a welcoming gathering place where guests can connect over food, cocktails, and shared meals.
Carlitos Tequileria is currently operating in its soft-opening phase, with the official opening set for September 18th. The owners also plan to introduce more entertainment and programming as the restaurant moves toward its grand opening.
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