Location: Carmel
Top Restaurants in Carmel
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Indiana, United States Food Guide: 3 Southwestern food Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Carmel
Find out what Southwestern restaurants to try in Carmel. Carmel /ˈkɑːrməl/ is a suburban city in Hamilton County, Indiana, United States, located immediately north of Indianapolis. It has been one of the fastest-growing communities in the country. In 2012, Carmel was selected as the "Best Place to Live in the United States" by CNN Money magazine, and received the same designation by Niche.com in 2017. The population was 79,191 as of the 2010 and was estimated to be 91,065 in 2016 by the US Census Bureau, making it the fifth-largest city in Indiana.
Things to do in Carmel
1. Caliente Mexican Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4 based on 54 reviews
Caliente Mexican Restaurant provides authentic Mexican cuisine to the Carmel, IN area.
Reviewed By DDDFJD
We usually really enjoy our experience at Caliente. Tonight's was a bit disappointing. The chips & salsa are always amazing. The Enchiladas Caliente tonight were not as good as they usually are. The chicken inside tasted old & without any flavor. The chicken was hard & even difficult to cut with a knife. Hopefully this was just a one off & next time will be better.
2. Abuelo's
Overall Ratings
4 based on 87 reviews
Reviewed By jeffreyw598j
I think this is my 3,654th restaurant review for Carmel - just kidding - but I stay overnight there on business almost every week - and have reviewed many of the restaurants in town - On a recent COLD and blustery November Monday - I was craving Mexican - and noticed Abuelo's just to the east side of US31N as I drove past to the 151st exit... so I decided to try it..When I first arrived at about 6 pm on a Monday - the place was almost empty - I was dining alone on business travel - so I sat in the bar area - Jenifer was my server - and she was - at least initially - every attentive and helpful. I like draft beer - and they did have Dos XX - Modelo, and Pacifico on tap - but none of the great local drafts.. oh well... chips and salsa were provided - the salsa was fresh and good - the chips were SUPER thin - tasty - but did not work well for dipping. I had the Chile Rellenos for a meal - one stuffed with cheese and one with beef - sides of good rice and beans - overall - very tasty - not great - but good.The décor was very nice and well thought out and the atmosphere was comfy- not too loud - and the crowd picked up at about 7 - Jenifer ended up serving about 8-10 tables - and I had to wait a bit for her to bring the check - but I was not in a hurry... I would recommend this place - in general - but the bill - including tip - for 2 drafts and the chile rellenos - was about $36 - more than I would typically expect to pay for Mexican cuisine... I guess you pay for atmosphere in tony Carmel - and that is OK - because the atmosphere was nice - and when traveling on business - that is important to me..
3. La Hacienda Mexican
Overall Ratings
4 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By AsisBandyopadhyay
We like this joint for its ambience and food. The commodious place serves freshly cooked authentic Mexican dishes with lots of condiments. Their range of offerings is quite impressive. The staff are knowledgeable, helpful and smiling.
