Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria

About Us

At Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria, the taco is not a vehicle for mediocre filling. It is the result of a pit, a process, and a point of view. The team tends their smoker with the same obsessive care a pitmaster gives a brisket, then wraps the result in the flavors and spirit of Mexican street food. The combination sounds simple. The execution is anything but.

Located inside Garden State Plaza in Paramus, Carlitos has earned a 4.3-star reputation from over 380 reviewers who keep coming back for tacos that are, in the words of one fan, "unapologetically messy in the best way." First-timers routinely report blown expectations, not because the setting is fancy, but because the food is genuinely good at a price that makes sense. The quesotacos alone have converted skeptics.

Carlitos is also a community project. The brand believes that sourcing with intention, tending the pit with skill, and treating every employee and customer as part of the story is what separates a taqueria from a transaction. You can taste that philosophy in every order.

What We Offer

Dine-in at the Garden State Plaza location puts you right in the action, with fast service and the kind of casual energy that makes a lunch break feel like a reward. The menu blends pit smoked barbecue technique with Mexican taqueria tradition, and the value consistently surprises first-time visitors.

Can't make it to Paramus? Online ordering brings Carlitos to you, and their catering team handles everything from office spreads to private events. Carlitos also books as a food truck, bringing the smoker and the full experience directly to your location.

You can find Carlitos beyond Paramus too. The brand operates across multiple locations including Newark Airport Terminal A, Lyndhurst, NJ, and Smorgasburg World Trade Center, making it possible to chase down a great taco no matter where your day takes you.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a month ago

"Stopped by Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria and it delivered exactly what you want from a casual taco spot like bold flavors, fast service, and tacos that feel unapologetically messy in the best way. The tortillas had great texture, the meats were juicy and well seasoned, and the balance of cilantro, onion, salsa, and lime kept everything bright without overpowering the protein. The birria-style tacos had that rich, comforting depth while the grilled meats brought a nice char and smokiness. The green salsa had real heat and freshness to it, and pairing everything with a cold mango Jarritos completed the experience perfectly. Not a polished “modern taco concept” trying too hard to be trendy, just flavorful street-style tacos done right with generous portions and solid execution. A great stop when you want something satisfying, casual, and packed with flavor. 🌮 More food & cocktail finds: @jeffrey.umana"

— Jeffrey U.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

7 months ago

"Tried Carlitos for the first time and my expectations were blown away. The food was amazing and extremely affordable! My bf and I got a little bit of everything to try. We ordered the 3 quesotacos special with chicken, fish, and brisket. All 3 were filled with so much flavor. Additionally we tried their chocolate churros and passionfruit aqua fresca which were also delicious. The service was cooked to order and very fast. We ordered and received our food in less than 5 minutes. Will definitely be coming back every time I’m at Garden State Plaza!"

— Tea Flores

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

9 months ago

"Whenever my husband and I come to Garden State mall, our brains are so conditioned to expect a food court meal that it took us some time before we realized this lively taqueria existed. It's on the top floor (or the ground level if you're coming from an outdoor parking lot) and one of several mall eateries that aren't in the food court. The ordering decision tree proceeds as follows: 1) Decide whether you want tacos, cheesy tacos (called, or a platter, 2) Pick your proteins (vegetarian options available), and 3) Determine which toppings and accoutrements you want on top of your tacos. The best part of ordering was seeing the fresh masa and tortilla press right behind the counter, a reassurance that these tortillas would be as fresh as one can get. And they were. Not only that, the meats inside them were incredible. We tried the birria, carne asada, crispy fish, and smoked chicken, all of which were conversation-silencing delicious. I'm also not a bit embarrassed to admit I sipped straight from the small cup of that rich consommé that's meant as a dipping broth for the birria tacos. If I had to pick a least favorite from the bunch, it would be the smoked chicken, but that's not to say they were bad; the other ones just blew me away far more. The chicken tacos were packed with tender meat and redolent of smoked wood, a flavor I wouldn't have expected to encounter in the middle of a shopping mall. Most of the restaurant space seems to be reserved for the ordering and food prep area, but there's a decently sized seating area right outside the restaurant and even more places to sit a little further away from Carlito's if the tables are full."

— Jane C

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a year ago

"UPDATE March 2025- great stays great! These are still the best tacos in NJ. The birria and fish are a must. Despite what you might think about buying tacos at the mall these are absolutely the best tacos you'll buy no matter where they are. There is nothing better than the quesa-taco from Carlitos be it the recently added fish, the pulled pork, the brisket, the veggie with the fried plantain, you name it it's all perfect. So if you're a local head over, if you're driving through make a stop for Carlitos.."

— Bill

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

a year ago

"Not to say every time I visit Carlitos everyone is so welcoming and sweet their fish tacos are the star of the menu. I’m a very picky eater and yesterday I happen to request something special and that’s never been requested. I ordered fish with everything that goes on top of the taco except the tortilla with their spicy mayo sauce on the side it’s something different that’s not in the menu (not my first time doing special request that aren’t in the menu). So anytime you need to make any adjustments or special request let them know. Thank you to everyone at Carlitos for always making my experience with them so great and special!!"

— Keisha Carrasco Goméz

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Carlitos Barbecue Taqueria located in Paramus?

Carlitos is located at 1 Garden State Plaza Blvd, Space D-2, Paramus, NJ 07652, inside Garden State Plaza. It is on the outer ring of the mall, so look for it along the plaza-level storefronts.

What are your hours?

Carlitos is open Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. The Paramus location is closed on Sundays.

What makes Carlitos different from a regular taqueria?

Carlitos combines pit smoked barbecue technique with Mexican taqueria culture. The proteins are slow smoked, not griddled or shortcuts, which gives the tacos a depth of flavor you don't typically find in a fast-casual setting.

Can I order online?

Yes. Online ordering is available through the Carlitos website at carlitostacos.com. You can place an order for pickup at the Paramus location or check availability at other locations.

Does Carlitos offer catering?

Carlitos offers full catering services for events ranging from office lunches to private gatherings. They also book as a food truck, which means they can bring the smoker and the full menu directly to your venue.

Are there other Carlitos locations besides Paramus?

Yes. In addition to Garden State Plaza in Paramus, Carlitos operates at Newark Airport Terminal A, in Lyndhurst, NJ, and at Smorgasburg World Trade Center in New York City.

What should I order on my first visit?

Reviewers consistently highlight the quesotacos as a must-try. The general advice from first-timers is to order a variety of items to sample the range. The food is affordable enough that exploring the menu without breaking the bank is very doable.

Hours of Operation

Monday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Tuesday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Wednesday 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Thursday Today 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Saturday 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Sunday Closed

Pit Smoked Tacos. Bold Flavors. No Apologies.

About Us

What We Offer

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

More from the neighborhood

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Dave's Hot Chicken

Elks Lodge

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Pit Smoked Tacos. Bold Flavors. No Apologies.

About Us

What We Offer

Gallery

What Our Customers Say

Frequently Asked Questions

Hours of Operation

Get In Touch

More from the neighborhood

El Asadero Mexican Grill Rochelle Park

Dave's Hot Chicken

Elks Lodge

Viva Margarita

Humdingers

More places nearby