Carlos O’Kelly’s brings a taste of Mexico to the Midwest with chimichangas, enchiladas, and their famous white queso that arrives bubbling hot. If you are looking for a full Carlos O’Kelly’s Menu with Prices breakdown before you head out the door, you have landed in the right spot. We have gathered the latest costs for their most popular dishes so you can plan your order without any surprises.
This guide covers the classics, the combos, the desserts, and the drinks. You will also find some tips on how to save a few bucks and what to skip if you are watching your wallet. Let’s get right into the food.
Carlos O’Kelly’s Menu With Prices
Below you will find a clear list of the main menu categories. Prices can shift slightly depending on the location and the time of year. The numbers you see here are based on the standard dine-in menu from the most recent release. Always check your local store for the final price tag.
Appetizers And Starters
You cannot start a meal here without ordering the queso. It is a house specialty and it comes out sizzling. Here are the most common starters and their current costs.
- White Queso Dip (small) – $6.99
- White Queso Dip (large) – $9.49
- Guacamole Fresco – $8.29
- Nachos Supreme – $10.99
- Chicken Quesadilla (appetizer size) – $9.79
- Mexican Eggrolls – $9.29
- Chips and Salsa (bottomless) – $3.49
- Spinach Dip – $8.99
If you are dining with a group, the bottomless chips and salsa are a solid deal. You can ask for extra jalapenos or a side of their creamy habanero sauce at no extra cost. Just be polite and the server will usually hook you up.
Combination Dinners
This is where the value lives on the menu. You get to pick two or three items from a list of classics. It is a great way to try a little bit of everything.
- Two Item Combo – $11.99
- Three Item Combo – $13.49
- Add a Chalupa to any combo – $1.79
- Add a Tamale to any combo – $2.29
Your choices for the combo include hard or soft tacos, enchiladas, burritos, chimichangas, and tostadas. You also get to pick your sauce. The red sauce is mild, the green sauce is a bit tangy, and the chili con carne is the heaviest option.
I usualy go with the three item combo and swap one item for a side of rice. It fills me up for the rest of the day.
Burritos And Chimichangas
The chimichanga is a deep-fried burrito. It is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They top it with lettuce, tomato, and sour cream unless you ask for it “wet” with enchilada sauce.
- Original Beef Burrito – $10.49
- Chicken Burrito – $10.79
- Chimichanga (Beef or Chicken) – $11.29
- Shredded Pork Chimichanga – $11.79
- Veggie Burrito – $9.99
The shredded pork is the most flavorful option in this section. It is slow cooked and has a little bit of a smoky kick. If you like spice, ask for the jalapeno ranch on the side.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas here are rolled and smothered in your choice of sauce. They are baked in the oven until the cheese on top is bubbly and browned at the edges.
- Cheese Enchiladas (3) – $10.29
- Beef Enchiladas (3) – $11.49
- Chicken Enchiladas (3) – $11.49
- Enchiladas Verdes – $11.99
- Enchiladas Suizas – $12.29
The Enchiladas Suizas come with a creamy tomatillo sauce and a pile of melted white cheese. It is rich, so you might want to share a side of beans with a friend.
Tacos And Salads
If you want something lighter, the taco plates are a good middle ground. They are not as heavy as the chimichangas but still come with rice and beans on the side.
- Crispy Tacos (3) – $10.79
- Soft Tacos (3) – $10.79
- Street Tacos (3) – $11.29
- Taco Salad (Bowl) – $9.99
- Chicken Fajita Salad – $10.99
The street tacos are smaller but they pack more flavor. They come with diced onions, cilantro, and a lime wedge. You will need to squeeze the lime over the top before you eat them.
Fajitas And Sizzling Platters
Fajitas are the showstopper at most tables. They arrive on a cast iron skillet with a cloud of steam. The portion is big enough for two people if you order extra tortillas.
- Chicken Fajitas – $14.99
- Steak Fajitas – $16.49
- Shrimp Fajitas – $16.99
- Combination Fajitas (Chicken and Steak) – $17.29
- Fajita Quesadilla – $12.99
You get a side of warm flour tortillas, sour cream, pico de gallo, and shredded cheese with every platter. The steak fajitas are the most popular, but the shrimp version is surprisingly good if you want to change it up.
Specialties And House Favorites
This section has the dishes that do not fit into the standard categories. They are the chefs specials and the heavier plates.
- Pork Carnitas – $13.99
- Carne Asada – $15.99
- Chile Relleno – $12.49
- Mexican Lasagna – $12.99
- Grilled Chicken Plate – $13.29
The Mexican Lasagna is a layered dish with tortillas, ground beef, beans, and cheese. It is not on the regular menu at every location, so ask your server if they have it today.
Kids Menu
If you have little ones, the kids menu is simple and affordable. Every meal comes with a small drink and a side of fruit or fries.
- Kids Taco – $5.99
- Kids Quesadilla – $5.99
- Kids Chicken Tenders – $6.49
- Kids Cheese Enchilada – $5.99
Kids under three eat free when they share with an adult. That is a nice perk if you have a toddler who will only eat the tortilla off the taco anyway.
Desserts
Save room for the fried ice cream. It is the classic way to end the meal. The outside is warm and crispy, and the inside is cold and sweet.
- Fried Ice Cream – $5.99
- Churros (4 pieces) – $4.99
- Chocolate Sopapillas – $5.49
- Flan – $4.79
The churros come with a side of caramel dipping sauce. They are dusted with cinnamon sugar and are best eaten while they are still hot.
Drinks And Margaritas
The drink menu is extensive. They have a full bar at most locations. The margaritas are the main attraction, but you can also get beer, wine, or a simple soda.
- House Margarita (12 oz) – $6.99
- House Margarita (16 oz) – $8.99
- Top Shelf Margarita – $9.99
- Strawberry Margarita – $8.49
- Mango Margarita – $8.49
- Soft Drinks (bottomless) – $2.99
- Domestic Beer – $4.49
- Imported Beer – $5.29
Happy hour runs from 3 PM to 6 PM on weekdays. During that time, the house margaritas are two for one at some locations. You should call ahead to confirm because not every store participates.
Lunch Specials
If you go during the weekday lunch rush, you can get a smaller portion for a lower price. The lunch menu is available from 11 AM to 3 PM.
- Lunch Burrito – $7.99
- Lunch Enchilada Plate – $7.49
- Lunch Taco Salad – $7.99
- Soup and Salad Combo – $6.99
The lunch portions are about half the size of the dinner plates. If you have a big appetite, you might be better off ordering the regular dinner portion and taking half home for later.
Tips For Saving Money
Eating out adds up fast. Here are a few practical ways to keep the bill lower when you visit Carlos O’Kelly’s.
- Go during happy hour for discounted drinks and appetizers.
- Skip the bottled water and order the tap water with lemon.
- Share a fajita platter with a friend. The portion is huge.
- Use the rewards app. They often send out a free queso coupon for your birthday.
- Ask for extra salsa instead of buying a side of guacamole.
Also, the servers are happy to box up your leftovers. The chimichanga actually reheats pretty well in an air fryer the next day.
Nutritional Information
If you are counting calories, you should know that this is not a light menu. Most of the entrees are over 800 calories. The chimichangas and the nachos are the highest on the list. The grilled chicken plate and the street tacos are the lower calorie options.
You can ask for the full nutrition guide at the counter. They also have a PDF online if you want to check before you arrive. The white queso is about 120 calories per serving, but it is very hard to eat just one serving.
Gluten Free And Allergen Options
Carlos O’Kelly’s does offer a few gluten free choices. The corn tortillas are safe. You can order any of the tacos with corn tortillas instead of flour. The rice and beans are also gluten free. However, the fryer is shared, so the chimichangas and the fried ice cream are not safe for celiacs.
If you have a severe allergy, tell your server. The kitchen staff will clean the prep area and change their gloves. They take allergens seriously, but you should always double check your order when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions people have about the pricing and the menu at this restaurant chain.
Does Carlos O’Kelly’s have a senior discount?
Yes, most locations offer a 10% discount for guests over the age of 55. You need to ask for it before you pay. It is not automatically applied to the bill.
Are the prices the same at every location?
No, the prices can vary by state and city. The cost of food and labor is different in each market. The prices listed here are the average, but you might see a difference of about fifty cents to a dollar.
Can you order the Carlos O’Kelly’s menu with prices online?
Yes, you can view the full menu on their official website. You can also order through third party delivery apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Keep in mind that delivery apps often mark up the prices by 15 to 20 percent.
Is the queso free with chips?
No, the queso is a paid item. The chips and salsa are complimentary while you are seated. If you want the white queso, you have to order it separately.
Do they offer a military discount?
Some locations do offer a 10% military discount for active duty and veterans. You need to show your military ID. It is best to ask the manager on duty because this is not a national policy.
Final Thoughts On The Menu
Carlos O’Kelly’s is a reliable spot for solid Mexican-American food. The prices are reasonable for the portion sizes you recieve. The white queso and the chimichangas are the standout items. If you are on a budget, stick to the lunch specials or the two item combo.
Remember that the menu changes slightly by season. They often add a limited time item in the fall, like a pumpkin spice margarita or a special enchilada. Check the local flyer or the app to see what is currently available at your nearest store.
So next time you are hungry for some comfort food, you know what to expect when you open the menu. Go ahead and order the queso first. You won’t regret it.