Families returning to La Carreta often ask one question first—how much have the prices changed since their last visit? If you are looking for the La Carreta Menu with Prices before you head out the door, you have come to the right spot. We have broken down the current costs, portion sizes, and the best value items so you can order with confidence.
La Carreta is a beloved spot for homestyle Latin American cooking, especially if you grew up eating rice, beans, and plantains at your abuela’s table. The menu is big, but the pricing stays fair for the amount of food you recieve. Below, you will find a clear breakdown of every section, from breakfast to dinner, plus the combos that give you the most bang for your buck.
La Carreta Menu With Prices
We have organized this guide by meal time and category. Prices are based on the most recent standard menu, but always check with your local store because some locations add a small surcharge. The good news is that most entree prices have stayed under the $15 mark, which is rare for sit-down family dining these days.
Breakfast Items And Morning Prices
Breakfast is served all day at many La Carreta locations, which is perfect for late risers. The Desayuno Tipico is the classic choice, with two eggs, fried plantains, and your pick of carne asada or chorizo. That plate runs about $9.99. If you want a lighter start, the Huevos Rancheros come in at $8.49 and include a light tomato sauce that is not too spicy.
- Desayuno Tipico (eggs, plantains, meat) – $9.99
- Huevos Rancheros – $8.49
- Breakfast Burrito (with home fries) – $7.79
- Pan con Huevo (egg sandwich on Cuban bread) – $4.99
Do not skip the café con leche. A small cup is $2.50 and a large is $3.25. It is strong, sweet, and the perfect companion to any egg dish. If you are feeding kids, the pancake combo is only $5.99 and comes with two small pancakes and a side of fruit.
Appetizers And Shared Plates
Starting with an appetizer is a smart move if you are sharing. The Yuca Frita is a crowd pleaser at $6.49, served with a garlic mojo sauce that you will want to bottle. The Tostones Rellenos, which are stuffed with chicken or beef, are priced at $7.99. These are filling enough to be a light meal for one person.
For a bigger group, order the Combo Appetizer Platter for $12.99. It includes a little bit of everything: chicken empanadas, beef croquettes, and cheese filled fried plantain balls. That platter easily feeds three or four people if you also order drinks.
Soups And Salads
The Caldo de Res (beef soup) is a hearty bowl with chunks of corn, cabbage, and tender beef. A bowl is $10.99 and it is honestly enough for two meals. The Sopa de Pollo (chicken soup) is lighter on the wallet at $8.49, but still packed with rice and vegetables.
If you prefer something cold, the Ensalada Tropical includes grilled chicken, avocado, and mango slices. That salad is $9.79. Ask for the dressing on the side because they give you a generous amount that can overwhelm the greens if poured on top.
Lunch Specials (Weekday Only)
This is where you save the most money. From Monday to Friday, between 11 AM and 3 PM, La Carreta offers a Lunch Special that includes an entree, rice, beans, and a small drink. The special price changes daily, but it usually hovers around $8.99. You can pick from a rotating list like roasted chicken, picadillo, or a small steak.
One thing to note: the lunch special is not available on holidays or weekends. Also, the drink is a small fountain soda or a glass of house-made horchata. If you want a larger drink, you will pay the difference, which is usually about fifty cents.
Main Entrees: Chicken, Beef, And Pork
The main menu is where La Carreta shines. The Pollo a la Plancha (grilled chicken breast) is a safe bet at $11.49. It comes with your choice of two sides, like white rice, black beans, or sweet plantains. The chicken is always juicy, not dried out like at some other chains.
For beef lovers, the Carne Asada is the star. A full plate with chimichurri sauce, rice, beans, and a small salad is $14.99. The steak is thin but well seasoned. If you are extra hungry, the Bistec Encebollado (steak with onions) is $13.49 and comes with a pile of sauteed onions that add a sweet flavor.
Pork dishes are also popular. The Masitas de Cerdo (fried pork chunks) are $12.29. They are crispy on the outside and tender inside. You get a generous portion, usually enough to take half home for lunch the next day.
Seafood Options
Seafood at La Carreta is simple but good. The whole fried fish (Pescado Frito) is market price, but it usually lands around $15.99. It is a large fish, so consider sharing it. The Camarones al Ajillo (garlic shrimp) are $14.49 and come in a buttery garlic sauce that is great for dipping bread.
If you are on a budget, the shrimp tacos are a better deal at $10.99 for three tacos. They are not huge, but they are loaded with shrimp and a creamy slaw. Just be aware that the seafood section does not include sides unless specified, so you might need to add rice for an extra $2.00.
Combination Plates And Family Meals
The combination plates are the best value for indecisive eaters. You can pick two items from a list that includes a chicken taco, a beef empanada, a small tamale, and a mini burrito. The two-item combo is $9.99 and comes with rice and beans. A three-item combo is $11.99, which is a lot of food for the price.
For families or large groups, the Family Pack is the way to go. It costs $34.99 and includes a whole roasted chicken, a large container of rice, a large container of beans, and 12 tortillas. This easily feeds four adults. You can add a large side of plantains for an extra $4.00. This is one of the most economical options on the entire menu.
Kids Menu
The kids menu is simple and affordable. Every kids meal is $5.49 and includes a small drink and a side of fries or fruit. Choices include chicken fingers, a small cheeseburger, or a cheese quesadilla. For the little ones who want to try Latin food, there is also a small chicken taco plate. The portions are just right for children under ten.
Desserts And Drinks
Dessert is where you can treat yourself without breaking the bank. The Tres Leches Cake is $4.99 and is moist without being soggy. The Flan is also $4.99, and it has a nice caramel top that is not too bitter. If you are sharing, the Fried Ice Cream is $6.49 and comes with a chocolate or strawberry drizzle.
For drinks, beyond the standard sodas, try the fresh juices. A large glass of tamarind or passion fruit juice is $3.99. The horchata is $3.49 and has a nice cinnamon flavor. Beer and margaritas are available at most locations, with domestic beers starting at $4.50 and margaritas at $6.99.
Tips For Saving Money On Your Visit
You do not have to spend a fortune to eat well at La Carreta. Here are a few practical tips we have learned from regulars:
- Go during the weekday lunch special hours (11 AM to 3 PM) for the cheapest entrees.
- Skip the appetizer and order the two-item combo instead, which includes rice and beans.
- Drink water or bring your own drink if they allow it, since beverages add up fast.
- Look for the “Plato del Dia” board near the register, which sometimes has unadvertised deals.
- Share a Family Pack if you are with three or more people, even if you are not a family.
Another tip: sign up for their email list if they have one at your local store. They occasionally send out a coupon for a free dessert or a percentage off your total. It takes two minutes and can save you five or six bucks.
How To Read The Menu Like A Pro
If you are new to Latin American food, the menu can be a little confusing. Here is a quick cheat sheet. “A la Plancha” means grilled. “Encebollado” means with onions. “Masitas” are fried chunks of meat. “Maduros” are sweet plantains, while “Tostones” are savory fried green plantains.
When you order, you will often be asked if you want your rice and beans “mixed” or “separate.” Mixed is exactly what it sounds like—the rice and beans are stirred together with some seasoning. Separate is cleaner if you are taking food home. Both are the same price, so it is just a preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the La Carreta menu with prices vary by location?
Yes, prices can vary slightly depending on the city and state. Franchise locations sometimes adjust for local cost of living. The differences are usually less than a dollar per item, but the Family Pack might be a bit more expensive in high-rent areas.
Are there any vegetarian options on the menu?
There are a few. The cheese quesadilla, the bean burrito, and the vegetable plate (which includes rice, beans, and plantains) are all meat-free. You can also ask for the Tacos de Papa (potato tacos) if they are available, though they are not always listed on the printed menu.
Is the lunch special cheaper than ordering a la carte?
Yes, the lunch special is usually two to three dollars cheaper than ordering the same items separately. It is the best deal on the menu, but it is only available on weekdays. The portion size is slightly smaller than the dinner portion, but it is still filling.
Can I see a La Carreta menu with prices online before I go?
Most locations have a PDF menu on their official website. However, these are not always updated immediately. It is a good idea to call ahead if you are worried about a specific price. The staff are usually friendly and can tell you the exact cost over the phone.
Do they offer any discounts for seniors or military members?
This depends on the franchise owner. Some locations offer a 10% discount to seniors on Tuesdays, and a few offer military discounts with a valid ID. It is not a chain-wide policy, so you have to ask at the counter. The worst they can say is no.
We hope this guide helps you plan your meal without any surprises. The prices are reasonable for the quality and the portions are generous. Whether you are stopping by for a quick breakfast or a full family dinner, you now have a clear picture of what to expect. Go ahead and order that extra side of maduros—you deserve it.