I have been to Carlito's twice now - within a week. Both times I have left wildly confused having only a basic idea of what I ordered and thinking to myself, "What just happened?" Luckily, I'm willing to eat just about anything twice. Both times I've eaten at Carlito's my stomach was in love and I found myself calculating my next visit.
This is a cafeteria style restaurant and ordering is odd - but just go with it. There are no signs, no labels. You walk to the food counter and start with your rice. Then you pick a meat. Then your side.
My first trip I ordered the white rice that is cooked with black beans, BBQ pork, and plantains. The rice was flavorful, the pork melted off the bone, and the plantains had perfectly caramelized edges. I also ordered two Papas Rellenas. It's the most popular type of croquette in Latin America and it's a delicious fried potato stuffed with ground beef. I was going to bring the second one home for my roommate. It was so good that I ate it too! The mashed potatoes were like butter.
My second trip I landed on the yellow rice (it has some sort of sausage too), pulled pork with onion, and yucca fries. I didn't care for this rice as much but it was still good. The pork was oh-so-salty but in a good way. The meat was fatty and packed with flavor and the onions perfectly caramelized. Don't get me started on the yucca fries. That crunch! That flavor!
The dishes are always changing and I have yet to try something I didn't like and I've tried a lot of things I've loved. I wish there was a lot more guidance on the ordering process and what is being served - but for now, I'll let it slide for another Papas Rellenas.
Pro-Tip: It's cash only but they have an ATM inside.