Carlos O'Kellys is Closing!

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Cyclonesince78

Well-Known Member
Mar 8, 2012
14,395
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The only time I would go to Carlos O'Kelly's when there was a group event or some situation where I had no say. The restaurant that I really really miss in Ames is O'Mally McGhee's. That was some amazing food.
 

cyers

Member
May 31, 2008
66
2
8
That whole stretch of lincoln way between grand and duff could use some redevelopment and liberal use of a bulldozer.

And then turn around and head west from Grand to University, the houses along the north side are in bad shape and it really looks crappy heading to campus.
 

RING4CY

Well-Known Member
Bookie
SuperFanatic
SuperFanatic T2
Mar 20, 2010
8,566
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Ames, IA
I ate at Carlos O'Kellys four times at three different locations in my life. Got physically sick each time.

I'm allergic to Carlos O'Kellys.
 

CyCloned

Well-Known Member
Oct 18, 2006
13,534
6,883
113
Robins, Iowa
I never could understand why Carlos in CR was always so busy. My wife liked it because it wasn't very spicy, but beyond the chips and salsa, the rest of the food was pretty marginal. You could always count on a plate with a huge helping of out of the can refried beans and nasty rice with whatever you ordered. There are a lot better choices in CR, that is for sure. There is a good place on the SW side near where K-mart use to be. Can't remember the name and I am rarely in that part of town when it is time to eat.
 

ISUAlum05

Active Member
Nov 5, 2007
631
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28
Cedar Rapids, IA
I never could understand why Carlos in CR was always so busy. My wife liked it because it wasn't very spicy, but beyond the chips and salsa, the rest of the food was pretty marginal. You could always count on a plate with a huge helping of out of the can refried beans and nasty rice with whatever you ordered. There are a lot better choices in CR, that is for sure. There is a good place on the SW side near where K-mart use to be. Can't remember the name and I am rarely in that part of town when it is time to eat.

El Rancho!
 

ripvdub

Well-Known Member
Mar 20, 2006
8,302
702
113
Iowa
Got tha ***** everytime i ate there. The local mexican places are soooooooooo much better.
 
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SenorCy

Well-Known Member
Aug 29, 2010
1,560
124
63
C.J.
I never could understand why Carlos in CR was always so busy. My wife liked it because it wasn't very spicy, but beyond the chips and salsa, the rest of the food was pretty marginal. You could always count on a plate with a huge helping of out of the can refried beans and nasty rice with whatever you ordered. There are a lot better choices in CR, that is for sure. There is a good place on the SW side near where K-mart use to be. Can't remember the name and I am rarely in that part of town when it is time to eat.
Midwestern white people love them some bland food with the illusion of flavor.
 

Amesboy

Active Member
Feb 25, 2012
1,135
15
38
I have no idea how the one on Westown Parkway stayed open so long. It's such a bad location.

Probably because there are a gazillion people in WDM and just like all the restaurants and fast food joints by Jordan Creek they all seem packed all the time especially weekends.
 

Bobber

Well-Known Member
Apr 12, 2006
8,880
575
113
Hudson, Iowa
They've been unprofitable for a few years, which doesn't surprise me. While generally okay food, it is too expensive to go often. With So many better and cheaper Mexican alternatives in town it isn't surprising.

Some Carlos O'Kellys restaurants closing in Iowa | Local News - KCCI Home

This. Haven't eaten in the one at Waterloo for quite a while because of that. Used to be one of my favorite places, but I found a small family run place that has some of the best food I've ever eaten. Surprisingly some of their seafood is my favorite thing about the place.
 

theantiAIRBHG

Well-Known Member
May 25, 2011
12,065
1,414
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39
Hiawatha, IA
I have never had that but have driven past it many times. I may have to try it now. Thanks for the suggestion! I have been to Adelita's which isn't too far away from Casa Las Glorias and I thought Adelita's was a close second to El Azteca for my favorite mexican restaurant.

Adelitas is delicious. You can get a 5 pound plate of Carnitas and 97 ounce beer for like 10 bucks.