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Reviews

Great food and great people. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed. The chicken is phenomenal
Great food and great people. Highly recommend. You won't be disappointed. The chicken is phenomenal and their rice options - you can't go wrong with what you choose.
Humberto G. via yelp.com - Jan 16, 2022
Great food and great service.
Kyle Hall via google.com - Jan 7, 2022
This is our goto place and normally LOVE it!! Tonight, unfortunately, I'd this was our first time, w
This is our goto place and normally LOVE it!! Tonight, unfortunately, I'd this was our first time, we probably wouldn't come back. I ordered the sandwich with no bun, with a lettuce wrap instead. I order this all the time and it's enough for my husband and I both share it. This time, the lettuce was wilted in areas, the tomato was th ... read more
Angie G. via yelp.com - Jan 7, 2022
The place has authentic Mexican options, I like their green sauce. I would recommend to call in for a pickup as there is a wait time (minimum ten mins) for your food to be ready. The staff are amiable and the place brings good tex mex decor... happy tacoing!!!
Sai Raj Kappari via google.com - Dec 27, 2021
I love dark chicken.
陈何泽 via google.com - Dec 27, 2021
Delicious charcoal charbroiled/rotisserie Peruvian Chicken. This is a difficult review to write as m
Delicious charcoal charbroiled/rotisserie Peruvian Chicken. This is a difficult review to write as my mouth keeps watering thinking about it. I don't live close to Charlottesville or I'd be on my way! I ordered the Cemitas or Mexican sandwich with avocado, choice of meat (chicken), red onion, creamy Oaxaca cheese and chipotle mayo. I ... read more
Vania C. via yelp.com - Dec 27, 2021
I've been to this place several times now and love it! I especially like the fried plantains, and th
I've been to this place several times now and love it! I especially like the fried plantains, and the flavors are incredible. Service is quick, food is good, I would definitely recommend!
Peter P. via yelp.com - Dec 24, 2021
Never been disappointed with the service and food. The prices are reasonable and portions are perfec
Never been disappointed with the service and food. The prices are reasonable and portions are perfect. One of my favorite restaurants in all of Charlottesville.
Aarone1012 .. via yelp.com - Dec 21, 2021
Used to go to this place all the time during my undergraduate career and I'm glad to see that the bu
Used to go to this place all the time during my undergraduate career and I'm glad to see that the business is alive and well. The poblano rice and plantains are just as I remembered as well as the chicken! For those of you who are new to here, the chicken is a rotisserie styled chicken cooked over open flame. Peruvian spices are rubb ... read more
Ben Y. via yelp.com - Dec 20, 2021
Food is awesome, staff is friendly. Can't wait to go back!!
Felicia Knighting via google.com - Dec 19, 2021
The food was VERY fresh. Every item on my plate came out steaming hot straight from the kitchen. The
The food was VERY fresh. Every item on my plate came out steaming hot straight from the kitchen. The star of my dish were the plantain chips--thick and full of flavor. The rice was delicious. The meat was a bit on the dryer side, and for the price I paid, I expected more meat rather than sides. Overall, this is a pretty decent establ ... read more
Andy N. via yelp.com - Dec 14, 2021
LOVE!!!!
Zachary Border via google.com - Dec 9, 2021
Delicious chicken and fried yucca ... read more
James Bradford via google.com - Dec 5, 2021
Gave me wrong order.
Phil Chaney via google.com - Dec 4, 2021
Never leave hungry! Large dining room and ample parking. The food is great and worth the wait. Always busy - once you go you will want to go back.
R Savage via google.com - Dec 3, 2021
Al Carbon is absolutely delicious and so well priced. I find myself craving it all the time, always
Al Carbon is absolutely delicious and so well priced. I find myself craving it all the time, always have such a wonderful time when I eat there. My favorite menu item is the elote :) ... read more
Talia S. via yelp.com - Nov 30, 2021
This place is great. The food is tasty and authentic and reasonably priced. If you're into this type
This place is great. The food is tasty and authentic and reasonably priced. If you're into this type of food, you definitely won't be let down.
Amanda C. via yelp.com - Nov 29, 2021
This place is easily one of my favorites in Charlottesville! The chicken is always perfectly cooked and exceedingly flavorful. The esquite (sp?) is off the chain and is a must have- get it today!
Daniel Mills via google.com - Nov 28, 2021
We’ve recently moved from Latin America and to carbon is *authentic*. We love the yucca fries, sweet potatoes and elote corn. You have to get the cilantro/jalapeño sauce 🤤 ... read more
Brinn Garcia-Mcghee via google.com - Nov 20, 2021
Got there at 5:30 pm, just before the dinner crowd got there. If you love meat, you have to try their rotisserie chicken. I don't know their secret, but it is delightful. Their sides are authentic Mexican and you won't find them at any other restaurant.
Colin Whitehouse via google.com - Nov 20, 2021
We order the jalapeño cilantro and new item tequila half rib And two margarita. The rosstic chicken
We order the jalapeño cilantro and new item tequila half rib And two margarita. The rosstic chicken is no surprise The rib was very good When you order make sure you Oder the combo And the drink you need to made sure you order with liquor one The one we ordered turn out to be ice cream for $9 each ... read more
Diane C. via yelp.com - Nov 11, 2021
This is one of two places (the other being Sam's Kitchen) that is good, but unfortunately obscured f
This is one of two places (the other being Sam's Kitchen) that is good, but unfortunately obscured from the road by a combination of foliage and the large kohr bros building. My wife got the rotisserie chicken, which was superb. I went for the Plato de carne. The beef was cooked and seasoned well, but for $13 I would have thought the ... read more
Patrick L. via yelp.com - Nov 8, 2021
These folks know their pollo!!! I love the spicy sauces too. Try the fried yucca in leiu of traditio
These folks know their pollo!!! I love the spicy sauces too. Try the fried yucca in leiu of traditional French fries.
Joseph M. via yelp.com - Nov 3, 2021
Found out that they use peanut oil to cook their tortilla shells, so my wife ate them. Need to post something in the restaurant and online for folks with severe nut allergies. My wife said the meal was great though.
Scott Roth via google.com - Oct 29, 2021
Great flautas! Everything I've had here has been really well done, and a good value too!
Sam Freeman via google.com - Oct 28, 2021
This place has really good food. The semita de milanesa is plain delicious. The chiles toreados, the roasted chicken are my favorite. Folks are very friendly and service is quick.
G Gutz via google.com - Oct 26, 2021
really really so very good ... read more
Tanner Dellett-Wion via google.com - Oct 24, 2021
The chicken here is REALLY good. They cook it on a rotisserie and you can literally taste the smoked flavor that the flames give it. I highly recommend trying any of their chicken here. I got the flautas- I was worried that 4 flautas wouldn’t make me feel full, but it is definitely enough for a meal. Also, I recommend their chicken b ... read more
The Shameless Foodie via google.com - Oct 24, 2021
Ok if you go here please get a camita, this sandwich WAS AMAZING! So much chicken and fresh Oaxaca c
Ok if you go here please get a camita, this sandwich WAS AMAZING! So much chicken and fresh Oaxaca cheese! I would recommend asking for extra sauce on the side- the portion is large and can be a little dry but otherwise excellent!
Sheena S. via yelp.com - Oct 22, 2021
Love this place. Veggie options, burrito and tacos, are always a hit! I love to order the veggie bur
Love this place. Veggie options, burrito and tacos, are always a hit! I love to order the veggie burrito with the taco mix, mushrooms and potatoes. It is the best burrito in Charlottesville.
Shaina K. via yelp.com - Oct 21, 2021
Amazing Peruvian Food
If you have been to Peru then this place will give you all the Peruvian vibes. The staff is very friendly and very fast but you will have to wait as they are usually busy. It is worth the wait though!
cuy_girl via tripadvisor.com - Oct 19, 2021
I was told this place has really good Peruvian chicken so I decided to try it. I got the chicken cem
I was told this place has really good Peruvian chicken so I decided to try it. I got the chicken cemita, a side of plantains, and an horchata. The chicken was pretty good. It was tender and juicy. The cemita was like half chicken and half cheese. There was some avocado and that's about it (I had them hold the bacon). Had I known that ... read more
Benjamin L. via yelp.com - Oct 15, 2021
The folks at Al Carbon roast a mean chicken. The birds here arrive juicy and well seasoned in a rich
The folks at Al Carbon roast a mean chicken. The birds here arrive juicy and well seasoned in a rich, piquant marinade. The chickens here are decently sized, and a half chicken should easily fill up one diner. My wife and I always go for the economical "la familia" meal, which comes with a whole chicken, three sides, and two salsas. ... read more
Neil S. via yelp.com - Oct 14, 2021
This place consistently turns out Delicious Rotisserie Chicken
I look forward to coming to Charlottesville on business as this restaurant is always busy and they’re courteous it’s no-frills and the food is great. They have delicious sides to offer with Peruvian rotisserie equipment for their outstanding moist chicken. They have expanded during Covid and the tables are very far apart and they als ... read more
SandyR502 via tripadvisor.com - Oct 6, 2021
Excellent and Fast Service along with scrumptious and savory food.
Robert Crawford via google.com - Oct 4, 2021
Amazing food, wonderful people!
Ray F via google.com - Oct 3, 2021
I'm not sure I've had anything bad here. This place is amazing if you are looking for authentic Mexican food. The chicken, ribs, tacos, roasted vegetables are all just great tasting. And the cost is crazy low considering the portions you get.
Korn Nutz via google.com - Oct 3, 2021
Went out for lunch there and the service was good, the food was excellent, and management does a very good job at keeping the place clean and in order. Would definitely recommend going here.
Curtis Glick via google.com - Oct 2, 2021
A bit of a wait for not being very busy. Had I been on a tight lunch break I would have had to eat my food on my way back to work. Had a couple of the tacos and the enchilada with beans. It was all just OK, good but lacking in seasonings and I didn't see any hot sauce or anything to add readily available, so I just ate and left. The ... read more
Kenny D via google.com - Sep 30, 2021
This place is delicious! Not much in the way of decor but if you want to get lost in a great and sim
This place is delicious! Not much in the way of decor but if you want to get lost in a great and simple meal with amazing transparency (open kitchen)...this is your place. Bring great friends, you'll still be chatting while they are closing and be amazed so much time has passed.
History B. via yelp.com - Sep 28, 2021
The best quality price ratio for delicious Peruvian chicken and sides! My review was deemed as short
The best quality price ratio for delicious Peruvian chicken and sides! My review was deemed as short but less is more in this case, this is delicious food. The staff is also super nice ... read more
Simonetta L. via yelp.com - Sep 21, 2021
This is the best restaurant in town. It is always delicious. Everything I have ever had from there has been delicious. This is the only place in town, that if it were to close down, I would be devastated. I am making myself hungry just writing this review.
Paul Schneider via google.com - Sep 15, 2021
Authentic Mexican food. Pleasant staff and environment.
Christine Harcum via google.com - Sep 9, 2021
One of the BEST places in Charlottesville. Their chicken samitas, guac, and their fries are incredible. You will be in love with their chicken.
Summer Dahlen via google.com - Sep 4, 2021
One of our favorite restaurants in cville. It's a little up 29 so if you live on the north side it's
One of our favorite restaurants in cville. It's a little up 29 so if you live on the north side it's great! We LOVE their cemite sandwiches, carne asada burritos, tacos, fried plantains, and mixed vegetables. You cannot beat it. The green pablano rice is amazing. Highly recommend!!!
Katelyn B. via yelp.com - Aug 25, 2021
Fabulous Chicken for the price and friendly Staff.
Greg Morris via google.com - Aug 24, 2021
I forget about this wonderful place and met a friend here tonight. The Flautas are now my new favorite and I see myself grabbing these several times a week ... read more
Chris Daschbach via google.com - Aug 21, 2021
You have to get either a half chicken with any of the sides - because they are all delicious - or th
You have to get either a half chicken with any of the sides - because they are all delicious - or the tacos! The jalapeño cilantro sauce is *chef kiss* so freaking good. I absolutely love this place - it's my favorite lunch spot with the hubs. -5th street location is so convenient and just as tasty!
Marylee B. via yelp.com - Aug 20, 2021
Great chicken and huge portions. 2 piece dark chicken, 2 sides. I'm 4'8" 320 and couldn't finish it
Great chicken and huge portions. 2 piece dark chicken, 2 sides. I'm 4'8" 320 and couldn't finish it all. Those aren't my dimensions I just needed to fill space to write this review.
Harry W. via yelp.com - Aug 18, 2021
Fresh, above expectations. Also the soft serve margarita was amazing. The salt add is knowledgeable
Fresh, above expectations. Also the soft serve margarita was amazing. The salt add is knowledgeable and friendly.
Brandi D. via yelp.com - Aug 17, 2021
Excellent Peruvian chicken! That's what this rating is for. The menu is broader than most other chicken places so I'll be back to try other choices. I should add that 1 side order of fries is enough for 2 to 3 people.
Steve T via google.com - Aug 12, 2021
Hands down the BEST Mexican place in town! Went to visit a friend in Charlottesville and this came up, I ordered about $80 worth of food and it was all worth it. Left overs were so good too! It's definitely hot in there especially when it gets busy. Their Jamaica water was refreshing.
Virginia via google.com - Aug 12, 2021
The chicken was so tender and the fried yuca was so so good..
The chicken was so tender and the fried yuca was so so good..
Mina J. via yelp.com - Aug 7, 2021
The food is very well seasoned and delicious. Only 3 stars due to decor and sauce choices. Luckily, the rotisserie chicken is so well seasoned with a very nice smoke ring, the sauce isn't needed.
Unique Allah via google.com - Aug 6, 2021
Dry ... read more
Mike dean via google.com - Aug 4, 2021
Got takeout from the new 5th street location. The food was amazing as usual and packaged well. Servi
Got takeout from the new 5th street location. The food was amazing as usual and packaged well. Service was very quick and the woman who served me was excellent.
Maddy E. via yelp.com - Aug 3, 2021
Delicious. Burritos are inexpensive and make two meals. Get the street corn, and the horchata. So delicious. Fast service. RIP Choo Choo Town tho.
Cas Crim via google.com - Aug 1, 2021
Tiene el mejor menú buen sazon es una delicia comida 😋
Tiene el mejor menú buen sazon es una delicia comida 😋 ... read more
Ariela Solahs via facebook.com - Jul 31, 2021
The chicken is ok but the yuca portion is ridiculous and as well with the sauces what they give me a
The chicken is ok but the yuca portion is ridiculous and as well with the sauces what they give me as a yuca portion I get at a real Peruvian place 5times the serving. Not a bad place.
Christopher C. via yelp.com - Jul 31, 2021
We've been coming here since they were just a tiny place looking to build a reputation. Always one of the best meals in Charlottesville. We love the chicken so much we don't ever try anything else on the menu. We'll need to rethink that and see what else we could love. Great place!
T via google.com - Jul 27, 2021
Authentic and delicious food!
Authentic and delicious food!
Connie Cole Barajas via facebook.com - Jul 25, 2021
Very good! We had plantains, yucca fries and a "breaded beef" cemita (Mexican sandwich). The fresh oaxaca cheese on the sandwich was enough of a reason to go back!
Andrea Patton via google.com - Jul 25, 2021
Great roasted chicken. The street corn was great but spicy.
Nikki Brown via google.com - Jul 24, 2021
I'm a picky eater, I'll definitely be back 👍 ... read more
John M via google.com - Jul 23, 2021
Popular place. The food is different from standard Mexican however ... It's Peruvian. Don't expect the standard tex mex stuff here. If you like Plantains and Yucca you may fit right in ... read more
Jacob Smith via google.com - Jul 21, 2021
Good Peruvian food for a great price.
Dipa via google.com - Jul 20, 2021
Okay I love Al Carbon more than most things in life. Everything they make is amazing. My favorites a
Okay I love Al Carbon more than most things in life. Everything they make is amazing. My favorites are the shrimp tacos, elotes, fried plantains (get 2 orders so you can eat them again the next day), and of course the chicken. My husband loves the ribs, too. Well today they debuted (brace yourselves) SOFT SERVE MARGARITAS. Yes you re ... read more
Sarah T. via yelp.com - Jul 15, 2021
We’ve always had a great experience here, but lately it’s gone downhill. The last several times we’ve ordered, they’ve forgotten a side or my plantain sauce (which they charge extra for the smidge they give you) and today, the guy argued with my husband that corn “on the cob” comes in a cup. No, that would be corn “off the cob”. Disa ... read more
Kimberly Stevens via google.com - Jul 14, 2021
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