Weak drinks, dry appetizers disappoint at Carlos O'Brien's

By KELLY WILSON
Get Out

The spot: Carlos O'Brien's Mexican Restaurant, 1125 W. Elliot Road, Tempe

Happy hour: 3 to 7 p.m. daily and 9 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 9 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday

The vibe: The bar area — where happy hour is offered — is packed on this early Thursday evening. Couples and groups of friends in their 20s to 40s fill the bar. Colorful, illuminated liquor signs decorate the bar's walls and four TVs show a football game, which a group of young men are intently watching.

The food deals: Half-off appetizers

The drink deals: $2.50 well drinks, original margaritas and 20-ounce domestic drafts, $3 Mexican bottled beer, Jose Cuervo Gold Margarita, strawberry margarita, 20-ounce Dos Equis drafts, Amber or Lager

The review: The taquitos come in an order of six and are packed with shredded beef. They're also covered with melted cheese and guacamole. Unfortunately, the taquitos are extremely hard and the shredded beef is dry, which makes this appetizer unappealing. The guacamole dip, which comes with a hearty side of salty tortilla chips, is average. The mini chimis, however, are delicious. They come in an order of six and have a flaky covering. They're filled with chicken and cream cheese. And the strawberry margarita is sweet and refreshing, but pretty weak for a drink made with tequila. All in all, this chain restaurant's happy hour won't have us jetting to south Tempe anytime soon.

The inside scoop: The bar features a TV lounge with a big-screen TV, a comfy sofa, tables and chairs. There is also a DVD player so patrons can watch old “Friends” or “Sex and the City” DVDs.

Info: and www.carlos obriens.net