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Part of a laid-back chain offering south-of-the-border staples & a kids’ menu in a festive setting.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 172 Hanover St, Portsmouth, NH 03801
Phone: (603) 427-8319
Website: https://lacarretamex.com/
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Portsmouth – La Carreta Mexican Restaurant
*We do not accept food orders or reservations through email or through our contact form below. Please call 603-427-8319.
La Carreta Portsmouth – Facebook
La Carreta Portsmouth, Portsmouth. 1921 likes · 14 talking about this · 4986 were here. Authentic Mexican food.
La Carreta Portsmouth – Instagram
La Carreta Portsmouth. 03801. Mexican Restaurant•785 posts. $$$$•Closed … Massachusetts & New Hampshire. Finally coming up for air! So greatful to be …
Reviews
Brandi Dittrich
*** THIS REVIEW is for the Portsmouth location but it has been removed from Google Maps, including my recent GPS history of visiting this past Thursday. *** When we arrived around 2:30pm, we were the only people there. The restaurant is clean and smelled nice but you do have to walk upstairs to get to the restaurant area on the 2nd floor. Our server was friendly and had great suggestions based on the questions we asked about our drinks and food. I would describe the entire experience as being just mediocre overall. Meaning, nothing stood out, the prices were okish, nothing would make me want to go back, especially since it’s paid street parking. I did like my food and drinks but my my 2 friends did not. Considering Google Maps took it down between today and this past Thursday I guess says a lot as well.
… moreTahoura Mosavirik
One of the best veggie Fajitas I have ever had! Great margaritas! Highly recommended!
… moreStephen Priest
Great service and good food ! They take cleaning very seriously with a sanitation station and cleaning a table as soon as customers leave. I got a taste of the disinfectant when a breeze blew in my face while eating:). Umbrellas over the tables and Wifi available.
I ordered the 6 piece chicken wings with the hot sauce. My sinuses paid the price! I had the Steak Mexicana as my main course, but, they forgot the guacamole for my salad. For dessert I had the Xango, with cheesecake filling. Fresh unsweetened tea with lemon, with free refill, was my drink. I enjoyed my meal. Complimentary nachos and salsa were offered.
Though service was friendly and my wait time for my food was reasonable, service was a little slow. But, I definitely didn’t feel rushed, but, they forgot to process my Coutopia certificate correctly and took awhile to process my bill.
I enjoyed my view because I kept marveling at how Portsmouth has changed for the better over the decades. A dog was allowed to sit with its owner at the table and was very popular with fellow patrons. The was well behaved.
I recommend a visit.
Update: Saturday afternoon, January 2021; I was seated at the bar and service was good. I had the lunch special#5, taco and a burrito , both with chicken , with Mexican rice. It tasted good.
At the shift change, both bartenders checked on the customers around the bar. They had a little trouble processing my coupon from the Hippo Press newspaper .
Update: Saturday afternoon, May 2021; Outdoor dining has reopened. I ate at the bar. Lunch Special#8, burrito, tostada and Mexican rice . A lot of lettuce on the tostada but I enjoyed my lunch. I couldn’t finish. Large portion. Wifi was working. Friendly service from the bartender. Refill on drink was offered and accepted. No trouble processing my Hippo Press coupon.
Really nice bathroom.
Update: Saturday afternoon, August 2021; Lunch Special #3, Taco , enchilada and Mexican rice. A good lunch. Taco could use tomato and lettuce . Service is still good!
Update: Saturday Afternoon, February 2022; Special Lunch#9, tamale, burrito and Mexican rice, good !
Update: August 2025; Special Lunch #12 was good !
… moreI ordered the 6 piece chicken wings with the hot sauce. My sinuses paid the price! I had the Steak Mexicana as my main course, but, they forgot the guacamole for my salad. For dessert I had the Xango, with cheesecake filling. Fresh unsweetened tea with lemon, with free refill, was my drink. I enjoyed my meal. Complimentary nachos and salsa were offered.
Though service was friendly and my wait time for my food was reasonable, service was a little slow. But, I definitely didn’t feel rushed, but, they forgot to process my Coutopia certificate correctly and took awhile to process my bill.
I enjoyed my view because I kept marveling at how Portsmouth has changed for the better over the decades. A dog was allowed to sit with its owner at the table and was very popular with fellow patrons. The was well behaved.
I recommend a visit.
Update: Saturday afternoon, January 2021; I was seated at the bar and service was good. I had the lunch special#5, taco and a burrito , both with chicken , with Mexican rice. It tasted good.
At the shift change, both bartenders checked on the customers around the bar. They had a little trouble processing my coupon from the Hippo Press newspaper .
Update: Saturday afternoon, May 2021; Outdoor dining has reopened. I ate at the bar. Lunch Special#8, burrito, tostada and Mexican rice . A lot of lettuce on the tostada but I enjoyed my lunch. I couldn’t finish. Large portion. Wifi was working. Friendly service from the bartender. Refill on drink was offered and accepted. No trouble processing my Hippo Press coupon.
Really nice bathroom.
Update: Saturday afternoon, August 2021; Lunch Special #3, Taco , enchilada and Mexican rice. A good lunch. Taco could use tomato and lettuce . Service is still good!
Update: Saturday Afternoon, February 2022; Special Lunch#9, tamale, burrito and Mexican rice, good !
Update: August 2025; Special Lunch #12 was good !
Jasmine Arabia
Five stars hands down!
Atmosphere: daytime- it’s sunny and comfortable with cushioned leather booth or table seating. Nighttime- is a moderately slightly golden dim lighting, good music at a pleasing volume. Very clean and nicely decorated.
Environment:
I have experienced a lively and upbeat environment as well as a very comfortable and relaxing environment. A great place for a fun night out for drinks or dinner. They provide a mood in this place that allows for either a lively night out with friends for a relaxing time. The energy of this place is very adaptable to whatever you bring to the table. I’ve been here when there has been larger groups that were out for a good time & the restaurant adapted very quickly by providing some upbeat music and great volume. There is a lot more that goes into this place then most people give credit for.
Food:
I can’t say enough about The quality of the food. Everything is super fresh and each ingredient is treated properly. The vegetables are super crisp, fresh and juicy, the meat is seasoned perfectly tender and juicy.
My go-to drink: if you’re looking for a drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing, look no further than their Watermelon Margarita! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart coming filled to the brim in a mucho glass! It is truly juicy and refreshing, I only wish they offered pitchres or towers, because after one sip you’re going to want another!
My go-to appetizer:
The deluxe nachos-
The majestic Nacho Supreme: a sumptuous, flavor-packed masterpiece that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
A crunchy foundation of golden-crispy corn chips freshly fried and arranged in a rustic, textured landscape generously topped with a rich, savory tapestry of slow cooked ground beef so unique and unimaginable, I have not tasted anywhere! Truly original and absolutely distinct from any ground beef I’ve had complimented with deliciously seasoned shredded chicken, paired with creamy refried beans, carefully woven & blending harmoniously to create a hearty, comforting flavor profile.
But that’s not all: a generous sprinkling of melted cheese – a velvety, golden blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and perhaps a hint of creamy queso? – is lavished over the top, binding the flavors together in a sumptuous, indulgent harmony.
crowning glory: a vibrant, fresh medley of lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and sliced tomato is arranged atop the nachos, adding a burst of cool, creamy texture and a kaleidoscope of colors to the dish. The crunch of the lettuce, the tang of the sour cream, the silky smoothness of the guacamole, and the juicy sweetness of the tomato all combine to create a truly transcendent flavor & regal nacho experience!
My go-to entree:
The 3 majestic quesabirria tacos-
a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing.
Seasoned tortilla, crispy & pliable, dipped in the slow cooked stew broth of the meat then crisped outter exterior on the grill, serving as the foundation for this masterpiece. Generously Stuffed with a rich, velvety birria meat that has been slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant broth of aromatic spices, chilies, and herbs.
But that’s not all: a generous sprinkling of creamy, melted cheese is woven throughout, binding the flavors together in a delightful harmony of textures.
And then a sprinkle of fresh, zesty onion, a sprinkle of bright, herbaceous cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, all combining to add a burst of freshness and depth to each bite.
Service:
impeccable attention to the smallest details and friendly attitude! I’ve never had bad service here! They go above and beyond to make you feel that your number one! The entire restaurant pays attention to the overall energy of the place and adapts very quickly to provide a more streamlined experience for their customers. If they feel that the place is a little quiet they lower the music, if they feel the energy uplift, they raise the music. They provide a true experience and match your energy level!
… moreAtmosphere: daytime- it’s sunny and comfortable with cushioned leather booth or table seating. Nighttime- is a moderately slightly golden dim lighting, good music at a pleasing volume. Very clean and nicely decorated.
Environment:
I have experienced a lively and upbeat environment as well as a very comfortable and relaxing environment. A great place for a fun night out for drinks or dinner. They provide a mood in this place that allows for either a lively night out with friends for a relaxing time. The energy of this place is very adaptable to whatever you bring to the table. I’ve been here when there has been larger groups that were out for a good time & the restaurant adapted very quickly by providing some upbeat music and great volume. There is a lot more that goes into this place then most people give credit for.
Food:
I can’t say enough about The quality of the food. Everything is super fresh and each ingredient is treated properly. The vegetables are super crisp, fresh and juicy, the meat is seasoned perfectly tender and juicy.
My go-to drink: if you’re looking for a drink that’s as fun as it is refreshing, look no further than their Watermelon Margarita! It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart coming filled to the brim in a mucho glass! It is truly juicy and refreshing, I only wish they offered pitchres or towers, because after one sip you’re going to want another!
My go-to appetizer:
The deluxe nachos-
The majestic Nacho Supreme: a sumptuous, flavor-packed masterpiece that will ignite your taste buds and leave you craving more.
A crunchy foundation of golden-crispy corn chips freshly fried and arranged in a rustic, textured landscape generously topped with a rich, savory tapestry of slow cooked ground beef so unique and unimaginable, I have not tasted anywhere! Truly original and absolutely distinct from any ground beef I’ve had complimented with deliciously seasoned shredded chicken, paired with creamy refried beans, carefully woven & blending harmoniously to create a hearty, comforting flavor profile.
But that’s not all: a generous sprinkling of melted cheese – a velvety, golden blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and perhaps a hint of creamy queso? – is lavished over the top, binding the flavors together in a sumptuous, indulgent harmony.
crowning glory: a vibrant, fresh medley of lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and sliced tomato is arranged atop the nachos, adding a burst of cool, creamy texture and a kaleidoscope of colors to the dish. The crunch of the lettuce, the tang of the sour cream, the silky smoothness of the guacamole, and the juicy sweetness of the tomato all combine to create a truly transcendent flavor & regal nacho experience!
My go-to entree:
The 3 majestic quesabirria tacos-
a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds singing.
Seasoned tortilla, crispy & pliable, dipped in the slow cooked stew broth of the meat then crisped outter exterior on the grill, serving as the foundation for this masterpiece. Generously Stuffed with a rich, velvety birria meat that has been slow-cooked to perfection in a fragrant broth of aromatic spices, chilies, and herbs.
But that’s not all: a generous sprinkling of creamy, melted cheese is woven throughout, binding the flavors together in a delightful harmony of textures.
And then a sprinkle of fresh, zesty onion, a sprinkle of bright, herbaceous cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice, all combining to add a burst of freshness and depth to each bite.
Service:
impeccable attention to the smallest details and friendly attitude! I’ve never had bad service here! They go above and beyond to make you feel that your number one! The entire restaurant pays attention to the overall energy of the place and adapts very quickly to provide a more streamlined experience for their customers. If they feel that the place is a little quiet they lower the music, if they feel the energy uplift, they raise the music. They provide a true experience and match your energy level!
Erica C
I am happy to report that La Carreta has improved since our last visit. While the food isn’t the greatest, we truly enjoy the atmosphere, friendly service, and jumbo margaritas. The outside seating is perfect for people-watching during the summer. During the cooler months, the large interior has a unique style in each room. The service is always friendly and during this visit, we were impressed with the bartender. The Berry Rita was strong, flavorful, and fun!
La Carreta has an extensive menu with dishes from various regions of Mexico. Certain dishes have better presentations and are just genuinely better than others. I would stick with the pork dishes as the meat is always tender, unlike the chicken. The salsa served with the tacos lacked flavor, but the heat was phenomenal and tied together with the Street Taco ingredients. On the plus side, the fresh salsa served with the freshly baked chips was delicious.
If you are looking for a quick meal and a lively atmosphere in Portsmouth then I would give La Carreta a try.
… moreLa Carreta has an extensive menu with dishes from various regions of Mexico. Certain dishes have better presentations and are just genuinely better than others. I would stick with the pork dishes as the meat is always tender, unlike the chicken. The salsa served with the tacos lacked flavor, but the heat was phenomenal and tied together with the Street Taco ingredients. On the plus side, the fresh salsa served with the freshly baked chips was delicious.
If you are looking for a quick meal and a lively atmosphere in Portsmouth then I would give La Carreta a try.
Anna Iker
Absolutely delicious! We had chips, salsa, queso, and guacamole to start and all of it was great! The guacamole was so fresh and flavorful! My husband got a steak quesadilla that was overflowing with cheese and steak. I got a beef burrito, rice, and beans. Best Mexican food I have had in a long time! And if you like strong margaritas this is the place for you. Such a fantastic experiment!
… moreEd Holden
We enjoyed, but had mixed feelings about the food. I loved my simple enchiladas, but the wife’s dish was overly complicated and reportedly didn’t come together well. But chips and salsa were great, and we got queso blanco, which was a highlight. My biggest complaint is that the margarita didn’t use fresh lime juice and was too sweet, but the wife actually liked it better than my authentic homemade ones so YMMV.
… moreMakayla Richardson
If you would like quality service, I would recommend finding another restaurant. Our waitress acted like she had much better things to do than her job. She had an attitude from the beginning and we had to ask for every refill, more chips, and we never did get more salsa. I ordered the Steak Mexicano and the steak was over done and soo bland. I ate maybe a 3rd of it thinking it would get better, but it never did. And since I ate some of it, I didn’t expect a full comp and told our server that. She said, “You should’ve told me earlier when I came to check on you.” The time she was referring to was right after we got our food and I hadn’t gotten the chance to try it yet, and we were still waiting for more chips. She told me that same thing again before having the issue resolved. The manager we spoke to was very pleasant and understanding and she did a very good job to rectify the situation, but that first waitress left such a bad impression on us.
… moreZino
New Mexican joint in Portsmouth is pretty darn good.
Big square bar, plenty of seats and TVs.
It wasn’t a very busy Friday night but took a few for the bartender to come over. Margaritas here are good tho, sip slow!
Fresh chips and salsa! I was hoping for a salsa sampler or something but they only have one type. They make fresh guacamole though!
I ordered the Texas style fajitas which had chicken, steak, and shrimp! Huge portion, I needed 6 tortillas. They should offer or just give hot sauce, I had to ask for it. He wasn’t the most attentive bartender but when he was around he was nice.
My date got the grilled chicken tacos, the chicken was seasoned very well, great flavor. The tacos were good sized but had a little too much cheese.
We will def come back, great Mexican spot.
Don’t forget to like my review!
… moreBig square bar, plenty of seats and TVs.
It wasn’t a very busy Friday night but took a few for the bartender to come over. Margaritas here are good tho, sip slow!
Fresh chips and salsa! I was hoping for a salsa sampler or something but they only have one type. They make fresh guacamole though!
I ordered the Texas style fajitas which had chicken, steak, and shrimp! Huge portion, I needed 6 tortillas. They should offer or just give hot sauce, I had to ask for it. He wasn’t the most attentive bartender but when he was around he was nice.
My date got the grilled chicken tacos, the chicken was seasoned very well, great flavor. The tacos were good sized but had a little too much cheese.
We will def come back, great Mexican spot.
Don’t forget to like my review!
Kathryn Nguyen
So easily could have been 5 stars. Here’s the thing-the inside design is pretty great and one of the nicest restaurants, and nicest Mexican restaurants I have ever seen (& we’ve lived in SoCal and spent a good amount of time in San Antonio, so…). The menu is a pretty great one, as well as the drink menu. The drinks were pretty good.
The food-we got a very large meal that comes in a ‘lava stone’. They should have taken this out of the oven probably at least 10 minutes before it would be finished cooking, and brought it to us halfway through, because it continues to cook while it’s inside this very, very hot stone dish. The tortilla ratio to the serving size of the dish, particularly given the price of the dish, is pretty off and sad really. What was really sad though, was the side that comes with the dish; the tiny bit of rice, tiny bit of beans, tiny bit of lettuce, the tiny bit of queso fresco, and the one slice of tomato-again, given the price of the dish and that it’s really meant to be shared, and just in general really, this could’ve been a lot fresher, better, and more generous.
It was pretty good, but it was overcooked and it was also over seasoned/over salted. The chips and salsa are good.
Now where they really can down though was in service, and the restrooms. The restrooms were nearly all out of toilet paper and paper towels, some just had it sitting on top and some had nothing-it was busy, but nowhere near that busy that they couldn’t properly refill these and, you know they know.
Now the service is just that overall in almost every interaction it felt like, whatever. Every time someone brought something they never took anything away-we were at a small table and had no room and nowhere to put these and just put them off to the side, and still not one of the various servers took them.
So it is definitely a well designed restaurant and menu, but the food execution was definitely off the mark slightly, and the service pretty far off, which is too bad, cause it could’ve easily been so great.
… moreThe food-we got a very large meal that comes in a ‘lava stone’. They should have taken this out of the oven probably at least 10 minutes before it would be finished cooking, and brought it to us halfway through, because it continues to cook while it’s inside this very, very hot stone dish. The tortilla ratio to the serving size of the dish, particularly given the price of the dish, is pretty off and sad really. What was really sad though, was the side that comes with the dish; the tiny bit of rice, tiny bit of beans, tiny bit of lettuce, the tiny bit of queso fresco, and the one slice of tomato-again, given the price of the dish and that it’s really meant to be shared, and just in general really, this could’ve been a lot fresher, better, and more generous.
It was pretty good, but it was overcooked and it was also over seasoned/over salted. The chips and salsa are good.
Now where they really can down though was in service, and the restrooms. The restrooms were nearly all out of toilet paper and paper towels, some just had it sitting on top and some had nothing-it was busy, but nowhere near that busy that they couldn’t properly refill these and, you know they know.
Now the service is just that overall in almost every interaction it felt like, whatever. Every time someone brought something they never took anything away-we were at a small table and had no room and nowhere to put these and just put them off to the side, and still not one of the various servers took them.
So it is definitely a well designed restaurant and menu, but the food execution was definitely off the mark slightly, and the service pretty far off, which is too bad, cause it could’ve easily been so great.