Carlos Takeaway is one of Oranjestad’s hidden-gem lunch counters — a tiny operation on Aureolastraat 5 turning out fresh local Caribbean plates at honest prices, with a near-perfect 4.9-star rating that tells you everything about the consistency. Locals know it; visitors stumble onto it; everyone leaves planning to return.
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About Carlos Takeaway
The format is pure Caribbean lunch counter: walk-up window, a chalkboard listing the day’s specials, a few outside tables. Cash typically preferred. The kitchen does the classics — chicken plates, chuleta (pork chop), grilled fish, all served with rice, beans, plantains, and salad. Lines build at noon; arrive earlier or after 1 PM for a quicker turn.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
Order whatever’s on the daily-special board — Carlos rotates the menu based on what’s fresh. The chuleta plate is consistently mentioned as the best dish. The chicken combo is the everyday-favorite. House sauce on the side is excellent.
Practical Information
- Address: Aureolastraat 5, Oranjestad, Aruba
- Phone: +297 569 1766
- Website: carlostakeaway.com
- Google rating: 4.9 from 72 reviews
- Map:View on Google Maps
Hours:
What Diners Say
Reviewers describe Carlos as ‘a hidden gem’ with extra praise for the freshness and generous portion sizes. The friendly counter service and incredible value for money get repeat mentions. A favorite of office workers, construction crews, and the very small group of visiting foodies in the know.
Plan Your Visit
Practical details worth knowing
Aruba sits outside the hurricane belt, which is why the weather here stays reliable when much of the Caribbean does not. The island runs on the US dollar alongside the Aruban florin, so American visitors rarely need to change money, and English is spoken almost everywhere alongside Dutch, Papiamento and Spanish.
Distances are short. The island is roughly 32 kilometres long and 10 wide, so nothing is more than about 40 minutes from anywhere else. Most visitors base themselves on Palm Beach or Eagle Beach and reach the rest of the island by tour or rental car.
When to go
Rates and crowds peak from January through April. May to early December is quieter and noticeably cheaper, with calmer seas and the same near-constant sunshine. Rainfall stays low year-round, and what does fall tends to arrive as brief afternoon showers rather than washed-out days.
Booking ahead
Tours sell out faster than hotels here. Reserve 24 to 48 hours ahead in low season and three to five days ahead in peak months, particularly for catamaran sails and sunset cruises. Most bookings cancel free up to 24 hours before, so there is little downside to locking something in early.
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Live prices and ratings from Viator. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you, which never affects the order above.
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