Hello dear
Welcome To Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar
Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar, located at 853 Merrimon Ave in Asheville, NC, offers a delightful escape into authentic Mexican cuisine. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and friendly service, this grill specializes in a variety of dishes, from savory Texas Fajitas to breakfast favorites like Huevos Rancheros. Diners rave about the flavorful chipotle salsa and tableside guacamole, which enhance the culinary experience. The menu is thoughtfully curated, with daily specials that showcase seasonal ingredients. Whether you're enjoying a solo meal or a night out, Ay Caramba promises a satisfying dining experience steeped in genuine Mexican flavors.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
Lunch Chimichanga
Taquitos Mexicanos
Enchiladas supreme
Mexican wrap
About
Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar
Welcome to Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar, a vibrant culinary haven nestled in Asheville, North Carolina. Situated at 853 Merrimon Ave, this delightful eatery promises a genuine taste of Mexico, where every dish is crafted with care and passion. As you step in, the colorful decor immerses you in a festive atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a casual lunch or a lively dinner.
The menu, though not sprawling, showcases a selection that is rich in flavor and tradition. Diners can indulge in hearty entrees like the Lunch Chimichanga, featuring your choice of shredded chicken or ground beef, adorned with fresh lettuce, sour cream, guacamole, and tomato, all served alongside rice and beans for a filling experience at just $8.50. Egg lovers will rejoice at the Huevos Con Chorizo—scrambled eggs paired with zesty Mexican sausage—or the tangy Huevos Mexicanos with fresh veggies, both equally delightful and budget-friendly.
Customer feedback reflects a commitment to quality that shines through every dish. Kevin Schwartz praised the lunch specials, particularly the Pollo Popeye, which marries grilled chicken in a creamy spin with spinach and mushrooms, offering a taste that delights the senses. Jamie Wilhelm echoed this sentiment by highlighting the excellence of their steak tacos and chipotle salsa, while also recommending the shrimp tacos as a must-try.
The real stars shine even brighter with guest reviews celebrating the tableside guacamole, a theatrical and delicious experience that adds a personal touch to your meal. Courtney Smith noted not only the guacamole but also the refreshing horchata and the indulgent Smurf margarita, making it a complete dining adventure. The culinary team’s attention to detail is mirrored in the customer service, where friendly staff members ensure that your visit is not just a meal but an experience to remember.
With a commitment to delightful dishes and inviting surroundings, Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar stands out as a local favorite for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors. Whether you come for the savory fajitas or the diverse salsa bar, you’ll surely find something to savor. Join us at this gem in Asheville, where every visit transforms a simple meal into a fiesta!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I had lunch here with a friend who recommended Ay Caramba and enjoyed my experience. It's not a giant menu but it appears the do a good job with what they do prepare for us. There are daily lunch specials and I tried the Pollo Popeye, with grilled chicken in a cream sauce with spinach and mushrooms along with lettuce, tomato, guacamole, and Spanish rice. Delicious meal! Our server was friendly and helpful and service was quick. I will definitely be back to this place. ”
“ Enjoyable Friday night meal here. The chipotle Salsa, queso & steak tacos were all excellent. The shrimp tacos were very yummy as well. Service was good. Chips could use some salt. ”
“ Best Texas Fajitas I've had. Wife and I split the Fajitas for one and it we are stuffed. Laura, our waitress was wonderful. Prices very reasonable. ”
“ Never have had a bad meal here. Service is great food is fantastic and the salsa bar is amazing ”
“ Tableside guacamole! I feel like that alone is enough for a 5 star review lol but it’s 5 stars all around! I was so happy to see horchatas on the menu too, it’s my favorite drink, but now so is the Smurf margarita with an extra shot I heard someone at the bar say their drinks are perfect with an extra shot so I got one and I agree I’m so happy I was able to make my own taco because I’m pretty basic lol but also plant based, so my avocado taco was really good. I’m also happy they have corn tortillas for those with gluten sensitivities The decor is gorgeous, I fell in love with the Dia de los Muertos art by the bar they have a salsa bar, tvs around the restaurant and bar (but not so loud that it’s distracting) and really friendly and awesome people (customers and staff). So filling I had to bring some home. I’m happy they are in my neighborhood, definitely recommend eating here Not pictured: horchata that was really good ”
“ Really good food at really great prices! I always get the tex-mex chicken tacos. 1.99 each and they are huge. Other places twice that price! Every thing I have had is good.....beans could use some salt but an easy fix. ”
“ We love Ay Caramba on Merrimon Ave. Highly recommend the Texas Dip, Mexican Corn, tacos al pastor, and the quesabirria. The tortas are delicious and enormous! The salsa bar is always well-stocked, clean, and kept very cold. The staff have always been nice when we have dined in, and the food has always been fresh when we ordered through Takeout Central. ”
“ My wife and I had an amazing dinner at Ay Caramba Mexican Grill & Bar on Merrimon Ave. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming — you can feel the love the moment you walk in. She couldn’t stop talking about how perfectly made her enchiladas were — said they were the best she’s had in a long time! I went for the fajitas and a margarita, and everything was packed with flavor and beautifully presented. The churros were also a real standout — crispy, warm, and just right. Service was friendly and attentive, and the whole place has an authentic charm that makes you feel at home. We’ll definitely be back — well done, Ay Caramba! ”