Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr.

For those in Illinois with a craving for truly exceptional Japanese cuisine, there's a hidden gem nestled in Arlington Heights that promises a unique and satisfying experience: Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. While the name might sound unconventional for a Japanese eatery, don't let that fool you. This spot is rapidly becoming a local favorite for its meticulously prepared, perfectly crisp tempura that’s unlike anything you’ve tasted before.

Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. specializes in "tendon," which is a portmanteau of tempura and donburi (rice bowl). This means you're in for a delightful meal featuring a generous assortment of freshly fried tempura served over steamed rice, often accompanied by a special sauce. It's a culinary journey that brings the authentic flavors of Japan right to your plate, making it a must-visit for anyone in the Illinois region looking for a high-quality Japanese dining experience.

You’ll find Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. conveniently situated at 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA. This prime location places it within the bustling food court of the Mitsuwa Marketplace, a well-known Japanese grocery store and cultural hub in the Chicagoland area. This makes it incredibly easy to access for residents across Illinois, whether you're coming from nearby suburbs or even from Chicago itself.

The Mitsuwa Marketplace complex offers extensive parking, so finding a spot for your vehicle is rarely an issue, even during peak hours. For those utilizing public transportation, the location is accessible via various Pace Bus routes. For instance, you can take a Pace Bus along Algonquin Road, with stops conveniently located near the marketplace. Being within Mitsuwa also means you can combine your meal with a unique shopping experience, picking up Japanese groceries, snacks, and other specialty items before or after your tempura feast. This integrated experience makes Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. not just a restaurant, but a destination for locals looking to immerse themselves in Japanese culture and cuisine.

Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. prides itself on a streamlined and efficient service model that ensures freshness and convenience for all its customers. Their approach is modern and customer-friendly, perfect for the bustling food court environment.

• Digital Ordering System: Customers place their orders easily through an app terminal located at the counter. This system displays clear pictures of the food, making it simple to choose your desired dish and customize it. You enter your name, and then you're called when your order is ready. This efficient process contributes to quick service.
• Made-to-Order Freshness: Every piece of tempura is fried to order, guaranteeing that it arrives at your table piping hot, incredibly crispy, and never oily. This commitment to freshness is a hallmark of their quality.
• Dine-in Experience: While in a food court setting, there is ample seating available within the Mitsuwa Marketplace. You can enjoy your meal right after it's prepared, ensuring the tempura maintains its optimal texture and temperature.
• Takeout Options: For those who prefer to enjoy their tempura at home or on the go, takeout is readily available. The quick service makes it an ideal spot for a delicious and fast meal solution.
• Variety of Tempura Plates and Bowls: The menu offers both "plate versions" and "bowl versions" of their tendon. Customers often suggest ordering the plate versions for better presentation and potentially more generous portions, though the bowls are also highly satisfying with a "mountain of different kinds of tempura pieces."

What sets Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. apart and makes it a must-try for tempura aficionados in Illinois are its distinctive features and the exceptional quality of its food. Customer reviews consistently highlight these aspects.

• Light, Crispy, and Non-Oily Batter: This is perhaps the most lauded feature. Customers rave about the tempura batter being "light, not a bit oily, super crispy and tasted so good." This perfectly executed batter is crucial for high-quality tempura and sets them apart from many competitors.
• Diverse Tempura Selection: The menu includes a variety of ingredients expertly fried, such as "fish, shrimp, squid and fresh veggies." The "Special Tempura Plate" is particularly noted for offering a great assortment. The fish and shrimp tempura are frequently cited as customer favorites.
• Unique and Flavorful Dipping Sauce: Many customers point out that the sauce served with the tempura is distinct and superior. One reviewer noted, "There’s something in the sauce that is different from most tempura sauces. It isn’t your typical Ponzo sauce." This special sauce complements the tempura perfectly, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Perfectly Cooked Fried Egg: A highlight for many is the fried egg, often served with the plates. A seasoned connoisseur advises, "MUST follow the exact directions with saving the tempura egg for the end. the egg must be mixed with the rice at the end." This addition provides a rich, creamy element that ties the meal together.
• High Satisfaction and Filling Portions: Despite potentially looking small, the bowls are described as containing "a mountain of different kinds of tempura pieces" and the meals are consistently reviewed as "filling and satisfying." This ensures you get great value for your money and leave feeling completely satisfied.
• "Best Food Stall" in Mitsuwa: As a strong endorsement from a long-time fan, Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. is considered by some to be the "best food stall there" within the Mitsuwa food court, a high praise given the variety of culinary options available.

As a food stall within a larger marketplace, Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. might not have extensive, publicly advertised promotions in the same way a standalone restaurant would. However, it's always a good idea for local Illinois customers to stay informed through a few channels:

• In-Store Signage: Check for any daily specials or limited-time offers displayed at their counter or on the digital ordering terminals within the Mitsuwa Marketplace. Sometimes, food court vendors will have unique lunch specials or combo deals.
• Mitsuwa Marketplace Events: Keep an eye on the Mitsuwa Marketplace's overall promotions or events calendar. Occasionally, the marketplace might host food festivals or special days where individual vendors, including Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr., participate with exclusive deals.
• Social Media and Online Presence: While specific details are not provided, it's common for popular eateries to announce specials on social media platforms or their official website (if they have one separate from Mitsuwa's). A quick search online might reveal if they participate in any loyalty programs or offer seasonal items.

Given the "made to order" model and high-quality ingredients, the value for money at Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. is often considered excellent even without explicit discounts. The focus is on delivering a consistently delicious product that speaks for itself.

For those in Illinois eager to experience the delightful tempura at Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr., here’s how you can find them:

Address: 100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA

Currently, a specific public phone number for Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. directly is not widely available, as it operates as a stall within the Mitsuwa Marketplace food court. For general inquiries about the marketplace and its operating hours, you might refer to the Mitsuwa Marketplace's main contact information.

Your best bet for up-to-date information regarding their menu, hours, and any potential changes is to visit them in person during Mitsuwa Marketplace operating hours or check reliable online review sites and food directories for the most current details. Many customers find the ordering system so intuitive that direct phone contact isn't often necessary for placing orders.

For locals across Illinois, particularly those residing in and around the Chicago suburbs, Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. in Arlington Heights is more than just a Japanese restaurant; it's a culinary destination. It fills a unique niche by offering authentic, high-quality tempura that is difficult to find elsewhere with such consistent excellence. The rave reviews from customers, including those who have grown up with this specific brand in California, are a testament to its genuine appeal and delicious offerings.

The convenience of its location within the Mitsuwa Marketplace makes it an ideal spot for a quick, satisfying lunch or dinner, easily combined with grocery shopping or exploring other Japanese cultural offerings. The digital ordering system ensures a smooth and efficient experience, while the commitment to frying every piece of tempura to order guarantees an unparalleled crispness and freshness. Whether you're a tempura enthusiast or just looking to try something new and exciting in the Japanese culinary landscape, Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. offers a reliable and incredibly tasty option that truly caters to the discerning palates of Illinois residents. It's a taste of Japan, perfected and presented for your enjoyment right here in Arlington Heights.

Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr.

100 E Algonquin Rd, Arlington Heights, IL 60005, USA