It's not in a cute New Jersey downtown or a city where you can find good food on any corner.

It's not a place your friends or family are going to recommend you try out at the nearest convenience. I wouldn't even tell you it's off the beaten path.

When I say it's in the unlikeliest of spots, I truly mean it.

SEE MORE: One of NJ’s best restaurants is in this cute downtown

Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
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I tried Carlitos at Newark Airport's Terminal A, and it completely changed everything I've ever known about airport food.

The airport travel experience stinks no matter how you slice it. I once heard from someone that the airport is part of your vacation, and I couldn't disagree more. I've always loathed everything about the airport.

Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
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That is, until I found Carlitos. I was flying out of Terminal A at Newark Airport last week, and since seating at my gate was full, I ventured to Carlitos, which was right next to gate A16. I ordered three pulled pork quesatacos (soft shell tacos with cheese), and they were some of the best that I'd ever had. You can find their full menu here. 

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Considering it was airport food, my hopes were not high going in. I've sat at restaurants there before and had very average to below-average food, so when I tasted the food at Carlitos, I was pleasantly surprised. They were some of the best tacos I've had, and the pulled pork was cooked to perfection as well. It felt like I was at a true, authentic Mexican restaurant.

Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
Carlitos Barbeque Taqueria
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It was a great place to sit and hang out while waiting for my flight. The next time you're at Newark Airport's Terminal A, you're making a mistake if you aren't stopping to eat at Carlitos.

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The post above reflects the thoughts and observations of New Jersey 101.5's Kyle Clark. Any opinions expressed are his own.

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