Dina's Karinderya

Mesquite-grilled carne asada. Filipino-Mexican comfort. Friendly, family-run.

Restaurant Category: Casual Filipino–Mexican roadside grill, about $10–$15 per meal; sides around $5–$8.

Menu Highlights:
– Mesquite-grilled carne asada (often called the best in town)
– Adobo and lumpia
– Filipino tacos
– Curry (a weekly favorite for many)
– Bistek
– Loaded fries and large French fries
– Sonoran hot dog
– Tacos and grilled chicken/beef off the mesquite

Service Highlights:
– Family-run spot with a warm, welcoming vibe
– Friendly, attentive staff; owners are hands-on
– Food is cooked to order; the mesquite grill aroma sets the tone
– Portions are generally generous and filling
– Homestyle feel; casual, no-frills atmosphere

Notes:
– Portion inconsistency mentioned for the “large” fries
– Drive-thru can involve long waits; a few complaints about soggy tortillas
– A handful of reports of inconsistent quality (e.g., burnt lumpia, odd curry texture, scant meat)
– One contentious customer service interaction over a refund
– Limited hours; several folks plan visits “when they’re open”
– Interior is basic and could use some customer-friendly upgrades
– A few diners feel the place has slipped lately

Logistics:
– Easy roadside access; right off the road
– Plenty of parking; even a truck with a 24′ trailer fit
– Outdoor seating available and spacious
– Clean restroom noted
– Drive-thru available

Customers come for the mesquite-grilled carne asada, Filipino tacos, and comforting Filipino classics like adobo, lumpia, curry, and bistek. Many describe it as the best bite in Clifton/Morenci, with generous portions that feel homemade and a friendly family presence running the show. The vibe is casual and welcoming—three generations pitching in, the grill scent in the air, and a small spot that leans more on warmth than polish. Prices are called reasonable, with folks praising the value and saying the wait is worth it when everything is fired fresh on the grill.

Diners enjoy that everything is cooked to order, although that can mean a wait—especially in the drive-thru. Some customers mention long delays and the occasional soggy tortilla or skimpy meat in a to-go order. A few folks rave about the curry weekly, while others say they’ve had an off day with the curry’s texture or a burnt batch of lumpia. There’s also a recurring note about the “large” fries not always feeling large, and one heated exchange over a refund. Even with those hiccups, many regulars keep coming back for the carne asada, loaded fries, and Sonoran dog, highlighting the friendly owners—often mentioned by name as Joe and Ruby—and the overall community feel.

Some people love the laid-back, family-run atmosphere and say it’s the best food around, while others point out limited hours and a dining room that could use some sprucing up. The outdoor seating, clean restroom, easy parking (even for trailers), and easy roadside access help make it a convenient stop. Overall, folks come for the mesquite-grilled flavor and the Filipino-Mex crossovers, although experiences can vary depending on timing and how busy it is.