Try Our Signature Pollo Al Carbón — Charcoal Slow-Smoked Daily!Order DoorDash Now →
Authentic Charcoal Smoked Mexican

Delicious Fresh Pollo Al Carbón Specialty

Juicy, fresh chicken slow-smoked over open charcoal for that rich, bold smoky flavor, then perfectly charbroiled to lock in tenderness with a fire-grilled finish.

100%Fresh Charcoal Grilled
FamilyOwned & Operated
Daily10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Pollo al Carbón charcoal-grilled chicken platter with rice, beans, lime and tortillas
House Specialty

Fire-Charred Charcoal Chicken

Served with seasoned Mexican rice, beans, lime, and warm handmade tortillas.

Location

811 Washington St, Shelbyville, KY 40065

Hours

Mon – Sun: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Sizzling Mexican skillet special with rice, beans and warm tortillas

Built on Tradition & Flavor

Passed down through generations of authentic Mexican heritage.

Family-Owned in Shelbyville

Authentic Mexican Flavors Brought to Your Table

We’re a small, family-owned Mexican restaurant built on tradition, flavor, and community. Every dish is prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic recipes passed down through generations, bringing you the true taste of Mexico in every bite.

Authentic Recipes

Hand-crafted salsas, slow-marinated meats, and rich traditional soups.

Warm Community Service

From the moment you walk in, you're treated like family.

Charcoal Smoked & Slow Cooked

Pollo Al Carbón & House Specialties

We serve authentic Mexican cuisine made fresh daily, featuring everything from street-style tacos and sizzling specialties to rich, comforting caldos.

Pollo al Carbón charcoal-grilled chicken

Pollo Al Carbón

Slow-smoked over real charcoal embers, infused with rich Mexican spices and charbroiled to juicy perfection.

Order Pollo Al Carbon
Authentic street-style tacos on corn tortillas with cilantro and lime

Street Tacos

Classic street-style tacos served on double corn tortillas with cilantro, diced onion, fresh lime, and your choice of seasoned meats.

Order Street Tacos
Ice-cold Mexican beers and micheladas with Tajín rim and lime

Beers & Micheladas

Ice-cold Mexican beers and zesty micheladas with Tajín rim, fresh lime, and your favorite hot sauce — the perfect pairing for our charcoal specialties.

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Customer Love

What Our Diners Say

Read real reviews from Shelbyville locals and visitors who love our authentic recipes and friendly hospitality.

"El Molcajete is a true gem in Shelbyville. The food was outstanding, full of flavor, and clearly made with care. The service was exceptional, friendly, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. From the moment you walk in, you’re treated like family, not just another table. It’s definitely a restaurant you’ll want to come back to again and again."

Tyler Flaspoehler

Local Diner

"If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, this is the place to go! I recommend it, the food is amazing and delicious, the service is great, and the owner is very polite."

Momax Motors

Regular Customer

"The tacos here are fantastic. They are real legit Mexican style which is an amazing feat considering this is Kentucky. If you have traveled outside of Kentucky and know what real Mexican is like, you will be so happy here!"

John Baker

Taco Enthusiast
Get In Touch & Catering

Catering, Trays & Event Orders

Explore our updated catering menu below — trays, meats by the pound, salsas, and party packages — then send us a quote request or call us for your next event.

Address

811 Washington St, Shelbyville, KY 40065

Hours of Operation

Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Phone & Order

(502) 437-0759

Catering Menu & Pricing

Order by the tray, by the pound, or build the perfect taco bar for your event.

Catering Menu

Trays, meats by the pound, salsas & more — updated

Trays & Accompaniments

Rice or Beans Tray — Medium

$20.00

Rice or Beans Tray — Large

$45.00

Cold Soup Tray — Medium

$22.00

Cold Soup Tray — Large

$44.00

Whole Chicken Only (salsas included)

$20.48

Tortilla Pack (30 pieces)

$5.99

Meats by the Pound

Priced per pound (lb)

BBQ

Priced per pound

$16.99/lb

Carnitas

Priced per pound

$14.99/lb

Chicken Fajitas

Priced per pound

$16.99/lb

Steak Fajitas

Priced per pound

$18.99/lb

Mixed Fajitas

Priced per pound

$21.99/lb

Carne Asada for Tacos

Priced per pound

$12.99/lb

Chicken for Tacos

Priced per pound

$10.99/lb

Taco Trimmings

Veggie Trimming

$3.99

Deluxe Veggie Trimming

$4.99

Cheese Dip, Guacamole & Chips

Cheese Dip — 22 oz

$13.99

Cheese Dip — 32 oz

$22.99

Guacamole

$6.99

Bag of Chips

$2.99

Salsas

Salsa — 2 oz

Each

$1.00 each

Salsa — 12 oz

$3.99

Salsa — 16 oz

$5.99

Salsa — 32 oz

$12.99

Green or Red Salsa — 12 oz

$5.99

Ready to order catering for your event?

Call us or fill out the inquiry below for your party, gathering, or event.

Request a Catering Quote

Or call us directly at (502) 437-0759

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