WATERVILLE — Chef/owner Carlos Mendez and general manager Cesar Garcia have brought the fresh Mexican
food concept of the original Cocina de Carlos to historic downtown Waterville.
Mendez is originally from Jalisco, Mexico near Guadalajara and comes by his passion for great food
naturally. He, his father and other family members have been preparing “secret family recipes” for as
long as he can remember.
This is a friendly and fun place, but no doubt future generations will note that Cocina de Carlos was
passionate about quality and freshness from the very beginning. Nothing is ever frozen but the ice
cubes, and no ingredients come in cans. Fresh produce is personally selected each week to ensure the
best quality and taste.
Following the success of the Perrysburg location, Menez wanted to serve “The True Taste of Mexico” to
others in the region. But where?  With its well-established, but curious history and great location,
Smedlap’s Smithy was an easy choice for his next adventure.
Unfortunate circumstances caused Smedlap’s Smithy to be shuttered in December 2014.
At Cocina de Carlos, the spirit of Smedlap remains both a delightful presence and distant memory. Upon
entering the restaurant visitors will still see numerous remnants of the original Smedlap’s Smitty.
Today, the fabulous fresh Mexican food brings wide smiles. And knowing that the spirit of fun requires
the finest margaritas in the land, Carlos serves only 100 percent agave tequila, the finest available.