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Local picks

Carnitas for lunch in Phoenix

Made for those who insist on a satisfying portion of carnitas to anchor their midday break.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Just Tacos and More image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, spacious dining area with upscale decor and lively Latin music that creates a welcoming, comfortable atmosphere. A loaded salsa bar and well-crafted margaritas enhance the experience, attracting those who appreciate quality tacos and drinks in a relaxed setting.

Savory, beautifully seasoned carnitas stand out among the protein options. Tacos and sopes with carnitas deliver rich, flavorful meat that pairs well with other fillings like tinga and carne asada.

Quick lunch breaks work well here with a fun and casual atmosphere. The Arizona burrito special comes with chips and a drink for about $13, making it a solid choice for groups or solo meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

"This Lunch Spot has the freshest, most authentic tacos I've ever had."

"The carnitas tacos were amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 street tacos with a choice of meat.

2

Happy hour runs from Monday to Friday, 3 PM to 6 PM.

3

$5 margaritas or mojitos are available all day on Friday and Saturday.

02
Nonno’s Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic family-style atmosphere and lucha libre decor creates a cozy, inviting space. Fresh salsa bar and comfortable outdoor patio add to the relaxed vibe. The place suits family dinners, date nights, or casual meals with friends.

Tender carnitas bubble in a giant pot, delivering rich flavor and perfect texture. Street tacos with carnitas come with corn tortillas, cheese, cilantro, onions, cotija, green sauce, and crema for a satisfying bite.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and incredibly fresh."

"The staff here makes the Lunch Spot experience great."

"The carnitas here are delicious, tender, and taste perfect."

Good to know

1

Italian-style food is served every Thursday.

2

The restaurant offers a salsa bar with fresh pickled vegetables.

3

Food is made fresh daily, ensuring quality and taste.

03
Senor Taco Express Central Phoenix image 1

Bright, clean space with natural light and fresh salsa bar creates a welcoming atmosphere. Energy stays positive and cozy, suitable for casual dining or quick takeout. Walls feature artwork, adding a touch of character to the open layout.

Street tacos with carnitas stand out for their flavor. The House Special Recipe Carnitas Burrito combines carnitas, al pastor, beans, and salsa bar items for a filling meal.

Quick service stands out even during the lunch rush. The spot offers a fast lunch option with a downtown vibe.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is served fast and the staff is so friendly."

"This lunch spot has amazing, high-quality food."

"I found the pulled pork carnitas burrito to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is very clean and well maintained.

2

Prices are higher for online orders, adding $1.50 per item.

3

The combo meal costs $16, offering good value for the quality.

04
Taco Cinco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, spotless space with handmade tortillas and a salsa bar that stands out. Atmosphere feels welcoming and comfortable with music at a moderate volume, creating a relaxed vibe. Known for authentic Mexican tacos and flavorful drinks like margaritas and micheladas.

Juicy carnitas tacos offer great flavor and generous portions. They come well-seasoned and perfectly cooked, standing out alongside other meats like Al Pastor and Pollo Asada.

Lunch offers consistent quality with multiple visits confirming the experience. The spot serves satisfying meals that meet expectations for a midday break.

People are saying

"The salsas here are full of flavor and not too spicy."

"The carnitas here are juicy and perfectly cooked."

"The corn tortillas at this Lunch Spot are homemade and so good."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, they offer a buy two, get one free deal.

2

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Taco Cinco is pet-friendly on the patio.

05
Los Cuatro Nietos AZ image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with clean, festive decor and customer photos on the wall. Warm, family-oriented atmosphere feels welcoming and nostalgic, evoking a sense of being in Mexico. Known for house-made hot sauces and authentic dishes like birria tacos and quesabirria.

Great carnitas come perfectly cooked and tender. The carnitas burrito stands out with well-seasoned meat, paired with perfectly cooked beans and rice.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with a busy rush and friendly, attentive owners. The spot sits just minutes from the airport, making it a solid choice for a quick, satisfying meal before or after travel.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos and burritos are amazing and authentic."

"I enjoyed the great carnitas with outstanding flavoring."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Wings are discounted on Wednesdays, making it a great midweek option.

3

Reservations are not required but recommended during busy hours.

06
Xolo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining room blends traditional Mexican decor with modern touches and features a dog-friendly patio with live jams. Atmosphere balances family-friendly warmth with sophisticated vibes. Casual setting attracts those seeking authentic Mexican flavors alongside well-crafted cocktails.

Three carnitas street tacos come with pickled onions, crema, and seasoned black beans. The tacos taste rich and well balanced.

Lunch offers great tacos, rice, and chips with guacamole. Meals impress from start to finish.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be great and inventive."

"This lunch spot's burritos and green sauce are addictive and delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers five street tacos and a beer for $10.

2

On Thursdays, buy a burrito and get a free beer.

3

Happy hour features specials on drinks and appetizers.

07
La Piñata Mexican Food Restaurant image 1

Traditional Mexican restaurant with dark, cool interior and colorful decor creates a comfortable, intimate atmosphere. Space includes a spacious patio with a big fireplace and dog-friendly seating. Busy and lively at times, it offers a mom and pop vibe with authentic energy.

Seasoned well and served in large portions, the pork carnitas can easily feed a family. The chicken shares the same flavorful seasoning, making both solid choices.

Business lunches happen here with ease. Staff go out of their way to make lunch special and accommodate groups in a mid-town setting.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is super yummy and generously portioned."

"The food here is always good and full of flavor."

"The carnitas here are so soft and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, especially during busy hours.

2

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos and is very popular.

3

Happy hour specials provide great deals on food and drinks.

08
Dos Primos Coal Fired Tortas & Tacos image 1

Bright, colorful space with authentic Mexican flavors and a fresh salsa bar creates a casual, inviting atmosphere. The vibe feels welcoming and clean, with thoughtful design and lively energy. Generous portions and charcoal-grilled taste distinguish the food experience.

Carnitas appear as a key filling in tacos and quesadillas, paired often with al pastor and birria. Tacos with carnitas stand out alongside other meats, showing a versatile use in dishes.

Frequent visits show this spot offers a stellar girls lunch experience with consistently satisfying meals. The menu focuses on coal fired tortas and tacos that stand out during midday meals.

People are saying

"I found the food to be really tasty and delicious."

"The carnitas tacos were juicy, fresh, and packed with flavor."

"The tacos here are juicy, fresh, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers generous portions, making it a good value for the price.

2

Seating is limited, so arrive early to secure a table.

3

The menu includes guacamole with every order, enhancing the meal experience.

09
Las Glorias Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic cuisine and classic decor reflecting old Phoenix. Atmosphere feels fun and family friendly with a comfortable, laid-out interior. Features include a full bar with standout margaritas and a big TV for sports.

Tender meat stands out with full flavor in the carnitas. Options include tacos, enchiladas, and a plate, all noted for great taste.

Fast service fits well into a lunch break. Lunch specials include a hot bean dip and salsa with chips and an excellent asada quesadilla. Portions are large and fill you up for a good price.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and satisfying."

"The carnitas here are tender and full of good taste."

"The lunch specials here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking around lunch time can be difficult.

2

The pricing is affordable for the quality of food.

3

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

10
Tacos Chiwas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican decor fills a spacious, casual bar-style restaurant with plenty of seating and a pet-friendly outdoor patio. The atmosphere combines authentic, welcoming vibes with multiple TVs showing sports and lively music. A top-tier salsa and hot sauce bar complements the experience alongside highly praised margaritas.

Tacos with tender carnitas stand out for their authentic, juicy flavor. They pair well with other favorites like Al Pastor and Asada, making carnitas a solid choice here.

Offers a great atmosphere for a quick lunch with options suitable for a lunch break or a casual dinner.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so flavorful and fresh."

"The carnitas here are just OK, not amazing."

"I thought the tacos were very good."

Good to know

1

Tacos Chiwas is dog-friendly, so you can bring your pet along.

2

There is limited seating available at Tacos Chiwas.

3

They offer good gluten-free and vegetarian options.

11
The Bread and Honey House Arcadia image 1

Small, quaint breakfast spot with cozy atmosphere and beautiful decor. Music adds to the inviting vibe, though acoustics can make it loud. Offers outdoor seating and family-friendly amenities like baby highchairs.

Tender carnitas appear in various dishes like chilaquiles, a breakfast cubano, and a carnitas omelet. A sandwich combines sourdough bread, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and an over-hard egg with honey mustard aioli for a rich flavor.

Lunch offers Fish Tacos and Buffalo Chicken Salad that stand out. The spot feels welcoming and satisfying for a midday meal.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and solid."

"The lunch spot had huge portions and incredibly fresh ingredients."

"I found the carnitas fabulous with chilaquiles."

Good to know

1

Parking can be frustrating due to limited spots in a crowded plaza.

2

The restaurant's cleanliness is inconsistent, with some areas needing attention.

3

Menu items may not cater well to vegetarians or plant-based diets.

12
Manuel’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina image 1

Large, modern space with high ceilings and big open doors creates an airy, inviting setting. Atmosphere feels authentic and spacious, blending a microbrewery vibe with Mexican cantina style. Live music and a huge bar energize the scene, attracting people for drinks and socializing.

Generous portions of carnitas come mainly as protein, with a dinner priced around $18. The Thursday Special offers a good deal on the amount of food. Some dishes like the chimichanga have tough carnitas filling due to slight overcooking.

Shredded beef tacos come with beans and rice for a filling lunch. The taco and tostada lunch special offers solid variety, and a modified vegan taco salad is available for different tastes.

People are saying

"The food here tasted authentic and was top quality."

"The service at this lunch spot was great and the staff were pleasant."

"I think the carnitas are the best in town."

Good to know

1

Happy hour tacos are available from 3-6 PM.

2

Parking is in the back, accessible from the east side and west alley.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of drinks during happy hour.

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Phoenix, Arizona

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