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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Tucson

Carnitas and salsa

Made for those who demand authentic carnitas and a salsa that actually brings the heat.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Carnitas los Reyes Tucson image 1
Carnitas los Reyes Tucson image 2
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Food truck offers homey Mexican style with Michocan-style tacos featuring moist, flavorful carnitas and freshly made tortillas. Atmosphere stays casual with some seating and a unique touch of table-side salsa preparation. Prices remain reasonable, attracting a steady local crowd.

Moist and flavorful carnitas come in generous portions, including a 1 pound option with corn tortillas. The carnita tacos with pork skin stand out, paired with fresh tortillas and salsa at reasonable prices.

Fresh tortillas come with a salsa bar featuring homemade salsas. A lady makes table-side salsa that adds a tasty, personal touch.

People are saying

"The salsas here are amazing and homemade."

"I found the carnitas to be the most delicious I ever had."

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

Good to know

1

Prices at the food truck are reasonable for the portion sizes offered.

2

The food truck maintains a high standard of cleanliness and hygiene.

3

Outdoor seating is available, making it a nice spot to enjoy your meal.

02
Carnitas el Huracan del Sur image 1
Mexican restaurant

Covered outdoor seating offers a shaded, landscaped environment with a well-stocked salsa bar. The atmosphere is casual and clean, attracting those seeking affordable, generous portions of authentic Mexican food. Simple, fresh tortillas and flavorful carnitas define the menu's appeal.

Carnitas have a lot of depth and rich flavor. Staff are very friendly, and the carnitas stand out as delicious and highly recommended.

Salsas come included with meals and the salsa bar is well stocked with various condiments. The chorizo and chicharron tacos pair well with the delicious salsas offered.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is nicely shaded and clean."

"The corn tortillas here are made fresh for you."

"The salsa bar was well stocked with delicious options."

Good to know

1

The prices at Carnitas el Huracan del Sur are very affordable.

2

They accept card payments.

3

Condiments are available at the salsa bar.

03
Rancheros Carnicería Grant image 1

Butcher shop deli combines fresh meat grilling with a small seating area serving authentic Mexican dishes. The space feels modern, clean, and welcoming, with an airy layout that invites browsing. Friendly energy fills the room as customers enjoy both shopping and eating on-site.

Pork carnitas come with a rich, savory flavor and a tender texture. They pair well with other dishes like shrimp ceviche and pozole, all showing consistent quality.

Premade salsa, pico, and guac stand out for their quality. The selection of snacks, candies, and salsas offers a great variety to choose from.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and always fresh."

"The meats at this market are so fresh and flavorful."

"The salsa here is incredible, especially the avocado salsa."

Good to know

1

The store offers a wide selection of fresh meats and Mexican products.

2

Prices are considered very low for the quality of meat available.

3

Catering services are available for events and gatherings.

04
HUMO COCINA MEXICANA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, renovated Mexican restaurant offers covered patio with live music and comfortable outdoor seating with heaters and misters. Atmosphere feels authentic and fun, with a clean and cozy interior. Known for top-notch margaritas and standout dishes like chilaquiles and carne asada tacos.

Crispy, flaky, and juicy shredded pork defines the Carnitas tacos here. They come with standard toppings and stand out alongside other dishes like Pastor and Dorado tacos.

Salsa stands out with table side preparation and excellent flavor. Chips and salsa come together for a solid pairing.

People are saying

"The food here is great and a fantastic value."

"I thought the salsa was to die for, it's really good."

"The carnitas taco was crispy, flaky, and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers $1.99 taco specials on Tuesdays.

2

Happy hour runs from 2:00 - 5:00 with $5 margaritas.

3

Live music is featured on Thursday nights.

05
Chavindecas las Marías image 1

Simple mobile stand with covered patio and festive music creates a casual vibe. Air conditioning and heaters maintain comfort year-round. Known for fresh handmade tortillas and flavorful carnitas, it draws a crowd seeking affordable, high-quality tacos.

Flavorful and affordable, the carnitas stand out for their rich taste. They come highly recommended and deliver on being delicious.

Salsas offer a delight for the palate with fresh aromas and no musty smells. Condiments complement the flavors well, enhancing the overall taste experience.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best in Tucson."

"The salsa here is a delight for the palate."

"I thought the carnitas were flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Chavindecas las Marías accepts debit and credit cards for payment.

2

The place is very clean and well-maintained.

3

Business hours are not consistently enforced, which may lead to frustration.

06
Carnitas La Yoca image 1

Open space layout creates a casual, family-friendly atmosphere that gets loud when crowded. Hand-made tortillas and a salsa bar allow for personalized meals. Known for authentic carnitas and tacos, it draws long lines that move quickly.

Carnitas here taste authentic Mexican and come with scrumptious tortillas. The pork is very tasty and cooked the way it should be, making the carnitas tacos stand out.

A salsa bar lets you customize toppings your way with generous portions. The red oil salsas and salsa verde stand out, pairing well with pork and other dishes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be authentic, flavorful, and delicious."

"These carnitas are the best I've ever had, so flavorful."

"I found the carnitas to be authentic and scrumptious."

Good to know

1

Carnitas La Yoca is not open for dinner.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially around noon.

3

The restaurant closes at 3:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

07
Carnitas & Birria El Tarasco image 1

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Michoacán-style carnitas and handmade tortillas prepared on the spot. Atmosphere feels warm and welcoming with a self-serve salsa bar enhancing the casual, cozy vibe. Locals frequent the place for its real Mexican flavor and simple menu.

Carnitas here are authentic Michoacán-style, made with quality meat and served with handmade tortillas. Mixed carnitas tacos stand out for their flavor and consistency.

A self-serve salsa bar offers a variety of delicious salsas that complement the food well. The salsas stand out as a highlight of the meal.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are authentic and absolutely delicious Mexican food."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best in town."

"The salsa here is amazing and the food and salsa were amazing."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and accessible near the restaurant.

2

The menu is simple and easy to navigate, even with a language barrier.

3

Expect little to no wait time during peak hours.

08
What’s Cookin Burrito Shop image 1

Bright dining area features sombrero lamps and plays Musica Mexicana, creating a clean and welcoming atmosphere. The space includes a drive-thru alongside a comfortable, air-conditioned interior. The vibe stays pleasant and inviting, suited for quick, flavorful Mexican meals.

Crispy and tender, the carnitas stand out with perfect seasoning and packed flavor. They appear in tacos and burritos, both fresh and well-portioned.

Both red and green salsas are hot and delicious. The salsa is thicker than most local fast Mexican places serve, which adds to its appeal.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"The red and green salsas here are both hot and delicious."

"The carnitas are tender, packed with flavor, and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru provides convenience for quick orders.

2

Expect higher prices compared to typical fast food options.

3

The restaurant is known for its cleanliness, including restrooms.

09
Salsa Verde Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a clean, warm vibe with green plants at the center of the dining area. A fresh salsa bar provides many options alongside sports on television, creating a chill and relaxing atmosphere. The place stays quiet during lunch and suits special occasions well.

Street carnitas tacos and burritos stand out with rich flavor. The machetes with carnitas offer a satisfying, meaty option. The gorditas platter includes a carnitas portion alongside other pork varieties.

A fantastic and fresh salsa bar offers a variety of salsas, pickled onions, and toppings to mix with meals. Homemade corn tortillas complement the outstanding guacamole, bean dip, and chips available.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really tasty and amazing."

"The service for this Mexican food was fantastic and so welcoming."

"The carnitas tacos and machetes were amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 5 PM with discounted drinks.

2

Enjoy $5 margaritas on Monday nights.

3

The restaurant offers large portions at reasonable prices.

10
Las Originales Carnitas el Michoacano image 1

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with fresh handmade tortillas and juicy carnitas served by the pound in bags. Atmosphere feels down to earth and lively, with a welcoming vibe and a condiment cart for customization. Offers affordable prices and a drive-through window for easy pick-up.

Carnitas here match the taste of those from Michoacán with fresh, tasty meat and exceptional flavor. Burritos and tacos come with a good amount of carnitas, and chicharrones also stand out as very tasty.

Salsas come in green tomatillo/avocado, red, and an oil salsa variety. The salsa verde stands out as super good and complements the perfectly seasoned carnitas well.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I had ever tasted."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were cooked to perfection."

"The carnitas here are really delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant requires customers to pay first before sitting down.

2

There is ample parking space available for visitors.

3

The menu includes birria, hielitos, and various desserts.

11
Primos Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic atmosphere with a family-friendly vibe and vibrant decor featuring a photo wall for celebrations. The space stays clean and cozy, creating a pleasant and welcoming environment.

Carnitas come freshly made on weekends and have a Michoacán-style flavor. They pair well with tacos al pastor and enchiladas, offering a delicious and authentic taste.

Fresh cilantro and roasted green chiles make the salsa stand out. The green salsa served with chips is delicious and pairs well with excellent beans and guacamole.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The green salsa served with the chips was so delicious."

"The carnitas here are delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended for larger groups.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during peak dinner hours.

3

The restaurant offers a special on wings every Thursday.

12
Tacos y Mariscos Jaliscos image 1

Small, clean restaurant with patio seating and a self-serve salsa bar offering various toppings. Atmosphere is casual and family friendly, often crowded and lively. Ceramic plates and authentic drinks like micheladas add unique touches.

Carnitas come in tacos and burritos alongside birria and asada. They offer a meaty, flavorful option among a variety of taco choices.

A stacked salsa bar offers a variety of fresh and flavorful options. The salsa bar pairs well with tacos and complements the fast kitchen service.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is excellent, especially the delicious salsa bar."

"The salsa bar was stacked and delicious."

"I loved the carnitas burritos."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1.99 tacos all day, making it a popular choice.

2

Cash payments can save you a 10% tax fee compared to card payments.

3

The restaurant is kid-friendly, making it suitable for family visits.

13
Ramiro’s Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic Sonora style food and spicy salsas offers a mom and pop vibe with indoor and outdoor seating under a canopy. Energy is casual and welcoming, with a drive-thru adding convenience. Open late on weekends, it attracts those seeking large portions and traditional flavors.

Carnitas come perfectly cooked and juicy in burritos and tacos. The carnitas taco pack offers a full pound with salsa, tortillas, toppings, beans, and rice for a solid value.

Salsas here are very spicy and authentic, made fresh in house. The salsa bar offers many fresh items like cabbage, pickled carrots, and cucumbers that add zest to meals.

People are saying

"The food here is so good, I still think about it regularly."

"The salsas here are fresh and authentic."

"I found the carnitas here to be my favorite."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

Ramiro’s Taco Shop is open until 3am on weekends.

3

Drive-thru service is available, but can have long wait times.

14
AMELIAS MEXICAN KITCHEN image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate, modern space with arts-inspired decor and maximum seating capacity. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, enhanced by salsa and merengue music and a busy, energetic crowd. Outdoor patio adds a relaxed option for seating.

Carnitas appear in both burritos with green salsa and street tacos. The carnitas burrito stands out as very good, while the street tacos mix chicken, fish, and carnitas for a tasty combo.

Music features salsa and merengue, setting a lively mood. Salsas offer a perfect blend with a slow burn kick and use real potatoes for authentic flavor.

People are saying

"I found the food to be wonderful and delicious."

"The salsa here is delicious and worth trying."

"I ordered the carnitas tacos and they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for Taco Tuesday to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour features buy one get one half off deals on select drinks.

3

Expect a busy crowd during Taco Tuesday; arrive early for the best experience.

15
Taquería Juanitos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic interior and vibrant decor creates a warm, lively atmosphere filled with live music and friendly chatter. The space is clean and comfortable, often busy and loud, reflecting a family-run, local vibe. Outdoor seating and a food truck add convenience and variety to the experience.

Carnitas tacos come with large portions and pair well with beans. The carnitas are consistently very good and appear in various dishes like sope and tacos.

Salsas here stand out with salsa verde that often gets extra orders and a red salsa paired with chili oil that adds a rich kick. Both salsas complement juicy, flavorful meat dishes like the carne asada burrito with avocado.

People are saying

"The carne asada here is tender and flavorful."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were great."

"The burritos and tacos here are really good."

Good to know

1

Ordering online results in different prices compared to in-person prices.

2

The restaurant is currently under renovation but has a food truck serving outside.

3

Everyone handling food wears gloves, ensuring cleanliness.

16
Tacos los Compas image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco truck with large salsa bar featuring fresh, varied toppings and Mexican music playing. Covered seating area includes sit-down tables and hand sanitizer station, creating a clean and inviting atmosphere. Tacos come on heart-shaped platters and offer affordable prices with generous portions.

Perfectly seasoned carnitas stand out here, offering more flavor than the carne asada. Served on corn tortillas, the carnitas tacos deliver a satisfying taste.

A large salsa bar offers fresh salsas with nice spice levels and a standout green salsa. Fresh tortillas complement the well-appointed salsa selection.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was the best I ever had."

"The tacos from this food truck are amazing and cooked well."

"The carnitas here are better than the carne asada."

Good to know

1

Most tacos cost $2, and tripa tacos cost $2.5.

2

They only accepted cash and Zelle as payment methods.

3

There was plenty of covered outdoor seating.

17
El Taco Rústico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with authentic flavor and varied taco selection including unique meats. Atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, with no-frills seating and a modest, clean space. Offers vegetarian options and a casual, family-friendly vibe.

Carnitas here come out moist with a perfect balance of flavor and fat. They stand out as some of the best carnitas tacos around, often highlighted alongside other meats like carne asada and tripas.

Three salsas come with the tacos: mild, medium, and an avocado salsa that stands out. All are flavorful with the right amount of heat.

People are saying

"You have to try these tacos; they're outstanding."

"I thought the quesabirria was amazing and highly recommend it."

"The carnitas here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

They have all-you-can-eat tacos during Taco Tuesday.

2

Be sure to call ahead and order the food.

3

If you want the hotter salsa, ask for a red bottle from behind the counter.

18
Street Taco & Beer Co. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers all-you-can-eat warm tortilla chips and salsa bar with a quasi-bar serving beer and margaritas. Indoor space feels loud and modern, while outdoor seating provides shaded mountain views. Atmosphere blends peaceful and fun with a mix of ages and a relaxed vibe.

Carnitas tacos come with a mix of meats including chicken and steak, often served as a barnyard special. They pair well with guacamole and chips and appear alongside other options like carne asada.

A full salsa bar offers two mild salsas, two hot salsas, pico de gallo, creamy cilantro sauce, grilled jalapeños, and beets. Warm tortilla chips come with unlimited refills. The red salsa stands out as very hot and flavorful.

People are saying

"You've got to try their salsa bar; it's fresh and has a great variety."

"The food and beer here were super yum."

"I tried the carnitas tacos and they were excellent."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday starts at 3 PM with tacos priced at $2.49 each.

2

Expect large crowds and long wait times on Taco Tuesday evenings.

3

Parking is easy and convenient near the restaurant.

19
Charquitas Mexican Food Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant offers a 24-hour drive-thru and dine-in with a casual, calm atmosphere and clean interior. An amazing salsa bar stands out as a key feature, alongside generous portions of authentic dishes like Sonoran dogs and carne asada quesadillas.

Tender and juicy meat defines the carnitas here. The burrito version delivers a solid, flavorful experience.

A well stocked salsa bar offers a variety of salsas from fiery to smooth. The amount of salsa provided is generous and the selection is consistently awesome.

People are saying

"You get huge portions with the burrito here."

"The salsa bar here is awesome and well stocked."

"The carnitas were delicious, tender, and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open 24 hours for dine-in and drive-thru service.

2

Expect longer wait times compared to other drive-thrus.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

20
Trocadero Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Former Chipotle space transformed into a cozy, authentic Mexican restaurant with clean, inviting decor and fresh flowers on tables. Atmosphere stays low key and pleasant, fitting a strip mall setting. Menu features high-quality, traditional dishes and refreshing margaritas, with unusual hours closing by mid-afternoon.

Pork braised overnight creates tender, flavorful carnitas. The dish stands out for its excellent preparation and rich taste.

Tomatillo salsa shines on the enchiladas with a bright, tangy kick. Salsas served with tacos are more flavorful than those with chips, ranging from medium heat to rich red varieties on dishes like Oaxacan-style chilaquiles.

People are saying

"The tomatillo salsa on the enchiladas was the star."

"The carnitas here were next level and genuinely delicious."

"The salsa here is flavorful and fantastic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant opens from 8 AM to 3 PM every day.

2

Each bowl of menudo costs about $16 to $17.

3

Reservations are recommended for large parties.

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