Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Carnitas and chicken tacos in California

A plate piled high with both carnitas and chicken tacos covers every craving.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Tigres Fuego image 1
Tigres Fuego image 2
Tigres Fuego image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Tiny Mexican restaurant with limited seating, mainly focused on takeout and quick service. Atmosphere feels local and comfortable but can be bland and busy, with a somewhat surveilled vibe. Known for high-quality ingredients, best breakfast burritos, and exceptional tacos, often selling out quickly.

Turkey carnitas stand out with exceptional flavor and consistent enjoyment. Fish and carnitas tacos offer good spice and solid taste across orders.

Jerk chicken tacos stand out with their bold flavor and are consistently a favorite. They pair well with other dishes like Peruvian ceviche, highlighting a diverse menu.

People are saying

"These breakfast burritos are the best Mexican food in the South Bay."

"I enjoyed the turkey carnitas tacos every time."

"The jerk chicken taco was extra tops."

Good to know

1

They no longer serve dinner, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Breakfast burritos are available until sold out, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a line for breakfast burritos during peak hours.

02
El Mercado Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large seating area offers a warm, local vibe with an adorable, charming space near shops and the bay. The atmosphere feels like a hidden gem known mostly by locals, combining authentic Mexican cuisine with exceptional margaritas made from fresh mixers.

Carnitas tacos come crispy and fresh made, cooked perfectly tender and flavorful. They pair well with chips, guacamole, and salsa for a complete meal.

Chicken tacos come a la carte and pair well with sides like beans and rice. They have a delicious flavor that stands out alongside other taco options like fish and carnitas.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were so flavorful and tender."

"I found the chicken tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $5 tacos and drinks all day.

3

Margaritas are priced at $10.00 each.

03
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual, breezy atmosphere with a welcoming, family-like vibe. Indoor space feels small and sparse, while the quiet street adds to the calm setting. The place offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food in a clean environment.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. The meat selection is solid, making carnitas a favorite choice alongside carne asada.

Chicken tacos come with well-seasoned meat and fresh toppings. They pair well with sides like rice and drinks such as horchata.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas here to be amazing."

"I thought the chicken taco was outstanding."

Good to know

1

Ordering and paying happens before sitting down; no reservations needed.

2

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast options.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

04
Mission Baja Tacos image 1

Small, charming Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and a varied salsa bar. Inside seating features traditional decorations like piรฑatas and mellow yellow lighting, creating a friendly, authentic vibe. The atmosphere feels lively and welcoming, reflecting a family-run, homely energy.

Meat comes fresh and tender, roasted to perfection. Tacos are generous in size and packed with incredible flavor.

Chicken tacos come with crispy battered chicken and are a common choice alongside beef and pulled pork options. Some have experienced food safety issues after eating the chicken tacos.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and brimming with meat and toppings."

"The carnitas tacos were stuffed with tender roasted pork."

"The service here is really great and the staff are friendly."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.

3

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.

05
Cholita Linda image 1
Latin American restaurant

Wide open seating offers stunning bay views and a breezy outdoor patio. Lively Latin music creates a chill, Cuban-inspired atmosphere. The place draws a mix of locals and tourists enjoying casual, self-service dining by the water.

Tacos with tender carnitas stand out here, often preferred over carne asada. The carnitas tacos come with a flavorful, juicy filling that pairs well with other options like fish tacos.

Chicken tacos come with tender meat and pair well with tortilla chips and guacamole. They have a delicious flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"These fish tacos are out of this world."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be very tasty."

"These chicken tacos are flavorful and not greasy."

Good to know

1

Cholita Linda does not provide table service.

2

Cholita Linda is handicap accessible.

3

There are no restrooms inside the restaurant, but public restrooms are available at the ferry building.

06
ยกJaime! Taqueria & Breakfast Burritos image 1

Restaurant blends indoor and outdoor spaces with sunlight, music, and conversation for a casual yet elevated vibe. Design feels intimate yet spacious with bold artwork that adds character. Crowd enjoys flavorful margaritas and standout breakfast burritos amid a cool, welcoming atmosphere.

Tacos come in a perfect size and pack rich flavor. Carnitas stand out with a confident taste alongside other dishes like filet tacos and queso fundido.

Chicken tacos come in a traditional style with straightforward flavors. They stand out as a favorite choice among the taco options.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, was amazing."

"The carnitas tacos were unreal."

"I found the chicken tacos to be great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended for happy hour to secure a table.

3

The restaurant is cashless; only credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

07
Cuca's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating offers a casual and relaxed vibe with Spanish music enhancing the atmosphere. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, attracting those who enjoy flavorful accompaniments. The place draws people looking for affordable Mexican dishes with a friendly, easygoing environment.

Carnitas appear in tacos and burritos with an all-meat option available. The tacos are described as yummy, while the burritos receive a moderate rating.

Crispy chicken tacos stand out with their crisp texture and solid flavor. Two tacos come per order, offering a satisfying portion.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is authentic and tastes like home cooking."

"I loved their enchiladas, especially the sauce."

"I loved their carnitas and the enchilada sauce."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3 tacos, making it a great deal.

2

Kids eat free on Wednesdays with the purchase of an adult meal and drink.

3

The restaurant has a large parking lot that is easy to access.

08
Que Vida Tacos Costa Mesa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with bar seating and outdoor tables offers an upbeat atmosphere and fresh margaritas. The space feels clean and open with comfortable seats. Regulars enjoy quality tacos and a lively vibe.

Carnitas come in tacos and burritos with a delicious, rich flavor. The carnitas burrito stands out as especially satisfying.

Offers chicken tacos with a unique take on the meat, making them far from bland. The flavor stands out as delicious and memorable.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were great."

"I found the chicken tacos to be out of this world."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for the price of two.

2

The Taco Tuesday deal costs $11.50 for three tacos.

3

Happy hour features discounted drinks and appetizers.

09
Que Vida Tacos Huntington Beach image 1

Vibrant murals and sizzling aromas create a lively and upbeat atmosphere with music at a comfortable volume. A cute patio and bar add to the relaxed, modern vibe where crowds gather and conversations can get loud. Freshly made margaritas and a mix of traditional and fusion tacos draw a diverse crowd seeking quality Mexican flavors.

Carnitas stand out with a rich flavor that pairs well with green salsa. They come alongside other tacos like asada and al pastor, offering a solid variety.

Chicken tacos come with a noticeable raw onion and tomato sauce flavor. They are part of combo meals priced around $20, often paired with items like Chili Relleno.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so authentic, it's a flavor explosion."

"I loved the carnitas, especially with the green salsa."

"The chicken tacos were delicious and fresh."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for $11.95.

2

Enjoy $7 margaritas on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Happy hour menus are available before 6pm on weekends.

10
Josie's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-owned Mexican restaurant with limited indoor seating and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Primarily a takeout place with affordable prices and a long history dating back to the 1950s. Known for crispy chicken tacos and fast service without the fast food feel.

Carnitas come in large portions with a salty and greasy profile. Burritos packed with carnitas offer a meaty and filling experience.

Hard shell chicken tacos stand out with their crispy texture and consistent flavor. Fried chicken tacos are a highlight on Mondays, paired well with pico de gallo salsa.

People are saying

"I found their crunchy chicken tacos to be the best."

"You have to try their super burrito; it's epic."

"The carnitas burritos were super bomb and delicious."

Good to know

1

Mondays are fried chicken tacos day at Josie's.

2

Josie's is primarily a to-go place with only a couple of small tables.

3

The dining table area at Josie's is closed after 5:30 PM.

11
El Pollo Grill - Otay Ranch image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious dining areas display San Diego sports decor and maintain a clean, cool atmosphere with loud music. A self-serve salsa bar offers unlimited choices, complementing generous portions of authentic grilled chicken and carne asada tacos. Prices reflect portion size, with some extras like cotija cheese charged separately.

Weekend carnitas show variable quality. The carnitas plate serves as a common choice on those days.

Fire grilled chicken tacos come rolled and satisfy hunger with just one serving. They pair well with other items like the shrimp burrito for a tasty meal.

People are saying

"This burrito is huge and stuffed with delicious meat."

"I found the chicken tacos to be tasty and top-notch."

"I came here on the weekends for the carnitas."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, making it a great family option.

2

Expect larger portion sizes, perfect for sharing or leftovers.

3

Prices are generally reasonable for the quality and portion sizes.

Discover more

California

Area guide
Loading Map...