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Carnitas with live music in California

You want the slow-cooked depth of carnitas served alongside the energy of live music. The atmosphere should be as vibrant as the food on your plate.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 1
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 2
LUNA Bistro & Cafe image 3
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Tulum-inspired space with beige colors and lots of plants creates a serene vibe. Live bands play on weekends, making the atmosphere loud and lively. Two back patios offer private outdoor seating for events.

Carnitas come wrapped in a banana leaf for presentation and pack a lot of flavor. Enchiladas feature mild salsa verde that complements the meat well.

Live music plays from Friday to Sunday with a live band performing. The setting has a Tulum-inspired atmosphere that complements the music.

People are saying

"The food during Happy Hour is delicious and perfect for sharing."

"I enjoyed the classy live music here."

"The carnitas enchiladas were delicious with a flavorful salsa verde."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available Monday through Friday from 2:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

2

There is a late happy hour option available.

3

Live entertainment occurs on Sunday nights.

02
Franco's Famous Laguna Hills image 1

Mexican restaurant with colorful design and an outside patio offers a fun, energetic atmosphere often enhanced by live music. The space feels welcoming and lively, suitable for celebrations and casual dining. Margaritas stand out as a popular feature alongside tasty, generous tacos.

Carnitas show up in street tacos and a burrito, both with solid flavor. The carnitas stand out alongside the smash tacos for good taste.

Live music happens on Thursdays after 5 pm with a fun and exciting atmosphere. Performances are consistently awesome and always good.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really, really good."

"The outdoor seating area was very pleasant and terrific."

"I thought the carnitas street tacos were delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3 tacos, but only fried options are available.

2

Happy hour runs weekdays from 3 to 6 PM with discounted snacks and drinks.

3

Live music happens every Thursday after 5 PM, creating a lively atmosphere.

03
Tlaquepaque Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a welcoming atmosphere features live Mariachi music that energizes the space. Guests enjoy strong, flavorful margaritas alongside exceptional traditional dishes like tamales and mole. The setting combines traditional hospitality with a vibrant, festive vibe.

Smoked pork shines in the carnitas, offering rich flavor and tender texture. It pairs well with homemade guacamole and smoked beans, creating a satisfying meal.

Live music starts around 11am and often includes singing happy birthday. Thursday nights feature live music outside, and Sunday brunch comes with amazing live music.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the birria tacos."

"I thought the carnitas were great and exceptionally good."

"The live music here is very enjoyable, especially on Thursday nights."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a Sunday brunch with live music starting at 11am.

2

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

3

Reservations are recommended for the Sunday brunch due to high demand.

04
La Popular Claremont image 1

Contemporary decor with dim warm lighting and a large outdoor patio decorated with string lights creates an elegant, inviting space. Live music plays regularly, adding energy, though game audio can be loud inside. The atmosphere feels welcoming and trendy, attracting a busy crowd early in the evening.

Carnitas show up in tacos and a torta, both with solid flavor. They pair well with other dishes like campechanos and pastor tacos.

Live music features talented acoustic guitar and singer performances, especially on Tuesday nights. The venue pairs music with events like Taco Tuesday all day and happy hour, creating a lively vibe.

People are saying

"The margaritas here are truly yummy and worth every penny."

"I ordered the carnitas tacos and they were really tasty."

"The live music here is great and really adds to the vibe."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

2

Expect wait times of 45 minutes to an hour during busy nights.

3

Happy hour features $5 margaritas and $2 tacos on Tuesdays.

05
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere that opens up for dancing in the evenings. The space features artwork and open windows that evoke a Mexican feel, attracting groups celebrating various occasions.

Happy hour features carnita tacos that stand out. Carnitas also appear in nachos alongside asada and quesabirria, showing variety in preparation.

Live music kicks off around 9 PM, boosting the energy. Fridays feature a live band and a dance floor space that livens up the late evening.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"David's recommendations for Carnitas were perfect."

"The cocktails here are flavorful and well-crafted."

Good to know

1

After 9pm, the place turns into a dance club.

2

Live music happens on Friday nights.

3

The kitchen closes after 12 am and the bar at 1:30 am.

06
IZOLA image 1
Bakery

Bright, open bakery with heated patios and live local music creates a warm, inviting vibe. Small indoor space fills quickly, making it lively and social with families, dogs, and shared tables. Unique entry by buzz-in adds a speakeasy feel to the experience.

Fusion croissants stand out with the Carnitas Croissant offering a unique blend of flavors. These croissants have 96 layers of butter and deliver a taste that rivals traditional French versions.

Live music performances fill the space with a warm, relaxing atmosphere. Natural light brightens the room while you can see the baker just upstairs during shows.

People are saying

"This croissant is impossibly flaky, buttery, and fresh."

"I heard awesome live music every Saturday morning."

"The carnitas croissant is a unique and amazing fusion."

Good to know

1

Live music performances happen every Saturday morning.

2

Pre-ordering is recommended as popular items often sell out quickly.

3

Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially for croissants.

07
MADRE MEXICAN RESTAURANT & MEZCALERIA image 1

Modern design blends with outdoor patio seating and an airy, open layout to create a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Live mariachi music and a DJ add vibrant energy, especially on weekends. The focus on mole dishes and extensive mezcal selection sets it apart from typical Mexican restaurants.

Carnitas tacos stand out with great flavors. Mole nachos come topped with carnitas, adding a rich twist.

Live music happens on weekends with great seats available to enjoy the performances.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The carnitas tacos here have great flavors."

"The live music here made the experience special."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for dinner service; walk-ins are only accepted at the bar.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait during peak hours, especially on Fridays.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted food and drinks.

08
Taqueria Periban Inc. image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor Mexican restaurant under a tent offers live music that creates a lively atmosphere with some moments of loudness. The crowd enjoys authentic carnitas and micheladas praised for their quality. Seating is ample, and the vibe feels friendly and inviting.

Authentic Michoacan style pork carnitas stand out with flavorful, super moist texture. Carnitas tacos and burritos deliver delicious, well-seasoned meat with solid quality.

Live music plays on weekends with live bands performing outdoors. The music adds to the atmosphere but can sometimes be too loud.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas here to be flavorful and super moist."

"The carnitas here are delicious and savory."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight, so arrive early to find a spot.

2

The restaurant has outdoor seating under a tent.

3

Live bands perform on certain days, check the schedule.

09
ANAYA'S RESTAURANT image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant offers large family seating and a well-stocked bar with quality cocktails. Live music creates a lively atmosphere, though noise levels can be high. Outdoor patio provides a comfortable al fresco dining experience.

Slow cooked pork offers a beautiful flavor that is neither spicy nor dry. Carnitas come with beans, guacamole, salsa, and rice, making for a satisfying meal.

Live music features a local singer skilled in both guitar and voice performing solo. Performances happen on Friday nights and maintain a volume that does not interrupt conversations.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's depth of flavor, especially the chilaquiles, was amazing."

"I loved the live music here; it didn't interrupt conversations."

"I loved the carnitas' beautiful flavor, not too dry."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price margaritas and drink specials on weekdays.

2

Sunday brunch features a special menu with unique dishes.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

10
Kalaveras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live music and colorful RGB lighting creates a loud, energetic atmosphere. Walls decorated with Halloween-themed calaveras add a unique, festive touch. Birthday celebrations feature a skull with shots and fireworks, enhancing the lively vibe.

Tacos come heavy on the meat with carnitas included. Carnitas tacos taste good but can be just okay depending on the order.

Friday nights feature live music with a singer performing Mexican songs enthusiastically. The music pairs well with dishes like ceviche.

People are saying

"The food here was really good."

"The carnitas tacos were tasty and heavy on the meat."

"The live music here was awesome and enthusiastic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 2 tacos for $7 on Taco Tuesdays.

2

Live music is featured on Friday nights, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Parking is limited, and valet service is available for $8.

11
Xclusive Mexican Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a handsome interior featuring an island bar and half booth seating creates a welcoming, classy atmosphere. Live mariachi music plays at select times, setting a perfect volume for conversation without distraction. Several TVs show sports without creating a typical sports bar vibe.

Carnitas come in huge portions with flavorful and authentic stuffing. The preparation stands out because they do it on carnitas, which many places skip.

Live music plays on select weekend nights, adding a lively atmosphere to the dining experience. Checking the schedule helps catch these special performances.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so flavorful, I'd call it 'Fuego'."

"The carnitas here are a huge portion with great taste."

"The live music here really elevates the whole experience."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour specials are available all day on weekdays.

2

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and drinks.

3

Expect a 20-minute wait for food during busy hours.

12
The Woodward American Grill image 1
American restaurant

Large space filled with over 30 TVs and a full bar creates a lively setting. Music ranges from live local performances to curated playlists, enhancing a fun and inviting atmosphere. Elevated booths and long tables accommodate groups, attracting sports fans and social gatherings alike.

Carnitas chilequiles stand out with bold flavors and a satisfying mix of textures. Carnitas tacos taste good but lean toward bland without extra salsa.

Live music plays regularly, especially on Saturdays. It adds a lively touch to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, thanks to Tatiana's great care."

"I loved the live music during my visit."

"The carnitas chilequiles were insane."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to high crowd volume during brunch hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 45 minutes to an hour without a reservation.

3

Brunch specials are available only from 10 to 11 AM.

13
Lares Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music and folk art decor creates a cozy, authentic atmosphere. Seating includes both indoor and outdoor options, with a small, friendly dining area upstairs. Superior margaritas complement the festive, family-friendly vibe.

Carnitas here are traditional and very tasty, served in a plate with rice and beans. The carnitas quesadilla on flour tortillas stands out, often paired with guacamole and sour cream.

Live music plays in the upstairs area on Saturday nights, creating an authentic atmosphere. Performances add to the experience alongside great drinks and top service.

People are saying

"I had one of the best wet burritos in my life."

"This local spot serves authentic, old-school Mexican American fare."

"I had the best Carnitas dinner ever."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tough; limited street parking is available.

2

Asada nachos cost $17.95 plus 10.75% tax.

3

Lares Restaurant offers free re-fills on drinks.

14
Burrito Factory image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live Latin music and a loud DJ creates a lively, club-like atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating surround a well-stocked bar with many TVs. Crowds bring high energy and a social vibe, especially during music performances.

Fresh carnitas come daily and appear in several dishes like Burritos Carnitas and nachos. The carnitas plate can be a bit dry but works well with hot sauce added.

Live music features a live band playing mostly cumbias at a loud volume. Shows often happen on Fridays with a DJ accompanying the band.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be tasty and filling."

"This bar's lively atmosphere has tons of TVs for watching games."

"The Carnitas portions here are so large, they could feed a whole group."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available after work, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect a crowded atmosphere during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is ample, making it easy to find a spot.

15
Mercado Gonzรกlez Northgate Market image 1

Mexican grocery store combines vibrant decor with live mariachi music and a full bar inside. Atmosphere feels lively and festive, often with a DJ and food stations creating a chaotic yet welcoming vibe. Outdoor seating adds a quaint touch, making it a unique blend of shopping and entertainment.

Freshly made carnitas stand out with a variety of pre-prepared options like salsas and guacamole. The carnitas here often surpass those from other well-known spots and come alongside dishes like mole and ceviche.

Live music plays every Sunday with free DJs and bands on weekends. A full bar and dance space complement the food court atmosphere.

People are saying

"This grocery store has amazing prepared Mexican food and fresh items."

"I loved the live music and the fresh tortillas."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas, they were made fresh."

Good to know

1

Live music happens every weekend, enhancing the shopping experience.

2

Menudo is served only on Fridays and Saturdays from 6 AM to noon.

3

Parking can be challenging, especially on weekends.

16
Carnitas al Estilo Michoacan moreno valley image 1

Mission-style design with live weekend music creates a lively atmosphere that shifts from relaxing after 9 pm to energetic for dancing and drinking. The space features plenty of decor and a big TV, supporting both casual dining and entertainment. Music volume can be very loud, impacting conversation during peak times.

Juicy and authentic Michoacan-style carnitas stand out here, served in various dishes like mixed tacos and quesadillas. The family pack offers a great value, and the carnitas consistently taste pure and flavorful.

Live shows happen on weekends with live music and fun performances. The atmosphere changes depending on the night with weekend shows regularly scheduled.

People are saying

"You can dance to live music and enjoy fun shows all weekend."

"I experienced the carnitas as the best in town."

"They have live music on the weekends and shows."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night is on Fridays with a two-drink minimum.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Live entertainment includes karaoke on Thursdays and a drag show on Saturdays.

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