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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of California

Soup and carnitas

A hearty bowl of soup paired with savory carnitas is the kind of meal that actually feels like a reward.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
El Tio Alex Mexican Restaurant image 1
El Tio Alex Mexican Restaurant image 2
El Tio Alex Mexican Restaurant image 3
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, friendly atmosphere with bright, clean decor and multiple big screen TVs. It features a large back room for groups and a family-owned vibe with loyal customers. The energy stays relaxed and welcoming throughout.

Chicken tortilla soup stands out with its rich, homemade flavor. It pairs well with chips and salsa and is often served alongside other house-made dishes.

Carnitas tacos come with a Chile Verde sauce that adds a tasty kick. Portions include three tacos, rice, beans, chips, and salsa, making for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"You won't finish this massive burrito; it's huge!"

"I thought the chicken tortilla soup was the best I'd had in a long time."

"I loved the Carnitas with Chile Verde sauce."

Good to know

1

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

2

They offer Sunday brunch with Mimosas.

3

Steak Thursday is a special event every Thursday.

02
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open, welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Interior is clean and well lit, featuring great music and plenty of seating. The space balances casual comfort with a touch of charm, making it feel inviting beyond its strip mall exterior.

Azteca soup features moist chicken and blends well with onion and mushrooms. The soup stands out alongside dishes like enchiladas and fish ceviche.

Tender, flavorful carnitas stand out with a rich taste that pairs well with fresh sides. The carnitas plate and tacos deliver a consistently delicious experience.

People are saying

"The food here is rich, flavorful, and authentic."

"I found the carnitas tender and flavorful."

"The Azteca soup here is rich with chicken and tortilla chips."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, offering a variety of dishes at reduced prices.

2

Happy hour menu features discounted items, typically available from 4-6pm.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend dinner hours.

03
Maiz Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with cool decor and an expanding covered patio offering garden seating and views. Atmosphere is loud and lively, often with patrons drinking and celebrating with singing and sombreros. Known for artfully crafted margaritas and fresh, flavorful dishes like fajitas and green chili.

Jalapeรฑo Cream Soup blends heat, sweet, and creamy flavors uniquely. This soup stands out as a signature dish worth trying.

Four large pieces of roast pork arrive tender and juicy with crisp edges and perfect seasoning. Fresh made tortillas complement the outstanding carnitas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tender steak fajitas."

"I'd go back just for the perfectly cooked seafood."

"The carnitas are juicy, crisp on the edges, and seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday offers $2 soft street tacos all day.

3

Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 2pm.

04
El Rio Bravo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with a laid-back, friendly vibe and comfortable outdoor seating. TVs show sports, creating a chill atmosphere for casual dinners or drinks. Salsa bar adds a customizable touch, enhancing the vibrant ambiance.

Albondiga soup stands out with its rich flavor and tender meatballs. It pairs well with other dishes but shines on its own as a hearty option.

Savory and well-cooked, the carnitas come with a great texture. The carnitas tacos stand out as some of the best around, making the Carnitas Plate a solid choice.

People are saying

"This Mexican food tastes homemade and is authentically delicious."

"I loved their albondigas soup; it's some of the best in the city."

"I highly recommend the Carnitas because they were very savory and cooked well."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to only three spaces, so street parking is necessary.

2

The price is around $34 for one dish and one horchata.

3

The portions are large, which may be too much for one person.

05
El Mezcalito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy restaurant with beautiful Latin decor and three TVs showing soccer games. Atmosphere feels lively but not loud, filled with laughter and conversation. Known for authentic Mexican food and 5-star quality margaritas.

Pozole, fish soup, and seafood soup stand out here. The Caldo del Mariscos tastes like home and the soups cover all the classics you want to try.

Carnitas come fried to perfection, offering a crispy and juicy texture. Portions are generous, enough for a family of four, and they pair well with salsa verde.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and packed with flavor."

"I tipped the bowl to drink the rest of the seafood soup."

"The carnitas here are fried to perfection, so crispy and juicy."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5 PM.

2

The restaurant has plenty of parking available, even during lunch hours.

3

The bill for two people with drinks and appetizers averages around $51.

06
Los Panchos Taco Shop image 1
Taco restaurant

Small dining area offers a cozy, welcoming atmosphere with loud festive music and self-serve salsa bar. Plenty of seating suits large groups, creating a lively yet relaxed vibe. Clean and open space feels like a home away from home.

Birria soup features super tender meat that melts in your mouth. A small soup often comes free while you wait, and the seafood soup carries flavors from Chapala, Jalisco, Mexico.

Carnitas show up in several forms here, including tacos and a huge fries plate. The carnitas tacos stand out as a favorite, offering a good and different taste from the usual.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and soup here are amazing."

"I liked the carnitas tacos the most."

"The Birria soup here has super tender meat."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals that attract many guests.

2

Parking frequently gets tight in this strip mall.

3

There is a 50-cent fee to use debit cards.

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.

Tortilla soup stands out with a rich red broth and a flavor profile similar to Pasole. Soups here are consistently flavorful and pair well with dishes like Enchiladas.

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

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and perfectly seasoned."

"The carnitas tacos here have great flavors."

"I've never tasted tortilla soup this good; it's rich and red."

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
The Villa on Grand image 1

Modern Mexican restaurant offers a spacious, airy dining area with charming, elegant decor. Atmosphere feels welcoming and relaxed, with a clean, well-lit environment that invites casual gatherings. Friendly owners contribute to a chill vibe that complements the fresh, flavorful food.

Chicken Tortilla soup stands out with a rich, comforting flavor. The tortilla soup consistently delivers a satisfying, hearty option among the menu's offerings.

Carnitas here come lean and flavorful, avoiding excess fat. The carnitas combo and carnitas burrito stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be delicious."

"I tried the tortilla soup and it was amazing."

"I found the carnitas to be not fatty and very tasty."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos and drinks.

2

Parking is available on the side street near the restaurant.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

09
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.

Rustic, chunky soups like Caldo chicken come with rice, handmade tortillas, and side spices. Options include fish and beef soups, with some containing chili pepper, and preparation can take some time.

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

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas here to be amazing."

"The Caldo chicken soup was really yummy and chunky."

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.

10
La Familia Callejas mexican food image 1

Mexican restaurant with lively banda and soccer on TVs creates an energetic atmosphere. Live music and DJ performances add to the festive vibe. The space is colorful and bright with a welcoming, warm environment.

Beef broth soup stands out with its rich flavor. Chicken soup tastes very good. Caldo de rez soup includes fatty meat and a piece of corn, though vegetables are minimal.

Wet burritos with carnitas stand out for their rich flavor and generous portions. Carnitas also appear in huaraches, offering a wonderful taste that complements the dish well.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"I thought the beef broth soup was the best I had ever tasted."

"The carnitas wet burrito is a 10/10, maybe even 11/10."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night, starting at 8pm.

2

They charge an extra 4% fee for credit or debit card payments.

3

Free chips and salsa are provided with every meal.

11
El Pueblito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy dining area with tables and booths. Atmosphere includes Spanish rap music, creating a lively but sometimes distracting vibe. Known for affordable prices and excellent tacos and burritos, it draws a busy lunch crowd seeking authentic flavors.

Mexican soup features large chunks of carrots, a whole potato, and a couple of green beans. The chicken soup varies, sometimes very yummy and other times lacking flavor.

Carnitas come in ample portions and are prepared to personal preference. The carnitas burrito and plate both deliver solid flavor and satisfy well.

People are saying

"I really liked the carnitas plate; it was prepared just how I liked it."

"I found the chicken soup to be so yummy."

"The carnitas plate was prepared just how I liked it."

Good to know

1

El Pueblito offers daily food specials.

2

Portion sizes are large, often providing leftovers.

3

There is ample parking available in the plaza.

12
Lourdes Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open front wall creates an outdoor feel with an amazing view near the beach. Atmosphere stays relaxed and low-key with a calm, open vibe. Frequented by those seeking generous portions of Mexican food at affordable prices.

Chicken soup stands out for its authentic Mexican flavor and mostly broth-based preparation with a small amount of chicken and rice. The soup is fresh and delicious, though the chicken can sometimes be tough.

Carnitas have a strong, authentic flavor that stands out. The burrito bowl with carnitas delivers a satisfying mix of textures and taste.

People are saying

"I loved the burritos and the salsa bar here."

"I thought the chicken soup here was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the carnitas here were some of the best I would find."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer special deals on tacos.

2

The restaurant is a 5-7 minute walk from San Elijo campground.

3

The prices are reasonable considering the large portions.

13
Agave Seasons image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open space with modern decor and boho vibes creates a welcoming atmosphere. Live piano music and a phenomenal playlist add lively energy. The spot blends bar and restaurant elements, attracting those who enjoy great drinks and vibrant ambiance.

Soups here come with a spicy kick, especially the jalapeรฑo and tortilla varieties. Some find the heat intense, with no adjustments offered when it's too much.

Pork carnitas tacos come fresh and tasty with an amazing presentation. They stand out as a top choice for flavor and quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"The carnitas tacos here are so fresh and tasty."

"I loved the jalapeรฑo soup."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday features $2 tacos and special drink prices all day.

3

Fajitas Thursday offers a buy-one-get-one deal on fajitas.

14
Fonda Don Chon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere. Seating divides into two rooms plus a beautiful cobbled patio with heaters. The vibe is lively and sometimes loud, especially in the back room.

Soups come in two kinds, including caldo de res and albรณndiga soup. They are loaded with plenty of vegetables and offer rich flavors like papaya, short ribs, and beef.

Carnitas come with good flavor and are less dry than the beef. They appear on plates alongside dishes like queso fundido and flautas, offering a solid meat option.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing and authentic."

"I found the soups to be great and loaded with vegetables."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas plate."

Good to know

1

Expect a 40-minute wait for tables on weekends, especially for larger groups.

2

The brunch buffet is available Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 3 PM.

3

Saturday and Sunday brunch runs from 9 AM to 3 PM.

15
Benny's Tacos & Rotisserie Chicken in Santa Monica image 1

Mexican restaurant offers spacious covered patio and ample outdoor seating with a Californian vibe. Atmosphere varies from stuffy indoors to lively but loud outdoors near busy streets. Food service is casual and self-ordering, attracting a crowd that appreciates generous portions and notable tacos.

Hearty chicken soup features whole chicken, fresh veggies, and potatoes in a large bowl. It comes with Spanish rice and tortillas, served with a presentation that appeals to the eyes and stomach.

Carnitas burrito with cheese offers great value and is a solid choice. Carnitas and barbacoa stay moist, with tacos and burritos both tasting very good.

People are saying

"The Outdoor Seating is great for delicious, well-seasoned tacos."

"I thought the chicken soup was the best I had."

"You have to try the carnitas burrito; it's the best bang for your buck."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tricky but there is a free small lot available.

2

Expect large portions for the price, which is generally considered good.

3

Taco Tuesdays offer special promotions worth checking out.

16
Avila's El Ranchito - Huntington Park image 1

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like being in Mexico. The space is clean and spacious, often getting crowded and lively with music and birthday serenades. Handmade corn tortillas and authentic Mexican cuisine define the dining experience.

Varieties like chicken, albondigas, and cocido soups come with generous portions and sides like handmade tortillas, rice, and chips. Avila's tortilla soup stands out for its rich flavor and hearty ingredients.

Tender and juicy carnitas appear in tacos, sopes, and burritos. Plates highlight exceptionally flavorful carnitas paired with beans and rice.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is so fresh and homemade, especially the tortillas."

"The albondigas soup was amazing, full of vegetables and handmade tortillas."

"I found the carnitas to be exceptionally flavorful."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of parking available at the restaurant.

2

Expect minimal wait times, especially around 2pm on weekends.

3

The restaurant is suitable for group gatherings with ample space inside.

17
Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with authentic dishes and huge plates creates a family-oriented atmosphere. Multiple TVs and a bar add to the casual, lively vibe. Cleanliness stands out as a distinctive feature.

Albondigas soup features meatballs in a rich sauce with onions, cilantro, and tortillas on the side. Menudo and Birria soup also appear on the menu, offering traditional Mexican flavors in hearty servings.

Tender and juicy carnitas fill the sope and plate dishes. The carnitas come packed with full flavor and a generous portion.

People are saying

"This lunch spot has the most delicious Mexican food I've ever eaten."

"The birria soup was delicious and served in generous portions."

"The carnitas were so tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

2

Lunch specials are offered at an affordable price.

3

Portions are generous, often leaving guests with leftovers.

18
El Tepeyac Family Restaurant image 1

Old school interior sets a family-friendly atmosphere with a focus on authentic Mexican dishes like menudo served daily and spicy salsa. Lunch hours bring a busy, lively vibe with many lunch specials and no dinner service. The place stands out for excellent catering options and flavorful, well-prepared traditional meals.

Caldo de res stands out as a rich, hearty soup. Albondigas soup offers a flavorful meatball broth that pairs well with classic sides.

Carnitas appear in several dishes like tacos and tortas. The tortas carnitas come greasy, while carnitas tacos are part of combos and individual orders with fries and other sides.

People are saying

"This Lunch Spot's authentic Mexican food is so delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious Albondigas soup."

"I ordered the carnitas tortas and liked them."

Good to know

1

They offer a free dessert for mothers on Mother's Day.

2

They close at 4 pm and do not offer dinner service.

3

Credit cards incur an additional 4% fee.

19
San Diego Chicken Pie Shop image 1
Chicken restaurant

Old-school American diner with authentic rural feel and classic country style offers a bright, inviting atmosphere that feels like stepping back in time. Space is large and uncluttered, maintaining a clean, meticulously kept environment with friendly energy.

Chicken soup stands out as extremely good and hearty, often described as the best ever. The split pea soup also impresses with rich flavor, making both soups memorable choices.

Carnitas pies feature tender, flavorful meat wrapped in a flaky crust. The pot pie version includes double mashed potatoes and a side soup, offered twice a month.

People are saying

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

"I thought the chicken rice soup was the standout dish."

"The carnitas pie is tender, flavorful, and wrapped in a flaky crust."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Tuesdays.

2

Every day, they have a different cream pie; ask your server for details.

3

Expect large crowds on Thursday nights and during Monday Night football.

20
Tacos California image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small taco truck offers authentic Mexican food with a nostalgic atmosphere and a busy evening crowd. Tacos feature full flavor and include standout items like carne asada, birria, and carnitas. Condiments and drinks are available at a taco tent outside, enhancing the casual dining experience.

Chicken soup comes in a small cup and is served complimentary while waiting. The soup has a real chicken flavor and pairs well with tacos.

Carnitas come in tacos with a good flavor and satisfying texture. They stand out among other options like shrimp tacos and chicken soups.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be full of flavor."

"I got a complimentary cup of soup while I waited."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be the best I've had."

Good to know

1

They do not provide utensils for adding toppings, so plan accordingly.

2

Expect busy times around 9:00 p.m. with a line of customers.

3

Tacos de camera cost $4 each, which may be considered high.

21
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a festive atmosphere features loud music and sports on TV with sound down. Seating options vary for small and large groups, including private areas. The vibe can shift from quiet to lively depending on crowd size and room acoustics.

House made tortilla soup stands out with a fantastic flavor that makes people wish for a bigger bowl. Lunch specials include unlimited soup and salad, adding value to the meal.

Carnitas come crisp and stand out among taco options like steak and pastor. They appear in tacos and family fajita dinners with all the fixings.

People are saying

"The food here was good and served hot."

"I thought the tortilla soup was excellent."

"The carnitas here are the best and perfectly crisp."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour Specials are available in the bar area, including booths in the upper part of the restaurant.

2

The Sunday buffet brunch runs from 9:00am to 2:00pm with bottomless mimosas.

3

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

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