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Tamales and carnitas spots

Made for those who want to pair their tamales with carnitas in a setting that feels authentic and unpretentious.

Based on 911 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Los Altos image 1
Taqueria Los Altos image 2
Taqueria Los Altos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Small, clean taco restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere with quick service and reasonable prices. A great salsa bar complements authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions. The space feels welcoming and sanitary, suitable for casual dining or takeout.

Soft tamales come wrapped in tradition with moist fillings and a rich smoky red sauce. They pair well with other dishes like enchiladas and pozole.

Juicy carnitas stand out with handmade fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas. Well seasoned and savory, they appear in tacos and burritos alongside other meats.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were incredible, especially the carnitas and carne asada."

"The tamales are soft, flavorful, and wrapped in tradition."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and seasoned super well."

Good to know

1

The tacos are priced at $11 for two, with generous portions.

2

Expect food to be ready in 10-15 minutes during busy hours.

3

The restaurant includes a free cup of consomรฉ with each meal.

02
El Gallo Giro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open kitchen design reveals food preparation in a simple, cafeteria-like space. Atmosphere stays chill and pleasant with friendly community vibes. Known for fresh, tasty bread and standout tacos, it offers a clean environment with consistent food quality.

Tamales stand out here with a delicious chicken option and consistently good flavor. Many visits focus on these as the main draw.

Carnitas pack includes a pound of meat, rice, beans, and tortillas for about $28. The fried pork is flavorful and often requires a 30-minute wait with updates on timing.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and tortas, is delicious."

"I found the carnitas here to be very good."

"I found the tamales here to be so good."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for carnitas during peak lunch hours.

2

El Gallo Giro opens early and stays open late.

3

Prices are considered high, with drinks costing around $15.31.

03
Raffa's Carniceria Panaderia Taqueria #3 image 1

Market offers authentic Mexican atmosphere with freshly baked bread and seasoned meats. It stays clean and orderly with accessible layout and often has a long line due to popularity. Hot foods, natural juices, and a variety of Mexican staples create a one-stop shop experience.

Tamales feature a very delicious dough and are generally tasty with some being dry. They stand out alongside excellent bakery sweet breads and pan dulce.

Carnita burritos stand out for their generous portions and rich flavor. Mixed carnitas come ready to go, paired well with rice and guacamole for a filling meal.

People are saying

"I'd buy my Mexican food here; it's the only place I'd go."

"I found the tamales here to be excellent and very tasty."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best around."

Good to know

1

Smoked foods are available every Saturday and Sunday.

2

Tacos are offered at 4 for 5 dollars on Wednesdays.

3

The market is clean and well-maintained for a good shopping experience.

04
Ramirez Meat Market image 1

Butcher shop offers affordable prices and generous meat portions with excellent tortillas and phenomenal carnitas especially on weekends. Tamales vary widely in quality, ranging from best in town to poor and reheated. Phone and website contact are unreliable.

Freshly made tamales stand out for their quality meat and rich flavor. Both savory and dulce tamales offer a delicious taste that pairs well with other Mexican foods like tortillas and carnitas.

Phenomenal flavor and high-quality meat define the carnitas here. They stand out clearly compared to other spots, especially on weekends.

People are saying

"I found the tortillas here to be delicious and fresh."

"I found the carnitas here to be phenomenal."

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

Good to know

1

The prices at Ramirez Meat Market are affordable.

05
El Toro Tortilla Factory image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open kitchen dominates the space with fresh tortilla making and food prep visible. Atmosphere feels hectic and loud, with tight dining quarters and loud music creating a lively, bustling vibe. Guests often sample food and drinks while waiting, adding to the energetic experience.

Freshly made tamales stand out with flavorful, tender texture and authentic taste. Beef tamales and carnitas are popular, and ordering a day ahead is possible to secure your choice.

Mouth watering carnitas come fresh and hot, often paired with amazing tortillas and a variety of salsas. Family deals include rice, beans, and guacamole, all well seasoned and cooked.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, homemade tortillas here."

"These carnitas are so tender, crispy, and full of flavor."

"These tamales are so flavorful and packed with authentic taste."

Good to know

1

On Sundays, they serve menudo as a weekend special.

2

Parking is inconvenient, especially during busy times.

3

Prices are better than most, especially for the quality.

06
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.

Beef, pork, and chicken tamales stand out with consistent quality. The Christmas tamales offer a unique twist. Service during pickup is organized and friendly. The red sauce is less favored.

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.

People are saying

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

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

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

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.

07
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Stylish, clean space with outdoor seating offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere that feels family friendly and authentic. Freshly made sangria complements a menu praised for its mole enchiladas and burritos. Parking is convenient with both lot and street options.

Mole tamales stand out with their moist texture and rich flavor. They come alongside other dishes like pupusas and fajitas, adding variety to the meal.

Carnitas vary widely here, with some servings well cooked and tender while others come out dried out and tough. The texture ranges from awesome tacos to pieces tougher than cardboard.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"I had awesome carnitas, the meat was well cooked and tender."

"These tamales are delicious and moist."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the restaurant complex itself.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.

3

Menudo is served on Saturday and Sunday.

08
Tacoz image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot with only three tightly packed tables offers a lively and energetic atmosphere. Interior features well-decorated, neat design that creates a welcoming, homey vibe. Music plays loudly, adding to the high-energy environment despite the compact space.

Tamales de corundas and elote tamales stand out with strong corn flavors. Tamales come fresh from the pot, ready to eat without fuss.

Carnitas come in Michoacรกn style with authentic flavor and include options like cueritos and buche. Plates often feature handmade tortillas, rice, beans, and filled jalapenos, making for a complete and flavorful meal.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The carnitas here are tender and packed with flavor."

"These elote tamales taste just like eating corn."

Good to know

1

Carnitas sell out quickly, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

2

Street parking is available, but can be limited during busy hours.

3

The menu includes vegan options alongside traditional dishes.

09
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

Two tamales come with perfect salsas and include options like Chicken - Chili Verde and pork. Some tamales have too much masa and less meat or flavor, but overall they are filling and tasty.

Plates feature tender carnitas served with excellent black beans. Fried plantains and pineapple juice often accompany the carnitas plate.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"I got two different tamales and they were delicious."

"The carnitas here are so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

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.

Huge tamales stand out here, especially the chicken and beef varieties. They pair well with tostadas and offer a solid option when usual tamale spots sell out.

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

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 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.

Tamales have a high masa content with less meat inside. They come alongside dishes like enchiladas and chile relleno on combination plates. The tamale and pozole stand out as not quite matching homemade versions.

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."

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

"These tamales are among the best I've had from a restaurant."

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.

12
Cruz Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with self-serve salsa bar offering six options including super hot salsas and a large vegan menu. Atmosphere is family-friendly with authentic cuisine and a variety of non-alcoholic drinks. Seating and parking are ample, with pick-up service after evening hours.

Offers pork and vegan tamales with solid flavor. Tamales come alongside other Mexican dishes like flautas and tacos, all noted for being good.

Vegan carnitas stand out here, featured in combo plates, tacos, and tortas. Both the vegan carnitas and traditional carnitas offer tasty, satisfying options.

People are saying

"You have to try the burritos; they're the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I always got the vegan carnitas combo plate and it never disappointed."

"I found the tamales to be amazing."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, the street tacos cost about $2.25 each.

2

After 7:30 PM, Cruz Tacos only offers pick-up service.

3

The Tuesday special is only available before a certain time.

13
La Moderna Bakery image 1

Family-owned bakery offers authentic Mexican tamales with a sweet spirit and long lines early in the day. The atmosphere is lively but orderly, with a focus on savory and sweet baked goods that attract regulars seeking quality. Tamales sell out quickly, emphasizing their popularity and freshness.

Chilli-cheese tamales stand out for their rich flavor and freshness. The tamales come with beans, chicharron, and salsa, creating a classic, satisfying meal.

Carnitas come out crispy on the outside and soft and flavorful inside. They pair well with fresh tamales and Mexican bread for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I thought their tamales were the best I'd ever tasted."

"I loved their sweet bread; it's the best in town."

"I found the carnitas crispy outside and flavorful inside."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid sold-out tamales, especially on weekends.

2

Tamales cost $4.50 each, with a dozen priced at $33.00.

3

Expect a long line during peak hours.

14
Redlands Ranch Market IGA image 1

Market combines rustic look with a relaxed atmosphere that feels like a Mexican vacation. It offers full-service bakery, deli, and BBQ spot, plus a beer cave with craft selections. Space feels cozy and a bit cramped, with friendly staff and a variety of international foods.

Fresh-made tortillas and vegan masa support making tamales here. The market offers a wide variety of meats, homemade tortillas, sauces, and tamales with great meat quality and delicious flavor.

Offers a 1 pound carnitas combo with warm tortillas, rice, beans, and salsa for around $20. The pork is tender and slow-cooked, feeding groups easily with larger combos available.

People are saying

"This grocery store makes amazing, fresh tortillas and authentic Mexican food."

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

"I thought the carnitas here were great."

Good to know

1

The market offers a wide variety of international and local food products.

2

Expect to find fresh tortillas and a bakery with house-made goods.

3

Prices on meat are competitive, making it a great value for shoppers.

15
Ditroit Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor dining occupies a narrow, hidden space with a chill vibe and lovely atmosphere. The spot feels like a small taco oasis with deliciously spicy salsas at a compact salsa bar. Seating uses plasticware, and the setting offers free parking nearby.

Menu includes elevated Mexican street food with tamales among staples. The pepper and cheese tamale stands out as a notable option.

Duck carnitas taco stands out alongside the suadero taco and fish flauta. Carnitas tacos come highly recommended and deliver excellent flavor.

People are saying

"You have to try the fish flauta; it's amazing."

"You have to try the pepper and cheese tamale."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

There is free parking at Ditroit Taqueria.

2

They have a parking lot right next to the restaurant, which provides peace of mind.

3

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

16
El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Classic Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden patio. Atmosphere mixes a 1940s vibe with occasional loud order announcements, creating a unique but sometimes startling environment. Features a salsa bar and homemade tortillas, adding to its traditional appeal.

Tamales come packed and delicious with a moist texture that avoids dryness. Frozen options steam well at home, tasting just like fresh, with pork tamales standing out alongside a soft drink selection.

Carnitas Burrito stands out with rich flavor and satisfying portions. The carnitas chimichanga also delivers a solid taste, while the carnitas tacos show promise for even better flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the shredded beef tacos were the best."

"I found the tamales masa to be the freshest and most flavorful."

"I couldn't stop eating the flavor-filled carnitas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes $3.50 for two street tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Parking is available across the street in a dedicated lot.

17
Las Cuatro Milpas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with homemade corn and flour tortillas and a long tradition in the community. Atmosphere is simple and busy, especially on weekend mornings, with no seating available. Known for fresh masa and reasonably priced authentic dishes.

Tamales feature high quality masa that tastes fresh and soft. The meat inside is clean and free of fat, delivering a well-balanced flavor that stands out.

Fresh homemade tortillas pair with tender carnitas in burritos and tacos. The carnitas come with chicharrรณn options, making for a flavorful meal.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are fresh and handmade."

"I found the carnitas here to be exceptionally delicious."

"These tamales are packed with flavorful, clean meat."

Good to know

1

They are open from 6 am to 2 pm, Monday through Saturday.

2

There are no seats available at Las Cuatro Milpas.

3

The area around Las Cuatro Milpas isn't great, so be careful.

18
Los 5 Puntos image 1

Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.

Handmade tamales here are very delicious and come in all types. Ingredients like masa, dried chilies, and leaves are available for making tamales at home.

Carnitas come juicy and tender, served hot and ready. Handmade tortillas made without machines add a traditional touch to the tacos, enhancing the overall flavor.

People are saying

"The food's authentic Mexican taste, especially the sopes and tamales, is delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were very good, juicy and delicious."

"These tamales are tasty and full of beef."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.

2

Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.

3

The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.

19
Fast n Fresh Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large outdoor patio with wood tables creates a vibey atmosphere for groups and sports nights. Inside space is cozy and spotless, offering a casual and lively vibe. Crowd enjoys ice cold margaritas and big portions in a welcoming setting.

Pork tamale stands out as a praised dish here. Orders sometimes have a quality control issue with missing tamales, like receiving only one when six were charged.

Carnitas tacos stand out with solid flavor and good quality. The carnitas burrito offers a large portion for under $10, nearly enough for two meals. Carnitas tortas lack flavor and have a slimy texture.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best in the valley."

"I thought the tamales here were the best around."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events like Mother's Day brunch.

2

The restaurant accepts cash only for street tacos.

3

Parking is available in a small lot behind the restaurant.

20
Masa Tamales & Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and lively Latin music sets a relaxed, welcoming vibe. Bright pink bar and indoor-outdoor seating accommodate groups comfortably. Authentic decor and family-friendly energy create a refreshing dining experience.

Wet tamales stand out with moist texture and rich flavors like rajas y queso and wet puerco with salsa verde. Vegetarian and vegan options offer delicious variety that keeps people coming back.

Carnitas appear as a taco option and an entrรฉe plate. They join a menu featuring shredded chicken and tamales, showing a variety of traditional Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"I found the tamales to be delicious and moist."

"The margaritas here are wonderful and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas taco to be very tasty and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking lot fills up quickly on weekends; arrive early.

2

Lunch deal with baby burritos offers great value.

3

Credit cards accepted, but cash is recommended for street vendors nearby.

21
La Favorita Tortilleria image 1
Mexican grocery store

Corn tortillas and tostada shells come fresh and crisp, made on-site daily. The atmosphere suits families and offers a variety of traditional Mexican staples like carnitas, menudo, and masa dough. Weekend offerings include carnitas, pozole, and menudo, creating a lively, authentic vibe.

Tamales come in pork, chicken, and cheese varieties with authentic masa dough that stands out. The carnitas tamales and pork tamales are especially notable for their flavor and quality.

Carnitas come fresh on weekends alongside pozole and menudo. They sell carnitas with tortillas, chicharrones, and tamales all in one spot.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tamales, is super delicious."

"I found the tamales here to be super delicious."

"I thought the carnitas were amazing."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of traditional Mexican food items.

2

The staff makes corn tortillas every day.

3

Tamales are available for purchase throughout the week.

22
El Cholo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Large dining room with historic decor and a courtyard-like interior creates a warm, festive atmosphere. Outdoor patio and family room add to the kid-friendly, lively vibe. Strong margaritas and classic Mexican dishes complement the authentic, nostalgic setting.

Unique blue corn tamales stand out alongside green corn tamales and sweet corn tamales available seasonally. The Corn and green Chile tamale pairs well with the #3 combo featuring a pork tamale, cheese enchilada, rice, and beans.

Meat comes lean and flavorful on the carnitas platter. Some dishes like the Carnitas enchilada and Relleno stand out as excellent. Occasionally, carnitas can be dry and bland.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious, especially the salsa."

"You have to try the green corn tamales when they're in season."

"I thought the carnitas were the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult; consider using valet services.

2

Happy hour offers two drinks for $44, providing a good ambiance.

3

The restaurant accommodates large groups of 15-20 people easily.

23
El Torazo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a peaceful back patio and culture-appropriate music creates a welcoming atmosphere. Busy and popular spot known for handmade tortillas and affordable, tasty tacos. The setting feels like a neighborhood gem with a clean, neat dining room and plenty of parking.

Beef tamales stand out with tasty fillings and a soft texture. Prices lean toward the higher side but the flavor matches the cost.

Carnitas tacos come in a combo and stand out among other taco options. They appear crisp and flavorful in taco form but do not translate well inside a burrito.

People are saying

"The red and green salsas here are both flavorful and unique."

"I found the tamales here to be excellent."

"I became addicted to the carnitas tacos here."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos at two dollars each.

2

Expect longer wait times on Taco Tuesdays due to high demand.

3

There is plenty of parking available near the restaurant.

24
Mi Reyna Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Handmade tortillas made fresh to order define the space, creating a homemade food vibe and authentic Mexican atmosphere. The environment feels cozy and welcoming, with a family-run energy that invites guests to enjoy traditional dishes in a clean, open setting.

Tamales come with moist masa that is thinner than usual and filled with fresh meat or chicken. Cheese and jalapeรฑo options pair well with green and red sauces for added flavor.

Carnitas tacos come highly praised alongside birria and adobada options. The carnitas hold up as authentic and flavorful, matching the quality of other standout tacos here.

People are saying

"I found the handmade tortillas here to be super fresh and delicious."

"I thought the tamales here were the best I've ever had."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be as good as they get."

Good to know

1

All tortillas are made by hand and made to order.

2

You have to pre-order the masa a day in advance.

3

The restaurant had a perfect health inspection report.

25
VALLARTA SUPERMARKET image 1

Supermarket offers wide variety of Hispanic foods and freshly cooked items like carnitas and tamales. Spacious and very clean environment with a welcoming atmosphere and aromas from the food court. Prices vary, with some items affordable and others higher than nearby stores.

Tamales come in a variety of flavors and are consistently delicious. They offer both fresh and cooked options alongside other dishes like chiciron.

Fresh carnitas come with a salty flavor and pair well with fresh tortillas. The quality matches other fresh items like ceviches and chile rellenos, making it a solid choice for authentic Mexican meat.

People are saying

"This grocery store is super clean and well maintained."

"I'd buy cakes from here again; they're excellent."

"I tried their carnitas and they were very good."

Good to know

1

Vallarta Supermarket offers a wide variety of Hispanic foods and products.

2

The prices on meat during sales are often unbeatable.

3

EBT is accepted for cold items only.

26
Tortilleria Los Reyes image 1

Tortilla shop offers fresh corn and flour tortillas with authentic Mexican spices and seasonings. Atmosphere feels like a small Mexican market with a family-run vibe. Street tacos and carnitas draw a steady crowd, especially on Taco Tuesday.

Pork tamales have a lot of filling but lack strong flavor. Occasionally, tamales contain hairs.

Weekends feature pork carnitas served with fresh tortillas. The carnitas vary in taste, sometimes rich and delicious, other times oily and less flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the tortillas here to be so good and fresh."

"The street tacos here are amazing and delicious."

"I found the tamales here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

The store offers a variety of unique Mexican products, including dried chilies and spices.

2

Tortillas are available in flour, corn, and cactus varieties.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals that are popular among locals.

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