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Top picks in Huntington Beach

Authentic carnitas

There is a specific, no-frills quality to carnitas prepared the traditional way that cannot be faked.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
Fiesta Grill image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small, clean Mexican restaurant with outdoor seating and a beachy, laid-back vibe. Locals gather for fresh fish tacos and unique enchilada sauce in a casual, friendly setting. Space fills quickly during rush hours, creating a lively, cramped atmosphere.

Mexican dishes come with vibrant flavors and generous portions. The food tastes authentic and stays true to traditional recipes.

Chili Verde Carnitas stand out with rich flavor. Tacos feature tender, well-cooked carnitas that hold up well in each bite.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is awesome, especially the chimichangas."

"I found the chicken flauta to be authentic and delicious."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but can be limited during busy times.

2

The restaurant is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

02
Pete's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with quaint exterior and cafe-style outdoor seating on a quiet street. Atmosphere feels beach-like and homey, attracting a crowd with authentic local cuisine and large portions. Outdoor dining offers a relaxed vibe with views of passing cars and a cool breeze.

Authentic Mexican food here feels like a trip to Rosarito, Mexico, with dishes made fresh and filling. Prices stay reasonable while delivering tasty, authentic flavors that stand out.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The carnitas tostada also offers a satisfying crunch and savory taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

"This burrito was delicious and very filling."

"The carnitas here are to die for."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 15-30 minutes during peak lunch hours.

2

Prices are reasonable, with most dishes under $15.

3

Seating is limited, making it less suitable for large parties.

03
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.

Authentic Mexican cuisine shines here with fresh ingredients and traditional flavors. The food stays true to its roots, offering a genuine taste close to the beach.

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."

"The authentic seafood tacos here are bursting with flavor."

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.

04
Chelos Panaderia image 1

Family-owned bakery offers wide variety of baked goods and daily tacos except Wednesday with great prices. Atmosphere feels homey and welcoming rather than elegant. Tacos stand out as some of the best in the area, filled generously with flavorful meat.

Bread here is fresh but does not match authentic Mexican bread styles. Tacos carry some authentic Mexican flavor.

Carnitas tacos stand out as a great choice here. The meat is flavorful and consistently yummy.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fabulous and cost-effective."

"The bread here is authentic, fresh, and tastes like childhood."

"The carnitas were a great choice, so yummy."

Good to know

1

Chelos Panaderia is a cash-only business; Zelle is also accepted.

2

Tacos cost $1.50 each and are available daily except Wednesday.

3

The panaderรญa sells tamales and menudo on weekends.

05
Cancun Authentic Mexican Food image 1

Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with loud music and a cozy, warm atmosphere. It caters mainly to Spanish speakers and offers authentic dishes like carnitas and shrimp tacos with well-flavored salsas. Seating is limited but prices remain reasonable.

Chorizo breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros come up even midday, showing a commitment to authentic Mexican food.

Carnitas come with great seasoning and are not just boiled. The salsa pairs well with the rich flavor of the meat.

People are saying

"I loved the asada burrito; it was so good."

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic."

"I found the carnitas really good, especially with the salsa."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a limited salsa bar with tiny cups to control portions.

2

Prices are reasonable and affordable for large groups.

3

There is plenty of seating and parking available.

06
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1

Spacious restaurant with an open kitchen and big patio offers both indoor and outdoor seating. Mellow live music including mariachi and saxophone creates a friendly, inviting atmosphere. Top shelf tequila and creative margaritas complement authentic Mexican vibes.

Dishes feature authentic flavors that remind of home cooking. The menu offers a variety of traditional Mexican dishes prepared with care and love.

Juicy and cooked to perfection, the carnitas come in several forms like street tacos with green salsa and a big torta. The Carnitas De La Casa stands out as excellent and flavorful.

People are saying

"I loved their salsa so much I bought some to take home."

"I found the Mexican food here to be authentic, just like my abuelita's cooking."

"The carnitas here are juicy and cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

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

2

Brunch is served on Saturday and Sunday with bottomless mimosas.

3

Live music occurs on Mondays in the main room.

07
Taqueria De Anda-Grill image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers authentic Mexican flavors with standout items like birria and lengua burritos. The space feels hot inside due to non-functioning air conditioning. Prices vary, with discounted tacos on Tuesdays but some items feel small or dry.

Mexican food here shows authentic flavors with the al pastor standing out as more genuine than many nearby spots. The dishes offer flavorful and traditional tastes that reflect true Mexican cooking.

Carnitas tacos stand out with good flavor and count toward Taco Tuesday specials alongside chicken tacos.

People are saying

"The pork tamales here are moist and full of flavor."

"I enjoyed the tacos during Taco Tuesday."

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

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted tacos, but only chicken and carnitas qualify.

2

Regular tacos are priced at $3.60 each, while burritos cost $7.00.

3

The restaurant provides plenty of salsa, cilantro, onion, and limes at the bar.

08
Rancho Viejo Mexican Grill & Taco shop image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with friendly vibe and authentic flavors. Food preparation takes time during busy hours, and lunch specials provide good value. Beer complements the menu well.

Authentic Mexican flavors shine through every dish here. The food tastes delicious and true to tradition.

Carnitas come freshly made and are available in various forms like tacos, tortas, and dinners. Sometimes they are not ready immediately, and substitutions like chicken can happen.

People are saying

"You'll be thinking about these amazing Mexican Food tacos for a while."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were excellent."

"I found the authentic Mexican food here to be the best tasting."

Good to know

1

They are not serving food after 8pm, even though their hours say they are open until 9.

2

They offer happy hour deals from 3 to 6 PM.

3

The price was amazing during Taco Tuesday.

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Huntington Beach, California

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