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Huntington Beach's best

Carnitas food spots

Sometimes a simple, hearty plate of carnitas is the only thing that will satisfy a deep hunger.

Based on 727 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Fiesta Grill image 1
Fiesta Grill image 2
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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.

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

Fresh salsa and great flavor stand out in the Mexican food here. The dishes are tasty, affordable, and consistently welcoming to families.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fish tacos were amazing and perfectly crispy."

"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
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.

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

Food features elite quality with amazing flavors and pairs well with great cocktails. Service complements the food, creating an excellent overall experience.

People are saying

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

"I found the spinach enchiladas to be the best I have ever had."

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

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.

03
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.

Food here is consistently excellent with great quality and reasonable pricing. Dishes are both delicious and visually appealing, making dining enjoyable every time.

People are saying

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

"I loved the food; it was always fresh and amazing."

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

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.

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.

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

Food features fresh bread and flavorful tamales with a traditional taste. Prices stay reasonable without sacrificing quality.

People are saying

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

"The food here, especially the bread, is so fresh and tasty."

"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
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.

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

Mexican food here features delicious enchiladas and a Jr. Super Deluxe Beef option. Prices stay very reasonable for the quality and quantity served.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

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

"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.

06
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.

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

Authentic Mexican dishes like chorizo breakfast burrito and huevos rancheros showcase real Mexican flavors. The salsa and carnitas stand out for their delicious taste, loved by both kids and adults.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I ever had."

"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.

07
Brotherstacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck offers late-night hours and a party-friendly vibe with generous portions at low prices. The menu features birria and pastor tacos praised for flavor and quality, alongside standout items like birria fries and surf and turf burritos. The atmosphere suits casual gatherings with smooth, relaxed energy.

Carnitas tacos come with tasty sauces but tend to be a bit dry. They pair well with other tacos like asada and pastor for a varied meal.

Mexican food features well seasoned quesabirria, tender meat, and a pleasantly surprising Cali burrito. Staff deliver food personally, sometimes bringing it out to cars.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were unbeatable."

"I found the food here to be amazing and really good."

"The carnitas were a little dry, but the sauces were tasty."

Good to know

1

Brotherstacos is open late for late-night cravings.

2

Expect no seating available; it's primarily a takeout spot.

3

Prices are affordable and competitive compared to other food trucks.

08
Chronic Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant with outdoor seating and high ceilings creates a fun casual vibe. Menu offers large portions and a wide variety of customizable tacos and burritos. Patio seating and a fountain add to the relaxed atmosphere.

Carnitas come with rich flavor and pair well with onions and cilantro. Burritos and tacos highlight the tender meat alongside Mexican rice and beans.

Food arrives hot and freshly made, including the tortillas. Quality stays consistent and delicious with top notch presentation and standout salsas among fast food joints.

People are saying

"You're missing out if you don't try the churro bites."

"You have to try the Churro Bites; they're amazing."

"I liked their carnitas the best."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available and spacious enough for larger vehicles.

2

Expect a $1 off special on Taco Tuesdays.

3

The menu does not specify all ingredients, which may be a concern for those with food allergies.

09
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.

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.

Consistently great food shines here, especially the delicious chilaquiles. The excellent service enhances every meal, making it a solid spot for Mexican cuisine.

People are saying

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

"I thought the food here was delicious."

"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.

10
Kalaveras - Huntington Beach image 1

Mexican restaurant with vibrant atmosphere and loud music resembling a nightclub. Interior is colorful and beautifully decorated with a nice bar area and varied seating. Despite lively energy, the space feels open and spacious compared to similar venues.

Plates come with a large portion of carnitas. The refried beans substitute adds a nice touch. Carnitas flavor ranges from great to just okay.

Tacos stand out as exceptionally well prepared, with food served hot and fresh. The menu offers delicious Mexican dishes that attract people seeking a pleasant dining experience with a cool vibe.

People are saying

"The birria tacos and cucumber margaritas are amazing during Happy Hour."

"The food here is really flavorful and well-prepared."

"The carnitas plate was quite a lot of food and tasted great."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 pm with $8 appetizers and drink specials.

2

Sunday brunch features bottomless mimosas or micheladas for a set price.

3

Free parking is available with a 2-hour limit nearby.

11
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.

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.

Food comes out fresh and hot with a quick turnaround. The dishes are consistently delicious and prepared with care, matching the vibe with culture-appropriate music in a clean dining room.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

12
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.

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.

Food features authentic Mexican flavors served hot and quickly with generous portions. The setting is small and unassuming but offers excellent service and great value.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought the carnitas tacos were excellent."

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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