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Carnitas and Mexican food in Huntington Beach

Authentic carnitas that respect the tradition of the dish without turning it into a watered-down version for the masses.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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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.

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

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, grilled fish and excellent flavor. Carnitas and carne asada tacos offer seasoned, flavorful meat. Salsa is fresh and complements the dishes well.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"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
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.

Tacos stand out with gourmet quality and amazing flavors. Burritos come large and packed with ingredients like fries, avocado, and steak. Prices stay very reasonable for the quality offered.

People are saying

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

"The fajitas are amazing, loaded with steak, shrimp, and fresh vegetables."

"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.

03
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.

Tacos come generously filled with juicy, flavorful meat and cost $1.50 each. Options like al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada stand out, alongside fresh tamales and a variety of baked goods.

People are saying

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

"The sweet bread here is so fresh and delicious."

"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.

04
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.

Queso birria tacos stand out with rich flavor. Fresh tortilla chips come with best salsa and refried beans. Shrimp tacos earn a 10/10 rating. Desserts include butter cake and churros.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

05
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.

Tacos come with fresh tortillas and a variety of toppings, including grilled fish and carnitas. Burritos are large and filled with ingredients like Mexican rice, beans, and flavorful proteins such as chorizo and carne asada.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here served the best tacos."

"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.

06
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.

Super deluxe burritos come packed with lots of chicken and huge portions. Carnitas tacos and shredded beef enchiladas stand out for their flavor, paired with large tortilla chips perfect for dipping.

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.

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.

Tacos come with lots of meat for just $2, with pastor and asada standing out. The quesobirria tacos and birria fries are well seasoned and tender, while the surf and turf burrito has a crispy outside and rich flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were unbeatable."

"I found the burritos to be humongous and amazing."

"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
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.

Crispy tacos stand out with simple toppings that highlight the carne asada flavor. Large tacos include carnitas, al pastor, and vegan options like potato and mushroom, plus classic and organic breakfast burritos.

People are saying

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

"I loved their tacos, especially the crunchy ones."

"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.

09
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.

Mexican food here feels very homemade with well-seasoned dishes like the carnitas and carne asada burritos. Salsas are flavorful and not just spicy, and the shrimp tacos have larger, fresh shrimp.

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.

10
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.

Juicy carnitas and seafood enchiladas stand out with fresh, flavorful ingredients. The green and red salsas bring a slightly spicy kick, and the churro dessert with vanilla ice cream adds a sweet finish.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is outstanding and 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.

11
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 with Birria Tacos and 99-cent tacos available on Taco Tuesday. The happy hour features mini birria and gobernador tacos alongside unique non-alcoholic margaritas.

People are saying

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

"The birria tacos here are da bomb."

"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.

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.

Tacos stand out with huge size and loaded meat offering strong flavor. Burritos like shrimp and chili verde impress with amazing taste, while menudo and green chilaquiles deliver authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

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

"This Lunch Spot offers incredible value for about ten dollars."

"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.

13
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.

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

Authentic Mexican dishes like al pastor, birria, and carne asada stand out here. Taco Tuesday offers great value with tasty tacos, horchata, and churros, while burritos and pork tamales add flavorful variety.

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.

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Huntington Beach, California

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