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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Huntington Beach

Carnitas and salsa

You want carnitas that are defined by the quality of the salsa served alongside them.

Based on 690 Opinions
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Updated April 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 features pieces of jalapeรฑo for a flavorful kick. Chips come crispy and pair well with pico salsa. The salsa complements dishes like fish tacos and shredded chicken enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"The fish tacos here are incredible and 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
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.

Salsas here range from mild to hot and bring a zesty, spicy kick to the dishes. Handmade tortillas pair well with the house salsas, especially the green salsa with carnitas.

People are saying

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

"The handmade tortillas and house salsas were so flavorful."

"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
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.

Separate green and red salsas come with orders, showing extra care. Chips and salsa make a solid side, with the Baja sauce and salsa verde standing out.

People are saying

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

"I loved their green and red salsas; they were the best."

"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.

04
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.

Salsas here have bold flavors and are not just spicy. The red salsa stands out as especially good. A limited salsa bar offers small cups to control portions, but it is uncovered and open to direct contact.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are delicious and flavored well, not just spicy."

"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.

05
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.

Salsa comes with fresh tortilla chips and a small side of refried beans. The salsa stands out as excellent and pairs well with homemade tortillas and bean dip.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is awesome, especially with the fresh tortilla chips."

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.

06
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.

Green salsas stand out with perfect heat and spicy flavor. Consome pairs well with the green avocado salsa. Staff handle salsa spills with kindness and quick cleanup.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were unbeatable."

"The green salsa was delicious and perfectly spicy."

"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.

07
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.

Green salsa stands out with its excellent flavor and is available by the pint for regular purchase. Tacos come with generous amounts of delicious salsas that complement the dishes well.

People are saying

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

"The carne asada soft tacos are simple, letting the tender, flavorful meat shine."

"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.

08
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.

Chips come in palm-sized portions and taste delicious. Salsa is served on the side and is very good, with options for fresh refills.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

"Their chips and salsa were very good."

"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.

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.

Chips come with fresh handmade tortillas and two salsas, green and red, both flavorful and slightly spicy. The green salsa stands out as bursting with flavor and pairs well with tacos.

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.

10
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.

Chips come with fresh salsa that tastes delicious. Red salsa covers the chilaquiles instead of enchilada sauce.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is delicious and fresh."

"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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Huntington Beach, California

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