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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Huntington Beach's best

Carnitas and tacos

A quick taco filled with slow-cooked carnitas is the only thing that hits the spot when hunger strikes.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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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 crispy, hot Baja style and fresh grilled fish. Carne asada and carnitas tacos offer excellent quality and flavor alongside satisfying carne asada fries.

People are saying

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

"I thought the fish tacos were 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
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, carne asada, and barbacoa stand out for their taste and size.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be the best tasting."

"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.

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.

Tacos here stand out for their good quality and delicious flavors. Options like carne asada, birria, shrimp, and breakfast tacos offer variety and taste that make them worth the money.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos were awesome and packed with flavor."

"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
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, flavorful meat and melted cheese. Shrimp and filet tacos also deliver excellent taste and tender textures.

People are saying

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

"The pork carnitas tacos were 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
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.

Tacos come in shredded beef, chicken, and carnitas varieties, all cooked well. Potato tacos stand out for their crispy texture. The beef taco is solid and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has really friendly service."

"The carnitas here are to die for."

"I thought the tacos here were the best in California."

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
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 varied toppings and include Baja style beer battered fish, grilled fish, chicken, and carnitas options. Rice and beans accompany the tacos, all served with excellent service.

People are saying

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

"I loved the delicious tacos here; they were 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.

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, featuring standout options like quesobirria, al pastor, and carne asada. The birria works well on both tacos and fries, with well-seasoned, tender fillings.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were unbeatable."

"I found the tacos here to be the best in town."

"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 fresh ingredients and simple toppings that highlight the carne asada flavor. Taco Tuesday offers tacos for two dollars, including options like carnitas, al pastor, potato vegan, and mushroom tacos.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were 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.

09
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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Mini tacos like birria and gobernador appear on the happy hour menu. Battered fish and chicharron tacos offer crispy, bold options. Tacos come well prepared and include affordable 99-cent choices.

People are saying

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

"The birria tacos here were 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.

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.

Tacos come huge and loaded with meat, especially the king tacos and Surf and Turf variety. Fish, carnitas, and shrimp tacos offer strong flavor, and Taco Tuesday brings good deals on these sizable, made-to-order options.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos were exceptionally good."

"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.

11
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.

Tacos come with quality meat and a heaping serving on the 3 taco plate. Options include carnitas street tacos, blackened fish, and shrimp, all paired with a uniquely yummy green table salsa.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas tacos juicy and cooked to perfection."

"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.

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