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Guide to Central LA

Carnitas and Mexican food

Made for those who believe that a menu is only as good as the quality of its carnitas.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated August 2026
01
La Popular Hollywood image 1
La Popular Hollywood image 2
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Large outdoor patio with fire pits and shuttered overhead cover creates a cozy, inviting space. Interior blends stylish decor with a quality sound system, offering a warm atmosphere that transports guests. A traveling tequila cart adds a unique touch to the relaxed vibe.

Carnitas tacos deliver superb flavor with a balanced heat that highlights their origin. Pair them with guacamole and street corn for a standout meal.

Salsa arrives quickly, dark and robust with the right heat. Carnita and chicken tinga tacos offer superb flavor and balanced spice. Mole chicken enchiladas and quesabirria tacos stand out for their amazing taste.

People are saying

"The food at this outdoor seating spot is delicious and fresh."

"I thought the Mexican food was delicious and tasted fresh."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they're superb and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all day on Tuesdays with drinks priced between $7 and $8.

2

Sunday brunch is available from 10 am to 3 pm, perfect for post-church visits.

3

Validated parking is available for up to two hours with a restaurant receipt.

02
Street Tacos and Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers outdoor seating with handmade tortillas and a menu featuring authentic tacos like asada and carnitas. The atmosphere is cozy and lively, surrounded by Latin flair near Mariachi Plaza. It attracts both meat and veggie eaters looking for flavorful, casual meals.

Juicy and savory carnitas appear in tacos and burritos, sometimes paired with chicharron for extra flavor. Quality varies, with some versions falling flat while others stand out as fantastic.

Tacos feature hand-made tortillas and a variety of Mexican-style meats like asada, barbacoa, and chorizo. Burritos include options like the Spicy Pig, a carnitas burrito with chicharron, even if not on the menu.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've had in a while."

"The carnitas here are juicy and savory."

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos, is the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Parking can be extremely difficult to find in the area.

2

The menu includes tacos, burritos, bowls, mulitas, and tortas.

3

Outdoor dining is available at their location.

03
Los 5 Puntos image 1

Tight, old-school deli with authentic Mexican vibe and loud mariachi music outdoors. Women slap tortillas in sync over a giant comal, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Outdoor community tables offer casual seating despite worn furniture.

Carnitas come juicy and tender, served hot and ready. Handmade tortillas made without machines add a traditional touch to the tacos, enhancing the overall flavor.

Tacos come with fresh handmade tortillas and include options like meat, tripe, and carnitas. Burritos and tamales also feature, with the bean and cheese burrito standing out.

People are saying

"The food's authentic Mexican taste, especially the sopes and tamales, is delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were very good, juicy and delicious."

"The Mexican food tamales here are tasty and full of beef."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays and Sundays, they serve menudo.

2

Parking is tricky, so I parked on a nearby street and walked over.

3

The line can get long on weekends, but it moves fast.

04
Tia Brigida Mexican Brunch image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic cuisine with huge portions and traditional salsas. Atmosphere stays chill and comfy, with occasional live music adding to the vibe. Parking is limited but available in a small lot behind the building.

Juicy and flavorful carnitas appear in tacos and as a topping on enfrijoladas and chilaquiles divorciados. The meat adds a rich, savory touch to various dishes.

Chilaquiles stand out with perfectly fried eggs and a sweet, spicy mole that balances well. Plates like the birria and enchiladas michoacanas feature authentic flavors with homemade tortillas and traditional salsa.

People are saying

"The brunch here is delicious, especially the chilaquiles and menudo."

"The Mexican food here, especially the chilaquiles, is excellent."

"The carnitas here are juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the back, but it's very small.

2

Street parking can be hard to find, so plan accordingly.

3

There was no waiting when I arrived, making it easy to get a table.

05
Family Restaurant, Sabor Mexicano mariscos image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with dishes like red mole enchiladas and birria tacos made from high-quality ingredients. Atmosphere is charming and clean, with a quiet vibe near closing time. Limited parking and a modest exterior contrast with the rich, traditional menu inside.

Pork carnitas show up in both tacos and a plate option, both noted as delicious. The carnitas dish stands out alongside birria and mole as a recommended choice.

Authentic tacos stand out with high-quality ingredients and rich flavors. Plates like Mole and enchiladas verdes de pollo offer tangy, delicious tastes, while ceviches and burritos come in generous portions with fresh, vibrant flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the Mole, was delicious."

"The food here is delicious and beautifully presented."

"The carnitas plate was also delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking might be limited during peak hours.

2

The parking lot is small and shared with other businesses.

3

Prices are affordable, but some menu items lack listed prices.

06
Carnitas Los Dos Chingones image 1
Mexican restaurant

Street-side setup creates an authentic Mexican vibe with no seating available. The atmosphere feels welcoming and casual, attracting those eager for flavorful carnitas and chilaquiles burritos. Limited parking and cash-only payment add to the no-frills, local experience.

Carnitas here stand out for their rich flavor and generous portions. They cook the meat right in front of you, making dishes like the chilaquiles torta and burrito with egg especially tasty.

Carnitas stand out as the most notable dish, cooked fresh in front of customers and praised for their flavor. The chilaquiles burritos, especially the green version, offer large portions with egg and cheese, making them a favorite choice alongside tacos and breakfast burritos.

People are saying

"The chilaquiles here are a must-try, reminding me of grandma's cooking."

"I thought the carnitas were very tasty and tender."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're excellent."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash as payment.

2

Parking can be tricky because it is in a residential area.

3

Seating is limited, and there are no tables at the stand.

07
Yuca's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small stand with limited outdoor seating offers authentic street tacos and fresh made-to-order tortillas. Atmosphere feels tight due to closely packed tables, with food served quickly. Known for flavorful carnitas and cochinita pibil, it provides a quick bite with distinct personality.

Carnitas come with great flavor and less sweetness. Tacos use double corn tortillas and the tortas stand out for their tasty, rich meat.

Carne asada burrito stands out with fresh, made-to-order tortillas and rich flavor. Cochinita pibil tacos offer authentic street taco taste with bold personality and great seasoning.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here, especially the tacos, was the best I'd ever had."

"This cheeseburger tasted like a perfect homemade backyard burger."

"The carnitas tacos here are top-notch and have great flavor."

Good to know

1

The price for the burrito is steep, costing less than $11.

2

Beans contain lard, which is important for plant-based eaters.

3

There is a customer-only parking lot in the back of the restaurant.

08
Zamora Bros image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a side patio with a casual vibe. Loud Mexican music fills the space, creating a lively atmosphere. Known for authentic carnitas and chicharrones, it draws people seeking traditional Mexican flavors.

Offers carnitas by the pound with options like chicharrones and pork skin. Serves delicious carnitas tacos and hot food choices.

Tacos feature delicious carnitas, tripas, and chicharrones that stand out for their authentic flavor. Menudo offers a unique twist, resembling pozole but made with only cow meat.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are large, meaty, fatty, and melt in your mouth."

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Zamora Bros offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes.

2

I bought 2 burritos and 2 sodas for $34.00.

3

There are no restrooms in the restaurant.

09
Casita Del Campo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Midcentury style Mexican restaurant with a hot pink house and multiple cool rooms and patios creates a festive atmosphere lively enough for big parties. Outdoor spaces feature dog-friendly patios with music playing all genres, while indoor lounges offer private rooms and a casual game-watching spot. Energy stays vibrant with a mix of group-friendly vibes and unique campy touches.

Simmered with garlic and oranges, the carnitas come in generous portions and deliver an authentic, delicious flavor.

Mexican food here features authentic flavors with dishes like carnitas with oranges and carne asada burritos standing out. Portions are generous and salsas balance perfectly between thick and runny.

People are saying

"The patio is gorgeous with comfy seating and a lively vibe."

"This Mexican food feels like a party, it's my favorite ever."

"The carnitas plate was delicious and generously portioned."

Good to know

1

Valet parking costs $7, and street parking is limited.

2

Brunch is available on weekends from 11 am to 3 pm.

3

They host events like game days and pride season parties.

10
Tacos stand El Chingon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food stand with limited seating and no parking draws a steady, packed crowd that moves through a quick line. The atmosphere is casual and busy, with a focus on authentic flavors and generous portions. Breakfast items like chilaquiles burritos and carnitas stand out as local favorites.

Carnitas here have perfect seasoning and are never salty. The red chilaquiles burrito with carnitas stands out as a popular choice, and the carnitas are consistently high quality and flavorful.

Carnitas stand out with perfect seasoning and quality that ranks among the best in the area. The chilaquiles taste homemade with a good kick, and the burritos come huge and packed with mixed meats and eggs.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"I thought the carnitas were bomb and perfectly seasoned."

"The carnitas here are bomb; it's the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Parking at Tacos stand El Chingon is very limited and often unavailable.

2

The place gets packed quickly, so arriving early is recommended.

3

They only accept cash and Zelle for payments.

11
Porky's Carnitas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy Mexican restaurant with photographs of famous Mexicans decorating the walls and a family environment. Atmosphere is generally nice but includes a loud rattling fan that stands out. Known for authentic Michoacรกn style carnitas served with fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas, attracting those seeking traditional flavors.

Carnitas here are tender and flavorful, served with fresh tortillas and delicious salsas. The torta de carnitas is notably large, and adding the oil chili on carnitas tacos enhances the taste.

Carnitas stand out with tender, flavorful meat cooked perfectly and served with fresh tortillas. The red and green salsas offer a balanced heat and flavor, and the menudo is also very good. Breakfast burritos with carne asada, eggs, cheese, and hashbrowns are large and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"I thought these carnitas were the best I had in a while."

"The carnitas here are tender and flavorful, just like in Mexico."

Good to know

1

They charge an extra 10% for card payments, so bring cash to save money.

2

Parking is convenient, making it easy to visit.

3

The restaurant is usually empty around 10:00 AM, ideal for avoiding crowds.

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Central LA, Los Angeles

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