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Carnitas and taco spots in Central LA

Made for those who know that the quality of a taco is entirely dependent on the preparation of the slow-cooked pork.

Based on 665 Opinions
+662
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Updated May 2026
01
La Popular Hollywood image 1
La Popular Hollywood image 2
La Popular Hollywood image 3
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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.

Rib-eye and Carnitas tacos offer rich, flavorful bites with just the right heat. The quesabirria tacos and mole chicken enchiladas bring bold, savory layers to the menu.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the quesabirria tacos; they're amazing."

"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
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.

Tacos feature authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients with standout options like birria and pork carnitas. They deliver a taste that feels genuinely Mexican and consistently satisfies.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are really authentic and delicious."

"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.

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.

Meat tacos come stuffed with meat and feature handmade tortillas made without machines, highlighting traditional methods. Carnitas and tripe tacos stand out, paired well with horchata water.

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."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they were amazing."

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
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 homemade tortillas and beef asada that stand out for their flavor. The tacos come with outstanding customer service and consistently deliver a tasty experience.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are juicy and savory."

"I absolutely loved the outdoor seating; it was beautiful."

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.

05
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.

Authentic street tacos come with rich carnitas and cochinita pibil fillings. Tacos offer strong flavor and a warm, inviting vibe.

People are saying

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

"I thought these tacos were the best I'd ever had."

"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.

06
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.

Tacos come with red onion and green sauce on the side, offering a flavorful mix. Plain tacos de carnitas suit kids well, and street tacos deliver solid taste.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos to be amazing and just great."

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.

07
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.

Tacos come with wonderful seasoning and generous meat portions, especially the carnitas on regular-sized corn tortillas. Serving them with slightly crispy tortillas and salsa could enhance the flavor.

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 carnitas taco; it's flavorful and not too greasy."

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.

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 and tasty chicken enchiladas in combos with beans and rice. Tacos de sesos come out hard and greasy, not freshly made.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and delicious."

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
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 and chicharron stand out among the taco fillings. Oil chili adds extra flavor when poured on carnitas tacos. Tortillas tend to fall apart easily.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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

"You've got to try the carnitas tacos; they have such a good flavor."

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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