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Carnitas and Mexican food in South LA

A plate of carnitas is the only way to satisfy a craving for real Mexican food.

Based on 653 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Playa Azul Tortilleria and Market image 1
Playa Azul Tortilleria and Market image 2
Playa Azul Tortilleria and Market image 3
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People are saying

"The food here is fresh and tastes just like mom's cooking."

"I loved the homemade corn tortillas."

"I found the carnitas and chicharron at this Mexican food spot to be the best."

02
Carnitas Ebenezer image 1

Carnitas tacos serve as the centerpiece with large portions and rich flavor that many find among the best in the area. The setting feels homey and welcoming, with a dog-friendly atmosphere. Salsas offer a spicy kick, complementing the quality meat and varied taco options.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich, flavorful meat that many find among the best around. Service is consistently fast and friendly, with options like burritos and tostadas also delivering solid taste.

Tacos stand out with delicious carnitas, including ear and cueritos varieties. Burritos like pollo adobado and costillas also feature prominently, all served with fast, excellent service.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was loaded with meat and had spectacular flavor."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I ever tasted."

"Their habanero salsa was good and spicy."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Ebenezer is dog-friendly, allowing pets on the patio.

2

Tacos are priced at $12, offering good portion sizes.

3

The food truck maintains a clean environment for customers.

03
Carnitas Los 3 Puerquitos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic Michoacรกn-style carnitas that are juicy and crispy, served in big, tasty tacos. Atmosphere stays down-to-earth with no frills, attracting locals who appreciate real flavor. Prices are posted clearly, and extras like tortillas or tostadas are not given.

Carnitas here are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and full of rich, savory flavor. They taste like they came straight from a Mexican street market and stay juicy, not dry.

Carnitas stand out with their crispy outside and tender inside, juicy and full of rich, savory flavor. Tacos come big and tasty, paired with fresh, spicy salsas and homemade tortillas that elevate the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and perfectly seasoned."

"The carnitas are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned."

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is juicy and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

The price of carnitas is $16.99 per pound, so check the price beforehand.

2

They do not give extra tortillas or tostadas with your order.

3

Look behind the counter for the posted price per pound of carnitas.

04
Lupita's Meat Market๐Ÿฅฉ image 1

Small, clean butcher shop with fresh, tender meat and bulk prepared hot food in the back. Lively atmosphere that gets busy later in the day, offering marinated meats and traditional stews like birria and menudo. Family-run spot serving as a one-stop shop for meat and groceries.

Carnitas Plates come with tender, flavorful meat. The Tamale de Dulce pairs well as a sweet side.

Offers a strong selection of carnitas, menudo, and barbacoa especially on weekends. Bulk fresh marinated meat is available for tacos, along with tasty salsas and popular taquitos.

People are saying

"The menudo and barbacoa here are so flavorful."

"I found this grocery store's Mexican food and salsas to be really good."

"I found the carnitas here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Lupita's Meat Market is open every day except Tuesdays.

2

The market tends to get busy later in the day.

3

Hot food is available in the back of the store.

05
Chicharroland image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers an authentic atmosphere with fresh tortillas and phenomenal chicharron tacos. The vibe is friendly and welcoming in a compact space. It serves basic Mexican dishes with a focus on quality carnitas and chicharron.

Tender, well-flavored carnitas stand out here with consistently authentic Mexican taste. Plates and tacos deliver rich flavor, though some prefer a bit more crispiness.

Carnitas stand out with rich, intense flavors that impress consistently. Chicharron tacos and homemade tortillas offer warm, fresh textures that complement dishes like pozole and menudo well.

People are saying

"The food here is so fresh and delicious."

"You have to try the chicharron; it's amazing Mexican food."

"I thought the carnitas were the best I'd had in 20 years."

Good to know

1

They have parking in the back off the alley.

2

There is street parking in front of the restaurant.

3

The meal cost $36, and a meal for two is $51.

06
El Ranchito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with generous portions of tacos, burritos, and barbacoa. Atmosphere stays comfortably quiet and welcoming with simple, well-maintained surroundings. Cash-only policy and reasonable prices shape the experience.

Fresh carnitas come with salsa in tacos here. The meat stays tender and flavorful.

Tacos stand out with fresh carnitas and come with beans and rice. Burritos, especially the tongue and barbacoa, pack a lot of flavor. The torta Asada also offers a solid option.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were fresh and full of flavor."

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is delicious and fresh."

"These carnitas taste like authentic Mexican flavors."

Good to know

1

El Ranchito Restaurant accepts only cash payments.

2

The prices at El Ranchito Restaurant are reasonable.

3

Their portions are very generous.

07
La Carreta Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic accordion music and an architectural flare outside creates a charming, lively atmosphere. Fresh handmade tortillas and a salsa bar add to the genuine dining experience. The place feels busy and focused on delivering affordable, flavorful food.

Tacos come packed with fresh, juicy flavor and perfect seasoning. The carnitas stand out as especially tasty and are a popular choice in mulitas.

Tacos come packed with fresh, juicy flavor from choices like carne asada, al pastor, carnitas, or birria. Fresh tortillas hechas a mano and grilled meats create hearty, authentic Mexican street food with big portions and bold taste.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is authentic and packed with flavor."

"The tortillas here are freshly made by hand and piping hot."

"The carnitas here were on fire!"

Good to know

1

Burritos cost only $10, making them an affordable choice.

2

The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating areas.

3

There is plenty of on-site parking available for visitors.

08
Amapola Market image 1
Grocery store

Small grocery store offers freshly made tortillas, excellent masa for tamales, and a strong selection of meats. Atmosphere feels busy and packed, especially early when sweet bread and biscuits sell quickly. Parking space is very limited, adding to the crowded experience.

Carnitas and chicharrones stand out for their rich flavor and quality. The offering includes masa carnitas, tortillas, and a small pico de gallo, often ordered to go.

Fresh-made, warm tortillas stand out here, often praised as the best around. The masa for tamales is of excellent quality, and dishes like chicharrรณn de carnitas and taquitos are popular choices.

People are saying

"I thought the tortillas here were the best I had ever tasted."

"The masa for the tamales is excellent."

"You have to try their delicious handmade tortillas; they're the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Parking can get full during festive weekends.

2

Get there early; sweet bread and biscuits sell out quickly.

3

Place your order a day in advance for guaranteed availability.

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South Los Angeles, Los Angeles

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