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Loved by locals

Carnitas in Oakland

Made for those who seek out the specific, slow-cooked tenderness of authentic carnitas above all other proteins.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated April 2026
01
Taqueria Los Altos image 1
Taqueria Los Altos image 2
Taqueria Los Altos image 3
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Taco restaurant

Small taco spot shines with juicy carnitas and handmade tortillas. Quick service and authentic Mexican flavors make it a hit. Enjoy a great salsa bar and generous portions in a clean, welcoming space.

Juicy carnitas stand out with handmade fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas. Well seasoned and savory, they appear in tacos and burritos alongside other meats.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were incredible, especially the carnitas and carne asada."

"The salsa here tastes so fresh and authentic."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and seasoned super well."

Good to know

1

The tacos are priced at $11 for two, with generous portions.

2

Expect food to be ready in 10-15 minutes during busy hours.

3

The restaurant includes a free cup of consomรฉ with each meal.

02
The Taco Panzon image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot shines with crispy carnitas and fresh salsas. Offers customizable spice levels and vegetarian options. Portions come with lime, cucumber, and pickled carrot sides in a classy setting.

Crispy and moist carnitas stand out here. The carnitas tacos deliver excellent flavor and texture.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were delicious and worth returning for."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and worth returning for."

"I thought the carnitas were worth writing home about."

Good to know

1

They accommodate different spice levels and have vegetarian options.

2

The ingredients used at The Taco Panzon are fresh.

03
Mesa Maguey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright space buzzes with lively dance floor playing salsa and cumbia. Pork carnitas shine in a standout memelitas appetizer. Warm, funky decor suits both casual nights and special events with a versatile back room.

Pork carnitas come out delicious and feature in a standout memelitas appetizer. They rank just behind Barbacoa and Asada in taco options.

People are saying

"These enchiladas verdes are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

"You have to try the tacos during Happy Hour; they're the best in Oakland."

"The pork carnitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every day with great deals on food and cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended for larger parties, especially for the back room.

3

Portions are designed for one person, so order extra if you're a big eater.

04
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy tender carnitas with excellent black beans and fried plantains. The lively market setting offers live music and a dog-friendly patio. Self-service style keeps the atmosphere relaxed and happy during busy lunch hours.

Plates feature tender carnitas served with excellent black beans. Fried plantains and pineapple juice often accompany the carnitas plate.

People are saying

"This is my new favorite lunch spot for delicious tamales."

"The Mexican food's ceviche was the best I've ever had."

"The carnitas here are so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Las Guerreras is located inside Swanโ€™s Market in uptown Oakland.

2

The area gets packed at lunchtime, so plan accordingly.

3

Parking is street parking, so watch out for restrictions.

05
Jalisco Mรฉxican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican takeout spot shines with authentic Jalisco flavors and tender carnitas that stay moist but get oily later. Seating is dim and cluttered, mostly unused. Parking is tough and side dishes come at a higher price.

Carnitas here are known for being tender and moist with a rich flavor. They can be quite oily, especially later in the day, but remain a standout for their taste.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas to be the best I ever had."

"I've never had a better chili verde burrito; it was the best."

"I thought the carnitas food was the best."

Good to know

1

Jalisco is only open on weekends, so plan your visit accordingly.

2

Parking can be tricky, so arrive early to find a spot.

3

Prices for sides, like a pound of beans, are quite high.

06
Tacos Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck buzzes with lively atmosphere and fast service. Outdoor patio offers limited comfort but great spot to enjoy highly regarded Mexican flavors. Carnitas shine with solid flavor, perfect in breakfast burritos or tacos, and hold up well for takeout.

Carnitas come out really good with a solid flavor. They work well in both breakfast burritos and tacos, holding up nicely for takeout.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is flavorful and consistently good."

"This huge burrito is delicious and filling."

"I found the carnitas here to be really good."

Good to know

1

Tacos Guadalajara accepts cash only for all orders.

2

Expect long lines during busy weekend hours.

3

There is a small parking lot available for customers.

07
Tacos Mi Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck serves authentic carnitas and tasty carne asada at affordable prices. It stays open late, drawing a local crowd. Seating is minimal and the vibe is casual and cold, with cash or digital payment only.

Authentic and special carnitas stand out here. They come alongside good carne asada and other taco options.

People are saying

"I'd drive out here just for their amazing carne asada tacos."

"It's a great late night spot because it's open late."

"I found the carnitas here to be authentic and special."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash or Venmo for payments.

2

You need to prepare cash or digital payment options before coming.

3

There are some parking spots right in front of the taco truck.

08
Alma Bar Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rustic Mexican spot shines with authentic carnitas that pack great flavor and generous portions. Vibrant music and fluorescent lights create a vibey atmosphere. Stylish Baja taqueria vibe pairs well with elevated Mexican cuisine offering meat and vegetarian choices.

Carnitas have really good flavor and come in plenty of food portions. They rank among the fabulous tacos alongside Chicken Tinga and fish.

People are saying

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

"I had some great tacos at this Late Night Spot."

"The carnitas here have really good flavor."

Good to know

1

Alma Bar Cocina is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

2

Tacos cost only $4 and come in large portions.

3

The restaurant offers both meat and vegetarian options.

09
Taqueria El Cruzero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers moist carnitas in tacos, burritos, and tortas. Kitsch decor and plants create a museum-like vibe that feels warm and local. Food is fresh and well-seasoned, making it a dependable choice for straightforward meals.

Moist, flavorful meat defines the carnitas here. Options include tacos, burritos, and tortas, all consistently well made.

People are saying

"I go here for the burritos; they're awesome and huge."

"The food here is fresh, hot, and tastes great."

"I've never found better carnitas; they're moist and flavorful."

Good to know

1

There are no bathrooms available for customers at the restaurant.

2

Expect higher prices compared to other local burrito places.

3

Kids who buy food for themselves may be kicked out if they don't purchase anything.

10
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Stylish, clean space with outdoor seating offers a quiet, family-friendly vibe. Menu shines with mole enchiladas and fresh sangria. Carnitas quality varies, from tender tacos to tougher bites. Parking is easy with lot and street options.

Carnitas vary widely here, with some servings well cooked and tender while others come out dried out and tough. The texture ranges from awesome tacos to pieces tougher than cardboard.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"It's so convenient, they have their own parking lot."

"I had awesome carnitas, the meat was well cooked and tender."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the restaurant complex itself.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.

3

Menudo is served on Saturday and Sunday.

11
Tortas Ahogadas Mi Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy authentic tortas ahogadas with rich sauces and hearty fillings. Carnitas tacos shine with flavorful meat and a standout sauce. Family-friendly vibe gets lively with live mariachi and singing, perfect for a daytime meal in a cozy neighborhood spot.

Tacos with potato and frijoles come topped with flavorful carnitas. The Carnitas Torta features a sauce that stands out.

People are saying

"These tortas ahogadas taste like Guadalajara."

"This food is jam-packed full of meat and cheese."

"The potato tacos with carnitas were so flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

The restaurant specializes in tortas ahogadas, a unique Mexican dish.

12
Turo's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating under a large tent offers a family-friendly atmosphere with picnic tables and arcade games. Carnitas tacos shine with variety of meats like steak and chicken. Music plays throughout, creating a lively vibe that invites everyone to relax and enjoy.

Carnitas tacos come with a variety of meats including steak and chicken. The Soapes and Carnitas tacos stand out as popular choices, often ordered alongside carne asada and chicken super tacos.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I have ever had."

"The tacos here are so delicious, my daughter loved the vegan versions."

"You have to try the Carnitas tacos; they're a must-try item."

Good to know

1

Parking is available with both regular and handicap spaces.

2

Customer bathrooms are accessible on-site.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

13
Xingones at Fort Green image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers juicy carnitas in tacos and burritos with mild, satisfying flavor. Vibrant decor and comfy seating create a chill atmosphere perfect for groups. Full bar serves margaritas and Negronis, with plenty of TVs for sports viewing.

Carnitas come juicy and filling in tacos and burritos. Flavor leans mild but stays satisfying with plenty of ingredients.

People are saying

"This Mexican food, especially the burritos, is so delicious I finished the whole thing."

"The chicken and waffles here are so juicy and well-seasoned."

"I thought the carnitas were good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted items, making it a great time to visit.

2

Parking around the neighborhood is easy with plenty of options available.

3

Xingones opens at 10am on weekdays, which is uncommon in the area.

14
Taqueria El Paisa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers flavorful carnitas and other meats like pastor. Lively vibe with authentic music and a self-serve salsa bar featuring spicy and pickled options. Family-friendly with indoor and outdoor seating creates a classic taqueria feel.

Meat stands out as delicious and very flavorful with a strong focus on carnitas. The carnitas share the spotlight with other meats like pastor and suadero, all of which are consistently good.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and hits the spot."

"The tacos here are rich, delicious, and seasoned just right."

"The carnitas here are delicious and very flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on-site, but it can be difficult to find during peak hours.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals, making it a popular night to visit.

3

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

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Oakland, California

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