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Oakland's best

Carnitas and Mexican food

Tender, slow-cooked carnitas are the only thing that matters when the craving for authentic Mexican food hits.

Based on 715 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
The Taco Panzon image 1
The Taco Panzon image 2
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Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers fresh ingredients and customizable spice levels with vegetarian options. Portions come with lime, cucumber, and pickled carrot sides. Known for crispy, moist carnitas and freshly made salsas, it maintains a classy atmosphere.

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

Tacos stand out with crispy and moist carnitas and freshly made salsas. Vegetarian burritos and asada tacos offer solid options, all served with lime, cucumber, and pickled carrot for added flavor.

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.

02
Mesa Maguey image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, casual space with lively dance floor playing salsa and cumbia music creates an energetic vibe. Warm, inviting atmosphere blends funky decor and tasteful accents, offering comfort for both casual and special occasions. Tables accommodate couples and large groups, with a back room for events enhancing versatility.

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

Tacos come with thick handmade tortillas and a nice green salsa, with barbacoa and asada standing out. The vegan burrito is perfectly cooked and consistent, drawing repeat visits.

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.

03
Taqueria Los Altos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small, clean taco restaurant offers a comfortable atmosphere with quick service and reasonable prices. A great salsa bar complements authentic Mexican flavors and generous portions. The space feels welcoming and sanitary, suitable for casual dining or takeout.

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

Tacos come with handmade fresh tortillas and flavorful salsas that taste homemade. Burritos are massive, stuffed with rice, beans, meat, pico de gallo, and guacamole with a perfect kick of spice. Weekend specials include hearty pozole and menudo that taste like they were made in Abuela's kitchen.

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.

04
Las Guerreras image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a lively market with open seating and a cute patio area. Atmosphere feels relaxed and happy, welcoming dogs and featuring live music. The place fills up at lunchtime and offers a self-service style in a spacious setting.

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

Chilaquiles stand out with red and weekend specials that stay consistently delicious. Barbacoa and green pozole offer fresh, homemade flavors, while the mole and enchiladas deliver rich, tasty experiences.

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 restaurant operates as takeout only, with a dimly lit seating area unused and cluttered with boxes. Weekend crowds seek authentic Jalisco flavors and noted carnitas, known for being tender but oily over time. Parking challenges and higher side dish prices mark the experience.

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.

Carnitas stand out as tender and moist, often described as the best in town. Burritos come packed with plenty of well-seasoned meat, including options like chili verde, cueritos, and buche, plus tasty veggie choices.

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

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
Alma Bar Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Rustic Mexican restaurant with fluorescent lighting and a vibey music atmosphere. Space feels like a stylish Baja taqueria with a basic interior and limited seating. Offers authentic, elevated Mexican cuisine with both meat and vegetarian options.

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

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and fresh, well-dressed fillings priced around $4 each. Burrito bowls feature crisp vegetables and fresh ingredients, while dishes like quesabirria and chicken enchiladas offer authentic Mexican flavors with good value.

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.

07
Golondrinas Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Stylish, clean space with outdoor seating offers a quiet, inviting atmosphere that feels family friendly and authentic. Freshly made sangria complements a menu praised for its mole enchiladas and burritos. Parking is convenient with both 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.

Chilaquiles with green sauce and potatoes stand out as amazing and well-made. The menu features mole tamales, pupusas, and a chile relleno burrito that is extremely good. The agua de horchata mixed with agua de fresa offers a unique drink option.

People are saying

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

"I thought the Mexican food here had the best burrito."

"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.

08
Tacos Mi Rancho image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck offers affordable prices and late-night hours, attracting a local crowd seeking flavorful tacos and burritos. The atmosphere is casual with minimal seating and a cold environment. Payment requires cash or digital options only.

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

Steak tacos and burritos stand out with generous guacamole and cheese. The spot serves loaded steak or chicken burritos and offers extra sour cream or cheese at no charge. It works well for late night Mexican food cravings.

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.

09
Tacos Guadalajara image 1
Mexican restaurant

Taco truck setup with lively atmosphere and fast-paced environment draws crowds who socialize amid loud music from nearby speakers. Outdoor patio seating offers limited comfort while patrons enjoy consistent, highly regarded Mexican flavors.

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

Burritos stand out with options like asada, shrimp, and chorizo breakfast delivering consistent, satisfying flavors. Tacos, flautas, and tortas offer authentic Mexican tastes with simple yet perfect preparation.

People are saying

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

"I found the Mexican food here to be phenomenal and flavorful."

"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.

10
Tortas Ahogadas Mi Barrio image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tortas ahogadas with rich, flavorful sauces and generous fillings that reflect Guadalajara origins. Atmosphere is family-friendly but can be lively with occasional live mariachi performances and spontaneous singing. Located in a neighborhood setting with limited parking, it suits daytime visits for a satisfying meal.

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

Tortas ahogadas here feature salty birote bread and authentic Tapatio flavor with sauces that stand out. Burritos come packed with mountains of meat and cheese, avoiding the usual skimping and excess rice.

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.

11
Taqueria El Paisa image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a self-serve salsa bar offering multiple spicy levels and pickled items. Atmosphere is lively and family-friendly, filled with authentic Mexican music and smells of grilled meat. Busy and energetic vibe evokes a classic Mexican neighborhood taqueria.

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.

Tacos stand out with authentic flavors and Suadero is a highlight. Burritos also draw people from far away for their delicious taste.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is flavorful and well-seasoned."

"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.

12
Xingones at Fort Green image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and comfortable seating including high tops and couches. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming, suited for groups with plenty of TVs for sports viewing. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating with a full bar serving cocktails like margaritas and Negronis.

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

Burritos come well-packed with crinkle cut fries inside, wrapped in foil with a nicely sealed tortilla. Tacos, including street grilled fish, offer excellent flavor and spiciness and cook perfectly.

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.

13
Taqueria El Cruzero image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with kitschy decor and a museum-like atmosphere filled with plants creates a warm, local vibe. Food focuses on well-seasoned burritos and tacos made fresh, appealing to those seeking straightforward, satisfying meals. The space feels unpretentious and dependable, favored by neighborhood regulars.

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

Burritos and tacos stand out with well-seasoned, satisfying flavors and generous portions. Carnitas and carne asada come fresh and hot, paired with excellent quality and friendly, efficient service even during busy times.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is so flavorful and satisfying."

"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.

14
Turo's Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating under a large tent includes picnic tables, pool table, and arcade games, creating a lively and family-friendly atmosphere. Music plays throughout, adding to the fun and inviting vibe. The space feels cozy and community-oriented, with plenty of room for families 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.

Carne asada tacos stand out with well-seasoned meat and fresh tortillas. The menu also features sopes with fresh cabbage and cheese and carnitas tacos, all served in a clean, family-friendly setting with picnic tables and ample parking.

People are saying

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

"I found Turo's Tacos to be the best taco spot."

"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.

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