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Carnitas spots in Riverside

You know that carnitas should be crispy on the edges and tender everywhere else.

Based on 555 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 2
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers a family-friendly vibe with a clean, well-lit space and great music. Carnitas shine with tender, flavorful meat that pairs perfectly with fresh sides. Seating is ample, making it a comfortable place to enjoy delicious tacos and plates.

Tender, flavorful carnitas stand out with a rich taste that pairs well with fresh sides. The carnitas plate and tacos deliver a consistently delicious experience.

People are saying

"The food here is rich, flavorful, and authentic."

"The food here is fresh, high quality, and amazing for date spots."

"I found the carnitas tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available, offering a variety of dishes at reduced prices.

2

Happy hour menu features discounted items, typically available from 4-6pm.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy weekend dinner hours.

02
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 1

Enjoy authentic southern flavors with standout drowned carnitas sandwiches and a variety of pork, beef, and vegetarian options. Cozy, welcoming atmosphere with an open kitchen adds a homey vibe. Expect a warm, casual setting perfect for savoring rich, juicy meats.

Drowned carnitas sandwiches stand out with rich, juicy meat. Golden tacos and tacos with potatoes and beans offer delicious carnitas flavors. The leg sandwich also features tender, flavorful pork.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, spicy, and absolutely delicious."

"These tortas ahogadas are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers pork, beef, and vegetarian options to satisfy every palate.

2

Prices are considered great for the quality of food served.

3

The preparation style is unique, reflecting southern Mexican cuisine.

03
Jose's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open salsa bar offers unlimited chips and a variety of salsas. Crispy tacos highlight carnitas with great texture, also found in burritos and green chilaquiles. Family crowd enjoys authentic Mexican dishes and well-made micheladas in a lively, colorful space.

Crispy tacos showcase the carnitas here, delivering a standout texture. Carnitas also feature in a special burrito and green chilaquiles, offering variety in preparation.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"This burrito is filling and flavorful, a meal in itself."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Daily specials change every weekday, usually costing about $8.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, from smaller plates to large nachos.

3

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $20 per person.

04
La Mazorca Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Freshly made corn tortillas and savory carnitas create an authentic Mexican flavor. Clean, organized space with a single outdoor table and parking in the back. Homemade birria and tamales add to the satisfying meal options.

Carnitas stand out for their rich flavor and tender texture. Served with corn tortillas and often paired with cueritos, they offer a satisfying and authentic taco experience.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are made fresh daily and served warm."

"I found the carnitas to be the best in town."

"I loved the carnitas and cueritos tacos from the Market."

Good to know

1

The store has parking in the back.

2

You can call and order ahead of time.

3

Their tortillas are made daily for freshness.

05
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant features two dance floors and a central bar for a lively vibe. Carnitas tacos offer phenomenal flavor with rice and beans for a full meal. Colored lighting and Mexican art create a trendy, festive atmosphere that feels family-friendly.

Perfect carnitas tacos stand out with phenomenal flavor and a visually appealing presentation. Entrees come with rice and beans, making for a satisfying meal.

People are saying

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

"Our server Eddie kept checking in and made sure we had everything."

"The carnitas here are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs until 6:30 PM with $10 margaritas and discounted appetizers.

2

Palenque offers bottomless mimosas on Sundays.

3

The restaurant has only one restroom for all guests.

06
Vegan Vatoz Casa De’ Tacos image 1

Food truck offers bold vegan flavors with fresh, high-quality ingredients. Outdoor picnic tables and music create an authentic vibe. Vegan carnitas stand out with amazing texture and a sweet, asada-like taste in burritos.

Carnitas have a flavorful taste and an amazing texture. Some versions show a sweeter flavor compared to regular meat, and the burrito carnitas taste similar to asada.

People are saying

"You have to try their amazing vegan tacos and burritos."

"I found the vegetarian food here to be absolutely delicious."

"I've never had carnitas tacos this good."

Good to know

1

They offer specials throughout the week that make some items more affordable on specific days.

2

Tacos with vegan egg are excluded from the $2 taco Tuesdays offer.

3

The restaurant's hours change daily, so check before visiting.

07
El Trigo Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers authentic homemade tortillas and a cozy family vibe with funky decor. Carnitas shine in tacos and sope, sold by the pound and perfect with agua de horchata. Traditional dishes beat pricier downtown options with true home-cooked flavor.

Carnitas come in various forms like tacos, sope, and nachos. They sell carnitas by the pound and pair well with drinks like agua de horchata.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, and the staff is super friendly."

"The burritos here are enormous and really, really good."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas tacos; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

There is no dedicated parking lot, but plenty of street parking is available nearby.

2

The restaurant is wheelchair accessible for those with mobility needs.

3

Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food offered.

08
Taqueria El Flaco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Enjoy juicy carnitas that are well seasoned and packed with flavor. Authentic tacos come with flavorful salsa in a clean, family-friendly space. Portions are generous, and lively music keeps the energy up despite higher prices.

Juicy, well seasoned carnitas stand out here. The carnitas quesadilla offers great flavor but leans a bit salty.

People are saying

"I thought their Al Pastor tacos were the best I've had."

"The food here is so authentic, just like in LA or San Diego."

"The carnitas here are juicy and well seasoned."

Good to know

1

Tony in Riverside offers a bean and cheese burrito for under $5.

2

The portion sizes are generous at this taqueria.

3

The place is very clean and well-maintained.

09
Los Tacos Lokos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, modern Mexican spot offers a vibrant, welcoming vibe with a warm dining area. Carnitas shine with tender, juicy texture in tacos and burritos. Known for flavorful carne asada and excellent tortillas that elevate every bite.

Carnitas here come tender and flavorful with a fresh taste. The carnitas tacos and burritos stand out for their perfect serving and juicy texture.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were super delicious and flavorful."

"The service here is friendly and energetic, making it a great spot for dates."

"I tried the carnitas tacos; they were tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Los Tacos Lokos is open late until 2:00am.

2

They stay open late on the weekends.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is recommended for quicker service.

10
Castañeda's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with 24-hour service and a vibrant salsa bar. Carnitas tacos and burritos offer delicious shredded meat that stands out. Upbeat music adds to the authentic vibe and lively atmosphere.

Carnitas tacos and carnitas burritos stand out as popular choices. Carnitas appear in various dishes like super nachos and are known for their delicious shredded meat.

People are saying

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

"It's the perfect late night spot because it's open 24 hours."

"I found the carnitas to be exceptionally delicious."

Good to know

1

Castañeda's Mexican Food is open 24 hours with a drive-thru.

2

Expect a 3% fee for using a credit card.

3

The restaurant offers good vegetarian and vegan options.

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Riverside, California

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