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Riverside's best

Carnitas salsa spots

Carnitas served with salsa that complements the meat instead of drowning it in heat.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 1
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 2
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Mexican restaurant offers authentic southern flavors with signature tortas ahogadas and a variety of pork, beef, and vegetarian options. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming but can feel very hot inside. Open kitchen setup lets diners see cooks preparing dishes, adding to the casual, homey vibe.

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.

Salsa here packs a spicy kick that complements dishes like tortas ahogadas and tostadas. It blends well with fresh bolillo bread and tender meat, adding a burst of flavor to every bite.

People are saying

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

"The spicy salsa on the tortas ahogadas is amazing."

"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.

02
Morena's Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with an open, welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. Interior is clean and well lit, featuring great music and plenty of seating. The space balances casual comfort with a touch of charm, making it feel inviting beyond its strip mall exterior.

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.

Salsa here is fantastic and full of flavor. Servers keep the chips and salsa coming without pause.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fire and full of flavor."

"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.

03
Jose's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open salsa and chip bar invites self-service with variety of salsas and unlimited chips. Crowded space creates a loud, warm atmosphere with rustic decor and colorful art. Family-oriented crowd enjoys authentic Mexican dishes and well-made micheladas and margaritas.

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

A salsa bar offers a variety of flavorful options alongside fresh chips. The salsas stand out for their bold flavors and complement the Mexican dishes well.

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
El Trigo Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a cozy family atmosphere and authentic homemade tortillas. The vibe feels like eating in a home kitchen with funky but charming decor and music playing over a jukebox. It offers excellent traditional dishes that stand out from pricier downtown options.

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.

Homemade salsa stands out with rich flavor and pairs well with Carne Asada. Menudo and meatball soup also come with delicious salsas.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here tastes homemade and so flavorful."

"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.

05
Los Tacos Lokos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, modern Mexican restaurant with a clean, well-kept interior and simple decor. Atmosphere feels vibrant and welcoming, with a warm and inviting dining area that stays cool. Known for flavorful carne asada and excellent tortillas that stand out from typical offerings.

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

Green salsa delivers a good spicy kick while red salsa offers a flavorful heat that sneaks up gradually. Both salsas stand out as very good accompaniments to the food.

People are saying

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

"The red salsa is amazing and very hot."

"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.

06
Taqueria El Flaco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic tacos with juicy carnitas and flavorful salsa in a family atmosphere. The space stays very clean and music keeps energy lively without crowds. Portions are generous, though prices lean higher than typical taquerias.

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

Salsas offer balanced flavor with both red and green options that are not watered down. They lean toward a mild heat and sometimes show a bit of acidic sharpness.

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 salsa here has a beautiful taste and isn't too hot."

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.

07
Vegan Vatoz Casa De’ Tacos image 1

Food truck serves all vegan Mexican cuisine with fresh, high-quality ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Outdoor seating includes picnic tables in parking lot with music playing, creating an inviting and authentic vibe. Popular for flavorful vegan proteins and unique vegan tacos and 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.

Variety of salsas stands out, especially the chile de árbol salsa which is a highlight. Salsas come on the side with tacos and burritos, adding fresh flavor and worth the extra cost.

People are saying

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

"I thought the chile de árbol salsa was exceptionally good."

"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.

08
Palenque kitchen by Mezcal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines dark, lively interior with two dance floors and a central bar. Music energizes the space, creating a family-friendly yet vibrant atmosphere. Colored lighting and Mexican art add to the trendy, festive vibe.

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

Habanero salsa offers a spicy kick and pairs with chips. Salsa and chips come at an extra cost, sometimes served with appetizers like chicken taquitos.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are tender and flavorful."

"Our server Christian checked in on us and refilled our water quickly."

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.

09
Taco Station image 1
Mexican restaurant

Gas station-themed Mexican restaurant offers an open outdoor area with a large patio and outside bar featuring live music and a massive drink selection. Atmosphere is fun and inviting, with heaters and misters making it comfortable year-round. Vintage gas pumps and car-shaped topiary add unique charm to the setting.

Carnitas come in several forms like gorditas, torta, and tacos. The torta features soft bread** and the carnitas have a strong, authentic flavor.

Six homemade salsas come with tacos, including a thick, oily chile de arbol salsa that is spicy with the right kick. The tomatillo and roasted oily salsas offer spice without overwhelming heat.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has a cool vintage service station theme."

"The Salsa here has a cool, old-school gas station vibe."

"I thought the carnitas were spot on and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features discounted tacos and is popular among locals.

2

Happy hour offers half-price drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can fill up quickly during peak hours.

10
Castañeda's Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with 24-hour service offers a vibrant, vacation-like atmosphere featuring an authentic vibe and a varied salsa bar. Upbeat music fills the space, creating a lively yet comfortable environment. It attracts those seeking late-night dining and flavorful Mexican dishes.

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.

A salsa bar offers many different options with a variety of spicy flavors. The salsas are quite spicy and pair well with tacos and sides, making them a standout feature for any meal.

People are saying

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

"I loved the salsa bar and all the different options."

"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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