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Guide to Riverside

Carnitas taco spots

You are looking for a taco that centers its entire identity around the quality of the carnitas.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 1
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 2
Tortas Ahogadas La Chiva Rayada image 3
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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.

Golden tacos with carnitas stand out for their crispiness and flavor. Options include tacos dorados, cottage cheese tacos, and hearty potato and bean tacos, all made with care and quality ingredients.

People are saying

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

"Their tortas ahogadas are a burst of flavor."

"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.

Fresh tacos include tacos de papas made off-menu and a standout Calamari taco. The carnitas taco impresses with rich flavor, while combo plates feature shredded beef tacos with beans and rice.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos to be amazingly delicious and flavorful."

"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
La Mazorca Market image 1
Mexican grocery store

Freshly made corn tortillas and savory carnitas define the market's authentic Mexican flavors. Clean, organized space includes a single table outside and parking in the back. Customers often call ahead to pick up meals featuring homemade birria and yummy tamales.

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.

Carnitas and cueritos tacos stand out with rich flavors. Small tacos come with all toppings con todo and carne asada options appear in both tacos and burritos.

People are saying

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

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

"I enjoyed the carnitas and cueritos tacos."

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.

04
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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and great drinks alongside. Fish tacos and campechano tacos offer fresh, delicious options. Quesa Birria tacos and shrimp ceviche appetizers bring freshness and bold taste.

People are saying

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

"I loved the DF asada and cilantro asada tacos."

"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.

05
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.

Tacos here feature a creative twist on traditional Mexican flavors with bold flavors and satisfying textures. Options like carne asada, birria, and carnitas come in all-vegan versions that stand out for their taste and quality.

People are saying

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

"These vegan tacos are so flavorful and satisfying."

"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.

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.

Tacos come piled with meat and have a fresh taste. The Al Pastor tacos stand out as very flavorful and satisfying, often considered the best in the area.

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.

07
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.

Street tacos stand out with fresh ingredients and amazing carnitas. Shrimp and fish tacos offer a crispy texture that complements the flavors well.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh and flavorful."

"You have to try the salsa bar with all the salsas."

"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.

08
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.

Tacos come in gigantic sizes with fresh corn tortillas and perfectly cooked meat. Options like chicharron, buche, cabeza, and pastor stand out for their rich flavors and tacos dorados offer a crispy twist.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are so friendly and made with care."

"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.

09
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.

Tacos here are well seasoned and nicely cooked, with standout options like quesabirria and grilled beef tacos that pack more flavor than others in the area.

People are saying

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

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

"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 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.

Carne asada and potato rolled tacos stand out with fresh, genuine flavors. Service is fast, making the tacos a solid choice for a quick, tasty meal.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos to be amazing and genuine."

"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.

11
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.

Tacos come with house-made tortillas and six homemade salsas. Fish, shrimp, and the hefty Pirate taco stand out for their fresh and delicious flavors.

People are saying

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

"I loved the fresh, homemade tortillas with my tacos."

"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.

12
Taqueria 2 Potrillos image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican tacos with handmade tortillas in a space featuring high-end wood tables and outdoor patio seating. Atmosphere is lively and loud, with frequent noise from meat chopping and aggressive music. Salsa bar with fresh toppings adds to the experience.

Carnitas stand out with unbelievable flavor and are often described as especially good. However, some finds note a lack of flavor in the chicken and carnitas at times.

Tacos come with freshly made tortillas and offer authentic flavors. The al pastor stands out as the most flavorful meat, and the fish tacos are especially good.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the tacos here were some of the best I've had."

"I found the carnitas to be unbelievable."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially during busy hours on weekends.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment throughout.

3

There is no hand sanitizer available, which is a concern for self-serve toppings.

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Riverside, California

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