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Carnitas and al pastor in San Diego

A plate piled high with carnitas and al pastor is the only way to settle a serious hunger.

Based on 653 Opinions
+650
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01
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Small, charming Mexican restaurant with handmade tortillas and a varied salsa bar. Inside seating features traditional decorations like piñatas and mellow yellow lighting, creating a friendly, authentic vibe. The atmosphere feels lively and welcoming, reflecting a family-run, homely energy.

Meat comes fresh and tender, roasted to perfection. Tacos are generous in size and packed with incredible flavor.

Tender and flavorful Al Pastor tacos stand out alongside the Al Pastor burrito, which comes highly praised even without cilantro. Both options deliver a consistently phenomenal taste.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos were stuffed with tender roasted pork."

"The Al Pastor tacos are tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $2.99 each.

2

They have dedicated gluten-free fryers to avoid cross-contamination.

3

Parking can be challenging near the restaurant.

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Small space with stainless steel tables and a flame grill creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican tacos with fresh handmade tortillas and a self-serve salsa bar. The vibe feels like home despite limited parking and simple surroundings.

Juicy and tender meat comes with a perfectly crispy finish. Carnitas tacos arrive with beans and rice, making a solid meal.

Al pastor tacos come with mixed reviews here. Some find them excellent and traditional, while others feel they lack strong flavor compared to other tacos.

People are saying

"I thought their carnitas tacos were the best I've had anywhere."

"I thought their Al Pastor tacos were the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Street parking is extremely tough during peak hours.

2

Parking can get tricky when the restaurant gets busier.

3

There is a surcharge for card use, so I recommend bringing cash.

03
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Mini sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating offers a help-yourself salsa bar and free chips. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming with comfortable seating and lively music. Serves large portions of fresh Mexican food including all-day breakfast burritos and beer on tap.

Carnitas appear in tacos, burritos, and plates with good flavor but sometimes need a bit more salt. Options include carnitas tacos and carnitas burritos alongside other meats.

Al pastor tacos come with fresh corn tortillas and pair well with salsa verde. The meat is flavorful and served alongside other options like carne asada and carnitas.

People are saying

"I found the Al Pastor tacos to be delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos needed a bit more salt."

Good to know

1

Robert's Jalapenos serves breakfast burritos all day.

2

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on food.

3

The establishment is clean and well-maintained.

04
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Narrow space with rail seating and a self-serve salsa bar offers a casual, hole-in-the-wall vibe. Atmosphere feels humble and welcoming, though seating can be cramped. Outdoor tables provide a pleasant alternative when weather allows.

Cubed carnitas come well seasoned with a mix of moist tender meat and crispy roasted pieces. Fatty bits add rich flavor, and salsa helps balance dryness when needed.

Al pastor stands out with its full flavor and perfect grilling. It pairs well with other tacos but often steals the show on its own.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor here is full of flavor."

"The carnitas are moist, flavorful, and have crispy parts."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer a buy 2 get 1 free deal on tacos.

2

The restaurant is open until 3 AM for late-night eats.

3

Parking can be challenging since it's located in Gaslamp.

05
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Open, spacious dining area features bright murals and mounted TVs creating a casual, authentic vibe. A self-serve salsa bar with hot carrots adds interactive flavor options. The atmosphere suits relaxed meals with family and friends, blending modern comfort with traditional Mexican elements.

Carnitas show up in tacos and nachos with a delicious, tasty flavor. They come alongside other meats like al pastor and carne asada, often priced at 99 cents each for tacos.

Al pastor tacos come with corn tortillas and offer a delicious flavor even without pineapple. The al pastor appears in tacos and burritos, both noted for being very tasty and affordable.

People are saying

"The Al Pastor tacos here are especially tasty."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers four tacos for $7 starting at 2 PM.

2

Happy hour runs from 4 to 8 PM with fish tacos at $1.29 each.

3

They accept credit cards only; no cash payments.

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Small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with canteen-style seating and outdoor tables offers a lively, authentic atmosphere reminiscent of old 70s establishments. Noise levels rise at night, creating an inviting, energetic vibe. Known for excellent tacos and burritos with freshly made tortillas and standout lengua tacos.

Carnitas tacos come cooked to perfection with onions, cilantro, and hot sauce. The mulitas de carnitas feature crunchy tortillas filled with carnitas and melted cheese.

Al pastor tacos deliver rich, savory flavor in every bite. They pair well with delicious tortillas and stand out alongside shrimp and Pollo options.

People are saying

"The al pastor tacos were delicious and hit the spot."

"The carnitas tacos and mulitas are still delicious."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash payments; Zelle and Venmo are also options.

2

The establishment closes at 3:00 am, catering to late-night visitors.

3

Parking is available, but the lot is very small.

07
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Super fancy dining room with Instagramable decor and a beautiful tree inside creates a vibrant, lively atmosphere filled with loud music and festive noise. Popular spot draws energetic crowds who enjoy unique Mexican pastries and a full bar featuring standout cocktails. Tables have a strict 90-minute limit, emphasizing a fast-paced, social vibe.

Chilaquiles come with carnitas as a key option, featured in both green and red styles. The carnitas add a rich, savory element to the dishes.

Chilaquiles feature tender pork and grilled pineapple with a secret sauce that blends well with homemade tortilla strips. The Al Pastor dishes come with a 3-chile salsa that adds a spicy kick.

People are saying

"Jesi made the Al Pastor experience so worthwhile and attentive."

"I loved the chilaquiles with carnitas."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect to wait 1 to 2 hours for a table on weekends without a reservation.

3

The atmosphere can be loud due to frequent birthday celebrations.

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Modern, hip interior blends with outdoor seating and bar swings to create a lively atmosphere. Music plays loudly, energizing the space with a vibrant vibe. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican cuisine alongside well-made margaritas and unique cocktails in a setting that balances warmth and trendiness.

Tacos feature tender carnitas with a rich flavor. Carnitas stand out alongside other options like pork belly and Baja fish.

Al pastor appears in tacos and nachos with bold flavors and a crispy texture. Some servings show inconsistent quality, with occasional burnt edges and low cheese.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos here are really good."

"You have to get the al pastor tacos with a margarita."

Good to know

1

URBANA offers happy hour deals daily from 2 to 4 pm, including weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday features $5 tacos, making it a popular choice.

3

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure good service.

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Outdoor seating dominates with four and two-top tables under an open door that warms the space. A salsa bar adds a lively touch, complementing the homemade tortillas and generous portions that define the menu. The atmosphere balances casual dining with affordable prices and a steady lunch rush.

Carnitas come in dry and stringy cuts, but the burritos use great quality meat. Plates with al pastor and carnitas offer rich flavors.

Al pastor comes in a version that is not marinated as expected. Plates with al pastor and carnitas stand out. Salads with al pastor or chicken arrive in a freshly made, light tortilla bowl.

People are saying

"The al pastor here is insanely good."

"I thought their carnitas burritos were great quality."

Good to know

1

Watch out for long wait times during the lunch rush.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions for the price.

3

Homemade tortillas are used in all dishes.

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Mexican restaurant with colorful interior featuring cactus-themed wallpaper and cowboy hat decorations offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere. Seating includes covered outdoor patio and ample indoor space, complemented by a self-serve salsa bar. Drive-thru service adds convenience to the experience.

Smoky flavor defines the carnitas here, making it rich and distinct. Served in burritos and tacos, the portions lean toward moderate size.

Al pastor here features meat marinated with adobo and served on corn tortillas, reflecting its roots from Lebanese immigrants adapting Ottoman grilling methods in Mexico. The tacos offer a rich history and a flavor profile that invites repeated bites.

People are saying

"I learned Al Pastor originated from Ottoman shawarma adapted by Lebanese immigrants."

"I had a solid carnitas burrito here."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $7 for each taco, which is on the higher side.

2

The restaurant offers generous portions, especially for tacos.

3

Combo prices range from $10 to $20, which is reasonable for the area.

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