Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of San Diego

Cool carnitas spots

There is a specific satisfaction in finding a cool spot that serves authentic carnitas.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
User
User
User
Updated
01
Doggos Gus image 1
Doggos Gus image 2
Doggos Gus image 3
View all

Large outdoor patio with sandy flooring and shade from trees creates a relaxed, dog-friendly setting. Atmosphere feels chill and cool but can be awkwardly quiet without background music. Popular spot for enjoying bacon-wrapped Mexican-style hot dogs alongside beer from the neighboring brewery.

The carnitas dog features charred quality meat and comes at a price under 10 dollars. It stands out for its delicious flavor and well-cooked texture.

A cool ambience sets the tone here with a relaxed vibe. A pumpkin carving station adds a unique, fun touch to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas dog was top notch and charred just right."

"I loved the cool atmosphere and ambience here."

Good to know

1

Ordering is done through a kiosk; no reservations are required.

2

The outdoor seating area is dog friendly and located in Downtown.

3

There is no parking lot; street parking or rideshare is necessary.

02
El Carrito Restaurant image 1
El Carrito Restaurant image 2
El Carrito Restaurant image 3
View all

Converted 1930s cable car offers a cozy, vintage vibe with a whimsical, cute atmosphere inside and a tropical-style garden patio outside. The space feels fresh and family-owned, attracting those who enjoy casual, authentic Mexican dining in a unique setting.

Carnitas appear in several dishes like tacos, tostadas, and a torta named Pancho Villa. They come alongside eggs in the Divorciados and Logan dishes, showing versatility across meals.

Casual vibe and relaxed atmosphere make it a really cool spot. The place feels super cool and laid-back.

People are saying

"I found the space to be cool and welcoming."

"I enjoyed the carnitas torta at El Carrito."

Good to know

1

You order at the counter and then choose a table.

2

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

3

Parking can be hard to find near the restaurant.

03
IZOLA image 1
IZOLA image 2
IZOLA image 3
View all

Bright, open bakery with heated patios and live local music creates a warm, inviting vibe. Small indoor space fills quickly, making it lively and social with families, dogs, and shared tables. Unique entry by buzz-in adds a speakeasy feel to the experience.

Fusion croissants stand out with the Carnitas Croissant offering a unique blend of flavors. These croissants have 96 layers of butter and deliver a taste that rivals traditional French versions.

Cool mornings bring brown butter caramel knots and heated patios with foggy views. Owners share a down-to-earth vibe that adds to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"The s'mores croissant provided a cool eating experience."

"The carnitas croissant is a unique and amazing fusion."

Good to know

1

Live music performances happen every Saturday morning.

2

Pre-ordering is recommended as popular items often sell out quickly.

3

Expect long lines on Saturday mornings, especially for croissants.

04
Mike Hess Brewing - Seaport Village image 1
Mike Hess Brewing - Seaport Village image 2
Mike Hess Brewing - Seaport Village image 3
View all

Brewpub offers outdoor patio seating with incredible bay views and an authentic feel. Atmosphere stays relaxed and lively, with dog-friendly spaces and occasional loud music from nearby pier speakers. Visitors enjoy excellent beer selections and highly praised tacos while unwinding by the water.

Breakfast chilaquiles come with fries, eggs, and carnitas. Tacos feature carnitas alongside fish and shrimp options. Carnitas quality varies from delicious to moderately bad.

A really cool terrace sits on the next level, offering a fresh vibe. The atmosphere stays clean, attractive, and family-friendly, with helpful workers and matching merchandise adding to the cool feel.

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

They offer a 10% discount on Taco Tuesdays.

3

Military discounts are available on all items.

05
MATADOR Mexican Grill image 1
MATADOR Mexican Grill image 2
MATADOR Mexican Grill image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with cozy indoor seating and clean, well-decorated interior creates a vibey atmosphere. The place offers an excellent salsa bar and a large menu featuring flavorful tacos and birria. Portions tend to be affordable and satisfying, making it a solid spot for authentic Mexican food.

Carnitas here are flavorful and tender with a good mix of ingredients in the chips. The carnitas burrito tends to be on the smaller side.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were very delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no public restrooms available.

2

Parking can be tight, so arrive early.

3

Dine-in is not allowed; takeout only.

06
Robert's Jalapenos image 1
Robert's Jalapenos image 2
Robert's Jalapenos image 3
View all

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.

The spot offers a cool environment paired with solid Mexican food. Everything else there feels pretty cool too.

People are saying

"Everything else there was pretty cool."

"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.

07
El Gordo Mexican Food image 1
El Gordo Mexican Food image 2
El Gordo Mexican Food image 3
View all

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.

The spot has a very cool vibe and feels nice throughout. It stands out for its laid-back atmosphere.

People are saying

"I had a solid carnitas burrito here."

"The tacos were crispy with flavorful meat."

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.

08
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 1
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 2
Blanco Cocina + Cantina image 3
View all

Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and large windows creates a bright, airy feel. Outdoor patio seating with heaters offers a comfortable spot even in cooler weather. The vibe suits a younger crowd, blending stylish decor with a lively atmosphere.

Carnitas tacos feature tender meat with a warm, satisfying flavor. Portions lean slightly small but pair well with sides like queso and flan.

Outdoor seating with heaters keeps things comfortable on cool nights. Desserts like flan and chocolate tiramisu offer fresh twists on classics. Staff are super friendly, adding to the vibe.

People are saying

"The desserts here offer cool twists on old favorites."

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

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2-4pm on weekdays and all day on Tuesdays.

2

The bar area offers a special happy hour menu with great options.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

Discover more

San Diego, California

Area guide