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San Diego's best

Carnitas with outdoor seating

A spot where you can enjoy your carnitas outside without the seating feeling like an uncomfortable, neglected sidewalk afterthought.

Based on 813 Opinions
+810
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Updated May 2026
01
Roxy’s Tacos image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Small space with heated outdoor seating and picnic tables creates a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. Upbeat music adds to the chill vibe while friendly staff contribute to a comfortable experience. Outdoor seating offers a pleasant spot despite the surrounding urban grunge.

Carnitas stand out for their rich flavor and generous portions. Tacos and burritos packed with carnitas taste great on their own without needing extra salsa.

Outdoor seating offers an amazing atmosphere that stands out. It encourages visiting beyond the usual spots in the Gaslamp District.

People are saying

"I had the best burrito I’ve ever had."

"The service at the outdoor seating was super nice and welcoming."

"The carnitas tacos here are flavorful and have a perfect char."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited in the downtown area, so arrive early.

2

Expect long wait times during peak lunch hours.

3

The restaurant does not have a restroom available for customers.

02
Caliente Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant shares space in an old house with other food and drink places, featuring a cozy atmosphere and a great patio area for outdoor seating. The vibe suits quick meals and relaxed dining, attracting those who appreciate generous portion sizes and well-seasoned meats.

Soft tacos filled with fresh carnitas offer a delicious flavor and come in a good size. The carnitas consistently taste excellent.

A convenient little patio offers a spot to eat and chill. The outdoor seating area works well for relaxing and enjoying food on a sunny day.

People are saying

"Edgar made the dining experience enjoyable and went above and beyond."

"Edgar made the dining experience enjoyable with his kind service."

"The carnitas here are fresh, delicious, and a very good size."

Good to know

1

Parking can be tight during peak hours, so arrive early.

2

Catering services are available for both small and large groups.

3

They offer options for dietary restrictions, making it inclusive.

03
Karina's Ceviche Bar 'N Tacos image 1

Small, intimate space with large front patio and picnic tables inside. Atmosphere feels laid-back and welcoming, with a market selling seafood on site. Patio offers a quiet spot to relax while enjoying fresh seafood dishes.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. The Carnitas Burrito offers a satisfying, hearty option alongside the birria.

The patio offers a dog friendly space that stays quiet and pleasant for dining. It provides a nice outdoor spot to eat.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and ceviche, is fresh and delicious."

"I loved the patio seating; it was quiet and nice."

"I found the carnitas to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on food and drinks.

2

Parking is available on-site for visitors.

3

The restaurant is now called MARISCOS GERMAN.

04
Contodo Fresh Mexican Eats image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers clean interior and spacious patio seating with a pleasant outdoor vibe. Atmosphere stays cool and relaxed with good music and a comfortable setting. It attracts those looking for a casual spot to enjoy fresh, well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Juicy and crispy textures define the carnitas here, delivering authentic and flavorful bites. Options include tacos, burritos, and plates, all noted for their rich flavor and satisfying quality.

Outside seating offers a clean and comfortable spot to enjoy meals. Both indoor and outdoor areas maintain a very clean environment.

People are saying

"The carnitas burrito was excellent and very flavorful."

"The food here is amazing, especially the fresh tortillas."

"The carnitas here are juicy and crispy."

Good to know

1

$1.99 fish taco special is available, making it a great deal.

2

The taco shop has a drive-thru for convenient ordering.

3

Expect reasonable prices and good portion sizes.

05
Johnny Mañanas Ocean Beach image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers colorful storefront and outdoor seating with views of the pier. Atmosphere shifts from quiet early afternoons to a lively vibe later, enhanced by Mexican music and a self-serve salsa bar. Affordable drinks include $5 margaritas and draft beers, complementing well-regarded tacos and burritos.

Shredded carnitas meat comes well seasoned, juicy, and tender. Large portions appear in tacos and plates, with options to customize burritos loaded with fatty carnitas.

Outdoor seating includes busy tables and a separate area where indoor diners sit. The space welcomes pups and offers a nice atmosphere for enjoying meals outside.

People are saying

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive."

"The carnitas here are so moist, tender, and well-seasoned."

"You can enjoy their nice outdoor seating area."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, enjoy $2.50 street tacos and two for $5 specials.

2

Happy hour features $3 pints and $6 margaritas from 2 to 6 PM and all day on weekends.

3

Outdoor seating is available for dogs.

06
Ocho Mexican Food & Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Walk-up window with outdoor standing tables creates a casual, bright and cheery vibe. Mexican-style decor and vibrant colors add charm while planes overhead enhance the atmosphere. The spot draws a crowd looking for quick, flavorful Mexican food in an informal setting.

Carnitas come in tacos and burritos that are filling and well-priced. The carnitas taco stands out as excellent, and the $2.29 taco options include asada, pollo, carnitas, and adobada.

Outdoor seating offers a chance to eat while watching planes fly overhead, adding a unique vibe. The area features art and a no-nonsense staff attitude.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burrito was the best I'd ever had."

"The Outdoor Seating is generous; the portions are super large."

"You should try the Carnitas; they're an awesome experience."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers great deals on tacos and is popular among locals.

2

There is no seating available, so plan to eat standing or take out.

3

Parking can be tough to find on weekends; expect to walk a few blocks.

07
IZOLA image 1
Bakery

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.

Outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heaters for cool mornings. Easy parking and attentive staff add to the relaxed vibe.

People are saying

"This croissant is impossibly flaky, buttery, and fresh."

"The croissants here are creative, buttery, and perfectly balanced."

"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.

08
Doggos Gus image 1
Hot dog restaurant

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.

Spacious outdoor seating offers a great breeze with several tables shaded by umbrellas or young olive trees. The area has sandy flooring and welcomes dogs, making it a clean and comfortable spot to enjoy the weather.

People are saying

"The American food, especially the bacon-wrapped hot dogs, is flavorful."

"The outdoor seating area is dog friendly and spacious."

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

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.

09
El Carrito Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

A beautiful patio with plants creates an airy garden space that feels larger than the inside. The outdoor seating offers a nice spot for people watching and enjoying neighborhood events.

People are saying

"I had a great, fresh breakfast here."

"The tacos here are unreal, especially the chorizo."

"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.

10
Yesenia's Mexican and Seafood image 1

Covered patio and interior blend earth tones with tropical vibes creating a calm, inviting atmosphere. Salsa bar offers homemade sauces and chips made from scratch. Food features authentic Mexican dishes with generous portions and fresh tortillas soaking up rich flavors.

Carnitas come in a huge portion that can last for dinner later. They are mildly seasoned to perfection and rank among the best Mexican food around.

Covered patio offers rich aromas of spices and beef that fill the outdoor seating area. Tables outside accommodate guests with service animals, providing a comfortable dining option.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were some of the best Mexican food I've had."

"The fresh tortillas and salsa are amazing with Outdoor Seating."

"The carnitas here are some of the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Brunch is available on Saturdays.

2

The restaurant opens at 6 am.

3

There is a nice-sized parking lot.

11
Taquería Los Chuchys image 1
Taco restaurant

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.

Small authentic Mexican restaurant offers outdoor seating with more tables outside. It suits sunny days well.

People are saying

"I thought the carne asada tacos were some of the best I've ever had."

"I liked their outdoor seating on a nice, sunny day."

"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.

12
Porkyland Mexican Grill - Torrey Hills Center image 1

Outdoor seating with romantic light bulbs and a covered patio creates a relaxed, welcoming vibe. An open kitchen adds transparency and a sense of cleanliness. A salsa bar offers customization, enhancing the casual dining experience.

Carnitas come in a generous portion, especially in the burrito which feels like a half pound rolled in a tortilla. The regular taco serves a street taco style with a single tortilla. The carnitas are flavorful and rich.

A covered patio area offers a cozy spot for authentic Mexican food. Stringed light bulbs create a romantic mood in the outdoor seating.

People are saying

"This burrito is so good, it's one of the best I've ever had."

"The carnitas burrito's tortillas were packed with a half pound of flavorful carnitas."

"The carnitas burrito was so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer great deals with tacos priced between $2 to $13.

2

Portion sizes are large, often leaving customers with leftovers.

3

Tap payment options are available for easy transactions.

13
El Indio Mexican Restaurant and Catering image 1

Classic Mexican restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating including a garden patio. Atmosphere mixes a 1940s vibe with occasional loud order announcements, creating a unique but sometimes startling environment. Features a salsa bar and homemade tortillas, adding to its traditional appeal.

Carnitas Burrito stands out with rich flavor and satisfying portions. The carnitas chimichanga also delivers a solid taste, while the carnitas tacos show promise for even better flavor.

Outdoor seating includes a covered patio and a new garden area that enhances the atmosphere. Margaritas are available across the outdoor spaces.

People are saying

"I thought the shredded beef tacos were the best."

"I loved the outdoor patio, it's a nice atmosphere."

"I couldn't stop eating the flavor-filled carnitas."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes $3.50 for two street tacos and $5 margaritas.

2

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

3

Parking is available across the street in a dedicated lot.

14
Cocina 35 Brunch image 1

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.

Outdoor seating features a nicely decorated patio that complements the overall cute vibe. Attention to detail extends from the bathrooms to the patio, creating a cohesive and inviting space.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and bursting with authentic flavor."

"You'll wait at least two hours for outdoor seating on weekends."

"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.

15
El Gordo Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

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.

A covered patio offers a variety of seating options with plenty of light coming through. The outdoor area includes a cute patio and some seating that works well in mild weather.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing flavors and perfect meat."

"The outdoor seating has papel picado banners fluttering."

"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.

16
TACO CENTRO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with open kitchen and fresh tortilla making visible from inside. Atmosphere shifts from warm and inviting to loud music on busy days, with an outdoor patio offering a quieter option. Extensive salsa bar provides a wide variety of sauces to complement the food.

Tacos feature tender carnitas with a rich flavor. Burritos also include well-seasoned carnitas alongside other options like mushrooms.

A barrier between the street and seating creates a child-friendly outdoor space. The outdoor area offers a nice spot to enjoy tacos away from the loud music inside.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food, especially the tacos, to be spectacular."

"The salsa bar here is great, with lots of variety."

"The carnitas tacos here are amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $5 beers on Taco Tuesdays from 6 PM.

2

Taco specials are available on Tuesdays and game days.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy on Taco Tuesdays, around 75% full.

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