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Local picks in San Jose

Authentic carnitas spots

You want carnitas prepared the way they were meant to be made. There is no room for shortcuts when it comes to tradition.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 2
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio creates a casual, breezy atmosphere with a welcoming, family-like vibe. Indoor space feels small and sparse, while the quiet street adds to the calm setting. The place offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican food in a clean environment.

Tacos have nice flavor and come with green and red salsas that stand out. The menu offers a wide variety of Mexican dishes that taste very authentic.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. The meat selection is solid, making carnitas a favorite choice alongside carne asada.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is so authentic and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Ordering and paying happens before sitting down; no reservations needed.

2

The restaurant offers all-day breakfast options.

3

There is plenty of seating available both inside and outside.

02
Tacos El Compa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, narrow space with about six tables creates a cozy, intimate setting. Atmosphere feels like an authentic hole-in-the-wall taqueria with a quiet, unassuming vibe. Seating is limited and close together, often leading to a crowded, bustling feel during busy times.

Tacos come with flavorful tortillas, meat, and toppings that taste authentic. Drinks like horchata are not watered down, matching the genuine Mexican flavors. Portions are generous and prices reasonable, making it feel like a true authentic taqueria.

Deep fried carnitas stand out with a crispy texture unlike typical non-fried versions. Tacos come loaded with plenty of cheese and tender, flavorful meat that holds a home-cooked flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the most delicious, tender tacos."

"The tacos here taste so authentic and flavorful."

"I always get the carnitas tacos; they're tender and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Many customers order ahead to reduce wait times during busy hours.

2

The restaurant is primarily a take-out place rather than a sit-down restaurant.

3

Expect longer wait times during lunch hours due to high popularity.

03
Las Delicias De Toรฑita Taco Truck image 1

Tented outdoor seating with long communal tables creates a casual, relaxed vibe under a parking lot mural. The taco truck serves authentic Mexican flavors with handmade tortillas grilled fresh. The space fits about 18-20 people and stays clean and orderly despite its simplicity.

Tacos feature homemade tortillas and authentic flavors like al pastor, carne asada, and chicharron. Family ties to a taqueria in Mexico add to the genuine taste.

Carnitas have a meaty and crunchy texture with a good flavor. They sometimes come on the dry side but work well in a torta or with homemade tortillas.

People are saying

"These tacos are savory, well-seasoned, and full of flavor."

"The authentic tacos had savory meat and soft, homemade tortillas."

"The carnitas had a perfect combination of meaty and crunchy textures."

Good to know

1

The taco truck closes today (Wednesday) at 10 pm.

2

Each taco costs about $3.5-4.

3

Parking validation is available.

04
Carnitas Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious and modern Mexican restaurant with an inviting, relaxed atmosphere and plenty of room between tables. Bright, clean environment features traditional artwork and a children's play area, making it suitable for family meals and events.

Mexican dishes here taste delicious and authentic. Carnitas Michoacan stands out as pretty close to authentic.

Carnitas come super flavorful, tender, and juicy with crispy edges. Portions are generous, available by the pound, and pair well with better-than-average salsas.

People are saying

"I tried the best carnitas I've ever had."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The burritos here are massive, easily two meals."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is famous for carnitas and chicharon.

2

The restaurant was very clean and had plenty of seating area.

3

The bathrooms were super clean.

05
Tacos Los 3 Reyes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck setup with large trompo for al pastor and small dining area creates a casual, lively atmosphere filled with delicious aromas. Tacos feature varied pricing and generous portions, attracting those seeking authentic Mexican flavors. The vibe is informal yet vibrant, with a focus on quality and variety in meats and salsas.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with dishes that stay true to traditional recipes. The menu focuses on delivering genuine tastes without fusion or alteration.

Carnitas tacos come simple and basic. Green salsa adds flavor and lifts the taste.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos were unreal."

"I enjoyed the carnitas tacos, especially with the grilled onions."

"The authentic pastor meat filling in the quesadilla is so flavorful."

Good to know

1

The food truck has a small indoor dining area available.

2

Prices for tacos vary, with some costing more than others.

3

A 4% surcharge may apply for card payments.

06
Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen image 1

Spacious interior with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a pleasant atmosphere that feels inviting and lively. A self-serve condiments bar adds convenience and complements the food experience. Music tends to be loud, making conversation challenging during busy times.

California-Baja style Mexican food delivers authentic flavors that stand out. Dishes shine with genuine Mexican taste and offer a great meal experience.

Crispy tacos with carnitas stand out alongside dishes like the Huarache with Carnita and Birria Tacos. The carnitas offer a solid, flavorful option among other meats like asada and menudo.

People are saying

"I thought the quesadillas were the best in town."

"The authentic Mexican flavors here are incredible."

"I loved the carnitas tacos here; they're great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts cash only, so plan accordingly.

2

Parking is ample and easy to find in the strip mall.

3

The restaurant closes later than most places, making it a good late-night option.

07
La Chingada Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with colorful murals and both indoor and outdoor seating creates a chill atmosphere with romantic salsa and ranchero music. Fresh tortillas are made by hand outside, adding to the authentic vibe. A salsa bar and fresh chips complement the food offerings.

Tacos here lean toward authentic Mexican flavors but can be a bit greasy. Birria sometimes misses the mark on authenticity.

Super flavorful carnitas appear in tacos, burritos, and plates. The carnitas consistently come across as very good and delicious.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"I always relied on this place for authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Take-out is the primary service option; dining in may be limited.

2

Prices range from $10 to $30 depending on the meal and portion size.

3

Vegetarian options are available on the menu.

08
Mama Lupita's Seafood & Mexican Cocina & cantina . image 1

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and a covered patio offers a lively atmosphere that peaks during karaoke nights and NFL games. Generous pours of margaritas complement authentic dishes like crispy tacos and veggie quesadillas. Music volume can be high, adding to the energetic vibe.

Menudo, pozole, and mole chicken enchiladas showcase authentic Mexican flavors. Rice and refried beans come out flavorful and traditional, creating a genuine culinary experience.

Crunchy carnitas tacos stand out with a crisp texture. Pork carnitas come with plain rice and are served barely warm.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was great and delicious."

"The authentic Mexican food here tastes like home."

"The carnitas here were just okay, barely warm."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays offer tacos for $1.50 with five meat choices.

2

Karaoke night happens on Tuesdays, providing a fun atmosphere.

3

Happy hour features a buy-one-get-one combo plate promotion.

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San Jose, California

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