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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to San Jose

Carnitas

You are looking for carnitas that are prepared with the patience and technique required to get the texture exactly right.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Eduardo image 1
Taqueria Eduardo image 2
Taqueria Eduardo image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Huge dining area with several TVs creates a lively vibe. Carnitas are twice cooked and salty, perfect in tacos or a large burrito. Ample seating suits quick bites or relaxed meals with authentic Mexican flavors and unlimited salsas.

Carnitas here taste twice cooked and come out pretty salty, giving them a unique flavor. The carnitas work well in tacos and burritos, with the burrito being large enough for two meals.

People are saying

"I thought the super burrito was the best item on the menu."

"I thought the tripa tacos were crispy, salty, and delicious."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I've ever eaten."

Good to know

1

Daily specials are available from Monday to Friday between 11am and 3pm.

2

Parking is available in the back of the restaurant.

3

The total cost for two burritos and chips is around $32.

02
La Chingada Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot with fresh handmade tortillas and colorful murals offers a chill vibe with salsa music. Carnitas shine in tacos and burritos, delivering super flavorful bites. Outdoor seating and a salsa bar add to the authentic experience.

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."

"You have to try the birria ramen; it's worth it."

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

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.

03
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating on a sunny patio offers a casual, breezy atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Mexican food. Carnitas tacos shine with rich flavor and tender texture, making them a top pick. Quiet street adds to the calm setting for a relaxed meal.

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 amazing, especially the tacos."

"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.

04
Carnitas El Rincón image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers authentic Michoacán carnitas with tender texture and rich flavor. Quiet atmosphere suits small groups, though seating is limited. Popular for family-sized orders and value combos, expect a wait due to steady crowds and limited parking.

Carnitas here have a rich flavor and a tender texture that matches authentic Michoacán style. They come with delicious chicharrones and are consistently worth the wait.

People are saying

"These carnitas are the best I've had in years."

"I thought the food here was simple and delicious."

"I loved the variety of salsas, from mild to X-hot."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait during busy hours, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

3

Family-sized orders are available for larger groups.

05
Tacos El Compa Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with about six tables offers a cozy, intimate vibe. Deep fried carnitas deliver crispy texture and rich, home-cooked flavor. Tacos are loaded with plenty of cheese and tender meat, making it a true hole-in-the-wall taqueria experience.

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."

"Their homemade tortillas made every dish feel special."

"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.

06
Chaparral Supermarket image 1
Mexican grocery store

Small grocery store shines with authentic Latin American flavors and well-organized fresh produce. Homemade carnitas feature a smoky kick from flame grilled chilies, perfect for tacos and burritos. Limited parking often fills with delivery trucks, so plan accordingly.

Homemade carnitas come with flame grilled chilies that add a smoky kick. They work great in tacos and burritos and stand out as some of the most tasty and delicious around.

People are saying

"This grocery store has an amazing variety of products from all over Latin America."

"I found the homemade carnitas to be the best."

"The parking available here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, especially during peak hours.

2

The market offers a wide variety of South American products.

3

Expect higher prices compared to other Latin markets.

07
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with live DJ music and vibrant decor. Happy hour shines with carnita tacos and nachos featuring varied carnitas. Open windows and artwork create a lively atmosphere perfect for groups and dancing.

Happy hour features carnita tacos that stand out. Carnitas also appear in nachos alongside asada and quesabirria, showing variety in preparation.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"The bartenders here are so attentive and make you feel like family."

"David's recommendations for Carnitas were perfect."

Good to know

1

After 9pm, the place turns into a dance club.

2

Live music happens on Friday nights.

3

The kitchen closes after 12 am and the bar at 1:30 am.

08
Carnitas Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers tender carnitas with crispy edges and generous portions. Bright, clean space features traditional artwork and a kids' play area. Relaxed vibe suits families and casual meals alike.

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.

09
Tacos Los 3 Reyes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck offers authentic Mexican flavors with a lively vibe and casual dining. Carnitas tacos are simple but tasty, boosted by green salsa. Generous portions and varied pricing make it a great spot for quality and variety.

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."

"The salsa here is amazing and spicy."

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

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.

10
Carnitas El Rincon - Keyes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant serves affordable meals with fresh chicharrón and sides like rice and beans. Carnitas are mostly tasty but sometimes look white and watery. Atmosphere feels like home-cooked dining, offering a nostalgic experience.

Tasty carnitas offer a true flavor with delicious chicharrones. Some batches appear very white and watery, making them less appealing visually.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas and chicharrones to be delicious."

"I enjoyed the delicious food here."

"I found the carnitas and chicharrones to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Carnitas and chicharrones are the specialties offered.

2

Each order includes rice, beans, and tortillas.

3

Prices start at $13.25 per pound.

11
Cali Spartan Mexican Kitchen image 1

Spacious interior with floor-to-ceiling windows creates a lively vibe. Carnitas shine in crispy tacos and Huarache dishes. Self-serve condiments bar adds ease, but loud music can make chatting tough.

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 salsas here are flavorful and great."

"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.

12
The Breakfast Club at Midtown image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Cramped seating and loud hip hop create a lively atmosphere. Eggs Benedict with crispy hash browns and rich avocados makes a satisfying meal. Top-notch service keeps the busy spot running smoothly.

Eggs Benedict with carnitas features rich avocados and crispy hash browns. The carnitas Benny offers a delicious, satisfying portion that pairs well with a drink.

People are saying

"The brunch here is classic and hearty, with huge portions."

"You have to try their amazing fluffy pancakes."

"I thought the carnitas Benny was soooo good."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited at the downtown location.

2

Reservations are recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Expect a wait time of at least 30 minutes on weekends.

13
Las Delicias De Toñita Taco Truck image 1

Tented outdoor seating with communal tables offers a casual vibe under a mural. Carnitas are meaty and crunchy, perfect in a torta or with handmade tortillas. Space fits 18-20 people and stays clean and orderly.

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."

"You have to try the homemade corn tortillas; they're so fresh and soft."

"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.

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