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Best of San Jose

Carnitas lunch spots

A midday break calls for a plate of tender carnitas at a spot that serves a proper lunch.

Based on 604 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.

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

Outdoor patio offers a pleasant spot to enjoy lunch and sunshine. Service can be slow during busy times, but the food is solid for a quick midday meal.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The food at this lunch spot is so tasty."

"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.

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.

Small taqueria gets busy at lunch and dinner. Considered a go-to spot with consistently pleasing lunch options.

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.

03
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.

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

Lunch here feels like a light snack rather than a full meal. The spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it easy to stop by at any time.

People are saying

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

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

"The Lunch Spot food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

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.

04
Las Delicias De Toñita 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.

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.

Lunch offers authentic tacos served from a truck. It draws repeat visits for its consistent quality and straightforward menu.

People are saying

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

"I ordered a large delivery for my wedding and everyone loved it."

"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.

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.

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

Fast service stands out during lunch hours. Weekday visits offer a quick and efficient lunch experience.

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.

06
The Breakfast Club at Midtown image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Breakfast spot offers cramped seating with many small tables and a loud, lively atmosphere dominated by hip hop music. Crowds fill the space, creating a busy, energetic vibe where conversation is difficult. Top-notch service complements the bustling environment.

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.

Large helpings of fancy breakfast and lunch entrees make it a solid choice for a quick meal. It gets quite busy during rush hours, so expect a lively atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"Victor removed the Bloody Mary from the bill after noticing it."

"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.

07
El Amigo Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious indoor dining features hand-painted murals and wood furniture, while a large, shady patio offers comfortable outdoor seating. The atmosphere stays lively and family-friendly, with a chill vibe on the patio. Bold, refreshing drinks like margaritas and micheladas complement the setting.

The Carnitas Huarache stands out as a genuine Mexican plate with solid flavor. Some carnitas options look great but can be dry and lack flavor, while carne asada and carnitas burritos tend to be more flavorful.

Large portions make the wet burrito lunch special very filling, often enough for two meals. The spot works well for casual lunches with friends.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food was pretty great and authentic."

"The lunch spot's pozole special was delicious with all the sides."

"The Carnitas Huarache is the real thing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

The restaurant charges for extra chips and ingredients without prior notice.

3

Portion sizes are large, making meals a good value for the price.

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.

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

Offers a relaxing escape for lunch with coworkers or family. Serves as a popular spot for girls lunch gatherings.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot is cute, clean, and colorful with a happy atmosphere."

"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.

09
La Victoria Taquería image 1
Mexican restaurant

Building features well-designed interior with moveable tables and plenty of outdoor seating. Atmosphere ranges from loud and busy to quiet and enjoyable, with rock en español playing as background music. Air conditioning and ceiling fans provide comfort in warm weather.

Carnitas appear in tacos and a super burrito, both served with habanero sauce. The super burrito stands out as fantastic, and carnitas are a favorite among the taco options.

Burritos come big and full of food. Location offers quick and convenient lunch options near hotels.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be great and delicious."

"The tacos at this lunch spot are tasty and huge."

"I loved the carnitas super burrito with habanero sauce."

Good to know

1

Parking is always available, making it convenient to visit.

2

The taqueria uses a typical counter service system for food orders.

3

There was a line to use the restrooms during my visit.

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