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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Jose's best

Mexican food carnitas

A Mexican meal where the carnitas are the main event, not just an afterthought buried in a tortilla.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria Eduardo image 1
Taqueria Eduardo image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Huge dining area with several TVs showing soccer games creates a lively, casual vibe. The place stays busy, attracting people who appreciate authentic Mexican flavors and unlimited salsas. Seating is ample, making it suitable for quick bites or relaxed meals.

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.

Super burritos are large and filling, often enough for two meals. The carnitas stand out as especially flavorful, and the menu includes solid options like fish tacos, tripa tacos, and carne asada.

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
Carnitas El Rincón image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers quiet atmosphere with limited seating for dining in. Known for rich, authentic Michoacán-style carnitas that attract steady crowds despite limited parking. Popular for family-sized orders and value combos, often requiring a wait due to high demand.

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.

Carnitas here have a rich flavor and stay tender with a Michoacán-style taste. They come with chicharones and hold up well for gatherings, making them a reliable choice for Mexican food.

People are saying

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

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

"The carnitas here are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

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.

03
Lopez Taqueria 2 image 1
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.

Super tacos come with double wrapped tortillas and piping hot fillings like chili verde. Burritos offer fresh flavors with beans, rice, and cheese, while tacos feature authentic ingredients like avocado instead of guacamole and melted cheese with tender pork or fish.

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
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.

Tacos stand out with options like Birria, Al Pastor, and Carne Asada that are consistently flavorful. Burritos come large and moist, especially the shrimp and California varieties, while quesadillas and salsa add solid variety to the menu.

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.

05
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.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and include standout options like carne asada and al pastor that avoid overpowering pineapple flavors. Tortas, especially the Cubano, and unique items like flaming hot Cheeto tacos offer a different but delicious take on Mexican food.

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 offers an extensive variety of South American products with a focus on Colombian and Peruvian foods. Happy atmosphere attracts people who appreciate authentic Latin American flavors and well-organized fresh produce. Parking is limited and often crowded with delivery vehicles, which can affect access.

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.

Carnitas stand out with homemade flavor and flame grilled chilies. Frozen Mexican food offers variety, including Oaxaca cheese and chorizo for cooking queso fundido.

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."

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

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
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.

Tacos come with generous portions of flavorful meats like al pastor, chorizo, and asada. The Quesadilla de Pastor is perfectly grilled with a gooey cheese filling and fresh toppings, while the salsa and grilled onions add a nice touch to the fresh, authentic flavors.

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.

08
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.

Handmade tortillas stand out, soft and cooked fresh to order. The tacos feature authentic carne asada and a unique salmon option with tangy coleslaw. Burritos come layered and grilled, while quesadillas and gorditas use fresh masa and flavorful fillings like chicharron prensado and pastor.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the homemade corn tortillas with the Mexican food."

"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.

09
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.

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.

Carnitas stand out with tender, juicy meat and crispy edges that deliver rich flavor. The salsa verde offers tangy heat that balances the pork, and the chicharron ranks among the best in town.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is the best I've ever had."

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.

10
El Cabron Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and live DJ music creates a lively atmosphere that opens up for dancing in the evenings. The space features artwork and open windows that evoke a Mexican feel, attracting groups celebrating various occasions.

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

Carne asada nachos stand out as a favorite dish. The menu also features ceviche, barbacoa, and a molcajete for two. Queso fondue dip works well as an appetizer.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"The carnitas flautas here are the best I've ever tasted."

"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.

11
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.

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.

Crispy tacos with al pastor stand out as a highlight, often considered better than most other places. Burritos come highly praised, paired well with mango salsa for added flavor.

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

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.

Red Chilaquiles stand out with their bold flavors and satisfying texture. This dish consistently delivers a rich, authentic taste that highlights the menu's Mexican roots.

People are saying

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

"The chilaquiles here did not disappoint."

"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
Carnitas El Rincon - Keyes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers affordable prices with meals including rice, beans, and tortillas. Atmosphere feels like home-cooked dining with fresh chicharrón that evokes nostalgia. Carnitas vary in appeal, sometimes appearing very white and watery but generally tasty.

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

Carnitas and chicharrones come with rice, beans, and tortillas. The carnitas have a true flavor but sometimes appear very white and watery. Horchata and salsa are available, with staff offering condiments at every table.

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.

14
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.

Menus include authentic mole chicken enchiladas, menudo, and pozole, highlighting regional Mexican cuisine. Drinks feature large margaritas priced around four dollars. Plates like pollo enchiladas verdes come with salad, rice, and beans, all prepared with fresh flavors.

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.

15
Burrito Factory image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live Latin music and a loud DJ creates a lively, club-like atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating surround a well-stocked bar with many TVs. Crowds bring high energy and a social vibe, especially during music performances.

Fresh carnitas come daily and appear in several dishes like Burritos Carnitas and nachos. The carnitas plate can be a bit dry but works well with hot sauce added.

Burritos stand out with carne asada, shrimp options, and a wet burrito variety. Chicken, steak fajitas, carnitas, rice, beans, and red or green salsas complement the menu well.

People are saying

"I found the burritos here to be tasty and filling."

"I found the burritos to be excellent and filling."

"The Carnitas portions here are so large, they could feed a whole group."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available after work, offering discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect a crowded atmosphere during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking is ample, making it easy to find a spot.

16
Las Palmas Mercado Y Carniceria image 1
Mexican grocery store

Small Mexican grocery store offers fresh meats, daily prepared foods, and affordable groceries. Atmosphere includes a mix of everyday goods and specialty items like prepackaged chilies and fresh salsa. It serves local needs with services like check cashing and money transfers.

Carnitas come served cold sometimes, which affects the overall experience. Tacos and chicharrones pair well with the carnitas, but temperature can be an issue.

Tacos stand out with fresh salsa and crema adding flavor. Burritos come warm and nicely sized, while carnitas and chicharrones show mixed results, sometimes arriving cold.

People are saying

"I loved their prepared food; it was amazing."

"I found the grocery store had terrific selections and fresh produce."

"I loved the carnitas at this Mexican food spot."

Good to know

1

The market offers a good selection of fresh meats and produce.

2

They have affordable groceries, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

Expect to find fresh food available daily.

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