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Top picks in San Jose

Carnitas and salsa

A plate of carnitas is incomplete without a side of fresh, zesty salsa to tie the meal together.

Based on 604 Opinions
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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 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.

Unlimited salsa options include green and red salsas and a liquid Guacamole salsa instead of sliced avocado. The salsa bar stays fully stocked with delicious and spicy choices.

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
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.

Salsas come with a noticeable charred veggie flavor and fresh taste. The green salsa is mild, while the red salsa is slightly spicier but not overwhelming. Free chips and salsa accompany some dishes.

People are saying

"The lengua tacos here are tender and flavorful."

"The green and red salsas here are a must-try."

"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.

03
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.

Salsas range from mild to X-hot, including a notable habanero salsa for heat lovers. Options include green salsa, with some places charging extra for salsa and accompaniments.

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.

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.

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.

Salsas here stand out with a tangy heat in the verde salsa that pairs well with rich pork. Both the green and red salsas offer a flavorful combo that complements tacos and chips perfectly.

People are saying

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

"The carnitas here are so flavorful and tender."

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 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.

Red salsa stands out with its best flavor and noticeable spiciness. Roasted and green salsas rank among the better ones available, making them great for pairing with taquitos.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are flavorful and authentic."

"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
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.

Freshly made salsas come in several varieties including a spicy habanero sauce and a classic red chunky salsa. Free chips accompany the salsas, which pair well with the food, and a roasted salsa appears on weekends.

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 salsa bar here is fresh and flavorful."

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.

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.

Salsa here is often very spicy and adds a strong kick. The green salsa stands out for boosting taco flavors, especially with simpler fillings like carnitas.

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.

Salsas come fresh and homemade with lots of choices including grilled serranos. They range from refreshing to spicy, complementing meats like al pastor, asada, and pollo well.

People are saying

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

"The homemade tortillas are so good, I could eat them on their own."

"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
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.

Salsas come with roasted jalapeños, cactus, and corn, adding a fresh, spicy kick. Chips and salsa serve as a solid starter alongside dishes like nachos and carne asada on a cutting board.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and super tasty."

"David's recommendations for Carnitas were perfect."

"The chips and salsa here are good."

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.

10
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.

Salsas here are flavorful with a standout mango salsa. Veggie options and guacamole pair well with the chips for a solid combo.

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.

11
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.

Crunchy tortilla chips come with a salsa bursting with fresh flavors. Chips and salsa arrive complimentary and serve as a perfect appetizer to start the meal.

People are saying

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

"Their chips and salsa are a tasty way to start your meal."

"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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