Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Santa Ana's best

Carnitas and burrito spots

Made for those who believe a meal is incomplete unless it features the specific combination of slow-cooked carnitas wrapped in a flour tortilla.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
La Chiquita Restaurant image 1
La Chiquita Restaurant image 2
La Chiquita Restaurant image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with old-time charm and a cozy, homey atmosphere in a residential setting. The vibe is kickback and chill, welcoming guests like part of the neighborhood. Outdoor seating adds a functional dining option beyond the intimate indoor space.

Addicting flavor defines the carnitas here. The plate offers really good portions that satisfy easily.

Burritos come with well-marinated seasoned meat and are part of a menu featuring pure homespun Mexican flavors. They sit alongside enchiladas and tacos with wonderful sauces that highlight traditional tastes.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas here to be addicting."

"It's a small, tucked-in place that feels so cozy."

"The burrito tastes like my mom's cooking."

Good to know

1

La Chiquita Restaurant is within walking distance from the Santa Ana Amtrak and Metrolink train depot.

2

The restaurant has been in business since 1950, offering authentic Mexican cuisine.

3

Expect generous portion sizes for the price at La Chiquita Restaurant.

02
carnitas casa de zaragoza image 1

Food truck setup creates a casual, quiet atmosphere with people eating nearby or in their cars. Constant flow of customers highlights its popularity for fast, flavorful carnitas and made-to-order tacos. Location in an office area offers easy parking and fair prices.

Carnitas come out perfectly crispy without being greasy. They have a flavorful taste and good chew. Tacos with carnitas stand out as very good and consistently delicious.

Burritos come humongous and packed with a lot of meat, especially the carne asada. Both burritos and tacos taste delicious and offer good value for the price.

People are saying

"I loved the quality of meat and flavor of these tacos."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I ever tasted."

"This burrito is humongous and packed with meat."

Good to know

1

They sell a variety of items including tacos and burritos.

2

I found the prices to be fair.

3

I could call in my order to save time.

03
Taco Pronto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a large menu including all-day breakfast and homemade tacos offers generous portions at reasonable prices. The atmosphere feels family-owned and cared for, with a clean but dated interior. Early opening hours attract a steady flow of guests seeking traditional dishes made from scratch.

Carnitas Torta stands out as a favorite item. It features rich, flavorful meat that makes it a highlight on the menu.

Surf and turf burritos stand out with exceptional flavor and generous portions. Breakfast burritos and carne asada options also offer rich, satisfying taste and careful preparation.

People are saying

"Their breakfast burritos are so good and well-seasoned."

"It's a family owned place with the best welcome."

"I was obsessed with the Carnitas Torta."

Good to know

1

Credit cards are accepted, but some vendors may only take cash.

2

The restaurant offers large portion sizes, making meals quite filling.

3

Breakfast options are available all day, catering to various tastes.

04
Navarroโ€™s Taqueria image 1

Small taco restaurant offers authentic Mexican vibes with a cozy atmosphere reminiscent of a home kitchen. A salsa and sides bar lets diners customize their meals, while seating avoids road noise. Music varies from loud to comfortable, shaping the overall energy inside.

Carnitas come in tacos, tortas, and burritos, all noted for their strong flavor. The carnitas pair well with chorizo and al pastor, making for a satisfying meal.

Burritos come big and full of perfectly cooked meat like carne asada and al pastor. Options include a veggie burrito with great ingredient combos and a breakfast burrito large enough for two meals.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and torta were delicious Mexican food."

"This burrito is delicious and packed with fresh ingredients."

"The carnitas meat was perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

The cost is over $20 per person for a meal.

2

Parking can get tight when busy, but there's a private spot available.

3

You need to purchase the consommรฉ separately.

05
Taqueria Zamora image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with live mariachi music creates a loud, energetic atmosphere that fills the small space. Friendly vibes attract diners who enjoy authentic dishes with large portions. Noise levels can make conversation difficult during performances.

Carnitas come out tender and flavorful, featured in tacos and tortas that pair well with rice and beans. The dishes highlight authentic Mexican flavors with a satisfying balance of spices.

Carne asada and al pastor burritos stand out with exceptional flavor and authentic sauces. Options include spicy shrimp and wet burritos, all reasonably priced and consistently tasty.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent."

"I found the carnitas here to be delicious."

"I wished I had saved half of this flavorful Burrito Al Pastor."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $6 each.

2

Lunch for two costs over $40 including tip.

3

Gratuity is added for parties of six or more.

06
El Gallo Giro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant with a panaderia and tortilleria inside, featuring a self-serve hot sauce bar. Atmosphere is warm and friendly, with a lively and authentic vibe that reflects Mexican culture.

Juicy and flavorful carnitas come perfectly cooked, shining in tacos and tortas. The carnitas plate pairs well with fresh dragonfruit and mango water for a balanced meal.

Breakfast burritos come with egg and ham, weighing about 19 ounces and priced around $6.99. Burritos and tacos like Asada and Alpastor offer great value and solid flavor.

People are saying

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

"I thought their breakfast burritos were delicious and a great value."

"I really enjoyed the carnitas tacos here."

Good to know

1

Free Slice Friday offers complimentary slices with any purchase.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Prices for food items are generally affordable, but some may seem high.

07
La Rancherita Tortilleria & Deli image 1

Small space fills with long lines and limited parking, managed by security directing flow. Energy centers on authentic Mexican food and fresh corn tortillas praised as the best in town. Multiple staff work behind the counter, creating a busy but somewhat cramped atmosphere.

Flavors and styles of carnitas from Michoacรกn stand out here. The carnitas come with chicharrones or pork rinds and pair well with aguas frescas.

Breakfast burritos stand out with eggs, beans, and ham/cheese options, plus a top 5 chorizo variety. Wet burritos like the carne asada and carnitas come highly recommended and satisfy well.

People are saying

"I found the tortillas here to be the best I've ever had."

"I loved their carnitas, especially with the pork rinds."

"I found their wet burrito to be very delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is extremely limited and can be difficult to find.

2

Expect long wait times, especially during busy hours.

3

A 4% fee is added for card payments.

08
La Torta Loca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-owned Mexican restaurant with a cozy, homey vibe and a cute patio. Crowded dining area fills with people enjoying generous portions of homemade tortillas and authentic dishes like birria and chilaquiles. Atmosphere feels welcoming and familiar, with a casual, unpretentious setup.

Well seasoned carnitas appear in tortas with rich flavor. The carnitas burrito contains more skin than meat.

Breakfast burritos come large and packed with chorizo and egg, served with two salsas, grilled jalapeรฑos, and cambray onions. Options include bean and cheese or Mexican rice and chorizo, all tasting very tasty and filling.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tortas, was delicious and packed with flavor."

"I found the breakfast burrito to be huge and flavorful."

"The carnitas here are so well seasoned and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Inside seating is limited, so there may be a wait when the place is busy.

2

The serving portions are very generous.

3

They offer many options from smoothies to breakfast burritos, chilaquiles, birria, and burgers.

09
Taqueria Tapatia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-owned Mexican restaurant with a dingy, dated interior and covered patio offers a quiet, sometimes lively atmosphere. Known for generous, flavorful tacos and very affordable prices, it operates on a cash-only basis.

Tacos and burritos feature tender carnitas with solid flavor. Burritos cost around $7, offering good value compared to similar spots. Carnitas stand out alongside al pastor and birria options.

Burritos come very large with a generous amount of tender meat inside. Prices stay reasonable, with options like the carnitas and cabeza burritos costing under $8, and dipping one in salsa verde adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"You have to try the Mexican food here; the tacos and burritos are great and generously portioned."

"This burrito is a great value for the price."

"I loved the carnitas tacos; they were excellent."

Good to know

1

It's a cash-only place, so bring cash for your meal.

2

Prices are affordable, with five tacos costing less than $10.

3

Be aware of food safety; tacos are prepared without gloves.

10
Sals tacos a la mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers a homey vibe with traditional artwork and a family atmosphere. Four TVs and a jukebox provide plenty of entertainment while fresh-made aguas and horchata complement authentic dishes. The place feels clean and comfortable for small groups.

Meat quality varies with some carnitas being dry while others are exceptional. Carnitas tacos appear frequently and sometimes replace other orders.

Enchilada sauce adds an amazing flavor to the burritos. Carne asada and California burritos stand out, with flour tortillas providing a taste thrill. The wet burrito comes in a huge size, often too big for one meal.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I'd find in Mexico."

"I thought the carne asada burrito was the best I had by far."

"I found their carnitas meat to be exceptional."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

2

Parking is easy and there is plenty of room inside to dine in.

3

The restrooms are very clean and available for customers.

Discover more

Santa Ana, California

Area guide
Loading Map...