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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Santa Ana

Carnitas

Carnitas that are slow-cooked to maintain their integrity instead of being dried out by high-volume production.

Based on 579 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
carnitas casa de zaragoza image 1
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Food truck offers a casual, quiet spot with easy parking and fair prices. Carnitas are crispy and flavorful, making tacos a standout choice. Popular for fast, tasty meals in an office area setting.

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.

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.

02
Taqueria Sahuayo Mexican Food image 1

Small Mexican spot shines with tender Michoacan carnitas and handmade tortillas. Weekend specials like birria and menudo come with spicy salsas. Atmosphere stays chill, portions are generous, and it's cash-only.

Carnitas come very tender and authentic Michoacan style, sold by the pound or in tacos. They pair with freshly hand-made tortillas and spicy salsas, making for a delicious and satisfying meal.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were the best and very delicious."

"The food here is delicious, especially the carnitas."

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

Good to know

1

Cash only accepted for payment; no credit cards.

2

Parking is available in the back, but it's somewhat hidden.

3

Tacos are $4.50 each and are very large.

03
La Chiquita Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run spot with old-time charm and a cozy vibe feels like home. Carnitas boast addicting flavor and generous portions. Outdoor seating offers a relaxed way to enjoy the kickback atmosphere in a quiet neighborhood.

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

People are saying

"I found the carnitas here to be addicting."

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

"I believed the cheese enchiladas were delicious."

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.

04
Carnitas Don Julián image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small spot serves authentic Michoacán-style carnitas that are tender and slightly crisp. Casual, clean setting with limited seating fits quick bites. Special refried beans and flavorful tacos make it a favorite for genuine Mexican fast food.

Carnitas here have a perfect slight crisp and are never greasy. They are flavorful, tender, and mouthwatering, with an authentic taste that melts in your mouth.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas here to be the most authentic style I ever had."

"I found the tacos delicious and really good."

Good to know

1

There is no restroom available for customers at this restaurant.

2

They accept Visa, Mastercard, and cash for payments.

3

Parking can be a little bit of an issue, but there is some available nearby.

05
Navarro’s Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot serves authentic Mexican vibes with a cozy, quiet setting. Carnitas shine in tacos and burritos, paired well with chorizo and al pastor. A salsa bar lets you customize flavors, adding to the home kitchen feel.

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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the salsa and sides bar to dress my tacos."

"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 consommé separately.

06
Taco Pronto image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot serves homemade tacos and all-day breakfast with generous portions at fair prices. Carnitas Torta shines with rich, flavorful meat. Family-run vibe and early hours keep it busy and welcoming.

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

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.

07
Tacos Lindo Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck serves affordable tacos with generous portions and fresh toppings like cucumbers and radishes. Carnitas stand out as first rate, alongside other pork varieties like buche and legua. Casual, clean spot offers easy shade and draws a steady crowd seeking flavorful meals.

Carnitas come first rate alongside other tacos like asada, pastor, and birria. The menu includes many kinds such as buche and legua, offering a solid variety of pork options.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The carnitas here are first rate."

Good to know

1

The tacos cost $1.50 each and are available all day, every day.

2

You can call in orders for faster service during busy times.

3

Enjoy Taco Tuesday deals for special pricing.

08
Tacos Y Carnitas Sahuayo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Lively spot with fresh carnitas served skin-on for a rich taste. Loud Mexican music sets a festive mood. Pricing by weight keeps it fair, with extras like tortillas charged separately.

Carnitas come with skin on, served almost whole, and offer a flavorful, finger-licking experience. Buche is also available alongside the carnitas.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

"I thought their salsa was the best."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $5 each, with extra charges for tortillas and condiments.

2

Expect long lines during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

The restaurant closes at 8pm, despite Google listing it as open until 9pm.

09
Carniceria Zaragoza's image 1

Carnitas here are extremely flavorful and often called the best in town. Expect a rough interior and a tense vibe when ordering. Prices are higher than usual, and cash is the only accepted payment.

Extremely flavorful and cooked to perfection, the carnitas here stand out for their authentic taste. They have a reputation for being the best in town and are consistently very good and well made.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas to be the most flavorful and delicious Mexican food."

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in town."

Good to know

1

It is better to pay cash at Carniceria Zaragoza's.

2

I paid 30 dollars for a pound and a half of meat.

3

The prices for the meat have been higher than usual.

10
Tortilleria Flor de Mexicali image 1

Handmade tortillas and fresh masa create a warm, authentic vibe. Juicy, perfectly cooked carnitas and crispy chicharrones deliver bold flavors. Long lines show high demand but slow, single-entry service sets a steady pace.

Juicy, perfectly cooked carnitas come with a good sauce and fresh tortillas. The chicharrones also stand out, making for a finger-licking meal.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh, warm tortillas here."

"The warm, fresh tortillas here make the best Mexican food."

"I thought the carnitas were cooked perfectly and really juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines on weekends; arrive early to avoid waiting.

2

Carnitas cost about $19 per pound, including salsa.

3

The store opens at 5am every day, even on holidays.

11
Taqueria Zamora image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant buzzes with live mariachi music creating a lively vibe. Carnitas shine in tender tacos and tortas with rich spices. Large portions and friendly energy make it a great spot despite the noise.

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.

People are saying

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

"I loved the freshly made tortillas; they were delicious."

"I found the carnitas here to be delicious."

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.

12
La Rancherita Tortilleria & Deli image 1

Small space fills with long lines and limited parking, managed by security directing flow. Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh corn tortillas and Michoacán-style carnitas served with crispy chicharrones. Busy staff create a lively, cramped atmosphere perfect for enjoying aguas frescas.

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

People are saying

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

"Their Mexican food, the menudo, was tender and delicious."

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

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.

13
Taqueria Tapatia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family-owned spot serves tender carnitas tacos and burritos with solid flavor at very affordable prices. Dated interior and covered patio create a quiet, lively atmosphere. Cash-only policy keeps things simple and straightforward.

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.

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.

14
El Gallo Giro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican spot offers juicy carnitas in tacos and tortas, paired with fresh dragonfruit drinks. Warm, lively vibe reflects authentic culture. Self-serve hot sauce bar adds spice to every meal.

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.

People are saying

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

"You've gotta try the tortas; they never fail."

"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.

15
La Torta Loca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers homemade tortillas and authentic birria in a cozy, family-run setting. Carnitas shine in well-seasoned tortas, though the burrito has more skin than meat. Enjoy a cute patio and a welcoming vibe that feels like home.

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

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is so flavorful and delicious."

"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.

16
Carnitas Uruapan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor Mexican eatery shines with authentic carnitas that are juicy and flavorful. Large patio offers a casual vibe perfect for a busy lunch crowd. Portions are generous, making every taco filling and satisfying.

Juicy and flavorful carnitas deliver an authentic taste that rivals Michoacan's. The tacos are very filling and offer a perfectly seasoned experience reminiscent of dining in Mexico.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas were the best Mexican food I've had."

"I thought the carnitas were juicy and flavorful."

"I thought the food here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during lunch hours as the place can get busy.

2

They charge $12 per pound for carnitas, with a total of $48 for 3.5 pounds.

3

Tortillas, salsa, and beans are not included with the carnitas.

17
Sals tacos a la mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot offers a homey vibe with traditional art and a family feel. Carnitas tacos stand out, though meat quality varies. Fresh-made horchata and aguas add to the authentic taste. Four TVs and a jukebox keep the atmosphere lively and fun.

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

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are amazing and fresh."

"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.

18
El Toro Carniceria image 1
Butcher shop

Small butcher shop buzzes with tender carnitas and authentic tacos like carne asada and lengua. Fresh hot corn tortillas and delicious tamales add to the feast. Wide variety of Mexican groceries and produce fill the crowded space with vibrant flavors.

Tender carnitas come fresh and authentic, served alongside carne asada tacos and specialty items like chorizo. The menu also features birria, lengua tacos, and consommé that complement the rich flavors.

People are saying

"This market has outstanding meats and authentic Mexican products."

"I loved their freshly made, warm corn tortillas."

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

Good to know

1

Parking is often hard to find near the market.

2

The market has a wide variety of Mexican products, including groceries and liquor.

3

Fresh fruit and vegetables are available at affordable prices.

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