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Local picks in Santa Ana

Carnitas Mexican food

Nothing beats the specific pull of tender, slow-cooked carnitas when the craving for authentic Mexican food hits.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
carnitas casa de zaragoza image 1
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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.

Carnitas stand out with a perfectly crispy texture and balanced flavor, never greasy. Tacos, especially carnitas and asada, come highly recommended and consistently made to order with quality meat.

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."

"The carnitas here are flavorful and perfectly crispy."

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 restaurant offers handmade tortillas and authentic Michoacan carnitas known for being tender and flavorful. Atmosphere stays chill with generous portions and cash-only payment. Weekend menus include birria and menudo with spicy salsas enhancing the experience.

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.

Carnitas stand out with tender, flavorful meat served in handmade tortillas. Weekend specials include menudo and birria, both made with authentic recipes and fresh ingredients.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their Mexican Food carnitas because they were very delicious."

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
Carnitas Don Julián image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, humble fast food spot with authentic Michoacán-style carnitas and tender, flavorful meat. Atmosphere is casual and clean with limited seating inside and outside. Popular for delicious tacos and special refried beans, attracting those seeking genuine flavors.

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.

Carnitas here are authentic, tender, and have a perfect slight crisp without being greasy. The tacos come with spicy yet flavorful salsas** that complement the meat well.

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 thought the carnitas were the best Mexican food I ever had."

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.

04
La Chiquita Restaurant image 1
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.

Ground beef tacos stand out with authentic flavor and tender meat. Carnitas and cheese enchiladas deliver rich, classic tastes, while enchiladas come with both spicy green and flavorful red sauces.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas here to be addicting."

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

"I found the ground beef tacos juicy and perfectly seasoned."

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.

05
Tacos Lindo Michoacan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck offers very affordable tacos with generous portions and varied toppings like fresh cucumbers, radishes, and multiple salsas. The atmosphere is casual and clean, with easy shade options for comfort. It draws a steady crowd looking for high-quality, flavorful meals at low prices.

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.

Tacos come with fresh cucumbers, radishes, onion, cilantro, grilled onions, nopales, and jalapeños, plus three different salsas. The torta de milanesa and quesabirria stand out as especially good, with generous portions and very good prices.

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.

06
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 as a signature item, consistently praised for their flavor. Tacos, including the Carnitas Torta and carne asada burritos, are well made and complemented by amazing salsa and menudo.

People are saying

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

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

"This Mexican food is delicious and flavorful."

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
Navarro’s Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and multiple salsa options, paired well with consommé sold separately. Burritos come large and packed with meat, including a notable breakfast burrito. Tacos like shrimp, carne asada, chicken, and tacos de cabeza offer a variety of authentic tastes.

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.

08
Tacos Y Carnitas Sahuayo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with loud Mexican music and a large menu featuring fresh carnitas and spicy green salsa. Atmosphere is lively with sometimes long lines, offering both dine-in and takeaway options. Pricing is by weight with extras like tortillas and salsas charged separately.

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

Carnitas stand out with flavorful meat and crispy skin. Tacos come fresh and tasty, often paired with spicy green salsa and a variety of pork cuts like chicharon and buche.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

"The carnitas here are delicious and flavorful Mexican food."

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
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.

Tortas stand out with amazing Birria and Milanese sandwiches rated highly for flavor. Menudo, shrimp pozole, and breakfast burritos come with spicy salsas and fresh ingredients, all served with warm, attentive service.

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.

10
Carniceria Zaragoza's image 1

Carnitas and chicharrones dominate the menu, offering authentic, flavorful pork that many consider the best in the area. The shop has a rough, unmaintained interior with a tense atmosphere during ordering. Prices run higher than usual, and the place operates mainly on cash transactions.

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.

Carnitas stand out for their extreme flavor and perfect cooking. They taste authentic and original, often considered the best in the area.

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.

11
Tortilleria Flor de Mexicali image 1

Handmade tortillas and fresh masa define the space, creating a warm, authentic atmosphere. Long lines form early, reflecting high demand and a slow, single-entry service that shapes the pace. Carnitas and chicharrones add to the renowned food quality that draws consistent crowds despite wait times.

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

Handmade corn tortillas stand out for their excellent flavor and durability when heated. The carnitas and chicharrones are juicy and tasty, complemented by a good sauce. The tortilla and tamale dough show high quality, worth waiting for.

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.

12
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.

Tacos feature USDA PRIME beef and authentic flavors, with tripita dorada tacos standing out for their quality. The habanero salsa delivers real heat, and the enchilada sauce adds a rich, amazing touch to burritos.

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.

13
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 Michoacán stand out here. The carnitas come with chicharrones or pork rinds and pair well with aguas frescas.

Fresh made corn tortillas without preservatives stand out here. The carnitas and menudo with pata come highly recommended, with menudo served alongside minced onions, lemon, and warm tortillas.

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.

14
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.

Mexican food here features handmade tortillas and large tacos with consistent flavor over decades. Burritos like carne asada and al pastor offer authentic, flavorful sauces and reasonable prices.

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.

15
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.

Tamales stand out for their flavor and value. Torta cubana and súper gallo breakfast torta offer rich, satisfying options. Drinks like horchata and agua frescas are notably good.

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.

16
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.

Tacos come loaded with generous portions of meat and cost around $1.76 each, making them very affordable. Options like asada, al pastor, carnitas, birria, and fish tacos are fresh, hot, and flavorful, paired well with fresh aguas.

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.

17
Carnitas Uruapan image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor Mexican eatery with large patio seating offers authentic carnitas tacos featuring nearly every part of the pig. Atmosphere is basic and unpolished, with a busy lunch crowd and a casual, no-frills vibe. Portions tend to be generous, often exceeding orders.

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.

Carnitas tacos stand out with incredible flavor and authentic preparation. The birria uses real goat meat, adding to the genuine Mexican food experience.

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.

18
Taqueria De Anda image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers large portions with flavorful al pastor tacos and excellent menudo. Space stays clean and quiet, with plenty of parking in a strip mall setting. Meat quality varies, but headache with preferred fat content stands out among options.

Carnitas vary in texture here. Some versions are crunchy, while others lack the crispy or pig skin elements that add extra bite.

Carne asada burritos and al pastor tacos stand out for their flavor and tenderness. The tacos, menudo, and nachos consistently deliver good taste, paired with clean surroundings and solid service.

People are saying

"The tacos and burritos here are excellent."

"I thought the tacos here were excellent and delicious."

"I found the carne asada burrito delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers a great deal on chicken and pork tacos.

2

Tacos here cost about $2 each.

3

The bill adds up quickly, so order responsibly.

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Santa Ana, California

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