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Local picks in Santa Ana

Carnitas and salsa spots

You know that a truly great plate of carnitas lives or dies by the quality and depth of the accompanying salsa.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Carnitas Don Julián image 1
Carnitas Don Julián image 2
Carnitas Don Julián image 3
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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.

Salsas come in red and green varieties with a spicy yet flavorful kick. Portions are small but pack a punch in taste.

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."

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and melt in your mouth."

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.

02
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.

House-made salsas come in a variety of heat levels, from mild to extremely spicy. The salsa verde offers a balanced kick and pairs well with asada, while the hot salsa can cause a strong heat reaction.

People are saying

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

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

"The burritos here are so flavorful and generously topped."

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.

03
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.

A salsa and sides bar offers multiple options to dress tacos, including a notable avocado salsa served with chips. Various salsas complement dishes like birria tacos, enhancing the flavors.

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.

04
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.

A habanero salsa stands out for its real heat and flavor. A salsa roja adds a spicy, delicious kick. The salsa and condiment bar offers a solid variety to complement the food.

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.

05
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.

Salsa comes in fresh green and insanely spicy varieties made daily. The solo para hombres salsa stands out as a distinct option. Salsa is packed separately and costs extra with orders.

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.

06
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.

Salsa here is fresh and spicy, served alongside chips and beans that taste homemade. Meals often come with multiple salsas, including complementary mole and grilled jalapeños for extra kick.

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.

07
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.

Green salsas stand out with spicy kick and fresh poblano flavor. Chips come with complimentary salsa that is both flavorful and spicy.

People are saying

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

"I thought the green salsa was amazing and spicy."

"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.

08
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.

Two sauces stand out at the salsa cart: green and red, both tasty. The salsa bar stays stocked with various salsas and pickled carrots. Burritos dipped in salsa verde offer a notable flavor.

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.

09
El Toro Carniceria image 1
Butcher shop

Small, crowded butcher shop with a strong, sometimes unpleasant meat smell and loud noise. Offers wide variety of Mexican products including fresh fruit, vegetables, and authentic groceries. Known for best carnitas and tacos, with fresh hot corn tortillas and delicious tamales.

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.

Salsas here come in spicy varieties that pair well with grilled chicken and warm tortillas. Large tubs of salsa are available, complementing tacos, tamales, and a variety of meats.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their spicy avocado salsa with the carnitas."

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.

10
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.

Three homemade salsas come with orders, with one being hot but not too spicy. Salsa is not included automatically with carnitas, and only small cups are offered, sometimes for purchase. The salsa area often looks messy with salsa spilled around.

People are saying

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

"I thought the carnitas were juicy and flavorful."

"I found the carnitas here to be extremely good."

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.

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Santa Ana, California

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