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Top picks in Santa Ana

Carnitas tacos

A taco where the carnitas are the clear focus instead of being buried under a mountain of unnecessary toppings.

Based on 616 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.

Tacos come piping hot with quality meat and strong flavor. Options like Carnitas, Asada, and Al Pastor stand out for their taste and freshness.

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
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.

Juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef tacos come wrapped in warm tortillas. Potato tacos and cheese enchiladas add variety with well-marinated meat and wonderful 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.

03
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, and three salsas. The quesabirria and onions stand out for flavor. Prices stay very inexpensive with generous portions.

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.

04
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.

Tacos come with rich flavor and a texture that leans toward flautas. Carnitas tacos include pork rind, adding a distinctive crunch and 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."

"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 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 come with rich consomé broth and a variety of salsa options. Crispy rolled tacos pack plenty of meat, while shrimp, carne asada, chicken, and tacos de cabeza offer solid choices at $2.50 each.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here are amazing, especially the birria."

"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
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.

Tacos come very large, with two tacos equal to the size of four. Options like Cabeza, Carnitas, and Asada stand out, each costing $4.50 and offering great flavor.

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.

07
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.

Tacos here taste homemade with crispy, grilled tripe standing out in the Trips taco. The asada taco is flavorful, and the portions rank among the biggest street tacos around.

People are saying

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

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

"I found the tacos here to be simple but delicious."

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.

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.

Stewed pork rind and carne asada stand out as specialty tacos with fresh ingredients. Tacos come generously filled and pair well with delicious salsa.

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
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.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas that stay true to their original flavor from thirty years ago. They are very large and packed with plenty of meat, including options like liver and onion or potato, all served with fresh red taco sauce.

People are saying

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

"The tacos here have handmade tortillas and are very large."

"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.

10
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.

Birria tacos stand out with rich flavor and homemade tortillas add a fresh touch. Tacos like asada and menudo come with great customer service and consistent deliciousness.

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.

11
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 like tripita dorada and carne asada. Options include crispy and soft tortillas with choices like surf and turf, all served with attentive service.

People are saying

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

"I thought the tripita dorada tacos were the best I'd ever had."

"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.

12
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 stay fresh and hot. Varieties like asada, al pastor, and birria offer strong flavors at affordable prices.

People are saying

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

"The pastor tacos here are so flavorful."

"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.

13
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.

Tacos come with super big portions and a lot of meat, often enough for two tacos in one. The carnitas tacos use almost every part of the pig and taste very authentic and filling. Options include birria with roasted goat meat and tacos with specific cuts like buche.

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 carnitas tacos were the best I ever had."

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.

14
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.

Tacos come with a good amount of meat and stay consistently fresh and delicious. Varieties like snout and carnitas offer flavorful and satisfying options.

People are saying

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

"I found the tacos to be delicious and fresh."

"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
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.

Tacos here cost about $2 each and come in varieties like al pastor, cabeza, and lengua. The tacos are flavorful and tender, with good deals on chicken and pork during Taco Tuesday.

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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