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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Colorado

Unique carnitas

Made for those who seek out unconventional or unexpected preparations of carnitas that break away from the standard menu.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Hacienda San Raphael Cocina Latina image 1
Hacienda San Raphael Cocina Latina image 2
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Eclectic dining space blends homey decor with warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like a family room. Music plays lively but can be loud, adding to the charging vibe. Latin flavors come alive with authentic dishes and standout margaritas, creating a genuine cultural experience.

Carnitas fall off the bone and come with nopales and charro beans. Portions are generous and the meat stays tender and delicious.

Fish dishes stand out with unique flavors. The menu offers a variety of distinctive entrees that differ from typical options.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic and outstanding."

"The carnitas here are tender and fell off the bone."

"The food here is unique, artfully prepared, and fabulous."

Good to know

1

The menu features dishes from Brazil, Argentina, and Cuba, offering a unique dining experience.

2

Expect slower service as food is cooked to order in this small family-owned restaurant.

3

Happy hour offers great deals on small plates and cocktails.

02
Cencalli Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with bright, loud atmosphere and authentic local vibe. Small interior contrasts with spacious, heated outdoor patio featuring comfortable seating. Full bar offers top-notch margaritas and fresh lime juice during peak hours.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich, tender pork. Burritos come smothered in pork green chile, and enchiladas offer a choice of cheese or carnitas with red sauce.

Flavors and food textures stand out as amazing and unique. The menu offers refreshing options unlike typical Mexican spots. Cocktails feature fresh juice and house-made mixes for a distinct taste.

People are saying

"The food here is scratch-made and always delicious."

"The food and drinks here are unique and refreshing."

"You have to try the carnitas taco; it's one of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2 to 5 pm with great deals.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a buy 2 get 1 free promotion on tacos.

3

The happy hour special includes three draft beers and nachos for around $20.

03
Takiza Taco & Tequila Bar - LoDo image 1

Taco spot with an outdoor patio and garage door windows creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere that feels both cozy and lively. The place draws a fun, chill vibe with a crowd enjoying top-notch margaritas and some of the best tacos around. It welcomes dogs and offers a casual setting perfect for gathering before events nearby.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. They pair well with other dishes like the chili relleno and chicken burrito smothered in green chili.

Drinks stand out with unique margaritas that taste different from the usual. Tacos also bring a distinctive flavor that makes the food feel special.

People are saying

"I loved the birria and al pastor tacos here."

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

"The drinks here are unique and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is every day from 3 to 6 pm.

2

They offer discount tacos on Taco Tuesday.

3

Happy hour beers are $8.

04
Por Favor Tacos & Tragos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant neon decor and comfortable padded seating creates a fun, inviting atmosphere that balances lively energy without being overwhelming. The space feels small and trendy, attracting a family-friendly crowd enjoying standout tacos and expertly crafted margaritas.

Carnitas here come juicy, crispy, and deeply seasoned, showing clear care and fresh ingredients. They appear on tacos that mix well with shrimp or fish, all at reasonable prices.

Vibrant and fun ambience and decor create a unique vibe. Family-owned with food and flavors that match the lively atmosphere.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are tender and delicious."

"The food here is so flavorful, it's truly unique."

"The carnitas were juicy, crispy, and deeply seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner service, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-45 minutes during peak lunch hours.

3

Happy hour offers half-price appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

05
Azteca Urbano Bar and Restaurante image 1

Bar with colorful murals and neon signs creates a lively atmosphere filled with authentic Latin music. Open, comfy seating spreads across a modern space with fun photo backdrops. Drinks include unique margarita flights that come with a firework show, enhancing the energetic vibe.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and a satisfying texture. They join a lineup including Birria and Asada, each offering a flavorful experience.

Margarita flights offer four unique flavors like strawberry and dragonfruit, each with a perfectly balanced taste. The flights provide a great value with four full-sized margaritas for $35.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is excellent."

"The carnitas tacos were amazing and flavorful."

"The margaritas here have unique flavors and a perfectly balanced taste."

Good to know

1

DJ nights are on Fridays, and Salsa nights are on Sundays.

2

Food is served until 2am every night.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos.

06
El Lechon Kitchen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with limited seating focuses on takeout and quick lunches. Atmosphere feels welcoming but compact, with only a few tables inside and outside. Known for authentic Mexican tacos featuring unique sauces and high-quality ingredients.

Carnitas stand out with a sweet raspberry chipotle sauce that adds a unique flavor. The tacos also come with a delicious red sauce, and the meat itself is tender and flavorful.

Classic tacos get a unique twist from a real chef, making them stand out from other spots. Sauces add distinctive flavors that change the usual taco experience.

People are saying

"The carnitas and steak tacos here are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

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

"The tacos here have unique twists with delicious sauces."

Good to know

1

El Lechon Kitchen is primarily a pickup place but has 2 tables for dining in.

2

Expect limited seating with only four small tables available.

3

Street tacos cost $3.50 each, offering great value for quality food.

07
En Fuego Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a fun, welcoming atmosphere and a cool bar featuring big screens for sports. The vibe feels neighborhood-friendly and chill, encouraging socializing at the bar. TVs play requested content, adding to the approachable and lively energy.

Pork carnitas come seasoned properly with a rich flavor. They appear in street tacos and stand out as delicious alongside other dishes.

Unique street tacos stand out, especially the fried chicken taco that combines flavor and originality. The owners focus on crafting a distinct dining experience with yummy, inventive tacos.

People are saying

"I started dancing after the first bite of these tacos."

"You've got to try the unique street tacos; they're so yummy."

"I found the carnitas taco and the guacamole to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 2-6pm, with all-day specials on Taco Tuesdays.

2

Enjoy $3 beers and $5 tacos during happy hour.

3

Lunch special includes 2 designer tacos and a soft drink for $12.

08
El Patrรณn Grill and Cantina image 1

Mexican restaurant with classy decor and comfortable booths creates a warm, family-oriented atmosphere. Latin rhythms play throughout, complemented by TVs showing football games. The space feels clean and inviting, with attention to detail in presentation.

Pork carnitas come out delicious and well-seasoned. Carnitas tacos feature tender meat paired with cheese and beans.

Mushroom salsa stands out as a unique and simple snack. Chips come with three distinct salsas, adding variety to the food and atmosphere.

People are saying

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

"The food here is uniquely made and delicious."

"The carnitas here are the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers an extensive breakfast menu starting at 10:30 AM.

2

The menu features many unique dishes and large portion sizes.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

09
Bodega Taco & Margarita Bar image 1

Long, narrow space with a dark, cave-like interior and a dog-friendly outdoor patio creates a clean, fun atmosphere highlighted by neon signs. Strong, top-notch margaritas and hearty, highly praised tacos draw a casual crowd seeking quality food and drinks at good prices.

Carnitas stand out with rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with fresh guacamole and appear in tacos alongside street corn and other fillings.

A unique atmosphere sets the tone here. Fish tacos feature jalapeรฑo agave for a distinct flavor, making the tacos bursting with flavor and truly unique.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding and really good."

"The fish tacos are unique and bursting with flavor."

"I found the carnitas to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $3.99 tacos all day.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks.

3

Parking is available in a garage underneath the restaurant.

10
ADOBO Restaurant & Bar image 1

Open space with live music and a pool table creates a laid-back vibe. Sports on TV and a bar area attract groups and families. The aroma of freshly smoked whole pig adds a unique touch to the atmosphere.

Smoked carnitas stand out with delectable smoked meat and come in a bowl or tacos. The tacos feature an outstanding fig sauce that complements the rich flavor.

Menu features a unique blend of fusion dishes combining cultures through gastronomy. Recipes mix traditional elements with creative twists for a distinct experience.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"I loved how the menu offered a unique blend of fusion dishes."

"The carnitas were juicy, tender, and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos and $3 tacos with $2 beers.

2

Wings and beer are $0.75 during happy hour on Wednesdays.

3

Comedy Night takes place every Thursday at 8pm.

11
Eleven18, Event Space image 1

Dark interior sets a cozy, vibrant vibe with a mix of relaxed and lively energy. Live piano playing adds a unique musical touch while an outdoor dining section offers variety. The space blends Manhattan-style atmosphere with excellent cocktails and a tapas menu crafted by notable chefs.

Tacos with carnitas stand out with rich, tender meat. Bowls combining carnitas and hominy offer a warm, hearty experience. Polenta pairs well with the carnitas for a satisfying dish.

Cooking happens right in front of you, creating a unique event format. Drinks and dishes like the tuna tostaditas and cocktails are both unique and delicious.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tacos and elote chicken wings."

"The chef's cooking felt like a unique culinary concert right in front of me."

"The carnitas tacos were amazing and excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Karaoke starts at 10pm on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Reservations are recommended for cooking classes due to limited space.

12
Molino Chido image 1
Restaurant

Space mimics authentic Mexico City taqueria with green folding chairs and Loterรญa card table numbers. Atmosphere feels fun and lively, blending techno-Mexican music with casual conversation. Guests enjoy spicy margaritas and tacos that capture traditional flavors with innovative twists.

Carnitas tacos stand out with excellent flavor and quality. They pair well with fresh salsas and are a favorite alongside other meats like al pastor and lengua.

Dishes feature unique and thoughtful ingredients with tacos packed full of bold, unique flavors. The overall food stands out for its distinctive taste.

People are saying

"The tacos and tortillas here are spectacular."

"The tacos here have such unique, bold flavors."

"The carnitas tacos here are a perfect 10/10."

Good to know

1

Chido Hour runs Tue-Fri from 4-5PM, offering a 7oz beer and a taco for $9.

2

Parking is available at Stanley Marketplace, but it can fill up quickly.

3

The restaurant offers a limited menu of small plates, priced around $6-7 each.

13
Encanto Cocina & Cantina image 1

Rooftop terrace and patio offer comfortable outdoor seating with live music and DJ sets creating a lively vibe. Indoor space combines modern charm with an intimate bar serving well-crafted cocktails. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, suited for groups and casual dining.

Carnitas come with a dipping sauce that highlights their flavor. They appear in street tacos and quesadillas, both standing out on the menu.

Drinks stand out with unique margaritas and a variety of flavorful options. Desserts offer a top-notch, unique experience alongside delicious food and attentive service.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"The drinks here are so unique and flavorful."

"The carnitas were even better than I expected."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos every week.

2

Thirsty Thursday offers a free margarita with an entree.

3

Birthday celebrations include a special song and sombreros.

14
Sonora's Prime Carniceria & Taco Shop (BARNES LOCATION) image 1

Market-style Mexican spot combines fresh meat counter with small cafe and communal tables inside. Atmosphere feels family-friendly and welcoming, with a lively, slightly chaotic energy that settles once food arrives. Outdoor patio offers spacious seating with umbrellas, enhancing casual dining options.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Buying carnitas by the pound is common, and the chicharrones also get frequent praise.

A unique setting within a grocery store creates an interesting vibe. The menu offers uncommon items and dishes with distinctive taste and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and high quality."

"The food here is so unique and delicious."

"I thought their carnitas were the best in town."

Good to know

1

The store has a great selection of Hispanic products and groceries.

2

Expect limited seating with only two tables available for dining.

3

Many items are priced lower than typical grocery stores.

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