Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Colorado Springs' best

Carnitas lunch spots

A lunch spot serving proper carnitas that respects your time without rushing the slow-cooking process that makes the meat worth eating.

Based on 727 Opinions
+724
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
El Chapin image 1
El Chapin image 2
El Chapin image 3
View all
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor seating includes a covered patio with mist fans that keeps the area cool and comfortable. The atmosphere is lively and cool, reflecting authentic Mexican street food culture. Two food trucks, one serving Mexican dishes and another burgers, create a charming and casual setup next to a deli.

Crunchy texture stands out in the carnitas tacos. Breakfast tacos and nachos with carnitas come moist and delicious.

Lunch here feels like eating in Mexico with authentic flavors and a relaxed vibe. A patio awning provides shade, making it comfortable to enjoy an early meal outdoors.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were so flavorful and moist."

"The tacos and carnitas at this Lunch Spot are delish and moist."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the Ranch Foods Direct lot, accessible from Fillmore.

2

Seating is outdoors, so dress in layers during winter.

3

They accommodate special requests, like fish options for Lent.

02
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.

Two tacos make a perfect lunch-sized portion here. The spot works well for a quick lunch or a late-night meal with great margaritas.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's tacos are incredible, especially the birria."

"The carnitas tacos were amazing and flavorful."

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.

03
Moctezuma Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Food truck with covered outdoor seating creates a chill, peaceful vibe enhanced by good music and pleasant lighting. The setup offers a relaxed, casual atmosphere with plenty of shade and a welcoming space to eat and wait. The overall experience feels like a small, well-decorated oasis for enjoying fresh air and flavorful food.

Moist and flavorful carnitas stand out in tacos and quesadillas. The carnitas consistently deliver rich taste that pairs well with other dishes like birria.

Offers a quick lunch option with a casual vibe. Serves Mexican grill dishes suitable for a fast meal or a casual date.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and really excellent."

"I thought the birria and carnitas were bomb.com."

"You have to try the birria tacos; they're the best."

Good to know

1

They offer several gluten-free and dairy-free options.

2

The portions are generous.

3

The prices are very reasonable given the quality and service.

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.

Fast service and attentive staff make lunch here smooth and pleasant. Orders come out promptly even for large groups, supporting a reliable lunch spot experience.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are tender and delicious."

"The tacos and birria at this lunch spot are delicious."

"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
Tacos Del Gordo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, colorful interior with cleanliness and a laid-back vibe creates a family-friendly atmosphere. A self-serve salsa bar and drive-thru add convenience and flavor options. The menu offers a wide variety of authentic Mexican dishes, including highly praised tacos and breakfast burritos.

Tacos come very big with crispy bacon in the carnitas, making them very savory. The carnitas stand out as excellent and a favorite choice.

Lunch features carne asada fries and good burritos. Food stays consistently amazing across meals.

People are saying

"Their breakfast burritos are the best I've ever had."

"This lunch spot's tacos are juicy and perfectly crisp."

"I thought the carnitas were the best in town, so savory."

Good to know

1

Expect large portions for the price, making it a good value.

2

Drive-thru lines move fairly quickly, ideal for a fast meal.

3

The restaurant is primarily a take-out establishment, not full-service.

06
Monica's Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant interior and mountain views offers an authentic, welcoming atmosphere filled with sunlight and colorful decor. The vibe stays fresh and lively, with games on and plenty to look at while eating. It draws a crowd seeking fast, flavorful Mexican food with standout burritos and tacos.

Carnitas tacos come with consistent flavor and are a reliable choice. The carnitas burrito is soft and delicious, often paired with rice and beans or nachos for a flavorful meal.

Carne Asada fries and a Pineapple drink stand out as lunch choices. The lengua burrito fits well for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Mexican food options cover both lunch and dinner meals.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, fresh, and hot."

"This lunch spot's burritos are so delicious and flavorful."

"The carnitas burrito was delicious and soft."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-off appetizers every day at JOSE MULDOON'S.

2

Expect a 10-15 minute wait for food during peak hours.

3

The restaurant is located downtown on a busy corner.

07
Tacos El Amigo image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with high booths and authentic Mexican music creates a genuine, welcoming atmosphere that feels like stepping into Mexico. Interior features beautiful, updated furniture and a cozy, intimate layout. Known for best birria and quesobirria tacos alongside well-crafted margaritas and micheladas.

Carnitas come in varied dishes like tacos and breakfast burritos. They pair well with rich salsas and sides like rice and beans.

Busy lunch hours show the place draws a crowd for good food. It serves solid options for lunch and dinner with a lively atmosphere during midday.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were authentic, fresh, and delicious."

"The birria and quesabirria tacos here are amazing."

"I found the best birria Iโ€™ve had in this city."

Good to know

1

The prices at Tacos El Amigo are very affordable.

2

The portions served are huge.

3

Expect a crowded line for ordering during peak hours.

08
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.

Lunch options include meals with lots of liquid, suitable for those who prefer soups or broths. Service is professional, making it a reliable choice for group orders like Teacher Appreciation Week.

People are saying

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

"The staff at this Lunch Spot makes you feel like family."

"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.

09
Los Volcanes Authentic Mexican Restaurant image 1

Spacious Mexican restaurant with an open floor plan and homemade tortillas made on site. Atmosphere is casual and welcoming, suitable for groups and families, with ambient music and occasional mariachi band performances. Seating includes comfortable booths and outdoor options, though some chairs lack cushions.

Super tender carnitas come in a burrito sized for two. The meat stays fresh and full of flavor, though the salsa and shrimp quality could improve.

Lunch here features huge portions at a great price. Many different items are available to try in one meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the birria tacos."

"You get huge lunch portions for your money."

"The carnitas here are super tender and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

The price for a can of Coke is $4.00.

2

The restaurant offers a wide variety of vegan options.

3

Prices are considered very fair and cheaper than competitors.

10
Zapata Mexican Taco Shop image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy, quiet atmosphere and white cafeteria-style interior offers self-service salsa bar and large booths. The vibe is laid back and inviting, suited for quick meals without server interruptions. Frequented for authentic street-style tacos and consistently good food.

Carnitas tacos stand out as a top choice here, often paired with Al Pastor in the Taco Box. The carnitas bowl also offers a solid option with rich, savory flavors.

Quick and delicious meals make it a solid choice for lunch. Staff could use a manager during busy hours to handle issues beyond their control.

People are saying

"These tacos are so full of meat, I needed extra tortillas."

"This lunch spot has authentic Mexican food that reminds me of a taco truck."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be the best."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay over $21 for a burrito, chips, and guacamole.

2

A fixed surcharge is added to every order, even for cash payments.

3

Zapata Mexican Taco Shop offers authentic street style tacos and filling burritos.

11
Arceo's Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space inside an old Pizza Hut building offers a cozy, charming atmosphere with authentic Mexican music playing at a comfortable volume. The vibe is homey and warm, attracting those who appreciate traditional Mexican flavors and a quiet setting for conversation.

Steak carnitas stands out with its tender texture and rich flavor. Options include a carnitas burrito smothered and a pork carnitas plate that pairs well with pozole.

Generous portion sizes make it easy to have leftovers for the next day. The lunch menu offers affordable prices and consistently exceeds expectations.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing and comes in huge portions."

"This lunch spot's food is fresh and delicious."

"The steak carnitas here is a little piece of heaven."

Good to know

1

The food is reasonably priced with large portion sizes.

2

The restaurant offers a nice vegetarian selection on the menu.

3

My family of 7 was seated immediately, indicating good service.

Discover more

Colorado Springs, Colorado

Area guide
Loading Map...