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Local picks in Denver

Carnitas lunch spots

Made for those who carve out time in their workday specifically to track down a high-quality carnitas lunch.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacos Sarabia image 1
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck with rustic Mexican design offers barebones seating under a tent and picnic tables in the shade. Atmosphere feels like a family taqueria with vibrant music and chill, positive vibes. Owner creates a welcoming space that feels authentic and unpretentious.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich, tender meat and bold flavor. They pair well with other tacos like al pastor and asada, creating a satisfying mix of tastes.

Quick lunches feature tacos and tortas with friendly service at a lunch counter. Offers affordable, quality meals ideal for breaks or stops before travel.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and well-seasoned."

"This Lunch Spot's tacos are delicious; I loved them."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were out of this world."

Good to know

1

The fresh flavored waters (aguas) are free.

2

The prices are reasonable for the amount of food.

3

Expect generous portions with every order.

02
DGO Cocina Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with rustic, classy decor and comfortable seating offers a calm, welcoming atmosphere. The space includes a stylish bar area and provides views of a nearby stadium. It attracts diners seeking authentic Mexican cuisine paired with notable margaritas.

Tender, flavorful meat defines the carnitas here. The dish stands out for its rich taste and perfect seasoning.

Lunch offers generous portions, like fajitas that can easily be shared or saved for later. Quick service suits those stopping by for a fast meal during the day.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the gorditas."

"I had the best carnitas I ever tasted."

"The street tacos at this Lunch Spot were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 6 PM, Monday through Friday.

2

Enjoy $2 tacos during happy hour.

3

The happy hour menu features great deals on food and drinks.

03
La Abeja Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, unassuming space with a hole in the wall vibe offers a homey, chill atmosphere that feels like authentic Mexico. Quiet and comfortable during early hours, it draws those seeking generous portions of phenomenal Mexican food known for its authenticity and value.

Carnitas come out crispy and caramelized with a soft texture. Burritos and tacos filled with carnitas taste rich and satisfying.

Lunch offers quick service with options like carnitas burritos. The atmosphere stays quiet during early lunch hours, making it easy to grab a meal and go.

People are saying

"I found the breakfast burrito here to be the best I ever had."

"This lunch spot's burritos are huge, flavorful, and served hot."

"I believed their carnitas tacos were the best in Denver."

Good to know

1

Parking is difficult due to ongoing construction on Colfax.

2

The restaurant closes daily at 3pm.

3

Prices are reasonable, with generous portion sizes.

04
Tacos El Huequito image 1

Restaurant offers authentic Mexican tacos with fresh ingredients and gluten-free options. Atmosphere feels chill and welcoming with loud cute music and a big screen showing football. Drink specials include notable margaritas enjoyed alongside made-to-order dishes.

Carnitas appear in tacos and burritos with rich flavor and tender texture. They pair well with other meats like Barbacoa and Al Pastor in various dishes.

Lunch features a quick service with meals like the Al Pastor burrito. Most visits take under 30 minutes, fitting well into a lunch break.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best I ever had."

"I found the carnitas tacos delicious and flavorful."

"The Al Pastor burrito is a fantastic lunch spot choice."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature special deals on tacos every week.

2

The restaurant offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

Prices for tacos are significantly lower than other street-style taco places.

05
Tacos la Comarca image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican food truck with covered outdoor seating offers a cozy atmosphere and authentic flavors. The space stays clean and welcoming, attracting those seeking fresh, flavorful tacos and burritos. It closes early when sold out, reflecting high demand and quality.

Succulent carnitas appear in tacos and a torta served on fresh bread with avocado and toppings. The carnitas tacos come alongside other meats like Asada and Chorizo, all with rich flavor.

Quick service and carne asada torta stand out for lunch. This spot draws people willing to go out of their way for a solid midday meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and always fresh."

"This lunch spot's tacos have amazing flavor and good heat."

"The carnitas torta was succulent with avocado and toppings."

Good to know

1

On Sundays, they have menudo.

2

They run out of food early, so arrive before 4:30 pm.

3

The price of $10 for an enormous chicken burrito is phenomenal.

06
Lady Nomada - Mexican Kitchen image 1

Upscale Mexican kitchen with stylish decor and a light, airy space creates a warm, vibrant atmosphere full of character. House-made margaritas and elite tacos complement the inviting vibe, while outdoor patio with heaters and fireplace offers a comfortable hangout spot.

Carnitas appear in several dishes like the kids' bowl, fajitas, and a combo plate. They come with birria fries or as tacos, offering a variety of flavors across meals.

Lunch specials cost $14 and include a soft drink, rice, beans, and a choice of two tacos, a bowl, or a salad. The birria is tender and savory, with sizable portions offering solid value and a quick, delicious meal.

People are saying

"The food here is thoughtfully prepared and bursting with flavor."

"I found the carnitas to be delicious."

"The $14 lunch special offers great value with rice, beans, and a drink."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 2 PM to 5 PM with great deals on drinks and snacks.

2

Reservations are recommended on busy weekends to avoid long wait times.

3

Lunch specials are available for $14, offering excellent value.

07
Park Avenue Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a lively atmosphere featuring big screens and a full bar alongside outdoor patio seating. The vibe blends a neighborhood bar feel with fun music and sports viewing. Evenings get busy, drawing people for tacos and margaritas in a casual, comfortable setting.

Loaded nachos with carnitas come out very delicious. The carnitas tacos pair well with rajas for a solid choice.

Lunch includes Molletes with refried beans and melted cheese, served with pico de gallo and queso. Catering offers a variety of options and works well for meetings.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and flavorful."

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

"The carnitas here are delicious."

Good to know

1

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

2

On Sundays, enjoy all-day happy hour with food specials.

3

Taco specials are available for $3 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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.

Birria tacos stand out as a delicious lunch option. The spot offers an extensive menu available from early morning, making it suitable for a quick lunch or dinner.

People are saying

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

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

"The birria tacos here are the best lunch 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
Los Dos Potrillos Denver image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, beautifully remodeled space with a semi-private gathering area and an open, well-lit layout. Atmosphere feels clean and light with great energy suited for both quick lunches and long dinners. Homemade tortillas are made on-site, complementing authentic Mexican flavors and well-crafted margaritas.

Perfectly crisp outside and tender inside, the carnitas offer flavorful meat with a crispy edge. Available only on weekends, these tacos stand out for their delicious taste.

Quick and efficient service makes it easy to enjoy a meal during a lunch break. Food arrives fast and tastes delicious, fitting both short visits and longer meals with friends.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

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

"The carnitas are perfectly crisp outside and tender inside."

Good to know

1

Happy hour food and margaritas are available, but no discounts are offered.

2

Birthday celebrations may include a surprise dessert and song from staff.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere; a waiting list may be in effect during peak times.

10
Ocho's Mexican Cocina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere with a spacious interior and outdoor seating. A salsa bar with multiple options and fixings stands out as a key feature. The vibe is calm and inviting, with good music and a clean, homey feel.

Carnitas come out perfectly seasoned and tender, packed with flavor. They appear in tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, all cooked to perfection.

Offers a laid-back vibe ideal for quick lunch or casual dinner. Serves great food that fits well for a quick lunch.

People are saying

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

"I ordered the birria tacos for lunch; they were very good."

"The carnitas here are perfectly seasoned and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday.

2

The Monday burrito special is priced at $12.99.

3

Expect small portion sizes for tacos, with three costing over $12.

11
Mila's Cantina image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant offers upscale Mexican decor with indoor and outdoor seating, including a dog-friendly patio. Atmosphere feels comfortable and lively, encouraging long stays with food, drinks, and conversation. Margarita cocktails stand out as big and flavorful, complementing a menu praised for quality and variety.

Carnitas come crispy and delicious, often served with homemade charro beans that complement the dish well. The plate can be smothered in green chili for extra flavor.

Tacos stand out as a solid choice for lunch here. The spot offers a great lunch break vibe with consistently good food.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos were perfect."

"This lunch spot has delicious tacos and crispy chili rellenos."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm with a special menu.

2

Prices during happy hour are significantly lower than regular menu prices.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

12
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.

Super chill atmosphere suits work lunches well. Few good options nearby make it a solid choice for a midday break.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

"The tacos here are awesome, with great depth of flavors."

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.

13
Patzcuaro's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant with a beautiful patio featuring lights in the trees and outdoor seating. Atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, often busy and lively. Known for authentic Mexican food and top-notch margaritas.

Crispy and amazing carnitas stand out here. The Carnitas Michoacan Plato offers a fantastic flavor and texture.

Weekday lunch specials offer great value and variety. The beef stew stands out as a hearty option, especially on cold days.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and generously portioned."

"I found the carnitas to be amazing and crispy."

"I loved the tasty food at this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers unbeatable weekday lunch specials.

2

Happy hour features nice prices on drinks and appetizers.

3

Free street parking is available outside and around the restaurant.

14
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.

Lunch features traditional Filipino dishes with strong flavors. The setting suits group gatherings like company parties and celebrations.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The pork belly mac and cheese at this Lunch Spot is delicious."

"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.

15
Chivis Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

Small dining area features self-serve salsa bar and art-covered walls creating an authentic Mexican vibe with a gritty street-food atmosphere. Warm and welcoming energy fills the space, making it feel like home with positive, nostalgic vibes. Late-night hours and a convenient parking lot support a lively, hopping scene.

Carnitas tacos come at a low price, around $6.78 for three, which is rare in Denver. Both the carnitas and barbacoa tacos offer great flavor, and the carnitas burrito also stands out as very good.

Offers great lunch options suitable for groups and families. Serves well for late night bites and casual meals with friends.

People are saying

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

"I really liked the carnitas tacos; they were delicious."

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and everyone loved it."

Good to know

1

Chivis Tacos is open late until 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

They offer $2 tacos all day on Taco Tuesdays, except for barbacoa and lengua.

3

Barbacoa and lengua tacos cost $4 regardless of the day.

16
Tia's Taqueria image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with colorful, lively atmosphere and cozy indoor seating alongside a spacious outdoor patio. Family-oriented spot with friendly, energetic vibe and ample parking. Known for healthy, flavorful Mexican food including standout gluten-free burritos and top-notch margaritas.

Quick service delivers a carnitas plate in under 3 minutes. Carnitas appear alongside carne asada tacos and enchiladas, served with chips and salsa.

Family-oriented setting suits lunch gatherings. Quick service delivers a carnitas plate in under 3 minutes and an $8.50 mini-super burrito offers a good portion for lighter appetites.

People are saying

"I thought the gluten-free burrito at this Mexican food place was great."

"I thought the salsas were bomb."

"The carnitas tacos had enough meat and tasted really fresh."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but seating is limited inside.

2

The restaurant offers a gluten-free tortilla option for burritos.

3

Expect to pay around $50 for two people without drinks.

17
Illegal Pete's - Park Hill image 1
Burrito restaurant

Large patio with misting features offers a quieter alternative to the lively indoor space filled with live music and a chill bar setup. Atmosphere shifts from fun and busy during events to inviting and clean overall. Frequented by locals including families and students, it stands out for its kid and dog friendly environment.

Juicy and tender meat stands out with fresh ingredients and flavorful seasoning. Options include a carnitas bowl and burritos loaded with rice, pinto beans, queso, guacamole, and corn salsa.

Catering for large groups works well here, with staff helping pick out the perfect lunch. The spot suits casual visits around 1 PM for a quick meal.

People are saying

"The burritos here are stuffed with flavor in every bite."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is so fresh and delicious."

"The carnitas were juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Kids eat free on Wednesdays, making it a great family dinner option.

2

Happy hour runs until 8 pm with decent drink and appetizer specials.

3

Tuesdays feature buy-one-get-one-free deals for health care workers.

18
Santiago's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic breakfast burritos and hot green chili with affordable prices under $4. Atmosphere feels like a family store with clean, cozy space and hanging plants. Takeout-only setup gets busy during peak hours, with patio seating available but no delivery.

Carnitas come with green chili or beans and appear in dishes like flautas. Barbacoa with red sauce also pairs alongside carnitas in some options.

Burritos stand out as a quick lunch option here. The spot works well for grabbing easy Mexican food during busy school days.

People are saying

"I thought the breakfast burritos were always so good."

"I enjoyed the carnitas and green chili."

"I loved the burritos here; they were great."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers takeout only; no dine-in options available.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Parking can be challenging; consider arriving early.

19
Carniceria La Guadalajara image 1

Butcher shop offers bright, lively atmosphere with authentic feel and casual setting. It draws a busy crowd enjoying affordable, flavorful tacos and a wide selection of meats, salsas, and Latin staples. Music stays at a comfortable volume, supporting a welcoming vibe.

Carnitas tacos stand out with their rich flavor and tender texture. The carnitas here taste consistently good and rank among the best in Denver.

Menudo with a Juarito offers a hearty lunch option. Staff handle the lunch rush smoothly, making it easy to grab a quick meal or pick up ingredients for dinner.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has amazing deals on tacos."

"This Lunch Spot has flavorful, fresh items packed with flavor."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be exceptional."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for only 79 cents.

2

Tacos cost $1.49 each from Monday to Friday.

3

Expect to wait at least 45 minutes for family orders.

20
Que Bueno! Mexican Grille image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small airport restaurant offers a fun atmosphere with great music and multiple sports TVs. It feels lively and busy but also welcoming, with a vacation mood and friendly energy. The space is compact, creating a cozy yet bustling environment.

Juicy and flavorful carnitas stand out with their soft texture and rich taste. They appear in tacos and nachos, often paired with corn soft tortillas and all the toppings.

Quick service suits a layover lunch well. The torta stands out as a solid choice for lunch or dinner.

People are saying

"Jenny and Lizbeth at the bar will take care of you."

"The staff at this lunch spot made my meal fun and took good care of us."

"The carnitas are so juicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a full menu during breakfast hours.

2

Expect reasonable prices for airport dining, with meals averaging around $19.

3

Vegetables may incur an extra charge on your order.

21
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.

Lunch feels relaxed with plenty of space after the rush. It suits celebrations and casual stops alike.

People are saying

"The food here was excellent and tasted great."

"The food here is delicious, plentiful, and beautifully plated."

"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.

22
Las Delicias Uptown image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a modern renovation and multiple outdoor spaces including a rooftop patio and shaded balcony. Atmosphere feels hip and fun with catchy music and a neighborhood vibe. Offers a large tequila selection and well-regarded margaritas.

Hearty, well presented, and hot plates highlight the carnitas estilo michoacan here. Tacos al carbon and chili rellenos complement the meat-rich options like deshebrada and barbacoa.

Offers quick solo lunches and suits more lively afternoons. Holds a friendly, familiar vibe for casual midday meals.

People are saying

"The food here is always good and delicious."

"I relished the carnitas and did not skimp on the meats."

"I thought this place was a great lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesdays feature $2.50 tacos when you buy three.

2

Margaritas are $5 during happy hour.

3

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with drink specials.

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