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Carnitas and empanadas in Florida

A quick, handheld bite of savory carnitas or a warm, stuffed empanada is all that matters right now.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
La Esencia DomiMex image 1
La Esencia DomiMex image 2
La Esencia DomiMex image 3
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Restaurant offers a warm, vibrant atmosphere with radiant colors and Dominican-Mexican fusion. Music adds to the welcoming, family-friendly vibe. Bold, authentic flavors stand out, especially birria tacos and tostones.

Tacos feature carnitas with a sweet flavor that pairs well with verde sauce. Corn tortillas hold the classic steak and carnitas tacos, highlighting their distinct taste.

Empanadas feature birria and chicken fillings with rich, bold flavors. Fusion options like birria patacones and birria quesadillas complement the menu well.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the empanadas; they're delicious."

"The carnitas here have a nice sweet flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a unique fusion of Mexican and Dominican cuisine.

2

Vegan options are available on the menu.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness.

02
La Cubana Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with cozy, colorful dรฉcor and friendly, fun atmosphere. Outdoor seating complements the great vibes and occasional DJ music. Known for authentic, flavorful tacos and refreshing Micheladas.

Carnitas appear in tacos alongside birria and asada, forming a popular taco trio. These tacos come with rich, savory meat that stands out among other dishes like empanadas and burritos.

Chicken empanadas stand out with rich flavor and tender filling. Birria and cheese empanadas offer a savory twist that many recommend.

People are saying

"You have to try the birria tacos, they're amazing."

"You have to try the birria and cheese empanadas."

"I loved the carnitas tacos; they were the best I had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant's location is not easy to see from the Main Street; use Google Maps for directions.

2

Expect a wait time during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Complimentary chips and salsa are offered with meals.

03
Mexi Cafe image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with counter seating and limited outdoor tables creates an intimate setting. Lively music and family-friendly atmosphere bring energy and warmth. Authentic Mexican vibe shines through in both ambiance and food.

Carnitas tacos stand out for their flavorful, well-prepared quality and come at a good price. They pair well with other items like carne asada and quesabirria tacos.

Savory Argentinian beef empanadas stand out with a mouthwatering taste. The empanadas pair well with tacos and loaded fries, making for a delicious combo.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and tasty."

"I thought the empanadas here were amazing and a must-have."

"The carnitas tacos here are flavorful and well-prepared."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers all tacos for $4.95 each.

2

Happy hour runs from 5 to 7 PM with discounted drinks.

3

The taco special is available daily from 5-7 PM for $6.

04
Sr de Los Tacos Wynwood image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a clean, inviting space. Atmosphere feels chill and lively, enhanced by pleasant background music. The vibe suits those seeking a relaxed yet vibrant dining experience.

Flavorful, juicy, and crispy carnitas tacos stand out with a perfect balance of textures. Both carnitas and birria tacos impress with authentic taste and rich seasoning.

Empanadas stand out with dogfish and pabellon varieties that deliver strong flavors. They pair well with chicken tacos and make a solid late night choice.

People are saying

"I thought the birria tacos were the best I've ever had."

"The carnitas tacos were so flavorful, juicy, and crispy."

"I found the empanadas to be amazing and tasty."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, you get an extra taco when you order two.

2

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for diners.

3

Service fees are included, but tips are additional.

05
Mari Mexican Tacos image 1

Small space offers a cozy, warm atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors served in generous portions. Tacos, sopes, and tostadas stand out for their freshness and classic preparation. The vibe is casual and welcoming, making it a favored spot for genuine Mexican food.

Juicy and perfectly cooked, the carnitas stand out in tacos served Mexican style. They come highly recommended alongside chicken tinga and asada, making them a favorite choice.

Beef and chicken empanadas come out fresh and tasty with rich meat fillings. They pair well with tacos and sopes, offering a delicious and satisfying option.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best tacos I had in Tampa."

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

"The carnitas were perfectly cooked and juicy."

Good to know

1

From 11am to 2pm, they offer a lunch special where you can choose any item from the menu for $10.

2

The lunch menu is very affordable with generous portions.

3

Expect fresh ingredients in every dish, as everything is homemade.

06
Cilantro 27 image 1
Peruvian restaurant

Cozy space with tropical decor and an inviting outdoor patio featuring umbrellas and music. Atmosphere stays vibrant yet relaxed, welcoming both people and pets with thoughtful touches like water bowls. Known for authentic tacos and fresh ceviche, it blends casual dining with a lively, friendly vibe.

Carnitas tacos come with generous portions and rich flavor. The carnitas quesadilla stands out as especially flavorful and well-loved.

Chicken empanadas stand out with their rich flavor. Beef empanadas offer a generous portion size and appear often as appetizers alongside ceviche and beef skewers.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were amazing and full of flavor."

"I thought the chicken empanadas were the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers 50% off tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Parking nearby is very difficult, so plan accordingly.

3

The restaurant is pet friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends.

07
Mexas Tacos Authentic Mexican image 1

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a cozy, authentic atmosphere with upbeat music and low lighting. Spacious, clean dining area includes a pet-friendly section and a popular salsa bar with flavorful, spicy options. Strong, handmade margaritas complement highly praised tacos and birria dishes.

Juicy and flavorful, the carnitas stand out among the meats. Carnita Tacos earn a solid reputation for being delicious and highly rated.

Chicken empanadas stand out with their rich flavor and tender filling. They pair well with horchata, making for a satisfying meal alongside other dishes like tacos and tamales.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was the best I've ever had."

"I thought the empanadas were the most delicious I ever had."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

They offer a deal of 5 tacos for $10.

3

Prices are affordable, with 5 tacos costing $10.99.

08
ED's Taco Bodega - Jog Rd image 1
Mexican restaurant

Renovated space offers more seating and a clean, organized environment with freshly made Mexican dishes. Warm vibe enhanced by music and friendly greetings creates a welcoming atmosphere. Regulars enjoy flavorful tacos and large portions in a no-frills setting.

Carnitas come fresh and delicious, served with rice, beans, tortillas, jalapeรฑo, and sauce for a reasonable price. Options include carnitas lunch, carnitas torta, and meat-filled gorditas.

Beef empanadas stand out with rich flavor and a delicious filling. Tacos and Venezuelan empanadas also show up as favorites, making the empanadas a must-have item.

People are saying

"I found the best tacos, packed with flavor."

"The empanadas here are off the charts and a must-have."

"I loved the carnitas; they were so fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers three tacos for $5.99 each.

2

Expect a large line on Taco Tuesdays due to popularity.

3

Lunch special includes three tacos, rice, beans, and a drink for $11.99.

09
Lola's Burrito & Burger Joint image 1

Mexican restaurant with funky decor and wooden bench seating creates a casual, chill vibe. Old school RnB music plays alongside TVs showing sports, blending relaxed and lively energy. Patio welcomes dogs, and margaritas, especially Key Lime and strawberry, stand out as popular drinks.

Carnitas tacos stand out with excellent flavor and a magical taste. The carnitas are consistently on point and pair well with large quesadillas and shrimp tacos.

Empanadas come with rice and black beans that outshine those at many Mexican spots. The gator taco and guava empanadas stand out, and the hot sauces at the table boost their flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos and burritos."

"The empanadas here are delicious and flavorful."

"The carnitas tacos were excellent and my favorite dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Wednesdays for select drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers $1 off all tacos.

3

Trivia night happens every Tuesday with fun activities.

10
Agave Bandido image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers beautiful interior and outdoor seating with a hidden speakeasy adding a unique touch. Atmosphere feels fun and lively with great music enhancing the experience. Guests enjoy table-side guacamole and a strong selection of margaritas and mezcal.

Carnitas tacos come huge and full of flavor. They taste fresh and pair well with other dishes like veggie enchiladas and chimichangas.

Meaty empanadas come with a chimichurri flavor that stands out. Recommendations highlight the chimichurri empanada as especially good.

People are saying

"I found the food and drinks to be amazing."

"The carnitas here are so flavorful and huge."

"The empanadas are meaty with an awesome chimichurri flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are advisable due to high demand, especially on weekends.

2

Expect long wait times for walk-ins, even on weekdays.

3

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

11
Don Taco Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful space offers authentic Mexican vibes with outdoor seating under large umbrellas. Atmosphere feels festive yet relaxed, suitable for families and casual dining. Features include a chip and salsa mini bar for sampling homemade sauces.

Juicy, delicious pork fills the carnitas tacos, served fresh with three different sauces. The carnitas are cooked right, making them a solid choice alongside other dishes like chorizo and tamales.

Chicken empanadas stand out with their flavorful filling and vary in fullness. They pair well with other dishes like tamales, which are light and well-prepared.

People are saying

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

"I found the empanadas here to be amazing and very delicious."

"The carnitas tacos are stuffed with juicy, delicious pork."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday specials include 5 mini tacos for $10, which are more regular-sized than mini.

2

Regular tacos are stuffed full with two tortillas on each, enough for two people.

3

The portions are larger than expected, with some items capable of feeding two people.

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