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Local picks

Carnitas tacos in Illinois

Made for those who seek out the specific, slow-cooked texture of carnitas in every taco they order.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
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Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot shines with tender carnitas tacos and a family-friendly vibe featuring toys and books for kids. Casual and peaceful, it fills the air with the smell of grilled perfection. Perfect for quick, flavorful meals that satisfy every craving.

Carnitas tacos come with tender, flavorful meat that stands out among other options like carne asada and pastor. Multiple tacos can be enjoyed in one sitting, each delivering a satisfying taste.

People are saying

"The tacos here are delicious and full of amazing flavor."

"I personally recommend the shrimp burrito; it was bomb."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be very delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers catering services for any type of event.

2

During the anniversary, the chef gives away tacos or a rose to customers.

3

They have a special Lent menu available throughout the season.

02
Taqueria y Carnitas Don Valdez image 1

Cozy spot shines with exceptional carnitas tacos that are rich and tender. Family-friendly vibe pairs well with BYOB and a fun candy section. Enjoy fresh handmade tortillas and great deals like $1.50 tacos on Taco Tuesdays.

Savory and sticky with fat and collagen nicely rendered, the carnitas tacos deliver rich flavor and texture. They stand out as highly rated and consistently satisfying.

People are saying

"The carnitas here are amazing and remind me of home."

"I found the al pastor tacos to be amazing."

"I thought the carnitas tacos here were among the best."

Good to know

1

$0.99 tacos are available on Tuesdays, but arrive early or call ahead.

2

They offer $1.50 tacos on certain Tuesdays.

3

Homemade tortillas are available on weekends for a slight upcharge.

03
Rica's Carnitas Estilo Michoacan image 1

Enjoy authentic Michoacán-style carnitas that are juicy and tender. Family-friendly spot offers $1 carnitas tacos on Fridays and free sides with meals. Affordable prices and a cozy, no-frills setting make it a great casual choice.

Carnitas tacos come with amazing taste and generous servings. Fridays feature $1 carnitas tacos, making them a standout option.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas to be authentic, hot, and juicy."

"You've gotta try the dollar tacos on Fridays!"

"I loved the dollar carnitas tacos on Fridays."

Good to know

1

Rica's offers dollar tacos on Fridays.

2

Tacos at Rica's are only $1 on Fridays.

3

They provide a small bag of onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and carrots with each order.

04
Carnitas Aguascalientes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cozy seating offers a lively, family vibe. Carnitas tacos are authentic and pair well with rice and beans. Homemade sauces add a genuine flavor that keeps locals coming back.

Carnitas tacos come well served and reliable in quality. They taste delicious and pair well with rice and beans.

People are saying

"These carnitas are delicious and melt in your mouth."

"The salsa here is amazing, with just the right amount of heat."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious and well served."

Good to know

1

Next Saturday, 2/15, is their second-year anniversary.

2

The store mostly offers carryout, but there are a few tables to dine in.

3

Expect a crowded atmosphere, especially on weekends.

05
Me-Ga Carnitas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican spot offers warm vibe and authentic flavors with aromas of sizzling meats. Carnitas tacos are a delicious choice that satisfy cravings. Clean, chill environment stays inviting even when busy.

Delicious carnitas tacos stand out here. They serve as a reliable choice for satisfying carnitas cravings.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful, fresh, and authentic."

"The tacos here are packed with perfectly seasoned, quality meat."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Street parking near Me-Ga Carnitas is extremely limited.

2

They charged an 18% gratuity for a family of four or more.

3

When paying with a credit card and selecting 'no tip', the tip is still added automatically.

06
Carnitas Don Alfredo Northlake image 1

Small dining area with an open kitchen creates a lively, chaotic atmosphere filled with loud pounding and music. Carnitas tacos offer succulent pork with Spanish rice and beans. Friendly staff and colorful decor add warmth despite long lines and limited parking.

Flavorful and succulent pork defines the carnitas tacos, delivering a deep pork taste. The taco plate comes with Spanish rice and refried pinto beans.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious and authentic."

"I thought the carnitas here were amazing and well seasoned."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be flavorful and succulent."

Good to know

1

The restaurant accepts only cash, but there is an ATM inside.

2

Parking is limited, especially on weekends.

3

Expect a wait on weekends due to only 10 tables available.

07
Carnitas Don Alfredo Bensenville image 1

Small dining area serves handmade tortillas with authentic Mexican meats like carnitas tacos that taste very good. Atmosphere feels comfortable and elegant despite tight seating. Storefront shows an old school look with clean, organized space.

Handmade tortillas accompany the carnitas tacos, which have a delicious and very good flavor.

People are saying

"I thought these carnitas were the best in the area."

"You have to try the handmade tortillas; they're made right on the spot."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be very good."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider takeout.

2

The restaurant offers a deal of $11.99 for a large portion of meat, five tortillas, rice, and beans.

3

Takeout is available, making it convenient for those on the go.

08
Carnitas Don Alfredo Original image 1

Small Mexican spot offers juicy carnitas tacos with fresh handmade tortillas. Crowded seating and authentic decorations create a casual vibe. Frequent live music and heated outdoor seating make it lively and cozy.

Juicy flavor stands out in the carnitas tacos, paired with handmade tortillas that add a fresh touch. The tacos deliver a consistently delicious taste that impresses with every bite.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas here to be the best in the Chicago land area."

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

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at this location, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant has a limited number of dining room tables, making seating hit or miss.

3

Expect long lines on weekends due to high customer volume.

09
El Paisa Alegre #2 El Original image 1

Carnitas tacos boast rich flavor and fresh green salsa. Family-owned vibe adds warmth despite cold, loud atmosphere. Prices are high, and closing times come early.

Carnitas tacos here have a rich flavor that recalls Mexico City. The green salsa pairs well and adds a fresh kick.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection."

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be amazing and totally worth it."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesdays, all meat tacos are only $1.50 each.

2

You can easily enjoy a meal for under $10 on Taco Tuesday.

3

The restaurant is family-run and values its community.

10
TACO TAVERN image 1
Taco restaurant

Industrial design creates a spacious venue with a huge bar and large party room. Carnitas tacos offer rich, savory flavor, paired well with Buffalo chicken and Baja tacos. Unique margaritas and fresh chips and salsa add to the colorful, energetic atmosphere.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich, savory flavor. They pair well with other options like Buffalo chicken and Baja tacos for variety.

People are saying

"My Mexican food burrito was warm, but they had to remake it."

"The bar service here is attentive and makes great drinks."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were fire."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a variety of taco options, including Baja, pot roast, and steak.

2

Expect large portion sizes; many dishes are generous.

3

There is plenty of parking available nearby.

11
Carnitas Uruapan image 1

Small storefront opens to a cozy space with authentic decor and the smell of slow-cooked pork. Gigantic pork carnitas tacos cost about 3 dollars and come with fresh salsa and lime. Casual, lively vibe with friendly staff makes dining energetic and welcoming.

Gigantic pork carnitas tacos come with salsa, cilantro, onions, and limes. Each taco costs about 3 dollars and pairs well with a good sauce.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, tender, and perfectly seasoned perfectly seasoned, and crispy."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I ever had."

"These carnitas tacos are juicy with crispy edges."

Good to know

1

The restaurant allows you to bring your own cake for celebrations.

2

Tortillas and salsas are complimentary with carnitas orders.

3

Lunch specials offer large portions at a good price.

12
Carnitas Don Alfredo Melrose Park image 1

Small, crowded spot buzzes with a lively crowd and bright lighting. Carnitas tacos shine with lots of meat and bold flavors, paired with fresh hand-pressed tortillas. The dinner combo offers a filling meal with rice and beans, perfect for hearty appetites.

Carnitas tacos come with lots of meat and strong traditional flavors. The carnitas taco dinner includes three tacos, rice, and beans, making it a filling choice.

People are saying

"These carnitas are so tender and flavorful."

"The handmade tortillas are the best I ever had."

"The carnitas tacos here are super flavorful and came with lots of meat."

Good to know

1

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

2

Takeout orders are prepared quickly, despite potential wait times for dine-in.

3

The restaurant is very busy on Sundays, but the line moves quickly, with a maximum wait of about 15 minutes.

13
Maiz & Barro Mexican Grill - Cantina image 1

Mexican grill shines with authentic flavors and a warm atmosphere. Carnitas tacos feature rich, tender pork that satisfies deeply. Enjoy vibrant music and a beautiful outdoor patio for a lively dining experience.

Carnitas tacos come with rich, tender pork that stands out among other options like Al pastor and Tinga. They pair well with a variety of fillings, offering a savory, satisfying flavor in every bite.

People are saying

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and delicious."

"The desserts here are amazing, truly the best I've ever tasted."

"I tried steak, shrimp, and carnitas tacos, and each was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger parties to ensure seating.

2

Expect to pay extra for additional items or modifications to your order.

3

The menu features a limited selection focused on tacos and fajitas.

14
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot offers best carnitas with mixed cuts and fresh salsa. Authentic Mexican vibe feels like a bar, making it a great casual hangout. Owner's Cajeta lollipops add a sweet, personal touch to the experience.

Mixed carnitas tacos feature shoulder and rib meat with a variety of other cuts. They come with fresh salsa and pair well with horchata drinks.

People are saying

"I thought the carnitas here were really good."

"The carnitas here are loaded with rich, fatty meat."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant is strictly a takeout-only establishment.

2

They close at 5:00 PM on Saturdays, so plan accordingly.

3

Prices are affordable, with meals under $40.

15
Carnitas Don Alfredo Maywood image 1

Small Mexican spot buzzes with energy and limited seating. Known for best carnitas and handmade tortillas, it draws crowds ready to order. Casual vibe and fantastic flavor make carnitas tacos a must-try.

Three carnitas tacos come well served with a fantastic flavor that stands out. These tacos consistently impress with their very good quality.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be really good and high quality."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I've ever tasted."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best I had."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

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

3

The portions of carnitas are generous, with one pound serving two people.

16
Kiki D's image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot offers authentic Mexican flavors with a lively, clean atmosphere. Carnitas tacos stand out with generous filling and a lime twist, priced at just $0.99 on select days. Wide menu and affordable prices keep crowds coming.

Carnitas tacos come with a generous filling and a twist of lime that adds flavor. They are available for $0.99 each on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, making them a notable deal despite being a bit greasy.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos were generously filled and delicious."

"The food here was delicious."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos on dollar days."

Good to know

1

They offer a special deal on carnitas tacos on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for $0.99 each.

2

There is no table service at the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is clean and has ample parking space.

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