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Carnitas tacos with salsa

Carnitas tacos served with a salsa that complements the meat instead of masking it.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Taqueria y Carnitas Don Valdez image 1
Taqueria y Carnitas Don Valdez image 2
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with BYOB and a fun candy section that adds charm. Known for generous portions and exceptional carnitas, meals come with fresh, handmade tortillas and classic sides. Prices stay fair, especially on Taco Tuesdays with $1.50 tacos.

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.

Salsas here are flavorful and come in red and green varieties. The red salsa stands out as especially great, while the green salsa is used generously.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are so soft and flavorful."

"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.

02
Me-Ga Carnitas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers warm, welcoming vibe with aromas of sizzling meats and spices filling the air. The environment stays clean and chill even when busy, attracting those seeking authentic, traditional flavors.

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

Salsa here offers a fresh, tangy flavor with a perfect heat level that complements dishes well. The salsas are consistently spicy and flavorful, enhancing the overall taste.

People are saying

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

"The salsa here is fantastic and flavorful."

"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.

03
Chicago’s Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere with toys and books for kids. The vibe is casual and peaceful, filled with the smell of grilled perfection. Known for some of the best tacos in the city, it attracts those seeking quick, flavorful meals.

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.

Freshness stands out with pico de gallo and avocado salsa made right in front of you. The salsa bar offers spicy, smoky, and tangy options that complement tacos and burritos well.

People are saying

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

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

"The shrimp burrito is bomb, especially with their good salsas."

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.

04
El Paisa Alegre #2 El Original image 1

Mexican restaurant offers authentic carnitas and rich birria tacos with a family-owned vibe. Atmosphere feels cold and loud, with music that repeats often. Prices run high, and the place closes earlier than posted hours.

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

Green salsa pairs well with carnitas tacos. Avocado habanero salsa offers a fantastic spicy flavor. Salsas are very spicy but balanced with good taste. Free chips come with meat salsa.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and delicious."

"I found the meat salsa to be amazing with the tacos."

"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.

05
Maiz & Barro Mexican Grill - Cantina image 1

Mexican grill with colorful décor and a warm, inviting atmosphere offers a full-service bar and a beautiful outdoor patio. Music plays loudly, creating a lively vibe, while seating includes comfortable booths and tables. Authentic flavors and standout margaritas complement the engaging setting.

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.

Salsa and chips stand out as exceptionally flavorful and fresh. The salsa surpasses typical Mexican restaurants, making it a highlight alongside the mole enchiladas.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are next level."

"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.

06
Carnitas Don Alfredo Original image 1

Small Mexican restaurant with crowded seating and authentic decorations creates a relaxed, casual vibe. Frequent live music and heated outdoor seating add to the atmosphere. The space feels comforting yet cramped, with a chill interior temperature.

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.

Salsas here stand out with a perfect red salsa that is spicy and flavorful, and a sweeter salsa verde that never causes discomfort. Both complement the carnitas and chicharrón well, enhancing the overall taste.

People are saying

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

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

"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.

07
Carnitas Aguascalientes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with cozy seating and homemade sauces creates a family atmosphere filled with lively activity. The menu offers authentic Mexican carnitas and chicharrón made in-house, drawing those seeking genuine flavors. Tables are limited, often requiring a wait during busy times.

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

Homemade salsas offer a great balance of heat and flavor. Salsa verde hits the right spice level while the bright red salsa is lava hot and works best in small amounts.

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.

08
TACO TAVERN image 1
Taco restaurant

Industrial design shapes a spacious venue with a huge bar and large party room. Colorful, energetic atmosphere buzzes with great music and multiple TVs showing games. Margaritas stand out for unique flavors, complementing juicy tacos and fresh chips and salsa.

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

Chips come warm and fresh with complimentary salsa that includes a zesty salsa verde and a hot sauce option. The salsa and chips are crisp, savory, and flavorful.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are complimentary and tasty."

"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.

09
Carnitas Don Alfredo Melrose Park image 1

Small, crowded space with tables crammed together creates a busy, noisy atmosphere. Bright lighting and corner location add to its distinctive setup. Known for best carnitas and fresh hand-pressed tortillas, it draws a lively crowd despite the cramped conditions.

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.

Salsa comes in green and red varieties, both made from scratch with a tasty and hot profile. Some batches taste fresh and homemade, but occasional issues with preservation affect the green salsa's flavor.

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.

10
Carnitas Don Alfredo Northlake image 1

Small dining area with an open kitchen creates a lively, chaotic atmosphere filled with the loud pounding of meat chopping and loud music. Colorful decor and friendly staff add a warm, inviting vibe despite the noise. Long lines and limited parking reflect its popularity during busy times.

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

Salsas come fresh and very flavorful with a spicy kick. Citrus notes shine in the green salsa, while the roja salsa delivers a strong heat that can numb lips.

People are saying

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

"The salsas were flavorful and spicy."

"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.

11
Carnitas Uruapan image 1

Small, unassuming storefront leads to a cozy, modern space filled with authentic decor and the aroma of slow-cooked pork. The atmosphere feels casual and lively, with a welcoming vibe enhanced by staff interaction. The place often draws a bustling crowd, creating an energetic dining experience.

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."

"The carnitas here are tender, flavorful, and crispy."

"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 Uruapan Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small takeout-only spot with authentic Mexican atmosphere and best carnitas in Chicago. The space feels like a bar and offers fresh, delicious tacos with affordable prices. Owner greets guests with Cajeta lollipops, adding a personal touch.

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.

Salsas here are finger licking good and pair well with dishes like carnitas and tacos. The guacamole and salsa stand out as really good accompaniments.

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.

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