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Local picks in Illinois

Tamales with carnitas

You want a place that respects the craft of both tamales and carnitas equally.

Based on 641 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 1
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 2
Dulce De Leche Cafecito image 3
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Small interior space with cozy indoor seating and a covered outdoor patio creates a calm, welcoming vibe. Quiet atmosphere suits one-on-one conversations and relaxed visits. Regulars enjoy the unique flavors and careful preparation that enhance the experience.

Tamales come with the right amount of heat and have excellent flavor and texture. Breakfast tamales pair well with drinks like dulce de leche lattes and cortados.

Juicy and tender carnitas appear in dishes like chilaquiles and a torta ahogada sandwich. The chilaquiles come with salsa verde that has a good heat level.

People are saying

"The outdoor seating is great, and the food is delicious."

"The tamales here are excellent and the staff is very friendly."

"The Carnitas here are so good, you can tell they're passionate about them."

Good to know

1

The outdoor seating is dog friendly and offers a pup cup for pets.

2

There is free parking available around the neighborhood.

3

They accommodate various dietary needs for customers.

02
Rica's Carnitas Estilo Michoacan image 1

No frills Mexican restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere and limited dine-in space. Known for authentic Michoacรกn-style carnitas that are hot, juicy, and tender, often considered the best in the area. Prices are affordable, with specials like $1 tacos on Fridays and free sides included with meals.

Tamales stand out for their exceptional quality and authentic flavor. Carnitas accompany them well, highlighting the traditional style.

Carnitas here are Michoacan-style, very tender and packed with flavor. The tacos come with plenty of sauce and deliver a rich, authentic taste.

People are saying

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

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

"I thought their tamales were exceptionally good."

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.

03
Lily's Supermarket image 1
Grocery store

Small-scale grocery store offers wide variety of Mexican products and exquisite tamales sold by the dozen with single fillings. Atmosphere feels welcoming and pleasant despite occasional unpleasant odors. Known for great carnitas and tacos, it serves as a neighborhood corner store with evident care in operation.

Tamales come in red pork and green chicken flavors and are sold only by the dozen or half-dozen with a single filling per order. Quality is generally good, though opinions on them vary.

Carnitas here are consistently great and stand out as some of the best around. They pair well with tamales, making for a solid weekend choice.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be exquisite and amazing."

"I thought the carnitas here were great!"

"I felt this local grocery store truly makes a difference."

Good to know

1

Tamales are only sold by the dozen or half-dozen.

2

Tamales are sold with a single filling only.

3

Lily's Supermarket has a variety of groceries and prepared meals.

04
Zavalas grocery image 1
Grocery store

Grocery store includes butcher shop and small restaurant in the back. Atmosphere feels friendly with a good variety of fresh produce and Mexican foods. Known for tender carnitas and freshly made tamales, it stands out in its neighborhood.

Tamales come freshly made and delicious here, standing out alongside carnitas and menudo. The flavors are rich and authentic, making them a solid choice for a hearty meal.

Tender meat stands out with freshly made quality and quick weighing at checkout. Carnitas come highly praised for their delicious flavor and are often enjoyed alongside menudo and tamales.

People are saying

"I found the carnitas here to be the best I ever had."

"The food here, especially the carnitas, is amazing."

"I found the tamales to be delicious and freshly made."

Good to know

1

Zavalas grocery offers a wide variety of fresh produce and quality ingredients.

2

The butcher shop provides excellent meat options and quick service.

3

Carnitas are weighed at checkout, ensuring you get exactly what you want.

05
El Mercado 5 Hermanos image 1

Supermarket offers authentic Mexican food with best tacos and fresh tamales that stand out in the area. Atmosphere feels vibrant and caters to those seeking specialty items not found in large chains. Prices tend to be higher but reflect the quality products available.

Homemade tamales come fresh and taste good. They pair well with barbacoa and stay reasonably priced despite rising costs.

Carnitas sell out early on weekends, so arriving early is key. They have great flavor and are considered delicious and popular in the area.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best Mexican food I've ever had."

"I found the homemade tamales to be delicious."

"I found the carnitas great for both takeout and dinner prep."

Good to know

1

Expect to find authentic Mexican ingredients that larger chains don't carry.

2

Prices are generally higher than at larger grocery stores, so budget accordingly.

3

The market is well-stocked with fresh produce and specialty items.

06
Speedy Tamales Mexican Cuisine image 1

Family-owned restaurant offers authentic Mexican tamales and dishes with a hospitable vibe. Atmosphere feels fresh and welcoming, with friendly service and fresh food. Customers often enjoy tamales and champurrado, appreciating the traditional flavors.

Tamales here have a great balance of masa and filling with plenty of flavor. Options include Rajas and cheese, red mole chicken, green chile chicken, and sweet tamales, all fresh and well made.

Great carnitas come with tasty tacos and tamales. Complimentary carnitas are offered while waiting, showing confidence in their flavorful meat.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales here were the best I've had in years."

"I found the tacos de canasta to be delicious."

"I tried their carnitas and rated it A+."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of tamales to choose from.

2

Delivery of Atole de Arroz and Champurrado is available by the gallon.

3

The establishment is clean and welcoming inside.

07
Taco Place image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with homemade salsas and exceptional tacos. Clean, simple decor creates a streamlined atmosphere that feels local and unassuming. Mostly takeout with no alcohol service yet, focusing on food quality over ambiance.

Tamales come huge and packed with seasoned meat. They carry a spicy kick that stands out.

Juicy and flavorful with a little crunch, the carnitas tacos stand out. They come well-prepared and deliver a satisfying taste experience.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas here are juicy, flavorful, and have a great crunch."

"These tamales are huge and loaded with seasoned meat."

Good to know

1

Taco Place is mostly a takeout restaurant with limited seating.

2

They offer a variety of homemade salsas to choose from.

3

Prices are reasonable, with a family of four eating for $47.

08
Taqueria Los Laureles (Inside Store) image 1

Small Mexican eatery inside a grocery store offers authentic tacos with large, tender steak and reasonable prices. The space is no-fuss and compact, featuring three high tables in a back corner. It draws those seeking local, genuine flavors in a casual setting.

Tamales come in pork variety and are available on Sundays and weekends. Some find them flame hot, while others note they can be dry and lack flavor.

Carnitas tacos come with rich, tender meat that stands out for its flavor. They pair well with other items like tripa tacos and asada burritos, creating a solid lineup of authentic Mexican flavors.

People are saying

"The tacos inside this grocery store are tender and delicious."

"I found the tamales here to be flame!"

"I think these are the best carnitas I've ever had."

Good to know

1

The taqueria closes at 7 PM, even though the store remains open later.

2

Prices are very reasonable, with tacos and gorditas under $5.

3

Expect limited food options if arriving late in the day.

09
Mercadito Del Sol image 1
Mexican grocery store

Small market offers fresh Mexican bread, authentic tamales, and quality meats from a real butcher. Clean and well-stocked, it serves traditional dishes like carnitas and barbacoa with a straightforward, fresh atmosphere.

Delicious tamales come fresh on weekends, often paired with carnitas. The tamales have a rich, satisfying flavor that draws people back, especially on Sundays.

Carnitas come fresh and flavorful, often paired with tamales and a variety of sauces. Weekend offerings include chirranos with meat, adding to the selection alongside arrachera, menudo, and tortillas.

People are saying

"I loved the tamales; they were so delicious."

"I loved the carnitas and tamales; they were delicious."

"I found the carnitas and tamales to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is available for customers.

2

The store offers a variety of fresh meat products.

3

Shipping products to Mexico is available.

10
Maria's Grocery Store image 1

Small, family-run grocery store offers authentic Mexican food supplies with popular tamales and traditional meats. Atmosphere feels community-oriented but space is tight and often sells out early on weekends.

Tamales come hot, fresh, and moist here, often paired with carnitas and menudo. Quality was strong before the pandemic but seems to have declined since then.

Carnitas come in generous portions but can be inconsistent, with some batches spoiled. Weekend visits often include tamales alongside the carnitas.

People are saying

"I thought the tamales were the best I ever had."

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

"I bought the carnitas at Maria's Grocery Store."

Good to know

1

The store is typically sold out by 10am on weekends.

2

Maria's Grocery Store offers a variety of authentic Mexican food supplies.

3

Expect a small selection of meats, tortillas, beans, and cheese.

11
Cerro Grande Supermarket image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store combines fresh meats with a small restaurant serving authentic dishes. Shelves hold a wide variety of Mexican staples alongside Mexican pottery displays. Atmosphere feels humble and authentic, with well-stocked produce and a family-owned vibe.

Tamales have moist masa that is not thick or dry, with filling evenly distributed inside. Some tamales are delicious, but there are reports of mold issues and poor quality tamale dough.

Carnitas come with amazing flavor and vary every weekend. The chicharon and carnitas stand out as very delicious and consistently rated highly.

People are saying

"This grocery store's taqueria in the back has amazing carnitas."

"The staff here are so friendly, making the Mexican food experience great."

"I found the tamales here delicious and perfectly moist."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Sundays are popular at the supermarket's restaurant.

2

Expect high prices on some items compared to regular supermarkets.

3

Prices can be unpredictable and may not match shelf labels.

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