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Chicago's best

Carnitas dinner spots

A quiet evening centered around a plate of carnitas is the reset needed after a long week.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Migos Fine Foods image 1
Migos Fine Foods image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Small space filled with eclectic decor and real plants creates a warm, inviting atmosphere. Classic hip hop music plays, setting a chill vibe throughout. Outdoor patio and kiosk ordering add to the casual, comfortable experience.

Lamb carnitas come tender and fall apart at a touch, with a just right portion size. They taste very delicious and pair well with other dishes like beans and chicken tacos.

Dinner offers well seasoned lamb that is tender and satisfying. Portions come more than enough for a family meal.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"The lamb carnitas here are so tender and delicious."

"The chicken tenders and biscuit at these dinner spots are so delicious."

Good to know

1

Everything at this place is halal, as indicated by the logo.

2

There are many vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Reservations are recommended during peak hours.

02
Taqueria Diamante image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy, colorful space with a laid-back, Mexican vibe and friendly energy. Casual, cafeteria-style setting feels homey and inviting, with music that complements the atmosphere. BYOB policy adds to the relaxed, local feel.

Carnitas come with fresh flavor and a lot of taste. They stand out alongside barbacoa and pastor in tacos and burritos.

Dinner includes carne asada and burrito dinners. Options like the two taco dinner offer variety and solid flavors.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and tasted homemade."

"The burrito dinners here are huge and delicious."

"I loved the carnitas; they had so much flavor and tasted fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB and there is a liquor store just a few doors down.

2

The prices are very reasonable, making it easy to try a variety of items.

3

The restaurant can get busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

03
La Cocina De Don Ramón image 1

Cozy restaurant with homey decor and a family-friendly atmosphere feels like eating at a local's house. The vibe is peaceful and neighborly, with regulars known by name and a relaxed pace. It stands out for its authentic Mexican classics and a welcoming, intimate setting.

Carnitas come out crispy, moist, and flavorful. Tacos filled with juicy carnitas deliver a satisfying bite every time.

Dinner features three tacos with options like carne asada, pollo, pastor, and carnitas. Food comes with warm hospitality and suits both late-night and quick meals.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The dinner spots here are delicious; I loved everything I ordered."

"The carnitas are crispy, moist, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos and drinks.

2

Prices are reasonable for the generous portion sizes.

3

They offer unique menu items like deshebrada beef tacos and Burritos Duranguense.

04
El Charro Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious interior features beautiful murals and bright, lively atmosphere with authentic Mexican music. Small, family-owned spot offers a cozy, welcoming vibe that feels homey and family-friendly. Tables include adorable cactus salt shakers, adding to the casual, inviting setting.

Carnitas tacos stand out with rich flavor and tender meat. Other dishes like Tripa, alambre, and el pastor also deliver strong, delicioso taste.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The food at these dinner spots was outstanding."

"I found the carnitas tacos to be some of the best I had."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $1.99 select tacos, making it a great deal.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

They charge extra for card payments, so cash is recommended.

05
Taqueria y Carnitas Don Valdez image 1

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.

Carnitas come juicy and flavorful with a soft texture and perfectly cooked meat. Portions are generous, often served in tacos or a toasted telera bread with tasty sides.

Dinners feature Tortas, Tacos, and other dishes with great flavor and seasoning. Taco dinners stand out as a solid choice.

People are saying

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

"I found the carnitas to be excellent and very tasty."

"The flavor and seasoning of the dinner spots were excellent."

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.

06
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.

Michoacán style carnitas stand out with well-seasoned, tender meat. Carnitas tacos come highly praised for their delicious flavor and satisfy alongside steak and pastor options.

Steak tacos and carne asada dinners stand out for their perfect flavor and texture. Menudo, quesabirrias, and steak burritos offer a variety of delicious options for dinner.

People are saying

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

"The meat in these dinner spots is so flavorful and seasoned well."

"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.

07
Los Asadores Mexican Grill image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint Mexican restaurant with a retro vibe and salsa music playing. Atmosphere is loud and busy, fitting for quick meals but less so for quiet occasions. Space feels cozy and clean, with a local mom-and-pop charm.

Carnitas stand out with rich flavor and a tender texture. They often come as part of a taco dinner alongside carne asada and al pastor.

Thursday features a chicken enchilada dinner special that draws attention. Dinner options include authentic Mexican dishes served in a casual setting.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious birria tacos; they were the best I've had."

"The steak tacos and quesabirria tacos are some of the best I've ever had."

"I thought the carnitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers certain tacos at a discounted price.

2

Discounted meals are available on specific days.

3

You line up at the cash register to place your order.

08
TACOS EL JEFE image 1
Restaurant

Cozy restaurant with a comfortable seating area and clean, organized decor creates a welcoming atmosphere. It offers fresh ingredients and a great selection of salsas, with flavorful tacos and carnitas standing out. Large parking lot and weekend specials add convenience and variety.

Well seasoned carnitas stand out with a balanced flavor, avoiding excess salt. They offer a delicious and satisfying option alongside tacos de asada.

Dinner arrives quickly, with the Torta Dinner served in under 3 minutes. The bread for the Torta is extra fresh and fluffy, and the steak taco dinner offers a good, satisfying flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas and barbacoa, is so good."

"I found the tacos here to be tasty and full of flavor."

"I thought the carnitas here were really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a huge parking lot, so parking is easy.

2

TACOS EL JEFE offers weekend and weekday specials.

3

Takeout orders do not include cilantro, onions, or limes.

09
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.

Freshly cooked carnitas fill the air with a rich aroma. Tacos with good quality meat like cabeza and chicharrone come out consistently excellent, paired with fantastic service.

Taco dinners feature carnitas and steak options that taste fresh and fulfilling. Guacamole with chips adds a delicious touch to the meal.

People are saying

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

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

"The carnitas dinner here is amazing, especially the handmade tortillas."

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.

10
Tiffany's On Broadway image 1

Small space offers a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with comfortable decor and a unique, chill vibe. Loud club music and cartoons play, creating a lively yet casual setting. BYOB policy with a nearby liquor store adds to the relaxed, local feel.

Carnitas egg Benedict offers a filling start. The carnitas sandwich special comes with crispy shoestring fries. Carnitas sliders pair well with a refreshing watermelon aguita.

Dinner features a carne y papas dish that pairs well with clean, great tasting water. Food quality stays consistent across meals, making dinner a solid choice.

People are saying

"The Steak And Eggs here are delicious and perfectly cooked."

"The Triple B Burger is juicy and cooked to a perfect pink."

"The Carnitas egg Benedict was extremely good and filling."

Good to know

1

Tiffany's On Broadway is BYOB, and there is a liquor store next door.

2

Expect longer wait times if the kitchen is busy due to limited staff.

3

The food comes out as it is ready, not all at once.

11
Taqueria Moran image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, bustling Mexican restaurant with a warm, lively atmosphere that feels like a welcoming home. Outdoor seating and a bar without a bartender add to the casual, energetic vibe. $5 margaritas and authentic, highly praised tacos draw a steady crowd despite limited space.

Carnitas come out with a crispy outside and tender inside, offering a great balance of flavor and texture. They appear in tacos and burritos, often paired with beans and rice, and stand out as a succulent pure white pork option.

Green salsa and red salsa enchiladas stand out as flavorful dinner options. The spot offers great Mexican food with an epic late-night vibe for dinner.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and bursting with flavor."

"I found the carnitas to be fire, crispy outside yet tender."

"These dinner spots have the best steak quesadillas."

Good to know

1

On Taco Tuesday, select tacos are $2.50 each until 10 pm.

2

Enjoy $5 margaritas on Taco Tuesdays and other select nights.

3

The restaurant has limited seating, so arrive early to avoid long waits.

12
Taquería Primo Chuki's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mom-and-pop style Mexican cafe with authentic family-oriented vibe and cozy neighborhood atmosphere. Bachata music plays softly, creating a chill and peaceful setting despite occasional lively noises. Known for exceptional margaritas and some of the best tacos and tostadas in the area.

Juicy and well seasoned, the carnitas stand out with a rich flavor. The $2 carnitas tacos on Tuesdays offer a tasty deal, often paired with fresh guacamole.

Dinner includes generous portions with three tacos per order. Specials offer a good deal, featuring items like the Torta Milanesa de Res taco dinner.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is packed with flavorful, tender meat."

"I found the carnitas to be juicy and well seasoned."

"You get so much meat in these dinner spot tacos, it's filling!"

Good to know

1

Taco specials are available for $2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

The restaurant is BYOB, so bring your favorite drinks.

3

Tacos are priced at $1.99 each during the taco special days.

13
Taqueria Express - Mr. Gyros image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small fast food spot with spotless cleanliness and rigid metal stools creates a simple, efficient atmosphere. Energy feels watchful during meals, with a focus on perfected takeout experience. Known for authentic, flavorful tacos and freshly made tzatziki sauce that stand out in the area.

Carnitas tacos come out flavorful and well-cooked. They stand out alongside other options like chorizo and pastor in the taco lineup.

Taco dinners come with rice and beans and cost about $15.79 each. Large horchata drinks are available for nearly $5, making it a solid spot for a quick, filling dinner.

People are saying

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

"The taco dinners here are filling and a great deal."

"The carnitas here are fire."

Good to know

1

They offer a 2-for-1 special on gyros.

2

The taco dinners are priced at $15.79 each.

3

A large horchata costs nearly $5.

14
Cantina on Madison, Casual Mexican Restaurant & Bar, Voted #1 Tacos image 1

Mexican restaurant with quaint decor and beautiful murals creates a cozy, laid-back vibe. Indoor and outdoor seating offer a chill atmosphere suitable for relaxing after a busy day. The place stays quiet and welcoming, making it easy to enjoy the surroundings.

Carnitas come out moist and flavorful, not dry like at some places. They hold their own alongside other meats like barbacoa and cochinita pibil.

Main dinner menu offers top notch dishes with a solid variety. Atmosphere suits a casual downtown dinner setting.

People are saying

"I thought the food was amazing and delicious."

"I found the tacos to be the only good thing about these dinner spots."

"The carnitas here is so flavorful and not dry at all."

Good to know

1

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

2

Taco Tuesday features select tacos for $2 each.

3

Live DJ on Saturday evenings creates a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

15
Edgewater Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Walk-up window with limited sidewalk seating defines the setup, creating a laid-back, welcoming vibe despite nearby busy traffic noise. The place draws people seeking authentic Mexican tacos and phenomenal al pastor flavors. Outdoor dining feels casual but constrained by proximity to the road.

Tacos feature juicy, tender carnitas with solid seasoning. Some carnitas have a slightly burnt taste, but grilled jalapeños add a nice kick.

Taco dinners cost around $17 to $22 and include options like al pastor tacos. Meals often come with tacos, tostadas, and burritos for dinner or lunch.

People are saying

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

"I loved the food at this dinner spot; it was amazing."

"The carnitas here are so juicy and tender."

Good to know

1

Edgewater Tacos is a walk-up only option with no dine-in seating.

2

Prices for tacos can be high, with two tacos costing around $43.

3

Parking is difficult; consider using nearby Walgreens but be cautious of towing.

16
EL Taco Express image 1
Restaurant

Dark and simple space with limited seating and no heat near the order area. Tacos stand out for their seasoned steak and a unique hint of cinnamon in birria, drawing a crowd seeking authentic Mexican flavors. Quick service and affordable prices define the experience despite the modest setting.

Roasted pork stands out in the carnitas taco special. The carnitas taco pairs well with other options like the steak taco dinner.

Dinner options include birria and steak tacos with sides like rice, beans, or fries. Prices range from about $9.99 to $13.99 for a full taco dinner with a soda.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos, was fresh and tasty."

"The dinner spots here are so affordable, I paid $9.99 for a three-taco dinner."

"I ordered the carnitas taco special."

Good to know

1

The price of the birria dinner is $13.99 for three tacos, rice, beans, and a soda.

2

Expect high prices for tacos compared to other local options.

3

The restaurant maintains a clean environment for dining.

17
Su Casa Mexican Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Colorful decor and a mural telling cultural stories create an authentic Mexican atmosphere with a cozy yet open layout. Outdoor seating is abundant, and a bar with televisions adds a lively touch. Complimentary group photos and occasional live Mariachi music contribute to a festive vibe.

Carnitas here melt in your mouth with a rich, tender texture. Both tacos and plates deliver very delicious flavors that consistently satisfy.

Dinner here features tasty dishes served even during late hours. The meal starts out great and maintains good flavor throughout.

People are saying

"This Mexican food is so delicious and authentic."

"The tacos and enchiladas here are so delicious."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were awesome and melted in my mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6pm, valid only at the counter.

2

Couples special available on Valentine's Day.

3

A parking garage is on the same block, with SpotHero reservations.

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