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Best of Indianapolis

Authentic carnitas

The smell of slow-cooked carnitas is the only thing that satisfies a craving for something truly authentic.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Macizo Restaurant image 1
Macizo Restaurant image 2
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Cozy, minimalist space offers a homey, warm atmosphere with friendly, personable energy from owners. Casual, lived-in vibe contrasts with more upscale local spots. Bright, fruity cocktails and sangria complement exceptional Mexican dishes like tiradito and chorizo tacos.

Menu features authentic Mexican and Peruvian flavors that taste genuine and homemade. Dishes bring traditional South American tastes to life with a strong sense of culinary authenticity.

Carnitas come in generous portions, enough for a full lunch. The torta de carnitas stands out as a highly recommended option, alongside tacos and tamales featuring the same meat.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and some of the best."

"I experienced authentic Mexican and Peruvian flavors here."

"The carnitas here are delicious, especially in a torta."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for larger groups to ensure seating.

2

The restaurant offers a unique blend of Mexican and Peruvian cuisine.

3

Tamales are made in-house, showcasing a commitment to quality.

02
Bugambilias Mexican Cuisine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room offers a cozy, family-friendly atmosphere with colorful, festive decor and authentic character. Background features quiet Spanish music and TVs showing sports, creating a warm, welcoming vibe. Tables sit close, encouraging a lively but comfortable energy.

Flavors here are incredibly authentic with a focus on traditional Birria and other Mexican dishes. Portions come at a reasonable price while maintaining genuine taste.

Carnitas tacos stand out with authentic flavor and tender meat. The Pipian Verde with carnitas pairs well with eggs for a hearty breakfast option.

People are saying

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

"The food here is authentic, delicious, and full of flavor."

"I highly recommend the carnitas tacos."

Good to know

1

Bugambilias is closed on Tuesdays.

2

There was hardly any parking at Bugambilias.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

03
Mota Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, quaint taco joint with a clean, classic interior and limited seating. Atmosphere feels like a friendly, authentic Mexican spot with lively music and a casual vibe. Space is tight and can get warm without air conditioning, adding to the intimate, hole-in-the-wall feel.

Tacos feature authentic Mexican seasoning and family recipes. The food reflects Baja style Mexican flavors with rich, genuine taste.

Perfectly cooked carnitas stand out with a tender, flavorful profile. Carnitas tacos deliver a delicious and satisfying taste that complements other meats like asada and barbacoa.

People are saying

"I thought Mota Tacos served the best tacos I had ever eaten."

"The food here is delicious and truly authentic."

"The carnitas here are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has limited seating, so takeout is recommended.

2

Tacos are priced affordably, making it a budget-friendly option.

3

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

04
Taqueria Rosales image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with warm, inviting atmosphere and impeccably clean dining area featuring booths and table combos. Decor includes plants covering walls and festive touches like avocado balloons, creating a chill vibe. Offers authentic dishes and tasty margaritas in a setting suitable for dates or fun outings.

Tacos deliver authentic Mexican flavor with a 10/10 rating. The menu features different and authentic dishes that taste phenomenal and true to Mexican cuisine.

Carnitas show up in tacos and enchiladas with rich flavor and a tender texture. The enchiladas topped with carnitas stand out as a recommended dish.

People are saying

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

"The steak quesadilla at this Date Spot was ridiculously good."

"The carnitas tacos had generous portions of meat."

Good to know

1

The menu offers a variety of authentic Mexican dishes.

2

Daily specials are available, providing unique options each day.

3

The restaurant is known for its large portion sizes.

05
Carnitas Y Taqueria La Frontera image 1

Small, airy Mexican restaurant with an authentic atmosphere that feels like stepping into a shop in Mexico. The vibe is welcoming and relaxed, with a bit of noise that adds to the lively energy. Known for best tacos and fantastic micheladas, it draws a steady crowd despite limited seating.

Authentic Mexican tacos come well-seasoned with flavors that are not Americanized. The spot has a hole-in-the-wall vibe that delivers genuine Latin food and an authentic Mexican atmosphere.

Carnitas here have a homestyle flavor that reminds many of childhood meals in Mexico. The tacos offer a variety of cuts and deliver a rich, authentic taste that draws people from far away.

People are saying

"The food here is so flavorful, like being back in Mexico."

"These carnitas are so delicious, I recommended them to everyone."

"I found the Mexican food to be genuinely traditional and not Americanized."

Good to know

1

Parking is very limited, so consider arriving early or using public transport.

2

They charge an extra fee for credit card payments, so bring cash for discounts.

3

The tamales sell out quickly, so arrive early if you want to try them.

06
Taqueria El Barrigon image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with modern chic vibe and vivid art style featuring a big pineapple decoration. Atmosphere feels authentic and lively with blues music playing. Known for exceptional tacos like al pastor and carnitas, complemented by special salsas.

Tacos come filled to the brim with authentic Mexico City-style recipes. The food delivers delicious and authentic flavors true to Mexico City.

Slow marinated pork on a roast spit creates authentic carnitas with rich flavor. Weekend visits highlight carnitas tacos as a standout choice.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were out of this world, especially the pastor."

"I found the tacos here to be authentic Mexico City-style."

"I thought the carnitas tacos here were some of the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a variety of homemade salsas.

2

The portions are generous, ensuring good value for money.

3

Expect a clean and welcoming environment.

07
La Catrina Mรฉxican Tacos image 1

Cozy taco restaurant with a clean, well-branded interior and a mix of comfortable booths and tables. Warm, welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff and pleasant music. Known for authentic Mexican flavors, especially fresh, flavorful tacos and homemade salsas.

Authentic Mexican food shines through with dishes like burritos and quesabirria made to order. The flavors stay true to tradition, offering a fresh and genuine taste experience.

Carnitas come out flavorful, perfectly fatty, and tender. They stand out among other meats like asada and chorizo.

People are saying

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

"You'll find the most authentic Mexican food here."

"I found legit Mexican street taco flavor with these carnitas."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable for the quality offered.

2

They offer a selection of fresh aguas frescas and tamales.

3

For $11, you can add three steak tacos with rice and beans for an extra $4.

08
El Gigante Taqueria y Tamaleria image 1

Mexican restaurant offers authentic flavors with delicious tamales and well-cooked meats like carne asada and carnitas. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming, with a positive energy and friendly staff. Limited tamale selection encourages early arrival or advance calls.

Mexican food here stays true to traditional flavors with authentic recipes and classic ingredients. The dishes deliver a genuine taste that reflects real Mexican cuisine.

Carnitas come out on point with a solid balance of flavor. The chicharrones also stand out as really good.

People are saying

"I found the tamales here to be delicious."

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

"I found the carnitas here to be on point."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for a wider selection of tamales.

2

Only a limited number of tamales are made each day.

3

Expect to pay a small fee for water cups.

09
Cessar Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright, cheerful space with puesto callejero vibes and a hole-in-the-wall feel. Grill is visible during meals, adding to the authentic atmosphere. Known for affordable, meat-heavy tacos with a focus on birria and carne asada specialties.

Simple menu and decor set the stage for authentic Mexican cuisine. Tacos stand out as excellent and genuine, served by friendly people who add to the authentic feel.

Carnitas stands out as a favorite meat option, often paired with barbacoa and el pastor. Some tacos have a strong mix of cilantro and onions, sometimes overshadowing the meat portion.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be amazing and filling."

"I found the authentic tacos here to be the best I ever had."

"I liked the carnitas and barbacoa the best."

Good to know

1

The tacos are affordable, with prices around $4.91 for one birria taco.

2

You can get beans and rice on tacos and burritos.

3

Morning coffee and breakfast options are available.

10
Carniceria Guanajuato image 1

Supermarket combines spacious layout with authentic Latin American products including a fresh meat counter and bakery. Atmosphere is lively and busy, featuring live guitar music that adds to the energy. Restaurant area offers simple, inviting decor focused on food quality.

Tortillas are 100% authentic and the Mexican food tastes homemade, similar to traditional cooking. The flavors and surroundings create a very authentic Mexican experience.

Carnitas come tender and not dried out, served in portions that can make about eight tacos. They pair well with homemade tortillas, rice, beans, pico, and guacamole, offering a fabulous dinner option.

People are saying

"I found the grocery store had a great variety of authentic Mexican items."

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

"The carnitas were tender and not dried out."

Good to know

1

A minimum purchase of $25 is required for buying El Milagro white tortillas.

2

The butcher shop is well-stocked with beef, chicken, and seafood.

3

Money transfer services are available at the location.

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