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Tamales and carnitas

A plate of carnitas that honors the tradition of the tamale shop without feeling like a tourist stop.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
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Breakfast restaurant

Bright, upbeat space with spacious patio and cozy indoor seating creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Soft music and patio breeze add to the vibrant atmosphere while TVs show football games. Kids enjoy goody bags that keep them busy during meals.

The tamale benedict stands out with its spicy flavor and is a popular brunch choice. It combines classic eggs Benedict elements with a tamale base for a unique twist.

Flavorful and comforting with a perfect balance of ingredients, the carnitas bowl features crispy potatoes and a beautifully cooked egg on top.

People are saying

"I had a phenomenal breakfast here; the shrimp and grits were amazing."

"The tamale eggs Benedict is one of the best brunch dishes."

"I loved the flavorful and comforting carnitas bowl."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to avoid long wait times, especially on weekends.

2

Expect wait times of over an hour during peak brunch hours.

3

Prices for breakfast items range from $10 to $20, depending on the dish.

02
Los Molina Carniceria image 1

Small space uses every inch efficiently and stays very clean with a homey vibe. Indoor dining area offers a casual spot to enjoy fresh, authentic Mexican meats and handmade tortillas. Regulars appreciate the wide selection of quality carnes and fresh produce at reasonable prices.

Tamales have a good meat to masa ratio and come in a generous size. The chicken tamale stands out for its flavor.

In-house carnitas come out juicy and tender, avoiding dryness or overcooking. They taste consistently delicious and pair well with fresh tortillas.

People are saying

"The fajitas here are tender and flavorful."

"I bought a couple dozen tamales and the fajita meat was delicious."

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

Good to know

1

Los Molina Carniceria offers a wide selection of meats, fruits, and vegetables.

2

The prices at Los Molina Carniceria are reasonable for the quality of products.

3

The store is very clean and well organized, making shopping easy.

03
ARTESANAL TORTILLERIA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with an intimate, cozy vibe feels like home. Freshly made tortillas and artisanal masa define the food experience. Complimentary chips and salsa accompany a menu served entirely in Spanish, creating an authentic atmosphere.

Strawberry tamales stand out with their unique flavor and sweetness. Traditional tamales like pollo and puerco come with rich, well-made dough that complements the fillings perfectly.

Excellent flavor stands out in the carnitas, often served in tacos alongside barbacoa and pastor. The taco plate combo includes carnitas with chips and salsa for a complete meal.

People are saying

"I found the food to be authentic and full of flavor."

"I thought their tortillas had the best quality and flavor."

"I thought the carnitas were excellent, truly delicious."

Good to know

1

Menudo and pozole are served all day.

2

The menu is entirely in Spanish, so be prepared.

3

Parking is ample and easily accessible.

04
ITACATE TAQUERIA image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with homemade corn tortillas and a mini convenience store inside offers an authentic, clean atmosphere that feels like home. The place serves fresh, traditional dishes with a strong focus on genuine flavors and quality ingredients.

Tamales come with chile con queso and chicken options. They require a 2โ€“3 day notice for preparation and pair well with green sauce and rice.

Tender carnitas melt in your mouth with every bite. The carnitas tacos stand out for their rich flavor and soft texture.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the carnitas, is so tender and delicious."

"The carnitas here are so tender, they just melt in your mouth."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant makes their own tortillas, enhancing the authenticity of the food.

2

ITACATE TAQUERIA also functions as a mini convenience store with groceries.

3

There are tables to sit at inside the restaurant for dining.

05
Tortilleria La Real #5 (La Reyna) image 1

Tiny counter service spot offers takeout only with no seating available. Atmosphere feels authentic and impressive, centered on fresh hot tortillas and fantastic barbacoa. Food stays warm on a steam table, attracting those seeking traditional Mexican flavors.

Tamales come very large and flavorful with a rich, tender, moist texture. They do not include salsa automatically, so it needs to be requested.

Fresh tortillas accompany the carnitas, which range from delicious to so-so depending on the visit. The carnitas pair well with barbacoa, making both solid choices here.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are fresh, warm, and handmade."

"I had the best barbacoa I ever tasted."

"I thought their carnitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

This place is for pick up only with no dine-in options.

2

Expect a simple menu with only a few dishes available.

3

Prices are decent, averaging around $15 for two people.

06
Goode Co. Kitchen & Cantina image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Tex-Mex restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with loud music and quirky Mexican-themed decor including wooden plates, long horns, and cowboy hats. The space feels packed and intimate, with tables close together and a busy bar area. Outdoor seating provides a breezy, vibrant patio experience.

Tamales come with a chile-based brown gravy that stands out from typical sauces. They hold their own as a menu highlight and pair well with other dishes like cheese enchiladas.

Fresh, delicious carnitas stand out with great flavor and quality. They come as a plate with fantastic corn tortillas and pair well with fajitas.

People are saying

"I loved the chicken enchiladas verdes; they were amazing."

"These carnitas are some of the best I've ever had."

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

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends due to limited seating.

2

Parking can be tricky; expect limited spots during busy hours.

3

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

07
Lupitas image 1
Restaurant

Small restaurant with a cozy, nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of a Mexican small town kitchen. Quiet and clean space with drive-through window and some seating. Known for top-notch barbacoa, tacos, and tamales with a focus on authentic flavors.

Pork and chicken tamales stand out with rich, savory flavors. They pair well with carnitas, offering a satisfying meal.

Carnitas come fresh and flavorful, paired well with homemade tortillas. Barbacoa and tamales also complement the carnitas nicely.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos and breakfast burritos, is amazing."

"I found the carnitas here very tasty."

"I loved their tamales."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a drive-through window, which is very convenient.

2

Lupitas is primarily a takeout place, but they do have tables.

3

The prices at Lupitas are reasonable for the quality of food.

08
Carniceria La Ramitos image 1
Mexican grocery store

Mexican grocery store offers authentic products and fresh meat in a clean, well-organized space. Atmosphere feels welcoming and personable, with a chill vibe that invites browsing and tasting. Shoppers find wide selection including spices, snacks, and unique items like volcanic rock molcajete.

Tamales here are fresh and flavorful, served alongside other Mexican dishes like tacos and grilled meat. They come at an affordable price and pair well with items like chicharrones and conchas.

Carnitas come in varying quality here. Some are excellent and flavorful, served discreetly, while others appear weird in color with no flavor and an unpleasant smell.

People are saying

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

"The tamales here are served with incredibly friendly and attentive service."

"I found the carnitas to be excellent."

Good to know

1

The store offers dollar tacos on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

2

Expect a great selection of authentic Mexican products.

3

The store is very clean and well-organized.

09
Taqueria Taxco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a 24/7 drive-thru and a bright, clean interior featuring comfortable seating and tasteful decorations. Atmosphere blends welcoming vibes with a casual, sometimes rushed cafeteria feel. Known for authentic, highly praised tacos and popular frozen margaritas.

Chicken tamales come alongside pork options, offering some variety. Tamales have a good size and a spicy kick, but the filling leans more toward mostly masa than meat.

Carnitas show up in tacos and a torta, with the tacos praised for being some of the best and the torta featuring toasted bread and mayonnaise that balance a drier meat. Multiple taco varieties including carnitas, trompo, and barbacoa appear in large orders, highlighting their popularity.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, hot, and full of flavor."

"I highly suggest the carnitas tacos; they were some of the best I've ever had."

"These tamales are a good size, not too small."

Good to know

1

Taqueria Taxco is open 24/7, making it convenient for late-night cravings.

2

The drive-through at Taqueria Taxco is also open 24 hours.

3

Taco Tuesday offers tacos for $1.50 each.

10
Meso Maya Comida y Copas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Upscale Mexican restaurant blends modern elegance with traditional dรฉcor in a warm, inviting space featuring a beautiful patio and courtyard. Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere where guests often gather for authentic Central and Southern Mexican flavors.

Sweet corn tamales stand out with a detectable flavor and a delicious taste. The elote tamale pairs well with pozole for a classic combo.

People are saying

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

"The tamales here are amazing, truly the best."

"The carnitas tacos here are awesome and especially good."

Good to know

1

Mimosas are $3 on weekends until 3pm.

2

Happy hour runs Monday to Friday with $5 house margaritas and $3 off select wines.

3

Parking is validated for customers, but be cautious of violations.

11
Taqueria el Chino image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant inside a gas station offers a casual, welcoming atmosphere with a clean, cozy interior and authentic Mexican dishes. The vibe is quiet and homey, with birria tacos standing out as a highlight. Despite modest business, the place maintains a warm, inviting energy.

Tamales come wrapped in banana leaf, which is uncommon. Veracruz-style tamales tend to be undercooked and turn out soggy and mushy.

Carnitas vary here, with some servings not too juicy but not dry, while others come off dry and insipid. The taco plate often pairs carnitas with birria for a mixed experience.

People are saying

"The food here tastes homemade and is so delicious."

"I was absolutely delighted with the tamales; they were amazing."

"The carnitas were great, not too juicy but not too dry."

Good to know

1

The price of tacos ranges from $2.80 to $2.95 depending on the type of tortilla.

2

For $9.99, you can get chips, pico, and cheese.

3

Prices are surprisingly fair for the portion sizes.

12
Tortilleria La Real #1 (La Reyna) image 1

Freshly made corn and flour tortillas come hot off the conveyor belt in a busy, mostly Spanish-speaking setting. Lines form steadily as people pick up rotisserie chicken, barbacoa, and homemade salsas for takeout. The place stands out for its consistent quality and minimal wait times.

Tamales feature a perfectly seasoned tender masa with flavorful fillings and a good level of spice. Sizes are nice and big, though some have a high masa-to-filling ratio and occasional dryness in the chicken.

Carnitas come cooked well but lack that extra flavor punch especially on Saturdays. Barbacoa often stands out more, making carnitas less memorable in comparison.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"These tamales were tender, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"I thought the carnitas had the best corn tortillas I had ever had."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers freshly made, home-style Mexican food for takeout.

2

The wait time is minimal, and orders come out quickly.

3

They have a special that includes rotisserie chicken, tortillas, sides, and salsa.

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