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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Houston

Carnitas barbecue

Smoky, wood-fired barbecue flavors find a natural partner in savory, braised carnitas.

Based on 530 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Chi'Lantro image 1
Chi'Lantro image 2
Chi'Lantro image 3
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Korean restaurant

Modern, clean restaurant with an open, airy, and inviting atmosphere. Lighting can feel overwhelming later in the evening, but booths offer comfortable seating for long conversations. Offers Korean fried chicken, kimchi fries, and a variety of vegan-friendly options with a friendly, welcoming vibe.

The carnitas bowl features pork as the main protein and stands out as a favorite choice. It pairs well with other bowls like chicken and steak in combo orders.

Korean BBQ beef features prominently with options like spicy chicken and grilled kimchi. Dishes include bibimbap bowls loaded with veggies and Kimchi fries alongside wings and kpop chicken.

People are saying

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

"The Korean BBQ beef here is a must-try."

"I found the carnitas bowl to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Chi'Lantro offers vegan-friendly and vegetarian options.

2

The price was reasonable for the portion sizes and freshness.

3

The kids meals cost over $32 for three, with no beverages included.

02
El Maizito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant in a small shopping center offers hot, thin tortillas and fresh, delicious fajita marinada tacos. Atmosphere stays cool and calm with moderate energy, growing busy on weekends. Portions are generous and prices remain reasonable despite some quality concerns.

Carnitas come out tender and delicious, served with fresh made corn tortillas. They stand alongside barbacoa, tripas, and menudo as solid meat choices for tacos.

Barbecue tongue stands out as a delicious option. The barbecue and carnitas come out very tasty and well-prepared.

People are saying

"The BBQ here is really tasty and the tongue was delicious."

"The tortillas here are always warm and tasty."

"I found the barbecue here to be very tasty."

Good to know

1

Tacos cost $4.00 each, making them an affordable option.

2

Expect busy weekends, so plan for potential wait times.

3

The restaurant offers takeout options throughout the week.

03
Tortillería El Comal image 1
Mexican restaurant

Takeout spot known for freshly made tortillas and authentic barbacoa, carnitas, and chicharrones. Lines often stretch out the door, reflecting steady demand and a lively atmosphere. Offers small gorditas and pork rinds with a focus on quality over variety.

Tender carnitas stand out with rich flavor and a satisfying texture. The chicharrones complement the dish with a crispy, savory bite.

Barbecue here has excellent flavor and quality that stands out. It compares well to barbecue from Monterrey, NL, and pairs with crispy pork rinds.

People are saying

"The barbacoa and carnitas here are the best Mexican food I've ever tasted."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I had ever tasted."

"I thought the flavor of the barbecue was excellent."

Good to know

1

This place is not a restaurant; it only offers takeout.

2

The gorditas cost almost four dollars each.

3

Expect longer wait times during busy hours, especially on weekends.

04
La Reyna Tortilleria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small shop offers fresh corn and flour tortillas sold by the pound with authentic Mexican flavors. No seating is available, so orders are for takeout only. Atmosphere feels cozy and Latin American, with a focus on rotisserie chicken and barbacoa specialties.

Carnitas come fresh and tasty, pairing well with fresh-made corn tortillas. The flavor stands out alongside barbacoa, making for a satisfying meal.

Barbecue here has a tasty flavor but often leans toward being too salty. The quality varies, with some visits showing excellent barbecue while others feel over-seasoned.

People are saying

"The tortillas here are always fresh and delicious."

"I got food poisoning from the chicken I bought here."

"I thought the barbecue here was excellent."

Good to know

1

There is no seating at the location, so plan to take your order to go.

2

A ten-dollar card minimum is required for credit card payments.

3

Prices are generally affordable, with a typical order costing around $30.

05
La Reyna Tortilleria Aldine image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican tortillería with freshly made tortillas and authentic barbacoa draws a steady crowd, especially in the mornings. Busy atmosphere with unique pricing and a takeout-only setup defines the experience. Food includes well-seasoned roasted chicken and a variety of prepared dishes to go.

Freshly made carnitas come by the pound alongside deli tortillas. The carnitas have a rich, roasted flavor that pairs well with other meats like barbacoa and birria.

Barbecue features especially delicious chicken and is served alongside fresh tortillas. The flavors stand out as rich and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the food was delicious and authentic."

"I loved the carnitas and the tortillas."

"The barbecue here is delicious."

Good to know

1

There is a $10 minimum for credit card purchases.

2

Parking can be challenging due to the busy area.

3

It gets quite busy during the morning hours.

06
Chicharrones "El Güero" image 1
Mexican restaurant

Takeout-only Mexican spot with bustling energy and limited parking often has lines outside. Food centers on barbacoa, carnitas, and chicharrones, known for being crispy and flavorful. Prices include extra fees for card payments, encouraging cash use.

Carnitas planchadas stand out with authentic, rich flavor and tender texture. The menu also features chicharrones and barbacoa that deliver savory, satisfying tastes.

Beef barbecue, pork rinds, tripe, and sweetbreads stand out as excellent choices. Menudo and lip barbecue also deliver strong flavors. Regular visits focus on these items for their consistent quality.

People are saying

"The flour tortillas are so good and authentic."

"I thought the carnitas here were the best I've ever eaten."

"The barbecue here is super delicious and crispy."

Good to know

1

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

2

Be prepared to wait a little if it's busy.

3

The parking available is limited, so plan accordingly.

07
Gerardo's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old warehouse-style space with 1960s taqueria design and authentic Barbacoa draws weekend crowds despite high prices and limited hours. Atmosphere feels rustic and unpolished, reflecting traditional Mexican meat market roots. Food orders come by taco or pound, emphasizing shared, casual dining.

Authentic carnitas come alongside barbacoa and lengua, showing solid traditional flavors. Quality varies, with some servings noted as excellent and others less so.

Barbecue here has a Northern Mexico flavor and comes with excellent chicharrón. It tends to be greasy and sometimes served cold due to microwave issues.

People are saying

"I found the best barbacoa in town here."

"I found the barbecue here to be excellent."

"I found the carnitas here to be very good."

Good to know

1

Gerardo's is open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

2

Expect a weekend crowd, including families and churchgoers.

3

You can order tacos by the piece or by the pound.

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