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Carnitas lunch spots in San Antonio

A midday escape is better when it involves a generous serving of carnitas.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Reese Bros Barbecue image 1
Reese Bros Barbecue image 2
Reese Bros Barbecue image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Outdoor barbecue spot offers covered seating with a backyard patio vibe and friendly service. The atmosphere is clean and inviting, featuring TVs and a small bar with affordable Lone Star beers and flavorful margaritas. Conversations and music create a relaxed, social energy throughout the space.

Pulled pork-style carnitas come with added sauce that enhances flavor. The carnitas tostada and Costras taco stand out as highlights.

People are saying

"This American food is some of the best barbecue I've ever had."

"I thought the barbecue lunch spot was some of the best I've ever had."

"The carnitas here are so tender and delicious."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to avoid long lines; they often sell out by early afternoon.

2

Parking is available in a large dirt lot behind the restaurant.

3

All drinks are ordered at the bar, which can lead to long wait times.

02
Carnitas Don Raúl image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with industrial design and packed tables creates a lively, inviting atmosphere. Guests enjoy a self-serve salsa bar and cold aluminum cups for well-crafted Palomas and mezcaladas. The vibe stays laid-back with friendly staff and a focus on best carnitas in town.

Tender, flavorful meat stands out in the carnitas here. The preparation delivers a consistently rich, authentic taste that many find unmatched in the area.

Lunch draws a steady crowd with a busy atmosphere and a line that moves quickly. Early visits find the spot quiet, offering a chance to enjoy the meal in peace before the rush.

People are saying

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

"These carnitas tacos are juicy, flavorful, and tender."

"I'd fly back to San Antonio just for this lunch spot."

Good to know

1

Carnitas Don Raúl closes at 5 PM.

2

Expect long lines on weekends; arrive early to avoid waiting.

3

The restaurant now has a dining area with air conditioning.

03
Mezquite image 1
Restaurant

High ceilings and natural light create an open, inviting space filled with live plants and elegant furnishings. Mariachi music adds authentic energy, while seating ranges from formal dining to casual bar areas with QR code ordering. The atmosphere feels upscale yet relaxed, encouraging unhurried meals and socializing.

Caramelos de Carnitas come on a flaky wheat tortilla seasoned like their Abuela taught them. These carnitas stand out as the star dish here.

Lunch features barbacoa tacos that stand out for their flavor. The spot suits both casual family meals and charming date lunches.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and creative."

"The chips and guacamole at this Lunch Spot are the best I've ever had."

"The carnitas tacos were all I needed."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available, but specific times were not mentioned.

2

Mariachi night occurs regularly, enhancing the dining experience.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially during events.

04
El Maizal Tortillería image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space fills with loud music and a family-friendly vibe. Fresh tortillas made in-house create a homely aroma. The atmosphere feels genuine and vibrant, drawing people who appreciate authentic Mexican flavors.

Carnitas stand out as a favorite with a delicious flavor that pairs well with both flour and yellow corn tortillas. Tacos featuring carnitas consistently deliver a tasty and satisfying experience.

Lunch includes a special with pork, rice, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and two tortillas. It comes with a large sweet tea and costs around $10 after tax. Options exist for both breakfast and lunch.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has the most delicious yellow corn tortillas."

"I found the carnitas here to be delicious."

"This lunch spot has fantastic, authentic Mexican food at an amazing price."

Good to know

1

Expect to wait for a table during peak hours, especially on weekends.

2

The restaurant offers a drive-thru service for quick orders.

3

Tortillas are made fresh in-house daily.

05
La Siberia De Monterrey Mexican Bar & Grill image 1

Mexican restaurant with clean, modern decor and a family business vibe offers a friendly atmosphere that ranges from quiet to lively near the bar. The menu features delicious, authentic dishes and a variety of distinctive margaritas and micheladas at reasonable prices.

Tostadas Siberia with carnitas stand out for their rich flavor and are often recommended. Carnitas tacos and picadillo tacos offer solid taste, though the carnitas tostada can be a bit light on meat for the price.

Lunch offers a reliable spot with consistent meals that make workdays better. Sharing lunch here with family adds a comfortable, familiar vibe.

People are saying

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

"You have to try the carnitas tacos, they're really good."

"The Lunch Spot's chips, salsa, and beans were exceptional."

Good to know

1

Mariachi music is played every Friday starting at 7:00 pm.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers on weekdays.

3

Parking is ample and easily accessible from Interstate 37.

06
Señor Burro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decorations and San Diego-themed decor creates a warm and inviting ambiance. The vibe stays chill with up-to-date reggaeton music and a clean, relatively new interior. Frequent guests enjoy authentic flavors like fish tacos and carne asada street tacos that reflect West Coast influences.

Juicy and tender carnitas tacos deliver authentic San Diego flavor. The carnitas burrito and shredded beef tacos match traditional tastes closely.

Quick service makes it a solid choice for lunch. The menu features asada fries and fish tacos that offer good value and satisfy cravings.

People are saying

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

"The carnitas tacos here are juicy and tender."

"The fish tacos here are crispy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

On Tuesdays, street tacos cost $2 at Señor Burro.

2

Taco Tuesday specials feature mini tacos for $2 each.

3

Taco Tuesdays can get busy, so plan to arrive early.

07
Stuffed image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food restaurant with early 90s graffiti art and comic book design creates a laid-back, welcoming atmosphere. Music features live DJ sets and tunes that enhance the Cali vibe. Large patio offers open indoor and outdoor seating for a relaxed dining experience.

Carnitas burrito appears in several dishes, including a Cali loaded fries version and a classic burrito. Flavor varies slightly, with some versions being amazing and others just enjoyable.

Lunch here suits group outings and work gatherings well. The spot draws attention from passersby looking for a solid midday meal and offers a reliable casual dining experience.

People are saying

"The burrito here is huge and full of flavor."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are enormous and delicious."

"The carnitas burrito was enjoyable, if a little lacking in flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 3pm to 6pm with discounted drinks.

2

The restaurant offers authentic California burritos made by owners from California.

3

Expect generous portions; sharing a burrito is common.

08
La Panadería Bakery Café image 1

Modern bakery café with open flooring reveals pastry-making process and offers indoor seating plus a small patio. Atmosphere feels cozy and welcoming, with a kids' playroom enhancing family friendliness. Space is compact, leading to close tables and occasional crowding on weekends.

Carnitas appear in several dishes like the torta and carnitas cakes, both noted for their flavor. The carnitas sandwich also stands out as very tasty.

Lunch features a great variety of sandwiches with fresh breads and pastries. The ham sandwich stands out as wonderful, and service is attentive during meals.

People are saying

"These pastries are fresh, flavorful, and clearly made with care."

"The food at this lunch spot is delicious and amazing."

"The carnitas torta was very good and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, and street parking may be necessary.

2

On Sunday, 10/13/2024, their full menu will be available.

3

Expect some menu items to be unavailable during busy hours.

09
Esmeralda's Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers authentic decor and a quiet, neighborly vibe with outdoor seating on a colorful, covered patio. The atmosphere feels laid back and cozy, like eating at a friend's house. A drive-thru window adds convenience to the experience.

Carnitas come out flavorful and satisfying, cooked the right way. The plate includes charro beans, gorditas, and quesadillas, making for a hearty meal.

Lunch offers great specials under $10 including tea. Dishes like the Puffy Taco and carnitas plate with charro beans and gorditas stand out. This spot serves solid, affordable Mexican lunch plates.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is seriously delicious and flavorful."

"This lunch spot's Mexican food is awesome and authentic."

"The carnitas here are flavorful and satisfying."

Good to know

1

There is a 4% surcharge for using credit cards.

2

Expect to pay 50 cents for a to-go drink or food box.

3

Lunch specials include tea for under $10.

10
Nicha's Comida Mexicana - Southside image 1

Mexican restaurant with beautiful decor and a small, cozy space that reflects Mexican culture. Atmosphere is inviting and chill with wonderful music at a comfortable volume. Known for excellent margaritas and authentic dishes like enchiladas and fajitas.

Tacos come loaded with a ridiculously absurd amount of pork that stays tender and moist. The carnitas bowl stands out as a go-to dish with consistently good flavor.

Great lunch specials stand out here, offering solid value for groups and individuals alike. The menu keeps consistent quality across all meals, making it a reliable spot for midday dining.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and came out fast."

"This lunch spot's enchiladas in special sauce were always very good."

"The carnitas were so tender, moist, and tasty."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a reverse happy hour from 9 pm to close.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 6 pm on Fridays with discounted appetizers.

3

Parking at Nicha's is limited, especially during peak times.

11
Sanchos Cantina & Cocina image 1

Outdoor seating dominates with a rooftop bar and patio offering a kick-back atmosphere. Live music plays most days, featuring free jazz and local bands that create a relaxed vibe. Food and drinks focus on Tex-Mex tacos and margaritas, praised for quality and flavor.

Carnitas tacos use shredded pork shoulder instead of traditional carnitas. The carnitas nachos and tacos stand out as popular choices that really hit the spot.

Lunch offers a Buy One Get One Free deal with an email shown on a phone. The carnitas taco features on the lunch menu, which may need clarification for first-timers. The overall vibe during lunch is great.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is savory perfection, especially the tacos."

"The carnitas tacos here are to die for."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they are to die for."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with $4 frozen margaritas and $10 frozen flights.

2

Karaoke night is on Thursdays with a two-drink minimum.

3

Live jazz performances occur every Monday night featuring local musicians.

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