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New Yorkers 1st Choice
San Antonio's best

Carnitas and salsa

You need carnitas that are tender enough to hold their own against a truly spicy salsa.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Tacopolis SA image 1
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Taco restaurant

Taco restaurant offers simple, clean decor with a cozy, welcoming vibe that blends traditional taquería style and fresh, colorful touches. The atmosphere stays low key and authentic, attracting those seeking generous portions of flavorful, well-crafted tacos. Pricing remains reasonable, making it a solid choice for filling, quality Mexican food.

Super tender and flavorful carnitas stand out alongside birria and chorizo, all showing the kitchen's skill. The carnitas taco rates a solid 10 out of 10 for taste.

Creamy green salsa stands out with its rich texture. Salsa macha appears on every table, adding a spicy kick. Garnished salsas complement tacos well, especially with carnitas.

People are saying

"These tortillas are the softest, perfect for wrapping up flavorful fillings."

"These tacos are simple, high-quality, and delicious."

"The carnitas here are so tender and full of rich flavor."

Good to know

1

Breakfast tacos are served until noon.

2

Tacos cost $4 each, offering good value for quality.

3

Parking is available behind the restaurant.

02
Carnitas El Guero image 1
Taco restaurant

Small taco spot specializes in Michoacan-style carnitas with juicy, tender pork and balanced salsas. The atmosphere feels cozy and family-owned, drawing early crowds until menu items run out quickly.

Meats come out tender and well-balanced, cooked in the style of Michoacan, Mexico. Options include carnitas with or without skin and chicharrones, often paired with pineapple or cucumber aguas frescas.

Salsas come with just the right amount of spice and often include an extra serving upon request. They have an amazing flavor that stands out.

People are saying

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

"I found the food to be amazing."

"The carnitas here are delicious and perfectly juicy."

Good to know

1

Expect limited menu options if arriving late in the morning.

2

Direct orders are not accepted; only in-person purchases are available.

3

The bathroom is located inside a convenience store and may be run down.

03
Victoria Tortilla & Tamales Factory image 1

Spacious takeout spot with a few tables and a small parking lot, often crowded with a fast-moving line. Atmosphere is busy and efficient, with a dedicated pickup line that eases wait times. Known for affordable prices, exceptional tamales and barbacoa, and a clean, well-organized environment.

Carnitas here stand out for their very good quality and yummy flavor. They rank among the best in the city, often enjoyed alongside tortillas and barbacoa.

Salsas here come in green and a unique one that looks like guacamole. They are consistently just right in flavor and often come in generous portions with orders.

People are saying

"These tamales taste homemade and are delicious."

"The salsa here is delicious and well-seasoned."

"I found the carnitas to be the best in the city."

Good to know

1

The place is a stop-and-go spot without a seating area to dine in.

2

The price of $11.50 a dozen is very affordable.

3

Pickup is easy with a dedicated line and no wait.

04
Reese Bros Barbecue image 1
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.

Salsa here ranges from a mild orange salsa to a spicy green salsa that packs heat. The special salsa doña complements meats like pork carnitas and chopped brisket, adding a flavorful kick without overpowering.

People are saying

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

"The brisket here is pull-apart tender and super flavorful."

"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.

05
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.

A salsa bar stays neat and well stocked throughout service. The salsa Verde pairs well with rich carnitas. Both salsa and guacamole taste fresh and flavorful.

People are saying

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

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

"The carnitas here are tender and packed with delicious pork."

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.

06
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.

Chips come with two kinds of salsa and refried beans as complimentary starters. Options include a spicy salsa and a tasty salsa ranchera served with some dishes.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are delicious, especially the spicy red one."

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

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.

07
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.

Salsa features authentic San Diego flavors with both red and green options. Chips have a homemade feel and pair well with the small salsa bar near the drinks.

People are saying

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

"I found the California burritos here amazing."

"The carnitas tacos here are juicy and tender."

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.

08
Los Balito's Taco Shop - Ingram image 1

Small, cozy Mexican restaurant with a 24-hour schedule and a salsa bar offering spicy options. Quiet atmosphere with occasional music and TVs, attracting late-night diners seeking authentic Baja California-style tacos and burritos. Known for large portions and budget-friendly prices.

Carnitas come in large portions, often enough to fill a burrito or two tacos. Options include carnitas in a torta or taco de maíz, both served with delicious salsas.

A salsa bar offers a good selection with chips to start. The red salsa is spicier than the green, enhancing the well-seasoned meats and soft tortillas.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is packed with bold, authentic flavor."

"I loved the delicious salsas and the good selection."

"I found the carnitas burrito to be excellent and very large."

Good to know

1

Los Balito's Taco Shop - Ingram is open 24 hours.

2

The menudo is only served on Saturdays and Sundays according to signage.

3

They did not offer any military discounts.

09
El Frijolito Mexican Restaurant image 1

Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, home-like atmosphere with bright, happy energy and background Tejano music that invites dancing. The space feels welcoming and clean, resembling a Mexican grandma's home. Guests enjoy authentic, handmade tortillas and well-seasoned dishes in generous portions.

Carnitas have authentic flavors that stand out alongside dishes like menudo and mole. The carnitas plate is a solid choice with rich, traditional taste.

Salsas come in three kinds with good flavor and pair well with fresh corn and flour tortillas. Chips served alongside are enjoyable and complement the salsas nicely.

People are saying

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

"I found their salsa to be exceptionally good."

"I really liked the cheeseburger and the carnitas."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers daily specials for under $10, including tea.

2

Expect minimal wait times during weekdays.

3

Portions are large, making it a good value for families.

10
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.

Fresh burritos pair well with green salsa. The tomatillo salsa adds a refreshing flavor to the meal.

People are saying

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

"The burritos here are enormous and packed with flavor."

"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.

11
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.

Salsa comes in plastic dispenser bottles and includes a red chipotle and a spicy salsa verde. It pairs well with great chips and complements dishes like the Chuleta Asada with salsa de queso.

People are saying

"The food here is flavorful and creative."

"I loved the variety of salsas, especially the orange and green ones."

"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.

12
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.

Free chips and salsa arrive before the meal. Chips are light and pair well with amazing salsa.

People are saying

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

"The refried beans here are delicious and have so much flavor."

"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.

13
Tacos Y Burritos Metro image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican taqueria with lively energy and close seating creates a bustling, no-frills environment. Known for authentic tacos and pozole, it draws those seeking reasonably priced fast food with bold flavors. Cleanliness stands out despite minimal decor and tight space.

Super good pork stands out in the carnitas dishes. The Carnitas Burrito draws people from far away, and the carnitas sope is very filling.

Green salsa stands out as a highlight. Mini street tacos come with very tasty salsas. To-go orders always include salsa and napkins.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food; the pozole's flavor was amazing."

"I loved the burritos loaded with well-seasoned meat."

"The carnitas here were super good."

Good to know

1

Tuesdays are the torta special at Tacos Y Burritos Metro.

2

The prices at Tacos Y Burritos Metro are very reasonable.

3

The restaurant is small, so visit during off-peak hours for a table.

14
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.

Free chips come with handmade salsa that stands out as a highlight. The salsa pairs well with fresh tortillas and complements dishes like carnitas and quesadillas.

People are saying

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

"I loved their handmade salsa."

"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.

15
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.

Salsas come with a nice little kick and stay on point in flavor. Side salsas pair well with Beto chips, queso, chorizo, guacamole, and beans.

People are saying

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

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

"The margaritas here are surprisingly refreshing and strong."

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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