Where to Eat Carnitas in San Diego
Proper carnitas takes time and care to cook — typically made with well-marbled pork butt or sometime pork shoulder, the meat is slowly simmered with seasonings until meltingly tender and then fried in its own fat to concentrate its pork flavor and render crisp edges. Hungry now?
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Carnitas Don Pancho
Escondido’s Carnitas Don Pancho specializes in Michoacánan-style carnitas but the ingredients are a secret. Taste it in an entree plate starting at $10.95 or up to a full pound at $14.95. Don’t miss out on the pork beans for more porcine pleasures.
Maritza's Mexican Food Restaurant
This neighborhood favorite serves up classic Mexican dishes for those on a budget. For carnitas, head in on Wednesdays; it’s not available any other day.
Puesto Mission Valley
Puesto is far fancier than the neighborhood taqueria but their carnitas are worth the visit. Prepared the traditional way, order the meaty morsels in burritos, tacos or in bowl with herb lime rice as a base.
Carnitas Uruapan Mexican Food
This family-run eatery in La Mesa sells ready-to-eat carnitas by the pound. Dinner for one starts at a half pound and includes rice, beans, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, limes and tortillas.
Yesenia's Mexican Food & Ice Cream
Yesenia’s big menu is packed with all the taco shop favorites including carnitas. Order it in tortas, tostadas, chimichangas or mini tacos.
Carnitas Las Michoacanas
This hole-in-the-wall joint in Rolando features carnitas in burritos, quesadillas, sopes, tacos, tortas, tostadas and chilaquiles. The spot is cash only so bring enough to feed your carnitas craving.
Super Cocina
The not-so-secret ingredient to Super Cocina’s carnitas is their use of Mexican cinnamon and molasses. Order the tender carnitas in a combo plate alongside rice and beans, or as a burrito.
City Tacos
Per the name, it’s all about tacos at this local chain and their carnitas is a good option. The slow-simmered carnitas comes served with the usual suspects — cilantro, onion and guac — and is finished with bits of chicharron on top.
Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas
Imperial Avenue’s beloved Carnitas y Mariscos Las Morelianas has several menu items featuring carnitas including a pound of pork fit to feed two people. Head in on Wednesdays or Fridays for the carnitas special: two pounds plus a complimentary half pound.
La Fachada
The carnitas tacos at this laid back outdoor eatery is renowned for its generous portion of pork. If the craving hits late at night, know the spot is open until 1:30 am every night.
Las Cuatro Milpas
Rolled tacos may steal the spotlight at this Barrio Logan institution but the carnitas de tacos are equally as good. Crisp tortilla shells include generous mounds of pork under shredded lettuce and cheese.
¡SALUD! Barrio Logan
Visit this Barrio Logan hotspot for carnitas along with a bevy of other tacos. Diners’ best bet is the family pack that feeds four. Go with the carnitas option with pico, bean, guacamole and tortillas.
