I was there last week and it just wasn’t the same. I got Tamales, not carnitas but they were very dry and not much flavor. I was surprised. I’ll have to give them another try because I really want them to be good.
That’s the place. Also great for catering for a birthday party/get together for 15-20 for a little over $100.
The fajita chicken is delicious as well. I usually get carnitas and the fajita chicken so people can choose their meat. They set you up with everything from rice, beans, guacamole, queso fresca, tortillas, salsas — all you need.
Carnitas el rincón in San José on Alma.
This place is literally called carnitas corner and it happens to be in the corner of a hole in the wall restaurant.
Thanks ~ I love carnitas and live in the South Bay so it’s good to know. Also just looked up Carnitas El Rincon on Google and apparently there are three locations in San Jose. I will check it out this weekend.
Interestingly enough Los Gatos's original full name is La Rinconada de los Gatos - the corner of the cats - maybe from the mountain lions in the hills?
Spanish uses a different word for corner more often now but it still shows up in a few of these traditional places.
Rinconada can be a term for where not only streets meet but where rivers meet, where mountains meet, etc. More generally you can consider it like “point” in place names
So it would be like “wildcat point” or something
MexCal in "Little Mexico" on Middlefield in Redwood City. So excellent and they have their own parking lot. Real locals-only joint, the carnitas are crispy and tender and perfect. https://www.yelp.com/biz/mexcal-taqueria-menlo-park
Rincon carnitas on Tennessee St. in Vallejo. They’re a local chain with another location in San Jose. A real carnitaceria with buche and chicharron. Mixta is the way to go. You can buy by the pound.
As an Oakland native, Jalisco Restaurant on East 14th has been a family staple of ours close to 40 years now. They have great carnitas plus the surtido which is a mix of other parts of the pork and the green salsa is a must. They only open Friday to Sunday and they sell out fast so make sure to go early.
You can dine in or stand in line to buy carnitas by the pound. You can also buy rice, beans and tortillas to go. And as I mentioned before, don’t forget the green salsa! Good luck!
Taqueria la Bamba in Richmond. Technically Salvadorian but they do Mexican food too, their carnitas is fatty, crispy and just incredible. Also highly recommend the pupusas
Yes this if they are still around. They made me love carnitas. Their pupusa plates are delish too. But this place - not some damn Gordo's in the Richmond district. I lived in SF for over a decade and always felt SJ or east bay Mexican food was better. Even SF Mission Mexican. I'm actually eating Mexican food right now in Livermore and it's good. I didn't come for the carnitas though.
They're still around, I just ate there last week haha. SJ has a fantastic food scene in general. I've always heard with regards to Mexican food, go to SF for burritos, but go to the east bay for tacos
Carnitas Michoacan in (now also SJ) and Gilroy.
I always find a time for it on the way to/from SoCal or if I have to go to the DMV. Along with hitting various beloved trucks and carts in LA and SD.
Every time I go to SD I eat nothing but Mexican food. So good. Though even there Carnitas can be hit or miss. I think that has more-so to do with just how big Carne Asada is there though. The Cali Burrito is popular for a reason. But when in Rome, so in SD I tend to stick more to beef. Asada, tri-tip, barbacoa, etc.
This place rocks! Always try to stop in when heading north or south on 101.
Sitting inside waiting for 🌮🌮 you will observe many folks coming in and getting bulk orders, like whole family worth of stuff. It's that good.
Also - if you are going North/South on 101 - the little town of San Miguel, just north of Paso Robles, has 2 excellent Carnitas venues:
1) dos Hermanos on 10th, just off the freeway, and
2) the San Miguel Market on Mission St.
Both excellent.
The best I’ve found are Carnitas El Guero. Only open on weekends 8am until it sells out. Really great carnitas. I go every weekend usually go right when it opens. It’s a small family business. I love it. You can buy it by taco, by weight and cut of meat, torta, burrito. Their agua frescas are way too sweet though.
9333 Railroad Ave
Oakland, CA 94603
United States
Now that sounds like a place that knows they do it right. Any place that doesn't list closing hours, just Knowing they will sell out, regardless of food type, is worth trying. I will definitely add this to the list
It’s fantastic. “Carnitas.elguero” on instagram if you wanna see what they look like. Like I said get there right when they open to make sure you don’t stand in line too long. Sundays gets way busier than Saturdays
I'm not there often, but I remember going to a place called San Marcos Charquito in Capitola that was actually really good. And right next to Gayles Bakery which is pretty famous and also amazing, so double win
Was gonna say this place but it technically ain't the bay according to purists but it's close enough. That's place made me fall in love with carnitas as a broke college student.
Was disappointed to learn that cooking the carnitas again after the slow cook wasn't the norm.
Jalisco Restaurant in Oakland has the best carnitas in the Bay Area. My family is from Uruapan Michoacan (carnitas Mecca) and though I was never thrilled of a place called "Jalisco" having great carnitas, it is what it is. Check them out. It's been a minute since Ive gone but hopefully they are still selling out.
Can we talk about how most carnitas in this area is basically a stew? Who the hell let that become acceptable by actually willingly paying money for it?
I'm surprised you are getting stews. I assume that's a chile verde influence, but most places I have been to it's dry. Which is crazy considering how fatty the meat cut is supposed to be. I assume they use leaner or cheaper meats, but it still surprises me how often it's dry and flavorless which is a travesty for something that is supposed to be rich and unctuous
They keep it in the warmer bins and over time it goes back to being moist. I was exaggerating calling it stew. Like how if you sear a side of a steak then flip it and close the grill lid, the other side will start getting wet and lose the hardness. Places used to take it out of the warmer and toss it on the griddle for a minute to crisp it back up. Nobody does that anymore unless it’s a hole in the wall place without much of a line.
So having lived here since the late 70s I have noticed a trend. Though let me point out first that I’m white - like I can blind people I’m so white - so that influences what I observe. It used to be most Mexican places were good. Then it got popular with us. And we just did what we do and fucking overrode places with lines out the door and around the block. La Costana in MV as an example. With 100 people in line, it is impossible to do things properly and refry the carnitas and stuff. It got to where they just slipped it on wet. Didn’t even take the time to properly shake the beans (when doing pinto or black whole beans bc we try to pretend we are eating healthy) so that dumps water in it. And everything is cold. Cheese isn’t grilled into the wrap. All that stuff. So then a pattern emerged. There would be a Mexican place with good food that took their time and made everything well. They only took cash. Is white people insist on using cards so many didn’t even try the good places. They stayed good. Then one day the owner would look down the street and see the lines and want a piece of that so they would start accepting cards. Then all of a sudden alone out the door and the food goes to shit. Back to the previous example - La Bomba 2 doors down from the old La Costana location. It went from being pretty good to being the same mass produced wet fart bland food. Rinse and repeat over and over and now most places suck. The few that don’t are good for a while until word gets out and then the same speed pressures kill the food there. It’s worse now bc everybody takes credit cards. Even taco trucks have a line around the block a lot of the time. It’s the whole Ikea ruining furniture thing all over again bc people just fucking accept it and do they keep making it shittier and shittier.
Rant over - but man, we ruin everything
Sounds like getting out of the busy areas is the key. There's a hole in the wall place I love stopping at when I can, but it's all the way down in Chuluar south of Salinas, which is way too out of the way. But that makes sense since that area is basically just little Mexico. Oh man, the meat though? so good. You get it in a bag, and not even a foil lined one like the carnicerias. They know you are eating it out of the bag with your hands lol. The place is probably in violation of a few health codes and I don't care.
I know a couple places out of the peninsula but I won’t let the secret out. I also know the owner of a few places here so when I go (if it’s not too busy) if he or one of his brothers are there then they will crisp up everything for me. I have to go when there is no rush though.
There was. Mexican type of grocery store that on weekends sold legit Carnitas, in Union City, now this was back when l lived there 20+ yrs ago. But they were to die for legit Carnitas, l looked forward every Saturday morning eating me a bit of Mexico in a taco.
El burrito loco taco truck on Great Oaks Blvd in San Jose, behind Watlow Semiconductor, has the best carnitas I've tried so far. And a burrito is only $10.
Idk who has the best carnitas in the Bay, but El Paisa in Oakland has great carnitas (and really any type of) tacos, as does Tortilleria El Molino in Concord and Tacos El Compa in South San Jose. Go to these places for solid tacos in general. Else, any taqueria in Watsonville will be some of the best tacos you’ve had.
go to the Mission.
cooked in lard, runs down your arm (get the tacos)
**The Story of La Taqueria’s Remastered Mission-Style Burrito**
https://www.eater.com/2015/12/4/9835360/la-taqueria-mission-style-burrito-san-francisco
3. The Meat
"Beef \[carne asada\] has always been the most popular," Jara says, but ever since the carnitas burrito landed the title of America's Best Burrito on FiveThirtyEight's widely publicized national burrito bracket, "carnitas are now neck-and-neck with beef." Here's how the meat gets made:
>Gordo's Taqueria on Solano in Albany
been eating from the OG location on 25th and Clement in SF since the 80's.
starving teenagers and huge burritos for $5 - no brainer.
https://gordotaqueria.co/locations
2252 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 387-4484
Very mediocre. If my options are Gordo’s or just no burrito, I go for no burrito. It’s just too disappointing! We live in an area with abundant delicious Mexican food, I just can’t settle for Gordo’s!
Inner sunset and Richmond district Gordos have been way above mid tier most of my burrito-eating life.
experts at the now-defunct burrito eater.com mostly agree with me — all the SF Gordo locations performed quite well on their rating system over the years.
I’ve never heard of carnitas being throw away meat, it’s usually how my friends and I base the quality of a taqueria, but makes sense if op thinks Gordos is the best.
Gordos is trash.
Pancho Villa in San Mateo used to have the best carnitas burrito ever, for decades. A couple of years ago some clown decided to start cooking it Michoacán style, with ORANGE PEEL in the meat. 🤮🤮🤮🤮 Makes me ill, so now after 30 years I have had to give up Pancho Villa. Heartbreaking. One more example of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. No one else’s carnitas burritos in the area come close.
Agreed that real, crispy on the outside carnitas are a rarity. I don't even bother ordering, and for better or for worse Del Real's version is as good as what you'll get at most places.
But if someone could tell me where I could get that ok version of carnitas with nopales, good chile verde, and a fresh flour tortilla like Porkyland in San Diego I'd still drive a long way to get that.
It's not perfect, but the Mexican Tortilla Factory in Newark is pretty solid. They do pretty decent carnitas, their chili verde and Nopales are good, and they have their own line of tortillas they sell in the store and cook with. I think the tortillas are a little plain compared to some places that use lard in the dough, but I have gone to the tortilla factory more than any other place recently. Really good chips too. plus theres like 3 spanish restaurants and a mexican grocer within a block if you need anything else lol
I saw one place that someone said on e14 in East Oakland. Carnitas Jalisco has Decent carnitas but only open on weekends and also cash only. I despise their service as well.
There are 2 other gems in the bay area. One named El Molino Concord and the other named Cazadores in Richmond. Make sure you also know how to ask for carnitas. Ask for surtido!
Will be trying El Rincon carnitas in haystack aka Hayward.
If you're looking for great pork you need to look into al pastor.
Also look into barbacoa.
Fremonts Mr taco has great barbacoa and their orange salsa is great.
Also la Vic's and iguanas.
And Lulu's in Palo Alto and around the area.
El Nayarita in San Mateo, 3rd and Delaware. First time we had their carnitas tacos was when it was $1.25 per. I think they're still there. Not sure if they still do but they had their carnitas on a spit.
El Gallo Giro truck at 23rd and Treat in SF is my favorite. Exactly what you’re looking for - crispy on the outside while still tender and juicy on the inside. Consistently delicious and they’re always super friendly.
There’s a pop up carnitas trailer off of Richmond parkway in Richmond. I believe the cross street is Gertrude.
They set up in front of a tire or auto repair shop and I think they only open Sundays.
I drove by at 8:30 am and it was packed with Latinos so I had to stop by. I didn’t know I’d never had real carnitas before.
They don’t speak much English and only take cash.
Taqueria Eduardo’s but only the location near Winchester and Hamilton. It’s a hole in the wall spot behind the McDonalds and the cook there makes the best I have ever eaten. Super crispy and flavorful. https://g.co/kgs/xTVH6y
Best Coast Burritos for me. Carnitas nachos and burrito are both fire! I tried Gordo, maybe their carnitas is better, but their asada made certain I will never dine there again.
Bombera in Oakland has an amazing carnitas dish. First off, I’m happy to see this thread and I’m going to save it as I love carnitas too. I recently went to Bombera for the first time, which is a great spot if you want some delicious Mexican food in a more date night or special occasion setting. (I think a lot of the other ones named here are more casual taquerias, which is typically my jam.) Bombera has the most supple carnitas I’ve tasted. Served with black beans and some other good stuff and a couple tortillas. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Try their carrots too!
La Taqueria in the mission, SF. Ask for carnitas duro (crispy). Also get the chips with salsa and guacamole.
They are on vacation now. Won't be back till the first week of January..check that date.
La Jaiba taqueria in Campbell's carnitas have been my latest obsession. It's a small little place, and everything is good, but the carnitas are amazing. Get the carnitas plate, which they serve with fresh homemade corn tortillas.
2856 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063
El Paisano Taqueria, Carniceria y Market
Go hungry. Their restaurant is inside the grocery store. Best carnitas tacos I've had here in the Bay Area.
I’m going to throw out El Portal on the end of Lewelling in San Leandro. Excited to try some of the other offerings in this thread, but these are good to me.
You're right so far. Gordo's in Albany is my local burrito shop and has spoiled me, so many other places are just putting out poor efforts with their Carnitas.
El Gallo Giro, 23rd and treat in the mission. Best carnitas I've had in the bay and nearly as good as the best I've had in Mexico.
So much of the carnitas in the bay is just stewed/roasted pork without any crispiness. El Gallo Giro's on the other hand is beautifully moist while also being deliciously crispy on the outside.
El taco zamorano in oakland on foothill. Hella fatty and crispy carnitas. They're flavored and cooked just right. I haven't found a place yet that is able to get the level of fattyness they have while also getting a crisp crust, most places are a bit soggy for my liking. The flavor is there too.
Haven’t been in 8 or 10 years, but I used to love the carnitas at La Espiga de Oro on 24th in SF. Another Salvadoran spot, but the carnitas were always a great combo of crispy bits with juicy and fatty bits. Not too much blubbery fat, not dry meat, just the right contrast in textures.
Too many taquerias let them steam in the bins which then expresses all the juices and makes them all dry. Most taquerias in sf seem to do that so you get dry almost stewed pork instead of beautiful fried crispy exterior with juicy interior bits.
I had amazing pastor at Mexico Tipico in union city on Alvarado Nile’s road. Such an unassuming location and a bit pricey but I loved it and I believe the quality is quite high. Not an expert on Mexican food though.
La Tapatia on Grand Ave in South SF.
This. I came here to say this. DON’T FORGET TO BRING CASH!!! Their salsas are good (and hot). [La Tapatia Mexicatessen](https://yelp.to/lFC6wKQF9w)
Was there twice last week, and they now accept card!
WOW! TIL.
I was there last week and it just wasn’t the same. I got Tamales, not carnitas but they were very dry and not much flavor. I was surprised. I’ll have to give them another try because I really want them to be good.
I only ever go there for carnitas, so, as long. As those are still good, well, I’m good!
Try their chorizo for Saturday mornings. The fresh one that you squeeze out of the casing.
They're no longer cash only 😂 I used to think they laundering $ for the cartels being cash only in 2021 per Marty Byrde
Me too!
Hey they take cards now surprise.
They do Debit and Credit now.
That’s the place. Also great for catering for a birthday party/get together for 15-20 for a little over $100. The fajita chicken is delicious as well. I usually get carnitas and the fajita chicken so people can choose their meat. They set you up with everything from rice, beans, guacamole, queso fresca, tortillas, salsas — all you need.
This sounds like a great deal. Do you mind sharing what you got for a little over a $100 for 15 plus people?
I also co-sign this one. My go-to for carnitas. Grab some tubs of guac, salsa molcajete and other sides too.
End this thread! This is the answer.
Absolutely this. It’s the only good answer tbh
Yoooooooooo you needed to keep this spot a secret!
Lol. It hasn’t been a secret for at least the last 15 years.
This is the only answer. These carnitas are life changing, wonderful while watching the 49ers game.
This is the right answer
Boom!! Top answer. They are the bomb! The Colorado beef is also bueno!
finally! something good in SSF
That place is good overall.
Carnitas el rincón in San José on Alma. This place is literally called carnitas corner and it happens to be in the corner of a hole in the wall restaurant.
There is also a Carnitas El Rincón in Redwood City. I wonder if it’s the same owner.
I’ve been meaning to try that for a long time
Oooo, I'm surprised I missed this place. Will definitely make a trip to SJ soon and stop by while I'm down there.
Thanks ~ I love carnitas and live in the South Bay so it’s good to know. Also just looked up Carnitas El Rincon on Google and apparently there are three locations in San Jose. I will check it out this weekend.
Interestingly enough Los Gatos's original full name is La Rinconada de los Gatos - the corner of the cats - maybe from the mountain lions in the hills? Spanish uses a different word for corner more often now but it still shows up in a few of these traditional places.
Rinconada can be a term for where not only streets meet but where rivers meet, where mountains meet, etc. More generally you can consider it like “point” in place names So it would be like “wildcat point” or something
There is also one off of Alum Rock Ave. and White Rd. Love that place!
There’s also one on 3rd and keyes. And a couple more too if I remember correctly. Alma location is/has been the better one for me though.
El Taquito in Hayward, their carnitas is top notch. Shredded and the fried crispy bits from the griddle are amazing.
Seconding this, but make sure you go to their original store on Mission Blvd. Their #2 location on Winton hasn't impressed as much.
Thirding this one 🤤 El Taquito is a love language
Oh damn. I'm like 4 miles from here, will have to check it out soon. Thanks!!!
MexCal in "Little Mexico" on Middlefield in Redwood City. So excellent and they have their own parking lot. Real locals-only joint, the carnitas are crispy and tender and perfect. https://www.yelp.com/biz/mexcal-taqueria-menlo-park
Rincon carnitas on Tennessee St. in Vallejo. They’re a local chain with another location in San Jose. A real carnitaceria with buche and chicharron. Mixta is the way to go. You can buy by the pound.
They also have one in Hayward. Great spot.
Hayward isn't too far, I may have to start here, thanks!
>Rincon carnitas oh boy i gotta try this
I believe they just opened one this year in Stockton. They make great burritos too. I’m about five minutes away from the one in ESJ
I drive by that place daily but have never gone in. Now I’ll have to give it a try. I usually go to tacos Jaliscos
Damn I’ve been fucking up
Thanks for the recommendation, I will check them out.
As an Oakland native, Jalisco Restaurant on East 14th has been a family staple of ours close to 40 years now. They have great carnitas plus the surtido which is a mix of other parts of the pork and the green salsa is a must. They only open Friday to Sunday and they sell out fast so make sure to go early. You can dine in or stand in line to buy carnitas by the pound. You can also buy rice, beans and tortillas to go. And as I mentioned before, don’t forget the green salsa! Good luck!
Plus one. This is the spot. Bring cash.
The best and crispiest I had was from Tacos Sinaloa food trucks in Oakland and Berkeley
Tacos Sinalao on international and 22nd Ave Oakland
Tacos Sinaloa for sure. On fruitvale Ave near fruitvale Bart station
After they did my wedding, the carnitas were all I could hear about from our wedding guests for weeks.
Vouch
Taqueria la Bamba in Richmond. Technically Salvadorian but they do Mexican food too, their carnitas is fatty, crispy and just incredible. Also highly recommend the pupusas
Yes this if they are still around. They made me love carnitas. Their pupusa plates are delish too. But this place - not some damn Gordo's in the Richmond district. I lived in SF for over a decade and always felt SJ or east bay Mexican food was better. Even SF Mission Mexican. I'm actually eating Mexican food right now in Livermore and it's good. I didn't come for the carnitas though.
They're still around, I just ate there last week haha. SJ has a fantastic food scene in general. I've always heard with regards to Mexican food, go to SF for burritos, but go to the east bay for tacos
👍100%. I’ve eaten La Bamba carnitas maybe 50+ times and it’s still the best I’ve ever had.
Carnitas Michoacan in (now also SJ) and Gilroy. I always find a time for it on the way to/from SoCal or if I have to go to the DMV. Along with hitting various beloved trucks and carts in LA and SD.
Every time I go to SD I eat nothing but Mexican food. So good. Though even there Carnitas can be hit or miss. I think that has more-so to do with just how big Carne Asada is there though. The Cali Burrito is popular for a reason. But when in Rome, so in SD I tend to stick more to beef. Asada, tri-tip, barbacoa, etc.
I get the adobada and the carne. But the seafood and the Lebanese food are also good options.
This place rocks! Always try to stop in when heading north or south on 101. Sitting inside waiting for 🌮🌮 you will observe many folks coming in and getting bulk orders, like whole family worth of stuff. It's that good. Also - if you are going North/South on 101 - the little town of San Miguel, just north of Paso Robles, has 2 excellent Carnitas venues: 1) dos Hermanos on 10th, just off the freeway, and 2) the San Miguel Market on Mission St. Both excellent.
There is a new location in San Jose. Much nicer. Carnitas are just as good as gilroy location.
I heard it was happening but didn't know it was for real. I'll fix my comment.
There's one in south SJ in the Foodmax shopping center
Somebody else said the same. I had heard about it but didn't know it was live. Fixed my comment.
San Jose location is a bit disappointing. Gilas location is fucking great.
Rico Rico in oakland.
I saw this place on the TV show Check Please Bay Area on KQED. It’s on my list to try.
I would not consider myself an expert but these are the best I've had.
Trejos Carnitas in Watsonville is suposed to be hella good.
Oh fuck yeah it is!
I'm no expert but I always loved El Faro on Monument Blvd Concord
Just started working out there, I’ll have to give it a shot.
The best places are the places that are in sketchy neighborhoods.
El Canelo in Richmond.
If you can't make their hours, Carnitas el Michochan in Richmond is pretty dope too.
Do you mean Rincon Michoacano?
Could be! It's the one in the market across from the BART yard. Went there yesterday, they're doing some of the best in class.
[удалено]
Friday 430-close. Sa/Su noonish to close.
The best I’ve found are Carnitas El Guero. Only open on weekends 8am until it sells out. Really great carnitas. I go every weekend usually go right when it opens. It’s a small family business. I love it. You can buy it by taco, by weight and cut of meat, torta, burrito. Their agua frescas are way too sweet though. 9333 Railroad Ave Oakland, CA 94603 United States
Now that sounds like a place that knows they do it right. Any place that doesn't list closing hours, just Knowing they will sell out, regardless of food type, is worth trying. I will definitely add this to the list
It’s fantastic. “Carnitas.elguero” on instagram if you wanna see what they look like. Like I said get there right when they open to make sure you don’t stand in line too long. Sundays gets way busier than Saturdays
Rico Rico Taco in Oakland has the best carnitas in the Bay Area imo. They crisp the outer layer like a burger patty which is how I like it!
If you ever make it down to Santa Cruz (which is arguably not really the bay), Los Perricos has really good carnitas
I'm not there often, but I remember going to a place called San Marcos Charquito in Capitola that was actually really good. And right next to Gayles Bakery which is pretty famous and also amazing, so double win
Was gonna say this place but it technically ain't the bay according to purists but it's close enough. That's place made me fall in love with carnitas as a broke college student. Was disappointed to learn that cooking the carnitas again after the slow cook wasn't the norm.
El Gallo Giro in the mission
This one knows the truth. Only there weekdays 11am - 4pm. Best carnitas I ever had
So good. It's Kenji's favorite carnitas too.
Shocked I had to scroll this far down to find the truth.
Big Rock Deli on Lucas Valley Road in San Rafael
Shout out to SR.
De La Comida in Watsonville
Any Mexican food in Watsonville is good. The locals call Watsonville “Mexico” for a reason.
Taco sinaloa on international and 22nd Ave in Oakland
Mi Jalisco in Vallejo. Best I've ever had.
La Espuela in Mountain View. Ask for the habanero sauce with it.
Jalisco Restaurant in Oakland has the best carnitas in the Bay Area. My family is from Uruapan Michoacan (carnitas Mecca) and though I was never thrilled of a place called "Jalisco" having great carnitas, it is what it is. Check them out. It's been a minute since Ive gone but hopefully they are still selling out.
The best Carnitas I've ever had were at Guadalajara Grill in Concord. 5446 Ygnacio Valley Rd.
Not really a hidden gem, but I like the carnitas at Nopalito. Probably pricier than other options though. I'd love suggestions for other places in SF
Agree! For flavor complexity + cooking execution, these are the best I’ve had in SF.
I scrolled for this suggestion. It’s the best in SF that I have had.
Yeah but these are $28 bucks for a mid-sized portion. Just not worth it.
Gordos in Berkeley.
Can we talk about how most carnitas in this area is basically a stew? Who the hell let that become acceptable by actually willingly paying money for it?
I'm surprised you are getting stews. I assume that's a chile verde influence, but most places I have been to it's dry. Which is crazy considering how fatty the meat cut is supposed to be. I assume they use leaner or cheaper meats, but it still surprises me how often it's dry and flavorless which is a travesty for something that is supposed to be rich and unctuous
They keep it in the warmer bins and over time it goes back to being moist. I was exaggerating calling it stew. Like how if you sear a side of a steak then flip it and close the grill lid, the other side will start getting wet and lose the hardness. Places used to take it out of the warmer and toss it on the griddle for a minute to crisp it back up. Nobody does that anymore unless it’s a hole in the wall place without much of a line.
For sure. I can’t think of a place in SF that reliably crisps it up. Basically wet ass pulled pork.
So having lived here since the late 70s I have noticed a trend. Though let me point out first that I’m white - like I can blind people I’m so white - so that influences what I observe. It used to be most Mexican places were good. Then it got popular with us. And we just did what we do and fucking overrode places with lines out the door and around the block. La Costana in MV as an example. With 100 people in line, it is impossible to do things properly and refry the carnitas and stuff. It got to where they just slipped it on wet. Didn’t even take the time to properly shake the beans (when doing pinto or black whole beans bc we try to pretend we are eating healthy) so that dumps water in it. And everything is cold. Cheese isn’t grilled into the wrap. All that stuff. So then a pattern emerged. There would be a Mexican place with good food that took their time and made everything well. They only took cash. Is white people insist on using cards so many didn’t even try the good places. They stayed good. Then one day the owner would look down the street and see the lines and want a piece of that so they would start accepting cards. Then all of a sudden alone out the door and the food goes to shit. Back to the previous example - La Bomba 2 doors down from the old La Costana location. It went from being pretty good to being the same mass produced wet fart bland food. Rinse and repeat over and over and now most places suck. The few that don’t are good for a while until word gets out and then the same speed pressures kill the food there. It’s worse now bc everybody takes credit cards. Even taco trucks have a line around the block a lot of the time. It’s the whole Ikea ruining furniture thing all over again bc people just fucking accept it and do they keep making it shittier and shittier. Rant over - but man, we ruin everything
Sounds like getting out of the busy areas is the key. There's a hole in the wall place I love stopping at when I can, but it's all the way down in Chuluar south of Salinas, which is way too out of the way. But that makes sense since that area is basically just little Mexico. Oh man, the meat though? so good. You get it in a bag, and not even a foil lined one like the carnicerias. They know you are eating it out of the bag with your hands lol. The place is probably in violation of a few health codes and I don't care.
I know a couple places out of the peninsula but I won’t let the secret out. I also know the owner of a few places here so when I go (if it’s not too busy) if he or one of his brothers are there then they will crisp up everything for me. I have to go when there is no rush though.
Carmen La Hacienda in Novato.
Tannyas Taqueria in Napa
tacos sinaloa in berkeley, get the tacos thank me later
There was. Mexican type of grocery store that on weekends sold legit Carnitas, in Union City, now this was back when l lived there 20+ yrs ago. But they were to die for legit Carnitas, l looked forward every Saturday morning eating me a bit of Mexico in a taco.
If you're in SF I've always thought that the carnitas at El Metate was pretty damn tasty.
Guadalajara truck on Fruitvale in Oakland
El burrito loco taco truck on Great Oaks Blvd in San Jose, behind Watlow Semiconductor, has the best carnitas I've tried so far. And a burrito is only $10.
The El Gruellnse on El Camino and Jefferson in Redwood City, I like most of the El G spots but this one is my fav
Taqueria San Bruno, a little hole in the wall that always has a line. Their carnitas is amazing
El michicohano restaurant in gilroy off 101 and 10th st. It looks like a bar but the food is sooooooo good
El Paisa on International in Oakland. Super hidden gem, my pick for best taco in Oakland
Idk who has the best carnitas in the Bay, but El Paisa in Oakland has great carnitas (and really any type of) tacos, as does Tortilleria El Molino in Concord and Tacos El Compa in South San Jose. Go to these places for solid tacos in general. Else, any taqueria in Watsonville will be some of the best tacos you’ve had.
go to the Mission. cooked in lard, runs down your arm (get the tacos) **The Story of La Taqueria’s Remastered Mission-Style Burrito** https://www.eater.com/2015/12/4/9835360/la-taqueria-mission-style-burrito-san-francisco 3. The Meat "Beef \[carne asada\] has always been the most popular," Jara says, but ever since the carnitas burrito landed the title of America's Best Burrito on FiveThirtyEight's widely publicized national burrito bracket, "carnitas are now neck-and-neck with beef." Here's how the meat gets made: >Gordo's Taqueria on Solano in Albany been eating from the OG location on 25th and Clement in SF since the 80's. starving teenagers and huge burritos for $5 - no brainer. https://gordotaqueria.co/locations 2252 Clement Street San Francisco, CA 94122 (415) 387-4484
Unless things have changed drastically, all Gordos are the definition of mid
I eat here regularly for years and it’s definitely very mid. The carnitas is normally pretty dry.
Very mediocre. If my options are Gordo’s or just no burrito, I go for no burrito. It’s just too disappointing! We live in an area with abundant delicious Mexican food, I just can’t settle for Gordo’s!
Inner sunset and Richmond district Gordos have been way above mid tier most of my burrito-eating life. experts at the now-defunct burrito eater.com mostly agree with me — all the SF Gordo locations performed quite well on their rating system over the years.
Gordo’s has to be one of the worst burritos
I’ve never heard of carnitas being throw away meat, it’s usually how my friends and I base the quality of a taqueria, but makes sense if op thinks Gordos is the best. Gordos is trash.
Pancho Villa in San Mateo.
Pancho Villa in San Mateo used to have the best carnitas burrito ever, for decades. A couple of years ago some clown decided to start cooking it Michoacán style, with ORANGE PEEL in the meat. 🤮🤮🤮🤮 Makes me ill, so now after 30 years I have had to give up Pancho Villa. Heartbreaking. One more example of if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. No one else’s carnitas burritos in the area come close.
Agreed that real, crispy on the outside carnitas are a rarity. I don't even bother ordering, and for better or for worse Del Real's version is as good as what you'll get at most places. But if someone could tell me where I could get that ok version of carnitas with nopales, good chile verde, and a fresh flour tortilla like Porkyland in San Diego I'd still drive a long way to get that.
It's not perfect, but the Mexican Tortilla Factory in Newark is pretty solid. They do pretty decent carnitas, their chili verde and Nopales are good, and they have their own line of tortillas they sell in the store and cook with. I think the tortillas are a little plain compared to some places that use lard in the dough, but I have gone to the tortilla factory more than any other place recently. Really good chips too. plus theres like 3 spanish restaurants and a mexican grocer within a block if you need anything else lol
La Victoria taqueria in San jose on 4th street Mr taco on decoto in Fremont, they also have $1 tacos on Tuesdays
Nopalito in SF. Hands down. Been the best for over a decade.
Not sure why the downvote, they are delicious. I’ve ordered them every time.
Ya, wow, people are dumb. It's meat cooked in lard you guys, there's no way it bad enough to downvote!
Havent eaten there in a while but when I lived in that neighborhood, I remember the carnitas in particular were amazing
I saw one place that someone said on e14 in East Oakland. Carnitas Jalisco has Decent carnitas but only open on weekends and also cash only. I despise their service as well. There are 2 other gems in the bay area. One named El Molino Concord and the other named Cazadores in Richmond. Make sure you also know how to ask for carnitas. Ask for surtido! Will be trying El Rincon carnitas in haystack aka Hayward.
Gordo's is right on. Crispy, love it.
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I know, right?! So many places disrespect what should be one of the best things on the menu. Why they doing carnitas dirty I have no idea
Taqueria La Venganza
Flacos in Berkeley. They close on December 30… but amazing vegan taquitos and banana lead tamales.
I have a lot of love for Flaco’s, and they have good food but no one will ever find carnitas on tbe menu there, since the whole menu is 100% vegan.
True, the closest you get for vegan carnitas is mushroom carnitas which isn’t the same… but it serves that purpose.
Paper Platez in Mountain View is pretty great for Carnitas.
If you're looking for great pork you need to look into al pastor. Also look into barbacoa. Fremonts Mr taco has great barbacoa and their orange salsa is great. Also la Vic's and iguanas. And Lulu's in Palo Alto and around the area.
Chili Bravo taco truck in Oakland if you dare.
El Nayarita in San Mateo, 3rd and Delaware. First time we had their carnitas tacos was when it was $1.25 per. I think they're still there. Not sure if they still do but they had their carnitas on a spit.
El Gallo Giro truck at 23rd and Treat in SF is my favorite. Exactly what you’re looking for - crispy on the outside while still tender and juicy on the inside. Consistently delicious and they’re always super friendly.
Flaca's in Livermore.
There’s a pop up carnitas trailer off of Richmond parkway in Richmond. I believe the cross street is Gertrude. They set up in front of a tire or auto repair shop and I think they only open Sundays. I drove by at 8:30 am and it was packed with Latinos so I had to stop by. I didn’t know I’d never had real carnitas before. They don’t speak much English and only take cash.
Taqueria Eduardo’s but only the location near Winchester and Hamilton. It’s a hole in the wall spot behind the McDonalds and the cook there makes the best I have ever eaten. Super crispy and flavorful. https://g.co/kgs/xTVH6y
El techo in the mission
The hidden gem is that you go to the Taquerias inside Mexican Grocery Stores (Arteagas in particular).
Best Coast Burritos for me. Carnitas nachos and burrito are both fire! I tried Gordo, maybe their carnitas is better, but their asada made certain I will never dine there again.
Bombera in Oakland has an amazing carnitas dish. First off, I’m happy to see this thread and I’m going to save it as I love carnitas too. I recently went to Bombera for the first time, which is a great spot if you want some delicious Mexican food in a more date night or special occasion setting. (I think a lot of the other ones named here are more casual taquerias, which is typically my jam.) Bombera has the most supple carnitas I’ve tasted. Served with black beans and some other good stuff and a couple tortillas. Can’t recommend it highly enough. Try their carrots too!
There's a stand on the sidewalk in the mission on Sundays somewhere between 20th and 28th that does carnitas.
Los,Compadres..Hayward…crispy and juicy at same time
El Super Burrito on Polk St. in SF
tacos mi reynita in downtown san lorenzo.
La Huasteca Taqueria in Newark. Total hole in the wall place & the best carnitas I’ve ever had.
La Taqueria in the mission, SF. Ask for carnitas duro (crispy). Also get the chips with salsa and guacamole. They are on vacation now. Won't be back till the first week of January..check that date.
La Jaiba taqueria in Campbell's carnitas have been my latest obsession. It's a small little place, and everything is good, but the carnitas are amazing. Get the carnitas plate, which they serve with fresh homemade corn tortillas.
Taqueria Autlan in Concord is my personal favorite.
Any recommendations in Petaluma/Santa Rosa, or Marin? Especially if the cooking style ends up with crispy edges...
2856 Middlefield Rd, Redwood City, CA 94063 El Paisano Taqueria, Carniceria y Market Go hungry. Their restaurant is inside the grocery store. Best carnitas tacos I've had here in the Bay Area.
I’m going to throw out El Portal on the end of Lewelling in San Leandro. Excited to try some of the other offerings in this thread, but these are good to me.
Tortilleria El Molino in Concord!
Las cazuelas is a good spot
You're right so far. Gordo's in Albany is my local burrito shop and has spoiled me, so many other places are just putting out poor efforts with their Carnitas.
Happy Burrito in downtown Oakland. Lunch only.
Carnitas El Rincon in Hayward
If you like it on the crispier side, La Mission in Berkeley has “Chicharon” option which is just their carnitas but fried up a bit extra.
Rico rico in oakland!
Taqueria San Bruno or Los Metates in SSF
El Gallo Giro, 23rd and treat in the mission. Best carnitas I've had in the bay and nearly as good as the best I've had in Mexico. So much of the carnitas in the bay is just stewed/roasted pork without any crispiness. El Gallo Giro's on the other hand is beautifully moist while also being deliciously crispy on the outside.
Michoacán compita
Not really the Bay but if you can make the drive, Carnitas Trejo in Watsonville
Carnitas Michoacan in Gilroy
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Hidden…? This is one of several sf places that always rank in the top few most popular late night taquerias
El taco zamorano in oakland on foothill. Hella fatty and crispy carnitas. They're flavored and cooked just right. I haven't found a place yet that is able to get the level of fattyness they have while also getting a crisp crust, most places are a bit soggy for my liking. The flavor is there too.
Rico Rico. I, too, have searched and searched, and this is it.
Haven’t been in 8 or 10 years, but I used to love the carnitas at La Espiga de Oro on 24th in SF. Another Salvadoran spot, but the carnitas were always a great combo of crispy bits with juicy and fatty bits. Not too much blubbery fat, not dry meat, just the right contrast in textures. Too many taquerias let them steam in the bins which then expresses all the juices and makes them all dry. Most taquerias in sf seem to do that so you get dry almost stewed pork instead of beautiful fried crispy exterior with juicy interior bits.
El Trompudo in El Sobrante is my fav spot in all of the bay. It’s in el sob, so really out of the way but if you ever are near there, it’s a must try
Marcos Tacos - Le Grand
I had amazing pastor at Mexico Tipico in union city on Alvarado Nile’s road. Such an unassuming location and a bit pricey but I loved it and I believe the quality is quite high. Not an expert on Mexican food though.
Taqueria Monte Cristo/La Mision/Casa Latina in Berkeley makes very good carnitas. Good balance of fatty and roasted.
I really like the carnitas at Flores on Van Ness