Carnitas Las Michoacanas

This is the place for carnitas!!! We ordered three pounds of carnitas to share. You can choose just the meat or a mix of skin and meat. The meal came with rice, beans, corn tortillas, onions and cilantro. I loved the flavor and texture of the meat. It’s not dry at all. When we arrived, the waitress brought out carnitas tacos for us to try first. That helped us deciding if we want just carnitas or other items on the menu (tortas, enchiladas, burritos, etc.). The restaurant was packed and you could tell it’s a place for locals. From what I could see, many ppl ordered carnitas as well. I even ordered extra to go. The place is nothing fancy but it’s a place for authentic Mexican food.

I love Mexican street tacos and nothing beats or gets close to being in Mexico. This was on water SD’s places to go. Maybe going close to closing wasn’t the right the decision as the meat may have been sitting all day and a little drier than normal. They don’t post the individual taco prices and ended up being about $5 each. Spanish will help as most employees don’t speak English. They do give you a taco while you wait. Everything they have in the side bar for onions, carrots, salsas, cilantro, etc they give to you in the bag to go. The salsas weren’t that impressive. Tried the carnitas, Al pastor, and quesabirria

Update: they are finally remodeling. Update update: just went back, nothing was remodeled, not sure why it was closed. All that was changed was the menu is now a tv. Food went up in price by quite a bit, thinking it may not be worth it now. The cantinas this time around came with a lot of bones and cartilage you cannot eat, and they're charging per pound. So it adds up at $25 per pound. Original post: The food is top tier I would say, and I would just keep it at that. The carnitas are the best that I've had in San Diego, and their menudo is flavorful. The price is high, but I don't mind paying it if it's good. I haven't venture to many other food items but I would not recommend the chilaquiles as they have been very soggy. It's doesn't seem to be to busy during the weekdays. But the weekends it is usually packed. A side from the food everything else lacks. Drinks are a bit to high of a price, and only have canned drinks or large aguas frescas which are ok. The service is decent. But boy does the decor if so out-of-date, falling apart or looks unfinished. From the amount of money they are charging you'd think the owner would invest more info the restaurant. But it seems to be the last thing they would want to do. I understand that it's not located in the best area. But a restaurant should not reflect that. Another big downside is it's CASH ONLY. Which in these times is kind of a pain. They do have a ATM machine but looks like the sctechiest one I've seen. I would highly recommend the food but to definitely just pick up only.

So good! But pretty chaotic when you walk in. I didn’t know where the line started. People were just standing around and random random places also they don’t take card only cash so after I made the order, I had to use an ATM to pay for it which charged me two dollars just to take out the money. They have the ATM inside the store too. It’s really weird.

World class carnitas. Flavor, price, portion unrivaled. Will drive 2 hours weekly from Los Angeles for this place! The women behind the counter are professional and fun. They know how to make sales and bring joy to your experience.

♡ CRISTINA ♡ Muy buen servicio! First time and honestly it was good. 🔥 We got Birria, Menudo and pozole

A hidden gem, aguas frescas were tasty and refreshing, food portions were great for the price. Absolutely loved my tacos with refried beans and my agua de Jamaica.

You don't need to do much more to get me to want to eat at your restaurant than to ensure "carnitas" is somewhere in its name. Mission accomplished, Carnitas Las Michoacanas. Carnitas, perhaps my favorite of all meaty Mexican delights, have traditionally been prepared by simmering seasoned pork in lard inside super-sized pots called "cazos" primarily manufactured in the Mexican state of Michoacan, where these special pots are developed with the multi-generational expertise of the locals. To avoid the carnitas drying out, the meat is kept mostly in large chunks until ready to be chopped and served. Here, the delicious nose-to-tail carnitas come from all parts of the pig (we won't get into what that means exactly, but the squeamish should stay away), some parts squishy, some parts snappy, some parts crispy, and all perfectly seasoned. Carnitas Las Michoacanas' "Carnitas Surtida Taco" is the best carnitas taco I've had in San Diego and joins Los Angeles' Carnitas El Momo (#1), Los Cinco Puntos (#2), Metro Balderas (#3), and Villa Moreliana (#5) on my list of "top 5" carnitas I've eaten to-date in California. The "Chicharrón Prensado Taco" is not as good, but it's interesting. It's mostly crispy due to the bacon-like chicharrón bits, but it has some tender and wobbly parts as well, reminding me of pork chop cut into chunks. If there's one knock I have against this mixture of meat, it's that it's too salty. When I've had chicharrón prensado ("pressed pig skin" from Spanish) dishes in the past, I've learned that saucing does wonders for it. Here was no different: once smothered in salsa, it was better. This strip mall restaurant in Rolando should not be confused with the strip mall restaurant also named "Carnitas Las Michoacanas" in Chula Vista, or the small chain of taquerias named "Carnitas Michoacan" up in Los Angeles, as this is a completely different enterprise with different ownership.

I ate here with my friend a little hole in the wall but food is so good with excellent services. I had the chilaquiles con chicharron prensado omg sooo good.

This is the place for carnitas!!! We ordered three pounds of carnitas to share. You can choose just the meat or a mix of skin and meat. The meal came with rice, beans, corn tortillas, onions and cilantro. I loved the flavor and texture of the meat. It's not dry at all. When we arrived, the waitress brought out carnitas tacos for us to try first. That helped us deciding if we want just carnitas or other items on the menu (tortas, enchiladas, burritos, etc.). The restaurant was packed and you could tell it's a place for locals. From what I could see, many ppl ordered carnitas as well. I even ordered extra to go. The place is nothing fancy but it's a place for authentic Mexican food.

We had planned on trying out Michoacanas for a long time and finally made it and it was great! Not the best in atmosphere, but the carnitas was very, very good! We ordered enough for two and two drinks and cost about $35. This was more than we would normally pay, but portioned well. Also, they included pickled onions, potato chunks, which was out of the norm and very good, plus an ample amount of tortillas. Will return and see if my first impression is the same as the first and looking forward to it!

Amazing! Great customer service always! We look forward to this place at least once a month.

These Carnitas are the BEST I have EVER had in my entire life. The rice, beans, chilaquiles are also amazing. When we arrived to get food there was already a line out of the door for good reason. I would recommend that whatever you order you MUST order at least one item with carnitas in it. You won't regret it!

The food was pretty good. I got a couple tacos and the chilaquiles. Honestly one of the best chilaquiles I've had and I've tried them all over Mexico. However the service was disappointing. I got laughed at when asking a simple question and the lady gave an attitude when I asked if we pay at the front.

Come here for authentic carnitas! Their carnitas are super tender and flavorful!! They include the fatty skin parts that adds to the tenderness. We got 4 carnitas tacos and a large horchata, which totaled $23. It is worth it though because the tacos are jam packed with meat! The tacos also come with cilantro and onion, pickled onions, limes, and hot sauce on the side. Plus they give you a small free taco while you wait. I got full off of that and 2 tacos. I am a big taco fan and I was not disappointed! It is cash only! Sooo they basically round up on everything just FYI :)

I love this place. They introduced me to chicharron prensado and I absolutely love it and am constantly on the lookout for that menu offering when eating at any other Mexican restaurant. (note: its not that I've never had something like it, but have never known of it as a particular style of carnitas/chicharron that is offered and can be ordered specifically as I'm not latino/a Spanish speaker. For an example, please search their yelp photos as there are good examples included) I usually will order a half or full pound (which comes with tortillas, salsas, and is probably too much for two people in one sitting) and will just go to town on this crispy pork for days. Depending on how much I get and how long it lasts, I may run out of tortillas or they may no longer be good/salvageable and at that point I quickly lightly refry them in a pan and eat it with steamed rice because i'm azn af and rice + meat is always a winner. For the amount you get in an order and how long it lasts, its a crazy huge value while being super delicious from beginning to end in all its forms. I knock off 1 star though (would give 4.5 if I could) because its cash only (pretty minor issue as they have an ATM available inside) and more of a big deal for me is that they recently took themselves off the delivery apps (I only use UberEats mostly, slightly DoorDash, unsure if they're available on any others). This makes things a little more difficult for me to satisfy my Carnitas Las Michoacanas cravings and has been a big bummer. I hope this changes, but I don't see a small mom&pop restaurant going on the apps, getting off, then coming back on... Fingers crossed though!

Wow!! Some very tasty carnitas. Real good. Some of the best i've ever had. Very busy but not too much of a wait. The taquero gave me a taco to taste estilo quiroga very nice touch.

This place is dirty and very run down . The food wasn't anything like the reviews. I ordered two basic Carnita Tacos . Simple .. I got the grossest taco I've ever had in San Diego. My home town , so I know tacos . I spent 50$ on trash . The tortillas tasted like paper towels and the meat was far from Michoacan style .. My husband got 8 tacos and we got them to go to later juts throw them away . The beans , a simple dish , tasted like dog shit ....No bueno .

They have good prices and the workers are wholesome. Appreciate the good service and the nice taste of the food. Try out the carnitas.

Delicious authentic Mexican food. A bit pricey for menudo (in my opinion) and a bit greasier than I would've liked but nonetheless it was delicious. Tortillas are homemade too. The carnitas burrito is huge!!! And delicious

Waiters need more training taking orders there was alot of mistakes that could have been prevented. Carnitas were good Menudo tasted old and salty as for the price I expected better. Only upside Food was hot and was served fast.

Love the carnitas here especially "carnitas con Todo" which just means carnitas mixed with all the other bits. Other bits meaning the fattier parts such as tripe, ears or cheek. Don't know exactly what the mix of the others are but this version is delicious and carnitas only is always an option if you aren't feeling brave. If it is your first time there they may give you a sample of carnitas on a warm tortilla. It will get you addicted and you will order a few pounds of meat. Beans, rice, and tortilla are available but the rice isn't great.

Today, I was visiting my sister in San Diego to help her move into her new apartment. We decided to eat here before we left to home. We had a relatively large party. Took about 5 mins to get seated, so it was quick. I ordered the quesabirria taco, which was pretty good but the consume was a bit too rich for me. The others also enjoyed their food, though. The ambience is okay, like a mom and pop restaurant. but it doesn't really matter to me. Overall experience is 4 stars.

What. A. Place. Seriously, I absolutely adore spots like this all while acknowledging that it is not for everyone. It's cash only, it's not a typical "taco shop," and English is an absolute rarity and Carnitas Las Michoacanas is better off for it. Our mission was to get some great pozole and sopes and we were not disappointed. The sopes came in an order of three and were certainly the highlight of our little shared meal. These little suckers were hearty! I could not get a clean bite on the sope but I'm never going to complain about a place like this going heavy on the costly ingredients, which they did. Love, love, loved it! My only regret about coming to Carnitas Las Michoacanas is not visiting sooner. Splendid spot that we can't wait to take the in-laws from Tijuana to.

Yes The carnitas are delicious and I loved the taste if's of the Mexican food in San Diego.

Enjoy coming here and bring friends and family who come visit SD. The Carnitas are always on point and delicious. Customer service is also outstanding.

Food is good, service okay and the ambience is okay it is dirty and smells bad like bathrooms also while there someone drop a soda and they mop it with an DIRTY mop. It was disgusting.

Very good food & service. Beware cash only though so make sure to bring cash unless you want to use their atm.

Might be one of the best taco places I have ever had in my life. Unfortunately, they only sell carnitas but I am not complaining. If you want the best carnitas in your life, come here. It might be off putting because most people think carnitas is just the old, dry meat that is left on the stove for too long and overcooked even more when fried onto a plancha or frying pan. But this taco joint mixes 3 parts of pork (I believe buche, butt, and skin) which makes the taco exceptional from texture to taste. The tortillas are not fresh but are good quality and hold the meat really well. It also comes with rice and beans cooked in carnitas fat from my deduction. The sides are also equally amazing. The carnitas are sold pound by pound and a pound usually will feed a family of 2-3. They have a great price of a pound for $20 dollars so you get exceptional carnitas at an even better price. You will not regret it here and if I ever recommend one restaurant to go to in san diego, it is THIS PLACE. Do not leave or enter san diego without eating this place. I guarantee you I will change your life.

Have been by this place many times..was told by moms from the school I work at its great. Went in today first time...told them it was my first time...no help or suggestions. Looked at me crazy when I ordered one carnitas taco with a side of rice and beans. Very under seasoned bland..everyone ordering before me and after me got their free taco...not me...La Mesita is my place still.

Carnitas are ok don't order the pozole or the tostadas not worth to order the flavor is not there .

I had a last minute party for 30 hungry people at my home. I have been to Carnitas Las Michoacanas several times before but this was the first time I placed a big order for a party. I got 15 lbs of carnitas, frijoles, arroz, tortillas, onions with cilantro, and 2 different salsas. All total was $300. They were a hit, and I got a lot of compliments for the food. The staff is always super friendly and will always give you a carnitas taco for free while you wait (always!). Everything is fresh and the carnitas are so moist and tasty. Love this place. If you like carnitas, then Carnitas Las Michoacanas is the best place in San Diego to get them.

Come if you love carnitas, but come also if you don't! I promise you'll be a lover of carnitas by the end of your visit. I'm not afraid to be vulnerable and disclose that I'm (usually) not a huge fan of carnitas, but they've changed my mind. My friend and I went in wide eyed and probably a bit confused looking, overwhelmed by what to order. The nice lady at the counter asked if we wanted any samples and gave us each basically a full taco! As soon as we each took a bite, we were hooked. Never have either of us had such tender, juicy and melt in your mouth carnitas. We ordered an assortment of items, ranging from more tacos to burritos. Honestly everything we ordered was really delicious, and you can't go wrong but definitely get the carnitas. They also sell by the pound! Note that they are cash only, so be sure to bring that or they also have an ATM machine available. Give them a visit, and your stomach won't regret it!

Main points: Cash only. Great portion. Super super super flavorful carnitas. Get the family pack (1 lb carnitas, dozen tortillas, rice, beans, salsa for less then $20) I came here during a playoff game after trying to go to Northgate but they were out. I got 2 lbs of carnitas with all the toppings. This place is so bomb. So so so good. We went back the next night, hahah. I honestly haven't had anything other than the carnitas pack and that bomb free taco. 10/10

Everything is freshly prepared and there's always activity here (I know because I live nearby) and the smell is wonderful and the customers look happy and the tables are full and people are always coming and going. I don't eat much meat and they cook their beans using meat in the stock but I still give it the 5 stars because they gave me samples of the items I was able to try and they were fabulous and I was super surprised by the offer. I had all of the salsas and the rice and salad and tortillas and loved it. So if you like the meat and cheese, and like casual, you gotta go.

El savor es muy Rico, he estado ahi varias ocasiones sin embargo sus precios los subieron demasiado lo cual no tendria importancia si el servicio de la mesera (no la habia mirado antes) fuera bueno Pesimo servicio y el lugar esta muy descuidado en cuanto a limpieza ( antes tampoco estaba asi.. Flavor is really good, waitress setvice is very poor Cleanliness of place has declined a lot.

Love the carnitas if you are having family over need quick dinner they have great bundle by the pound an the owner always hooks you up with a taco while you wait

This place has delicious carnitas, but on my latest visit, I was given a pittance of rice and beans, plus they did not have the rib meat I was looking for. When I buy 2 lbs of carnitas, I expect enough sides to make a meal. Instead, I had to stop and grab a salad and some chips. Every other carnitas meal I have purchased comes with a pint of rice and beans. They only accept cash.

Excellent food, clean and friendly if you are on university avenue. I had the breakfast burrito Back again to celebrate National Burrito Day. Excellent as expected

Delicious carnitas, great service & very reasonable pricing. It's a drive for me but we'll worth it.

So I saw the Netflix show about tacos, saw one about carnitas, asked my Mexican wife to research about carnitas in San Diego area, she asked around her local friends, and we ended up in this carnitas place. Now, I am new at carnitas. But yeah. This is actually pretty good. Meat is soft and juicy. Quite flavorful. I would love to learn how they are prepared. I would definitely go again. Only thing I felt weird about was the rice. Why is it pinkish orange? I had tomato rice plenty of times and none of them was that color. Whaaaat is going on?

Judging by the reviews of my former Yelpers, I was looking forward to eating here and trying the much raved about carnitas BUT, I was sadly disappointed. On the positive side the staff was very friendly, I ordered the Carnitas Plate and the cashier even gave me a sample of the carnitas while he prepared my plate (cost $13). The carnitas were full of fat and gristle, now some may like that but I prefer the leaner cuts of meat. The flavor was ok but nothing to write home about. The plate also came with beans that were very runny/watery, rice and what appeared to be artificial guacamole, they also give you about 6 tortillas. All in all I will probably never go back, there are a LOT of other taco shops to go to that taste much better and charge much less.

I give this spot three stars because they were very polite They only take cash but the Carnitas were very dry they do offer you a free taco when your paying I would not come back for the carnitas

3.5 stars Feeling adventurous and wanting something different from my usual rotation i decided upon this Carnitas restaurant. When i arrived it looked "very authentic" and what you might expect to find across the boarder. So the place wasn't the cleanest or fanciest place in town, but that didn't deter me, many times this is where you find the real authentic stuff. I stood in the line where everyone else was standing then watched as people who were eating in just sat at the table and were served. I then realized that the line was for take out only, rookie move; oh well you gotta learn somehow. I got out of line and stat at a table and was given a menu, but i already knew i wanted the carnitas plate. It came out shortly after with beans, rice and guacamole and some onions and other toppings and tortillas. The carnitas was delicious, nice and tender and flavorful too, not always an easy thing to pull off when its so simple. I also liked the beans and rice, some i made into tacos, others i broke apart the tortilla and used it to grab the carnitas, beans and rice. I don't know what is proper technique, and frankly i didn't care, it was good whatever way you ate it. The place is nothing special, and actually kinda grungy. I have absolutely no problem eating at places like this but I know a few people who would not. To me its authentic, to others its just dirty; So just a heads up if you are a germaphobe. There is lots of parking in the little strip mall they are located in. I'd definitely come back to try some other things if i was in the area or take some of my non germaphobe friends.

Awesome food and very friendly service. Highly recommend. First time here and Christina kindly give suggestions on what we should order. Thumbs up.

First time ever eat here a 10 out 10 never rolled tacos that tasted like this red sauce from salsa was delicious and carnitas was 10 out of 10 they give 2 free tacos for sampling here as well

Best damn carnitas I ever had the only thing I didn't like was the beans they were a bit runny, but everything else was real good. The staff was excellent and I will be going back soon.

The food is amazing! I regularly order for my work team and get a large amount of carnitas with all the fixings! Delicious food and reasonable price! They are so very nice and always help me carry everything to my car and give me a taco to eat while I wait for my order!

I like Carnitas Las Michoacanas just fine. Follow my lead and you will like it, too. Try the pozole rojo. It's flavorful without being over-spiced, and it's loaded with hominy and scruffy meat by-products, as is appropriate. Trompa - or snout - has a particularly entertaining chew. Oh, come on... close your eyes and eat your pozole. No one ever died from trying something new and different. Well, wait... they have, I suppose, but you won't, not in this case. And when you do (eat, that is, not die), bear in mind that at Carnitas Las Michoacanas, some - not all - of the customary condiments are available for one's pozole, and that what's offered isn't offered all at once, which leaves the diner to rise and walk to the counter, to ask for what's missing. When you return to Carnitas Las Michoacanas - and you will be back - enjoy some tacos de chicharron prensado - tortillas filled with bits of pressed fresh-cooked chicharron that surprise with bursts of spice and flavor and God-only-knows-what-*that*-was. Then have a bowl of deep-fried chiles de arbol, tossed in salt. The prensado, I've had better at other places, but this one isn't bad. The chiles are my new favorite snack food. Of course, you can't come to Carnitas Las Michoacanas and skip the house special, carnitas, which, frankly, is the best reason to visit this place. So walk in, buy an absurd quantity of fried pork (actually, done right, carnitas is essentially pork confit, which sounds a lot cooler than "fried pork", but we ain't fancy in this part of town), and go home to your loved ones bearing pork and tortilla and beer you purchase elsewhere. Because... these folks don't do service or side dishes or alternative preparations - or alcohol sales, or credit cards, for that matter - but they do know how to fry pork.

AMAZING! Carnitas are by far the best I've ever had & the rice and beans-ni se diga to tell you I came back the next day!

The 3 tacos and a 7 up 13.55 then checked my bank account was charged a extra dollar heads up this happen today may 3 2022 it was a lady who talks like a man who charged me shame on you. He she

I live in Northpark / City Heights and had stumbled across this place as I was viewing mexican food in my area. I drove about 20 min to get here and the trigger cause of that were the yelp photos of the rolled tacos here. Man how could I have chosen that up??? They look authentic as heck. Like a little piece of heaven just fell down. There was somewhat of a line outside the door. And since it was my first time here - I just stood in line not knowing my mom and I could've just sat ourselves at one of the open tables but whatev! Guess what I go out of standing in like though? I free carnitas taco. I don't know if this is their normal but it was super nice of them. Plus I know they're known for their carnitas so I was happy to try the product. You could tell this is probably some of the La Mesians (la Mesa locals- just made that word up) favorite spot. I feel like the people who were there probably come religiously and I don't blame them. I obviously ordered what I came for : 6 rolled tacos con todo. And my date (my mom) for a carne asada torta. Only cons 1) One of their bathrooms wasn't working so I just went into the male restroom. Pretty clean. 2) The salsa was watery and not as spicy as I'd like it but still satisfied. It was a good first experience and I'll probably be back.

Best part about this place is the price and the portions! I think I may have come at a bad time because this place comes pretty highly recommended. I ordered a pound of carnitas, and the total was like 15$ so the deal is just great. However the actual carnitas was kind of cold which makes for a pretty lousy experience. I probably won't try it again.

If you don't know authentic carnitas.... Don't go here without educating yourself a little bit. This family run restaurant is so special to me! Absolutely delectable

Burrito I ordered was California Surf and turf it was discussing overly disappointed very greasy and to many onions got Jamacha as drink was sweet and to much ice then only gave me 1 red salsa when I asked for green never again I waisted my coins don't recommend horrible

The carnitas are delicious. And if that isn't enough, you get a free taco with every order. Chilaquiles and milanesa are also good. The only thing I wasn't a fan of was the potato tacos.

This place is sooo good and the prices are great! I was hoping that this place was just as good as the Chula Vista location and I was not disappointed. They were very COVID friendly and had great routines in place. They had a separate entrance and exit and made sure they had employees in place to take orders and a person working the line to quicken the service. The service was so fast. We ordered a pound of carnitas meal. It comes with fresh warm tortillas (a whole lot of them), beans, rice, salsa, cilantro ,& onions. The meat is so tender and with all the toppings it makes a perfect taco. The only thing was it is cash only right now but luckily I had some on me. They added a little more meat to make it an even 20 dollars. #CoinShortage. What?! 20 dollars is a steal for all that food. We have a family of four and had plenty of meat and tortillas left over. The beans and rice were gone so next time I will get two of each. This is a must try especially and with a larger family it's a delicious inexpensive meal.

My boyfriend introduced me to this place awhile back and it's so good! I always get the 1lb of carnitas and they bring out tortillas, salsa, lime, cilantro& onions, and a side of rice and beans. Everything is delicious but VERY fattening!! I like to get a coke to wash it down. This place is CASH ONLY so plan ahead when dinning here. Another thing, this place is not the cleanest in appearance so beware!! Overall best carnitas spot in San Diego but is a little dirty looking.