Carnitas Uruapan Mexican Food #1 lemon grove

Just landed in S.D. and headed to El Central so I had to get Mexican food. Google led me to this great mom and pop place that’s been in business for a long time! The starter chips and salsa was good but the side of refried beans were awesome! My pork burrito was big but a little greasy. My wife loved her eggs. It had the classic Mexican joint feel and some good choice of Mexican beers

Place was amazing food was so good and service was great I received from a super nice lady. I am super glad I came here since I am a delivery driver for Amazon when I get lunch I will be coming here. The food is phenomenal, I had to say it again, and if you’re a foodie like I am you have to try this place. The California burrito is giant and 13$ definitely worth the price unlike other taco shops.

Sorry shadow of what Carnitas Urapan was in Spring Valley, Lemon Grove, even the one that recently closed in La Mesa. Carnitas was not crispy like they used to have it, tomatoes, onion and cilantro were all chopped. Greeted by a tired server who wasn't enthusiastic or happy about anything, didn't get out full order. Parking was sad 2 spots across from post office. Smaller place, but overall mostly disappointed in the classic carnitas being not as good as before.

Good taco shop. Small and not spoken of often but prices aren’t too crazy and food is tasty. Has a drive thru and also dine in. Family friendly restaurant that is kid friendly and conveniently located near the trolley.

Tonight I got dinner for the family (4) and was amazed the heavy sack of food was only $39. Carnitas fries and nachos were so good and the wet burrito was filled with delicious carnitas. My son loved his rolled tacos but says next time he is ordering the carnitas fries. We have so many leftovers, we could have just ordered the fries and nachos. I love this place but don’t go there enough because it is 1.5 miles away and I have two taco shops between here and there. We will definitely make the trip more often.

Top notch, actually authentic Mexican food! Not texmex! Everything I've had here is superior to any equivalent dish I've had elsewhere, and I've been around a lot. I absolutely love their chilaquiles. They couldn't get better. I do prefer this location a little more over the one on El cajon blvd, but they're both good. It's literally the best Mexican food in San Diego.

I just went to this place which had mixed reviews, but I went in with an open mind. I usually don’t write comments on places but this was just bad. The salsas were watered down and they threw some stale chips on my table I guess they were courtesy. I wanted to order a large mix order of carnitas/ buche which I have had a lot being from Michoacan. But first I asked for a buche taco to eat there while I waited. The taco was chewy, watered down guacamole and very small. The cost 6.33$. Needles to say I ate half of that taco and walked out. The fact that it was lunch time and was the only costumer there should have given it away..

This place is amazing! Amongst the best and authentic carnitas I’ve ever had. Chicharrón was good too, though it was served without the skin. Can’t wait to be back!!!

Small carnitas restaurant that shares a small parking lot with an Italian place on the corner. Only about 5 tables but some seat 6 and turnover is quick. We got the dinner for one (carnitas plate with rice, beans, and tortilla), burrito plate, 2 tacos plate, and Horchata. Everything was delicious and the carnitas is excellent, not dry like some other places. There's also a corner of snacks/candy and different flavors of paletas for sale. I've gone here twice already and the staff are friendly and service is quick.

Really good food. Service is also good. Best carnitas, in plates, tacos or burritos. Been going there for years.

There was a bolt in the carnitas, my father in law bit into his plate of food and could have hurt himself. It was in a clump with the meat.The food is great but when I called to complain I was met with "ok". I would think there would have been more done or contact from the business owner. I hope people are careful!

Yuck. Very low quality, not very fresh. Chicken looked like frankenmeat. Some chunks were gray. Looked like it was from a can- not even cooked. Disgusting! Only thing that was okay was the rice and the tortilla but that didn't keep me eating. Salsas were flavorless. Threw it all away.

They have great carnitas and good service. My partner and I ordered a carnitas torta (it came with beans, cheese, carnitas, tomato, lettuce, and guacamole.) I thought it was a little disappointing that it came with American cheese instead of panela or queso fresco, though. Their fries are battered and they are amazing! So crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Another sad note: their aguas are not freshly made, they come from a soda fountain.

Always been coming here since I was a kid and everything here has always been the best including service. But this was my first bacon breakfast burrito I've had from here and it's literally the best baburrito I've ever had. So good that I had to come on here and post my first review haha love this place.

Visited the larger location for a birthday party and the carnitas were spot on. (This location has more seating options than the smaller location in La Mesa.) I think it's a volume game because of how much carnitas they make daily. Simply mouth-watering.

I've been a customer for several years now and I have to say that the quality of the carnitas has significantly decreased over the years. The carnitas have been lacking flavor and more importantly, the freshness. I'm not sure if a new approach has been introduced or if the cooks are simply not consistent with their batches. Good quality carnitas should have some crispness which these lack in their entirety. I want to add that the staff also lacks the the courtesy that would make the visit that much better. Please note I do not buy any of the other menu items as I would not drive out of my way for your typical taco shop food. But bases on the most recent visits, I would not recommend carnitas from this taco shop.

The carnitas and chicharrones were amazing. This is one of my favorite food spots in SD.

I ordered takeout for my family and I last night, and I gotta say I was not disappointed! The portions are huge, and the carnitas are so juicy. My kids split a bean and rice burrito, my wife had one too, and I ordered the carnitas burrito. I added rice inside and also got a side of guacamole for all of us to share. We had left-overs of everything... they were even generous with their salsas (green is far superior imo) It was true perfection. I usually go to Penelope's across the street, but this place is my new go-to. I wish they had a drive thru at the location on El Cajon, just for ease. Next time I'll probably order the carnitas for 2 plate since my wife was eyeballing my burrito - lol. Overall, two enthusiastic thumbs up!

Setting/Service: This family has multiple locations. This particular location has a drive thru! But it also features a dine-in area and parking. The service here has always been awesome. Food comes out fast and HOT Food: Holy crap this place is good. I usually go for the standard carnitas plate. The portion is huge, pretty much guarantee leftovers. The meat is outstanding. Tender, flavorful, nice and caramelized like good carnitas should be. Salsas and sides are delicious as well. Overall: Excellent spot that is now one of my go-to's. Try this place out! Español: Mi gente, ESTAS son carnitas burnas. Muy rica comida y buen servicio también. Vale la pena

Great place to eat your lunch I have come here before and always fast service. I'm An Amazon driver we rely on speed and quality this restaurant has both amazing taste, and speed. It was also 12.50$ for this combo not bad if you're on a budget. Inside is a small eating area it may be small but it is very nice to eat lunch. I normally don't get carnitas burrito most places can't make it good, but they are the carnitas go to from now on!!

I like trying new places and sometimes at first it's not what is expected from a place so close to the border but i believe in 2nd chances.. Now I'm moving along.

A whole lot of carnitas at a great price, and speedy service. I love getting food from them every so often. I get 2 orders of a pound each, comes with beans and rice. At a reasonable price, makes feeding my whole family a great deal!!

"I stopped by Carnitas Uruapan Mexican during a lunch break from a nearby job. While they're known for their carnitas, I opted for a pollo burrito instead. Unfortunately, the experience wasn't great. The taste of the chicken was off, and when I checked, it was undercooked and had a pinkish hue. The flavor was sour and unpleasant, and I couldn't bring myself to finish it--something that's very rare for me. Sadly, I wouldn't return based on this experience."

It was alright nothing out of this world, but the burritos were decent and at a fair price, early they don't have much so wait till after 11:00 am and you may have a better experience.

It's a good place for a carnitas taco. Yes I'll recommend theses tacos. I really haven't tried other menu items. But I love that I can have a beer here with my tacos for sure.

Photo: Meal for two and two tacos... honest the tacos have a ton of meat and the meal would have been enough. Carne asada taco and adobada taco - Asada was sweet almost but a good marinade I didn't try the adobada They forgot my extra tortillas that was sad for next day left overs

Was craving a California burrito and live nearby this place so I decided to give it a try. I regret it. I ended up literally pulling the meat out, making it just a veggie burrito, because the meat tasted so bad. It almost tasted like nothing but had a slight sour taste to it. I only ate the rest of the burrito without it because I was starving. I got the green and red salsas and they were also tasteless. Giving 2 stars because they did put a lot of guac on it and it was actually good.

I ordered 2 lbs of Carnitas One Mazisa One Buche, they gave me 1/2 total. They threw in the whole onion and tomato on to my food, didn't even have the decency to cut the vegetables. I ordered 3 extra sides of salsa and all 3 were bad, tasted expired. Good Carnitas I'll give them that, and the Tortillas were hand made.

Carnitas Uruapan is the best Mexican restaurant in San Diego!!!! You cannot beat their quality and menu....... The prices are the very best in town ..... Marcos and Martha are two of the best people I know if you want the best go to their restaurant's they are located in Spring Valley LaMesa and El Cajon this is a can't miss place

Be careful ordering off DoorDash, they are bad at following directions. Do not add any salsa or utensils, ignore the notes and do not have any options to add them. Sad, because the food it not bad, the service just sucks.

Didn't get sick but used to love their food. 2 stars for getting food of some sort when we ordered it. Also 2 stars for getting crappy food. This picture is supposed to be a mix burrito but was meat with raw onions and no beans. Side tortilla wasn't the same as used for the burrito- not worth eating. Rolled tacos-our favorite generally- empty and poorly fried. French fries were something I could have made at home faster and cheaper. Ew. We were looking forward to this for the weekend but have to be offended that we tipped someone for drive-thru pickup on this (because you tip before you get your food). Hoping it was a training issue and not a management one but this is the last bad experience we'll have here. Never returning.

Maggie burrito., our go to burrito! Not the most healthiest but tasty. If you like carnitas, chicharrón and beans, you'll like this.

Albondigas? Looks like they combined albondigas meatballs with Caldo de Res soup. It only worries me because I'm wondering how much soup was left of each to make them combine them.

I normally go here for a Ranchero burrito. I came tonight, and it's like they gave me an unseasoned carne asada burrito. I always get the Ranchero burrito, I said no rice, so they decided to keep the rest of the ingredients out. Also, we sat down to eat (not knowing they closed at 9) it was 10 minutes until 9, and she gave us a Togo bag. I'm so disappointed. I've been craving this damn burrito, never again!!! I had to come home and doll it up so it could taste good.

This is a nice small restaurant with great food. We've been on the hunt for a place that sells carnitas and boy did we find it! The service was great and the selection of food is really good!

Idk how this place only has 3.8 stars. This place is a 10/10 !! Everyone know anyplace from Michoacán has the best carnitas and man this place was delicious !! Def gatekeeping this spot !

Great burritos breakfast burritos at this shop. I love the convince of the drive up window. The salsas are really tasty too.

Hidden(ish) gem!! They dont skimp on the meat - and packed with flavor! Good prices, quick, no frills.

Happen to be down the street at friends car shop and we picked the car up late on a Friday. San Diego's funny that way, if you try to eat some after 8pm your choices are Very limited and a lot of times only to fast food. The mechanic recommended this place. Great food! Service was "ok" It was also getting late and it seems Every where is short staffed these days. Husband had the shredded beef chimichanga. Excellent!

Since at least I was in 5th grade, I have passed this way. Since the first time, I have wondered about this building. - 5th grade: What is a carnitas? Who is an Uruapan? - 8th grade: There's that place again. I keep going by it. Seriously, what do those words mean? I know they are Spanish - 12th grade: I wonder what their carnitas is like and where Uruapan is? - My adult life: There is that place again. I wonder if it is good? Yes. It is good. Get a couple pounds of Carnitas and knock it back family style with your friends. Uruapan is the second largest city in Michoacán. It is the center of avocado production in Mexico. The name cones from the Purépecha language word "uruapani": plant that flowers and fruits at the same time. It was a major center of resistance in the Mexican revolution. Carnitas is Mexican pulled pork. Me and my friend ate it tortillas, cilantros, onions like it came on the plate. It is so good we didn't need any of the 4 excellent hot sauces. Horchata with light ice is on point. Chicharrones are fun. One of my life's many mysteries are now solved. Bring on Regis and the million dollars. I have the answers.

Quality fell off. Sadly. Their food used to be so good!!! Also, guy taking the order, try writing things down and then putting order in. I don't know maybe he was stoned but he asked my order 3 times. I'm bummed the food was old. Chips were fried in old oil, Carnitas dry. Rice crunchy beans under seasoned.

Fun little place - it's a hole in the wall, and doesn't look like much from the outside. It's tucked away in a corner parking lot by a dry cleaners place. They have a drive through with a large menu. The like can be long depending on the time of day. You pull up and let the woman know what you want and wait there as they prepare the order, or you can park and wait. They also have an inside lobby for you to go in and order from. The food is good, and the people seem friendly. I enjoy the chicken tacos as well as the salsas. A few of their prices have gone up and changed (along with many places during these times), but it's still relatively affordable and good for a quick evening meal.

My god, I was recommended by a friend because I told them i haven't been able to find good carnitas in san diego. I was not disappointed. Figured they would be street tacos too; I could only finish one. Most authentic and delicious carnitas I have had besides homemade on special occasions. Thank you, really.

BE AWARE OF BUYING CARNITAS FROM THIS PLACE!!! yesterday i bought 3lb of carnitas and they were super salty and dry, i got food poisoning this morning , i went to return this nasty carnitas and the cashier was SUPER RUDE not even an apology for the bad food that they sell..

I like it if there were more chunky pieces of meat and not so much scraps. They were friendly and fairly quick. It's a small place but big enough for a regular family. Parking could be better

Nice hidden gem for sure. Can't go wrong with any item on the menu. Definitely recommend to anyone in the area looking for a great place to eat

I'm really disappointed in the decline in both food quality and customer service of this restaurant. I used to have no issues ordering food until my visit yesterday, in which a very rude and older woman at the drive thru gave me a hard time for such a simple order and stole the change that she owed me. I paid for my $11.44 order using $12 in cash and she only gave me my receipt saying "I'll give you your change." After waiting, she gave me my food but not my change. I asked for my change and she said "I already gave it to you, remember?" and she would not give me the measly 56 cents that she owed me. Not to mention my burrito was absolutely terrible. There were large pieces of bone from the meat throughout that the cooks failed to remove, which you can see in the photo provided. This used to be my favorite place to get a carnitas burrito, but now it seems like I have to look elsewhere. Such a shame how what was once a good restaurant has now resorted to stealing money from customers and serving subpar food.

1st of the cashier had an attitude as soon as we walked in. I ordered the carnita dinner for 2 and tamales. When we got the food the food was at the window for 15mins until she told us something. The carnitas was no good no taste definitely no seasoning. The tamales had alottt of cheese and alot of mole sauce . Definitely not worth coming back at all from Customer Service to the food .

Ordered two flautas, one beef and one chicken, with rice and beans. Also comes with guacamole (no sour cream for me). Was very satisfied with my order. They actually don't have flautas on the menu but I asked and they very nicely obliged. The portions are huge, they use the burrito-sized flour tortilla for their flautas. Highly recommend this place. The people are also very friendly, as you would expect in family-run businesses. My friends come here often for their carnitas, which is obviously their signature dish. On this particular day I was craving flautas but their carnitas are top-notch.

I have been hesitant to write a review about this place because I have been going to this place since it was originally in Lemon Grove down the street from there. And the original owners husband/wife worked in there. And as they moved to a smaller place in La Mesa off spring street, I still continue to go. In the beginning off spring street, they would bring you chips and salsa and serve you on your table. When the food was ready, they would bring it out to you. Well, the last few years, I am not sure, but if this is still family members still working here. If ALL the young ladies that work there are family, the young ladies I have experienced, they are all rude, do not smile, have no customer service etiquette whatsoever! They do not bring out chips anymore, they will not serve you at your table, I have to go get up and serve myself. They won't even tell me that it is my food sitting there waiting. You can tell and feel their vibe and it's negative. I keep coming back here because the food is still decent, but the customer service is . Please-please, talk to everyone that works there and train and instill CUSTOMER SERVICE. If you can change that whole dynamic there, I give this a 4+ rating, but the way it is now, 2+

There must have been a change in ownership or management as the Carnitas was about 75% globs of fat - 25% meat. The beans were just swimming in fat. Used to be our go to spot ...so disappointing. Plus they didn't add tortillas to our order - called to complain - Dude says - they don't come with the 1 lb Carnitas order. Interesting since the door dash order gives you an option of flour or corn. We picked corn. They had no interest in correcting THEIR mistake - just offered up an excuse... you know 'cause everybody eats carnitas with their hands ... tortillas? Who needs them.

I've been coming to this place since before they moved out of Lemon Grove and I've never been disappointed until the last two times I've been here. First off the guy who answered the phone to take my order had zero customer service or personality all I kept hearing was anything else!!! I ordered extra flour tortillas and got half an order of corn tortillas!! The carnitas are good but I just want what I ordered!! Sad because I really used to love this place and they officially lost me today.

I had the Carnitas burrito and a large drink. The food was OK, but but impacting my review is the price, service, and cleanliness. The burrito, I felt, is extremely overpriced for what you get. The drink was incredibly sugary and sweet. When I sat down at the table, there was foodleft over and none of the tables had been cleaned. The floor was also pretty dirty. The person at the front five minutes to take my order and was nonchalant. Overall, I give it two stars. I would not go back.

Ordered carne asada burritos and got bistec ranchero burritos instead! I guess they don't grill their meat! The taste was average as we expected grilled carne asada burritos. We also ordered Jamaica drink which tasted like kool-aid. They specialize in carnitas and I will only buy carnitas if I come back here again!

Just gross over cooked shrimp lack of ranchero sauce..nasty very disappointed. Have ordereded in the past and the food was good so i thought this would be such a disappointment.

It was like the first time I saw her smile and how captivated I was. She was different in every conventional way but her nervous smile, intense eyes, and hesitance took my breath away. It was just Iike that first time that this tiny joint in the middle of nowhere, open late, made me believe in the power of simple well prepared ingredients once again. I was unfazed by their nonchalance as we walked up. Nor was I bothered by an empty restaurant or remotely peeved by the lady behind the counter who exuded an aura that we shouldn't be there this late in the evening. No, I was hungry - rightfully so - and adamantly in need of a true meal that hopefully would remain authentic to the art this side of town. Carnitas be in the name? Carnitas it would be. Make it for two as my appetite calls for it. Make it well I hope, for my attitude will always demand it. So it was like the first time I saw her smile and fell in love with it. Unconventional as it was, it just made sense as time revealed it so. Succulent meat, large chunks, whole coriander and everything served on side plates it came. It came demanding attention or adoration. It came unexpected yet perfect in every way. How so one may ask? It's pork at its best when left to diners to trust the ingredients to shine. No oily taste to every bite. So called fried pork that didn't taste oily? Yet unbelievably tender and succulent? It's the rest period revealed when asked. I had to ask. I work on pork often enough to know that shortcuts do not work or lead to something this immaculate. It was that good that their perfect rice and well cooked beans became an after thought. Their creamy guacamole I forgot in a second after I took another bite of their carnitas and self picked cilantro. I forgot everything else. Why? It was like that smile that unsaddled me. It was a revelation that simple ingredients done right always wins. It was really nothing but pork and salt treated right. But because it was, it became, it was and is the phenomenal meal that made me believe it possible. That a cheap meat could be the priceless experience a lucky diner who showed up at the right time would never forget.

First time trying this place. It was ssooo good. The carnitas were well seasoned and tender, delicious. Also had a red cheese enchilada--tasty too. Service was great. Very nice young lady at the window. Definitely recommend.