Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant
Mexican restaurant · Heart of Chicago ·
Slow-cooked pork carnitas, cactus salad, brain quesadillas, corundas
![Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant by Carnitas Uruapan [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65809902/carnitas_uruapan.0.jpg "Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant by Carnitas Uruapan [Official Photo]")
![Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant by Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62578644/2.57.jpg "Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant by Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant [Official Photo]")
Slow-cooked pork carnitas, cactus salad, brain quesadillas, corundas
"A venerable Pilsen landmark that’s risen to national fame thanks to Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, Carnitas Uruapan isn’t exactly a hidden gem — for decades, locals have cued up for mouthwatering pork by the pound (or several), as well as tacos, brain quesadillas, corundas, and more. Place orders online via Toast. Second-generation Marcos Carbajal also operates an outpost in Gage Park." - Eater Staff
"When it comes to tortilla pairings, pork is an absolute game-changer. And there’s no better example of this delicious duo than the mouth-watering dish known as carnitas. Hailing from the state of Michoacán, the epicenter of carnitas know-how, Inocencio Carbajal opened Carnitas Uruapan in 1975. With a third-generation Michoacano recipe, Carnitas Uruapan must be doing something right, as patrons keep coming back to order either one taco, a whole pound (or many), along with the traditional cactus salad, pickled chiles, chicharrón, or brain quesadillas. Also on the menu are difficult-to-find Michoacano tamales known as corundas. Now under the leadership of son Marcos Carbajal, Carnitas Uruapan now has a location in Little Village, featuring culturally resonant decor throughout and a much-appreciated liquor license that gives way for cocktails that emphasize regional Mexican spirits like mezcal and charanda from Michoacán, along with micheladas and a lineup of Mexican beers, including a collaboration with Mexican American-owned Casa Humilde Cerveceria. Online ordering is available." - Brenda Storch
"Chicago’s Mexican community and food enthusiasts worldwide flock to this longtime family-owned counter-service institution in Pilsen that celebrates all parts of the pig. Order carnitas by the pound at the front counter and settle into a table — if one is available — to craft your own individual tacos with a mix of salsas, tortillas, and beans, or order tacos, soup, and cactus salad ready-made. Prepare for lines and waits during peak weekend hours. There are two more locations, including a recently opened outpost in Little Village. Best for: A quick lunch." - Ashok Selvam
"The original location of Carnitas Uruapan, founded by Inocencio Carbajal, serves iconic Mexican dishes such as crispy carnitas, crunchy chicharrones, and tacos dorados. This location has been a staple in the community since 1975." - Serena Maria Daniels
"Pork reigns supreme at this essential taqueria. Due to its small dining room, there are often lines out the door so weekdays are the best bet for a quick lunch. The short menu stars crispy, tender carnitas that have been slow-cooked in fat for hours. Order it by the pound or get the lunch special and enjoy a half-pound of meat, tortillas, chicharrones, refried beans, a taco dorado, and a drink for $10.50. A second location is in Gage Park. Online ordering is available here." - Ashok Selvam, Eater Staff