Food & Drink

Carnitas Conquests: Discovering Philly’s 12 Sizzling Hotspots

If you're a fan of pork, then you know that carnitas are a must-try dish. This Mexican specialty is a slow-cooked, succulent pork that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

It's a dish that is loved by many, and Philadelphia has no shortage of restaurants that serve it.

Finding the best place for carnitas in Philadelphia can be quite the challenge. With so many options available, it's tough to narrow down the best ones.

But fear not, because we've got you covered. We've scoured the streets of Philadelphia to find the best places for carnitas in the city.

Whether you prefer your carnitas served on a soft tortilla or as a filling for a burrito, we've got you covered. We've tried and tested all the best places in Philadelphia that serve carnitas so that you don't have to.

From small, family-owned restaurants to trendy, modern eateries, we've found the best spots for carnitas in Philadelphia. So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover the best places for carnitas in the City of Brotherly Love.

1. Blue Corn Restaurant and Bar

Blue Corn Restaurant And Bar
940 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Google Maps)

Blue Corn Restaurant and Bar offers an authentic taste of Mexico with their delicious carnitas.

This small eatery serves up Mexico City-style dishes with a range of unique taco fillings such as tongue and brain. The tortillas are always fresh, and the meat is loaded onto the tacos generously.

The service is excellent and professional, and the atmosphere is cozy and festive. Prices are reasonable, but be aware that it's cash only.

If you're looking for a genuine Mexican dining experience, Blue Corn Restaurant and Bar is a must-visit.

2. Pancho's Cafe

Pancho's Cafe
152 W Girard Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19123 (Google Maps)

Pancho's Cafe is a small family-run taqueria that serves authentic Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is cozy and the staff is friendly and accommodating.

The star of the menu is the carnitas, which are juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked.

The portion sizes are generous and the prices are fair. The restaurant is perfect for a quick bite or takeout.

The food is delicious and highly recommended for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine.

3. Taqueria La Prima

Taqueria La Prima
1104 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Google Maps)

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, Taqueria La Prima is a must-visit spot.

Their carnitas are cooked to perfection and bursting with flavor. The portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.

They have a variety of options on the menu, but the carnitas are definitely the star of the show.

The staff is friendly and the service is quick. Don't miss out on this hidden gem.

4. El Taco

El Taco
3233 Powelton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19104 (Google Maps)

El Taco is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican carnitas. The food is fresh, flavorful, and reasonably priced.

The staff is friendly and accommodating, and the restaurant is clean and inviting.

While the seating area is small, the take-out service is efficient, making it a great option for a quick lunch or dinner.

Don't miss out on the empanadas and churros for a sweet treat. El Taco is a hidden gem that is sure to satisfy any Mexican food cravings.

5. Mexico Lindo Y Que Rico Restaurant

Mexico Lindo Y Que Rico Restaurant
700 Moore St, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (Google Maps)

Mexico Lindo Y Que Rico Restaurant is a hidden gem for carnitas lovers. Their authentic and delicious dishes are a must-try for anyone looking for a taste of Mexico.

The staff is friendly and the atmosphere is cozy, making it a great spot for a casual meal.

The birria tacos and barbacoa are highly recommended, and the huaraches are a must-try for bean lovers. The prices are affordable and the portion sizes are generous.

If you're looking for a low-key Mexican eatery that offers typical dishes like tacos and burritos, plus breakfast options, then Mexico Lindo Y Que Rico Restaurant is the place to be.

6. Jose Pistola's

Jose Pistola's
263 S 15th St, Philadelphia, PA 19102 (Google Maps)

Looking for some of the best carnitas in town, head over to Jose Pistola's.

This cozy Tex-Mex spot offers creative Mexican fare, spiced with a choice of salsa.

It's a great place for happy hour, with discounted margarita pitchers. The staff is friendly, and the atmosphere is lively.

If you're in the mood for some authentic Mexican food, then Jose Pistola's is the place to be.

7. Casa Mexico

Casa Mexico
1134 S 9th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Google Maps)

Looking for some authentic carnitas in town that won't disappoint your taste buds and wallet alike, head over to Casa Mexico.

This small and cozy Mexican restaurant offers a variety of dishes that are sure to impress. The carnitas tacos are a must-try, and the guacamole and esquites are also highly recommended.

The staff is friendly and welcoming, and the service is prompt. The outdoor seating is a plus, making it a perfect spot to enjoy your meal on a sunny day.

If you're craving some delicious Mexican food, Casa Mexico won't disappoint.

8. La Tienda

La Tienda
1247 Snyder Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19148 (Google Maps)

La Tienda is a hidden gem for carnitas. The food is outstanding and the portions are huge.

The store offers a wide variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and Mexican treats.

The prices are very inexpensive, making it a great spot for lunch or dinner.

The quick service and friendly staff make the experience even better. Don't miss out on this authentic Mexican food and grocery store.

9. Taqueria El Jarocho

Taqueria El Jarocho
1138 S 13th St, Philadelphia, PA 19147 (Google Maps)

Taqueria El Jarocho is a small and cozy spot that serves up authentic and delicious Mexican food.

The carnitas tacos are a must-try, with perfectly seasoned meat and flavorful salsa. The grilled steak tacos are also highly recommended, with a nice spicy kick.

The staff is attentive and helpful, making for a great customer service experience. Prices are reasonable, and portion sizes are generous.

If you're looking for a no-frills, hole-in-the-wall type of place with amazing food, Taqueria El Jarocho is the spot for you.

10. La Marqueza

La Marqueza
1700 Spring Garden St, Philadelphia, PA 19130 (Google Maps)

Looking for authentic handmade Mexican food in the city that won't break the bank, La Marqueza is the place to go.

For only $8, customers can get three tacos, beans, rice, and chips made to order.

The food is delicious and one of the best options for the price.

La Marqueza is a must-try for anyone in search of quality carnitas.

11. Los Camaradas

Los Camaradas
918 S 22nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19146 (Google Maps)

Los Camaradas is a cozy Mexican restaurant that serves up delicious carnitas. The menu is diverse, with a variety of taco platters available to suit all preferences.

The short rib tacos are a must-try, and the fish tacos are also highly recommended. The margaritas are fantastic, and there's a great happy hour deal on weekdays.

The atmosphere is fun and relaxed, with cool murals adding to the ambiance. The staff is friendly and attentive, making for a great dining experience overall.

If you're in the mood for some tasty carnitas, Los Camaradas is definitely worth checking out.

12. Taqueria Amor

Taqueria Amor
4410 Main St, Philadelphia, PA 19127 (Google Maps)

Looking for some delicious carnitas and other Mexican dishes that won't break the bank in terms of price or quality of food and service, look no further than Taqueria Amor.

With a great selection of tacos, enchiladas, and other classics, Taqueria Amor offers a vibrant and colorful atmosphere to enjoy some of the best Mexican food in town.

Don't forget to try their margaritas and other cocktails to wash down all that delicious food. Highly recommended!