After years of wanting to try this place I finally made it in. Great little spot with a handful of tables and open prep area for the food. Super friendly lady working. She even let my friend order a chorizo breakfast burrito for dinner! Which, she said, is one of the top breakfast burritos she's had. I got a veggie burrito, which was filled with of rice, lettuce, jalapeño, cilantro, and pico and wrapped in a soft tortilla. Yum! Can't wait to go back. read more

So glad that I stopped in this morning for my first time. What a great breakfast burrito spot!! I used to live on federal, and these burritos are better than anything I've had off federal. The potatoes are shredded and cooked a little crispy on the outside but soft on the inside. These things are packed with cheese and tons and protein. I tried the Chorizo and bacon options and they were fantastic. The sauces provided were also great. Not too spicy but a good amount. And these things are HUGE!! Go get you some. read more

Carnitas California - 1. Breakfast Burrito chorizo - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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I lived in Southern California before I moved to Denver and at first found it hard to find good Mexican food. But when I discovered Carnitas California it became a staple for my boyfriend and I! We go once a month at least because it's just THAT good! The service workers are always super friendly and the smell of the food just makes you all the more excited to eat the delicious food! Everything I've tried is great! My typical order is the carnitas and carnitas mix tacos but if you see something on the specials menu TRY IT! I've never been disappointed with anything I've ordered from here. And if you're lucky enough when you visit, you might even see them make the carnitas in the big pot in the kitchen! read more

If you're looking for authentic Mexican food, this is the spot. Menudo is a little pricey. I would go with the breakfast burrito for most bang for your buck. Tacos are quality street tacos. The people are nice and if you order for there to eat and they'll serve you as they make it so it's almost like having different courses. They are also willing to make anything you want so you can really order anything as long as they have the ingredients. Also super clean for being a small almost hole in the wall. Ask place but spotless interior. Authentic style, don't come for the ambiance but the food is amazing and fresh read more

Carnitas California - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Best breakfast burrito in town. Large enough a couple of people but the chorizo has a nice level of heat and though it has potatoes they are finely grated so you're not chewing through big hunks. I don't understand the presence of potatoes in any burrito, but if you have to add them this is how. Gives the burrito a nice texture and combined with Carnitas Californias quality and thin tortilla it makes for a nicely chewy breakfast experience. read more

Carnitas California - Chorizo breakfast burrito. I had to supply my own coffee. - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Was drawn by their sign as it made me feel like I was back in SoCal. Small little place but the fact that every table was taken was automatically a good sign. We could see them cooking everything on the griddle and it smelled so good. Great spot if you're looking for something in the Denver area that seems to be loved by locals. read more

Authentic and super fresh. We enjoyed the menudo and breakfast burrito. Great service, too. read more

Some of the best well priced Mexican food in Denver hands down! I loved this place and will definitely be coming back here as often as I can. I got a breakfast burrito ($6.50) almost as big as my forearm, 2 $2.50 tacos, and a horchata for 16 dollars. It was fantastic and I loved the value for the amount of food and it tasted amazing. The restaurant is a small hole in the wall and is relatively easy to miss. The staff was kind and helpful and they got the food out very fast. There's limited seating in the restaurant, but since the food is fast to get made a lot of people take the food to-go. I highly recommend you check this place out if you are in Denver and looking for authentic Mexican food. read more

Carnitas California - Carnitas tacos and Adobada Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Unfortunately, there was a hair in my food, which was really disappointing. Won't be ordering from this place again...

Noticed this place here for years and today was my first time trying it. It was love at first bite! Prices are not too bad considering the value you get. Aguas frescas are delicious and just how I like it-especially the horchata- not too sweet, just right and refreshing. The burrito was very filling; large size but very delicious. Rice, beans, carnitas and a mix of pico all wrapped in a flour tortilla. The salsas they offer, red and green; they are both very good and full of flavor. I will definitely love to try more of their dishes but until then, here's a glimpse of the menu and a mouthwatering photo of the burrito read more

Carnitas California - Menú 9/24/22 - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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We got four burritos, two ham two bacon we get them home. The burrito is nothing but freaking potatoes if you're gonna charge someone $28 for four burritos they better be meat in them and some seasoning because I could've just went to the store and bought a shit load of potatoes read more

Great carnitas and Buche. Not a huge fan of their menudo. Pozole is good there. I would highly recommend.

Had a barbacoa torta and asked if they could add beans to it. Best torta and barbacoa I had in a really long time. Everyone was really nice.

I liked the relleno,a lot! It melted the styrofoam, didn't care for that. The breakfast burrito was pretty packed! They were just starting their day, so getting up and running. I understand that! Otherwise, very solid place! I'd already had my coffee, and was in a good mood. All in all ,I'd like them to stay and thrive! Just a block away the burrito company closed after many years. So sorry about that. They could capture that magic for themselves. Very small parking lot, so might be tough. However I'd love to see them become a big player in this area! God bless our small business! And support them! Even if they are sleepy! read more

This a go to for us locals for awesome, authentic Mexican food. Everything I have ever had is great. Breakfast burritos, the south Cali burrito, Fortas, tacos. You can't go wrong. Have always got it to go, but every time I haven been they cook to order and it's quick. read more

Carnitas California - Counter where to order. - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Excellent food! My boyfriend got the Southern California burrito (he's from so cal) and said it was exactly how they make it back home. I got the breakfast burrito and it was great. Service was good, friendly and quick. Space was clean with open seating. read more

This place is so slow. Went in for two burritos to go and it took almost half an hour. They weren't that great either.

This is the best, hands down, best California Burrito outside of San Diego. Only one other place in Los Alamos, NM compares to this burrito! read more

Amazing quick Mexican food. I am from San Diego and happy to report this is pretty close to authentic SoCal Mexican food that always seems hard to find in Denver. The hot sauces, green and red taste like home. read more

The chorizo breakfast burrito was so juicy. The best I've ever had. Staff was friendly and service was fast.

Stopped here randomly on the way home from a hike on 4th of July and it was great! Got a So Cal burrito and carnitas tacos. Both were delicious and hit the spot. Also got a bean and cheese burrito to go which was awesome. I get one at all Mexican places to guage how good they are and it didn't disappoint. Will definitely be back soon to try more! read more

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I ate here about 5 years ago and came back when I was in the area. I remembered really enjoying the Carnitas and they were nice big chunks of slow cooked pork, then placed on a grill until the exterior was deliciously crispy. A 5 star experience. Today I ordered Carnitas with tortillas, rice and beans to go. When I got home 20 minutes later I saw it was Carnitas but they were very fatty and not made crisp on the griddle at all. Do you have to request that any Mexican restaurant does this with carnitas? It's always been automatic anywhere else, especially in California where I discovered Carnitas decades ago. Not much of my order was edible as is you with squares of non rendered pork fat bigger than the chunks of meat... Today their Carnitas earned only one star. Fortunately I have skills so I seasoned them up and fried them in a pan until they were crispy. I earned two of the 3 stars for them but I'll still give them 3 stars anyhow in hopes that just maybe it was an off day. Before I went in I almost placed my order online but they were closing soon so I opted to walk inside to place my order. While the price online was $11.25 (see photo) they charged me $15.12? It's possible their online pricing is out of date but it comes across as shady when there's inconsistent pricing. read more

Carnitas California - Fatty Carnitas post rendering and frying in my pan at home. Note the paper towels soaking up a lake of fat : / - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Came in and tried the carnitas tacos and the quesabirria with consome. Everything was delicious. I especially liked that the tortillas were slightly toasted. I definitely thought the amount of meat was abundant. Loved the green salsa! The consome that came with my quesabirrias had extra birria in it which was a pleasant surprise! The staff was super nice. We would definitely come back again for sure! read more

Carnitas California - Carnitas Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Wish the beef tacos were better. Barely any beef, and seasoning wasn't the greatest. The guacamole was fine, but the chips that came with it tasted terrible. Card reader was acting up, and wouldn't accept my AMEX (restaurant does take it). Had to use another card. Prices were cheap, so I'd possibly consider coming back to try the chicken tacos. read more

The food was good, and the service was great too. I did a pick up order and it was very clean when I went inside to grab the food. Will def come back read more

Las mejores carnitas en Denver, a mi y a mi familia nos encanta ir a esas carnitas son las mejores y otros platillos

There are very few restaurants where I think they deserve 5 stars based on 1 dish alone but Carnitas California is one of them. You need to try the carnitas mixed plate! It is soooo good and an amazing value! It's the perfect amount of food for two people and comes with everything you need to make 6 delicious carnitas tacos. What makes this so unique and unlike almost anything else you can find in Denver is this is a true mix of more than just meat it includes the skin and fat as well. This may scare some people off but it adds so much to the flavor! Just trust me and order this you will be in heaven! The rest of the food here is also really good but I just can't stop ordering the carnitas mixed plate. read more

Carnitas California - Carnitas Mix Platillo - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Excellent Barbacoa and friendly service and for a decent price! The only drawback is it's location read more

This place does not mess around when it comes to carnitas! Hence the restaurant name! You can order by the pound so I decided to order one pound of the Carnitas Mix and decided to go with the combo that includes rice, beans, salsa, tortillas, and all the fixings you need to construct your taco. Heads up- don't expect the fancy, "new agey" Americanized tacos that cost $6 each, this restaurant prides themselves in serving up authentic Mexican meats for a great price. The carnitas mix comes with various cuts of pork and it's delicious. Every piece of meat was juicy and melted in your mouth. The refried beans are amazing here, smooth and perfectly seasoned. The rice is fluffy and has the perfect consistency of seasonings/spices. The only downside to this restaurant is their hours. They are only open until 3pm so keep that in mind when planning to eat here. read more

Carnitas California - Carnitas Mix - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Delicious. Fresh ingredients. Friendly service. Clean restaurant with good music. I will always come back for their breakfast burritos. Can't wait to try more! read more

A great value for the price of the breakfast burritos. Tasted great! Will be back for sure!

Came to check it out since my dad saw the article in the 11-17 August 2016 Westword Cafe Section. It talked about their signature dish, Cochinita Pibil Tacos, that my dad wanted to try so away we went. They have been open a little over a month. It is located on the corner of Santa Fe Drive and Florida Ave--you can't miss it--their sign looks like a California license plate. It is on the corner of the strip mall (next to the 7-Eleven). It is very clean, comfortable and the staff is super friendly and efficient. You order at the counter and they call your name or bring the food to your table. We had the pleasure of meeting and talking to the owner, Ramon. He was very personable and knows how to prepare some freakingly delicious food. The staff is very experienced (they have been with the owner for about 11 years-they relocated from Morrison Road). Ramon brought out some chips and salsa to our table and it was one of the best salsa's we have ever tasted (they also sell small containers to go for just a buck). Of course my dad ordered the Cochinita Pibil Tacos and we all had to try them. They were well prepared, well presented and with just enough spiciness that brought out all the flavors but didn't burn your mouth. Definitely know now why it is their signature dish. I ordered the Carnitas Combination Plate and it was a good portion and the carnitas were cooked just right. My sisters ordered the Adobada Tacos and the Bean Burrito. Both were very tasty. We also ordered a pound of Carnitas, a pound of Barbacoa and an order of their Beef Soup to go--Yum, Yum, Yum!! You can also order meat by the pound for events, but Ramon stated it is best to call it in at least a day beforehand for large orders. They serve Menudo only on the weekends but Pozole is available every day. While we were there, a good amount of people came in to dine in and also for take out and after dining here definitely know why! They really know how to serve delicious fast/casual Mexican Food at a very reasonable price! read more

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Just wow. I've ordered from here multiple times and have loved every item. The barbacoa is my favorite but you can't go wrong with any of the meat items. read more

This is a little hidden gem you'll have to GPS it to get in there but is there food good my mouth is watering right now sometimes I stop on my way to work Sunday morning if they're open and I grabbed one definitely check this place out it is well worth going over there and getting an order to go or sit down and eat but highly recommend read more

This place is the bomb it's always good when you walk in and there's eight Mexican construction workers getting breakfast so it's a good sign I enjoyed my breakfast burrito wish I ordered two read more

This spot is tucked inside of a random 7/11 plaza, but the tacos here are worth driving out of your way for. In my quest to find the best tacos in CO, Carnitas California might be at the top of the list. read more

OMG OMG OMG This place far exceeded all expectations. Everything we got was exceptional. A highlight was the cochinita pibil. I've tried the carnitas, but I still would opt for the cochinita pibil. So full of flavor, and not greasy at all. The salsa they serve with that dish is excellent. I wish I could by THAT by the pound like you can with the meat. The salsas can get spicy, so taste them before you drown your food. The food is so flavorful and fresh that you might even find that you don't need to add anything at all. They aren't open past 3PM, which is a shame since I can't get it on a weeknight. It's also a good thing, since I can't be tempted to eat it EVERY WEEKNIGHT. read more

The restaurant is only open for breakfast and lunch. We ordered the tacos for lunch and they were very tasty. One order of tacos is four street tacos. We ordered chips and salsa to accompany our tacos, but really shouldn't have ordered it. The tacos were very filling and we ended up throwing the chips away. The Carnitas tacos were worth ordering again. One thing I noticed looking around is that everyone else had a bowl of Menudo. Ah well, I guess I have to go back again soon to try what everyone else was ordering! The service was very friendly, but a little confused and slow (although to be fair, it was busy so there were a lot of orders coming in). Over all, I will be back again. read more

AMAZING! Moving from San Diego 8 months ago I was craving some Mexican food goodness. I figured with California in the name it'd have to come close. Strolled in at 3:00pm on the dot on Sunday. Which is when they close. They could have turned me away but I was welcomed and they said it would be no problem if I ate there since they'd be cleaning up for another hour or so. The order of tacos comes with 4 street tacos for $7 and you can mix and match. My sister and I had matching plates of an Asada, pollo, carnitas and adobada. All we're different and delicious. I also got a small side of guac to top each one. The salsa they give you has a nice little kick (so beware if you don't do spicy). The carnitas was so juicy and rang in as my sisters favorite. Mine would be the adobada because I just love the marinade. I can't wait to go back. read more

Carnitas California - One of each: carnitas, asada, adobado, pollo - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Apparently I accidentally deleted my post. This place offers real authetic Mexican food. Everything is made to order right in front of you. A hidden gem south of downtown. My friends told me about this place. I ordered 4 tacos, carne asada. Freshly made and delicious. They also offer spicy dishes with a full menu. The owner and staff are amazing and offer amazing suggestions on what to try. They offer beers as well. The flauntas are also delicious authentic fair. The place is always busy, but the food comes out on time. This place offers a lot options. Please stop by and they will blow your tastebuds. You will be glad you went and it's locally owned. read more

Carnitas California - Flauntas - Mexican Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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