This place is still. Must every time in LA The staff is nice and welcoming Love the ambiance inside and outside eating Love love love the tacos here it's sooo delicious 5 stars! I will be back read more

Carnitas El Momo - Y'all know why I am here !!! - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

What? $2.50 Wednesday Tacos special only at this location? Will have to come back for that! Love their $4 Mixto Meat (carnitas) Tacos!! One $4 taco is like a mini burrito. When there's tons of $1.25-$2 taco options in the neighborhood and even by Boyle Heights, that $4 is worth it! It's filling. I feel anyone who's a carnitas lover will enjoy El Momo. Meats here are salted now. But not overly. Looks like they are open and serving consistently now again too? Locations we've been to: Original boyle heights location was always good. Add your own salt. But then again, haven't been back since before covid times, before it became mainstream popular? Boyle heights (soto st) 2nd location was too salty for the SO a year ago. He's not planning to revisit. He only visited cause this location was closed again. East LA location (this one) wasn't stable in its opening dates, hours, including their mixton taco meat quality. We are used to adding our own salt. But as our recent visit 9/2026, looks like they presalt their meat now!! And it's not overly salty too! read more

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Carnitas El Momo is the place to come for carnitas (pork), especially if you like pork skin or stomach. Looking up 'Best carnitas in LA', and there's a good chance that 'Carnitas El Momo' will pop up in your search results list. Starting as a food truck in Boyle Heights in 2015 (which is still open), this brick-n-mortar location with indoor dining in Monterey Park opened in 2022. It ended up being a bit longer walk than I anticipated coming from the East LA Civic Center Metro station, so my brother and I were drenched in sweat on this 90+ degree day. We walked into the air conditioned uncrowded building, and were friendlily greeted, and offered a simple taco of pork burnt ends. It was good and gave us a taste of what the rest of the meal would be like. Between the two of us, we ordered a sample of each taco ($4), stuffed in a decent tortilla. The meats are available are buche (pork stomach), cueritos (pork skin), maciza (pork shoulder), and migajas (burnt ends). We also got the Mix (all the meats aptly named aPORKalypse) and also a mulitas ($12 for all the meats except stomach). Everything was ordered con todo, which meant a lot of cilantro and pickled white onion with lime wedges. I also got a large horchata ($6). There is self-serve water available near the simple salsa bar (choice of a hot green sauce, and even hotter red sauce and hot pickled peppers). All the meat is cooked in lard low and slow and seasoned according to the patriarch's (aka Momo) original receipt from Salamanca, Mexico. The slow simmering definitely was noticeable and we enjoyed the flavors. My favorite was definitely the Mix, with a nice blend of texture. I think have a crunch factor (like chicharron) would have added even more texture, but I understand that would not be authentic. Also I noted that they call buche here pork belly, which is a very different pork belly than in Far East Asian cuisine. I like buche though in moderation, and this version was very good, especially mixed with pork muscle cuts. Pork skin by itself in a taco is too much for me. I would definitely get the mulitas again, replacing the pork skin with buche, and putting on it a milder sauce than the hot ones offered...definitely need a lot of acidity to cut through the very fatty meal. read more

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Got 2 tacos for their $2.50 mixito taco special on Wednesdays. The tacos are really filling so could only eat 1. Saving the other for dinner! Staff was friendly and had a family vibe. Excited to be a regular there! Yum! read more

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Carnitas El Momo has mastered all things related to carnitas. This prized traditional recipe from Michoacan cooks juicy pork cuts low and slow in lard (similar to the French confit cooking technique) in a large copper cauldron for about five hours. Carnitas Tacos: The warm corn tortillas contain chopped pork shoulder that has been crisped up on the flattop. The simple dressing of a pickled jalapeno and pickled carrots with cilantro allows you to focus on the flavor of the carnitas. The meat is tender, rich and juicy, while also crispy. Carnitas Mulitas Aporkalypse: If you are really hungry, a mulitas will always hit the spot. Two large tortillas are covered in cheese to form a thin, crispy, cheesy crust that extends past the edges. More gooey cheese is filled between the tortillas, along onions, cilantro, and carnitas. If you select the Aporkalypse, you are signing up for an explosion of flavor that is provided by all the meats. There is an incredible assortment of pork butt, pork belly, pork skin, and burnt ends. The spectrum of textures is unrivaled from soft and succulent to crunchy and shattering. The slow cooking respects the ingredients and offers up the fullest expression of pork flavor. Parking: This location has a large parking lot. read more

Carnitas El Momo - Carnitas Tacos - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Very good carnitas burrito and buche taco, clean restaraunt, lots of seating in the dining room and they have a TV. Also they have a self service little salsa bar, green and red sauce among other toppings. Service was good, ordered over the phone and the food was ready by the time I got there, super convenient for lunch time. They pre packed with plenty of salsa, onions etc. to go. Good quality ingredients very tasty carnitas burrito, hit the spot. The buche taco was big with generous amount of meat, green and red sauce were nice n spicy, they pack the heat. If you're craving carnitas, this is a great option. Parking is right in front, medium size parking lot, i didn't have trouble finding a spot at 11am. read more

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Ohh yes baby this place was really good. The carnitas. The menu shows how they can serve up juicy carnitas different ways. The service was quick indoor outdoor seating. Busy in and out locations. Music playing and restrooms available read more

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Taco spot well known for their carnitas (and related cuts). I've been to one of their other locations, which was more of a stand/pop-up and this was my first time at the brick and mortar. People here are friendly and the space is a pretty good size. The building feels like it's been around for a while and that they took over not too long ago. You walk up to the counter and order and wait till your food is ready. I ordered the burnt ends taco and the taco mixto. The food came out quickly and it was delicious. I'm big fan of the tacos here. Also, still a great price, despite being in a brick and mortar. There's a lot allocated to the strip mall this place is located at and parking could get pretty tight. read more

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I still do not know how to move on with my life after having Carnitas at El Momo... At this point I have seriously considered just moving to Los Angeles.... The Carnitas here are almost not something that can even be explained. Absolutely you have to get the Apocalypse. There is no question, start with that, it's incredible. This is another one of those places that I refuse to miss when I am LA, I don't even care if I am full to the point of illness, I will smash and entire plate of these are just deal with the consequences.... Amazing, amazing, amazingamazingamazing.... read more

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They gave me like 1 sprinkle of cheese and it was dry. I do not recommend door dashing maybe it's better in person.

AMAZING TACOS!! They only offer pork options, but they do them so well. I ordered the pork belly quesataco and my boyfriend got the pork skin taco. The pork skin was incredibly rich and fatty; super savory while the pork belly was my favorite since it had a better balance of flavor and fat. The portion sizes are HUGE. One taco was enough to fill me up. The meat was high quality, well-seasoned, and each taco came topped with onions and cilantro. The flavor combinations were delicious, and for the price, it was absolutely worth it! Super affordable! Note: The quesataco didn't have the dramatic cheese pull I was expecting; instead, the cheese is already melted onto the tortilla. Next time, I'll probably try the mulita since I'm definitely a "cheese pull" kind of girl. You order at the counter and choose your own seating. They call your number when your food is ready for pickup. My only wish is that the tables were wiped down a bit more often (some were left dirty with bits of food). But overall, it's a great spot for tacos, especially if you love pork! read more

Carnitas El Momo - pork skin taco - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Oink oink. Aporkalypse! The trinity of carnitas. Thanks to my carnitas buddy, Cindy S, for recommending Carnitas El Momo. Though, I still think of the chicharron tacos from L5P. I day dream of the Aporkalypse from CEM. It's a mix of burnt ends, skin, belly and pork butt. The carnitas here is tasty enough, you don't need condiments. I recommend the mulita Aporklypse.. Served between two corn tortillas, salty grilled salty cheese is great compliment for the tasty carnitas. @ $10, it's a steal and a meal in itself. Definitely a lot of love in this carnitas. read more

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So much rave reviews, so much interviews and videos on how amazing carnitas el momo is and I am finally here to check this place out. The carnitas were good but not excellent. With the price tag of $4 per taco, there were good amount of meat in the taco which made it very satisfying. Unfortunately, I've had better carnitas elsewhere, some with better flavors and some with better texture (crunch from fats). The burnt ends and the pork skins would be better if it wasn't as salty. Why the 5 stars you ask? This grab and go place probably don't have the best carnitas in my book but the service that day from the cashier is above and beyond- friendly, accommodating, the service that you would kick yourself if you don't tip him! read more

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Best carnitas in town! Been going to their trucks for years and finally got around to going to their brick and mortar location. Inside is simple with some tables. There's also a small side patio for additional seating. It's a small, simple menu. I got the buche (belly) taco and mixta mulita. So good! Plenty of meat. The carnitas are so juicy. Their salsas also have decent heat. Good portions size even for a low-key fatty like me. Will definitely be coming back. Service was good. Friendly staff. Small parking lot in front but there's also street parking. read more

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carnitas El Momo was a good find from the Netflix Though it's a little far, the drive was well worth the juices dripping out of the Carnitas The service was super good, they gave a lot of great recommendations. The ambience was a sit down restaurant read more

Carnitas El Momo - art work - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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Delicious!! Definitely worth a detour to Monterey Park for these carnitas. I ordered the torta but the tacos also look amazing. Need to go back! read more

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Stopped in for the the award winning carnitas and man let me tell you they did not disappoint. Literally the best carnitas I've ever had, so much flavor! Amazing service here, we got here right when it opened so there was a decent line. O de everyone had ordered, the lady working the counter walked through and gave each person a sample small carnitas taco, a little sneak peek to what we were about to eat! We also tried both aqua Fresca flavors they had and man they were both refreshing, I even went back for a second cup of the berry Jamaica because it was that good! The restaurant has a fun warming family vibe with awesome art and decor. Very clean and well set up. If you're going to LA and you are unsure which tacos to try, this is the place to come, you will not be disappointed 10 out of 10 amazing experience! read more

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This family run business has finally opened up this brick and mortar. My friend has been raving about the quality and size of their tacos for a long time. We each ordered only one carnitas taco and wow it was a big taco. They come with two tortillas so I just scooped out half of the carnitas to the other tortilla and bam I had two generous size tacos. The flavor was just right and the quality was there with every bite. Then we went halves with a 'must try' Migajas Mulita which was very delicious and very filling, we were stuffed. read more

Carnitas El Momo - Ready to feast OCT2025 - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

I've been coming to Momo for years. It's been very consistent. I would also say the best but Lately seems like the tortillas have been dry and same for the meat. Make sure you get mixta , the buche and the cueritos make the tacos read more

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I already tried their Boyle heights location but now trying this Monterey park brick and mortar. Still the best carnita taco I ever had. I do not need to say more. The mixto is the best. I love how the skin gives a gelatinous after taste of goodness. Tacos are $4 each but the portions is extra generous. For most regular size eater one order is prolly enough. Once taco order is same amount of two tacos at most places. read more

Carnitas El Momo - Mixto - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Coworker took us here for lunch and told us that the tacos were big. I'm glad I only ordered 1 taco. They have aporkalypse, but I didn't want all the mixed meat. Cashier told me I can add combine another meat. I ordered a mix of burnt ends and pork belly. I wanted to add the skin too but it wasn't crispy skin. The taco was big. It came with 2 tortillas and it had a lots of meat that I was able to make 2 tacos. I like the burnt ends better since it was tender. However, meat was salty for my liking. Lime and green salsa made it not as salty. Staff were really nice and helpful, and I really liked that they didn't charge me extra for the 2nd meat option. I wish they had bug zapper inside the restaurant since there were lots of flies that it made it so annoying while eating. read more

Carnitas El Momo - No up-charge for the 2nd meat option - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Finally trying . Wow!!! These are amazing! The meat is tender and juicy. These are truly a work of art. I've never had a taco like this. Can't wait to bring my friends ! read more

Carnitas El Momo - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I first heard about their story on a Netflix series special. Heartwarming, to say the least. This brick and mortar location is quite interesting, in that it's very deceiving. From the outside its signage is fine, but it still kinda looks as though it's not open. There are other businesses in that little center, one being a laundromat. There seems to be ample parking in the parking lot and peripherally. So, I decided to check and see if this place is still in business, or winding down (it was lunchtime on a weekday). I opened the door and bam , it's packed with people. What a pleasant surprise. Everyone smiling, chatting it up, and enjoying their meals. The energy was very good. I ordered the carnitas bowl, and I must say, the marriage of flavors that bowl presented left me wanting more. So obviously, I'll be making another visit soon. I look forward to trying their various offerings. It's a good sized facility, and clean. You walk to the right and order. Seating is on the left. Simple. The service was fine, both at the counter, and around the facility in general, with everyone managing their tasks, and connecting with customers. I wish I had come here sooner. Better late than never. Enjoy. read more

Incredible carnitas! I've been going to another place on Broadway in Lincoln Heights for years. A close friend recommended El Momo. He said it's best in LA. Wow was he correct! First, all the people were very friendly and helpful. The carnitas were amazing!! Actually they were good sized too. Very filling. The red salsa was top rate too. Looking forward to going back. read more

This is the best carnitas joint. Their burnt ends and pork belly is so meaty and juicy. They really fill your tortilla with tons of meat! The service was fast and not super busy when we pulled in after 1 pm. It's clean inside and there is seating outside as well! read more

Carnitas El Momo - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Tried this brick and mortar place for the first time. Got the cueritos, buche and migajas. They were all very good but I feel it's not the same juicy flavor as when they had at their food truck/taco stand. The meat on all of them are very tender albeit a slight bit of salty on them. The staff was very chill and easy going. The dining area is nice with music and a water station along with near pig related decor and murals. You do have to ask for the salsas you want at the counter after you get your order. read more

Carnitas El Momo - Cueritos(skin) & migajas(burnt ends) taco - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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The first time I had this a couple years ago, I really enjoyed it but the most recent time I went back again, all of the food was way too salty to eat. I've tried the pork belly, butt, and burnt ends and their meat is really nice and tender and juicy, just really really salty. The tacos are pricier than your normal taco but it's because they load it up with a lot more meat than normal. 2-3 tacos is enough for a meal depending on how much you eat. read more

FINALLY got to try the carnitas at this local spot! I've had this place saved on my to go list but everytime I tried to get there it was already closed. Apparently they close at 5pm or whenever they sell out. Coincidentally I was in the neighborhood around noon, made a U-turn and ordered the Family Style to go. It's sold for $20 per pound and comes with hot tortillas, salsas, and all the toppings needed on a taco. I ordered 1lb of mixed carnitas and it was the perfect amount for 4ppl. They were definitely delish but the cueritos in the mix were overly salty so will def return for more but will likely only get straight carnitas. I placed my to go order at the register. The girl at the register was friendly and answered all my questions patiently. From ordering to getting my order only took around 15min. There is a small dining area with fun Mexican decor and paintings of popular Mexican artists. The restroom is outside. They have limited parking in front and on the side but there's also street parking available. read more

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Recently, our office moved to the area and I end up searching for place to have lunch and came across this establishment. I actually found the food to be tasty and of good quality. The sauces, bkth red and green, Pico de gallo salsa and flavoring of meat was all in honesty excellent. However, here are my complaints. At the time of order, I asked for side of guacamole with my order. The server said they no longer have guacamole but do offer slices of avocado. I assumed he added to my order since I asked. However, when the food came out there was no avocado slices with my order. I also specifically asked for burnt pieces as the server asked what kind of meat I wanted in my order. The food I received had assortment of meat pieces, mostly pig skins. Overall, I felt the food portion was small for the amount they charged. Guess it is due to inflation. I like meat, carne asada, but not a fan of pork. Unfortunately, this establishment only sell pork meat. read more

Great food, great customer service. It's a family owned business and it shows. Welcoming as soon as you can all thru the door.

Great customer service, afforable prices,very helpful food recommendations the best carnitas I've had in awhile

The carnitas and the cueritos did not disappoint. Soft tender flavorful meat and the pork skin was cooked to perfection. Very good. This is the second time I've tried this place and I'm hooked. Their prices are affordable and they are not stingy with their portions. Best tasting and affordable carnitas in LA and their staff is attentive and welcoming. RIP to the original owner. Just know, your son is doing you proud. read more

Very healthy tacos... only pork meat here, but it is Delicious. 10/10.. salsa was good, not too spicy. Parking is good too.

Service is fast and portions are big. They have Halloween/Day of the Dead décor up and I'm loving it. Low rating due to meat being extremely salty, I love my food salty but its quite salty for my preference. They have pickled jalapeños and carrots at the pick up counter, it's self serve. Pork Butt (Maciza) Taco- pretty dry, not tender. This cut wasn't overly salty compared to the other ones I tried. Tortilla was a little dry. Belly (Buche) Taco- meat was tender but a little salty. They have them cut into strips rather than in to small cubes that I'm use to. Burnt Ends (Migjas) Tacos- VERY VERY SALTY. Melt in your mouth tender but way too salty to enjoy. Belly (Buche) Burrito- was huge but not wrapped well. Fell right apart. There was more meat than other topping which isn't something to complain about. Mulitas with Burnt Ends- VERY SALTY as well. A little greasy. Big enough to share with someone else. read more

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Rating: 2.5 My first time trying Carnitas El Momo. First of all, I realized I messed up! I only checked out Yelp reviews afterwards, at which time I realized that I probably completely ordered the wrong meat option. I ordered the pork belly, and did not like it at all. Although I don't eat it often, I absolutely love a good and succulent carnitas meal. I've had great carnitas in Michoacán, East LA and Boyle Heights. Carnitas El Momo offers a choice of meat options: pork butt, belly, skin, burnt ends and taco mixto. The server at the counter was friendly, and understood that it was my first time there. I wish I could have received some guidance on how to order, and which meat option would be the closest to your "traditional " carnitas. So I went ahead blindly and ordered the pork belly taco. First of all, it did not have the carnitas taste which I love so much. In fact, it didn't have any flavor at all. It was a fairly good sized taco with 2 corn tortillas. But I could only eat less than half of it. There was a lot of fat and although I didn't order the skin, there was a lot of thick skin attached to the fat, which I didn't eat. It came with a red salsa and green salsa--- one of them was super hot. We went late in the afternoon, and it was not crowded at all. There is indoor seating and it is fairly spacious. Service was friendly and quick. Given the lack of flavor in the pork belly taco, I actually wouldn't expect more from any of the other choices. Would I return to Carnitas El Momo? NO! For this reason, I rounded my rating down to 2.0. read more

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Deliciously simple and authentic carnitas experience in a humble strip mall on the industrial side of Monterey Park. An example of doing one thing to absolute perfection - Carnitas! Their $4 taco portions are easily equivalent to typical 2-3 street tacos, and the superior quality shines through. The agua frescas are exceptional, with tamarindo being my absolute favorite. Can't wait to return for more, including the torta and family-style carnitas by the pound including tortillas, salsas, and pickled jalapeños to take home! read more

Carnitas El Momo - Mixta "Aporkalypse" taco $4 - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

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I'll be honest I started going there since they pretty much opened since I live up the street and their taco portions were always amazing and good. I went this past Saturday and wow they transitioned from the regular size corn tortillas to street taco tortillas and the portion of the pork was way less. Price is the same but the portions have gotten way smaller. If I'm going to pay $4 a taco I'm going to Cinco puntos where they still give you a huge portion and fresh tortillas. This place was a 5 but unfortunately not anymore. The food is still great but price is too high for street tacos. read more

Carnitas El Momo was one of my all time favorite taco spots. I remember the first time I ordered it, I literally almost fell into tears by how good it was and being served by the friendly grandma. However, their physical location just didn't hit the same as their taco stand did. I got the mixto which I got before at the stand and the meat alone lacked in flavor and needed the salsas to hold it up. The pork butt was on the dry side and the skin was way chewier than I remember. Maybe I came on an off day, but I was disappointed especially after thinking about this place weekly for the past 3 years. Don't get me wrong, the tacos were still good, but they were average compared to other carnitas. read more

Great tacos, I can barely push down three which is rare for me. Consistent, solid, I usually get the pork butt, but all the varieties are good. 4.5 stars for me... This is the place I crave! read more

Carnitas El Momo - Pork butt tacos X 2. Bring your own water bottle. - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California

Cannot say enough good things about this place! Friendly people and flavorful meats! Place is clean and lots of places to sit! read more

Carnitas El Momo - Tacos Migajas - Tacos Near Me - Monterey Park, California