It's Saturday and I'm thinking......Don Lucho!!!!! The team has been up since late night roasting and boiling and creating the most amazing carnitas you will find in Milwaukee. Get here early - parking sucks, and suburbanites will freak out at the hood, but no worries Jesus is right next door at St. Josaphats basilica and will watch over you. And don't forget to take a tour of one of this country's most beautiful cathedrals. Right there by Don Luchos. You can eat here. Lots of long communal tables so don't be shy. Prices aren't cheap but this is quality. I usually get a pound or so of carnitas. They measure it out, it's steaming, and ask if you want it chopped. I say yes. It's wrapped up tightly and it will feed you all weekend. This meat is freaking amazing!!!! I pray they haven't run out of homemade tortillas, but like I said, you gotta come EARLY. Sigh. There's about 6 different amazing salsas to try. Smoky, fresh, green, red, hot sweet - I get two for the weekend. I consider a quart of menudo. I think about. Lamb, goat, barbacoa, chorizo - but I have enough. Too hungry to wait to go home, I sit down to eat. Two tacos - huge! The best was the barbacoa - tasty little carmelized deeply flavored meat bits. Hey - don't go expecting American extras like sour cream or cheese. This is the real thing. Warming: one taco will do you. Got a side of rice and beans - yum. Don Lucho is a treasure. It is authentic, mom and pop, and these are the businesses I love to support. For an incredible adventure and source of authentic carnitas, git yourself down to da south side ya day hair and ENJOY!!!!!! read more

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Great place, take a seat and the waitress will bring you a menu, order some meat and horchata, and then eat some delicious tacos.

Awesome food . Good selection. Employees, always fast and friendly . Even though it's always busy. read more

If you're looking for authentic carnitas, look no further! My friend shared this spot with me and it's a hidden Milwaukee gem. The tacos were delicious, with the service being kind and welcoming. This is low key spot open late for the late night craving on the weekends. I'd recommend getting there early if you want carnitas because they have sold out before! read more

Best tacos I've had in the city. The handmade tortillas with the Flavorful meats is unreal.

We picked up a few pounds of the Carnitas and the Barbacoa. While we waited, a mariachi singer entertained us. It was very cool. The carne from Don Lucho's was part of my recovery from surgery. Unfortunately, I can't stop comparing. On one of our trips to CDMX, we had terrific Carnitas at some market near the Zocolo. My taste buds hold onto that flavor, and Don Lucho's wasn't as good. However, I live in Milwaukee, not Mexico City, and Don Luchos was darn good. I enjoyed the meat immensely, and stuffing my face helped my convalescence. read more

Best carnitas been to mexico and this comes the closest or is actually made better than el rey for sure

I came here this past Saturday at around 11am. I tried to go here on another Saturday but they had run out of meats. I recommend coming in early and calling to see what's available before you make your trip. I believe the snowfall was an advantage as they run out of meats very quickly and are only open Friday-Sunday. When I walked in, I was greeted with a lively atmosphere of families eating together and sipping on soup on this cold winter day. It was a full restaurant by 11am. I came here for carry out and went directly to the back. The young gentleman behind the counter was extremely helpful. He gave us recommendations and provided very generous samples. We were sold after sampling the carnitas and barbacoa. Sold to the point that we got 2 pounds of 4 different meats. We got the lamb, chorizo, barbacoa, and carnitas, a dozen homemade tortillas, and salsa. You can sample any of the 6 salsas with their homemade fresh tortilla chips. I don't remember all of the prices as they are not listed $10.99/lb - Lamb, Sheep, Barbacoa $7.99/lb - Carnitas, Chorizo $4.75 - Dozen Homemade Flour Tortillas The barbacoa was my favorite. The meat was very tender and fell apart with your fork. It had just enough fat to balance out each bite. The lamb was my second favorite but it was a bit bony but I appreciate that I had the option of ordering this meat. The carnitas came in chunks but the gentlemen had offered to shred it for us but we declined. It was very tasty and the perfect taco stuffing. You can't go wrong with carnitas. I'll pass on the chorizo next time but that's a personal preference. I definitely want to come back to dine in and get the full restaurant experience but this is a great place to have authentic tacos at home. read more

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This is one of my long time bookmarks that I have not been to because for the longest time they had very little pictures but that has changed now and the food looked good so I stopped by. At 1 pm the place was packed and I was informed of all the things that they were out of ???, this place is like Bbq places where they have a certain amount of food and when it's gone it's gone. I say but it's only 1 pm and I was told that they are very popular and open at 4am so I have to get there early before food starts running out, dam how many places are so popular that they open at 4 am. I wanted a taco dinner with beans and rice to go because the place was packed so I was sent to the back to place my order where I was told again the the rice, beans, house tortillas and some meats were already gone so I said do you have Carnitas and steak and yes I was told but on commercial corn tortillas. As I waited containers of meat were getting chopped up and going out by the pound/pounds with take out and eat in. The packag was hefty I thought for two tacos as I walked up front to pay so I hand a $10 over and I got $5 plus change back, what a deal and I ask for some sauces for the tacos. The tacos looked great and were over filled with Carnitas and steak which were more like tostada sizes. I sampled the Carnitas and steak before I sauced the tacos to taste the meat first and the steak was tasty but the Carnitas were my favorite. The Carnita taco was first which had moist meat and very good. The steak taco had noticeably juicer/moist meat and very good also but the Carnitas was the winner. Two meaty tacos filled me up and I'm glad now that I didn't get the rice and beans. Now for the red and green sauces which deserve some props because they were very good also. I liked them both because they were chunky like a salsa with onions and cilantro that I could see right away. These are hands down some of the best tacos in town when you factor in quality vs size vs price vs taste along with the great sauces. I can see why they are packed and the food gets sold out now. This is a must go place for anyone who likes great tacos but Phone first because they say they open at 4 am a few days a week and the web is all over with the hours and days of operation. read more

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This is another business where I wish we could add a 1/2 star, and I'd give 4 1/2. I struggled between 4 and 5 stars because. If the tacos are consistently good, I feel I'm getting a good value, and they make their own tortillas that are also good, I usually give 5 stars automatically. In this case, the tacos weren't consistently good. To be fair, they are known for their carnitas, and the carnitas are delicious, although some of the meat can get dry. I ordered carnitas tacos with and without cuero (skin). The meat was mostly tender and delicious, and I found that the carnitas with cuero provided the best flavor! I ate them with rice and beans, which are also both good, but note the pinto beans are not refried beans. Also, the tortillas are bigger than usual, so what I ordered on my first visit was easily enough for two people. On my second visit, I opted to be smarter and skip the sides, while sticking with just the tacos. I ordered 4 tacos, so I could try the steak, house-made chorizo, braised lamb, and chicharron (essentially a combo of pork belly and pork skin). The server pointed out that the house-made white corn tortillas are big. I ignored her warning, and that was a mistake. I didn't remember how big they were, so again, this was too much food, even for me. They are the biggest tacos I've had at a taqueria, and they were around $2.75 each, so a great value! At any rate, the lamb had a decent flavor, but was mostly dry. The green salsa that the serve with the chips helped a great deal. Half of the chicharron was dry and needed salsa to eat and swallow, but the skin pieces were a delight. The steak had a good marinade and char flavor from the flat top, but wasn't among the best I've had in town. Finally, the house-made chorizo was the star. OMG, just amazing flavor and texture! I would like to go back to buy the chorizo next time I make paella. The menu is small and the hours are limited, essentially breakfast and lunch Friday through Sunday. Meats can be purchased by the pound for carryout. Table service is ok, but not amazing. You probably won't get your bill, so just walk up to the counter/register at the restaurant entrance, and they have your bill ready. Absolutely worth a visit for the carnitas and chorizo and excellent value! read more

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The food was delicious. The steak is by far the best steak I've had in a very long time. Really great, grilled flavor. Reminds me of my local taco stand in Mexico. The carnitas were very juicy and tender. The green and red salsas were fresh, flavorful and just the right amount of spicy. Unfortunately we did not get to try anything else since they were out of everything else by 12pm. To be fair it was New Year's day and so I'm not surprised and just glad we were able to get their tacos. Will definitely go back and hopefully we can try the menudo this time. The service was pretty decent, wish we had a more knowledgeable waitress but overall she was friendly enough. The restaurant has a very family friendly ambiance. read more

If you are in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday morning you need to stop in at Don Lucho's. They open at 5am and close when they run out. I've been here 3x now and after my third visit I had to write this review. The carne and carnitas are the best I've ever had. All on homemade tortillas. I was once told you should judge a Mexican restaurant based on their rice and beans. I would say that is an accurate statement because their rice and beans are a staple on that plate. We were told that their montalayo tacos is their most popular item on the menu. They didn't even have it this morning because it was already sold out. read more

Don Lucho Carnitas - Carnitas Taco and carne Asada Taco with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Get here early: not only can parking be a challenge but as other reviewers have mentioned- they do run out of food. We arrived around 10am and they were already out of guacamole. This place is a machine. With limited hours, it's always packed. It's a small dining space with larger tables and can be a tight squeeze. If you are dining in- sit down, a waitress will find their way to you. If you are ordering to go- you can go straight to the back counter. Whether you eat in or take it to go you will pay at the front. Stand outs for us are always the Asada and Chorizo. Both are flavorful and on point. They do not offer cheese, lettuce, tomato, etc. so don't ask. It's cilantro & onion or nothing. The Carnitas are good but today had a very mild taste. I needed to add a little of the salsa for a better bite. The tortillas are amazing. Homemade and warm. We didn't order any but I did notice that more than half the people seated had a bowl of the Menudo and it looked delicious. I also understand the Lamb is amazing and fan favorite. Lamb just doesn't happen to be one of my favs so I tend not to go there. They do sell takeout and encourage it. The meat (for us it's the Asada & Chorizo w/the Carnitas in a close 3rd) and tortillas are the way to go. Go down and grab it, bring it home and doctor it up the way you want. read more

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Hands down the best menudo I had in town. The carnitas were good too. I will definitely will be going back to this place again. I can't believe I'm just now discovering this place. read more

Don Lucho Carnitas - 2. Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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If you want to eat there, sit down. A lot of people get it to go. We stood in the to go line for awhile before I saw someone sit down and then I asked. There seems to be different prices if you order online vs order in person, but being able to get half pounds in person made it worth it for us. Got half pound carnitas and half pound lamb barbacoa, came with tortillas, cilantro and onions with limes. I also ordered a consommé without meat. The soup was yummy, but the star... was the carnitas! read more

We went here on a Sunday around 1pm. The server was nice enough to let us know what they still had on hand. They had steak, carnita and chorizo left. They didn't have any more guacamole and we received the last of the chips. You can order by the pound or individual tacos. The only topping options are cilantro and onion. I asked for two steak and one carnita. Sadly, she forgot the carnita and I just let it go. The tortillas were great. I think they must be made at the restaurant. They were perfectly grilled which made the tacos better. The steak was pretty fatty and tasteless. I had to dress the tacos up with salsa to give them any flavor. Perhaps we should have gone earlier to have more options. In hindsight though I was thinking I should have just driven a little further south to Taqueria Buenavista's truck. I still haven't found tacos that top theirs. read more

Don Lucho Carnitas - Last of the chips for the day. - Mexican Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Came here based on restaurantdotcom 30 buck promo, ordered one of each of the four taco varieties they had in stock on Fridays, and then ordered steak and carnitas taco fixings to take home. This place is a bit daunting in setup to yr avg gringo (ahem) but the very kind staff held my hand, and it was worth it bc this place is legit! Anyways, the basics: - tacos on home made flour tortillas are 2.75. Fridays they have carnitas, el pastor, chorizo, and steak (res). Dine there and you can get their guac spicy salsa in addition to standard red n green n chips. They say on Sat and Sun they offer goat and intestine fillings as well as menudo. - they sre not open rest of the week and they don't have take out menus or silly overhead gringo stuff like that. Their primary customer base is Mexican folks buying stuff so good it reminds them of home. - this means you are getting the good stuff. A take out place primarily, they make chorizo, salsa and tortillas from scratch, and the meat is roughly 6-8$ per lb., with salsa and tortillas included. Avocados aren't stocked because i think their customers have that stuff at home but they do provide onion lime and cilantro on request. Speaking as an open minded but nonetheless whitey-white guy, my faves were: 1- carnitas : chopped finely with just a hint of the fat but very clean, smoky, meaty. Think bacon. 2- steak (res?) from i'm guessing flank or skirt? Also finely chopped and slightly charred for maximum caramelization. 3- chorizo. I generally white out on chorizo, finding it too greasy, spicy, rich for my palate. Not so here. This is high quality chorizo, not greasy at all and not overcome by its spice mix. It's never something i would normally rank over... 4 el pastor, which was very good but not insanely good like the other 3. My included pics tell the tale of the chorizo but can do no justice to the delightful people who run this place. So go patronize them, and don't be a rude gringo. Their prices are good and their product is first-rate. read more

Don Lucho Carnitas - This is their chorizo. Ruby red and made on premises. - Mexican Near Me - Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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Nothing special. Only been there once. But there was no more fresh tortillas, and ordered 3 pounds of carnitas. It was very dry and not what I expected especially after watching videos of how they supposedly make the carnitas and all the reviews. Very upset. I absolutely love Mexican food and carnitas. I wanted to love this place. I'm puerto rican and have Mexican family. But wasn't good to us read more

My husband and I love getting meat to go and then making our tacos at home. They have the best carnitas and chorizo around. You can order meat by the pound, and they also have various homemade salsas for purchase. And don't forget the tortillas! Freshly made and oh so good! They are piping hot at purchase and they are delicious- I'll even eat them plain! If you are getting food to go, you order at the back counter and then pay up front. It can be a little crowded during lunch time, but service is fast. read more

This has to be Milwaukee's best kept secret. If you need carnitas or chorizo, you NEED to go to Don Lucho's. This is some of the best meat I've had. Oh, and don't forget about the homemade tortillas and salsa - it's freakin amazing! They only open on the weekend, Friday-Sunday, so get your meats while you can. You can dine in, but I just picked up some food for carryout. When you walk in, they have a ton of pig ready to go, just tell them how much you want and they'll chop it up for you right there. The chorizo is uncooked, so you can take it home and fry it up, or they'll take it in the back and do it for you if you ask. And ALWAYS get the tortillas - they are so good. read more

Do you like fresh food? How about the best tortillas in Milwaukee? Pineapple juice that has actual pieces of the fruit inside? Then look no further. Don Lucho Carnitas has it all. I went on Saturday and was not disappointed. Priced extremely well and with some generous portions. Three tacos were ALMOST too much food. Service? Fast and friendly. Pro-tip: you can purchase their tortillas to go. They sent me packing with 6 so I can try and relive the glory at home. 10/10 would visit again. read more

This place has some carnitas Michoacán style, definitely worth getting up early and getting a variety of carnitas or their menudo. Must get there early in the morning because by 9:30 they start selling out, can you blame them? Their food is really good. Missed the days you could eat indoors in the community tables. read more

I discovered this place last year. It's only open Friday-Sunday. I often go here during my lunch hour on Fridays. The carnitas are amazing and priced just right. Truly authentic, same as the decor. Authentic. The homemade corn tortillas are the best I've had. They don't always have them, which is a bummer, but I've learned to call and see if they have them before I go. I've heard the weekend brunch is great too. Looking forward to trying it. read more

I was so jacked to take Pete here because I raved about the shells, and the did not give me the same kind as I got a couple Sunday's earlier. They gave us double corn, and I hate that. The homemade single shells are SOOOOOOOOO much better. Soup was awesome on Friday morning though. read more

We walked in place is very hot to start of and then we are sweating because of the heat in the place and it is summer ok , the food was to greasy waitress got lost we had a a certificate and I called a day before if they were still receiving the certificate I brought to eat there and they took my certificate and then they tried to deny my certificate but I let them know it was valid so I will never go there ever again ..Bad place .. Oh and pretty much they were out of everything like really it was only like 1.00 .pm on a Sunday BS. That is even worst.. read more

Best Tacos in Town had a traditional lamb soup that I haven't had in years! The Montalayo Is great and sells so fast. First come first serve. The staff is super friendly. They open as early as 4am and close when they sell out. Great place to take family or friends for a quick bite. Love the tortillas and the salsas are as traditional as it can get. My top three choice of meat. Are: the barbacoa which is the lamb meat; the chorizo that is home made and has amazing taste. And the Carnitas just like my hometown in Michoacán. I've traveled a lot and ate in several places including in my home town and no where have I tasted such succulent juicy carnitas. I met the owner very humble and smart man. Definitely recommend this place If your up to taste the finest most authentic real Mexican food in Milwaukee. Gotta Love It!!!! read more

I've eaten a lot of tacos in Milwaukee. I mean A LOT. Been to countless taquerias and regular Mexican restaurants over the years. Don Lucho just leapfrogged the rest. Every meat was exceptional. Of course the carnitas are the best. So are the chorizo, conchinita, and al pastor. Barbacoa was very good. Huge portions of meat on made to order fresh tortillas. Can't be beat. Amazing salsas too. read more

Let's just say, the best carnitas, the best barbacoa, the best al pastor, the best asada and the best tortillas I've ever had in my life. Oh, also the best guacamole and salsa too. AND the best agua fresca. Staff is friendly, prices are reasonable. Worth the wait if you go! read more

I recently moved here from Southern California and I have been searching for the Carnitas that I crave. My taste buds tell me that this was worth the search because this Carnitas is legit. Apparently only pops knows how it's cooked and the way he clears out at you from the kitchen he knows he's doing it right. They had a write up in the newspaper today which is how I found this class. The different salsas are spot on and booming with flavor read more

Great carnitas and Barbacoa. Simple little restaurant that has big flavor. Eat there or take the meat to go. We ate in. Saw a lot of take out. read more

A long line and people leaving with bags of food, I thought - it must be good... OMG delicious carnitas; best corn tortillas ever, made fresh. The salsa is tasty, but I feel like my ass got fingered with some Tiger Balm - some like it hot - oh yeah, some like it cold - oh no! read more

Loved the carnitas and pastor tacos. The cochinitas was a bit saucy for me but good. Best corn tortillas I've ever had.

Best Authentic homemade chorizo,tortillas,carnitas and salsa roja. Period. Just go try it!!!! The chorizo is the best I have ever tasted. Its crazy,good. read more

I noticed this place near my house a few times and I finally decided to stop in and try it out. I must admit they have some of the best barbacoa I have ever tasted and their salsas are very tasty with a nice spice to them. I now go every Saturday and Sunday early in the morning so I can get supplies to make a nice homecooked meal which is hard for me to find the time to do sometimes. If there is one place you should go, this is definitely the place you need to try. read more

Homemade corn tortilla were awesome, food was really really good. Your mom would want you to eat here so eat here you get your money's worth!!! read more

Best carnitas in town!!. If you have tasted better carnitas and handmade tortillas I want to know where because nowhere my husband and I have dined, is better than this (Carnitas and homemade tortillas). The only downside to eating here are that the cushions on their booths are uncomfortable because they seem to be old. read more