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Carnitas' Snack Shack
Category: Restaurants Canadian (New) Canadian (New)
2632 University Ave(between Pershing Ave & Villa Ter)
San Diego, CA 92104
Neighbourhood: North Park
(619) 294-7675
- Hours:
Mon, Wed-Sun 12 pm - 12 am
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
Denise T. said: "I was able to dine here twice recently - once for brunch and once for dinner during their late night HH. Brunch was amazing! Yes, brunch is my favorite meal of the day and Currant did a great job in making the experience a good one.…" read more »
233 reviews for Carnitas' Snack Shack
233 reviews in English
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Review from Brian K.
5/24/2012
Not impressed with overly sensational descriptions of Carnitas' Snack Shack (CSS)? Yeah, we weren't either. "Mouthgasm", "Pork is my homeboy", etc. Yawn =O
Here's the scoop, this place serves heart attacks. Portions are ample and quality is excellent.
The SHACK BURGER is juicy as hell (hell is juicy, so I hear). Ordered it medium rare. Premium, flavorful bun with butter lettuce (and other fixins'). Oh, and the burger comes with bacon jam.
My gf and I thought the CARNITAS TACOS could have used a different tortilla as it was hard to eat. Maybe street-style taco-sized tortillas. Way too much carnitas (hey, no complaints here). Carnitas was very good though it could it have a little more salt.
Of course, how do you not order the PORK BELLY APPETIZER? Crispy on top, tender on the bottom. It comes with a side of "slaw", which is necessary to balance out the pure fat of the belly. The "Asian-inspired" glaze is perfectly fitting. Delicious. Easily $20 at a fancy restaurant.
I don't like BLT SANDWICHES. CSS's version looked like it had too much bread. Also, possibly reconsider ordering the other sandwiches since it comes with a lot of bread.
Ending note: Isagenix (weight loss center) is an easy 0.6-mile walk from CSS. -
Review from Stephanie H.
San Diego, CA
5/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
Most exciting new place in San Diego right now.
From the artistic pig sculpture on top the building, minimalist seating in back, fresh ingredients, inventive menu and daily dessert offerings. . this place keeps me coming back. I'm not even a pork lover! I like it, don't get me wrong.. but I'm not going to marry bacon. I thought I was coming for an upscale meat sandwhich and I was blown away that they also had a beet salad and the most moist, creamy coconut macaroons I've ever tasted.
The no frills, wood, serene backyard-style seating is a total bonus.
So impressed. -
Review from Adie L.
San Diego, CA
5/18/2012
All I can say is I'm in carnivore heaven. Like, for real.
I've been hearing about this place for a while and finally tried it out. Sad I've been missing out for so long. Tacos were tasty (beware they are HUGE - not street taco sized), Poutine french fries had a spicy kick and complemented well with the homemade ketchup and the bacon brittle ice cream sandwich - amazing ... and I don't even like ice cream so much. All in all good place, priced reasonable, friendly staff - it's a win win! -
Review from Raechel W.
Los Angeles, CA
5/18/2012
If you love MEAT, this is the place for you!!
I love hole in the wall places so I was pleased to discover that Carnitas' is one!
My friend and I ordered the tacos and the pork sandwich (which was in a great toasted burger bun) and we were just blown away! The meat was juicy and flavourful! The guac was fresh and the corn salsa was fantastic (I definitely want to try to replicate it at home for myself because I'd just eat that ALLLL the time!). They also put some pickles and pepperoncinis in the sandwich and that made it fun to eat (I love meats, but if it's just meat and starch it can get a little bland, so these garnishes were a great touch.
The ambiance is really cool as well since the outdoor seating area is constructed all out of wood; and one of the best things is that it's open till midnight! I also love the pig decor everywhere. -
Review from Michael W.
San Diego, CA
5/18/2012
So I was meeting a friend in North Park for dinner and he changed the location to the Carnitas Snack Shack. He said it was down the street from the place we were originally trying to go to, and I was very skeptical because I thought I was familiar with the area. I've seen this building a million times, but apparently they've made some changes and you cannot judge this place based on the outside.
It looks like a little building but go around the corner and it opens up to this covered open area which is really cool. We ordered a nice variety of food, shack burgers with fries, carnitas tacos, the pork belly sandwhich and some other dish which was just cooked pork. The food was really delicious and I was a fan of everything actually except the Carnitas. I am not the biggest carnitas fan and only have one place in town I get carnitas from. I feel like the carnitas was well cooked just not seasoned enough. I still easily give this place 5 stars because the quality of everything was amazing. The appitizers are real sized, so 2 tacos are 2 big tacos. I have a new cool spot to check out in NP now. -
Review from Angelo F.
Thanks to Son V and Chun P, I finally got a chance to try this place yesterday!
The name really does fit the front side appearance of this place. It really looks like a shack! (From the front)
You order from the window and the woman behind the counter was extremely nice! She described everything I asked and/or ordered about.
Knowing I was a first timer, I was instructed to go to the back area where there are tables and everything necessary to enjoy my meal.
As you walk towards the back you find a nice, modern looking patio with bar style seating and tables. I like wood decor! It looked really cool!
We came around 6pm so surprisingly, there were plenty of seats available.
Our food came out in minutes:
Fries: Very well-seasoned. Some may think it to be on the over seasoned side but I thought it was just right.
Carnitas Tacos: Can you put anymore carnitas in this thing!?!?! These tacos were full of carnitas and toppings! The pork was seasoned right. They were crispy on the outside and tender in the inside. It was honestly the best carnitas taco I've ever had!
Pork Belly Appy: Seriously? This is morally wrong to eat because of 80% fat content...............BUT IT WAS SOOOOOO FRICKIN GOOD! The Filipino in me was craving rice to eat with it! It was so good! The pork belly came glazed and ready to be cut. It was so soft it literally just melts in your mouth. And the sauce that it comes with.... You just want to drink it!
Service was great from the moment I ordered through the entire dining experience. The waiter in the back knew when we finished our plates and was quick to get them out of the way.
(Pictures posted for your viewing pleasure!) -
Review from Mick G.
5/15/2012
If you took awesome and distilled it to its base level, removing any impurities and all pretense, you might be left with the Carnitas' Snack Shack.
From the humble exterior to the efficient and welcoming dining area, this place speaks of ease of atmosphere and confidence in offerings (and this confidence is well earned).
Nestled in what was once a slightly more downtrodden business and restaurant district that has been steadily transforming since Claire De Lune opened in the 90's, Carnitas feels like it celebrates some of the heritage of the area while serving up food that qualifies as some of the finest quick food options in San Diego.
Seating is outside (as is ordering), so be prepared for that.
Food is ... astonishing. Sometimes you wonder how these amazing meals are concocted in such tight and odd quarters ... but question not ... just enjoy. -
Review from Bonsuela G.
San Diego, CA
5/14/2012 1 Check-in Here
This little piggy sampled the pork belly app. It was rich, juicy and came with a small side salad. (I didn't care for the sauce though.)
This little piggy nibbled on the carnitas taco too....tasty!
This little piggy nom'd a Gluten free browine post meal, FTW.
And this little piggy went...
"Wee wee wee" all the way home... -
Review from Jiri C.
San Diego, CA
5/25/2012
Simple and delicious! I have been here 3 times and very pleased each time with my meal and service. I really like the how they setup there seating in the back of the shack, the decor is simple, clean and very tastefully done. Love the simple menu and that corn relish they serve is amazing! I can eat a whole bowl of that stuff.
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Review from Shalini G.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 5/21/2012 4 Check-ins Here
checked pork belly burrito off my list...good...not my favorite item..wish there was more pork belly in it =(
also had short rib taquito's...wholy moly! so damn delish!2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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5/18/2012
since my first visit I have returned with guests that I wanted to wow...
Each and every one has been… Read more »
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Review from Nick R.
San Diego, CA
5/24/2012
I got their version of a philly cheesesteak and it was pretty bomb. the fries were good too. Will diefinitely go back. The only bad part was the wait too a lot longer than I expetcted to get our food
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Review from Tati R.
5/7/2012
Distance from house--5 stars
North Park love I received--5 stars
Pork Sandwich--5 stars
Hamburger--5 stars
Carnitas--2 stars--dry and flavorless
Torta bun--2 stars--forgettable and turned soggy
I know mathematically that should be 4 stars but I am sticking with the 3. -
Review from Toonces C.
Los Angeles, CA
I have a confession to make...I went full out glutton here, and I totally don't regret it. I was just going to try a bite of each of my dishes I ordered and give the rest to my friend. *was
It started with the poutine fries. Fries topped with cheddar gravy, carnitas and bacon with some spicy seasoning...OH MA GAWD, this outta be illegal. I could not stop eating this I kept telling myself "put the fork down you still have a pork sandwich and a steak sandwich to eat" I had to bitch slap myself halfway through, it worked i moved on.
The Steak sandwich on Texas toast with jalapeno cheese, jalapeno's is so.damn.good the steak was tender and flavorful, the toast crispy and buttery and well who doesn't love cheese?? Pure cheesey meaty goodness!! I ate almost half i couldn't stop eating. *crack
Speaking of crack the Pork Sandwich? HEAVEN! Breaded pork cutlet with carnitas AND bacon on a brioche bun?? It was just as amazing as the others..unbelievable. I ate at least a third somehow after all the other food.
Everything on this menu was delicious...and I mean EVERYTHING because well i also took home peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies..
Cookies are pretty basic right? I mean how amazing could cookies from a pork shack be? Unbelievably amazing! Nooo I wasn't stoned I shared them with my coworkers. When all you hear are people going "MMMMMmmmmmmm" with the first second and third bite of these cookies ? and asking where u got them?? Well that's telling you something right?
Cookies, get em especially the chocolate chip they come 3 to a pack for $3 such a deal!
Did I mention I quit eating pork months ago, not a huge fan? I am a big fan of here! -
Review from Rachel D.
San Diego, CA
5/21/2012
Holy. Speechless. This place is gooooooooood. The pork sandwich is one of the best things I've eaten in my life. Pork Schnitzel, Carnitas, Bacon and pickle/pepperoncini relish. I will dream about this sandwich. The pork 'wings' are not bad - but I wouldn't waste my time on them when the pork sandwich is available. Next time, carnitas - it looked amazing.
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Review from Michele G.
San Diego, CA
5/10/2012
Delicious amounts of pork gluttony. Be a pig, eat a pig.
Chef Hanis' side dishes are amazing too. I had the brussels sprouts salad last week and it was possibly one of the most amazing salads I've ever had.
It loses 1 star for being a little salty for my tastes. But I'm the sort who never adds salt to food, so you will probably think it is perfect! -
Review from Alex K.
5/1/2012
Do not let the teeny little window on the unassuming (read: kinda ghetto) facade fool you. This place is dishin' straight up food porn for real.
The pork sandwich: This sammie is damn sexxxy. The triple EX is for the warm and tingly this sammich gets mah bits an' pieces. It must be mounted. Not much you can do about it. But I must say I generally enjoy food that requires it's very own plan of attack. It's gewd. Piled damn high with bacon, shcnitzel, and pulled pork between a brioche bun, a lil pepperonccini relish and corn salad on the side. I mop up those juices with the sammich each bite, and not lickin the plate clean is an exercise in extreme self-control.
The pork-belly ap: By the way folks, this is the cut ah meat that makes BACON. It's a slab of perfectly seared and season, crispyontheoutside-meltsinyourmouth inside that make a nun blush. pure. unadulterated. secks. in swine form.
The fries: spicy. comes with homemade ketchup. /yeah. isaidcomeswith.
Open way late (like midnight) and the menu has some special not always there items...they got me stalkin that betch like an exboyfriend on facebook frr the pulled pork poutine and bacon mac an' cheese. /whywon'tyoucheckINalready.
I'll be back, and not juss to do a drive by with the headlights off. cuz you also got me jonezin frr them whiskey bacon truffles...ok.damn. gottagochangemahpannies.ciao. -
Review from Joshua D.
San Diego, CA
5/20/2012
Shove this pork in your belly! The shack pork sandwich was awesome. Pork "wings" were good but the sandwich was the way to go. Bummed they didn't have the fancy fries today but it gives me a reason to return and get the carnitas tacos as well because they looked gooooood.
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Review from Nici G.
Los Angeles, CA
5/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
This place is my new go to spot for a tasty meaty snack.
My friend John Johnson and I got there when it opened and there was already a line of people but the paltry 10 min. we waited was well worth it.
You order at the front of the building and then walk behind the building and find a seat. I'd recommend going with less then 4 people as there are no large tables.
The food was delicious.
We ordered the Pulled Pork Sandwich:
It was pork schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperocini, pickle relish, shack aoili.
Best Pulled Pork Sandwich ever!
For desert I had a Bacon Brittle Ice Cream Sandwich on homemade Brownie.
The menu changes so these items might not be available or have some significant changes made but this place is great, so go and enjoy!
I was less then enthused by their Mac N Cheese, but I came here for MEAT so I didn't mind. -
Review from Soo H.
San Diego, CA
5/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow! I love the pig on top of the roof and the mural in the back! This place was packed at lunch time and it took awhile to get our food. I had the taco carnitas. The tortilla, lettuce, and tomato were good. The carnitas was awesome! The carnitas tacos here are the best I have ever had. I also loved the chocolate chip cookies. They were a delicious mix of chocolate, sugar crystals, and cookie. It had an awesome fresh out of the oven aroma sadly lacking in store bought cookies. This is going to be my go to place after visits to the Zoo!
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Review from Darlene B.
Lemon Grove, CA
5/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
OH MY...
I LOVE This place!!! We literally went here three times in 2 weeks, 2 of those times were in 3 days. We were able to try a lot of the stuff on their menu, each time we visited, but we kept going back to that amazing Steak Sandwich -- it's tender and tasty.
We also tried the Shack Burger, Pork Sandwich and those Poutine fries with the gravy. And you can do a throwback coke in a bottle. Absolute bliss. :)
I think the girl taking orders wasn't speaking very clearly so ordering was slightly confusing. But this place is awesome! They have different things on their menu everyday, they shake it up, and the food is fresh. I don't feel greasy and gross after eating here. Just thinking about the steak sandwich is making my mouth water!
Outdoor seating, it can get cold! -
Review from Gracie M.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
I came here for dinner on a Friday night around 6pm and was helped right away at the ordering window. But, when it came time to get my food, the wait was really really long. My party of two waited over thirty minutes for a burger, fries and the pork belly appertizer. The food was okay, but the long wait just put a damper on my taste buds.
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Review from Dorothy K.
San Diego, CA
5/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
Food was darn good - especially the burger! We tried 1 of everything and loved it all! Don't come here for atmosphere but if just care about tasty food... this place is great!
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Review from Éric T.
Long Beach, CA
4/23/2012
I'm a total whore for pork and poutine in any of its incarnations and when I heard there was a place in San Diego close to my favorite boy that featured a pork poutine, I damn near had a conniption.
I was disappointed to find out they didn't have it that night, because of their rotating menu. I don't get it. Rotating menus are fine for food trucks but the second you lay down some mortar and take out permits from the city to start construction, you need to nail down a set menu. But if it works for them, more power to them.
I ended up settling on their carnitas torta. Man oh man. It was a HUGE sandwich and, for my buck, they gave me extra bang. Nice, buttery authentic telera bread with all the delicious fixings and a good solid inch and a half of crispy tender carnitas. The only disappointment was the guacamole, whose blandness kinda messed up my carnitas and made the sandwich a tad too soggy. They score one extra star for having San Pellegrino's Aranciata.
But it's all good. When your other dining options are a janky 7-11 and generic Mexican food, this place is a must. -
Review from J F.
Otay, CA
5/6/2012
Somehow I stumbled across this place while I was surfing Yelp's pages and I noticed it had a lot of hype. I just had to come and try sampling some of their food and giving my opinion, but I made the mistake of coming on a Tuesday which is the only day they are closed.
It took a few weeks later before I could finally make it on a day other than Tuesday and sure enough the Carnitas Shack was busy as could be with almost the entire back dining section full of pig loving patrons.
I ordered the 2 carnitas tacos and my girlfriend ordered the steak sandwich. I have to say at best the carnitas meat was tender yet lacked serious flavor compared to all the carnitas I have eaten at taco shops, restaurants and homemade versions. It was refreshing though to have fresh chopped tomato, onion and mashed avocado (guacamole). I bet I would never order them again since I would rather buy some carnitas from Northgate instead or order the carnitas from Chipotle.
As for the steak sandwich, my girlfriend only ate half and wasn't that impressed with it. I took the other half home and found out it was no big deal either. Just another $10 sandwich that had some grilled up slices of steak that I could find practically anywhere else that serves steak sandwiches.
Weird thing about my visit is that a lot of the items posted in the pictures, I didn't see on the menu that day. I guess the menu is always changing, who knows? If I ever do return, I will for sure have to order pork poutine and the bacon ice cream and just maybe it will be enough to convince me to change my mind. -
Review from brenton w.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
Delicious steak sandwich. Over seasoned fries. Pricey. No beer
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Review from Jennie C.
San Diego, CA
4/21/2012
This is seriously THE BEST addition to North Park. I'm a native San Diegan who has grown up in this neighborhood for almost 20 years now. I've watched all of the new eateries go up, and this tops it ALL!
Food: I cannot believe this is not some pretentious, overpriced restaurant. The food here was soooooo de-li-cious and creatively crafted that a place that charges $15 a plate could not beat. This place changes their menu daily, but you can always expect perfectly delightful food.
(FYI, we ordered the Pork Sandwich, Steak Sandwich, and ended with the Bacon Brittle Ice Cream Sandwich) I know....YURMMM!!
Environment/Timing: There was a wait (30 min to get food) when I went at 8pm on a Friday night (so worth it!), but it's not as bad as Phil's BBQ. A short line to order & pay then wait for your food to be made is a good sign. Also, the service is awesome! Seating is pretty much first come first serve. It's outdoors under a beautifully crafted wood patio area. There are some tables and a huge bar table that you can sit at with up to groups of 3 or 4.
Thank you so much for opening up such a gem in North Park. I hope you guys stay awesome!
ps..I'm not sure why this place has 2 dollar signs...I guess people factor in the drinks? most entree items are about $7-9 -
Review from Sam H.
San Diego, CA
4/19/2012 1 Check-in Here
UPDATE 4/19/12. I just received a message from Sara S., the general manager. She noted to me that the guacamole is indeed made in house. Though I never claimed that it wasn't made in house, only that it tasted like it wasn't, I do appreciate the clarification.
Ooh, please be kind to me SD Yelp community, but this place for me was no where near what the other reviews are saying.
Let me first preface by saying if you're going to name your restaurant after a type of food aka carnitas, they 1. better be frickin' darn good, and 2. can and should be subject to way higher of a standard and scrutiny than if you hadn't named the place after a type of food.
Started off with the 2 carnitas tacos. They just weren't good at all. The carnitas were very dry and I almost dare to say that Chipotle's are better.
Yeah, I said it.
On top, the guacamole tasted like the guac you would get at the dining halls at UCSD, aka as if it came in a huge batch that was mass produced rather than homemade in house.
I also asked the cashier what the most popular item people get is, and she told me it was the Pork Sandwich, which is what I thought would be. Again, just dry dry and dry. Now trust me, I don't think all meat has to be melt-in-your-mouth-like-butter (although that would be nice) in order to taste good, but this just didn't meet any mediocre standard at all.
I had high expectations due to the yelp reviews on here, but my experience was the farthest thing away from what everyone else is saying. -
Review from Dan N.
4/16/2012 1 Check-in Here
Don't let the name fool you this place is not just a little mexican spot. In fact Carnitas would be the last thing I recommend on their menu.
This place is literally a small shack tucked away in hillcrest. When you go there you can expect a little line right outside the order window. There's a small dinning area in the back but it can get filled up quick so be prepared to stand around while waiting for your food.
And you will wait, it could take up to 20-30 minutes to get your food if it's busy there. But if you don't mind the long wait then you'll get some good quality food.
I've had the BLT which has to be the BLT i've ever had at a restaurant. It's PACKED with bacon and ham and served on toasted bread. Delicious 5 out of 5 sporks!
I also had the carnitas tacos which were OK in my opinion it was lacking a little flavor I think in the meat. 3 out of 5 sporks.
The fries are also pretty tasty, they have a spicy cajun seasoning which gives it a nice flavor.
The service is very friendly all be it very slow.
All in all I think this place is great for lunch if you're looking for fancy comfort food but I wouldn't go here if the weather is bad because of the outside limited seating. -
Review from Rafa D.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2012
Man, if you love carnitas then you have to love this place. And I'm not a huge carnitas fan but this place makes me crave them fo' real. Carnitas tacos are humongous. I did find the carnitas to be a tad underseasoned (read: salt) but a little sea salt took care of that so no big deal.
But don't stop there, their beef sandwich on Texas sized toast is pretty amazing too, and the fact that they source their produce and meats locally (whenever possible) makes this place stand out for sure. I'm so glad they buy humanely raised proteins...I want to know that the pig I'm putting in my belly has been exposed to positive affirmations throughout its life before becoming a delectable morsel of a carnita. I envision the farmer, a la THE HELP, saying to Porky "you is kind, you is smart, you is important".
Pork belly app is pretty tasty too, I likes me some fat...if you're not a fan of the mouth feel of the fatty part of the belly then you may want to stay away from it.
I've tried my friend's schnitzel sandwich thingie and it was good too...so they pretty much put a lot of loving into every single thing they make is my conclusion. -
Review from Michael C.
Saugus, CA
4/14/2012 2 Check-ins Here
I was enjoying a beer at Live Wire and I was still feeling hungry after a wrap from Mama's next door. Vinh N and I were searching for nearby eateries and stumbled upon the Carnitas' Snack Shack. So we finished our beer and started our trek to the shack. After a 15 minute walk, we arrived at the shack.
As we were looking over the menu, Sara was extremely nice and gave her recommendations. We ended up going with her recommendations (which were her best sellers); the pork sandwich, the pork belly app, the carnitas tacos, and an order of fries for good measure. After a few minutes, our food slowly trickled out. The pork sandwich was the highlight for me. It's on a fluffy bun, with a triple pork mouthful of goodness (pork schnitzel, carnitas, and a few slices of thick cut bacon). This was so good, we came back the next day to have another. A very close second was the pork belly app. This is a huge chunk of pork belly, seared with a hoisin glaze served with a frisee salad (The only drawback to sharing is that you want the whole thing). After eating these two delicious items, the tacos (carnitas served with guacamole) and the fries seemed only ordinary.
Next we ordered the ice cream sandwich and the coconut macaroon. The ice cream sandwich was good. The bacon taste was almost non existent, but it had an interesting smokey flavor. The macaroon was delicious. The best one I've ever had.
If the shack wasn't closed on Easter, I think we would've stopped by three days in a row.
Thanks for making the trip even better Carnitas' Snack Shack!!! -
Review from Margie S.
San Diego, CA
Would we go back? ehhh, maybe..it's good for taking guests/visitors
After seeing countless food porn posts of this place, it was pinned on our list to go for some time now. This weekend we had the perfect opportunity of doing so since we had a couple of friends visiting from out of town, so we gave it a go.
Carnitas snack shack stays true to it's name, they love all things pork and they even have a pig statue on top of their establishment..AWESOME! The restaurant front is an unassuming shack with a chalkboard menu so it looks like they swap out items from time to time, which I love. The open air dining area around back is sleek & modern complete with all wood paneling and the kitchen sure knows their pork!
Between the 4 of us, we ordered up 2 appetizers to share and 3 entrees and a couple of desserts (w/bacon of course). Starting with the appetizers, the chilaquiles with shredded pork and egg was absolutely delicious while the pork "wings" was a miss. The sauce on the "wings" ruined the perfectly cooked pork, it was a bit overwhelming and didn't mesh well with the meat.
The carnitas tacos were delicious, but I wish the portion was smaller or they served single tacos (2 per serving of these things was a bit too much but at $8 worth the price at the same time). The carnitas definitely lived up to it's name, it's got a nice crunch and perfectly tender. The steak sandwich was a bit on the bland side, but nothing hot sauce couldn't fix.
And my FAVE: The BLT was mmMM Mmmm good, but something that you only want a few bites of so sharing is recommended.
By the time we were done with dessert (bacon ice cream sandwich and dulce de leche=highly recommend), we were all stuffed and needed a wheelbarrow to wheel us out. All in all, it was a great first experience, but it's definitely more of a novelty type place where we wouldn't frequent since the food's just way too heavy. -
Review from Joe M.
El Cajon, CA
5/2/2012
The food is very very good. They get 6 stars for that. But their seats are clearly for the waifish. Or my big ass is just extremely uncomfortable in them. Their homemade ketchup is less than desired, although all their other sauces are great. My only other complaint is that they are closed on Tuesdays, the one day I generally have an opportunity to go there.
However, their food is just so damn good, you have to try it for yourself! -
Review from Mia L.
4/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
A heart attack waiting to happen. The pork belly definitely is a big piece of fat, when did a piece of fat become so popular? Anyhow obviously I knew what I was getting myself into. This piece of fat was alright, the edges were the best part.
Tacos! Pork Tacos, nothing to rave about, I really was expecting juicyness and lots of flavor. I'm not sure if I came on an off day. Failed!
Also ordered the stuffed tomatoe, I loved everything in it, however it was so bland, it needed salt or pepper or something. Failed!
The bacon ice cream sandwich was AMAZING! How did they do it? I don't know but I loved it.
Overall I wouldn't actually come here again, unless someone wants to try this place out. To me its one of those places if you're close by why not? But if you're not in the area I wouldn't bother. -
Review from Alan T.
4/16/2012
Wow! This place is amazing.
Food was absolutely amazing. I tried the carnitas tacos, steak sandwich and an order of fries. Everything was delicious. The meat was so flavorful and juicy. This place is totally worth all the hype. I can't wait to come back and try all the other amazing things! -
Review from al m.
Chula Vista, CA
5/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
All I could say is WOW! it's La Jolla Quality at a fare price. The serving size is great We have been back twice in two weeks. My coworkers and I all get something different and swap half servings. The food here rocks! keep up the great work and the awesome food coming.
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Review from John B.
San Diego, CA
4/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
Where oh where has my little pig gone? He's on a ROCKIN' pork sandwich at Carnitas' Snack Shack THAT'S WHERE!
This place is KILLER. PERIOD. If you are a fan of the pig and all it's tasty parts, you neeeeeed to check this place out. The main building is about half the size of the smallest taco shop you have ever been to but what they turn out of that tiny kitchen is truly impressive. Great flavor combinations, amazing sandwiches and true inspired creativity. It's not a cheap and quick place (20 minute wait on a Wednesday at lunch and $9 for a sandwich) but in my 38 years on this earth I have learned that outside of 3rd world countries, cheap food is rarely good and good food is rarely cheap.
If you are in north park and in the mood for some great food, go here and thank me later. Oh, and go run a few miles later that night to make your body not hate you too much for eating like this. But it's soooooooo worth it!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Melanio F.
San Diego, CA
Updated - 4/5/2012 5 Check-ins Here
I just had the Pork Belly Appetizer..
it cost a lot but it was BOMBASTIC!!!
I can eat that all day as long as I am prepared to going into a CHOLESTEROL COMA!
The pork is treated with lots of respect, not overcooked or over seasoned.
Man....I wish I lived next door!Listed in: As Peter Gabriel sang In My…
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/21/2012
Carnitas Snack shack...i thought you were a myth, a whisper of a pork haven. I always thought that… Read more »
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Review from Barbara R.
San Diego, CA
5/16/2012
Casual is an understatement with regards to the ambiance in this restaurant. The food is so amazingly good, that you could be eating off paper plates, using plastic forks and you'd still be awestruck. Went with 4 friends, everyone had something different and no one would share a bite. MUST go back again and again!
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Review from Son V.
3/30/2012 3 Check-ins Here
I have yet to regret a decision made here.
The reviews speak for themselves and are indicative of what you can expect. Consistently great food. Friendly staff. That's it.
The best part is the location. Stumbling distance from degeneration central (Univ & 30th) and open until midnight. -
Review from Sandra P.
San Diego, CA
4/11/2012
Not bad! I've been hearing a lot of rave about this newish place and decided to check it out for myself and a friend who was visiting San Diego, although he's originally from SD, but now lives in New York. His words, best pork tacos ever, we got the pork tacos and they were delish. I guess this place used to be an old skool looking Vietnamese place and the converted to this really hip looking little building. Staff was friendly, food was a great size for what you are paying for! Really enjoyed sitting outside in their back patio and parking was pretty convenient, plenty of spaces on the street.
Good stuff!
