Carnitas Michoacan is a beloved Mexican restaurant chain renowned for its authentic Michoacan-style carnitas, a slow-cooked pork dish that has become a signature of the region’s culinary heritage. With multiple locations across Los Angeles, California, and Virginia, this family-owned establishment has built a reputation for serving traditional Mexican cuisine that stays true to its roots.
What sets Carnitas Michoacan apart is their unwavering commitment to using time-honored recipes and techniques passed down through generations. The carnitas, the restaurant’s namesake dish, is prepared with meticulous care, ensuring that each bite captures the rich flavors and tender texture that have made it a beloved staple in Mexican households.
Adding to the allure of Carnitas Michoacan is the convenience of 24-hour service available at select locations, making it a go-to destination for late-night cravings or early morning fuel. Whether you’re seeking a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, this restaurant promises to transport your taste buds to the heart of Michoacan with every mouthful.
Signature Dish: Carnitas
Carnitas Michoacan’s signature dish is, unsurprisingly, their authentic Michoacan-style carnitas. This beloved Mexican delicacy is prepared with painstaking care and adherence to traditional methods. The process begins with pork shoulder or butt, which is slowly simmered in a rich broth infused with aromatic spices like cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. As the pork cooks, it becomes incredibly tender and flavorful, absorbing the essence of the broth.
Once the pork is perfectly cooked, it is carefully removed from the broth and allowed to cool slightly. The real magic happens when the carnitas are fried to crispy perfection. Skilled chefs take the simmered pork and fry it in its own rendered fat, creating a heavenly contrast of crispy edges and succulent, melt-in-your-mouth interiors.
The resulting carnitas are a true celebration of flavor and texture. Each bite offers a symphony of savory pork, fragrant spices, and a satisfying crunch. Carnitas Michoacan’s version is a testament to the authentic culinary traditions of Michoacán, where this dish originated.
To fully experience the carnitas, they are typically served with a variety of accompaniments that complement the rich flavors. Warm, freshly made tortillas are essential for creating tacos or tostadas, allowing you to savor the carnitas in every bite. Refried beans, rice, and fresh salsas – ranging from tangy tomatillo to fiery habanero – provide the perfect counterpoints to the decadent pork.
Whether enjoyed in a taco, burrito, or on their own, Carnitas Michoacan’s signature carnitas dish is a true culinary delight that transports you to the heart of Michoacán’s vibrant food culture.
Taco Offerings
At Carnitas Michoacan, tacos are a beloved staple, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients. The menu features a diverse selection of taco options, catering to various preferences and allowing diners to explore the rich culinary traditions of Mexico.
One of the standout choices is the carnitas taco, featuring tender, slow-cooked pork that has been carefully braised until it reaches a melt-in-your-mouth texture. The carnitas are seasoned with a blend of aromatic spices, ensuring a depth of flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
For those seeking a more adventurous option, the buche tacos offer a unique culinary experience. Buche, or pork stomach, is a beloved delicacy in Mexican cuisine, boasting a rich, savory taste and a tender, succulent texture when cooked to perfection.
The cueritos tacos, made with crispy pork skin, are a true delight for those who appreciate a satisfying crunch. These tacos are a testament to the resourcefulness of Mexican cuisine, where every part of the animal is utilized to create flavorful dishes.
Carnitas Michoacan also offers tacos filled with chorizo, a spicy and flavorful Mexican sausage. The chorizo tacos are a favorite among those who enjoy a kick of heat and robust flavors in their tacos.
To cater to different appetites, Carnitas Michoacan offers taco combos at various price points. These combos typically include a selection of tacos, accompanied by sides such as rice, beans, and fresh tortilla chips, providing a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Burrito Varieties
Carnitas Michoacan offers a mouthwatering selection of burritos that showcase the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cuisine. For those seeking a hearty start to their day, the breakfast burritos are a must-try. Filled with scrambled eggs, chorizo, and your choice of beans or potatoes, these burritos are a satisfying and flavorful way to begin your morning.
One of the standout offerings is the Burrito Tampico, a specialty item that has gained a loyal following among regulars. This burrito is a true flavor explosion, stuffed with tender carnitas, refried beans, rice, and a generous portion of their signature salsa roja. The combination of juicy carnitas and the vibrant, slightly spicy salsa creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Carnitas Michoacan takes pride in using only the freshest and most authentic ingredients in their burritos. The tortillas are handmade daily, ensuring a soft and pliable texture that perfectly envelops the flavorful fillings. The refried beans are cooked slowly, allowing the natural flavors to develop and meld seamlessly with the other ingredients.
Whether you opt for the classic bean and cheese burrito or venture into more adventurous territory with the Burrito Tampico, you can expect a truly satisfying and delicious experience at Carnitas Michoacan.
Plate Meals
For those seeking a heartier meal, Carnitas Michoacan offers a variety of plate options that showcase the restaurant’s authentic flavors. The Carnitas Plate is a must-try, featuring generous portions of their signature slow-roasted pork carnitas, accompanied by refried beans, Mexican rice, and warm tortillas. This plate is a testament to the restaurant’s dedication to traditional cooking methods, with each bite bursting with the rich and savory flavors of Michoacan.
The Pollo Plate is a favorite among chicken lovers, featuring tender and juicy pieces of chicken cooked to perfection, served alongside the same delicious accompaniments as the Carnitas Plate. For those seeking a touch of heat, the Chile Colorado Plate and Chile Verde Plate are excellent choices. The former features chunks of beef simmered in a robust red chile sauce, while the latter showcases tender pork in a tangy green tomatillo sauce. Both plates are served with rice, beans, and tortillas, allowing you to savor the flavors of these classic Mexican dishes.
Prices for the plate meals range from $12.99 to $15.99, offering exceptional value for the generous portions and high-quality ingredients used. Each plate is carefully prepared with attention to detail, ensuring that every bite is a delightful experience.
Quesadillas and Tortas
Carnitas Michoacan’s quesadilla and torta offerings are a delightful blend of traditional Mexican flavors and modern culinary creativity. The quesadillas are a crowd favorite, featuring a variety of fillings that cater to different tastes. From the classic quesadilla filled with melted cheese and your choice of meat (carnitas, pollo, or carne asada) to the more adventurous options like the quesadilla with rajas (roasted strips of poblano peppers) or the quesadilla with hongos (sautéed mushrooms), there’s something for everyone.
The tortas, or Mexican sandwiches, are another menu highlight. These substantial and flavorful sandwiches are made with traditional telera bread and packed with an array of delicious fillings. The Torta Cubana is a fan favorite, featuring carnitas, ham, eggs, refried beans, avocado, and cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. For those seeking a spicier option, the Torta Ahogada, or “drowned sandwich,” is a must-try. This torta is smothered in a flavorful red or green salsa, adding a delightful kick to the already satisfying sandwich.
Specialty Dishes
For those seeking truly authentic and traditional Mexican flavors, Carnitas Michoacan offers a selection of specialty dishes that are sure to delight. One of the standout offerings is the rich and flavorful birria, a slow-cooked stew made with beef or goat meat, aromatic spices, and a vibrant red chile broth. This comforting dish is often served with fresh onions, cilantro, and a side of consomé for dipping.
Another beloved specialty is menudo, a hearty and savory soup made with beef tripe, hominy, and a robust blend of spices. This traditional dish is a staple in Mexican cuisine and is known for its unique texture and depth of flavor. Carnitas Michoacan’s menudo is prepared with care, simmered for hours to ensure the perfect balance of flavors.
For those seeking a truly indulgent treat, the torta ahogada is a must-try. This decadent sandwich features a crispy bolillo roll filled with carnitas or another meat of your choice, then “drowned” in a rich and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The result is a messy but incredibly satisfying explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Mexican cuisine or simply seeking to expand your culinary horizons, Carnitas Michoacan’s specialty dishes offer an authentic and unforgettable dining experience.
Conclusion
Carnitas Michoacan’s menu is a true celebration of authentic Michoacan-style Mexican cuisine.
From the signature carnitas dish, slow-cooked to perfection, to the mouthwatering tacos, burritos, and plates brimming with traditional flavors, every item on the menu is a testament to the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity.
Whether you’re craving the rich and savory birria, the comforting menudo, or the tangy and refreshing aguas frescas, Carnitas Michoacan has something to satisfy every palate.
With multiple locations and the convenience of 24-hour service at select spots, it’s never been easier to indulge in the flavors of Michoacan.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your friends and family, and head to your nearest Carnitas Michoacan location for a truly unforgettable dining experience. Alternatively, take advantage of their delivery options through Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub, and savor the flavors of Michoacan from the comfort of your own home.
No matter how you choose to experience it, Carnitas Michoacan’s menu is sure to leave you craving more.