The Absolute Best Carnitas in Joliet [Updated 2025]

I’ve scoured the city, tasting and comparing various restaurants to find the top contenders.

With 12 places under my belt, I’ve discovered unique flavors, cooking methods, and regional influences that make each location special.

From hidden gems to popular eateries, my journey through Joliet's carnitas scene has been nothing short of mouthwatering.

I can't wait to share my favorites, along with some insider tips on what to look for in an exceptional carnita.

Let’s dive into the rich, savory world of this beloved dish and celebrate the best that Joliet has to offer!

La Mex

Highlights
Friendly and attentive staff
Beautiful outdoor patio
Live music enhances atmosphere
Unique and flavorful dishes
Fresh ingredients used

La Mex is a vibrant gem in Joliet’s culinary landscape, and let me tell you, the carnitas here are a treat for the senses! As soon as I walked in, the friendly and attentive staff made me feel right at home, enhancing my anticipation for the meal to come.

I settled into their lovely outdoor patio, where the ambiance was elevated by the sounds of live music dancing through the air. It set the perfect backdrop for savoring some incredible cuisine. The moment those carnitas hit my table, I knew I was in for a delightful experience. Each bite of the tender, flavorful meat was infused with a symphony of spices, expertly crafted with fresh ingredients that shone through.

In a world where canitas can often fall flat, La Mex stands out with unique twists on traditional dishes that make each visit a culinary adventure. Overall, my time at La Mex was more than just a meal; it was a flavorful journey, bursting with heart and flair. If you're in Joliet and craving carnitas, do yourself a favor and indulge in what La Mex has to offer!

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Sunshine Mexican Cafe - Restaurant & Catering

Highlights
Attentive and professional staff
Cozy and inviting atmosphere
Delicious food with daily specials
Excellent for celebrations
Accommodating for events

Sunshine Mexican Cafe - Restaurant & Catering truly lives up to its name, radiating warmth and charm that invites you in the moment you step through the door. The attentive and professional staff immediately make you feel at home, ensuring that your dining experience is nothing short of delightful.

Now, let’s get to the star of the show: the carnitas. These beautifully prepared morsels burst with flavor; they are tender, juicy, and have a wonderfully rich seasoning that dances on your palate. I was particularly impressed with how they are served—topped with the perfect amount of fresh cilantro and onion that elevate the dish to new heights.

The cozy atmosphere makes it an ideal spot for a quiet dinner or a festive celebration with friends. Speaking of celebrations, Sunshine offers fantastic catering options for events, making it easier to share the joy of carnitas with loved ones! Their daily specials are not to be missed, adding an element of surprise that keeps me coming back for more.

In short, Sunshine Mexican Cafe is a gem in Joliet for those craving exceptional carnitas—I can’t recommend it enough!

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Carnitas estilo Michoacan

Highlights
Best carnitas in Joliet
Authentic taste
Homemade tortillas

Firstly, I have to say that the carnitas here are hands down the best in Joliet. The meat is cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth with every bite. The flavor is so authentic, you can tell it was made with care and traditional methods.

But that's not all, the homemade tortillas are a game-changer! They add an extra layer of deliciousness to every taco or burrito you order. You won't find this kind of quality at a fast-food chain.

Another thing I appreciate about Carnitas estilo Michoacan is the atmosphere. It gives off a cozy and welcoming vibe, making you feel at home while enjoying your meal.

Overall, if you're looking for some seriously good carnitas in Joliet, then look no further than Carnitas estilo Michoacan. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

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Las Gorditas De Don Angel #2

Highlights
Great food
Good service
Reasonable prices
Nice ambiance

First off, let me say that I was blown away by the great food. The carnitas were juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning. The meat was so tender it practically melted in my mouth. Plus, they offer a variety of salsas that will leave you wanting more.

The good service is also worth mentioning. Our waiter was attentive and friendly, making sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal.

And let's talk about the prices. At Las Gorditas De Don Angel #2, you won't break the bank for a delicious meal. The prices are reasonable for such high-quality food.

Finally, the ambiance really added to the overall experience. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere with colorful decor that makes you feel like you're in Mexico.

All in all, I would highly recommend this place for anyone looking for some of the best carnitas in Joliet. Don't miss out on this hidden gem!

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El Primo Mexican Restaurant

Highlights
Amazing staff
Affordable prices
Fun atmosphere
Great food

First off, I have to say that the staff at El Primo are absolutely amazing. They were incredibly friendly and attentive throughout my entire visit, making me feel right at home. And let's not forget about their affordable prices! As a carnitas connoisseur, I'm always looking for great food without breaking the bank.

The atmosphere at El Primo is also worth mentioning. It's a fun and lively spot with colorful decor that really adds to the overall experience. But most importantly, let's talk about the food. The carnitas here are truly something special. Each bite was filled with perfectly seasoned meat that just melted in my mouth. They were served with fresh tortillas and all the traditional fixings.

Overall, I had an incredible time at El Primo Mexican Restaurant and would highly recommend it to anyone on the hunt for some of the best carnitas in Joliet. The combination of amazing staff, affordable prices, fun atmosphere, and great food make it a must-visit spot for any foodie seeking an authentic Mexican dining experience!

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Taqueria Los Paisanos

Highlights
Delicious tacos
Homemade chips
Friendly waitress
Queca birria tacos

First of all, let me just say that I was blown away by the deliciousness of their carnitas tacos. The meat was perfectly cooked and seasoned, and the toppings were fresh and flavorful. It's no surprise that they're known for their carnitas - they truly are some of the best in Joliet.

Another highlight of my visit were the homemade chips - crispy, salty, and downright addictive. They were so good that I had to order a second basket before my tacos even arrived.

The service was also top-notch thanks to our friendly waitress, who made sure we had everything we needed and even took the time to chat with us about our favorite Mexican dishes.

But perhaps the most unique item on the menu were the queca birria tacos. These delicious treats are a must-try for anyone looking for something new and exciting. The tender beef combined with melted cheese and savory spices made for a flavor explosion in every bite.

Overall, I highly recommend Taqueria Los Paisanos for anyone looking for amazing carnitas and authentic Mexican cuisine. Don't forget to try their homemade chips and queca birria tacos while you're there!

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Ta Canijo

Highlights
Fresh, flavorful
Reasonable prices
Convenient pick-up
Unique taco truck
Generous portions

This taco truck is not your average spot, it's a unique experience! First of all, the pick-up process was very convenient, and the staff was incredibly friendly. As for the menu, let me tell you, their carnitas are fresh and full of flavor that will make your taste buds dance with joy! And don't worry about breaking the bank because their prices are more than reasonable.

I ordered a plate of carnitas which came with rice, beans, tortillas and salsa. The portions were so generous that I even had leftovers for dinner. The meat was cooked to perfection, juicy and tender without being too fatty or greasy. It was obvious that Ta Canijo takes pride in using high-quality ingredients and making everything from scratch.

The atmosphere at this taco truck is also worth mentioning as it added to the overall experience. The colorful decorations and upbeat music created an ambiance that made me feel like I was on vacation instead of just grabbing lunch.

In conclusion, Ta Canijo is definitely one of my top picks for the best carnitas in Joliet thanks to their fresh ingredients, reasonable prices, convenient pick-up process, unique atmosphere and generous portions. Don't miss out on this gem!

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Habanero Mexican Fine Cuisine

Highlights
Delicious food
Excellent service
Great margaritas
Flavorful burritos
Best rice and beans

First off, let me say that the carnitas at Habanero Mexican Fine Cuisine are nothing short of exquisite. They were cooked to perfection and had a delicious crispy exterior with tender meat on the inside. The flavor was just right - not too spicy, but with enough kick to satisfy my taste buds.

Aside from the amazing carnitas, I have to give props to their excellent service. Our server was very attentive and made sure we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Even though they were busy, they still managed to make us feel like we were their top priority.

And let's not forget about the margaritas! They were perfectly mixed and had just the right amount of tequila. My dining companion and I enjoyed them so much that we decided to order a second round.

If you're not in the mood for carnitas (although I can't imagine why), their burritos are also a must-try. They're packed with flavor and will leave you feeling satisfied without feeling too heavy.

Finally, I have to mention their rice and beans - they are hands down the best I've ever had! The rice was fluffy and flavorful while the beans were creamy and oh-so-delicious.

Overall, my experience at Habanero Mexican Fine Cuisine was outstanding. Delicious food, excellent service, great drinks - what more could you ask for? If you're looking for some of the best carnitas in Joliet (or even if you're not), do yourself a favor and check out Habanero Mexican Fine Cuisine!

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Taco Mex Restaurant

Highlights
Friendly service
Freshly fried tortillas
Consistent quality
Affordable prices

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a warm smile and friendly service. As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but notice the aroma of freshly fried tortillas wafting from the kitchen. It was enough to make my stomach growl in anticipation.

I decided to go for their carnitas and boy, was I in for a treat! The pork was cooked to perfection - tender and juicy with just the right amount of seasoning. The crispy bits added a delightful crunch that made every bite even more satisfying. And let's not forget about those tortillas! They were so fresh and warm, it felt like they had just come out of the oven.

What impressed me most about Taco Mex Restaurant was their consistent quality. Every time I've visited, the food has been nothing short of excellent. Not to mention, their prices are incredibly affordable for such high-quality food.

Overall, if you're looking for some mouth-watering carnitas in Joliet, Taco Mex Restaurant should definitely be on your list. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you later!

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Taquerias Atotonilco

Highlights
High quality steak
Clean and inviting atmosphere
Friendly and informative staff
Grape soda is delicious

As soon as I walked in, I noticed the clean and inviting atmosphere. The smell of sizzling meat filled the air and my taste buds were already excited. I ordered their famous carnitas, but I couldn't resist trying their high quality steak too - it did not disappoint!

The staff was incredibly friendly and informative about their menu. They even recommended a grape soda to pair with my meal, which turned out to be delicious and refreshing.

But let's get back to the star of the show - the carnitas. They were juicy, tender, and packed with flavor. Every bite was better than the last. The pork was cooked to perfection and had just the right amount of crispy bits.

Overall, Taquerias Atotonilco exceeded my expectations for finding great carnitas in Joliet. Their attention to detail in every aspect made for an unforgettable dining experience that left me feeling satisfied and eager to return for more.

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La Mina Restaurant

Highlights
Great seasoned meat
Handmade corn tortillas
Clean and friendly atmosphere

First of all, the seasoned meat at La Mina was nothing short of amazing. I could taste the spices in every bite and it was cooked to perfection - juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside. It's obvious that they take great care in preparing their carnitas.

And let's talk about the handmade corn tortillas. They were so soft and fresh, it felt like they were just made right before my eyes. I couldn't resist having seconds (or maybe even thirds) with my carnitas.

The cleanliness of the restaurant also impressed me. The tables were spotless and they had a friendly staff that welcomed me as soon as I walked through the door. There was even a TV playing my favorite sports game in the background - what more could I ask for?

Overall, La Mina Restaurant is a must-visit for anyone looking for top-notch carnitas in Joliet. From their seasoned meat to their handmade tortillas and welcoming atmosphere, it's clear that they put a lot of effort into providing an unforgettable experience for their customers.

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Tortilleria Sabor a Mexico, Inc.

Highlights
Authentic flavors
Creamy jalapeno sauce
Homemade tortillas
Affordable prices

Upon arrival, I was taken aback by the smell of freshly cooked meats and spices. As a true carnivore, my taste buds were already tingling with anticipation. The authentic flavors that emanated from the kitchen were simply divine.

The star of the show was undoubtedly their juicy, tender carnitas. Each bite was packed with flavor and melted in my mouth like butter on a hot skillet. It's no wonder why this place is so popular among locals.

But what really took these carnitas to the next level was their creamy jalapeno sauce. It added a tangy kick that perfectly complemented the meat without overpowering it.

To top it off, Tortilleria Sabor a Mexico served their carnitas on homemade tortillas that were soft and fluffy. It felt like I was transported to Mexico for a brief moment.

What's more impressive is that all of this came at an affordable price! So if you're looking for some delicious carnitas in Joliet that won't break the bank, Tortilleria Sabor a Mexico is definitely worth checking out.

Overall, I highly recommend Tortilleria Sabor a Mexico for anyone craving some authentic Mexican cuisine. You won't be disappointed!

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