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    Carnitas Don Rafa

    4.2 (88 reviews)
    Open 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    Order Carnitas Don Rafa Takeout or Delivery

    Carnitas Don Rafa Photos

    Business Info

    CARNITAS DON RAFA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - Carnitas Don Rafa

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    Drink Menu
    Diana G.

    First, parking can be a bit tricky. Decor is pretty cool and modern. Waitress was nice and checked on us a couple of times. Mango Chamoy Margarita - It was good, but don't know why they got that bar out front, but she made my drink in the back. Guacamole - This was made a bit different than I am used too. A bit bland for me since I needed salt and I usually don't use it. Mix Plate - (Carnitas & Barbacoa) - Barbacoa was pretty good. Carnitas, I got the mix which came with the skin. A piece still had hair on it, which is off putting. Came with rice, grilled jalapenos and nopales salad which was different. Caldo De Res - My guy liked it. Overall, it was okay and maybe a tad on the pricier side.

    A flight of tacos, the chefs special.  Mine was steak, above was my friends pork tacos.  Mmmm.   Best quality ever.
    Stephen M.

    Went here with a buddy to celebrate my birthday a week early. We both had 3 taco dinner, a chefs special. I had steak and he had the pork. We also had fresh guacamole appetizer which was awesome. Only thing we both wished that everything was spicier with heat. Other than that, totally awesome. Waitress was Maricela and she was a real people person

    Cafe de Olla
    Julie W.

    Cute little hidden jewel , great Mexican cuisine and amazing art work on the building.

    Michelle I.

    This place has been my favorite carnita spot for years!!! And I am glad to see the super upgrade! Food is delicious and service was perfection. Come and check out the space and culture

    The Chef's Special Carnitas Tacos. It comes with 3 tacos but I always get an extra taco.
    Chewy C.

    Was in the area and was looking for a new place to try and stumbled across this place. Walked in the decor is nice and the smell of carnitas is in the air. I had the Chef's Special Carnitas and This was very good and the difference between this and the regular taco dinner are the extra garnishes and chicharrones which definitely adds to the flavor. My fiance had their steak dinner and it was okay. The steak could of used a bit more flavor. We wanted to have 2 specific margaritas but they didn't have the ingredients so we settled for something else and It was good. This place is very good & I will come back again and maybe they will have the ingredients for the Margaritas we wanted

    Angelica C.

    My boyfriend and I came here for dinner on a Saturday and sat outside on the patio. Both the inside and outside are well decorated with vibrant colors, and the ambiance is very chill and relaxing, as well as the music. Everything was pretty much perfect, from the complimentary chips and salsa, meals and drinks, to the service. I ordered the chef's special with three tacos de carnitas and he ordered tacos de asada, we were both satisfied. I had the pineapple and jalapeno margarita and it was soooooo good!! The waitress was super attentive and just added to the great experience we were already having. We've been to a lot of restaurants and Don Rafa is definitely one of our new favorites! We will definitely be back.

    Was much, much better when it was on 46th and Kedzie. Much smaller menu. No one spoke English when we were there. Besides us Gringos the only other person there was a pre-teen who was obviously the son of one of the wait staff. Won't be going back, though we went to Kedzie often.

    Rice bowl served in my own plate to conserve plastic. Half barbacoa, half calabacitas. Delicious.

    My multi-tenant office building (700 Commerce, Oak Brook) has a system where they have a different food vendor each day ("Fooda PopUp"). It's a great idea, but some of the vendors are seriously lacking. I was very happy that today it was Don Rafa. The food was delicious and the portions were generous. I had a rice bowl served on my own plate (to conserve plastic). I had a rice bowl with half barbacoa and half calabacitas. Delicious and such a good value.

    Celia A.

    Use to go to the old location when I was a little girl and loved it. Came to the new location for the first time today and was not disappointed. Great food and atmosphere like I remember, glad that carried over to the new location.

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    10 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    16 years ago

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    9 years ago

    First time try Mexico food, perfect experience, good service. Strongly recommend the steamed steak.

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    9 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    11 years ago

    Fire! Carnitas are bomb, Tamales are bomb and I have heard great things about their other items. Great sit down place or carry out.

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    14 years ago

    if your looking for a place for great carnitas ( fried pork ) look no further. if you come on the weekends come early and come hungry.

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Carnitas Don Rafa

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    Carnitas Don Rafa - mexican - Updated September 2026

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