Can't beat the Taco Tuesday tocos full size tacos with flavor and great price they have really good beans and rice too

Drove around town looking for a Mexican food place I haven't eaten at, and apparently I couldn't find one lol. I've never been to any Carnitas Express locations, EVER bc I try my best to avoid this place due to the name of it. (Just sounds like everything has pork)... but since I love, love, love Mexican food I decided to try it. Mayra took very good care of me. I explained my situation to her and asked if they use lard in their beans or rice. She said only in the beans. Also, she told me that they use vegetable oil (not lard) to fry. This place gives you free chips and salsa so i thought that was nice. I opted for the 3 shredded beef taquitos appetizer. It was really packed w lots of meat but it was mehh... I didn't really care for it bc the shredded beef was extremely dry and hard to eat bc it was so dry. But since I was in a hurry I just wanted to eat at a place I haven't reviewed yet (aiming for 500). I don't think this was worth the $9 I paid. Had I gone to a taco shop I may have enjoyed my dinner and paid less. The place was nice and clean though and service was really good. read more

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*New Owners, New name* Have been coming here for years and years prior. Has always been our go to. Things change I understand but to be charged more for a drink and 1/4 is missing right off the bat it's unfair. This happened to each drink that was ordered. Time to find a new go to. read more

Carnitas Express - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Had an hour to kill before my next doctors appointment at the VA Clinic so I popped in here for a quick bite. Not bad at all. Nice little cozy spot. Both servers were extremely nice and the food was pretty good. Given I only had a coffee and a breakfast sandwich but it was tasty. If I have appointments like this again I'll stop in and try some more of their menu. If you're in the area you should check this place out. read more

Carnitas Express - Coffee, chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

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I had the chilli Verde burrito had sweet taste to it. The wife had a very lightly turkey and bacon sandwich with fries. There was 4 thin slices of turkey . The fries were fresh hot. The service was blah. They seemed like they didn't want to be here not friendly. Not a cheap place for lunch. read more

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New Management is great. New name is "La Patrona" Got some crepes, fruit was fresh and ripe. The filling was phenomenal super rich and creamy. Good coffee too. Pretty ambiance would come again!!! read more

Carnitas Express - Crepes with Fresh Fruit! - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Not a fancy resturant, but nice and clean for a casual dining experience. The food is average (the portion size and price is fair). Servers are always nice and helpful. Pros: *Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner served all day *Affordable *Kid friendly * Plenty of inside and outdoor patio seating. *Large menu selection *They have small televisions at bar and others placed throughout the restaurant *Nice size servings *plenty of parking out front *Blended strawberry margarita 6/10 (always a hit or miss) *Chicken taco plate 7/10 *Chips 10/10 *Salsa 10/10 read more

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I had mixed feelings about this place. I opted for the Camarones Calientes plate, which was a substantial size and very filling for the price. However, I lost interest as I started eating it because there really wasn't much flavor to it. It lacked the flavor profile to elevate it from filling to enjoyable. It also wasn't spicy at all even though the name suggests it was. I didn't have a terrible time here. The service was nice and the other food I sampled from my family was also passible, but nothing that left a lasting impression or longing for me to return. read more

Carnitas Express - Camarones Calientes. Not very spicy or flavorful surprisingly. - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Service is always great here, we come for breakfast and the price point is great compared to these other trendy brunch spots around town. They have the best country fried steak around it is packed with flavor and a nice portion for what you pay for. The kids always love their breakfast options as well and if they want they can order off the kids lunch menu. The restaurant also s always kept up and super clean with a nice ambiance to it. If you come on a Sunday they have the football games on as well so that's a plus. I highly recommend this restaurant for breakfast or lunch. read more

My new short term rental manager took me here. I ordered the dish I always order when I go to Mexican restaurants, because it is too labor intensive to make for my solo self, at home. Chili Relleno. I thought the Chili Relleno here was very very bland. I kept shaking salt on top of my food. The salsa was watery, too. I drank a horchata, it was OK. I would rate 2.5 stars. read more

Food was good going in but it came right back out and not funny either the place looks clean and service was good I just got home and had to run to get to the bathroom read more

I ordered food for my parents' memorial but I didn't have anyone to pick it up. I did not want to risk delivery company failing to get food their on time. The manager was so great! He delivered it himself! (with the help of another employee) I only had to pay a small fee; and of course I tipped them. They were great! The food was delicious too! I had many family members asking me for their information. I also love their restaurant; I am treating a friend there tomorrow morning for breakfast! read more

not carnitas express, even though building and menu says carnitas express. will not except carnitas express gift cards. rude ownership! read more

Carnitas Express - Not carnitas express! - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

I have never experienced a restaurant with an environment as horrible as this one. Ever since they switched owners every time a family member or I go in there's always something wrong whether it's the customer service or getting our order wrong. This used to be our favorite place to go to and now whenever we walk in it's as if they just want to get it over with so we can leave. We used to feel so welcomed with the old owners. With the way things are going, this restaurant is gonna go to shit. I hope they end up closing this spot down especially with how the new owners are doing things. read more

I liked this place better for lunch than for dinner. Tried dinner there last night. Ordered a 3-item combo and the waitress asked twice to verify - it was 2 tacos and a chicken tamale. She brought me 2 tacos and a chili relleno. She replaced it with 2 tacos and what appeared to be a spinach enchilada (pix). Then she brought just 2 tacos "to get started". Quite awhile later I finally got a tamale, along with a huge plate of rice and beans. No apology for all the hassle. I'd almost give 3 stars, except the portions are HUGE and the chips and salsa are really good (though greasy). I feel the prices are on the high end...but it can be justified for the large servings. read more

Carnitas Express - Not what I ordered x2. - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Great food, great pricing and service is phenomenal . Location is clean, tons of parking, and a really good size read more

Carnitas Express - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

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Great food. Received an outstanding service from Marisela. Restaurant has an amazing employee on her. read more

Carnitas Express - Great food. Marisela was outstanding with service she provided. Making sure we were having a great meal. A+ service from this lady. - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

I give them 3 stars because I really wanted to like them. Right next to my favorite thrift store so it would be really convenient if the food was bangin' but it aint. Got my husband the cheese enchilada plate to go and he said the cheese wasnt even fully melted inside the shrimp tacos were ok. The guac was way too tiny for the price. I don't think I'll be back. Too bad too cause its so cute and vibey inside! Food quality is unfortunately low. We did like the chips though! read more

Tacos are Disgustingly horrible. We ordered Carnitas, Carne Asada and Chicken tacos plate, Gross!!! Tortillas are horrible they feel apart all soggy. I will say Chile Verde plate was eatable, rice was good, beans not good at all. My plate came with rice & beans and tortillas. I originally requested flour tortillas when they came I realized they were disgusting so return them for corn tortillas instead, only to be given cold store bought tasteless tortillas. I didn't bother to eat any tortillas nor did I finish my meal, got it to go to finish eating at home with real authentic tortillas. Service was not the best, it seamed like we were more of a bother to the waitress than anything else. Ambiance was nice and authentic looking giving you a feel as if you're going to receive good authentic yummy Mexican food.. YEAH NO!!!! I will NEVER GO BACK NOR WILL I RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO ANYONE. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY. You will be very very disappointed Why are they still in business is beyond me? it's no wonder they have very low reviews read more

This is the BEST Carnitas Burrito I've had in years! MaryCruz was a wonderful waitress and took care of all our needs. Great Cadillac Margaritas! I'll eat here again..... read more

Service was ok. Food was bland no flavor at all. I ordered the biscuits and gravy and it tasted sour. You could not differentiate between carne asada and beans in burrito all very bland. Chips and salsa were good. It was our first time and last time here. Giving 2 stars for service. Waitress was nice. read more

Seriously the food is good the service is good sometimes and terrible other times. Very large portions

Ok, I could give this place a 3 for the lack of attentive service- however! Since the food is very good and extremely reasonably priced (seriously, I almost hate to share this because it might be bombarded with new customers) I'm giving 4 stars. Do not come here if you are in a rush. But if you have a good friend and you want to kill time talking and visiting- this is a great place. Not super loud and good food and you won't break the bank. The club sandwich is tasty as are the skillets. Breakfast I do believe is served all day. read more

OK, kinda new to the area and have tried a few Mexican spots and have since picked our fave.......until now! This place catapulted itself to the top of my list! I am the Queen of ordering Off Menu. Here goes: I ask Mayra, 'can I order extra crispy fries with chili Verde Pork, cheese and diced onions on-top?' Absolutely! No problem she says. OMG I am so excited now! Hubby ordered Chicken Chimi with red sauce. So great! Can't wait to go back!!! read more

Carnitas Express - Not on the menu-Chili Verde Fries with cheese & onions - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

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This place is a hidden gem. The chips and salsa are always delicious and they have lunch specials that cannot be beat. It is one of the best Mexican food places in Murrieta and Temecula and you really cannot beat the prices. My family and I love to frequent this place. read more

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Ordered Albondiga and Cocido soup through DoorDash we pretty much received very salty broth

Terrible service gave me two wrong plates of food when I asked for something specific and took very long to bring my food when it was not crowded read more

Accidently ordered street tacos here. Wife handed me the phone she had clicked on the wrong place. Ordered 6 carne asada street tacos and one order of rice. Went to pick it up $40. I told my wife they prob fucked up the order cause no way are little street tacos $5+ each. Yeah they are. Wasn't expecting dollar taco night but damn maybe $1.89, $2.49, maybe even $3 each but $40 for six amd one serving of not so great rice? Aaand they taste like crap. I wasn't eating them but I like to pick because "usually" the meat itself is savory(seasoned marinated). I saw a chunk on her plate and literally exclaimed, "looks like just boiled beef". Popped it in my mouth and yeah, a boiled beef nugget. Asked for a bite of her taco and she literally said, "you're gonna need salsa." So yeah wont be back read more

Carnitas Express - Street Taco? - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

Definitely has gone down hill since COVID. We used to frequent this place every Tuesday for taco Tuesday. They are extremely short staffed now, so be prepared to wait and at times get up for help. They also no longer have the salsa or carrots, nor will they give you if you ask. You can still have chips and salsa though. Prices increased, the taco Tuesday tacos are 1.95 per a street taco, (not bad) and the margaritas for taco Tuesday are now only one flavor and 6.95. Previously they offered different flavors and was a bit better deal. Something to think about as well, we were there almost 2 hours. There was 4 of us, we got 2 bottled beers, 5 street tacos and a bean, cheese and rice burrito ($8.95). Food was okay. Nothing amazing anymore. Just doesn't seem like they care. Still clean so that's good. If you go, have patience and expect their pricing to be a bit higher. read more

Everything , service , food convenient. I have been going to Carnitas now for about 15 to 29 years. They have always made me satisfied and even joyful that they are here to keep me coming back. Thank you Carnitas and all the staff. read more

Back in action, thank you for such great service and amazing food. Came in for a late lunch, glad to be back! Our server was absolutely fabulous, she killed as always. Thank you!! read more

Carnitas Express - Lunch was fabulous - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

I have been coming to this restaurant for the past 20 yrs and just decided recently we are done. Our last visit the food was so bad I was just could not waste money here anymore. I ordered a chile relleno burrito and could barely find a piece of green chile and no cheese but a ton of lettuce wth!!! My husband ordered his regular wet bean and cheese which was cold cheese not melted. Our go to has always been breakfast and prior to the last time it was not good either. What happened you were our neighborhood fav!!! read more

Food was authentic not a watered down gringo version of Mexican food. I've had it to go & in the restaurant, the quality & portions are the same! Service was good & quick. Ambiance exactly what you'd expect for a "mom & pop" restaurant. If I want a great burrito they are my go to!!! You've got to try it!! read more

3.9.22 we arrive just after 1 PM in the restaurant wasn't real busy. We were seated right away and then the waiting began. After waiting almost 20 minutes our server Patty arrived. She took our drink order along with our food order, "Taco Tuesday". We could tell something was wrong, by her attitude taking our order. She said that she would bring some chips and salsa by the table, never showed up. We waited for our drinks, which arrived another 15 minutes later however without the margarita. Patty said that she'd go get the margarita me right back. She never showed up with it. After sitting there an additional 30 minutes waiting for food and drinks we decided to get up and walk out. I went to the manager, with the same attitude that Patty had, and told her that we were done waiting. Her answer to the slow service was, we are severely short staffed, which isn't my problem, and said with the same attitude, sorry we didn't meet your expectations. Who says that to a customer? The server Patty then saw us leaving and said, your food is up in the window and I said sorry we waited too long, never got the margarita I never got the chips and salsa! And with that she said something nasty to us walking away. This is not my first experience with the day management and service! I don't recommend this restaurant during the day for any occasion, before 4 PM, after that it's a whole different attitude which is customer-based. I hope the owner Doro sees this, we have been faithful, customers for a long time and never again will we come during the day. Couldn't even get the manager Marcella to crack a smile or say welcome or goodbye, bad bad bad. Has customer service left this restaurant? Until next review Chef Ron read more

I wanted to love this place and I probably would not have left a review if it hadn't been for the horrible customer service. Paula was our waitress and she seemed to be in a rush, she made no eye contact, not a single smile, just bad vibes. Seemed upset if we asked for anything extra; like straws for our drinks, sauce for tacos and at the end a box to go. Now normally I'm used to the waiter asking if you need any of these things, but that didn't happen here. I ordered carnitas tacos and they were satisfactory. However they did not come with any type of salsa. When I asked her for salsa, she said "there is no salsa you can use the salsa from the chips." What kind of a Mexican restaurant doesn't have another salsa for tacos?? I feel it would had been a better experience, if the customer service wouldn't have been so rotten. read more

Sitting on the patio at Carnitas, good food, awesome bartender, Maria! Best hangout! read more

Carnitas Express - Patio dining - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

I think this place is going downhill I think they're changing owners the menudo was bad it tasted like can Menudo

I'm so surprised about the reviews about bad service. We're here on a weekday, were greeted with a smile and got right in to sit on the patio. (plenty of other customers here too). Our server Paula was so nice. She recommended the delicious pomegranate Margarita and it came right out. She checked on us regularly and we were very happy with the service. The food is good, we've been coming here for years. The chips are warm, light and airy, just how we want them. The combo plate is HUGE and comes out piping hot. I definitely recommend dining in.we will be back many times. read more

Carnitas Express - Huge combo, taco not pictured but its delicious - Mexican Near Me - Murrieta, California

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I still love the food (Taco Tuesdays, the menudo, Chile rellenos, the beans). But our server this past Tuesday was the worst. I was surprised because we haven't had any issues lately. A party of three that sat down about 20 minutes AFTER us got served way before us...& we all (both parties) had ordered tacos. Instead of apologizing when we confronted her (name starts with M), she said that the three (LARGE) men had only ordered 3 tacos & that our order was "coming right out." Not!! After another 10 minutes, another waitress brought out our food. So not only did our first waitress lie to us, she abandoned us, only to have another poor waitress try to make up for the poor service by M. So unprofessional...especially when she continued to wait on other tables around us.. Our new server (name starts with S) was great!! read more

I got the $7.99 breakfast with 2 eggs, 2 sausage, and 3 pancakes. The BEST hot breakfast I ever had! Cant wait to go back! Service was excellent! The waiter was on top of everything and very polite! The atmosphere was great. The Mexican decorations were festive and very welcoming! Thank you so much for such a great experience! read more