Lunch here was one of the best parts of my food adventures in Chicago. I've never been to Michoacan, but after this experience, it's now on my bucket list - to visit and try the traditional Mexican street fare in that area of the world. If you don't know the area (I didn't), know that parking can be challenging. I bet it's bad during peak times. Street parking is all metered and with all the businesses in the area, I had to circle the area and then walk two blocks. But, it was totally worth it. Walking in, the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. Another good sign was that it was a weekday, and not many empty tables in the place. Plus a long line of people ordering to go. Service was awesome. Even with how busy it was, the server took her time to make sure to provide suggestions as my friend and I were first time diners. We didn't know what to order and her recommendations were spot on as far as what we were looking for. Checking in us regularly but not hovering - couldn't ask for more. As for the food - I don't usually take food for leftovers, however, this time I made an exception. It was a combination of being too much food (I wasn't as hungry as I thought I was) and I enjoyed the different cuts of pork (see pics). The cuts weren't dry and the flavors when mixed in with the condiments - devoured as much as I could however, the portion size was too much for two. It probably could have feed a family of four or more. It was a great experience and has me hoping to visit the Michoacan area one day. If not, back to Chicago for more here! read more

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**July 4th 2025: Friday Afternoon Visit** I was traveling with my friend and end our massive eight state roadtrip with a delicious meal. On my research I saw that Carnitas Uruapan had been named a BIb Gourmand by the Michelin Guide in 2019 and that the owner was a semifinalist for a James Beard Award for Outstanding Restaureur so naturally I figured this would be the perfect way leave Chicago - with my heart and stomach full. I think my friend and I were the only non-latinos in the restaurant so I had a really good feeling about this meal. My friend and I ordered the following which was plenty of food. one pound pork carnitas (mix of all cuts) $16.99 1 coca cola $4.25 1 16 oz horchata $3.50 1 plate of beans $4.50 The carnitas came with tortillas and a variety of accur moments like salsa, lime, and cilantro to dress the tacos. It was delicious and I think a mix of all cuts is the way to go since there's more texture to every bite. The beans added a nice smooth creamy texture. Carnitas Uruapan is absolutely deserving of all the accolades and if you love pork this is a fantastic place to get your carnita fix! read more

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This place has been a family favorite for several years. The restaurant has seating for families. Our family usually orders for pick for family events. The carnitas are the best. The refried beans and nopales are great side dishes. Enjoy read more

Lived up the hype (and more!) I saw this mentioned on Somebody Feed Phil, and I put it on a list of places I wanted to go the next time I got to Chicago. And that was the right choice to make! Tender and flavorful pork melted in my mouth, pushed to new levels by the simple toppings and the perfect warm tortilla. The guac and chips were definitely something to write home about. And I'm not even kidding there, as I wrote about them in at least one post card I sent from Chicago. I ordered online and everything was ready when I got there. Staff were helpful and the process was simple. I would go back over and over. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Pork belly taco - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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I've been a faithful customer for decades, from their early beginnings on 18th street. I have great childhood memories of coming with my dad early Saturday & Sunday mornings to the delicious smell of carnitas. My dad would tell him that it would remind him of back home of Uruapan, Michoacán. This new location is closer to my new home where I can continue this tradition with my kids. read more

Great service, reasonable rices, fresh food and side dishes. Especially love the refried beans and the guacamole. Their tortillas and chips are also delicious!!!! read more

My favorite spot for carnitas! Everything here is top tier: the carnitas are always fresh and juicy, the tortillas are made in-house and perfectly warmed, the refried beans have the perfect texture, and the salsas give so much flavor! Their iced café de olla is so flavorful and is the perfect pairing to the meal. I take my friends from out of town here or go to the Pilsen location to pick up! Highly recommend! read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Iced Cafe De Holla - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Service was awesome! Food was delicious. Will definitely be back next time we are in town. Great atmosphere. read more

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We catered Carnitas Uruapan for our Halloween Party yesterday. Everything was perfect! The carnitas were delicious. We got a variety of Salsas and they were all very tasty. Tortillas were handmade and packed by the dozen. They also provided us with chopped cilantro, chopped onion (individually packed in containers) and lime. Nopales and beans were also delicious! Tacos dorados were also a hit! They were nicely packaged in a tray! We also ordered a small tray of guacamole and that was fresh and super tasty! We catered for 30 people. And, everyone enjoyed the food! Everything was packaged nicely! And, we all enjoyed and wonderful meal! Highly recommend! We will definitely be catering Carnitas Uruapan for our next event! I was very impressed! read more

I had seen a profile of Carnitas Uruapan on the "Taco Chronicles" and had to visit when I went to Chicago. They did not disappoint! Immediately after I was seated, I was provided a bowl of freshly prepared chicharrones and salsa. I've had chicharrones before, but never as rich or fresh. I ordered two carnitas (pork) tacos. Agin, the service was lightning fast and was provided an assortment of salsas, lime, cilantro, and onions to customize my tacos. The tacos themselves were huge; loaded with juicy and savory pork carnitas that were amazingly tender. Not knowing the large portion of the tacos, I ordered a side of the beans and could only make my way halfway through. The restaurant was clean, the staff was prompt, courteous, and professional. It was a great as described on the televised profile. I will return and bring many more with me to enjoy. I highly recommend this dining spot! read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Taco de Carnitas - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Everything about this place is amazing except for one thing (see below). Do expect to wait a bit for a table especially during peak times (weekends). definitely worth the wait though. There is a good amount of seating with most tables having regular chairs. Some seating along the wall with booth style bench seats. Beautiful decor & murals. The space can get a bit crowded so maneuvering through with a wheelchair may be difficult but they are very accommodating & helpful. Bathrooms located in the back area. Separate line for to-go customers where you can see all the food & prep. What we ordered: CARNITAS 4.5/5: a lot of pig skin, too much for my liking but the flavor is there! Best carnitas in Chicago IMO TACOS DORADOS (potatoes & chorizo) 4/5: very slimy consistency for chorizo but it tastes really good. Could have more potatoes, felt like it only had chorizo. They also offer cheese one. NOPALES: very well made & tasty! Highly recommend Horchata: a bit on the sweeter side for me Tortillas: oh dear lawd, they are so good Guac & chips: I don't eat guac but my fiancé said this is some of the better guac he's had. Chicharron: I feel like this is hard to mess up, but even if it was easy, Carnitas Uruapan got it down because it's so good. Recommend ordering a variety of things to share with your group so you can taste many things. The ONLY downside of eating here is their unnecessary use of plastic containers. The drinks are in plastic cups and even the condiments (salsas, cilantro, onion etc.) are served in plastic containers. There has to be an alternative to all these single use plastics. read more

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When visiting my family in Chicago's South side, Carnitas Uruapan have become our traditional breakfast meal on Sundays. Being Mexican, I grew up eating tacos for breakfast and normally on the weekends we ate carnitas. My cousin brought me to this spot, very hidden on the south side but omg- it's beautiful, it's big, it's modern and boy was it busy! The space is just not what you would expect, it's super welcoming and very aesthetic in a traditional Mexican way. We took our carnitas to go but I would love to dine in next time. The service was amazing, when it was our turn we ordered our carnitas, the butcher gave us some to try, I was shocked but it was honestly refreshing to let me taste before the purchase. I got a dozen freshly made tortillas and all the sauces were so delish. I can't recommend this place enough. Don't sleep on this location, I know for many the south side is not ideal but if you can, go now! read more

The carnitas especial is available Monday through Friday and includes 1/2 pound of pork carnitas, refried beans, taco dorado, chicharrones, corn tortillas, a variety of salsas, limes, and a drink. I got an horchata. All for $10.99, an incredible deal. You may specify which cuts (shoulder, rib, belly, skin) you'd like or get a mixture which is what I got. Very clean carnitas - meaning no bone or grisly meat. Great service and ambiance. Parked for free on the street about a half block away. read more

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Visited for the first time on a Saturday during covid. I have never been to the original location on 18th street. Parking here was challenging as street parking is very limited and we parked on a side street that luckily had no permit restrictions and was free. We walked barely half a block around the corner to get to the restaurant. We called ahead of time and were told we did not need reservations for a party of three for lunch and luckily we were seated fairly quickly. I did visit on a recommendation of a friend who is with us as she has been to the original location and fortunately speaks fluent Spanish. We ordered the large plate of Carnitas the guacamole the Horchata's the beans the cactus and had lots of leftovers to go. The service was incredibly friendly the place was packed which was great to see everyone supporting the business. It was also great to see that there is a pick up line for orders done ahead of time and for people to walk in and point and pick and go. I would definitely come back as this is authentic fooding! read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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A very nice interior space with a limited menu. However, what they have is unique and they do it well. Their uruapan take on carnitas is quite good - especially when paired with their salsa variants. The guacamole was a bit bland, needed more spice and/or lime, but everything else was definitely worth an order! read more

Carnitas Uruapan - 1 lb. Pork Carnitas - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Wonderful! Reminds me of my visits to Mexico growing up. Food is all fantastic. Services is great and accommodating

I've been wanting to come to this location for long time now, and finally made it happen. I've been to their original location on 18th street, and Carnitas Uruapan serves the best damn carnitas in the city. This location offers a more upscale dine in experience compared to their other location that is mainly used for take out. The interior of this place is beautiful. They have nice murals and colorful pictures of people from Mexico. Down the hall before getting to the restrooms they have nice Virgin Mary on the wall, and even the bathroom sinks have a nice ceramic tile detail. Service was great in the beginning. Carnitas are obviously pre made so we ordered two pounds of carnitas and we received them in less than 5 minutes. I ordered coffee and they said it would take 10 minutes to make. No big deal. I'll wait. But then I wanted a refill and waited longer than I would have wanted to. She was by herself and clearly needed some help. She was apologetic and stated she didn't anticipate it being that busy today and they had sold out of their carnitas. Damn. I'm telling you guys they're that good! The carnitas aren't too greasy and perfectly cooked. They serve it with a side of unlimited amount of tortillas for $1 per person. They also bring you their chipotle salsa. Typically, I like a hot salsa with my carnitas, and I've never been a fan of chipotle salsas because although they usually carry flavor, they're usually on the sweeter side. Their version however goes perfect with their carnitas and its a must try. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Inside carnitas Uruapan - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Love the carnitas here and it is my preferred location! The one in Pilsen is takeout only but this one you can eat in. The service is always so great here as well. They basically only serve one meat which is pork carnitas. It comes with tortillas and salsas, onions, and cilantro so you can make your own tacos! Also love the horchata here! Highly recommend it. read more

This place is awesome! We've heard so much about it and we couldn't get the WHOLE feel cause of COVID precautions, but it was still great. A whole pound of Carnitas was a steal and so filling. Tables were spaced a good amount, barriers were put up, and super clean! read more

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Had some carryout food.The best pork carnitas I've ever eaten. Absolutely amazing,so tender,juicy,favorable! Homemade tortilla, very tasty salsa Verde. Highly recommend this place!​ read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Omg,so tender & tasty! - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

NOPE. This ain't it. No seasoning... no flavor... just pork. Honestly... how are places like this still in business? I liked the jaimica. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Some... bland azz pork. - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Cheated on you guys with don Alfredo's I'm sorry. Won't happen again. Carnitas Uruapan is top tier in every category. Thank you!

This place is a DEFINITE must try!!! We drove about 45 mins and waited an hour to try this place, and so happy that we did. I would drive every Sunday for these carnitas! So flavorful and the tortillas were nice and soft. Everyone was very welcoming and we are definitely big on service and family. Knowing that this is a family owned business made it even better. But another thing that made this place something to love, was even the owners son came out to check on all the tables and it just made you feel like part of the family as well. Will definitely be back read more

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What hasn't already been said? Carnitas, time tested quality recipe and with quality ingredients. Upon arrival, street parking was hard to get but finally scored a sot. We are seated immediately. Brand new spotless place. Simply decorated. The owner was there giving out little candies to the patrons and serving up a smile. I really like the fact that he came out himself to every table asking if everything was good with our meal, which it was! We really liked the beans, I am guessing they use the pork fat up in there? Whatever the case is, its real good. They provide all the good sides as well limes, onions, cilantro, pickled carrots, red sauce, verde sauce and we also ordered guacamole. The carnita flavor was heavenly and juicy. It made each taco a delight to eat. Pricing has gone up with everything else but things are always good when you start your day with Carnitas Urapan. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Give me all the meats!!!!! Rockstar parking right in front! Please and thank you. Can't be afraid to bust a u in the middle of the street to get that spot. Super excited to try this place and let me say it did not disappoint! We ordered 2 of the specials for lunch and got to try a little bit of everything. All the different cuts of pork with tortillas, pickled veggies, and sauce made for a party in my mouth. The kids loved the dorados because they were like baby tacos....or more like fried baby dumplings. Service was wonderful and we took a pound of carnitas home to enjoy for dinner. Super bright, inviting, and lots of room for dine in. Definitely going back!!! read more

If I could give it no stars I would. Carnitas are not good. Menudo smells like drainage, so much that you can not even eat it. The only good thing was the potato tacos. Service was ok though, I understand the server was busy but not to the point where you take over 15 minutes to bring drinks. So over-hyped, not good at all. read more

I visit this location got lot space Better then 18 location Service always on point super friendly And the carnitas , tacos chicharron ,menudo soooo goood read more

Great place to visit for some tasty Carnitas. The ambience is very welcoming, nicely decorated, and clean The waitress always smiling, attentive, and friendly The owner went table by table, welcoming his customers, and thanking them for coming. Very nice! The food was really really good! I ordered the Carnitas special. You can choose order one cut of meat, or two different ones. I choose the Pork Ribs and the Pork Belly. Both cuts were delicious! Very tender and cooked perfectly! The special also comes with refried beans and a 2 Large pieces of Chicharrónes. I also tried the Tacos Dorados. It was a crispy taco filled with a potato filling. Very good and different. I never had a taco Dorado, and am happy I tried it. I was full after eating here. It's very filling, tasty, and not overpriced. For the quality and quantity of food you get, the food is priced very well! This Was a great place to stop at and eat. Everything was very very good. Highly recommend this place. read more

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If you love carnitas then this is the place for you. If you want to eat in then you'll need to go to the 55th street location. The service is friendly and the food is excellent. You can order by the pound and they provide all the condiments including the most delicious tortillas. The preparation of the meat is traditional and they serve you multiple parts of the pig. I live in Los Angeles but I never miss an opportunity to visit this restaurant. read more

5 Star Club... my Chicago coworkers turned me on to this place. By far some of the best Carnitas I have ever had. If you ever find yourself in Chi Town settle for nothing less and come to Carnitas Uruapan. The Hungry Hardhat has placed this restaurant on a Platinum List of must tries. So let it be written... So let it be EATEN. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

This place is so cute! They have restaurant style seating on the right and then carry out line on the left. When we went to get carnitas, they let us try some of the carnitas and chicharrón!! I love samples!!! They gave us candies in our Togo bag too! Their salsa verde was great in flavor and texture! The nopales was good too! I love when restaurants have nopales! I would recommend grabbing carry out for dinner or stopping in for lunch! read more

I rarely give 5 stars but Carnitas Uruapan deserves it and more. The food is incredibly delicious, plentiful, and perfectly presented. We got the lunch special ( only available at this location, I believe). It includes a half pound of straight up delicious carnitas or a mix of meat, belly, and rib, unlimited freshly made tortillas, salsa fresca, salsa verde, and a smoky hot salsa, onions, cilantro ,and lime. Refried beans, a crispy fried filled tortilla, a horchata with a cinnamon stick, and big chunks of chicharonnes come with it for-- get this --- $10.99!! The service was incredible . She stopped by our table to see if we got everything we expected, again to see if we liked it, then to see if we needed more tortillas and then to give us takeout containers for all the leftovers. I am a big eater and I could not finish my whole plate. The restaurant is spotless and very prettily decorated. I wish I could live in Chicago and go here frequently. I looooooved everything about my experience here! Right on the 55 bus route to Midway airport, it's so convenient to stop on the way. read more

I love carnitas Uruapan, we went to their dine in location on 55th because their 18th location is strictly take-out only. Street parking can be a little tricky so keep that in mind. When you get there male sure to check in with the hostess and give them your name and a phone number if you're dining there. If it's just take-out then there is a different like for that. The decor is so nice and i love the fact that you can see the cooks and the tortilla makers in action. The restaurant is clean and aesthetically pleasing. When you're seated you're given fresh chicharrones and a variety of salsas, cilantro, onions and limes which is so nice. We ordered a little of everything but next time i'll try their Nopales salad. We ordered their carnitas surtidas, tacos dorados, guacamole and beans and it comes with freshly made handmade tortillas. To drink we got their horchata cafe and a cafe de olla so delicious. Our waitress was very nice but i loved the fact the owner was walking around and checking on each table. He is such a sweet man and very attentive of his guests. The food was amazing we ate everything and left very happy. If you come on a weekend be ready to wait a little bit for a table but surprisingly the wait goes by pretty fast. I'll keep coming back for more carnitas. read more

Carnitas Uruapan - 1 pound Carnitas surtidas - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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Comida excelente Trato al cliente excelente Establecimiento excelente Una gran experiencia venir a comer a Carnitas Uruapan! read more

Carnitas Uruapan - Logo - Tacos Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Carnitas are soo tasty and good, make sure you try out the nopales !! You can dine in or take out

Great food, good service . Horchata was delicious. Handmade tortillas so good. Inside is nice. Very friendly workers. read more

Great carnitas. We ordered the platinum party package and there was a good amount of food and amazing flavors! Will be back soon. We lived in Pilsen but glad another same owned restaurant is nearer. read more

Co-Workers wanted carnitas but from a spot that is far. I suggested Carnitas Uruapan since its not far from our office. Of course they get 2 lbs of carnitas with tortillas and all the fixings. Even some Mexican beans and rice. Gotta love the authenticity. I love it! The carnitas are amazingly tasty and super well seasoned. I am living my best life at this point. As carnitas can taste dry right away. But these here? No ma'am, this is the sign of quality and great tasting carnitas. I will guarantee you that you will seriously want to keep coming back once you try these. Its located on 18th street and if its the weekend you will be waiting a long time. But during the week you are okay to come in and leave rather fast. You will not be eating here of course as it is more so a take out place. But all in all you will know good quality carnitas compared to others. Oh and don't forget the salsa, that adds to the extra tasting next level that many cannot resist. You will see when you taste them, I never post things I don't highly believe in. Go for it! read more

Everything about carnitas uruapan was perfect. The horchata was the best we've had in a long time, the horchata with coffee was so good as well. We had the 1/2 lbs carnita plate and it was more than we imagined. Can't wait to be back next time we're in Chicago. read more

Been to both locations. This one is really the mothership where the other is more a grab and go. In full disclosure i went to this one because the food at the other location was amazing and I was trying a coffee shop in the area. I am a 52 wm who lives in the middle of the state. There was a bit of a language barrier when ordering, however everyone was super friendly and welcoming. When I went to the other location somewhat same communication issues however another diner gave me the rundown on what to get. This time, didnt have that and initially they gave me basically the safe cuts, when I asked for a mix they smiled and I actually bought both orders. I also bought two lbs of chicarrones (sp) which I didnt know was as big of a bag, however my friends will mow through them. Honestly its the kind of place that you know will get bigger, however you wish it wouldnt as its perfect the way it is. I would honestly work in the back for free to get tips on their methods. Worth the three hour drive. read more