Carnitas El Rey — Restaurant in Oxnard

Best Carnitas around. I have always loved carnitas though it is very hard to find good carnitas. The taste is definitely key but the meats and the different types are key. Personally, I like them to include a good amount of fat not just the meaty stuff as I find it dry otherwise. If I must say, I'd say that I like Michoacán-Style carnitas which appears to include cuero and buche. I am sure there are other differences. Luckily for us, they will ask you what you want included and the ratios. I get everything except the buche and like a 60/40 carnitas and cuero ratio. As far as the experience, I have been here a couple of times with my wife whom is not a big fan of the carnitas because of how fatty they can be but she likes them here so that gives you an insight into how good they are. We came today and we took 2 lbs ($11.99/lbs) to go and as always, they are delicious.

Came at around 9:30 in the morning and they were already pretty busy for being and the fact that they only sell carnitas with limited options for eating them, tells you how good it must be.

Plenty of people eating inside and many more standing on line waiting to be helped. Yes, you have to order upfront but they're fast. They don't have many options; basically carnitas by themselves (add an order of tortillas and you can make yourself tacos with as much carnitas as you want). You can get them with rice and/or beans, or tacos already made and I believe they now serve burritos. I can't say everything is good (rice, beans, salsas and tortillas) because they don't standout except for their tortillas which are big and handmade. You have to pay for them (unless you get the tacos) separately but considering how good they are, it is worth the extra cost. Overall, I'd say it is a little pricey but totally worth it. I do have a complaint since you have to pay for their salsas...at least to go and i find the cost expensive. I believe the salsa is part of the Michoacán-Style carnitas, I personally don't care for it so I probably won't keep buying them.

If I recall correctly, the salsa bar is available for free if eating inside but to pay for it to go? Come on, if anything I'd say salsa should be limited but free based on what you order.

I'd totally recommend this place though they should look into serving beer. The only better place, I'd recommend a place in Baja California (Rosarito Area) that I recently found on one of our last trips otherwise this place is your place.

Realistically, no one is driving hours just for food so I am super glad we found this place and only half hour away. If you know better ones, let me know and we might be willing to drive there to...

This is a perfect example of a place that does one simple thing amazingly and takes full advantage of it. If you love carnitas (marinated pulled pork mexican style), you cannot miss this spot if you are in the area. They only have a handful of things on the menu, either you get a Carnitas taco, or a taco with some sides, or you find a different restaurant.

What they serve is no-nonsense carnitas tacos, carnitas in a tortilla, thats it. There is no rice, beans, cilantro, guac, anything. if you want to put salsa or pico on your taco, go grab it from the salsa bar. they hand you the simplest incarnation of a taco you can imagine.

When I say they make good carnitas, I mean it. even though they have a menu that is more simple than In-n-out, they still are a massively popular spot. Their carnitas are dangerously good, good enough to give you dreams about how tasty they are after you have tried them.

If you are in the mood for some very satisfying delicious carnitas tacos, go check these guys out. When it's $2.50 for each taco as large as your open hand, its a killer deal for some...

Carnitas El Rey is like taking your taste buds on a vacation to flavor town. Hop on the flavor express and get ready to go on a journey that will delight your senses with every glorious bite. I consider myself to be somewhat of a taco aficionado and these are hands down the best Carnitas tacos I have ever tasted. When I worked in Oxnard I came here easily twice a week for lunch and now any time I am in the area it's a place I must stop. Their menu is small because they do one thing and that's make Carnitas, but oh my gosh they do it right!!! Their rice and beans are out of this world too though so don't skip those either. If I were on death row this would probably be my final meal, yes it's that good!!! Parking can be a tad tricky to get right in front but there is a parking lot across the street you...