Carnitas don Tacho — Restaurant in Saint Paul

Today’s taco stop took me to Carnitas Don Tacho in St. Paul — a humble little spot that feels like it was pulled straight from the streets of Mexico and dropped onto the East Side. If you're searching for tacos that don’t need to be dressed up with gimmicks or gourmet buzzwords, this is your place.

I ordered two carnitas tacos, one pork belly, and one asada. Each came nestled in warm, double-layered corn tortillas with just enough toast to hold their own — no tearing, no soggy fold, just sturdy, chewy goodness. The meat? Juicy, flavorful, and portioned in a way that made me smile. One of my favorite ways to judge a taco is by the pickup test: when you grab it, does a little meat spill out? If so, that taco is speaking to you — whispering, “There’s more where that came from.” These tacos had plenty to say.

On top came a few crisp radish slices for texture and refreshment, plus a generous handful of lime wedges — not just one sad sliver like some places hand out. Two salsas came with the tacos: a fiery red that bites back, and a smooth, mild green that cools things down. I alternated bites like a spicy tango, chasing heat with a little lime and verde relief.

I also treated myself to a fancy Mexican Coke in the glass bottle — because when you're eating tacos this legit, it just feels right. But for those keeping score, I didn’t include that in the cost breakdown. Without drinks, we paid about $20 for six tacos — a total steal for the quality and portion size.

Carnitas Don Tacho isn’t trying to reinvent anything — they’re sticking to the roots, and that’s exactly what makes them great. If you’re in St. Paul and craving the kind of taco that tastes like it came from a roadside taquería in Jalisco, this spot should be...

First time here I was very excited about trying the carnitas. Very disappointed 😞 carnitas were cold and dry they said they were Michoacán-style carnitas and nothing similar with Michoacán-style carnitas. I have been a food tester part of my life and have always liked to eat in restaurants around country And I decided to try this one because they said Michoacán style carnitas, and in the state of Minnesota, no one makes good carnitas And they are no exception The majority of people who leave good reviews are people who don't know about good mexican food , people who put anything in their mouths. I'm sorry, it's painful but it's true. I will return to eat in the future. I hope they improve a little..

A little note fot the owner all the cooks in the kitchen were not wearing aprons. I think it's not a good look for the restaurant. Thanks and see...

Great food. Tacos are the best! Since moving to SP l have been coming here for food. However l will have to find a more accommodating place. l decided to walk to the restaurant w my 10lb dog in tow. When l arrived l carried my dog in my arms. They were very dismissive and told me l would not be served bc l had an animal. I asked them if l could order my food and would wait outside until it was ready, they said no. I asked if l went outside and called in my order would that be alright, they said no bc l would still have to come inside with my dog for p/u. So frustrating...not once did they offer to walk my food out to me. Rude. I would have liked to keep patronizing this establishment, but...