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Carnitas' Snack Shack
(Now Closed)American Restaurant and Beer Garden$$$$
North Park, San Diego
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and Serious Eats
185 Tips and reviews
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EaterApril 23, 20132012's biggest success story, this pork-centric spot from Chef Hanis Cavin is bound to multiply this year, and inspire other chefs to venture out on their own. [Eater 38 Member]
Kartik SathappanJuly 3, 2016We got the Julienne and shack fries. The burger had some fried pork, cheese, lettuce, and a some kind of carrot aioli- it was phenomenal. The fries were a little soggy but the bacon ketchup was great!
Sarah PaineAugust 11, 2014Don't let the line scare you! I timed it because I'm anal like that -- 31 mins from far back of the line until food was served, and we hardly noticed because this ginger beer was so very good :)
Charm B. TrippinJuly 29, 2016I had two mouthwatering and porky tacos: carnitas and carnitas hash, a Friday secret menu special. The carnitas was perfect on its own, so skip the hash unless you want a half potato-half pork taco.
Lyndsi WinerSeptember 10, 2014Cute little back eating area, their pork belly is to die for and their carnitas tacos are delish too! It's open fairly late for all you late night munchers!
echoJuly 24, 2016Must get the pork belly app! Crispy and glazed to perfection. Also get the pork curry fries (Sunday special)... It's so goddamn beautiful in every way 👍
Jeff CarrollJanuary 4, 2015The entire menu is solid they source local, fresh ingredients which you can taste in each bite. Be sure to check out their daily specials, too, today was clam chowder and nachos both on point!
SuzieAugust 11, 2014A must try if you're visiting SD. Parking can be tricky since it's only street, and lines can be long. Looks like they like to change their menu every so often (daily?), so there always something new!
Tom SpruceNovember 6, 2016The fact they make beets taste amazing means they can't do wrong. They also have daily specials that makes you keep coming back for more.
Brian MercadoJuly 30, 2015I love this place. The portions are huge and the patio in the back is very nice and spacious. Try the BLT, carnitas torta and the tacos. Fries are delicious. Highly recommended.
Klement AinsworthJanuary 10, 2016Carnitas Snack Shack - Totally worth the line. Pig in all its delicious glory and lots of local beer to boot… Woot! But you get 4 stars cause I returned a salty sammy and the owner gave me attitude.
P.Diddy DiddyJuly 28, 2013Had the triple sandwich and was blown away, then tried my sisters carnitas torta and somehow it was even better! You seriously can't go wrong with any item but the torta and pork belly was the best.
Serious EatsOctober 24, 2013For one of the city's best burgers, get the Shack Burger featuring a crusty, charred beef patty smeared with bacon jam and aioli and draped with melted white cheddar.
The seasoned fries are a steal at under $3 for a portion that is big enough to share and they come with great house-made ketchup. I haven't tried the poutine yet, but I'll bet it's fantastic!
San Diego ReaderOctober 16, 2012There’s always at least one meat-free dish, such as the Stuffed Tomato (stuffed with potato, onion, corn, carrot, zucchini, and more).
Alex HennesseyNovember 9, 2015Triple Threat (carnitas, fried pork loin, bacon, aioli, some kind of relish) is insane deliciousness and will take ten years off your life expectancy
Bread SunDecember 26, 2014Tasty burgers with cool beers! I like that. The beer bar is in the back yard.
Tony MartinNovember 13, 2015Steak sandwich was so good. The fries were cold and dried out. The bacon ketchup is great, but you're only given about a half-ounce of it. So, I had to dip the rest of my cold fries in Sriracha sauce
Michelle NationAugust 23, 2014Patio seating is incredible. Don't come if you're in a hurry. Carnivores can recommend the beet terrine to their veg friends. Everything ... Everything is delicious
Best carnitas ever. And for your sweet tooth, a homemade vanilla ice cream sandwich with carmelized bacon bits.
GourmetLiveAugust 7, 2012Food blogger Caron of San Diego Foodstuff recommends Carnitas Snack Shack. "Don’t miss the classic carnitas taco, the pork, or the braised Duroc pork belly smothered in a spicy-sweet glaze."
North Park Thursday MarketMarch 16, 2016We're so excited to welcome Chef Hanis for our Grand Opening on Thursday, March 24. We can't stop thinking about those poutine fries!
Vito AguilarMay 1, 2015If you ever run across the chilaquiles on their menu, order them and put them in your face. 👍🏼
- Charm B. TrippinJuly 29, 2016They poke fun at vegans here but also give us vegetable die-hards a colorful beet terrine. There's something for every appetite so, get in line now!
Michael TJune 22, 2012Try the Roasted Beet Terrine - layered with Spinach and goat cheese. Awesome fresh flavors...Photo is a little dark but Flavors were bright and sunny- The Seasoned Fries are wonderful and they come with yummy house-made bacon ketchup. If you are here on a Monday you have to get the poutine, it is the best ever!
Steven YSeptember 7, 2013They know how to make tasty pork - the carnitas tacos, pork belly appetizer and pork belly hash burrito (special) are all must tries
The Nate.BLT with pork belly and a fried egg.Size of a small tire.
Dennis AylesJanuary 30, 2015Love this place...just warning on the Fries...they put a pepper spice on them. If you do not want that just let them know....Awesome place
TylerApril 28, 2012Pork belly app is perfect munching size for a great, sweetly rich treat! Cock&Bull is the perfect digestif!
- Lucas Barcelos de OliveiraFebruary 7, 2015Excellent choices, good price and huge portions. Try the new pork burrito!
James M.March 25, 2016The Torta was the best one I'd ever had! I absolutely loved it! Great service, laid back atmosphere, just go in and enjoy it!
Ivan 3rdDecember 6, 2014You know that feeling when immediately after taking your first bite your shoulders drop, you sigh and the word yum escapes from your lips.... I believe that originated here!
Josh NolanJune 12, 2017Directions for success: 1. Order Snackshack Burger 2. Add bacon 3. Prepare to be mind blown 4. Profit
Menu varies daily but they do have some usual items. Go early to make sure you can try the specials which are typically great and rare.
Carter GibsonJanuary 17, 20132012's biggest success story, this pork-centric spot from Chef Hanis Cavin is bound to multiply this year, and inspire other chefs to venture out on their own.- Joseph LeJune 13, 2017The Triple Threat Pork Sandwich has schnitzel, pulled pork, and bacon. Really bad for you...but so good!
Glenn RouhandehAugust 15, 2016Snack shack burger beef and pork were outstanding!! Haven't had anything that I didn't really like.
If the Porkburger is on the menu, change your plans and order it. You'll br glad. Oh, the fries are very big, they'll do a half order if you ask.
Ross YoderAugust 4, 2018If you’re looking for the best sandwich you’ve ever had (and high blood pressure!) — The Triple Threat.
Ilona BryantMarch 6, 2015Did I mention dessert? With the beautiful patio seating and these owners' passion for pig, you won't want to rush this experience.
Haiku, you're welcome by the way: 'Hello there, Hole-in-the-Wall. Deception you are. Hiding delicious meats, here.'
Chef Hanis is a master of all things pork. Anything on this menu will delight you. Try the pork loin sandwich. Amazing.
Nik NadolskiOctober 19, 2014Cute place. Great drinks. Amazing food. Oh, did I mention there's a patio?
Pork belly app and the carnitas tacos! You'll need to change your drawers after the sweet taste in your mouth!
TV Food MapsJune 17, 2015Check out Carnitas Snack Shack as it was featured on Guilty Pleasures for Richard Blais recommends the carnitas taco. Read more
Try the Pulled Pork Sandwich - Pork three ways: breaded cutlet, fried; succulent pulled pork; crispy bacon; all in one sandwich!
905 Photos
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Carnitas' Snack Shack
2632 University Ave (at Oregon St)
San Diego, CA 92104
United States
San Diego, CA 92104
United States
Tail Waggin' Good! Local, Farm-Fresh Food, Drink and Snacks!
Permanently closed (Show more)
- Mon–Sun
- 11:00 AM–Midnight
(619) 294-7675
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. Discover & Visa)
Outdoor Seating
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner, Happy Hour
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
See More
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- 8.5
"Beet salad was yummy! Shrimp& grits were nice & spicy! Share with your dining partner"
Susan King - 8.2
"The french toast is AWESOME! Almost everything on the menu is pretty good."
Pelin Güvenç Kefel - 8.9
"Everything is phenomenal here: food, service, atmosphere. The 4 course meal is more than enough food, especially when you take into account all of the tastes and bites between courses."
Dominic
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- 8.4
"Dark and cozy, lots of bourbon and a nice crowd. I don't get here often but always glad when I do. They also have a killer back room with live entertainment. I have been to the one in LA. SD Wins!"
Klement Ainsworth - 9.6
"Beautiful place to to walk your dog and explore. Took my puppy Zan for the first time this past weekend and he loved it! :))"
Regina Vasquez - 8.5
"Overall great beer. Mostly more traditional brews, but done really well. A great space. Dog friendly!"
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