Carnitas Don Pedro
Pilsen's beloved carnitas specialist since 1981, serving up perfectly rendered pork with a side of authentic Mexican charm.
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Carnitas Don Pedro
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Pilsen's beloved carnitas specialist since 1981, serving up perfectly rendered pork with a side of authentic Mexican charm.
"This spot is fire, guys. This is Don Pedros Carnitas."
Arrive Early
Popular carnitas often sell out, especially on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday for a shorter wait.
Cash Preferred
Some reviewers suggest bringing cash, as credit card transactions can sometimes be slow.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$
Phone
(312) 829-4757
Address
1113 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Carnitas
Indulge in the star dish: tender, flavorful carnitas rendered in their own fat, with crispy chicharron pieces.
Bustling Pilsen Staple
Experience the vibrant, no-frills atmosphere of this long-standing Mexican eatery, a true neighborhood gem.
Build Your Own Tacos
Enjoy generous portions of carnitas served with fresh tortillas and an array of accompaniments like cilantro and onion.
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Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Arrive Early
Popular carnitas often sell out, especially on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday for a shorter wait.
Cash Preferred
Some reviewers suggest bringing cash, as credit card transactions can sometimes be slow.
Portion Sizes
A half portion of carnitas is often enough for two people, offering great value.
Language Barrier
While many are friendly, some staff may primarily speak Spanish; a phrasebook can be helpful.
Tips
from all over the internet
Arrive Early
Popular carnitas often sell out, especially on weekends. Try to visit on a weekday for a shorter wait.
Cash Preferred
Some reviewers suggest bringing cash, as credit card transactions can sometimes be slow.
Portion Sizes
A half portion of carnitas is often enough for two people, offering great value.
Language Barrier
While many are friendly, some staff may primarily speak Spanish; a phrasebook can be helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Carnitas Don Pedro is celebrated for its authentic, tender, and flavorful carnitas, served in generous portions with fresh accompaniments. The bustling, no-frills atmosphere contributes to its neighborhood staple status. However, some recent reviews suggest inconsistencies in quality and service, possibly due to new staff.
"Carnitas by the pound. Delicious! Some unique meat cuts too. Fresh tortillas. Very friendly and attentive service. Great salsa on the table and traditional chicharrones."
Brian Roy
"Ordered a catering spread for 50 people and the service went above and beyond. When I arrived, they had just run out of Carnitas, but after a short 20-minute wait, they came through and even added an extra portion of Carnitas. The food was amazing and the team was incredibly accommodating. A true neighborhood staple that always delivers."
Jose Fortuna
"This is the first time I got stiff by the young man that was serving the carnitas, he asked me what was I going to order, he was very nice and polite, I told him I wanted a pound of regular chicharrón (pork crackling)
He went ahead and put the chicharrón inside a brown paper bag (keep in mind that you can not see what pieces he is picking for you because the chicharrón is on the other side of the counter) then he asked me if there was something else I needed, I told him that's all.
Knowing from previous times that the quality of their chicharrón is good, I didn't bother to check. When I got home and gave the bag of chicharrón to my wife and she opened the bag...... She said to my "what the hell is this???? Showing me the biggest piece of the chicharrón, I said oh no, this guy gave me a crappy chicharrón that was incorrectly fried.
I'm not an expert but I think the lard was either too hot or to cold and that is the result of a bad chicharrón.
If I was the owner, I wouldn't give this crappy to my customers, I would have cut my losses and probably cooked it in salsa Verde, otherwise you'll end up losing credibility from your customers and lose their trust. Now I don't know if I would go back to that place to buy chicharrón."
Jose Antonio “Tony” Lazaro Miranda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Carnitas Don Pedro is renowned for its authentic and delicious carnitas, slow-cooked pork rendered in its own fat, offering tender meat and crispy chicharron pieces.
To avoid long lines and potential sell-outs, it's recommended to visit on a weekday during lunch hours. Weekends can be very busy.
While they do accept credit cards, some reviewers have noted that transactions can be slow. Bringing cash might be a more convenient option.
Other popular items include Birria de Chivo, Barbacoa de Res, and unique options like Tacos de Gesos (brain tacos).
Yes, portions are generally generous. A half portion of carnitas is often sufficient for two people.
Information about dedicated parking is not readily available. Street parking may be an option in the Pilsen neighborhood.
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27 Best Tacos in Chicago You Can't Miss
One of the preeminent carnitas specialists in town, this Pilsen spot is always bustling—especially on the weekends when lines out the door are common. Tough out the wait and you’ll be rewarded with fried pork that’s been rendered in its own fat. No part of the pig goes to waste so you have the choice of juicy, crispy white and dark meat as well as ribs, stomach, skin and brains.
Where To Get Tacos On 18th Street - Chicago
Don Pedro has been a Pilsen staple for over 30 years, and we’re pretty sure they’ve spent every moment of those three decades perfecting their carnitas. This spot is small and very casual, and on weekends you can expect a line out the door. The obvious choice here are the carnitas tacos, made with pork that’s fried in its own fat until perfectly crispy.
A Local's Guide to the Best Cheap Eats in Chicago
For a Mexican feast on a taco budget, head to Pilsen, the Mexican neighborhood where you can find tons of low-cost restaurant options. If you really want authentic Mexican fare, we’d steer you toward Carnitas Don Pedro, a restaurant that’s been a long-standing tradition for more than 40 years. Their menu is long and their lines are even longer, but it’s worth it for a table filled with every dish imaginable, including pork tacos, homemade tortillas and chicharrones.
The Best Tacos in Chicago by Neighborhood
If you’re absolutely craving the best tacos in Chicago, this place is an easy stop off the Dan Ryan at the 18th Street exit. Don Pedro Carnitas carts in tons of fresh steak, pork, and chicken on a daily basis along with meat you can purchase by the pound or stuff into a mouthwatering taco. See your favorite taco place in Chicago on the map?
The Best 18 Mexican Restaurants Near Me in Chicago
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican takeout, Carnitas Don Pedro on 18th Street has you covered. The carnitas are juicy and well-seasoned, and the takeout service is both quick and friendly. A great option for a convenient and delicious meal at home.
17 Best Tacos In Chicago For Every Taco Tuesday
This meat shop cum taco place in Pilsen has one of the best tacos. It is not just a place that serves traditional Mexican dishes but a validation of the Latino community. As you can guess from the name, carnitas are the show-stoppers.
23 Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago
Carnitas Don Pedro is on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood. The restaurant is in a brick building and is very unassuming from the outside. When you walk inside, this bare-bones restaurant is casual and low-key.
The Perfect Itinerary for 3 Days in Chicago
Finally, grab lunch at (cash-only) Don Pedro Carnitas. Tacos al pastor (pork, onion and pineapple) are the reason to come here and they taste like they came straight from the streets of Mexico City.
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