Carnitas Spot (Saturday / Sunday)

- East 107th Street &, 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029

In a city celebrated for its diverse and dynamic food scene, Carnitas Spot has carved out a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers seeking genuine Mexican cuisine. Operating on Saturdays and Sundays, this beloved food stand is not just a place to grab a quick bite; it's a destination for authentic carnitas, a true Mexican delicacy. Known for its focus on a single, masterful dish, Carnitas Spot serves up traditional carnitas—slow-cooked pork that is tender, juicy, and packed with rich flavor. It’s an experience that transports you directly to the streets of Mexico, where simplicity and quality are paramount.

The menu at Carnitas Spot is a celebration of its namesake. The star of the show is, of course, the carnitas, which are available in various forms to suit any preference. The classic "Taco Carnitas" is a must-try, featuring the star pork on a homemade corn tortilla, topped simply with onion and cilantro. For those with a heartier appetite, the "Torta Carnitas" offers a crispy bolillo roll loaded with carnitas, while the "Carnitas Quesadilla" provides a cheesy, savory alternative. The stand also offers "Gorditas" and a "Porky Bowl," each highlighting the rich flavor of the slow-cooked pork.

Beyond the individual dishes, Carnitas Spot caters to groups and families with its "Family Platters." The "LB Carnitas" and "Half LB Carnitas" are perfect for sharing, coming with a generous portion of meat, homemade corn tortillas, and all the fixings, including charro beans, onion, cilantro, and salsa. While the focus is on carnitas, the stand offers other Mexican staples like "Barbacoa Taco," "Bistec Taco," and a traditional "Pozole" stew. The menu also includes a few sides such as "Guacamole," "Pico de Gallo," and "Chorizo Refried Beans," all designed to complement the main dishes. For a sweet finish, they offer a smooth, creamy custard and "Arroz con Leche," a traditional rice pudding.

What makes Carnitas Spot so special is its commitment to tradition and quality. The carnitas are the result of a time-honored cooking process, where various cuts of pork are simmered for hours to achieve a perfect balance of tenderness and flavor. This dedication is evident in every bite and is a major reason why the stand has developed a loyal following. Customers rave about the "juicy, flavorful" pork and describe the experience as a true taste of home. The simplicity of the menu allows the quality of the ingredients and the mastery of the cooking technique to shine through, proving that sometimes, less truly is more.

Carnitas Spot operates on East 107th Street and 3rd Avenue in New York, NY 10029. As a street food stand, it has a unique presence in the vibrant East Harlem neighborhood. Its location at this busy intersection makes it a convenient stop for locals and a worthy destination for anyone in the city looking for an authentic culinary experience. While a street stand might not have the traditional accessibility features of a brick-and-mortar restaurant, its open-air, walk-up nature makes it easily accessible to passersby. The informal setting adds to the authentic street food vibe, creating a no-frills, all-flavor experience.

The service model at Carnitas Spot is straightforward and efficient. As a food stand, its primary services are takeout and quick, on-the-spot service. The focus is on providing delicious food quickly, perfect for a satisfying meal on the go. While a phone number is not listed publicly, the word-of-mouth reputation and consistent weekend presence are what attract its customers. The stand's popularity, often marked by a line of eager patrons, is a testament to the quality of its offerings. The family platters are available for takeout, making it easy to bring a taste of authentic Mexico to your own gathering.

A significant highlight of Carnitas Spot is its singular focus on carnitas. Unlike many other Mexican restaurants that offer a broad menu, this spot specializes in one thing and does it exceptionally well. The ability to choose from a variety of pork cuts for your tacos—from the lean meat to more flavorful parts—allows for a personalized dining experience. The "homemade corn tortillas" are another feature that customers appreciate, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the meal. The atmosphere is energetic and welcoming, a hallmark of the best street food experiences. It is a no-frills, all-flavor destination that prioritizes the food above all else.

What is worth choosing about Carnitas Spot is its unwavering commitment to providing an authentic and unparalleled carnitas experience. It’s a rare gem in New York City, a place that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone but instead perfects one traditional dish. The juicy, flavorful pork is the main draw, and its quality has earned it a reputation as one of the best spots for tacos in the city. The homemade tortillas and the ability to customize your meal with different cuts of pork add to the experience. For those who appreciate the genuine flavors of Mexican street food and the mastery of a single, well-executed dish, Carnitas Spot is a weekend pilgrimage that is absolutely worth making.

For any New Yorker looking to discover the true essence of Mexican street food, a visit to Carnitas Spot is a must. It's an opportunity to taste a dish that is deeply rooted in tradition, served with a passion that is evident in every delicious bite. The experience is simple, honest, and truly satisfying, making it a favorite for many.

Services Offered:

• Takeout
• On-the-spot service
• Family platters for large orders

Features / Highlights:

• Specializes exclusively in authentic carnitas
• Offers a variety of pork cuts to choose from
• Known for its juicy, flavorful pork
• Uses homemade corn tortillas
• Operates on Saturdays and Sundays
• Authentic Mexican street food experience

Contact Information:

• Address: East 107th Street &, 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

What is worth choosing:

Carnitas Spot is a top choice for New Yorkers because it delivers on a single promise: providing the best, most authentic carnitas in the city. Its singular focus on this traditional Mexican dish allows it to achieve a level of quality and flavor that is hard to find elsewhere. Customers consistently praise the meat as "juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection," with many considering the tacos to be among the best they've had in NYC. The use of homemade corn tortillas and the option to choose from different cuts of the pig further elevates the experience, making each taco a personalized delight. The informal, energetic vibe of the street stand adds to the authenticity, making it a destination for those who appreciate genuine, no-frills culinary excellence. For anyone who loves Mexican food, and specifically carnitas, a trip to this spot on a Saturday or Sunday is an essential experience to taste a truly special dish.

Carnitas Spot (Saturday / Sunday)

East 107th Street &, 3rd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA