Let me preface this post by saying that I have been wanting to try the Carnitas Snack Shack for years. YEARS. I built up a lot of hype in my head after seeing it featured on FOODBEAST. It completely met my expectations. Keep reading to find out how…

First, we started out by sharing the Pork Belly App. It was braised duroc pork with a sweet-spicy glaze served with a frisee salad, apples, radishes, and topped with a lemon vinaigrette. I normally don’t enjoy frisee salads, especially with an acidic dressing, but paired with the fattiness and the glaze of the pork, it balanced out the flavors very well. The pork was the perfect fatty to rich ratio and plenty for both of us to share.

We enjoyed the Chicharrons as a nice side to our meal. They were perfectly crunchy and a great substitute for traditional chips or fries. However, they were too salty for me to enjoy more than a few, but that’s the nature of fried pork skin, so I can’t complain.

The Triple Threat Pork Sandwich was my favorite dish of the entire meal, and the one I was least looking forward to. I assumed it was going to be their novelty dish that everyone gets and is famous because of its gluttonous ingredients. I was so wrong. It tasted bomb.com. Not too big, not too small, this sandwich combined pork loin schnitzel, pulled pork, bacon, pepperoncini relish, and aioli into a beautiful masterpiece of a sandwich. For everyone and anyone who loves pork, GET THIS. You won’t regret it!

Last, but certainly not least, the Carnitas Tacos. Compared to the carnitas tacos I get from an unknown stand in Downtown Los Angeles from time to time, these guys are on the pricey side. However, this picture does not do their size justice! They are packed from side to side with carnitas, guac, and pico de gallo. Simple, yet perfect.

All in all, loved it! It was comforting being surrounded by so many pork and carnitas enthusiasts. It made me feel like all was right in the world, if just for a moment. If you’re in the area, you got to visit. They have a location in Del Mar and the original in North Park.

INSIDER TIP: Get there before they open for lunch and start the line. You won’t be sorry you planned ahead.

Click here to view their full menu: http://carnitassnackshack.com/menu/