Carnitas Los Chingones — Review by Grub with Greg
Los Angeles, United States — Mexican street food
Carnitas Los Chingones is an LA institution in Boil Heights offering massive burritos and carnitas plates that are cooked fresh on the street corner in giant copper pots. The reviewer was impressed by the quality of the carnitas, the variety of filling options, and the generous portions, particularly the divorce plate with both green and red chiles. This is an authentic street food experience that captures the essence of LA food culture.
What was great: Massive burritos filled with chiles, high-quality carnitas cooked in large copper pots, diverse filling options including carnitas, mixto, and quaritos, flavorful divorce plate with green and red chiles, generous portions with fresh toppings like crema and queso fresco
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The star of the menu is undoubtedly their carnitas, which come served in multiple formats. You can get massive burritos filled entirely with chiles and carnitas that are so stuffed they're hard to close. The reviewer opted for the divorce plate, which features both green and red chiles alongside a generous pile of carnitas. The plate is completed with a sunny-side-up egg, crema, and queso fresco, creating layers of flavor and texture. The menu offers flexibility with options for pure carnitas, mixto (a combination of skin and meat), or quaritos (just the skin). Each preparation highlights the quality of the carnitas, which are fried fresh right on the street corner in enormous copper pots that are impossible to miss.
The Experience
Located on Olympic in Boil Heights with an additional location on Sunset in Hollywood, Carnitas Los Chingones operates as an authentic street food popup experience. The setup is distinctly casual and accessible, with the massive copper pots serving as a visual focal point that draws people in. There's a genuine popup takeria vibe here, with people lining up to grab these substantial burritos. The atmosphere captures the essence of LA street food culture at its finest.
Value and Pricing
While specific prices aren't mentioned in the review, the portion sizes are massive and the quality of the carnitas suggests excellent value for money. These are generous, satisfying meals that represent authentic LA street food pricing.
Notable Moments
No other city in the US does this like LA.
I need a nap after this right here.
The reviewer's comment about needing a nap perfectly captures the satisfaction and fullness that comes from consuming one of these massive burritos.
The Verdict
Carnitas Los Chingones is a must-visit for anyone serious about LA food culture. This is authentic street food at its finest, with high-quality carnitas prepared fresh daily and served with genuine passion. Whether you prefer green chiles, red chiles, or a mixture of both, this establishment delivers exactly what it promises. Best for adventurous eaters who appreciate traditional preparation methods and don't mind waiting in line for the real deal.