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Hayward

Los Carnalitos Restaurant in Hayward, CA, is celebrated for its authentic Mexico City-style cuisine, including huaraches, quesadillas de huitlacoche, and pambazos. Patrons appreciate the quality and authenticity of the dishes, the friendly service, and the vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant has received recognition from the Michelin Guide, earning a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking.

Los Carnalitos Restaurant: Authentic Mexico City Flavors in Hayward CA 

Nestled in the heart of Hayward, Los Carnalitos Restaurant invites food lovers on a vibrant culinary journey steeped in the rich traditions of Mexico City. This casual yet bustling spot is a beloved local gem known for delivering hearty Mexican fare crafted from enduring family recipes. Whether you're a devoted foodie, a digital nomad seeking flavorful comfort food, or a traveler eager to savor genuine Mexican street eats, Los Carnalitos offers an authentic experience that hits all the right notes.

A Flavorful Menu That Celebrates Mexico City Classics

Los Carnalitos prides itself on authenticity, serving up staples like tacos with tender, well-seasoned meats, burritos, quesadillas de huitlacoche, tostadas, huaraches, and pambazos — a hearty Mexican sandwich bursting with bold sauces. The use of maize flour tortillas caters especially to those seeking gluten-sensitive options, ensuring everyone can dive into the deliciousness. Guests rave about the juicy, street-style tacos with double tortillas, cilantro, onions, and lime, as well as the perfectly fried churros that provide a sweet finish to any meal.

 try the pambazos if you want a truly indulgent experience, but note they are not gluten-free. For gluten-conscious diners, the gorditas made with maize flour are a perfect alternative.

Vibrant Atmosphere and Value for Every Guest

The unpretentious, casual ambiance of Los Carnalitos is perfect for families, groups, and solo diners alike. The lively space often draws a crowd of locals, a testament to the restaurant's commitment to quality and authenticity. Diners appreciate the friendly, attentive service and generous portions that make it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank — two people can indulge in a feast for under $40. Outdoor seating is available for those who love to soak up the California sunshine while savoring their meal.

 Los Carnalitos was honored with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2021, recognizing its outstanding balance of quality and value — an accolade that reflects the passion and care poured into every dish.

Planning Your Visit: What You Need to Know

What are the restaurant's operating hours?

 Los Carnalitos operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM and is closed on Sundays.

 Yes, diners can enjoy outdoor seating on sunny days.

 Reservations are not accepted, so walk-ins are welcome.

 The entire facility, including parking and restrooms, is wheelchair accessible.

 Credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments are all accepted.

Los Carnalitos enjoys a warm reputation fueled by genuine reviews praising its flavorful dishes, friendly staff, and the cozy vibe that makes every visit memorable. Most guests find it a reliable go-to for authentic Mexico City flavors in the Bay Area, cherishing the traditional recipes and the approachable prices. The restaurant's commitment to freshness and quality shines, making it a standout in Hayward's dining scene.

North America

United States

Los Carnalitos Restaurant, located at 30200 Industrial Parkway SW, Hayward, CA, is a vibrant taqueria that brings authentic Mexican food to the heart of Alameda County. Known for its hearty dishes rooted in family recipes, this casual dining spot is a must-visit for anyone craving traditional Mexican fare. With a menu that features tacos, burritos, and unique offerings like Pambazos and Gorditas, Los Carnalitos is perfect for both dine-in and takeout options.

Los Carnalitos Restaurant offers a delightful array of Mexican dishes that cater to various tastes. Highlights of the menu include:

Tacos: Enjoy a variety of tacos including pollo, asada, and chorizo, served with double tortillas, onions, cilantro, and salsa.

Burritos: A hearty option for those looking for a filling meal.

Pambazos: A unique Mexican sandwich that is heavily stuffed and bursting with flavor.

Gorditas: A gluten-free option made with maize flour, perfect for those with dietary restrictions.

Churros: A sweet treat to finish off your meal.

Conveniently situated in Hayward, Los Carnalitos is easily accessible for both locals and visitors. The restaurant is surrounded by various attractions, making it a great stop for a satisfying meal after exploring the area. Nearby, you can find parks and shopping centers that enhance your visit.

Casual strip-mall option offering hearty Mexican fare based on enduring family recipes.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNidDZTT3FnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGarizsuVj4ARs9CPTt4y29Y/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNidDZTT3FnRRAB

As someone who loves tacos and other Mexican dishes, I am always on the lookout for authentic Mexican food—not the kind that has been modified by adding a lot of cheese and made too fancy. I also prefer taco tortillas made of maize flour, not wheat flour, since I am gluten-sensitive.

This place hits all the right notes with their dishes. They offer common Mexican dishes like Tacos, Burritos, Tostadas, Quesadillas, and Huaraches, but I also discovered some new dishes I had never heard of or tried before.

What we ordered:
I ordered three tacos—pollo, asada, and chorizo—and Gorditas. My partner ordered Pambazos and a Michelada. We didn't know what Pambazos were before we decided to order it. My partner noticed someone at the restaurant eating it and was fascinated by it, so I looked up the menu, read the description of each item, and concluded it was Pambazos—and I was right!

The tacos were the very typical street-side tacos with double tortillas, onions, cilantro, lime, and some salsa based on the meat. The meat was tender, very well-seasoned, juicy, and delicious. The Gorditas, on the other hand, were a little too mild for my palate and had too much lettuce. They could go lighter on that, I feel.

The Pambazos (a Mexican sandwich) was heavily stuffed, with great sauces, and were absolutely delectable. One was enough for my partner to be full. The Michelada was spicy, tangy, sweet, and a great kicky drink.
Note: Pambazos are not gluten-free. For a gluten-free sandwich option, Gorditas is the way to go, as they are made with maize flour.

The ambience is very casual, and we saw a lot of Mexicans eating there, which is a good sign as it indicates the restaurant is serving quality, authentic items.

The price point is also great, where two people can be satiated and full for under $40.

I am so glad my friend recommended this place. This is my new favorite Mexican restaurant, and I plan to frequent it and try all the items on their menu!

Now you go and give it a try!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQMjlQSS13RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGarizsuVj4ARs9CPTt4y29Y/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURQMjlQSS13RRAB

Delicious tacos! The best pastor tacos I had ever had. Churros was perfectly fried and sweetened as well.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2MGRidElREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGarizsuVj4ARs9CPTt4y29Y/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2MGRidElREAE

The atmosphere looked nice enough for a taqueria with the cashier at the front of the store.

The burrito however and I pride myself in finding great burrito spots......was not on point.

Upon my first bite I was met with literally all the salsa that the burrito would have , that it blew out my taste buds and left me not wanting to eat the rest until it subsided. after said initial pocket bite the rest of the burrito was cooled down with no salsa in the rest of the burrito.mind you I have no problem with salsa or heat.

But the texture of the burrito was all over the place. As I worked my way down the burrito, the pork(carnitas) went from Not crispy at all to crispy pork(what I was hoping for throughout).  This particular place does avocado and pico de Gallo separate instead of just putting guacamole in it which for me is coo because pico is eh to me but the avocado wasn't enough to satisfy me. Miniscule amount of sour cream. the beans were also inconsistent with beans having a harder bite to them.
Ive never had beans in a burrito that were al dente.

Over all. This has been and I'm being honest in all my years in the bay area. My least favorite burrito I've eaten all year.

The point in the photo  is where I stopped eating and where the crispy carnitas started. Before this point was all regular pork but at the end it went from crispy to then overcooked pork that was almost like jerky.
I'm also writing this as Im forcing myself to finish.

Final words:

Maybe this was a one off mistake but...

Unfortunately this was the most inconsistent burrito I've had in a long time...there was a taco truck in front of a smog shop across the street maybe I would have had better luck there.

$15 dollar super burrito and I wasn't even given chips.

Save yourself and find a better taqueria for a super burrito.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcm8yNGFBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGarizsuVj4ARs9CPTt4y29Y/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQcm8yNGFBEAE

I tried the huarache and pastor taco.
Honestly I was expecting more, not much flavor and I got sick, provably to much fat.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaNzZ6eEtREAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJGarizsuVj4ARs9CPTt4y29Y/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNaNzZ6eEtREAE

Delicious fresh food. Highly recommend al pastor items. Their agua frescas are also good, fresh and not too sweet. Churros is a great ending to our meal. Generous portions. Friendly attentive service. Family friendly atmosphere.

Authentic Los Carnalitos Restaurant in Hayward, CA - Tacos & More

Los Carnalitos Restaurant, located in Hayward, CA, is renowned for its authentic Mexico City-style cuisine. The family-run establishment began as a popular food truck before opening its brick-and-mortar location. It has been recognized by the Michelin Guide with a Bib Gourmand for good quality, good value cooking.

Los Carnalitos Restaurant history overview in Hayward California United States with Michelin recognition and food truck origins.

Nestled in the heart of Hayward, California, Los Carnalitos Restaurant has carved a unique niche in the vibrant Bay Area food scene. Its journey began not as a traditional sit-down eatery, but as a beloved food truck that quickly gained a devoted following for its authentic Mexican cuisine. This roots-first approach allowed Los Carnalitos to build a strong community connection, serving up genuine flavors that hark back to enduring family recipes.

In 2021, Los Carnalitos' commitment to quality and authenticity was formally recognized when it received the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award. This accolade highlights outstanding establishments that offer exceptional food at moderate prices, setting Los Carnalitos apart as a must-visit dining destination in Alameda County. The award not only celebrates the restaurant’s rich culinary heritage but also its value-conscious approach, making it a standout for both locals and travelers seeking genuine Mexican flavors in a casual setting.

Received Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition, honoring its outstanding flavorful Mexican cuisine at great value.

From humble beginnings as a food truck to a Michelin-recognized restaurant, Los Carnalitos exemplifies the spirit of traditional Mexican cooking with a modern community touch. Its evolution reflects a dedication to authentic flavors and an inviting atmosphere where every dish tells a story. Whether you’re a foodie chasing the best tacos in Hayward or a traveler seeking a genuine local experience, this restaurant’s history is as rich and satisfying as its menu offerings.

Dine In

Takeout

Delivery

Restroom

Outdoor Seating

Parking Options

Los Carnalitos Restaurant is a vibrant eatery in Hayward, California, offering authentic Mexican cuisine based on enduring family recipes. The restaurant features a warm atmosphere, colorful decor, and a menu filled with mouthwatering dishes that celebrate traditional flavors.

Los Carnalitos Restaurant

Authentic Mexican cuisine with a focus on Mexico City specialties, including huaraches, quesadillas de huitlacoche, and pambazos.

Tacos

Burritos

Súper Burrito

Viggie Burrito

Tortas de Carne

Quesadillas de Carne

Suaqueso

Choriqueso

Gringa

Alambre

Sope Regular

Sope con Carne

Arroz

Nopales

Frijoles

Carne

Quesadilla Chicharron

Quesadilla Tinga de Pollo

Quesadilla Tinga de Res

Quesadilla Flor de Calabaza

Quesadilla Huitlacoche

Quesadilla Chorizo con Papas

Quesadilla Hongos

Quesadilla La Azteca

Huarache Sencillo

Huarache con Carne

Huarache con Carne y Nopales

Huarache con Costilla y Nopales

Huarache con Huevo

Huarache Azteca

Tlacoyos

Gorditas

Tostadas

Tortas Chilangas De La Casa

Tortas Chilangas Milanesa

Tortas Chilangas Hawaiana

Tortas Chilangas Salchicha

Pambazo Tradicional

Pambazo Tinga de Pollo

Pambazo Tinga de Res

Pambazo Chicharrón

Panuchos

Aguas Frescas

Sodas

Cervezas

Michelada

ChocoFlan

Platanos

Churros

Los Carnalitos Restaurant Menu

Discover the vibrant flavors of authentic Mexico City-style cuisine at Los Carnalitos Restaurant, where every dish is crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients to deliver a true taste of traditional Mexican fare. From classic street-style tacos to hearty burritos and unique regional specialties, this menu promises a delightful culinary journey for food lovers and Mexican cuisine aficionados alike.

Begin your meal with a selection of authentic starters featuring handmade corn tortillas and fresh toppings. Try the Sope Regular or Sope con Carne, topped with beans, fresh cheese, cilantro, onion, and your choice of meat. Quesadillas showcase a variety of fillings including pork belly, chipotle chicken or beef, squash blossom, huitlacoche (corn smut), chorizo with potatoes, and mushrooms — all served on freshly made corn tortillas with salsa and lettuce. For something unique, sample the Quesadilla Azteca, combining huitlacoche, squash blossom, mushrooms, and nopales with fresh cheese and salsa.

Tlacoyos with toppings like nopales, fava beans, ricotta cheese, or black beans, each served on handmade corn tortillas with pico de gallo, fresh cheese, and salsa.

Gorditas de Chicharron Prensado, featuring pork belly, lettuce, cilantro, onion, fresh cheese, and salsa on a warm handmade corn tortilla.

Tostadas in various flavors like cow trotters, chipotle chicken, beef, pork belly, fish, shrimp, tuna, and octopus—each served on a crispy deep-fried handmade tortilla with sour cream, fresh cheese, lettuce, and salsa.

Los Carnalitos’ mains highlight some of Mexico’s most beloved dishes. Choose from an extensive range of tacos including tender asada, flavorful pastor, juicy pollo, rich carnitas, suadero, chorizo, cochinita, cabeza, and lengua. Each taco is served street-style with double maize tortillas, fresh onions, cilantro, lime, and salsa tailored to the meat variety.

For a heartier option, try the signature burritos that come in Regular, Super, and Veggie varieties, stuffed with rice, beans, cheese, pico de gallo, salsa, and extras like avocado and sour cream in the Super Burrito. Tortas and quesadillas offer similar fillings paired with fresh cilantro, onion, and salsa, served on flour tortillas or pressed sandwiches.

Suaqueso and Choriqueso: flour tortilla filled with suadero or chorizo, cheese, cilantro, onion, and salsa.

Gringa: flour tortilla filled with pastor, cheese, cilantro, onion, red onion, habanero salsa, and avocado salsa for a spicy and creamy kick.

Alambre: a savory combination of asada, chorizo, bacon, bell peppers, onions, and cheese, served with warm flour tortillas.

Huaraches: thick handmade corn tortillas topped with beans, salsa, cilantro, onion, fresh cheese, and your choice of meat or vegetarian options including huitlacoche, squash blossom, mushrooms, and nopales.

End your meal on a sweet note with classic Mexican desserts like freshly fried churros with their perfect crisp and sweetness, rich ChocoFlan combining chocolate cake and smooth flan, or simple yet satisfying fried plantains (platanos) that provide a comforting finish to your dining experience.

Refresh your palate with a variety of beverages including freshly made aguas frescas featuring seasonal fruit juices that are perfectly balanced and not too sweet. Traditional Mexican beers (cervezas) are available for those seeking an authentic pairing with their meal. For a zesty and invigorating drink, try the Michelada, a spirited mix of beer with lime and spices that delivers a tangy kick.

Savor authentic flavors at Los Carnalitos in Hayward, CA! Delight in mouthwatering dishes and vibrant ambiance. Book your table today!

Los Carnalitos: Authentic Mexican Dining in Hayward

Alameda County

Available daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. Orders can be placed directly or through platforms like DoorDash, UberEats, and GrubHub.

Delivery and Takeout

Enjoy your meal in a comfortable outdoor setting.

Catering options available for events and gatherings.

Catering Services

Nestled in the heart of Hayward, California, Los Carnalitos Restaurant offers an authentic Mexican culinary experience that delights locals and visitors alike. Known for its hearty fare crafted from enduring family recipes, this casual strip-mall gem brings traditional flavors to your plate with a friendly, welcoming atmosphere perfect for foodies, families, and groups.

Los Carnalitos shines with classic Mexican dishes such as tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, and huaraches. Guests rave about their street-style tacos featuring double maize tortillas—perfect for those with gluten sensitivities—filled with tender, well-seasoned meats like pollo, asada, and chorizo. Don't miss out on the pambazos, a deliciously stuffed Mexican sandwich with rich sauces that packs a flavorful punch. And for a sweet finish, their churros are perfectly fried and satisfy any dessert craving.

Whether you choose to dine in their cozy interior, enjoy the fresh air in the outdoor seating area, or opt for convenient takeout or delivery, Los Carnalitos caters to your dining preferences. The casual vibe welcomes families and groups, and attentive service ensures a satisfying visit. You'll often find a lively crowd of Mexican locals, a true testament to the restaurant's authenticity and quality.

 - Order food to go for convenient dining at home.

 - Have your meal delivered right to your doorstep.

 - Enjoy your meal in the restaurant's cozy atmosphere.

 - Dine al fresco in the inviting outdoor seating area.

This beloved Hayward Mexican restaurant offers a fantastic balance of authentic flavors, affordable prices, and a family-friendly environment. Many diners praise it as a top choice for enjoying flavorful al pastor tacos, fresh agua frescas, and generous portions that leave you satisfied without breaking the bank. Whether you're craving a quick lunch or a relaxed dinner with friends, Los Carnalitos delivers a genuine taste of Mexico in every bite.

California

Experience genuine Mexico City-style dishes at Los Carnalitos Restaurant in Hayward, CA. Enjoy tacos, pambazos, and more authentic flavors. Book now!

Authentic Mexican Cuisine in Hayward - Los Carnalitos

Discover Los Carnalitos, a top-rated Mexican eatery in Hayward offering unique dishes like huaraches, quesadillas de huitlacoche, and pambazos. Visit today!

Explore Hayward's Best Mexican Food - Los Carnalitos

Learn about Los Carnalitos, a family-run Mexican restaurant in Hayward, CA, famous for its traditional dishes and Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition. Find out more!