Last updated: April 8, 2026
Carnitas Ramirez has become one of the East Village’s essential spots for serious pork lovers. Knowing what to order helps you skip the guesswork and head straight to the standouts. These four dishes capture what makes this place so addictive, from crispy textures to rich, slow-cooked flavor.
These picks come from 8it’s network of trusted voices who actually eat here on their own time. Our team pulls tips from critics at places like Eater, The New York Times, and Infatuation, then cross-checks them with chefs and known food obsessives. When the same dishes keep coming up in their notes, they earn a spot on this list. That way, you get the plates regulars and experts talk about most, not just whatever looks good on Instagram.
1. Gordita at Carnitas Ramirez
8it Recommendation: It’s filling, it’s crispy, it’s delicious. Get it
2. Surdita Taco at Carnitas Ramirez
8it Recommendation: Every cut of pork offered in one taco.
3. Lengua Taco at Carnitas Ramirez
8it Recommendation: The best tacos in nyc, hands fucking down!
4. Carnitas Taco at Carnitas Ramirez
8it Recommendation: Can’t believe these are real. The Actual Best!
Now that you know which dishes to focus on, you can plan your visit and skip straight to the good stuff. The FAQs below cover how Carnitas Ramirez prepares its pork, what else to order, and how to time your meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Carnitas Tacos at Carnitas Ramirez
What makes Carnitas Ramirez’s carnitas special?
Carnitas Ramirez cooks carnitas the traditional way by braising every part of the pig in its own lard. This method creates distinct textures from various pig parts, including chewy skin, creamy tongue with a little chew, and gelatinous tail. The restaurant offers 10 different pig cuts available individually as tacos. Every edible surface ends up covered in a thin slick of pork lard that locks in flavor.
What should I order at Carnitas Ramirez?
The surtida taco is mandatory and belongs on your tray. It features all carnitas cuts on a freshly griddled corn tortilla for varied lean and fatty textures from brain to tail. The lengua (tongue) and trompa (snout) are especially recommended for deeper flavor and texture. Load up your tacos with avocado-studded salsa verde and oregano-laced pickled onions from their salsa bar.
What’s the atmosphere like at Carnitas Ramirez?
Carnitas Ramirez is a pea-green counter-service spot perfect for lunch, walk-ins, and casual dinners. Diners sit on overturned paint buckets and look out the big front windows. The space feels relaxed and unfussy, which keeps the focus on the food. It works well for easy weekend lunches and for tasting how many textures can come from one animal.
How long are wait times at Carnitas Ramirez?
Carnitas Ramirez operates as a casual walk-in spot without reservations. The counter-service format keeps things moving quickly, which makes it practical for lunch breaks. Lines can form during peak hours, but they tend to move at a steady pace. Use 8it’s map feature with “open now” filters to check current availability before heading over to 210 E 3rd St.
Does Carnitas Ramirez have lunch specials?
Yes, Carnitas Ramirez offers a lunch special on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 12 to 5 p.m. for $15. The special includes a drink and a carnitas torta packed with soft shreds of pork, avocado, cheese, black beans, onions, and jalapeños. You also get a massive pile of chicharrón instead of chips. Top everything with salsas from their salsa bar for extra heat and brightness.
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