Carnitas' Snack Shack - North Park

FINALLY.  I *finally* physically made it to Carnitas' Snack Shack.  After having their wonderfully braised pork belly app that I received as a to-go treat from my friend, I just had to visit the land of 'everything pork.' I visited with my good friends, J and J, for an early dinner on a Saturday evening.

We arrived and there was only a few people in line at the window.   Here is the menu for that evening...

When deciding what I should order, I had an inner debate with myself whether to order the pork belly app again (because it's SO delicious), trying something on their regular menu, OR trying one of their menu specials (something they do not serve every day).  I ordered my dinner with a bottled soda.

Carnitas Snack Shack does not have fountain sodas; instead they carry cool bottles of soda, like the Sprecher Gourmet Soda I ordered (root beer), Coca-Cola bottles, and bottled beers.  They do offer fresh brewed iced tea (you can see one in the background) and complimentary water in the seating area.  I have loved root beer every since I can remember.  The taste was bold, frosty and sweet.  I loved every sip of it.

I ordered one of the menu specials.... BBQ brisket sandwich ($8.00).  Here are my reasons: #1) I love BBQ brisket and since I don't see it in enough menus here in San Diego, I order it.  #2) I love beef. The hubby doesn't eat beef anymore so we don't have it at home... so, beef is pretty much what I order at restaurants.  And, lastly... #3) it's a menu special.  I can come back to Carnitas and try their pork sandwich anytime but it may be rare to see their brisket on the menu again.

The brisket was moist and amazing.  It had enough spice but it was not "spicy".  The brioche bun was nice and soft, and it still held the sandwich very well.  The coleslaw was primary made up of shredded carrots, but I loved the crunch and how the slaw toned down the overall robust flavor of the meat.

["Eat that corn!" - quote from J]

Every dish comes with their corn relish.  It was creamy, crunchy and delicious.  J and J gave me theirs so I had three to eat.  I only made through two of them.  I am guessing that extra crunch is diced jicama they put in the corn salad.  Does anyone know?

Both J and J ordered the Snack Shack BLT ($8.00). What can I say? Bacon, bacon, BACON. They gave me some of their bacon. J told me, "You're never going back to turkey bacon after eating this."  I could have eaten a basket of that bacon. 

We split two orders of the seasoned fries ($2.50). The fries were really seasoned well. The homemade ketchup was sweet and good. 

For dessert, we shared the caramel chocolate cupcakes (2 for $5.00).  They were tiny in size but they satisfied the palate after a savory dinner. The cake was chocolately and moist, surprisingly not too sweet. The sweetness, of course, came from the gooey caramel and the vanilla frosting.

I could not wait to see what goodness was inside this paper bag o' yummy.

Ta-da! The bacon crunch bar ($5.00) was the finale. Bacon bits, chocolate, caramel layers on a rectangular cookie. It was really, really good. At the first bite, my palate said, "Wow, SWEET"... then as I kept eating, the savoriness of the bacon hit me at the end. This was awesome!

The Carnitas' Snack Shack experience definitely lives up to the hype. Their food is delicious and the menu is small and simple. I saw on Instagram that the Travel Channel was there with Troy Johnson recently. I predict longer lines in the future! 

Carnitas' Snack Shack

2632 University Avenue

San Diego, CA 92104

619-294-7675 (PORK)