Carnitas Don Rafa

We came from so far for bfast because of the carnitas but the service was terrible we waited almost 2 hours for our food when it finally came the waitresss brought just a couple of the plates we order and top it off they were cold felt like they had been sitting there for a while simple breakfast plates that don’t take long to cook or put together … very dissspointed !! I wonder if it’s different owner it seem like it.

Very close to 4 stars. Food is good. Service is good. Prices are average but there’s plenty of parking in lot. Atmosphere is just lacking something. I go there every now and then, don’t get me wrong. Definitely 3.5 stars. Please try it if you’ve never been. Wished they stayed open later.

Fire! Carnitas are bomb, Tamales are bomb and I have heard great things about their other items. Great sit down place or carry out.

Wow this place really drop the ball! We have been coming to Don Rafas for years. Today we decided to stop by and let me tell you it was the worst meal we have had. This place is under the new management n Mr Rafa is no longer in charge!
We were told that 98% of the staff was replace even some or all of the cooks REALLY the cooks !!! Anyways the SERVICE and FOOD is no were what it was before very very poor. Food does not taste the same. The specialty CARNITAS were hard n over cook. I order a Carne Asada n it was RAW «yes Raw». I told the new manager there n they reorder a new plate and they took forever to bring me another plate. They told sorry for the inconvenience n offer me a 20% off on the plate. Really the food was Raw n it had no flavor at all.
Last time we will go there!!! :(:(Very sad to see another once great restaurant go down.
We wonder what happen to our friend Mr. Rafa.

Honestly the best carnitas ever. Don’t forget the baronas and the pico de gallo. So so so good. They even give you a sample when you wait in line. If you like delicious things and also like them wrapped in soft fluffy tortillas, then Don Rafa this way!

Great carnitas!!! Very fresh, I love the menudo there too, only thing it’s a little pricey, the earlier u get there on the weekend the shorter the line ;)

My go to torta spot when on the south side! Torta don rafa! Bread is always soft and fresh as soon as you take a bite the juicy meat melts in your mouth with the yummy beans crema and avocado MMMMMMM SO GOOD! I never understand how people mess up tortas at other taco joints but this place always has it down!!! After being a year long customer never have i had a bad meal here everythings always perfect! from
their tender juicy meats to the margaritas and horchata. Even had the fried ice cream before and it was awesome! The atmosphere is great never too crazy musics never too loud or too crowded always friendly service and very clean. I dont know what method they use to cook their carnitas or carne asada but WOW Hope you guys never change it! This place is highly underrated and a gem in this area!

The place was hard to get to because of the road construction, and yes not their fault, what was a bummer is that no alcohol is served, its byob. Which would have been nice to see prior to arriving.
They do sell a mixture for michelada’s so it’s still nice. The melted cheese with chorizo was delicious although you have to eat it warm or it hardens up. I ordered the platter of barbacoa and carintas, which was plentiful for one person. The carintas had more fat than I prefer. Rice water is not good, very flat flavor. The rice was fluffy and had a good taste.
I did like that they gave my little one a glow in the dark necklace, cute touch.

Only come here for the tortas and drinks. Very cheap and delicious. Kinda sad that they’re very underrated, with the quality of their food, i expect a full house everytime i come in. Staff is very friendly and attentive. I recommend a torta don Rafa de asada and any of their frozen margaritas, daiquiris, or micheladas!
As far as platillos go, i never really had em’. My cousin ordered a steak platillo with beans and rice and looked very good.

I have been coming here for a while, and let me tell you that the carnitas are delicious… And what can I say about the barbacoa it’s juicy, tender and they put this red sauce on top of it and it the perfect complement to it. I sometimes eat in but for the most part I take it to go… The few times I eat in the waiters are very friendly and I never have to wait too long for my food… If you’re in the area I recommend you try this place

I didn’t have the carnitas, instead I had los Chilaquiles Don Rafa; which come with cheese and bacon. They were pretty delicious, except the bacon, I love the stuff but they have no business with my chilaquiles. Aside from that they were very tasty and very filling. The rice was a bit bland, but the beans made up for it.
Can’t wait to go back!

First time here and i came with my mother and cousin. She ordered the michoacan dinner I believe it was called. After reading reviews online I decided to order the carnitas dinner. Love at first bite! A little pricey but the plates will fill your stomachs.

Yes they have good food… but at this place it’s like a nice upscale bar they serve you a good drink and they charge you like you have to pay for the bartenders’ retirement! Ohhh I almost forgot!!! Check your bill they charge you taxes for the food then charge for the tip and THEN they charge you TAXES ON THE TIP!!! I’m not joking here people.

Love it! I’ve been here twice and it was outstanding both times. One of my favorite Mexican places in Chicago. Well worth the trip to Brighton Park.

Definitely the place to go! I have had there Carnitas a well as plated dishes they are all soooo tasty. I have catered from them a couple times no complaints at all. Great customer service.

Very delicious food. I picked up some tacos for the road. They are not as good as zacatacos but they are good. Great customer service, clean and welcoming restaurant. They also do catering. I had their carnitas at catered events and the food was always great. Clean bathrooms.

First of all, I LOVE carnitas… and this place does a nice job in satisfying my craving. What I like most about this place is that it is family friendly. When I come here, it is usually with my siblings, aunts and uncles. It is a great spot for a Sunday brunch. The food is delicious and they have a wide variety of dishes. I really do enjoy this place!

unbelievable birrria and barbacoa at great prices
other items good too.
great for dine in or carry out.
it can get loud in there.

I haven’t been here in a while, but it has been a staple for my family. To my knowledge, it’s the only place we ever get Carnitas and they are always delicious!
nom nom nom.

I have one simple rule about picking restaurants in an area I’m not familiar with. If it’s crowded, it’s gotta be good. I used to work in the area quite a bit and I found Carnitas Don Rafa this way. It’s easy to pass by this place. It doesn’t look like much from out in front. It does have a large free parking lot though. Inside, it’s a pleasant sit down restaurant with a cobblestone floor and dark wood accents. The service is very good and not intrusive. They speak english well. Don Rafa is a great place to bring business associates if you are looking for a business lunch.
For a while, I was addicted to their suizo carne asada burrito, a burrito smothered in ranchero sauce and about a pound of cheese. I could only finish half and the rest was dinner. The remainder of the menu consists of standard Mexician food prepared to perfection. For people not familiar with Carnitas, imagine a Mexician pulled pork. The fajitas are also very good. I don’t get to this part of the city much anymore but anytime I get w/​in a 2 mile radius, I make a detour to Don Rafa’s.