The family-owned Michoacan-style carnitas restaurant, Carnitas El Rincon, is getting ready to open in San Francisco at 3222 22nd Street.
The Mission District location is expected to open in about a month, replacing the former home of Gabriella’s Pizza, which closed in 2023, according to Mission Local. The new restaurant will serve 100% Michoacan-style carnitas prepared using traditional artisanal methods, including slow braising in copper pots with orange peel, garlic, bay leaves, and a splash of Coca-Cola. Customers can expect tacos, burritos, combos, and carnitas by the pound at accessible prices.
Founded in 2004, Carnitas El Rincon has grown to 21 locations across California and Nevada, all family-owned and operated. The brand has built a reputation for delivering authentic Michoacan flavors using traditional cooking methods while keeping meals affordable. This expansion into San Francisco marks the company’s first location in the city, continuing its steady growth across the Bay Area.
The Mission District spot will occupy a central location on 22nd Street, serving nearby residents, office workers, and visitors seeking casual, flavorful meals. The layout will accommodate dine-in customers as well as takeout orders for parties and families.
Menu highlights include tacos for $4, burritos ranging from $10 to $13, quesadillas with or without meat, and party trays for 15 to 100 people. The restaurant also offers weekend specials, such as braised chicken and lamb, along with a range of traditional beverages, including sodas, aguas frescas, and bottled water.
Carnitas El Rincon’s accessible pricing and focus on traditional Michoacan cooking make this an excellent landing space for the brand in San Francisco. Its family-owned approach and long-standing reputation for quality and consistency set the stage for a popular addition to the Mission District’s dining scene.
