From slow-braised carnitas to hand-poured café de olla, every dish at Carnitas Carmelo Oficial carries the warmth of family recipes passed down through generations — now served right here on Freeport Street.
Carnitas Carmelo Oficial was born from a simple belief: that the best food comes from patience, quality ingredients, and the kind of love you can only get from a family kitchen.
Our carnitas are prepared the old way — large cuts of pork seasoned with a secret blend of citrus and spices, then slow-cooked until they fall apart at the touch. We source locally whenever we can, grind our own coffee, and make our tortillas by hand every morning.
Whether you're grabbing a quick café con leche on your way to work or settling in for a long dinner with friends, we want you to feel what we feel every day: proud to share a piece of Mexico with Houston.
From the sizzle of the griddle to the clink of margarita glasses — this is what a night at Carnitas Carmelo feels like.
Don't take our word for it — hear from the neighbors and regulars who keep coming back.
"The carnitas here are hands-down the best I've had in Houston. You can taste the care in every bite. My family drives from Pearland just for this."
"I come here every Saturday morning for the café de olla and churros. It's become my favorite ritual — the atmosphere is warm, the staff is wonderful, and the food is always consistent."
"The margaritas are dangerously good — I had four and didn't even feel it. The tacos al pastor are the real deal, and the vibe is perfect for a night out with friends."
Walk in, call ahead, or just show up — your table is waiting. We're open seven days a week on Freeport Street.
We're located in the heart of Houston's East Side, right on Freeport Street. Look for the gold sign — you can't miss us.