**** This location of Carnitas' Snack Shake has closed
I'm not big on Super Bowl parties, to many people, crowds, etc, etc..... I guess nowadays I'm just not too big on the Superbowl period. Though I haven't quite gone the route of "FOY" Reid who Tweeted asking when kick-off was so he could hit Costco! You gotta love that one!
Still, the Missus was working and my good buddy Candice asked me if I'd like to meet her at Carnitas' Snack Shack. What a great idea! I hadn't been back here since they first opened and while I thought the place a bit over-hyped, I really enjoyed the atmosphere, and thought the food had promise.
Over the last couple of years, they've added a back bar and grill ("The Pig Pen") area. The place looks very relaxed and inviting. There was a large screen with the game on.......
The main reason I met Candice....other than the wonderful company of course, was for this:
I've had my share of lousy TJ Style Hot Dogs, but this is not one of them. Yes, Carnitas' thrives on serving fairly over-the-top eats, but I gotta say, I really loved this. The dog was large, but still had some snap, it was well flavored. The bacon could have been more crisp, but I loved the flavor....the mustard was delish, the bun didn't hold up, but was nice and fluffy. What really caught my attention was how the guacamole on this dog just sang in perfect harmony with the "meat-stick". I like hot dogs, but I'm usually fine after just one, but much like my favorites, I left wanting another.....
Personally, I'm not a big fan of grilled wings, but these were also pretty good.
Mainly because the flavors worked real well together. The nice sweetness balanced out by a sneaky, spicy, finish. Courtesy of habanero I'm told. Much like grilled wings, this was a bit chewy, but not bad at all. In fact, I had two left that I brought home, which the Missus really enjoyed.
It seems that Carnitas' has really found their niche. Perhaps the dishes area bit over-the-top, but I really can't say anything I've had here was bland. Now that they serve beer and have really expanded their dining area, maybe it's time I brought the Missus.
Carnitas' Snack Shack
2632 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92104
everything looks good! the hot dog reminds me of Hank's fat boy.
Posted by: kat | Monday, 03 February 2014 at 09:18 PM
Looks like some good grubbing.
Posted by: nhbilly | Tuesday, 04 February 2014 at 07:05 AM
I really enjoyed it Kat!
Sure was Billy!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 04 February 2014 at 07:17 AM
That's a nice looking dog!
Posted by: Soo | Tuesday, 04 February 2014 at 09:31 AM
It was pretty good Soo. I hope they have it more often.
Posted by: Kirk | Wednesday, 05 February 2014 at 06:19 AM