Simple, Elevated
The first time I visited Carnitas Lonja in 2019, I sped past the old service station exterior on San Antonio’s South Side. I checked my GPS, doubled back, and parked on the gravel drive. A warm, savory aroma greeted me when I walked into the tiny space. It felt like entering a family member’s house for a special meal that had been cooking on the stove all day long.
Owner Alex Paredes greeted me from behind a steel counter. I knew I needed to order whatever I was smelling. “We have carnitas,” he said, placing a small cup of chopped pork into my hand and smiling. I can’t think of
