Three pork builds on a kaiser bun: a chicken-fried Duroc pork loin schnitzel, slow-roasted pulled pork and applewood-smoked bacon, finished with pepperoncini relish and shack aioli.

Hanis Cavin opened Carnitas' Snack Shack on University Avenue in North Park in 2011 as a no-reservations pork-focused walk-up window. The Triple Threat sandwich combines three preparations of pork in one build; it became the citywide signature plate, anchored the Embarcadero waterfront expansion, and led the brand's growth across the county.

5 editor picks for Carnitas' Snack Shack Triple Threat Pork Sandwich in San Diego, ranked by editorial score. All San Diego signature dishes · Carnitas' Snack Shack Triple Threat Pork Sandwich across every city.

Buona Forchetta ★ 4.6

$$Italian Wood-fired PizzaSouth Park

Buona Forchetta in San Diego is Matteo Cattaneo's South Park pizzeria on 30th and Beech since 2011, the Naples-style wood-fire room that holds the Gambero.

OrderThe pizza Sofia with prosciutto and burrata; the margherita is the test of the dough.

TipNo reservations on the patio; arrive by 5:30pm or after 8:30pm to skip the worst of the line.

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Ironside Fish and Oyster ★ 4.5

$$$SeafoodLittle Italy

Ironside Fish and Oyster in San Diego is Consortium Holdings' India Street raw bar in Little Italy, with a piranha-skull-clad back wall and an extensive.

OrderThe Connecticut-style lobster roll, hot with butter; the oyster tower to share.

TipHappy hour at the bar runs $2 oysters Mon-Fri 3pm-5pm; the back patio gets sun until 7pm.

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Carnitas' Snack Shack Embarcadero ★ 4.4

$$MexicanEmbarcadero

Carnitas' Snack Shack Embarcadero in San Diego is Hanis Cavin's harbour-front Mexican-American pork counter on North Harbor Drive, the larger waterside.

OrderThe Triple Threat sandwich, layering pulled pork, bacon and pork schnitzel; the carnitas tacos.

TipIndoor and outdoor seating with a harbour view; arrive before 7pm to get a patio table.

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Phil's BBQ ★ 4.4

$$American BbqPoint Loma

Phil's BBQ in San Diego is the Sports Arena Boulevard barbecue counter, a Texas-leaning shop with mesquite-smoked beef ribs, pulled pork and the famous onion.

OrderThe Mr. Pig sandwich and a half-rack of beef ribs; the onion ring tower for the table.

TipTake-out from the side window has a shorter line; full table service runs the indoor dining room.

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Hob Nob Hill ★ 4.2

$$American DinerBankers Hill

Hob Nob Hill in San Diego is the Bankers Hill American diner at 1st and Juniper since 1944, the 80-year-old institution reopened in 2025 with a throwback.

OrderThe Monte Cristo at breakfast; the weekend prime rib special.

TipOpen daily 8am-8pm; the bakery starts at 6am, fresh muffins and cakes come out by opening.

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