A small taquería in Santa Clara del Cobre cooking carnitas in the hammered copper cazo the town is famous for producing. Copper conducts heat evenly, which local cooks argue is exactly why Michoacán carnitas taste the way they do.
Tzitziki Urapiti is a small taquería in Santa Clara del Cobre cooking carnitas in a hammered copper cazo, the same handcrafted vessels the town is internationally known for producing. Copper conducts heat more evenly than other metals, and local cooks argue that is exactly why carnitas cooked this way taste distinct from versions made elsewhere in Michoacán, giving the taquería a direct connection to the town's craft heritage rather than being simply another carnitas stand. The menu is short: tacos de carnitas, a quarter-kilo order for sharing, and tortas de carnitas for something more substantial, all served from a counter rather than a formal dining room. Prices are low, 35-180 MXN per person, in keeping with the taquería format. There is no beverage list beyond soft drinks; this is a quick food stop rather than a sit-down meal. It keeps daytime hours, 9AM to 6PM daily, and does not accept reservations, operating on the same walk-in, counter-service model as most of Michoacán's carnitas specialists.
Signature dishes
- Taco de carnitas — 30 MXN ($2 USD)
- Quarter kilo of carnitas — 130 MXN ($8 USD)
- Torta de carnitas — 70 MXN ($4 USD)
Good to know
- Known for
- Carnitas cooked in locally hammered copper cazos
- Hours
- Daily 9AM-6PM
- Reservations
- Not accepted, counter service
Location
Calle Fray Juan de San Miguel 384, Col. Centro, 61800 Santa Clara del Cobre, Michoacán
19.4055, -101.6385 View on map
Highlights
- Carnitas cooked in a hammered copper cazo, tying the food to the town's craft tradition
- Taco de carnitas as the simplest and most popular order
- Torta de carnitas for a more substantial meal
- A direct link between Santa Clara del Cobre's copper craft and its food
- Low prices typical of a counter-service taquería
Tips for visiting
- Order a quarter kilo to share if visiting with company
- Visit during the day, since it closes at 6PM
- Combine a stop here with browsing the town's copper workshops
- No reservations are needed; it is counter service only
Accessibility
The taquería is a small, ground-level counter with street-level access; specific wheelchair facilities are not documented.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the copper cazo matter for the carnitas here?
Copper conducts heat evenly, and local cooks say this produces a distinct texture and flavour compared with carnitas cooked in other metals.
Is there seating at Tzitziki Urapiti?
It operates mainly as a counter-service taquería rather than a full sit-down restaurant.
What hours is it open?
Daily from 9AM to 6PM.