Carnitas Don Rafa

Specialties: Don Rafa's vision to provide excellent Mexican food at reasonable prices has brought him to the point in his career where he can extend his services. Don Rafa Restaurants is also a well-known professional catering service. He holds a Caterer's License which is issued by the City of Chicago to cater food and alcoholic beverages off site. Don Rafa has all the experience and equipment to cater your event so that you can enjoy your festivity worry free. A list of clients can be provided at request. Established in 1996. Born in Pennsylvania, son of immigrants who worked the railroads Don Sabas Vega, father of Don Rafa returned to the United States having come from Uruapan, Michoacán, Mexico. In 1956, Sabas, then 31, was hoping to open his own business so he could support his family. With little money and full of dreams, he opened Sabas Vega Butcher Shop on 18th Street in the Pilsen area. After acquiring more experience with different meats, he began to market traditional "Carnitas" Michoacán style. He made them according to ancestral techniques in copper pots which gave it an exquisite and incomparable taste. The popularity of "Carnitas" grew so much among the Hispanic population in the city that the butcher shop was turned into a restaurant. Following what his father taught him, Don Rafa continued the tradition then passed the businesses to his employees. They presently own 2 restaurants, have a successful catering business and launched a food truck service certified by the Chicago.