Ahhh tacos.
How I love thee.
Let me count thy ways.
Ok I don’t have all the time in the world. I just really fucking love tacos.
How do you feel about NYC tacos? There’s a big East coast vs West coast debate (almost as big as Biggie vs. Tupac) that California has the best tacos and NYC doesn’t even come close. Now, I haven’t been to the west coast much and I haven’t even been to LA ever (I know, it’s weird), so I can’t really speak to this. What’s your take?
Either way, here are my favorite NYC taco spots. New suggestions also welcome.
Los Tacos #1 – 75 9th Ave
Located inside Chelsea Market, Los Tacos is excellent and affordable. The lines can get long though, so it’s ideal for takeout, not so much dining in.
Website: Los Tacos No 1
Street Taco – 358 3rd avenue (at 26th)
New addition to the Murray Hill/Gramercy area, and much needed. Awesome specialty margs (the spicy one is my fave), guac, and tacos at this casual and fun spot. HH specials from 4:30 – 7, AND LATE NIGHT 11:30 pm – 2 am.
Website: Street Taco
Empellon al Pastor – 132 St Marks Place
Literally one of my favorite places on the planet. The food here is amazing (not just the tacos), the bar scene is casual and fun, and the cheeseburger taco is SO GOOD. Trust me.
Website: Empellon Al Pastor
Mexicue – 225 5th Ave (and multiple locations)
Yes, it’s a chain, but it’s a good one. There’s something for everyone here, and the pulled pork tacos are delish.
Website: Mexicue
Tacombi (Flatiron) – 30 West 24th Street
Another favorite happy hour spot of mine, the tacos are cheap and delicious, and the service is quick. It’s ideal. There’s a few other locations too (Nolita, Bleecker, Montauk).
Website: Tacombi
Tijuana Picnic – 151 Essex Street
Delicious taco platters and awesome Happy Hour specials. Hit the downstairs bar on a weekend for some dancing.
Website: Tijuana Picnic
Jajaja – 162 East Broadway
Vegan tacos have never tasted so good. Don’t sleep on the “chorizo” ones.
Website: Jajaja
Gordo’s Cantina – 24-11 Bridge Plaza N, LIC
Right off the Queensborough bridge and the 7 train in LIC. Serious Mexican street fare is served up here.
Website: Gordo’s Cantina
Salvation Taco – 145 East 39th St
Literally one of the most beautiful rooftops in the city in my opinion. Plus awesome tacos & margs? Sign me up. The crowds at the bar can get intense though, so be prepared to wait.
Website: Salvation Taco
Tacos Morelos – 438 East 9th St (or the truck on Bedford and N. 7th in Williamsburg, BK)
I discovered this place when it was just a food truck that fed my drunken dreams. Now it’s a brick and mortar, and you should go. Try the chicken cutlet cemitas too.
Website: None
