Reading: Our Favorite Tacos in NYC
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New York City might not be the first place that comes to mind for tacos, but it’s time to think again. While LA has long been the taco town, NYC is catching up fast, offering up some incredible spots if you know where to look. From traditional street-style tacos at Taqueria Ramirez to Tex-Mex at Yellow Rose, these tacos hold their own, and here are some of our favorite spots.
PC: Los Tacos
Since opening in Chelsea Market back in 2013, Los Tacos No. 1 has won many hearts bringing their Tijauna style tacos to New Yorkers all over the city. Best known for their Adobada– marinated pork that gets topped with a sliver of roasted pineapple and served on a fresh-made corn or flour tortilla. We also recommend trying their secret menu item- the queso taco. Los Tacos is no-frills, fast, and full of flavor—a must for any taco lover in NYC.
PC: Adam Friedlander
Taqueria Ramirez in Greenpoint is a true slice of Mexico City’s taco scene, dishing out traditional street-style tacos all day long. Specializing in al pastor, suadero, and longaniza, all served on perfectly soft, handmade tortillas. Come by on a Tuesday & you might be lucky enough to try their gringa de pastor special– two flour tortillas and melted chihuahua cheese. With each bite, you’ll understand why this tiny shop has a constant line around the block.
PC: @nycfoodaddiction
What started as a Queens taco truck quickly became a citywide sensation, known for their rich, Jalisco-style birria tacos. Their slow-cooked beef birria is served with a side of consommé for dipping and has both New Yorkers & tourists lining up at their Jackson Heights and Williamsburg trucks to try. Be sure to order an extra taco or two (add cheese!), you’ll thank us later.
PC: Los Mariscos
Tucked inside Chelsea Market and brought to us from the same team as Los Tacos No. 1, Los Mariscos brings the flavors of Baja right to NYC with some of the freshest seafood tacos in the city. Famous for their fried shrimp, spicy shrimp and fried fish tacos, this spot truly feels like a mini getaway to the Mexican coast. Casual, lively, and always fresh, Los Mariscos is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
PC: Yellow Rose
Yellow Rose has carved a new path in NYC’s taco scene since its opening in 2019, quickly becoming a go-to for anyone craving authentic Tex-Mex. The menu showcases authentic San Antonio-style tacos, including their standout, Carne Guisada, beef simmered in dried chile gravy, and crispy bean & cheese tacos. Desserts here are a must so be sure to save some room for their famous seasonal sheet cakes.
PC:Carnitas Ramirez
Carnitas Ramirez, a new venture from the team behind Taqueria Ramirez, brings Michoacán-style carnitas to the East Village. This spot specializes in a delicious array of pork cuts from nose to tail, including brain, tongue, and ear, all expertly stewed in its own fat for an incredibly tender & fatty bite. If you’re unsure where to start & on the more adventurous side, go for the Surtida first, but there is a cut for everyone here.
PC: @foodfiend2018
This casual cash only spot is serving up some of the city’s most wallet-friendly tacos at just $2.50-3.50 a pop. The Al Pastor is a must-order, but our favorite is the Campechanos, which has slow simmered beef, longaniza, and crispy pork skin, all served on double tortillas with onions and cilantro for the perfect bite.
PC: Esse Taco
Esse Taco, the latest venture from acclaimed chef Enrique Olvera of Mexico City’s Pujol and NYC’s Cosme, is making waves in Williamsburg with a menu centered around fresh heirloom corn tortillas. Focusing on simple yet exquisite flavors, here you can find pork adobada, oyster mushroom, chicken “Poc Chuc,” and their signature rib-eye taco with thin-slices of marinated beef. For a dollar more per taco, you can “make them gringa,” swapping corn for flour tortillas and adding melted chihuahua cheese.
PC: @usacheapeats
This Bushwick taqueria has quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional al pastor tacos, featuring house-made corn tortillas & perfectly marinated pork, balanced with fresh onions, cilantro and a cube of pineapple. In addition to their namesake al pastor, the Carne Asada is not to be skipped; slathered with their fresh guacamole and grilled to perfection.
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