When it comes to great tacos, there’s no better place than New York City. From traditional tacos al pastor to Mexican-inspired takes on this classic meal, the diverse range of eateries and flavors around NYC make it the perfect destination for taco lovers. So whether you’re a resident of the Big Apple or just visiting, here’s a guide to the best tacos in the city:
It’s a fact: New Yorkers love their tacos. The popularity of this classic Mexican dish is alive and well in the city, with a wealth of eateries offering tacos of all types. Whether you’re looking for a traditional tortilla-filled fare, something with a New York twist, or a vegan-friendly option, the range of taco offerings in NYC could meet anyone’s needs. Below, check out some of the Mexican restaurants that are crafting crowd-pleasing tacos worth searching out.
Tacos El Comal
Tacos El Comal is a taco haven in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan. Here, a variety of tacos are served with your choice of pork, beef, or chicken. The shop is clearly dedicated to authentic flavors, with a range of house-made salsas and their famous chorizo sauce. And if you can’t decide, try their signature tacos: ten mini tacos filled with your choice of meat and topped with guacamole and chorizo sauce.
Fonda
Fonda is a Mexican restaurant with multiple locations in New York City. Its tacos are inspired by the classic Mexican street tacos. The menu is always changing, but standard offerings include tacos made with pork carnitas, beef carne asada, or cauliflower. Fonda also offers tacos made with cactus and mushrooms, giving vegetarians lots of options.
Taquitoria
Taquitoria is a celebrated restaurant in the Lower East Side. Here, classic Mexican street tacos are served up in both traditional and new takes on the beloved classic. Taquitoria’s offerings include beef, chicken, and pork tacos as well as fish tacos, al pastor tacos, and tacos el ojo, served with homemade tortillas and flavorful salsas. With a selection of local craft beers, Taquitoria is a great place to stop for a bite.
Maya Taqueria
If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly restaurant in NYC, then the Maya Taqueria is the place to be. This Latin American eatery serves up some truly delicious vegan tacos with black beans, chorizo, and soy cheese. For those looking for something more traditional, Maya Taqueria also offers crispy chipotle tacos made with black turtle beans, lettuce, salsa roja, and yogurt.
Los Tacos No. 1
This popular spot in Chelsea Market, Los Tacos No. 1, serves up some of the city’s best tacos. The restaurant, which is dedicated to the traditional taco al pastor, uses a beautiful hand-built brick rotisserie to create an authentic flavor. The menu offers five kinds of tacos that can be paired with house-made salsas: steak, pork al pastor, chicken tinga, chorizo, and nopales (cactus).
New York City plenty of delicious tacos options, from vegan-friendly tacos to traditional Mexican tacos. Whether you’re a New Yorker, just visiting, or looking for a place to grab a bite, the above list of restaurants and eateries serve up some standout tacos. So the next time you’re in the Big Apple and have a craving for tacos, make sure to hit up one of these must-try taco stops.