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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lower West Side

Al pastor tacos

Made for those who track down the specific, slow-roasted technique of authentic al pastor.

Based on 665 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
De Luna Taco Grill image 1
De Luna Taco Grill image 2
De Luna Taco Grill image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Food truck setting with twinkling lights and celestial motifs creates a magical, relaxed atmosphere. Patrons enjoy authentic Mexican street food with standout steak tacos and flavorful salsas. Cash-only policy and occasional sidewalk lawn chairs add to the casual, inviting vibe.

Steak and al pastor tacos stand out with big portions and rich flavors. The menu blends traditional and inventive flavors, making each taco delicious and memorable.

Well-seasoned, juicy meat defines the al pastor tacos here. Pineapple adds a delightful twist that enhances the flavor.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos here were the best I ever had."

"The Al Pastor tacos are so juicy and flavorful."

"I considered this my go-to hidden gem for tacos."

Good to know

1

They accept CASH ONLY; bring enough cash to try everything.

2

Prices have increased; burritos now cost $10.

3

I spent around $20 for four tacos, which is a great deal.

02
Carniceria Maribel image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco spot sits at the back of a liquor store with a small counter and limited seating. Mexican atmosphere feels down-to-earth and friendly, highlighted by a large Selena mural outside. The place has a happy vibe that makes waiting for orders enjoyable despite the simple setup.

Tacos come on traditional corn tortillas with generous portions that fill up quickly. Varieties like carne asada, chorizo, al pastor, and beef tongue pack rich, fresh flavors that stand out.

Al pastor tacos stand out with rich flavor and a simple topping of cilantro. They rank above many others in taste and quality.

People are saying

"I thought the steak tacos were well seasoned and flavorful."

"The salsas here are to die for, packed with flavor."

"I thought the Al Pastor here was superior to most I had tried."

Good to know

1

Each taco costs around $5 but is larger and loaded compared to average tacos.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM, two hours before the liquor store.

3

Calling your order in advance is recommended to avoid long wait times.

03
El Costeño image 1
Restaurant

Bright colors and traditional Mexican music create an authentic, cozy atmosphere with a family feel. The space is open and sunny, offering complimentary chips and salsa that enhance the relaxed dining experience.

Tacos feature tacos de al pastor with a unique, non-greasy flavor and tripa tacos noted for quality. Portions come generous and the overall taste is consistently delicious.

Tacos al pastor stand out with a unique flavor and are never greasy. The Al pastor Gordita and al pastor soup also offer distinct, delicious options.

People are saying

"The cabeza tacos are tender and juicy."

"I thought the tacos al pastor were the best I'd ever tasted."

"The cabeza tacos were super tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

El Costeño closes at 9 pm.

2

The prices at El Costeño are affordable.

3

El Costeño offers vegetarian options upon request.

04
La Providencia Grocery image 1

Grocery store with community atmosphere and friendly service offers reasonably priced groceries and weekend barbecue dishes. Known for delicious carnitas and al pastor tacos, it maintains a long-standing presence of over 30 years.

Al Pastor tacos stand out with their rich flavor and are often described as the best. Steak tacos sometimes lack expected ingredients like cheese and can have overcooked meat.

Tacos feature richly seasoned al pastor with a perfectly balanced flavor that stands out. The al pastor tacos consistently deliver a memorable taste experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the carnitas."

"The Al Pastor taco is the best I've ever had."

"The al pastor taco is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

La Providencia Grocery sells barbecue, cochinita pibil, and menudo on weekends.

2

They have been in business for over 30 years.

3

Prices at La Providencia Grocery are reasonable.

05
Rubi’s Tacos image 1
Restaurant

Small space with vibrant Mexican decor and loud mariachi music creates a lively, energetic atmosphere. Seating fills quickly and feels communal, resembling a fast-food setup more than a cozy family restaurant. Thick homemade tortillas and authentic Latin flavors define the food experience.

Tacos come in a nice size with two filling enough for a meal. The Mole Rojo con Puerco and those with peanut sauce stand out as very delicious options.

Tacos feature handmade tortillas and a variety of meats including Al Pastor, which stands out for its rich flavor. The Al Pastor tacos consistently receive praise for being delicious and flavorful.

People are saying

"I loved the tacos, especially the homemade tortillas."

"The Al Pastor here is unbelievably flavorful."

"The churros are crunchy, soft inside, with a perfect cinnamon sugar coating."

Good to know

1

Rubi's Tacos makes chicken pozole on Thursdays, a must-try dish.

2

The restaurant is closed from Monday to Wednesday.

3

Seating fills up quickly, so expect to wait during peak hours.

06
Taqueria El Mezquite image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a covered outdoor patio offers a cozy atmosphere filled with good music and hustle and bustle. The patio provides a relaxing and clean seating area where people enjoy made-to-order food. The vibe is lively and authentic, attracting a steady flow of guests throughout the day.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavors and well-served portions. Options like lengua and Al Pastor offer distinct, delicious choices.

Savory and tasteful with a hint of sweetness, the al pastor offers a rich, incredibly flavorful experience. It appears in tacos and tortas, delivering a classic balance of sweet and savory notes.

People are saying

"I loved their amazing tacos."

"I thought the tacos were amazing and truly delicious."

"The Al Pastor here is savory, tasteful, and has a hint of sweetness."

Good to know

1

Taqueria El Mezquite is a BYOB establishment, allowing you to bring your own alcohol.

2

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for parties of four or more.

3

Prices for meals can be high, with some items exceeding $20.

07
Taco Loco Of Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small tent on a sidewalk with no seating offers made-to-order tacos and generous portions at low prices. Atmosphere feels homemade and genuine, attracting those seeking authentic Mexican street food. Cash-only setup and irregular hours require planning ahead.

Street tacos come with big portions and tons of flavor. Meat is made to order with options like chicken, steak, chorizo, and cabeza, all served with freshness and friendly service.

Al pastor tacos come with pork and sometimes chorizo. Some find them amazing, while others notice they can be dry.

People are saying

"I had never had a better taco."

"The quesadilla here is so good, you'll be stuffed."

"The Al Pastor tacos were amazing and highly recommended."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash, so bring enough for your meal.

2

There is no seating available; it's an outdoor stand.

3

Parking can be difficult to find in the neighborhood.

08
Taquerías Atotonilco - Pilsen image 1

Mexican restaurant offers an intimate setting with authentic Hispanic decals and cash-only policy. The atmosphere is casual and clean, with parking available nearby. Tacos come with chiles en vinagre and basic condiments at the table.

Tacos here stand out for their Al pastor and house special Atotonilco with juicy steak and thinly sliced tomato and onion. Portions are huge and the red salsa on the Al pastor offers a great heat level.

Big chunks of tender meat define the Al Pastor here, cooked similarly to steak. The tacos come with a red salsa that offers a great heat level and stands out in flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here, especially the tacos, is the best I've ever had."

"I thought the tacos here were the best I've ever had."

"I thought the al pastor tacos were the best I had ever tasted."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts cash payments, so plan accordingly.

2

Tacos cost between $3 and $4 each, making them affordable.

3

There is an ATM inside for cash withdrawals.

09
Señoritas Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Old-time speakeasy style blends with colorful decor and a nice patio for a vibrant setting. Music stays lively with a live DJ that energizes the space. Crowds pack the place, creating a loud, chill vibe especially at night.

Tacos here feature a lot of fish and include tasty options like shrimp, carne asada, and carnitas. They lean toward flavorful fillings but sometimes include cheese, differing from traditional street-style tacos.

Vegan al pastor tacos and quesadillas pack bold flavor with a balanced spice level. Al pastor tacos come with a surcharge that is not clearly communicated.

People are saying

"The Mexican food, especially the tacos and enchiladas, is really tasty."

"I thought the tacos were great and perfectly made."

"The vegan al pastor quesadilla was mind-blowing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Mondays features $8 margaritas.

2

The restaurant offers a dedicated vegan menu.

3

Free chips and salsa are provided with meals.

10
Raymond's Tacos on Damen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy vibe and welcoming atmosphere that gets very crowded. It operates as a cash-only spot with an ATM inside, popular for late-night dining. Known for distinctive tacos with unique flavors, it draws a steady crowd seeking classic Mexican fare.

Offers steak, ribeye, and lengua tacos with a unique flavor. Known for tacos de alpastor with American cheese and a solid late-night taco spot.

Al pastor meat shows up with perfect seasoning and a tasty profile. Tacos al pastor con queso stand out with American cheese adding a unique twist.

People are saying

"I thought the asada tacos were the best."

"It's a great late night spot for awesome, fresh, and delicious food."

"The al pastor meat here is really tasty."

Good to know

1

Raymond's Tacos on Damen accepts only cash payments.

2

They have an ATM inside for cash withdrawals.

3

The restaurant is open until 1am for late-night dining.

11
El Taco Azteca - Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open-concept Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Offers an elaborate vegan menu alongside traditional dishes and excellent margaritas with diverse flavors. Small space includes TVs for games, creating a dynamic yet relaxed vibe.

Tacos feature sophisticated flavors with standout options like al pastor, octopus, and shrimp. Pozole tacos come with a consume for dipping, adding a unique touch to the experience.

Tacos al pastor come on blue corn tortillas and are juicy and packed with flavor. They stand out as some of the most delicious in this specialty.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and sophisticated."

"I found the al pastor and octopus tacos to be absolutely delicious."

"The al pastor tacos are juicy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 2 to 7 pm with $5 margaritas.

2

Expect a 75-minute wait during peak hours.

3

The restaurant has a good selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

12
Taqueria Los Comales Pilsen image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a bustling, family-style atmosphere with authentic decor and an open kitchen. The space feels cozy and crowded, filled with families and friends enjoying late-night dining. Music plays loudly, creating a lively and energetic vibe.

Tacos here stand out for their authentic flavors and fresh preparation. The pastor, chorizo, and steak tacos are especially notable for their seasoning and quality meat.

Tacos feature al pastor with a sweet and savory balance. Meat fills the tacos well, making them flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos and burritos here were the best."

"I thought the tacos here were fantastic."

"I found the Al Pastor here to be the best authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at midnight.

2

Finding parking on weekends is difficult due to the location.

3

Call ahead for carry out orders to minimize wait time.

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Lower West Side, Chicago

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