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Local picks

Carnitas tacos and salad in New York

A crisp, fresh salad followed by savory carnitas tacos hits the right balance of light and heavy.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Oyamel image 1
Oyamel image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Large space with industrial style and indoor/outdoor seating creates an open, lively vibe. Loud music and live entertainment add energy, giving more of a bar atmosphere than a traditional restaurant. Guests enjoy watching sports on big screens and appreciate the beautiful dรฉcor and views.

Carnitas tacos come highly recommended and stand out alongside suadero tacos. Both offer a rich, savory flavor that makes them a solid choice.

Caesar salad features sliced anchovies and grounded croutons. Avocado salad comes with fresh guacamole, chips, and salsa. Tuna aguachile and gazpacho salad offer fresh, vibrant flavors.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and elevated."

"You have to try the carnitas tacos; they were really good."

"The Salt Air margarita was an innovative approach."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $45 special menu that changes regularly.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

The restaurant can get toasty during summer as it lacks air conditioning.

02
Oxomoco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a beautiful interior with natural light and light wood furnishings, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a cafe in Mexico City. The vibe suits special occasions more than casual nights out, with a fun and lively energy. Outstanding tacos and fabulous cocktails complement the inviting setting.

Pork carnitas tacos offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors with a succulent, satisfying bite. They carry a homestyle, festive taste reminiscent of Christmas pork.

Caesar salad stands out with perfectly crunchy lettuce, tart and punchy dressing, and crumbs adding texture. The chard Caesar offers a unique twist on the classic.

People are saying

"The shrimp tacos here are crunchy and well-seasoned."

"The Caesar salad is creamy, crisp, and perfectly dressed."

"The carnitas tacos were succulent and had a wonderful blend of flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Oxomoco, especially for popular times like Thursday nights.

2

Expect to spend about $100 per person for a taco dinner.

3

Oxomoco offers a brunch experience that is one of the best in NYC.

03
Carnitas Ramirez image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican taqueria with handmade tortillas and a self-serve salsa bar creates an authentic, no-frills atmosphere. Retro Mexican novelas play on a small TV, adding to the uplifting vibe that encourages conversation. Seating includes a cozy back area with an open-air feel and sidewalk tables.

Fresh tortillas enhance the flavor of the carnitas tacos. The tacos feature chรญcharos and maciza, delivering a very good and authentic taste that stands out even to those not usually into carnitas.

Cactus salad stands out with its bouncy texture like aloe and a refreshing mix of tomato, onion, cilantro, fava beans, and Serrano. It works well as a topping or a side to tacos.

People are saying

"I thought the tacos were amazing, truly some of the best."

"I loved the mix of fatty and lean pig parts in this salad."

"I thought the carnitas tacos were the best in town."

Good to know

1

The restaurant operates on a first come, first served basis and does not accept reservations.

2

Be prepared for lines during prime time days like Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at meal times.

3

There is limited seating available.

04
Vida Verde - Tequila Bar image 1

Three floors plus a rooftop deck create a vibrant, festive atmosphere filled with loud music and a young, lively crowd. A DJ and bar dancer add to the energetic vibe, while colorful, edgy decor enhances the space. The setting encourages socializing despite the high noise level.

Juicy and meaty, the carnitas tacos pack a savory punch and come loaded with fresh vegetables. They deliver a flavorful delight that stands out in Midtown.

Mexican Cobb Salad stands out with fresh, flavorful, and filling ingredients. Other options like the Vida Verde salad and salmon taco combos offer light, satisfying choices with typical serving sizes.

People are saying

"The cocktails were creative, balanced, and made with care."

"I'm still thinking about their fresh, flavorful Mexican Cobb Salad."

"The carnitas tacos here are a flavorful delight."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to be seated at a table.

2

The bottomless brunch is offered until 5PM on Saturdays and until 8PM on Sundays.

3

Customers only have 1 hour to eat during busy times.

05
Mezcali image 1
Mexican restaurant

Two-level Mexican restaurant offers a large space with an inviting, cozy vibe on the lower floor and a loud, party atmosphere upstairs. Amazing music plays throughout, creating energy but making conversation difficult. Open windows add a unique touch to the lively setting.

Carnitas tacos stand out as a solid choice with consistent praise. Servers often recommend them alongside drinks like the old fashioned and mezcal.

Salads here feature fresh ingredients like avocado, arugula, and shrimp. Options include a spicy tortilla salad and a cortado salad, often paired with seafood like salmon or the catch of the day.

People are saying

"The food here is incredible and served quickly."

"I loved the carnitas tacos; they were perfect."

"I loved the avocado salad."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

3

The happy hour offers delicious drinks and appetizers at reasonable prices for NYC.

06
Takumi Taco image 1
Japanese restaurant

Wrap-around bar seating creates an indoor food truck vibe with a Latin atmosphere enhanced by top 40 bachata music. The space feels crowded and lively, with quick turnover and limited seating. A terrace with stoves adds to the dining experience.

Carnitas tacos come in a decent size and offer satisfying flavor. Portions can vary, with some dishes like the bento box serving smaller amounts.

Sesame cucumber salad stands out as exceptionally fresh and flavorful. The mandarine salad offers a satisfying mix, while the corn salad adds a sweet crunch to the options.

People are saying

"These tacos are so delicious and fresh."

"I loved the Carnitas Tacos; they were delicious."

"You have to try the charred corn salad; it's the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Count around $40 for four tacos and two drinks for two people.

07
Amor Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with chic decor and live drag performances creates an invigorating atmosphere. Music plays loudly, adding to the lively vibe. Seating includes a bar for groups and lacks chairs with backs, contributing to a casual feel.

Three small tacos come in an order with flavorful meat. Some find the carnitas tacos dry as dust.

Salads here stand out with the Tijuana Caesar Salad with chicken and the huge, protein-packed Cobb salad. Presentation includes a salad served in a tortilla bowl, adding a unique touch.

People are saying

"Our server Rose was so attentive to our food and drinks."

"I found the salads here to be fresh and delicious."

"The Carnitas Tacos here are stunningly flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Sunday drag brunch starts at 1:30 PM and requires food purchase for bottomless drinks.

2

Happy hour ends at 6 PM, with drinks priced at $14 and up afterward.

3

The kitchen closes at 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

08
Conmigo image 1
Restaurant

Mexican-style decor creates a stunning, cozy space with plenty of room and Instagram-worthy design. The vibe stays chill and relaxing with great music pumping through the speakers. It serves as a popular spot for lunch and after work, offering delicious tacos and margaritas.

Carnitas tacos come with rich, tender meat that stands out alongside other options like barbacoa. They deliver a satisfying, authentic flavor that pairs well with burritos and chicken tacos.

Salads come with fresh ingredients like avocado and elote. They often lack taco shells or many tortilla chips and cost between $15 and $41, sometimes feeling light for the price.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The carnitas tacos were amazing."

"I've never eaten a salad this fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers $9 for a 12 oz. beer, but no unlimited drinks.

2

The kitchen closes at 9pm on weekends, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect to pay $14 for a 12 oz. beer during regular hours.

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