Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in the LES

Taco spots

A taco spot that serves a proper meal instead of just a quick, standing-room-only snack.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated May 2026
01
Vallarta Tropical NYC image 1
Vallarta Tropical NYC image 2
Vallarta Tropical NYC image 3
View all
Seafood restaurant

Small space with a sliding door creates a cozy vibe, enhanced by a curated music playlist. Fish tacos shine with fresh flavors, paired well with aguachile and ceviche. Tables are tilted and wobbly, adding a casual touch to the friendly, inviting mood.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh flavors, paired well with aguachile and ceviche. Tacos de carne asada offer a rich, savory taste that holds up well.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and authentic."

"The cocktails here are creative and luscious."

"The carne asada tacos here are some of the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Customers should check their bill carefully for potential nighttime pricing.

2

The pricing structure can be confusing and potentially misleading.

3

There is a daytime and nighttime menu with different items available all day.

02
CANTINA SUNDOWN image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot buzzes with vibrant energy and lively music. Steak tacos shine with bold flavor and come with rice and beans. Enjoy incredible margaritas especially on Taco Tuesdays with great deals.

Steak tacos come with rice and beans and pack a lot of flavor. Birria tacos are also available, and Taco Tuesdays offer great deals with $9 margaritas.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious flavored margaritas during Happy Hour."

"I loved the flavor of the steak tacos."

"These nachos are so flavorful and worth the wait."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is pet friendly at brunch.

2

They have a happy hour.

3

The prices are reasonable.

03
Birria LES image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot buzzes with loud music and cozy, authentic decor. Halal birria tacos shine with rich, tender beef and melted cheese. Outdoor standing tables add a casual vibe to this energetic eatery.

Halal authentic birria tacos stand out with rich, tender beef and melted cheese. The tacos offer a deeply satisfying flavor that leaves a lasting impression.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are the best I've ever had."

"The birria dumplings were juicy and flavorful."

"The beef sliders here are so good, the bread is soft and pillowy."

Good to know

1

You should order ahead and find a park to eat this food due to limited seating.

2

Three tacos without cheese cost $14.70; a small cup of consommรฉ costs $4.90.

3

Parking and seating is limited since it's a hole in the wall spot.

04
SET L.E.S. image 1
Restaurant

Small interior glows with neon lights and street art, creating a lively vibe. Multiple TVs offer a 360-degree sports view for fans. Soft, hot tacos like bulgogi cheesesteak pack bold flavors, perfect with brunch and drinks.

Soft, hot tacos come with standout options like bulgogi cheesesteak and chop cheese, both packed with flavor. Shrimp tacos also feature prominently, often paired with brunch items and drinks.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The chicken and waffles for brunch were delicious."

"I loved the chopped cheese and fish tacos."

Good to know

1

The restaurant adds a 20% automatic gratuity to each check, regardless of party size.

2

You should make reservations since the venue is small.

3

The happy hour is from 5-7 PM and features a variety of food and drink options.

05
Cowboy Tom's image 1

Cocktail bar shines with cowboy-themed decor and a star-studded ceiling that sets a lively mood. Tacos are perfectly cooked with bold flavors, paired well with a solid drink selection. DJs spin tunes on a sweet sound system, keeping energy high.

Tacos come out perfectly cooked with really flavorful fillings. The menu pairs them with a solid drink selection.

People are saying

"The vibe here is so cool, especially the 90s hip hop playlist."

"Fernando, the bartender, made everyone at the bar feel welcome."

"I tried their tacos, and they were perfectly cooked and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The cocktail bar opens next week with a special launch event.

2

Reservations are recommended for the opening night to secure a spot.

3

The bar features a happy hour from 5-7pm daily after opening.

06
Sixty Three Clinton image 1
New American restaurant

Open kitchen counter shows food prep with no gas cooking, creating a cozy atmosphere. Breakfast tacos shine with crunchy hashbrown and salty roe, standing out among dishes like agnelloti and mapo tofu. Staff offer a friendly vibe, making visits warm and personal.

Breakfast tacos feature a crunchy hashbrown and salty roe paired with Anitama. The breakfast taco stands out alongside agnelloti and mapo tofu dishes.

People are saying

"The tasting menu here is creative, innovative, and well-constructed."

"The staff here are super friendly and attentive for dinner spots."

"The choco taco with its cold ice cream center is a must-have."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least four weeks in advance to secure a good time slot.

2

The restaurant offers a seven-course tasting menu priced at $112, which is a good value.

3

Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the restaurant.

07
Barrio Chino image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, lively spot with heated outdoor seating and a local vibe. Tacos shine with al pastor pork and barbacoa lamb offering rich flavors. Cocktails, especially spicy margaritas, perfectly complement the bold tastes.

Al pastor pork and barbacoa lamb tacos stand out for their rich flavors. Steak tacos and cauliflower tacos also offer distinct tastes, with toppings like pickled onions and salsa verde enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"You have to try the hibiscus margaritas; they made our day."

"The atmosphere felt cozy, intimate, and down to earth."

"The al pastor tacos were a burst of flavor."

Good to know

1

Happy hour for margaritas is from 5-6 pm on weekdays.

2

Expect high prices, with the Enchiladas de Mole costing $22.

3

You can substitute chicken with shrimp in the Enchiladas Verdes for an extra $3.

08
The Mayfly image 1

Bar boasts a unique tap-on-wall system and a lively DJ vibe that keeps energy high. Pork tacos deliver rich flavor, while fish tacos add a fresh twist. Space fits 100 with a small dance floor for a fun, cutesy night out.

Pork tacos stand out with rich flavor. Fish tacos offer a fresh twist. The menu includes pub-style options beyond typical fare.

People are saying

"The brunch cocktails are amazing and perfectly balanced."

"It's got a wonderful, chill vibe that feels intimate and welcoming."

"The tacos here are delicious and overflowing."

Good to know

1

You can rent a space for no minimum in NYC.

2

Unlimited mimosas are available for $25.

3

We were allowed to bring our own catering and decorations for the event.

09
Verlaine image 1
Cocktail bar

Bar blends Asian fusion decor with live salsa music and lychee martinis. Tacos offer bold flavors like chicken and flounder in small, tasty bites. Outdoor space and Vietnamese art create a vibey atmosphere that livens up during happy hour and dancing.

Tacos feature an Asian fusion flavor with options like chicken and flounder. They come small but pack a tasty punch.

People are saying

"I loved the lychee martinis during happy hour; they were tasty and strong."

"I loved the Sunday salsa dancing with live Latin music."

"The chicken tacos were mouth-wateringly delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available every Tuesday to Sunday from 5 to 10 PM.

2

They only take reservations for groups of 6 or more.

3

Expect a wait on Friday nights without a reservation.

10
Omar's Kitchen and Rum Bar image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Small, colorful spot offers jerk chicken tacos with sweet mango chow topping. Cozy vibe pulses with Caribbean grooves spun by a DJ playing 80s and 90s hits. Indoor and outdoor seating create a relaxed island atmosphere perfect for casual dining.

Tacos feature fresh, vibrant flavors with options like salmon, red snapper, jerk chicken, and mushroom. Some tacos include a sweet mango chow topping, and shrimp tacos are also common.

People are saying

"The food here is fantastic, especially the jerk chicken."

"The vibe and music create a great, energetic atmosphere."

"The oxtail tacos were melt in your mouth delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are only held for 10 minutes; arrive on time.

2

Expect a wait time of 25-40 minutes during peak hours.

3

The bottomless brunch offers unlimited drinks for 90 minutes with limited entree choices.

11
Beauty & Essex image 1
Restaurant

Entrance through a pawn shop reveals a hidden speakeasy with gorgeous chandeliers and a grand staircase. Fish tacos are cooked to perfection, while cauliflower tacos offer a delicious highlight. Music stays at a comfortable volume, creating a sleek, social vibe perfect for evening gatherings.

Fish tacos come cooked to perfection and full of flavor. Cauliflower tacos stand out as a delicious and highlight dish, alongside tuna wonton tacos that add a unique twist.

People are saying

"The food here was amazing and delicious."

"The service at dinner spots was outstanding and attentive."

"You have to try the fish tacos; they were perfect."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a table.

2

Parking costs $90, which is quite high.

3

The entrance to the restaurant is through a pawn shop.

12
Gotham Burger Social Club image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small burger joint with smash burgers and craft beer shines in a lively setting. Chopped cheese tacos add a southwest twist with crisp beef. Friendly vibe and counter seating let you watch burgers cook while enjoying good music.

Chopped cheese tacos bring a southwest vibe with a crisp, flavorful beef filling. They pair well with onion rings and offer a unique twist on classic tacos.

People are saying

"I found the smash burger here to be the best I've had."

"The onion rings are very good, super crunchy, and flavorful."

"I thought the chopped cheese taco was the best burger I had."

Good to know

1

Customers order at the counter and are texted when their order is ready.

2

Expect a 15-20 minute wait time during peak hours.

3

Street parking is the only available option.

13
Saltwater Coffee & Wine Bar image 1

Small coffee shop offers creative espresso martinis and a cozy interior with varied seating. Breakfast tacos include a vegan option but some, like the BEC, are bland. Loud music and DJs create a lively vibe especially on weekends.

Breakfast tacos cost around $7.57 and include a vegan option. The 'BEC' breakfast taco lacks seasoning and bacon, making it notably bland.

People are saying

"The coffee here is top-tier, smooth, and rich."

"It's a beautiful, warm, and cozy place."

"I loved the tacos; the staff was so friendly."

Good to know

1

The shop has a DJ session at 11 pm on Saturdays.

2

The coffee shop only accepts credit cards and does not take cash.

3

You have to pay $5 for WiFi access.

14
Essex Taqueria image 1
Taco restaurant

Small space offers a cozy atmosphere with limited seating. Known for authentic Mexican tacos, especially shrimp and fish with hot salsa. Quiet vibe suits quick meals rather than long social visits.

Tacos come with generous filling and a double tortilla. Fish tacos stand out as especially tasty with hot salsa and a flavor that recalls Mexico City.

People are saying

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

"The food here is fresh, seasoned well, and tastes great."

"I loved the fish tacos, especially with cheese on top."

Good to know

1

This place stays open till about 1am on the weekend.

2

You can customize pretty much every order to your preference.

3

There is hardly any seating on site.

15
La Caverna image 1

Basement lounge offers a cave-like atmosphere with high ceilings and unique features. Tacos come in a great deal of 3 for $10 with flavorful chicken and carne options. Guacamole is exceptionally good, making it a tasty complement. Energy shifts from cozy to a lively dance scene after 10 PM.

Tacos come in a good deal of 3 for $10, featuring simple and flavorful chicken and strongly flavored carne options. The guacamole stands out as exceptionally good, complementing the tacos well.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The servers here are so sweet and attentive."

"The carne tacos here have amazing flavor and the best guacamole."

Good to know

1

The restaurant closes at 10 PM, but the kitchen closes at 9:30 PM.

2

Dinner starts at 8:30 PM and the venue transitions into a club at 10:30 PM.

3

Drinks during happy hour are $8 for wells plus one mixer.

Discover more

Lower East Side, New York

Area guide
Loading Map...