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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Ridgewood

Authentic taco spots

A simple, authentic taco is the only thing that will satisfy the hunger.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
Taqueria molcajete image 1
Taqueria molcajete image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Cozy deli with a seating area offers authentic Mexican food and cheerful, lighthearted music at a sensible volume. Atmosphere feels laid back and relaxing, with a warm, friendly vibe reminiscent of spots south of the Rio Grande. Patrons often gather for casual meals and cold beers served in terra cotta drinkware.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with authentic tacos, flavorful lemonade, and coffee. The spot feels cozy and delivers genuine tastes.

Barbacoa and birria tacos stand out with rich, authentic flavors. Options like lengua and chorizo add variety and depth to the taco selection.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"I thought the shrimp and carnitas tacos were amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy dinner hours.

3

Cash is preferred, but credit cards are accepted for orders over $10.

02
Las chilangas image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, clean space with bright colors and live plants creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Music includes Luis Miguel songs, adding to the laid-back atmosphere. Fresh, house-made tortillas and cheeses complement a menu known for birria tacos and torta sandwiches.

Dishes deliver authentic Mexican classics with flavorful chilaquiles standing out. Food stays affordable and tasty throughout the menu.

Birria tacos stand out with their rich flavor and consistent quality. The veggie taco also offers a notable alternative among the varied taco options.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are incredibly delicious and flavorful."

"The birria tacos are delicious with flavorful consommรฉ."

"I loved the delicious, flavorful, and authentic Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Two large vegan tacos and nachos cost only $10.

2

The restaurant charges a 4% upcharge for using a credit card.

3

The restaurant is accommodating for dietary restrictions, including dairy-free options.

03
While in Kathmandu image 1
Nepalese restaurant

Spacious indoor and backyard seating areas create a cozy, relaxing vibe with fun decor and a community-oriented atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a super chill place to hang out. The setting feels warm and attentive, inviting for casual dining.

Food features authentic Nepali spices and fresh ingredients with dishes like spicy momos and strong masala chai. Meals come served on traditional utensils, delivering a genuine taste of Nepalese Himalayan cuisine.

The chicken dish called Not a Taco looks like a taco but is wrapped in naan bread and packed with depth of flavor. Both the Not a Taco and the veggie momos stand out as delicious options.

People are saying

"The food here is divine, flavorful, and satisfying."

"I found the momos to be authentic and delicious."

"I thought the Not A Taco was crazy and a must-try."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is cash only; bring enough cash to avoid issues.

2

Be prepared with cash if you want to save time.

3

The portion sizes meet my appetite without breaking the bank.

04
Otra Casita Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and a large colorful mural creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Private party room and small outdoor seating accommodate events and casual dining. Music adds a lively vibe, attracting families and groups.

Every dish features authentic Mexican flavors with fresh ingredients and expert preparation. The menu includes fresh, varied tacos that cater to both meat lovers and vegetarians.

Tacos come with authentic Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients. Options include steak, birria, and shrimp, all consistently flavorful and satisfying.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The food here is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors."

"The tacos here are bursting with authentic Mexican flavors."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant can host private events in a dedicated back room.

05
Bennyโ€™s Cuban Cafe image 1
Cuban restaurant

Small space with flamingo-themed decor creates a tropical, nostalgic vibe reminiscent of Miami. Atmosphere feels welcoming and lively, with modern music that energizes the room. Cuban dishes like roast pork sandwiches and ropa vieja stand out for their rich flavor.

Some dishes have spot-on seasoning and a generous portion size that reflect authentic Cuban flavors. Others come off as basic and lacking flavor, making the overall authenticity inconsistent.

Vegan and vegetarian options stand out with vegan tacos and vegetarian tacos offering solid choices. Pork tacos deliver a rich flavor that complements the plant-based options.

People are saying

"The Cuban food here is delicious and full of authentic flavor."

"I found the food to be incredibly authentic and full of flavor."

"I thought the pork tacos were really good."

Good to know

1

The restaurant only accepts to-go orders on Monday nights after 8:25 PM.

2

The platter for two at Bennyโ€™s is enough to feed four people.

3

The restaurant closes at 9 PM.

06
La Casita Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with colorful decor and stylish interior creates a warm atmosphere that feels inviting and lively. Outdoor seating offers sunny, casual space with nostalgic picnic table charm. Music plays a notable role, enhancing the vibe without overpowering the setting.

Food offers authentic Mexican flavors with artful plating and generous portions. The cuisine stays true to traditional tastes and ambiance.

Tacos come in a variety of options like octopus, pork and pineapple, and chicken. Fish tacos stand out as filling and flavorful, while shrimp tacos could benefit from added cabbage for crunch.

People are saying

"The tacos and margaritas here are fantastic."

"I thought the steak tacos were solid and juicy."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers discounted tequila drinks from 4-6pm on weekdays.

2

Valentine's Day specials include a prix fixe menu available for reservations.

3

The restaurant has limited drink options, primarily focusing on traditional beverages.

07
El Mariachi image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with a chill vibe and homey atmosphere welcomes guests for intimate chats. Known for authentic tacos and handmade tortillas, it offers flavorful dishes with a spicy kick. Micheladas stand out as a notable drink choice.

Food offers authentic flavor with a tasty and very good Mexican style.

Tacos come with a crunchy shell and are made fresh. Meat portions vary, sometimes topped with a small amount of meat but mostly filled with onions, cilantro, crema, and cojita cheese.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be authentic and unpretentious."

"I had the best burrito of my life here."

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

Good to know

1

The prices are reasonable for the area.

2

The restaurant has new owners, which may change the menu.

3

The bathrooms should be cleaned more often for better presentation.

08
Itzel's Taqueria Deli image 1
Taco restaurant

Small bodega-style space with a laid-back vibe and low-key atmosphere. Open late until 4 AM, it offers fresh, authentic Mexican food including best tacos and burritos in the area. Music plays late at night, enhancing the fabulous, relaxed energy inside.

Mexican food here offers authentic home cooking with flavors true to tradition. Dishes come at an inexpensive price, making it a solid choice for genuine tastes.

Tacos come with lots of filling and cost less than $4.50 each. Varieties include birria, which is very saucy and flavorful, al pastor, carnitas, chicken with fresh radish and lime, and crispy chorizo.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was incredible, especially the tacos and burritos."

"This late night spot is open when you need it most."

"I always get the chorizo quesadilla; it's never failed me."

Good to know

1

The price of the tacos is less than $4.50 each.

2

Customers are required to buy sauce separately after purchasing food.

3

If you dine in, you also get a generous complimentary side of A+ chips and dip.

09
Guadalajara De Dia 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers authentic home-style food with fresh, flavorful tacos and complex beans and rice. Atmosphere stays calm and clean, attracting a mix of local families and young newcomers. Prices remain reasonable and fair, supporting frequent visits.

Solid home style Mexican food serves both Mexican families and those seeking authentic flavors. The spot offers good vibes alongside its traditional dishes.

Tacos come out fresh and flavorful with a focus on chicken options. They taste really good and stand out as a favorite choice.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"The authentic rice and beans are complex and amazing."

"I found the tacos here to be really good and fresh."

Good to know

1

The restaurant includes tax in the price.

2

The portions are huge, making it a good value.

3

The restaurant only provides one cup of sauce per meal.

10
Hellbender image 1
Mexican restaurant

Dim, moody speakeasy style with sleek kitchen renovation and a taxidermied jaguar display creates a unique atmosphere. Music blends classic 90's/00's and present-day Latin rock/pop, curated by the bartender. Outdoor seating and table service support a lively, packed environment with a great vibe.

Chef Yara and her team craft dishes with authentic flavors using fresh ingredients like peanuts, jicama, salsa macha, pepitas, and ancho chile. Some nontraditional items like daikon and Asian pear blend well, keeping the food feeling genuinely authentic.

Tacos here feature crispy lamb that lacks any gamey taste and spicy shrimp with balanced flavor and tartar sauce. Options like Oaxacan cheese and mushroom tacos offer vibrant, standout tastes.

People are saying

"The masa pancakes here are unreal, with crispy edges and a soft center."

"I thought the mushroom tacos were great."

"The authentic Mexican flavors here are so balanced and fresh."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs late into the night, offering discounted drinks.

2

This bar is known for its high prices, especially for cocktails.

3

Seating can be tricky for large groups, so plan ahead.

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Ridgewood, New York

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