By: Amy Rosner By: Amy Rosner | November 11, 2021 | Food & Drink,
It’s Thursday night. You’re sitting on your couch in sweatpants drinking a bottle of red.
That Incoming Financial Analyst you matched with on Hinge replies to your kitschy prompt about knowing the best spot in town for Tacos.
“You’ll have to show me one time,” he says. Original Justin. Really original.
Your heart skips a beat. What if he likes hard shells instead of soft tortillas? What if the guac’s too spicy? Does he seem more like a salsa guy?
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“If you’re lucky,” you say with an aura of confidence you didn’t know you had.
Correction: You don’t have.
You’re in a full-blown panic, questioning all of your previous knowledge about Mexican food.
You type ‘best tacos in NYC’ into Google.
Multiple Locations/Website
This street-style taco joint is hands down the best taqueria in the city. The unassuming, laid-back atmosphere is perfect for a grab & go situation with your newest prospect. If you wanna seem like a chill girl who doesn’t count calories and would prefer a marinated pork taco over a fancy steak dinner, bring your date to Los Tacos. It doesn’t get more authentic than this, and the food is 10/10.
Multiple Locations/Website
This upscale, trendy Mexican spot is better for a second or third date with your future husband. With multiple locations across Manhattan, there is sure to be a location that isn’t super inconvenient for the both of you. He does live in a one-bedroom on the Upper East Side after all. The food here is a lot more artisanal than other Mexican restaurants, so it’s perfect if you’re trying to flex how cultured you are. The Lobster Tacos with Potatoes and Dark Chile Paste are to die for, and you absolutely can’t miss the Pastrami tacos with Sauerkraut and Mustard Seed Salsa.
35 E 21st St, Manhattan/Website
Empellon and Cosme belong in the same sentence. This sleek, contemporary Mexican restaurant serves some of the best tacos in NYC. We’re not quite sure why Cosme doesn’t have a Michelin Star, because it totally deserves one. The Duck Carnitas are some of the most scrumptious things we have ever put in our mouths. Made with crispy duck, onions, radishes, and cilantro, these tacos are the true definition of decadence.
128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn/Website
It’s totally worth the ridiculously-overpriced uber to get to Brooklyn. You also could take the subway, but if you’re going to Oxomoco on a random weeknight, you probably aren’t much of a public transportation gal. We’re huge fans of the Delicata Squash Tacos with burnt scallion, Mezcal butter, and Pepitas salsa. Your date will probably roll their eyes at the thought of vegetarian tacos, but they will thank you later.
284 3rd Ave, Brooklyn/Website
Oxomoco and Claro are the Mexican equivalents of Lilia and Misi. The tortillas from this critically-acclaimed establishment are otherworldly. We’re not even kidding, we wouldn’t be surprised if they were made with magical fairy ingredients. You can’t schlep to Claro and not get the Memela de Maria Sabina, which is a tortilla stuffed with chorizo, potatoes, and cheese, or chile sauce and shredded pork. Both options are fantastic, so pick your poison.
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Multiple Locations/Website
If Empellon and Cosme belong in the same sentence, Los Tacos and Tacos Los Poblanos are in the next paragraph. This family-run taco truck is where all the locals go to “grub” as Justin would say. This is definitely the type of place you roll up to in an oversized Cherry sweatshirt and your signature no-makeup makeup look. All of the tacos are truly incredible here, but we could eat the Spicy Meat, Chicken, and Pork tacos for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Multiple Locations/Website
The taco options at El Paso Taqueria are more extensive than an all-you-can-eat sushi bar in midtown (Don’t knock it till you try it). If we could join the El Paso Tacqueria Grilled Shrimp tacos fan club we would. We would probably even run for president. Made with cabbage, avocado, pickled onions, Pico de Gallo, and Habanero aioli, these tacos are truly our favorite cheat-day eats.
372 Lafayette St, Manhattan/Website
Conveniently located next to Acme, this seasoned Mexican spot is the perfect balance of sophistication and approachable. The “happy medium” aura makes it a great place for a date with prince charming. He won’t think you’re way too high maintenance for suggesting it, but he also will know you’re well-acquainted with the NYC food scene. It may be out of your comfort zone, but the Avocado tacos with spicy peanut butter and watercress are honestly life-changing.
113 7th Ave, Manhattan/Website
If you wanna show Justin you’re in the know, take him to this vibey Mexican cantina in the West Village. Pro Tip: refer to it as the “village.” That’s what all the cool kids do. We lay awake at night thinking about the Pancita Al Pastor tacos (and the smokey jalapeno margarita pitcher of course). Prepared with grilled pork belly, black bean puree, pineapple relish, red onion, and cilantro, these blue corn tortillas are in a class of their own.
Multiple Locations/Website
Bringing your date to Taco Mix screams “I have good taste in food but I’m also super chill and go with the flow.” He’ll obviously think differently when he gets to know your psycho tendencies, but that first impression is everything. This traditional, laid-back taco joint is home to some of the most authentic tacos in New York City. The Baja Style Fish tacos made with crispy fish, coleslaw, chipotle aioli, and avocado sauce, will guarantee you a goodnight kiss.
Photography by: Jeswin Thomas
