What is the best taco shop in Manhattan?

Our current #1 reflects a blend of editorial sourcing from Eater, The Infatuation, and Time Out, plus live community votes. The list re-ranks as votes come in — what is first today may not be first tomorrow.

Where do I get authentic al pastor in Manhattan?

Los Tacos No. 1 inside Chelsea Market runs a real vertical trompo with marinated pork shaved to order. The 14th Street, 43rd Street, and Times Square locations all use the same setup.

Are there real birria tacos in Manhattan now?

Yes — Birria-Landia's Manhattan location is the longest-running operator, but several Hell's Kitchen and East Village spots opened birria menus in the 2023-2024 wave. Quesabirria with consomme is the dish to ask for.

How much does a taco cost in Manhattan?

Counter-service tacos run $4 to $7 each at most reputable spots; specialty (rib-eye, lobster, suadero) climb to $9. A two-taco-and-drink combo lands at $18 to $24 before tip.

What is the best late-night taco in Manhattan?

East Village and Hell's Kitchen run the deepest late-night taco operations — several spots serve until 2 a.m. or later on weekends, and the Chelsea Market window stays open later than the rest of the building.

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Tacos · verified Jun 10, 2026 · By Piyush Puri

Best Tacos in Manhattan

The 10 best tacos in Manhattan right now: al pastor, birria, carnitas, suadero. Picked by locals, cross-checked against Eater NY, Time Out, and The Infatuation. No paid placement.

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Los Tacos No. 1
Chelsea · $ · 75 9th Ave
Map ↗verified 7w ago
A counter inside Chelsea Market that runs a real vertical trompo for al pastor, pork shaved to order, pineapple on top, tortillas pressed by hand a foot away from where you stand.
Because the trompo here is the genuine vertical-spit setup (not pre-cooked pork tossed on a flat-top), the tortilla is hand-pressed within view, and the pineapple-marinated pork has the right balance of sweet, smoke, and char.
Order Two adobada tacos with everything (cilantro, onion, salsa verde) and a horchata.
Order from the back of the counter rather than the front, the back line is where the trompo sits and the meat goes onto your tortilla within ten seconds of being shaved.
From their Instagram
Los Tacos No. 1
@lostacos1 ↗
From @lostacos1 on Instagram, shown through Instagram's own embed player.

Good to know

What is the best taco shop in Manhattan?: Our current #1 reflects a blend of editorial sourcing from Eater, The Infatuation, and Time Out, plus live community votes. The list re-ranks as votes come in — what is first today may not be first tomorrow.
Where do I get authentic al pastor in Manhattan?: Los Tacos No. 1 inside Chelsea Market runs a real vertical trompo with marinated pork shaved to order. The 14th Street, 43rd Street, and Times Square locations all use the same setup.
Are there real birria tacos in Manhattan now?: Yes — Birria-Landia's Manhattan location is the longest-running operator, but several Hell's Kitchen and East Village spots opened birria menus in the 2023-2024 wave. Quesabirria with consomme is the dish to ask for.
How much does a taco cost in Manhattan?: Counter-service tacos run $4 to $7 each at most reputable spots; specialty (rib-eye, lobster, suadero) climb to $9. A two-taco-and-drink combo lands at $18 to $24 before tip.
What is the best late-night taco in Manhattan?: East Village and Hell's Kitchen run the deepest late-night taco operations — several spots serve until 2 a.m. or later on weekends, and the Chelsea Market window stays open later than the rest of the building.