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While New York may catch a lot of flack—particularly from West Coasters—for its lack of legit Mexican cuisine, there are a handful of real-deal eateries shaking up the status quo. Over the last few years, the taco scene has started to heat up. From the lengua at Michelin-starred Casa Enrique to the fried shrimp at buzzy newcomer Street Taco, there are plenty of tasty tacos to try. Here’s where to find the best fish, meat, and veggie-stuffed tortillas in the city.
Lengua Tacos at Casa Enrique
The lengua tacos (slow-cooked beef tongue garnished with cilantro and onion on a corn tortilla) at Casa Enrique are a must. While it may not be your standard order, where better to open your mind—and mouth—than NYC’s only Michelin-starred Mexican restaurant? Hey, when in Rome—or in this case, Long Island City.
Al Pastor Tacos at Empellón Al Pastor
With a name like Empellón Al Pastor, you’d expect the al pastor tacos to be top notch. Such is the case at Alex Stupak’s casual East Village outpost where you can sink your teeth into a homemade tortilla appointed with crispy marinated pork shoulder, pineapple, cilantro, onion, red, and green salsa.
Duck Carnitas Tacos at Cosme
Cosme is not your average hole-in-the-wall taqueria—as evidenced by the $89 duck carnitas tacos. Slow-cooked for four days and served with warm house-made tortillas, they’re well worth the splurge.
Roasted Cauliflower Tacos at Salvation Taco
While the Pod Hotel may be known for its rooftop, on the ground floor is Salvation Taco, an unconventional taco joint that’s worth a trip. The star of this offbeat menu is equally unexpected: roasted cauliflower tacos topped with curry crema and farro piccolo.
Seared Fish Tikin Xic Tacos at Tacombi Bleecker Street
Inspired by the flavors and spirit of the Yucatán, Tacombi Bleecker Street is full of authentic flare. Take the fan-favorite Seared Fish Tikin Xic Tacos: traditional recado rojo spice-marinated sustainably-sourced Pacific rockfish is topped with cabbage, escabeche, and poblano rajas and served on a homemade vista hermosa tortilla.
Fried Shrimp Tacos at Street Taco
Street Taco is Gramercy’s latest hotspot. Since opening its doors on April 5, this low-key taqueria has received rave reviews for its crispy fried shrimp tacos with slaw and sweet chili sauce—and dynamite drinks.
Adobada Tacos at Los Tacos No.1
Unlike some places that function more like an assembly line, Los Tacos No.1 makes everything to order, including the crave-worthy adobada (red chile and vinegar-marinated pork) tacos. The swine is spit-roasted all day, sliced on the spot, and piled onto a scratch-made tortilla, which—you guessed it—is pressed and griddled to order.
Read more:
• 11 Tacos You Won’t Believe Are Vegetarian • The best taco trucks on instagram (and why you should follow them!) • We know what you should make for meatless Monday
Published on April 20, 2017