Finding the best taco in New York means discovering Los Tacos No.1, where three friends from Tijuana brought authentic Mexican street tacos.
This Chelsea Market location at 75 9th Avenue serves family recipes with fresh, simple ingredients made to order.
The Carne Asada became legendary for smoky, juicy meat drenched in house guacamole on fresh corn tortillas throughout.
What Makes Los Tacos No.1 the Best Taco in New York
The secret to earning the title of best taco in New York lies in bringing authentic Tijuana preparation methods perfectly.
The Adobada marinated pork showcases traditional Mexican flavors that transport diners straight to Tijuana street corners with every bite.
At $5-6 per taco, the prices reflect Manhattan real estate while delivering generous portions that load up fillings as pictured.
The Story Behind New York’s Best Taco
Three close friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, recognized a gap in New York’s taco scene.
The East Coast lacked authentic Mexican street tacos prepared with traditional techniques and family recipes from Tijuana.
Opening in Chelsea Market provided high foot traffic from tourists and locals exploring the historic food hall daily.
New York’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Carne Asada: Grilled beef represents the most popular menu item with smoky, juicy meat arriving drenched in house guacamole. At $6, the generous portions justify Manhattan pricing with beef grilled fresh, creating char and tenderness throughout. 🥩
- Adobada: Marinated pork showcases traditional Tijuana flavors through family recipes at $5.65 for a slightly lower price point. The marinade creates deep flavor, penetrating the pork with traditional preparation, honoring Mexican street taco heritage perfectly. 🐖
- Pollo Asado: Grilled chicken provides a lighter protein option, maintaining flavor quality at $5.6,5, matching adobada pricing throughout. The grilled preparation creates char without drying out meat, good for those wanting familiar protein executed authentically. 🍗
- Nopal: Grilled cactus proves vegetarian options can compete with meat tacos at $5.45 for the lowest price point available. The grilled preparation creates tender texture without mushiness, showing commitment beyond standard vegetarian substitutions throughout authentic Mexican cooking. 🌵
- Quesadillas: Open-faced preparation with cheese creates basically a taco with cheese at $6 for the carne asada version. The unconventional presentation confuses those expecting folded quesadillas with a much smaller size than expected. 🧀
Customization and Toppings
- House Guacamole: Included with tacos, the fresh guacamole arrives generous rather than skimpy, with meats coming drenched. The house-made preparation uses fresh avocados, distinguishing Los Tacos from places charging extra for guac. 🥑
- Salsa Bar: Self-serve station provides multiple heat levels, allowing personalization with a variety accommodating different spice tolerances throughout. The green sauce earns specific adoration from regulars, while the spicy options require testing first, always. 🌶️
- Fresh Toppings: Onions, cilantro, and additional garnishes available at the self-serve station, with customization requests accepted when receiving tacos. The fresh ingredients maintain crispness and flavor, allowing authentic preparation while accommodating preferences throughout service. 🧅
Atmosphere
The restaurant occupies Chelsea Market at 75 9th Avenue in the Meatpacking District, inside the historic food hall.
The location in the middle of the market provides high visibility but creates seating challenges with very limited tables.
Adjacent bars welcome taco customers who purchase drinks, solving seating limitations through partnerships throughout the market area.
Bottom Line
Visit Los Tacos No.1 for the best tacos in New York, featuring authentic Tijuana family recipes from three friends.
Smoky, juicy carne asada drenched in house guacamole, made-to-order preparation visible at the counter, and a self-serve salsa bar.
Multiple locations prove that authentic Mexican street tacos conquered Manhattan’s competitive food scene through family recipes and fresh ingredients. 🌟
Address: Los Tacos No.1
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011 📞 Contact via website
Multiple other NYC locations available
🕔 Every Day: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM