Finding the best taco in New York means discovering Los Tacos No.1, where three friends from Tijuana and Brawley brought authentic Mexican street tacos to the East Coast.
This Chelsea Market location at 75 9th Avenue earned a 4.6-star rating on Yelp with over 4,000 reviews, serving family recipes with fresh, simple ingredients.
The Carne Asada with 856 reviews became legendary for smoky, juicy meat drenched in house guacamole on fresh corn tortillas.
The Los Tacos No.1 success led to multiple locations across New York, proving authentic Tijuana-style tacos work in Manhattan’s competitive food scene.
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 and family recipes to Chelsea Market.
The Adobada marinated pork with 681 reviews showcases traditional Mexican flavors that transport diners straight to Tijuana street corners.
At $5-6 per taco, the prices reflect Manhattan real estate while delivering generous portions that load up fillings as pictured.
The made-to-order preparation means tacos arrive fresh and hot, with customers customizing toppings at the counter.
The self-serve salsa bar provides multiple heat levels and toppings, allowing personalization after receiving tacos.
The authentic taste comes from family recipes passed down through generations, not corporate test kitchens creating fusion concepts.
Recognition That Built the Legend
One San Francisco reviewer who’s been to Mexico confirmed Los Tacos No.1 serves authentic tacos that earn their #1 status.
Multiple reviewers describe these as “the best tacos ever” after trying locations throughout New York.
One Denver Elite reviewer declared this “by far the best meal” when visiting New York, returning every trip without disappointment.
A Chicago Elite reviewer loved the tacos so much they went to two other locations during their visit, calling them “MOUTH WATERING.”
One New Jersey Elite reviewer initially didn’t believe the hype despite long lines, but after trying the carne tacos, returned 30 minutes later for more.
This organic word-of-mouth from actual customers rather than paid marketing created the cult following.
The Best Taco in New York Story
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.
Building a New York Institution
The Chelsea Market location became the flagship, with limited seating forcing efficient operations and quick turnover.
Lines formed regularly but moved fast due to streamlined ordering: customers order at counter, receive tickets, then watch cooks prepare tacos fresh.
The visible preparation builds trust, showing fresh ingredients and traditional techniques rather than hiding cooking behind walls.
Adjacent bars welcome taco customers who buy drinks, creating symbiotic relationships that solve seating limitations.
The small space forces focus on quality over atmosphere, with authentic taste proving more important than Instagram-worthy decor.
Success led to multiple New York locations, spreading access beyond Chelsea Market to neighborhoods across the city.
Why Lines Form Daily
The authentic taste earned through family recipes and fresh ingredients keeps customers returning despite waits.
One Fort Lauderdale reviewer whose son raved about Los Tacos finally visited and found it better than expected despite high expectations.
The efficient operation moves lines quickly, with 10-30 minute waits typical even during peak hours.
The made-to-order preparation visible at the counter shows quality commitment, with meats cooked fresh rather than sitting under heat lamps.
The customization options (corn or flour tortillas, with or without onions, cilantro, salsa, guac) allow personalization while maintaining efficiency.
The reasonable prices for Manhattan ($5-6 per taco) make quality Mexican food accessible rather than luxury dining.
New York’s Favorite Best Taco in New York Menu Items
Food Highlights
- Carne Asada: Grilled beef with 856 reviews represents Los Tacos’ most popular menu item. The smoky, juicy meat arrives drenched in house guacamole. One New Jersey Elite reviewer called this “so smoky and juicy…wow” and declared it the best option. At $6, the generous portions justify Manhattan pricing. The beef gets grilled fresh, creating char and tenderness. Multiple reviewers return specifically for carne asada after trying other options. 🥩
- Adobada: Marinated pork with 681 reviews showcases traditional Tijuana flavors through family recipes. At $5.65, this provides slightly lower price point than carne asada. One San Jose reviewer enjoyed adobada more than asada after trying both. The marinade creates deep flavor penetrating the pork. One New Jersey reviewer called the pork “still tasty” though preferring carne asada. The traditional preparation honors Mexican street taco heritage. 🐖
- Pollo Asado: Grilled chicken with 163 reviews provides lighter protein option maintaining flavor quality. At $5.65, this matches adobada pricing. One New York Elite reviewer thinks chicken might be better than steak though “you really can’t go wrong.” The grilled preparation creates char without drying out meat. Good for those wanting familiar protein executed authentically. 🍗
- Nopal: Grilled cactus with 178 reviews proves vegetarian options can compete with meat tacos. At $5.45, this represents the lowest price point. One New Jersey Elite reviewer’s husband enjoyed the cactus taco, noting “normally veg tacos aren’t the best.” The grilled preparation creates tender texture without mushiness. This authentic Mexican ingredient shows Los Tacos’ commitment beyond standard vegetarian substitutions. 🌵
- Quesadillas: Open-faced preparation with cheese creates “basically a taco with cheese” according to one New York Elite reviewer. At $6 for carne asada version, these provide cheese-lovers option. One San Rafael Elite reviewer found these much smaller than expected and recommends tacos instead. The unconventional presentation confuses those expecting folded quesadillas. 🧀
Customization and Toppings
- House Guacamole: Included with tacos, the fresh guacamole arrives generous rather than skimpy. Multiple reviewers praise how meats come “drenched” in guac. The house-made preparation uses fresh avocados. This inclusion at base price distinguishes Los Tacos from places charging extra. 🥑
- Salsa Bar: Self-serve station provides multiple heat levels allowing personalization. One Chicago Elite reviewer warns to test first as “one was a bit too spicy.” The variety accommodates different spice tolerances. One New York Elite reviewer “absolutely adores the green sauce” specifically. Fresh preparation daily maintains quality. 🌶️
- Fresh Toppings: Onions, cilantro, and additional garnishes available at self-serve station. Customers can request modifications when receiving tacos from cooks. The fresh ingredients maintain crispness and flavor. This customization allows authentic preparation while accommodating preferences. 🧅
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.
Casual, loud atmosphere comes from constant crowds and market energy surrounding the small space.
Adjacent bars welcome taco customers who purchase drinks, solving seating limitations through partnerships.
Many customers eat outside when weather permits or stand while eating inside the market.
The efficient operation keeps lines moving despite waits, with staff preparing tacos visibly at the counter.
You order at counter first, receive ticket, then give ticket to cooks who prepare tacos fresh with customizations.
The transparent preparation shows quality commitment, building trust through visibility rather than hiding cooking.
The small space forces quick turnover, with most customers not spending hours eating tacos.
Multiple other New York locations provide alternatives without lines for those prioritizing speed over the Chelsea Market experience.
The market setting provides shopping and entertainment while waiting, making lines feel shorter.
Hours run 11 AM to 10 PM daily, accommodating lunch through dinner crowds.
Bottom Line
Visit Los Tacos No.1 for the best taco 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 self-serve salsa bar with multiple heat levels.
Over 4,000 reviews and multiple locations prove authentic Mexican street tacos conquered Manhattan’s competitive food scene. 🌟
Address: Los Tacos No.1
Chelsea Market: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
📞 Contact via website
🕔 Every Day: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM