The line at Los Tacos No.1 on West 43rd Street wraps around the block even when it’s freezing outside, because people who know good tacos from mediocre ones say these taste like what they get in Tijuana.
Walk up and someone’s already checking the line asking if anyone has questions, then you pay and cooks take your ticket at the counter to help with your specific order – the whole system moves fast despite the crowd.
The adobada tacos are what most people order here, with handmade corn tortillas and everything made fresh right in front of you creating flavors that transport you straight to Mexico despite being in Midtown Manhattan.
Why Handmade Tortillas Change Everything
They make every tortilla by hand right in front of you, which explains why people who actually know Mexican food say the chips and tortillas alone are worth the wait.
The menu keeps it simple – carne asada, pollo asado, adobada, and nopal with tacos served con todo including guac, onions, and salsa unless you ask them to hold something.
Every location produces the same quality, creating what locals call the tacos that actually stand out when most carne asada tastes the same everywhere else in the city.
How Times Square Got Authentic Street Tacos
Los Tacos No.1 launched bringing real Mexican street tacos to Times Square, where standing-room-only dining became part of the charm instead of something to complain about.
The Theater District location built its reputation on bold flavors and fresh ingredients that convert skeptics who weren’t expecting much from NYC Mexican food.
Multiple cooks behind the counter keep things efficient during peak hours, while the salsa bar lets you customize your tacos with fresh toppings after you grab your plate.
Food Highlights
- Adobada Tacos: Marinated pork that people who lived in San Diego for four years say beats Tacos El Gordo, with smoky spicy flavors hitting different from typical taco spots. 🌮
- Pork Taco: Called the best by far among all meat options, showing why handmade tortillas and fresh cooking actually matters. 🥩
- Carne Asada Tacos: Actually stands out instead of tasting like every other place, which rarely happens with carne asada – tender and flavorful enough to justify the six dollar price. 🥩
- Adobada Quesadilla: Same incredible marinated pork but with cheese adding flavor depth, about a dollar more than tacos and the same size. 🧀
- Carne Asada Quesadilla: The cheese makes the already good carne asada pop even more, worth trying both formats to pick your favorite. 🧀
- Chips and Guacamole: Fresh chips that are absolutely incredible on their own, paired with guac and pico de gallo that complement without taking over. 🥑
Atmosphere
The restaurant sits at 229 West 43rd Street with standing room only and no chairs, just spots to eat while holding your plate and making friends with whoever’s next to you.
The loud casual environment stays packed during peak hours with community-style eating where you get comfortable with neighbors, but the fast system keeps lines moving even when wrapped around the block.
The bustling vibe includes staff who stay friendly and greet everyone with a smile despite the constant rush, while music and energy make waiting feel less like a chore.
Bottom Line
Los Tacos No.1 works because they make tortillas by hand and cook everything fresh in front of you, creating tacos that Californians compare to Tijuana and San Diego.
The adobada and pork tacos prove authentic Mexican street food belongs in Times Square, with flavors good enough to justify lines wrapped around the block in freezing weather.
The organized system with multiple locations maintaining consistent quality, standing-room-only eating that becomes part of the experience, and tacos converting NYC skeptics make this Theater District spot worth the wait. 🌟
Address: Los Tacos No.1
229 W 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036
📞 (212) 574-4696
🕐 Mon-Sat: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM | Sun: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Multiple NYC locations
Handmade tortillas | Con todo style | Standing room only | Fast-moving line | Salsa bar | Fresh ingredients
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