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Los Tacos No.1
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Los Tacos No.1
8.1
The NoHo outpost of this Tijuana-style taqueria mini-chain turns out compact, high-impact tacos on freshly pressed tortillas at a busy counter. Carne asada, adobada, and nopal tacos anchor a menu that’s become a reference point for quick, focused Mexican in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco (grilled steak), Adobada taco (marinated pork), Nopal taco (grilled cactus)
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Focused, Tijuana-style tacos served fast at a standing-room counter.
Who should go: Taco purists looking for a quick, high-flavor bite.
When to visit: Mid-afternoon or early evening to dodge the heaviest lines.
What to order: Carne asada and adobada tacos, plus a nopal taco.
Insider tip: Order at least three tacos per person; it eats more like a snack than a full plate.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in NoHo and often metered; expect difficulty during peak evenings. Nearby garages on Lafayette and Broadway offer paid parking.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are; many guests stop in between errands or classes.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, driven by constant counter traffic; fine for solo dining but not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush; the line moves quickly but stays steady.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, though prime lunch hours can briefly spike.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nopal (grilled cactus) tacos and sides provide solid vegetarian options.
Vegan options: Limited—nopal tacos can be made vegan by omitting cheese; most other items rely on meat or dairy.
Gluten-free options: Good options—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but note the shared prep environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal unless your date loves ultra-casual, standing-room taco counters. It’s better for quick bites than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—just counter space and a few standing ledges. Expect to eat quickly and move on.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy simple tacos and don’t need seating; strollers and toddlers may struggle with the tight, fast-moving space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-flavor tacos with freshly pressed tortillas—superior for speed, value, and straightforward Tijuana-style execution.
Skip if: You want seating, a full meal experience, cocktails, or broader Mexican menus—look elsewhere for a sit-down outing.
Los Tacos No.1
8.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The NoHo outpost of Los Tacos No.1 brings their Mexico City–style counter to a busy Lafayette corner, turning out carne asada, adobada, and nopal tacos on fresh tortillas. Lines move quickly, and the standing-room setup and salsa bar make it an efficient but flavorful stop for serious taco cravings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada taco, Carne asada taco, Nopal cactus taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-output NoHo counter for Mexico City–style tacos on fresh tortillas.
Who should go: Taco purists wanting fast, high-impact Mexico City–style flavors.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or late nights before 10pm crowds.
What to order: Adobada taco, carne asada taco, nopal cactus taco.
Insider tip: Stand near the salsa bar to customize each bite with heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Lafayette and surrounding NoHo blocks; metered spots open up more reliably before 5pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Most guests are in jeans, hoodies, or office-casual attire.
Noise level: Moderate to lively, with steady foot traffic and counter chatter; fine for solo dining or quick conversations, not ideal for long talks.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on peak rush; line moves quickly due to counter efficiency.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes, often less before 12pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—nopal (cactus) tacos provide a strong vegetarian option.
Vegan options: Limited—nopal tacos without cheese can work; otherwise minimal vegan-specific offerings.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area; cross-contact possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're aiming for something ultra-casual and short. It’s standing-room-only and fast-moving, better for a fun, low-pressure snack than a sit-down date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables and no reservations—this is a walk-up, counter-only taco spot with standing rails.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for quick eats, but the tight space, lines, and lack of seating may be challenging for younger children; better for ages 7+ who can stand and eat.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier Mexico City–style tacos with fast service, fresh tortillas, and high consistency at any hour.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, larger menu variety, or a quieter, linger-friendly environment.