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Taco Santana
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Taco Santana
7.9
Taco Santana offers straightforward tacos and burritos late into the night — a basic but reliable go‑to for budget‑conscious taco lovers in Williamsburg. Its no‑frills menu and central location make it a frequent stop after bars close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Al Pastor Burrito, Fries + Santana Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.7
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Late‑night, wallet‑friendly tacos and burritos.
Who should go: Students or late‑night snack seekers.
When to visit: After bar‑close, until around midnight.
What to order: Carne asada taco, al pastor burrito, fries + burrito combo.
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa — adds flavor on a budget.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking available, but can be limited on weekends.
Dress code: Casual — jeans and a t-shirt are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate — it's lively but still easy to chat.
Weekend wait: No wait typically, but expect a rush post-midnight.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - options like veggie tacos and burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited - typically offers a few plant-based choices.
Gluten-free options: Yes - tacos can be made gluten-free with corn tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic date due to its casual, late-night vibe. It’s better suited for a relaxed, no-frills experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed — Taco Santana is a walk-in spot, and you should be able to get a seat easily, especially before the late-night rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes, it's casual and kid-friendly, though it’s better for older kids as it’s a late-night spot.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, quick, budget-friendly tacos after bar hours.
Skip if: Looking for a more elevated or quiet dining experience.
Taco Santana
7.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Taco Santana is a straightforward neighborhood taqueria turning out inexpensive tacos, quesadillas, and breakfast plates from morning through late evening. Regulars use it as a go-to for quick plates of al pastor and carne asada that stay firmly in budget territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Elote (Mexican street corn)
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: No-frills tacos and plates priced for true everyday eating.
Who should go: Locals needing fast, filling Mexican on a tight budget.
When to visit: Late nights or quick weekday meals between work and home.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito, elote with mayo and cheese.
Insider tip: Order a mix of tacos and share sides; portions are big for the price.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tougher after 6pm.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — hoodies, jeans, work clothes all fine.
Noise level: Moderate — steady counter buzz but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes during peak late-night hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, bean burritos, veggie tacos, and elote.
Vegan options: Limited — bean tacos and rice/bean plates if ordered without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos are naturally gluten-free, but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure hangouts than romantic first dates — it’s more about speed and value than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s strictly walk-in with fast turnover; most people grab a seat quickly or do takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and quesadillas; no dedicated kids menu but simple options work well.
Best For
Better for: Late-night budget tacos, fast service, and solo dining when you need something filling without spending much.
Skip if: You want cocktails, sit-down vibes, or polished presentation — this is strictly functional, no-frills eating.
Taco Santana
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Late Night Legends
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Taco Santana is a no-frills South Williamsburg standby where al pastor, tinga, and fish tacos come out fast, filling, and firmly in cheap-eats territory. It’s the kind of corner taqueria locals lean on for takeout, late-night bites, and quick plates that feel like a deal even after many repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Tinga chicken tacos, Fish tacos with house salsas
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Straightforward, generously stuffed tacos priced for true everyday eating.
Who should go: Locals needing fast tacos that don’t crush the budget.
When to visit: Late nights or quick weekday meals between work and home.
What to order: Al pastor, tinga and fish tacos with extra salsa.
Insider tip: Mix taco fillings in a single order and ask for both red and green salsas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; easier late at night, tough during dinner rush.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — jeans, hoodies, and work clothes are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — fast-paced counter energy, not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on takeout volume
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean, cheese, and veggie-style taco options available
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, veggies, and no dairy
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas standard, but cross-contact possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe is ultra-casual — it’s more quick counter stop than romantic sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating, so you just walk in and grab what’s free.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos; no high chairs or kids menu, but portions are easy to share.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos, fast service, and truly budget-friendly prices without sacrificing portion size
Skip if: You want cocktails, a sit-down dining experience, or a more polished taco spot