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Tacos 1986 - West Village
Master Critic Review
Tacos 1986 - West Village
7.5
LA import Tacos 1986 brings Tijuana-style tacos on hand-pressed tortillas to the iconic Cornelia Street corner, serving until midnight most nights and 2am on weekends. The standing-room space and adjoining cocktail bars make it a convenient late-night option rather than a sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Adobada tacos from the trompo, Carne asada tacos, Mulitas or vampiros with extra grilled cheese
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: A standing-room Tijuana-style taco counter open deep into the night.
Who should go: Bar-hoppers wanting fast tacos between or after drinks
When to visit: Friday and Saturday midnight–2am for true late-night
What to order: Adobada tacos, carne asada, a cheesy mulita or vampiro
Insider tip: Pair your tacos with a drink at Mixteca upstairs and eat them at the bar.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; scarce after 6pm and especially tight on Cornelia and Bleecker. Use nearby garages on West 3rd or Washington Square South if driving.
Dress code: Very casual—hoodies, jeans, and bar-night attire all fit. It’s a stand-up counter, so no need to dress up.
Noise level: Loud during peak late-night hours; conversation is doable but limited since most guests are standing and street noise spills in.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes around midnight; lines move quickly due to counter-only service.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service at this location; early evenings on weekdays typically have minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—usually one or two cheese-forward items (mulita or quesadilla).
Vegan options: Very limited; tortillas are fine but fillings are mostly meat-driven.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date is down for something casual and chaotic. It’s stand-up eating with late-night energy, not a sit-and-talk setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables and no reservations—just counter space and sidewalk standing room. Plan to eat quickly or carry out.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids due to cramped space, late-night crowds, and no seating. Teens grabbing quick tacos would be fine earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavorful Tijuana-style tacos after midnight, especially for bar-hoppers wanting a quick refuel without committing to a sit-down meal.
Skip if: You want seating, quieter conversation, or a broader menu—Empellón or Jajaja offer more comfort and variety.