0 Followers
Santo Taco
Master Critic Review
Santo Taco
8.6
From a Cosme cofounder, Santo Taco brings CDMX-inspired tacos like the much-praised steak trompo to a compact Nolita counter next to La Esquina. Portions are slightly larger than street tacos, with careful toppings and a modern look that has quickly made it a downtown taco benchmark.
Must-Try Dishes:
Santi’s steak trompo taco, Pork carnitas taco, Zucchini and poblano taco
Scores:
Value: 7.1
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Chef-driven taqueria spotlighting steak trompo and polished CDMX-style tacos.
Who should go: Taco obsessives chasing the latest chef-backed downtown taqueria.
When to visit: Early evening or off-hours; lines spike around prime dinner.
What to order: Steak trompo tacos, pork carnitas taco, zucchini-poblano taco.
Insider tip: Two to three tacos per person is the sweet spot here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Nolita; expect metered spots to be scarce after 5pm. No valet service—subway or rideshare is far more reliable.
Dress code: Casual to trend-forward; most guests lean stylish but relaxed. Jeans and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Moderate for a counter-service taqueria—easy enough for conversation but with steady ambient buzz.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours, especially 6:30–8:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically minimal wait, often under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — the zucchini-poblano taco and rotating veggie specials accommodate vegetarians.
Vegan options: Limited — possible if you request modifications, but no fully dedicated vegan taco set.
Gluten-free options: Most tacos are corn-based and naturally gluten-friendly, but there is no separate gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual, food-focused dates—quality ingredients and chef-driven tacos make it feel special, but seating is limited and not ideal for long hangs.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Santo Taco is counter-service only. Seating is first-come and limited, so expect to hover briefly during peak dinner.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids comfortable with bolder flavors and counter seating; no high chairs or space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Chef-crafted CDMX-style tacos with standout steak trompo and polished toppings—more refined than typical downtown taquerias.
Skip if: You want spacious seating, large group tables, or fully vegan options; consider alternatives with more dining room capacity.