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El Gallo Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
El Gallo Taqueria
8.5
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO location brings the Torres family’s taco-focused menu to the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, with long hours and a delivery-friendly setup. The kitchen leans into bowls, burritos, tacos and late-night orders that mix Mexican street food with New York sensibilities. High order volume from nearby offices, hotels and residents keeps the operation humming into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 taco special with mixed fillings, Carne asada burrito, El Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Family-run taqueria with citywide locations and serious late hours.
Who should go: Night owls and office crowds craving tacos and bowls.
When to visit: Late evenings after work or post-event in DUMBO.
What to order: 3 taco special, carne asada burrito, El Gallo fries.
Insider tip: Use it as a quick pre- or post-riverfront taco stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking around DUMBO is limited, especially evenings; nearby garages on Pearl and Front Streets are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Casual; come as you are—jeans, hoodies, and office attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours with steady music and takeout traffic; quieter in late-night windows.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during prime hours, mostly due to takeout congestion rather than seating delays.
Weekday lunch: Generally minimal wait, though lines can form around noon from office traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, veggie, and grilled vegetable tacos and bowls are dependable options.
Vegan options: Limited—custom bowls and veggie tacos can be built vegan, but choices are fewer.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, and many bowls are naturally gluten-free; cross-contact is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a casual, quick pre- or post-walk bite along the waterfront. It’s more functional than romantic and better suited for low-pressure meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service, so seating is first-come. At peak hours you may need to hover a few minutes for an open table.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who can handle quick-service dining and mild noise. Limited seating and late-night crowds may be less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos, fast delivery, customizable bowls, and a reliable option near the riverfront when most DUMBO spots have already closed.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal with ambiance, cocktails, or more regionally focused cooking—look elsewhere in Cobble Hill or Boerum Hill for a fuller dining experience.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO outpost is a compact taco shop where breakfast burritos, burrito bowls, and late-night tacos run until midnight most nights and 1am on weekends. It’s a practical move for post-bar food or a quick, affordable dinner before heading back over the bridge.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Breakfast burrito, Gallo fries with choice of protein
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Counter-service taqueria with all-day breakfast and tacos served well past typical dinner hours.
Who should go: Night owls needing fast, affordable tacos near the bridge.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday after 11 pm for true late night.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, breakfast burrito, Gallo fries.
Insider tip: Use delivery or pickup when the small space feels too cramped at peak hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in DUMBO at night; aim for nearby metered spots on quieter blocks or use garages along Front Street.
Dress code: Completely casual; walk-in attire is the norm, from hoodies to post-bar outfits.
Noise level: Moderate; mostly takeout chatter and kitchen sounds, but still easy to place an order and eat without strain.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on bar traffic; lines grow after 11 pm.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait aside from brief rushes around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, bowls, and breakfast burritos can be customized.
Vegan options: Limited — some bowls and tacos can be made vegan by removing dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and bowl options work well, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for ultra-casual and quick; the tiny space and counter service aren’t built for lingering or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations, and seating is limited. Most customers take their food to-go or eat quickly at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy quick-service tacos; space is tight and strollers may be difficult to maneuver.
Best For
Better for: Faster service, lower prices, and later hours than most DUMBO Mexican options.
Skip if: You want sit-down dining, cocktails, or a comfortable space to hang out — try Ruta Oaxaca or Pedro’s instead.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.9
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO outpost is a compact counter specializing in street-style tacos, breakfast burritos, and Gallo fries for commuters and late-night crowds. The kitchen runs later than most nearby options, making it a practical move for post-bar tacos or an affordable grab-and-go dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Breakfast burrito, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Mom-and-pop taco counter bringing all-day and late-night options to DUMBO.
Who should go: Night owls needing fast, affordable tacos near the bridges.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday after 10pm for true late-night traffic.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, breakfast burrito, loaded Gallo fries.
Insider tip: Pair tacos with Gallo fries to share and stretch the meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited, especially late at night; expect metered spots and occasional open spaces closer to the bridge edges.
Dress code: Casual; most guests arrive in everyday clothes or post-bar attire.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a compact counter-service setup where conversation is easy but there’s consistent foot traffic.
Weekend wait: Short lines form after 10pm, usually 5–15 minutes for ordering.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait aside from a brief order queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several tacos and bowls can be made vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but options are modest.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the small prep space is not fully cross-contamination–controlled.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a full sit-down date, but works for a casual late-night meetup or a quick shared bite before heading elsewhere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations, and seating is limited; most guests grab food to-go or eat quickly at the counter.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy tacos and quick meals; space is tight and not designed for strollers or long family sit-downs.
Best For
Better for: Late-night affordability, fast service, and quick taco fixes when most nearby kitchens have closed.
Skip if: You want a full sit-down experience, broad vegan options, or a quieter environment for longer meals.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO location is a compact counter turning out breakfast burritos, tacos, bowls, and their signature Gallo fries late into the night. It’s a practical option for commuters and night owls looking for quick, inexpensive Mexican plates a short walk from the bridges and subway. The space is basic, but extended hours and all-day menus make it a useful Cheap Mexican standby.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast burrito with eggs and bacon, Al pastor tacos con todo, Gallo fries loaded with meat and toppings
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos and burritos served much later than nearby spots.
Who should go: Night owls needing fast Mexican near the bridges.
When to visit: Friday and Saturday after 10 pm for true late-night service.
What to order: Breakfast burrito, al pastor tacos, loaded Gallo fries.
Insider tip: Use online ordering to skip lines and grab-and-go during peak late hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; metered spots are scarce and usually full. Best bet is nearby garages along Pearl or Jay Street if you're driving.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; commuters, students, and late-night crowds all blend in. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate; it’s a compact counter with steady foot traffic, but you can still hear yourself order without shouting.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic in the area; later hours often move faster due to grab-and-go flow.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though a quick line can form during commuter rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie tacos, bowls, and breakfast burritos made to order.
Vegan options: Limited but workable; basic veggie tacos and customizable bowls can be built vegan if you skip cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas and bowl formats are gluten-friendly; however, the kitchen lacks a dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date; the space is counter-service, tight, and geared toward fast meals rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is minimal and turnover is fast, but many guests take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle quick counter service. No dedicated kids' menu, high chairs, or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Late-night affordability and speed; one of the few Cheap Mexican spots in the neighborhood serving full menus deep into the evening.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, cocktails, or a more polished atmosphere—other Mexican restaurants nearby offer fuller dining rooms and bar programs.
El Gallo Taqueria
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact mom-and-pop counter off Adams Street, El Gallo Taqueria serves all-day tacos, breakfast burritos, and their loaded Gallo fries to commuters and late-night DUMBO crowds. Extended hours, low price points, and strong delivery presence make it one of the most practical Cheap Tacos stops within walking distance of the bridges.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Breakfast burrito, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Late-running mom-and-pop taco counter with strong delivery game.
Who should go: Night owls and commuters needing fast, inexpensive tacos.
When to visit: After 10 pm Friday–Saturday for true late-night energy.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, breakfast burrito, loaded Gallo fries.
Insider tip: Check daily specials for rotating proteins that sometimes beat the regular menu.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Adams and surrounding blocks is limited, especially evenings; expect to circle or use nearby paid garages on Jay Street.
Dress code: Casual and practical; come as you are for counter service.
Noise level: Moderate during late-night hours due to foot traffic; quieter earlier in the evening.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on late-night rush, mostly for takeout rather than ordering.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait aside from a short line during commuter peaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, bowls, and breakfast burritos can be customized meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — some items can be modified (no cheese, add veggies), but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Partially — bowls and some fillings work, but tortillas are not gluten-free and there is shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s a compact counter spot built for quick eats, delivery, and late-night grab-and-go rather than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service only with limited seating, so tables turn quickly but are not guaranteed during peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals; simple menu and fast service work for older kids, though the tight space and late-night crowds may not suit younger children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos, fast service, and inexpensive plates within immediate walking distance of the bridges.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, cocktails, or a broader regional Mexican menu — other nearby spots offer more atmosphere and variety.
El Gallo Taqueria
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Gallo’s DUMBO outpost is a compact counter turning out all-day tacos, Gallo fries, and breakfast burritos with long hours that run straight through typical happy hour into late night. Commuters and service workers treat it as a reliable Happy Hour Tacos move when they want affordable plates and a quick bite before heading over to the waterfront or train.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Gallo fries, Breakfast burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume taco counter near the bridges with long hours, strong delivery, and plenty of al pastor and Gallo fries moving every night.
Who should go: Night-shift workers and commuters grabbing tacos around happy hour.
When to visit: Early evening or late night when you want fast, inexpensive tacos.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, Gallo fries, breakfast burrito if you’re starting early.
Insider tip: Lines move quickly, but mobile ordering for pickup lets you time tacos to your train or waterfront stroll with minimal waiting.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in DUMBO is limited and metered; expect competition during early evening and near the bridges. Garage options exist within a 5–7 minute walk but can be pricey.
Dress code: Completely casual—come as you are. Athletic wear, workwear, or commuter attire all blend in.
Noise level: Moderate for a counter spot; you can hold a conversation, but expect steady street noise and hall-style bustle during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 5–10 minutes for most orders, though delivery and pickup spikes can slow things slightly.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 12:30 pm; lines form but move quickly due to fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie tacos, breakfast burritos, and customizable bowls.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for veggie tacos or bowls without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Most tacos can be made on corn tortillas, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area, so cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual meetup than a formal first date. The counter-service setup and quick turnover make it great for a low-pressure, grab-and-go hang rather than a sit-down evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Seating is minimal, so plan to stand, eat quickly, or take your food to the waterfront if it's busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals; space is tight but service is fast. Strollers may need to stay outside or along the wall. Kids who like tacos, fries, or breakfast burritos will find easy options.
Best For
Better for: Late-night affordability, speed, and reliable al pastor tacos near the bridges—ideal for commuters and anyone wanting quick food before or after strolling the waterfront.
Skip if: You want a sit-down happy hour with drinks, polished ambiance, or a place for lingering; nearby full-service Mexican spots will fit those needs better.