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Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taqueria Al Pastor is a counter-service spot on Court Street known for its spit-roasted pork tacos, homemade tortillas and fast-moving line. Downtown Brooklyn workers and Brooklyn Heights residents use it as a reliable stop for quick lunch plates, late-afternoon taco runs and casual dinners. The focus stays on well-seasoned meats, salsas and value rather than elaborate decor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos with pineapple, Carne asada quesadilla, Nachos with pastor
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Counter-service tacos al pastor carved fresh onto warm tortillas.
Who should go: Taco fans wanting fast, affordable al pastor plates.
When to visit: Weekday lunch and early dinner to avoid longest lines.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada quesadilla, chips with salsa.
Insider tip: Grab a few extra salsas and eat at the window counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Court Street is limited and competitive during peak office hours; meter spots open up slightly after 7pm. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—work clothes, hoodies, and gym gear all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate turnover noise from the line and grill, but still easy enough to hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush, mostly due to takeout and delivery volume.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak office lunch; often no wait before noon or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie tacos, quesadillas, and sides; fillings may rotate.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—look for bean-based tacos and salsas; clarify ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Most tacos can be made on corn tortillas which are naturally gluten-free, but there is no certified GF prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and quick. It’s more of a grab-and-go taco stop than a sit-down date environment.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Counter seating is first-come, first-served, and turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals with older kids; the space is tight with limited seating, so not ideal for strollers or long family dinners.
Best For
Better for: Fast al pastor tacos carved fresh, strong value pricing, and quick service compared to sit-down Mexican spots nearby.
Skip if: You want a full-service meal, cocktails, or a quieter, linger-friendly dining room—this is built for speed and simplicity.
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
8.0
Taqueria Al Pastor on Court Street is a counter-service taco shop and bar where trompo-sliced pork, fish tacos, and margaritas run into the later evening. It’s the Brooklyn Heights choice for groups craving plates of tacos, Micheladas, and shareable sides without leaving the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Birria tacos, Fish tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Court Street taco bar focused on al pastor and classic fillings.
Who should go: Friends craving tacos, beer, and casual Brooklyn Heights energy.
When to visit: Thursday–Saturday evenings after 7pm for full bar buzz.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, birria tacos, a Michelada or margarita.
Insider tip: Grab toppings and salsas from the self-serve condiment counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Court Street and nearby blocks is metered and can be tight after 6pm; expect to circle a few minutes. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual; neighborhood-appropriate attire is fine, from jeans and tees to slightly dressier tops for evening drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversations are doable at smaller tables but bar-adjacent seating can get louder.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak taco-and-margarita hours, especially between 7:30–9:30pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; service is counter-style and moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection—vegetarian tacos and sides like nopales or grilled veggie fillings are usually available.
Vegan options: Limited—some vegetable fillings and salsas work, but options vary; verify ingredients at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It works for a casual, low-pressure first date—especially if you’re aiming for tacos, drinks, and neighborhood energy. It’s not ideal for quieter, more intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service, so seating is first-come. Arriving slightly before peak weekend hours helps secure tables for groups.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for families with older kids; it’s casual and quick, though the bar energy can run loud on weekends. High chairs and stroller space are limited.
Best For
Better for: Stronger group energy and more robust bar offerings than many neighborhood taquerias; great for casual hangouts and shareable taco rounds.
Skip if: You want a quieter meal, a fully gluten-free setup, or a more polished sit-down Mexican experience.
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar is a counter-service spot off Court Street specializing in trompo-cut al pastor, birria specials, and classic burritos at weeknight-dinner prices. High-volume delivery and takeout traffic plus strong ratings across apps make it one of the most reliable Cheap Mexican options in 11201. The room is simple and functional, but the focus is on warm tortillas, marinated meat, and fast plates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos on house tortillas, Birria tacos with consommé, Al pastor burrito with pineapple
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood al pastor specialist with consistently strong ratings.
Who should go: Taco lovers craving affordable al pastor and burritos.
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm for steady but manageable crowds.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, birria tacos, al pastor burrito.
Insider tip: Add chiles toreados and extra salsa from the toppings bar for more heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Court Street and adjoining blocks; generally available but competitive after 6 pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual. Come as you are—hoodies, work clothes, or quick grab-and-go attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours due to takeout traffic, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes for walk-in orders; seating turnover is fast but limited.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—typically under 5 minutes for counter ordering.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable bowls are available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean-focused options can be made vegan if you omit cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the kitchen is shared and not suitable for strict dietary needs.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a formal first date—it's counter-service and functional rather than atmospheric. Works better for a casual meetup or pre-movie bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's entirely walk-in. Seating is limited but turnover is quick; most guests take food to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick meals; the space is simple and service is fast, but strollers may feel tight during peak times. Good for ages 5+ who can eat quickly.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable al pastor with strong delivery consistency and quick counter turnaround—ideal for weeknight meals.
Skip if: You want a sit-down environment, a full bar experience, or expansive vegetarian and vegan menus.
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Busy Brooklyn Heights taqueria turning out al pastor, birria specials, and fried fish tacos at sit-down-but-still-affordable prices for the Court Street crowd. Colorful interiors, a full bar, and strong delivery volume make it the most broadly useful Cheap Tacos option in 11201 for everything from quick plates to casual group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried fish tacos, Birria tacos, Al pastor burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-volume downtown taqueria with standout al pastor and birria at accessible prices.
Who should go: Groups and locals craving affordable tacos with full bar.
When to visit: Weeknights after 7 pm or weekend lunch for shortest waits.
What to order: Fried fish tacos, birria taco plate, al pastor burrito.
Insider tip: Use online ordering for faster pickup; birria often sells out on peak nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Court Street and surrounding blocks is limited after 6 pm; meters run until evening. No valet or dedicated lot—plan for a short walk.
Dress code: Casual. Most guests come in jeans, tees, or light layers; totally fine for post-work or weekend crowds.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak hours; conversation is doable at smaller tables but louder near the bar and large groups.
Weekend wait: 25–35 minutes for small groups; up to 45 minutes for larger parties during peak evenings.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait, with steady counter and dine-in turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean burritos, veggie tacos, and customizable plates allow for meat-free meals.
Vegan options: Limited—can build vegan tacos or bowls with beans, veggies, and salsas, but dedicated vegan proteins are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free; bowls and taco plates work well for GF diners, but no fully separate prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for a casual first date—colorful room, upbeat energy, and affordable plates lower the stakes. Not ideal if you want quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's walk-in only. Arriving before 7 pm on weeknights or after the initial dinner rush on weekends improves your chances of quick seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—fast service, simple tacos, and booth seating work well for families. Peak weekend dinners can be loud, so earlier visits are better for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Best for affordable al pastor, birria plates, and quick group meals with a full bar—more versatile than smaller taco counters nearby.
Skip if: Skip if you want very quiet dining, upscale plating, or highly specialized regional Mexican—choose a calmer sit-down spot instead.
Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
On Court Street, Taqueria Al Pastor & Bar runs a counter-service line of crispy al pastor, fried fish, and birria tacos with bottled Mexican sodas, horchata, and a small but useful bar program. It’s a practical Happy Hour Tacos option for downtown workers and Brooklyn Heights locals who want affordable plates, cold beers, and a quick sit-down before heading home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried fish tacos, Birria tacos, Al pastor burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 6.4
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Counter-service taqueria focused on al pastor and birria with an attached bar for casual drinks.
Who should go: After-work crews wanting inexpensive tacos and beers.
When to visit: Weekday early evenings before the dinner rush builds.
What to order: Fried fish tacos, birria taco plate, al pastor burrito.
Insider tip: Sit toward the back near the bar if you want to linger over a second round of tacos and drinks without feeling rushed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Court Street and nearby blocks can be tight after 5pm; meter spots open up later in the evening. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable; come as you are—office attire, jeans, and hoodies all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate during peak hours; you can hold a conversation, but expect some bustle from the counter line and bar area.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during the early evening; tables turn quickly due to counter-service format.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including veggie tacos, quesadillas, and sides; fillings are customizable.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—ask for veggie tacos without cheese or crema; beans and rice are typically vegan-friendly.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but prep is not in a dedicated GF environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual meetups than formal dates—counter service and quick turnover keep it relaxed, but not particularly intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's all walk-in. Tables turn fast, especially if you’re willing to sit near the bar or along the wall seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly for quick meals; simple menus, fast service, and casual seating work well for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with solid al pastor and birria, plus the convenience of a small bar for casual drinks.
Skip if: You want a quieter, more polished setting or a broader cocktail program—look to sit-down Mexican spots nearby instead.