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Tacombi - Long Island City
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Tacombi - Long Island City
8.1
A bright, high-traffic taqueria that’s most reliable when you keep the order simple: a couple tacos, one side, and a drink. It’s not trying to be a deep-cut regional specialist, but it consistently delivers crowd-pleasing flavors with fast, predictable pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef birria taco, Crispy fish taco, Corn esquites
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A polished, high-volume taco shop with dependable favorites and fast flow.
Who should go: Anyone who wants tacos without overthinking it
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Birria taco, fish taco, esquites
Insider tip: Mix one rich taco and one lighter seafood/veg taco for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking around Court Square; metered spots are hit-or-miss. Most locals use subway access (Court Sq–23 St is steps away).
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, workwear all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy, but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours, shorter if you’re flexible or ordering quickly
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie tacos and sides like esquites and guac.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—plant-based tacos and sides if you skip dairy-based toppings.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual first date—it’s low-pressure, fast-paced, and easy to keep things light, but not ideal if you want a quiet, linger-longer vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm. Peak times may involve a short wait, but turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple tacos, sides, and a bright space make it easy for kids, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable tacos, group flexibility, and predictable quality when you don’t want to gamble on a new spot.
Skip if: You’re looking for deep regional Mexican cooking, a quiet date-night atmosphere, or a destination-worthy dining experience.
Tacombi - Long Island City
8.2
A polished taqueria where tacos land clean and balanced—especially anything fish-forward—backed by a lively room that works for groups or a casual date. It’s not rock-bottom cheap, but the consistency and overall experience make it a dependable LIC taco stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja fish taco, Al pastor taco, Guacamole con totopos
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Crisp, well-constructed tacos in a high-energy, design-forward space.
Who should go: Friends splitting tacos and drinks
When to visit: Early evening to beat peak crowds
What to order: Baja fish taco, al pastor taco, guacamole and chips
Insider tip: Order a mix of one seafood taco and one pork taco for contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited around Court Square; garages are nearby but can be pricey during evenings.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine, but the crowd trends polished and put-together.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy early, louder during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, sides, and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable tacos can be made vegan with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—it's upbeat and stylish without being too formal, giving you enough energy to keep things fun while still being comfortable for conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early evening or weekdays, but expect a short wait on busy weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—kids are welcome, but the vibe skews more adult and social than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Seafood-forward tacos, cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that feels more like a night out than a grab-and-go taqueria.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-cheap tacos, a quiet meal, or a purely traditional street-taco experience.
Tacombi - Long Island City
8.2
A reliable taqueria-and-cocktails room that’s built for after-work energy: margaritas, quick rounds of tacos, and a pace that makes it easy to stay for another order. It works best when you keep the spread focused—2–3 tacos each plus one side—so everything lands hot and crisp.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Baja fish taco, Esquites
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Happy-hour-friendly tacos and cocktails with dependable execution.
Who should go: After-work crews who want tacos and margs
When to visit: Weekdays during happy hour for easiest pacing
What to order: Al pastor, fish taco, esquites
Insider tip: Order tacos in two rounds so the second batch stays crisp.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; can be competitive after 5:30pm. Garage options within a few blocks if street spots are full.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans and sneakers are common; polished casual works best for after-work.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during happy hour—conversation is easy at the table but louder near the bar.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak times without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple veggie tacos, sides like esquites and guac, and easy substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple taco options and sides; ask about dairy-free sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas by default; note shared kitchen so cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for an early-evening first date. The vibe is upbeat but low-pressure, and the menu makes ordering simple and shareable.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weekdays and earlier evenings. Arrive before 6:30pm for the smoothest walk-in experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during daytime and early evenings. The menu is approachable for kids, but it skews more adult and lively later at night.
Best For
Better for: After-work tacos and margaritas with fast pacing, consistent execution, and group-friendly energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, sit-down Mexican dinner or highly regional, destination-level tacos.