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Chinelos Tacos NYC
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Chinelos Tacos NYC
8.4
A birria-forward taco truck where the move is all about texture and dunkability—crispy edges, tender meat, and consomé that ties the whole order together. It’s best as a targeted stop: a tight set of tacos or a mulita, then get out before the food loses heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos with consomé, Birria mulita, Consomé dip
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Birria that stays juicy and built to be dipped, not just eaten.
Who should go: Birria chasers and taco truck loyalists
When to visit: Dinner hours when it’s freshest
What to order: Birria tacos, mulita, consomé
Insider tip: Order the consomé every time—half the point is the dip.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; manageable earlier in the evening but tight late night—plan a short walk or rideshare.
Dress code: Very casual—streetwear, jeans, hoodies all fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate—outdoor truck setting with street noise; fine for conversation but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 10–25 minutes depending on birria batch timing
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; food comes out fast
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited—no dedicated vegetarian tacos; cheese-only items may be available but not the focus.
Vegan options: No—birria-focused menu with no true vegan options.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible at the truck.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the date is casual and food-forward—great flavor payoff, but standing, dipping, and eating quickly makes it more fun than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There’s no table service—expect standing or nearby public seating; order, eat hot, and move on.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and bold flavors; no high chairs or kid-specific menu items.
Best For
Better for: Birria texture, dunkability, and speed—this beats most sit-down taco spots when you want maximum flavor fast.
Skip if: You want variety, vegetarian options, or a relaxed sit-down meal—choose a full-service taqueria instead.
Chinelos Tacos NYC
8.1
A waterfront-adjacent food truck that’s strongest on rich, stew-driven tacos—juicy fillings, hot tortillas, and a satisfying, messy-in-the-best-way payoff. Ideal for grab-and-go eating with a view when you want real flavor without the sit-down markup.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Mulitas, Consomé
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Birria-forward tacos with real depth and a craveable broth side.
Who should go: Birria fans and quick-bite walkers
When to visit: Lunch or sunset for best flow
What to order: Birria tacos, mulitas, consomé
Insider tip: Get mulitas if you want a sturdier, less-drippy bite than tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking nearby; availability varies and fills quickly during weekends and waterfront events
Dress code: Very casual—walk-up food truck vibes; sneakers and outdoor layers recommended
Noise level: Low to moderate—open-air setting with ambient waterfront and foot traffic noise
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak sunset hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—occasionally non-meat fillings, but menu is meat-focused
Vegan options: Not ideal—no dedicated vegan options
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible in a small truck setup
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you’re going casual—great for a relaxed walk-and-talk date, but not ideal if you want a polished sit-down experience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations; seating is limited and informal, so plan to eat standing or take food to nearby benches.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—easygoing outdoor setup works well for kids, especially during daytime visits, though there are no kid-specific menu items.
Best For
Better for: Rich, stew-driven birria tacos with bold flavor at a true budget price, especially if you want food with a waterfront stroll
Skip if: You need indoor seating, a broader menu, or strong vegetarian/vegan options—brick-and-mortar taquerias nearby will suit you better