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Summer Salt
Master Critic Reviews (11 Lists)
Summer Salt
8.2
A fast-casual taco-and-burrito shop that prioritizes clean, well-seasoned proteins and a reliable build-your-own rhythm. It’s strongest when you go crispy fish or shrimp, then round it out with one side and a simple sweet. Use it as a repeatable weekday Mexican fix, not a linger-long destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja crispy fish taco, Pollo asado burrito, Churros
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Fast-casual Mexican that stays consistent on tacos and burritos.
Who should go: Lunch regulars and quick dinner grabbers
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner
What to order: Crispy fish taco, shrimp taco, pollo asado burrito
Insider tip: Mix one taco plus one burrito/bowl to get both crunch and heft.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Flatiron; assume a short walk from a nearby garage if driving.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, workday attire all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate and lively during peak hours, but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short line during the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, rice, vegetables, and cheese-based tacos or bowls work well.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—vegetable and bean builds without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and bowl formats are available, though not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first meet—more about quick connection than ambiance or romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Absolutely—ordering is counter-service, and seating turns over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menus, flexible portions, and quick service make it easy for kids and families.
Best For
Better for: Clean, well-seasoned proteins and crispy seafood tacos that feel lighter and more reliable than many fast-casual taco chains.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Mexican dinner, cocktails, or a linger-long dining experience.
Summer Salt
7.7
A fast-casual Flatiron stop that plays best as an efficient lunch mission—tacos and bowls that deliver clean flavors without a long sit-down commitment. Order one clear lane (tacos or bowl), add chips if you’re hungry, and keep it moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja-style fish taco, Carne asada taco, Chips and guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.7
What makes it special: A dependable, fast taco-and-bowl option built for repeatable weekday utility.
Who should go: Quick lunch people and solo diners
When to visit: Weekday lunch before 12:30
What to order: Fish taco, carne asada taco, chips & guac
Insider tip: Pick one lane (tacos or bowl) for best pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive during weekdays. Best accessed on foot or via subway.
Dress code: Casual and functional — jeans, sneakers, and workday basics all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate — quick-service hum but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Typically no wait; light crowds compared to full-service spots.
Weekday lunch: Short line possible during peak (12:00–1:00pm), but usually moves fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and bowls with customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Yes — buildable bowls and tacos without dairy; confirm sauces at the counter.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and bowl format make gluten-free ordering easy.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s efficient and casual, better suited for solo meals or quick lunches than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — simple flavors and fast service work well, but there’s limited space and no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos and bowls with clean flavors when you want something lighter and efficient.
Skip if: You’re looking for destination tacos, bold regional styles, or a sit-down Mexican dining experience.
Summer Salt
7.9
A clean, modern counter-style stop that’s best used as a burrito utility play: pick a protein that won’t get soggy, add one fresh element, and keep the build simple. The payoff is speed and a lighter, California-leaning feel that fits Flatiron’s grab-and-go rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada burrito, Chicken burrito, Chips & guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 6.9
What makes it special: Fast, clean burritos that win on simplicity and pace.
Who should go: Solo lunchers and quick-stop burrito people
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–12:15 to beat the rush
What to order: Carne asada burrito, chicken burrito, chips & guac
Insider tip: Skip extra wet add-ons—keep it tight so the burrito stays structured.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots nearby but tight during weekday lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual — office lunch attire, athleisure, and jeans all fit naturally.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service hum, but easy conversation.
Weekend wait: Minimal to none — weekends are generally quiet.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak; no wait off-peak.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos and customizable builds work well.
Vegan options: Yes — beans, rice, veggies, salsa, and guacamole make a solid vegan burrito.
Gluten-free options: Yes — burrito bowls and corn-based sides available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it’s fast and functional, better for casual lunches than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with open seating, no reservations needed.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors, quick service, and flexible portions work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, lighter burritos that feel cleaner and less heavy than most grab-and-go Mexican spots.
Skip if: You want loaded, indulgent burritos or a sit-down Mexican dining experience.
Summer Salt
7.7
A bright, casual counter that delivers California-style Mexican with a clean, repeatable build-your-plate rhythm. It shines when you keep it focused—two tacos or one bowl plus chips—so you get freshness and crunch without turning the meal into a sprawling order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Shrimp bowl, Chips and guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: A fast-casual Mexican counter that stays fresh and consistent.
Who should go: Quick lunch crews and taco minimalists
When to visit: Late afternoon for the shortest lines
What to order: Fish tacos, shrimp bowl, chips and guac
Insider tip: Pick either tacos or a bowl—doubling up dilutes the win.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and competitive during weekday lunch hours.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure, jeans, and workday basics all fit comfortably.
Noise level: Moderate during peak lunch; manageable for conversation but not quiet.
Weekend wait: No wait to 10 minutes; counter service keeps things moving.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; off-peak is usually walk-in.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward tacos and bowls with customizable toppings.
Vegan options: Yes—can build a fully vegan bowl or tacos by skipping dairy-based sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes—bowls and corn tortillas work well for gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a classic sit-down first date, but solid for a casual daytime meet-up where speed and low pressure matter more than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter service with open seating, so reservations aren’t part of the equation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple flavors, fast service, and flexible portions make it easy for kids, though seating is more functional than spacious.
Best For
Better for: Clean, fast Mexican that feels lighter and more disciplined than typical burrito-heavy spots.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service Mexican restaurant, cocktails, or a lingering dinner experience.
Summer Salt
7.8
A bright, surf-leaning Cali-Mex room where the win is fast, crunchy, and consistent: fish tacos, burritos, and frozen drinks that hold up when you’re eating late and keeping it casual. It’s not built for nuance—order the Baja staples, keep sauces on the side, and treat it like a high-quality pit stop.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja crispy fish taco, Baja crispy fish burrito, Frozen margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Baja-style tacos and burritos built for casual, late-ish cravings.
Who should go: Friends who want fast tacos and margs
When to visit: Late evening before the neighborhood winds down
What to order: Fish taco, fish burrito, frozen margarita
Insider tip: Go fish-first—best texture and most reliable order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the evening; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and easy layers all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate—lively but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a very short line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, rice-and-bean burritos, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications (skip dairy, choose beans/veg fillings).
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas and bowl-style orders work best, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you’re keeping it casual—quick bites and margaritas work well, but it’s more laid-back than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially on weeknights or later in the evening; peak dinner hours may mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple tacos, burritos, and a casual setup make it easy for school-age kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable Baja-style tacos and frozen drinks when you want something crunchy and unfussy.
Skip if: You’re looking for deep regional Mexican cooking or a sit-down, occasion-driven meal.
Summer Salt
7.8
A bright, surf-leaning Baja spot where the win is crunchy, fish-first tacos and burritos built for straightforward cravings. It’s not trying to be a long hang—treat it like a focused pit stop, keep sauces on the side, and order the items that travel well late.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja crispy fish taco, California burrito (with tater tots), Pan-seared adobo shrimp taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Baja-style fish tacos with a consistent crunch-and-salsa lane.
Who should go: Late-night taco cravings without the sit-down time
When to visit: Late evening for a fast, focused meal
What to order: Crispy fish taco, California burrito, shrimp taco
Insider tip: Go fish-first and keep it tight—two tacos beats a scattered order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability in the evening and tougher after 7pm. Rideshare is usually easier late.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed late-night wear all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate — energetic but still easy to have a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–25 minutes during peak late-night hours; quicker turnover than sit-down spots.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically; in-and-out friendly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and burritos available, though not the menu focus.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but choices are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; corn tortillas help, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual, low-pressure stop than a sit-down date — ideal if you want something quick and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s mostly walk-in friendly, with fast counter-style pacing even late.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos and burritos, but the late-night crowd skews adult and energetic.
Best For
Better for: Fast, crunchy fish tacos and burritos that hold up late without a long commitment.
Skip if: You want a drawn-out dinner, deep menu exploration, or a sit-and-linger experience.
Summer Salt
7.8
A Baja-leaning, fast-casual stop where the best value comes from crunchy, fish-forward tacos and burritos that stay focused and satisfying. Treat it like a quick mission: pick your protein lane, keep sauces controlled, and you’ll get a clean cheap-eats payoff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy fish taco, California burrito, Shrimp taco
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fast Baja-style tacos that stay crisp and craveable.
Who should go: Quick lunch teams and post-work bite seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening
What to order: Crispy fish taco, burrito, shrimp taco
Insider tip: Keep sauces on the side—crunch is the whole point here.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages are nearby but most people walk or take transit.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, sneakers, workday basics all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during rushes but still easy to talk.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, often faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short line
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and burritos with beans, rice, and toppings.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with veggie fillings and sauce adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet than a sit-down date — quick food, quick decisions, no lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — ordering is counter-service and seating turns over fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids — simple tacos and burritos work well, but seating is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, crunchy Baja-style tacos that stay crisp and satisfying at a budget price.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, margaritas, or a long, social dinner experience.
Summer Salt
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Baja-leaning counter where the cheap Mexican win is crisp, fish-forward tacos and burritos that stay focused and filling. Treat it like a quick mission: pick one protein lane, keep sauces controlled, and you’ll get a clean value payoff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy fish taco, Shrimp taco, Burrito (protein of choice)
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Fast Baja-style tacos that stay crisp and craveable.
Who should go: Quick lunch teams and solo taco runs
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening
What to order: Crispy fish taco, shrimp taco, one burrito
Insider tip: Keep sauces on the side so the crunch stays intact.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan on walking from a nearby garage if driving.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday basics fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — counter energy and kitchen sounds, but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, often faster for solo or takeout orders.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside the 12:30–1:30pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and burrito builds are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable fillings and no dairy, but options are narrower.
Gluten-free options: Partial — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual, low-pressure meet than a traditional sit-down date — quick, relaxed, and no commitment if the vibe isn’t there.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is first-come, first-served and turnover is fast, especially if you’re flexible or dining solo.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos; no dedicated kids menu, but portions are approachable.
Best For
Better for: Crisp fish tacos, fast service, and clean Baja-style flavors at a true cheap-eats price point.
Skip if: You’re looking for margaritas, lingering table time, or a more expansive Mexican menu experience.
Summer Salt
8.2
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Baja-leaning counter that keeps the taco mission simple: crisp, fish-forward builds and sturdy burritos that feel designed for speed and value. Order like a local—pick one protein lane, keep sauces controlled, and you’ll get clean crunch without the soggy slide.
Must-Try Dishes:
Crispy fried fish tacos, Shrimp taco, California burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Baja-style tacos built around crisp fish and clean, fast execution.
Who should go: Solo taco runs and quick lunch crews
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening
What to order: Crispy fish tacos, shrimp taco, California burrito
Insider tip: Get sauces on the side to protect the crunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability during peak hours, easier before noon or after 7pm.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, work lunch attire all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate — counter-service buzz, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak, faster if ordering solo.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait or under 5 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burrito and taco builds available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with vegetable fillings and sauce adjustments.
Gluten-free options: Limited — corn tortillas available, but shared prep space.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime or low-pressure first meet — it’s quick, informal, and food-forward rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating, so you order first and grab a spot as it opens up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos or burritos; no special kids menu, but portions are manageable and flexible.
Best For
Better for: Crispy fish tacos, fast service, and clean value-focused taco runs.
Skip if: You’re looking for sit-down service, a broad salsa bar, or a more social, margarita-driven taco experience.
Summer Salt
7.8
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
A fast-casual, Baja-leaning taco-and-burrito counter that’s most rewarding as an early, low-commitment happy-hour pit stop before you move on. The food is built for speed and portability, so the best results come from one focused burrito order or a couple tacos—no topping chaos, no overthinking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo asado burrito, Adobo shrimp burrito, Baja-style fish taco
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Fast, California-style burrito energy with a legit happy-hour hook.
Who should go: Quick drink-and-bite people
When to visit: Late afternoon before dinner plans
What to order: Pollo asado burrito, fish taco, chips and guac
Insider tip: Treat it like a one-drink, one-item stop—speed is the advantage.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive in Flatiron; garages nearby are the most reliable option if driving.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and workday clothes are completely fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate—order-counter buzz but generally easy to talk without raising your voice.
Weekend wait: Usually no wait; occasional short line at peak times but turnover is fast.
Weekday lunch: Short line possible during noon rush, but typically under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, rice-and-bean burritos, and customizable builds work well.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—skip cheese and sour cream; beans, rice, veggies, salsa, and guac carry the meal.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and bowl-style orders are the safest bets.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and quick—this works better as a low-pressure pre-dinner stop than a sit-and-talk date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system and seating turns quickly, especially if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple burritos and tacos work well, but it’s more grab-and-go than linger-friendly.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive happy-hour tacos and burritos when you want speed, value, and minimal commitment.
Skip if: You want cocktails, atmosphere, or a longer sit-down experience—full-service Mexican spots will suit that better.
Summer Salt
7.9
Vibes:
Happy Hour Hotspots
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A Baja-leaning counter spot that’s strongest in quick-hit mode: grab tacos, keep customization simple, and treat it like a fast happy-hour bite before your next stop. The fish lane is the move here—crispy or adobo—when you want clean flavor and speed over a full sit-down scene.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Crispy Fish taco, Pan Seared Adobo Shrimp taco, Tofu & Cauliflower (T&C) Tinga taco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: SoCal-style Baja tacos built for speed, freshness, and repeatability.
Who should go: Quick taco-and-margarita people
When to visit: Late afternoon before dinner plans
What to order: Baja crispy fish taco, adobo shrimp taco, tinga taco
Insider tip: Pick one taco style lane and skip topping chaos for best results.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking is limited; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option. Not a valet situation.
Dress code: Casual and functional—jeans, sneakers, after-work basics all fit.
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to talk, but more counter bustle than dining-room hush.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, often shorter if you’re flexible on seating.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; counter service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-based tacos and sides are available, though the menu leans seafood-forward.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with simple swaps, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available; cross-contact is possible in a fast-casual kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re keeping it casual. It’s better for quick tacos and conversation than a linger-and-impress dinner.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service friendly. Walk-ins are the norm, especially outside peak dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like simple tacos; no special kids’ menu or play-focused setup.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable Baja-style fish tacos when speed and value matter more than atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, strong cocktail program, or a long, social happy hour hang.