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Amor Loco NYC
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
Amor Loco NYC
8.2
Amor Loco brings a polished, Theater District-friendly take on Mexican comfort food with strong margarita energy. The menu blends classics with a little NYC flair—nachos, enchiladas, shrimp tacos—served in a colorful, upbeat room. It’s an easy pick for groups who want festive without committing to a full rooftop party.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de camarones, Enchiladas suizas, Sopa de tortilla
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Broadway-adjacent Mexican with a cocktail-forward, festive feel.
Who should go: Show crowds and groups wanting margaritas and tacos.
When to visit: Pre-theater dinner or weeknight happy hour.
What to order: Shrimp tacos, enchiladas, tortilla soup.
Insider tip: Frozen guava margarita is the sleeper hit.
Amor Loco NYC
7.9
A playful Times Square taqueria that mixes classic formats with crowd-pleasing twists, backed by very positive recent reviews. Tacos range from straightforward carne asada to bolder fusion options, and the margarita list is a real draw. The room feels like a party-leaning neighborhood hangout in the middle of tourist chaos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Camarones tacos, Chicken quesadilla, Chorizo mac & cheese balls
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Festive taqueria energy with both classic and creative taco builds.
Who should go: Friends looking for tacos plus cocktails pre- or post-show.
When to visit: Weekend afternoons for brunchy energy without midnight crowds.
What to order: Camarones tacos, carne asada tacos, chorizo mac & cheese balls.
Insider tip: Split a frozen margarita flight if you’re sampling the menu.
Amor Loco NYC
8.3
Tacos and Mexican‑inspired dishes with cocktails and a lively vibe make this Midtown spot a go‑to for flavorful, affordable meals. The weekday‑til-late hours and central location draw both night owls and theatre‑goers. Locals come for shareable plates and margaritas as much as tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Birria taco, Guac & chips
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Tacos plus cocktails in a lively Midtown setting.
Who should go: Night‑owls and budget dinner + drinks seekers.
When to visit: After shows or late evenings.
What to order: Al pastor taco, birria taco, guac & chips.
Insider tip: Go late for smaller wait and weekday cocktails.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is available, but it can be difficult to find after 6pm. There are nearby parking garages with rates around $20-30 for a few hours.
Dress code: Casual, but trendy. Jeans and a nice shirt are perfect, though you may want to dress up slightly if coming after a show.
Noise level: Moderate - It can get lively, but still suitable for conversation. It's not too loud to hear your date, especially during the later hours.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without reservation, but waits can extend on busier nights, especially weekends.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, even during peak lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - There are several vegetarian-friendly options like the veggie tacos and the guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited - About 2-3 options, such as the vegetable tacos and some salsas, but check with the server for daily specials.
Gluten-free options: Yes - Separate prep area to avoid cross-contamination for those with gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Absolutely! The lively yet intimate vibe is perfect for conversation, and the fun, shareable tacos and cocktails create a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? It’s possible, but reservations are recommended, especially on weekends or during the late evening when the place gets busy after shows. Weekdays tend to be more relaxed.
Is it kid-friendly? While the atmosphere is more suited for adults, it’s still family-friendly with a casual vibe. Kids can enjoy tacos and sides, but note it’s not specifically tailored for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Better for quick, flavorful Mexican eats with a fun cocktail scene, especially for groups or after-show crowds in the Theater District.
Skip if: If you’re looking for a more traditional, quiet Mexican dining experience or something upscale, you may want to consider alternatives.
Amor Loco NYC
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Trendy Table Hotspots
Late Night Legends
Group Dining Gatherings
A lively taqueria mixing bold Mexican flavors with cocktails and late‑night energy — locals often pick it before or after a show. Tacos feel fresh and flavorful, and the vibe fits casual nights out in Midtown. Great value for portions and drinks downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carnitas Burrito, House Margaritas
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Midtown tacos + cocktails combo for pre/post‑show crowd.
Who should go: Night owls & theater‑goers looking for tacos and drinks
When to visit: Evenings before or after Broadway shows
What to order: Al Pastor tacos, carnitas burrito, a margarita
Insider tip: Go after 10 p.m. for late‑night tacos and lighter crowds
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited, and valet service is available for $15 after 6 p.m.
Dress code: Casual – jeans and a nice top are perfect, but feel free to keep it relaxed.
Noise level: Moderate – lively, but still easy to hold a conversation, especially later at night.
Weekend wait: 45-60 min without a reservation, especially before or after shows.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several options, including veggie tacos and a dedicated section on the menu.
Vegan options: Limited – 2-3 options available, such as the plant-based taco and guacamole.
Gluten-free options: Yes – options like the corn tortillas are gluten-free, and they take care in preparing them separately.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes – it’s casual but lively, perfect for a fun, relaxed first date. The energetic vibe keeps things light, and the cocktails add to the charm.
Can I get a table without a reservation? You can often find a table without a reservation during the weekdays, but on weekends, especially before or after Broadway shows, it's better to book in advance to avoid a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – the atmosphere is casual, and they have a kids’ menu with simpler taco options. However, the later hours and lively crowd may not be ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Amor Loco excels at offering quick, tasty tacos with a fun cocktail menu, ideal for pre/post-show crowds in Midtown, where other taco spots may lack the same late-night energy or drink options.
Skip if: If you prefer a quieter, more intimate dining experience, or if you’re seeking more upscale Mexican cuisine, you might want to explore other options.
Amor Loco NYC
7.7
Casual Midtown spot serving bold‑flavored tacos and cocktails — happy hour (Mon–Fri) offers discounted drinks making it a decent value for after‑work bites. The tacos skew toward hearty and flavorful rather than refined, fitting well with its taqueria‑bar vibe. Good for a laid‑back night with friends before or after a show.
Must-Try Dishes:
House tacos, Margaritas, Chips & salsa
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.5
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Taqueria + cocktail bar with weekday happy-hour drinks and approachable tacos.
Who should go: Friends looking for casual drinks and tacos pre‑show.
When to visit: Mon–Fri after work hours.
What to order: House tacos, margarita, chips & salsa.
Insider tip: Weekday happy hour yields best drink + taco combo before crowds arrive.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be difficult after 6pm, valet service is available for $12.
Dress code: Casual attire is appropriate; jeans and a nice top are fine.
Noise level: Moderate - it’s lively but you can still have a conversation.
Weekend wait: Expect a 30-45 minute wait on weekends without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during weekday lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - there are a few vegetarian taco options and sides like guacamole and chips.
Vegan options: Limited - there are 2-3 vegan-friendly taco options and sides.
Gluten-free options: Yes - they offer gluten-free options, and some tacos can be made with gluten-free tortillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s a casual spot perfect for a laid-back first date if you both enjoy tacos and cocktails. However, if you're looking for something quieter or more intimate, it might not be the best choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s usually possible to get a table without a reservation, especially during off-peak times. However, expect a longer wait during busy hours like weekends or after work.
Is it kid-friendly? It’s not particularly kid-focused, but children are welcome. The casual atmosphere makes it suitable for families, but keep in mind it’s more of an after-work spot with a lively vibe.
Best For
Better for: Amor Loco NYC offers the best deal for tacos and drinks during weekday happy hour, making it a great value spot for groups before or after a show in the Theater District.
Skip if: If you're looking for a refined dining experience or a quieter atmosphere, Amor Loco may not be the best option. Consider alternatives in the area for a more upscale setting or intimate dinner.