Best Happy Hour Tacos Restaurants in East Village (10009)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Yuca Bar
A decades-running Latin night-out hub with serious review-volume proof.
Notable Picks
#1
Yuca Bar
8.7
A high-volume East Village institution where Spanish-language energy, cocktails, and shareable plates are the point—more night-out destination than quiet tapas bar. Come for a few Latin-leaning small plates and a strong drink order, then let the room’s nightlife momentum do the rest.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna ceviche, Yuca fries, Churrasco steak
What makes it special: A decades-running Latin night-out hub with serious review-volume proof.
8.2
A practical Avenue A Mexican staple where the best move is using happy hour as a fast, reliable taco-and-margarita reset. The room is casual and quick-turn, so keep your order tight—two taco styles plus one side—then decide if you’re staying for a second round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Margaritas with chips and salsa
What makes it special: A high-traffic cantina built for drinks, sharing, and a loud room.
A bar-forward taco stop where happy hour is about structure: grab seats, order al pastor first, and let margaritas carry the rest. It’s strongest as a controlled pregame—fast tacos, one shareable, then pivot before the room gets too loud.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Guacamole with chips, Seasonal taco special
What makes it special: Modern, chef-forward tacos with a strong bar-and-bite pacing.
8.0
A focused carnitas counter that’s ideal for a happy hour food move when you want something fast, deeply savory, and not messy to manage. Treat it like a precision stop—one classic carnitas build, one contrasting cut, and you’re back out the door with momentum.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas taco (mix of cuts), Chicharrón, Tostada with carnitas and salsa
What makes it special: Carnitas-specialist focus with multiple cuts and real-deal salsa energy.
Worthy Picks
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
A California-style taco shop that fits a happy hour plan when you want low-friction ordering and a clean, filling taco-and-burrito lineup. Use it as a launchpad: one taco round for the table, then a burrito or bowl if you need to actually be full before drinks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Chicken quesadilla with salsa verde
What makes it special: High-volume taqueria reliability with punchy, craveable salsas.
#6
Eastpoint
7.7
A loud, games-forward bar where tacos are the happy hour-adjacent move: quick, snackable, and best paired with a round while the group settles in. Treat it like a utility stop—tacos early, then decide if you’re staying for the full arcade-and-sports-bar night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken Tacos, White Queso, Fish Tacos
What makes it special: A late-night sports bar where tacos are the reliable food play.
#7
San Loco
7.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A casual quick-service taco joint built for happy hour practicality: frozen margaritas, fast tacos, and a no-friction vibe that keeps the night moving. Treat it like a utility stop—two tacos, one drink, then bounce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pork Carnitas Burrito, Street Tacos - Grilled Chicken, Flan
What makes it special: Late-night Tex-Mex that’s built for quick, affordable cravings.
#8
Lydia's
7.6
A late-running bar that quietly becomes a taco happy hour play when you want cheap tacos alongside drinks in a casual, neighborhood room. Use it as a flexible starting point: tacos first, one round, then reassess the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tacos, Beef tacos, Paloma-style drink pairing
What makes it special: Unexpected taco happy hour value in a drinks-first spot.