Best Late Night Mexican Restaurants in Brooklyn Heights & Downtown Brooklyn (11201)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ruta Oaxaca Mexican Cuisine
Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
Notable Picks
8.8
Ruta Oaxaca brings Oaxacan cooking, mezcal and cocktails to a busy stretch of Smith Street, with mole-focused plates and a deep agave list. The Brooklyn outpost of this small group functions as a go-to for date nights and celebratory dinners in Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill. Expect rich moles, shareable plates and a livelier bar vibe than most neighborhood Mexican spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Enchiladas mole negro, Cochinita pibil tacos, Tlayuda mixta
What makes it special: Mole-driven Oaxacan menu paired with serious mezcal and tequila.
8.5
El Gallo Taqueria’s DUMBO location brings the Torres family’s taco-focused menu to the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, with long hours and a delivery-friendly setup. The kitchen leans into bowls, burritos, tacos and late-night orders that mix Mexican street food with New York sensibilities. High order volume from nearby offices, hotels and residents keeps the operation humming into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 taco special with mixed fillings, Carne asada burrito, El Gallo fries
What makes it special: Family-run taqueria with citywide locations and serious late hours.
Pedro’s under the Manhattan Bridge is a longtime DUMBO standby for burritos, fajitas, and strong margaritas in a loud, graffiti-covered space. On Thursdays through Saturdays the kitchen and bar stretch to midnight, making it a reliable option when most nearby spots have wound down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Frozen house margarita
What makes it special: Rowdy, colorful late-night Mexican with strong drinks and bridge-adjacent energy.
Worthy Picks
#4
Jefe Tacos
7.8
Jefe Tacos anchors a busy corner of DeKalb Market Hall with street-style tacos, quesadillas and burritos assembled to order. The stall plus connected bar makes it an easy choice for a quick taco-and-margarita break between shopping or commuting through Downtown Brooklyn. Food hall energy means things can be hectic, but the al pastor and shrimp tacos keep regulars coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Shrimp tacos, Quesadilla with Oaxaca cheese
What makes it special: Food-hall taco counter with a connected bar inside DeKalb Market.