Best Tacos Restaurants in East Harlem (10029)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: December 2025
Our Top Pick
Taco Mix
Iconic East Harlem taqueria built around carved-to-order al pastor.
Notable Picks
#1
Taco Mix
8.9
Since 1991, Taco Mix has anchored East Harlem’s taco scene with a trompo-driven al pastor program and a long menu of classic fillings. It’s the move when you want late-night tacos shaved fresh off the spit and eaten standing at the counter or taken to go.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Barbacoa tacos, Flor de calabaza quesadilla
What Makes it Special: Iconic East Harlem taqueria built around carved-to-order al pastor.
8.5
Ollin is a family-run East Harlem Mexican restaurant where the menu runs from birria tacos and cemitas to big combo plates and margaritas. It’s best when you treat it as a sit-down meal with a spread of tacos, salsas, and something from the birria side of the menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Cemita poblana, Chicken enchiladas verdes
What Makes it Special: Full-service neighborhood Mexican spot with a broad, taco-to-platters menu.
8.3
Las Panteras Negras is a sit-down Mexican restaurant on Second Avenue known for chilaquiles, tacos, and brunch-style plates in a brighter, more polished room than most nearby taquerias. It’s a good call when you want tacos with table service, cocktails, and space to linger.
8.2
La Cocina De Mama is a cozy East Harlem spot where tacos, tinga quesadillas, and plates built on handmade tortillas feel home-style rather than flashy. It excels as an everyday neighborhood Mexican option when you want hearty tacos and a few antojitos on the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Tinga quesadilla, Mom’s style rice bowl
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood taqueria-café blending tacos with rice bowls and daily specials.
8.1
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Sidewalk Tacos runs like a focused taco counter, with al pastor, suadero, and other fillings built for quick, made-to-order tacos and burritos. It’s the move when you want a fast, affordable taco run on Second Avenue with a bit more polish than a truck.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos with pineapple, Chicken mole enchiladas, Al pastor burrito
What Makes it Special: Since 2012, a locals’ go-to for affordable tacos and burritos.
El Paso Restaurante Mexicano brings a slightly more polished take on East Harlem Mexican, with ceviches, tacos, and bar snacks under the same roof. It works for casual date nights or relaxed group dinners when you want tacos but also margaritas and a fuller menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Short rib tacos, Chicken mole, Chips and guacamole
What Makes it Special: Street-cart roots evolved into a mezcal-focused, regional Mexican dining room.
Worthy Picks
Operating out of El Tepeyac Market, Dalila's Tacos centers on hefty huaraches, tacos, and stews in a no-frills setting. It shines as a low-cost, flavor-first option when you want Mexico City–style antojitos and tacos without table-service formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huarache with cecina, Taco de carne enchilada, Taco de bistec
What Makes it Special: Market-adjacent taco counter known for oversized huaraches and straightforward tacos at friendly prices.
7.8
Quesadillas Doña Maty is a late-night East Harlem standby built around handmade quesadillas, tacos, and huaraches served deep into the night. It’s where you go after bars or long shifts when you want hot tortillas, straightforward fillings, and almost no wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tinga quesadilla, Taco de carnitas, Huarache con bistec
What Makes it Special: Late-night quesadilla and taco spot that keeps handmade tortillas and classic fillings running past midnight.