Best Tacos Restaurants in Murray Hill & Kips Bay (10016)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
El Parador Cafe
NYC’s oldest continuously running Mexican restaurant, with classic mole and margaritas in a low-lit room.
Notable Picks
8.7
El Parador Cafe is a white-stucco, low-lit Mexican dining room that has been serving mole, fajitas, and margaritas since 1959. Regulars treat it as a grown-up spot for sit-down dinners, strong drinks, and plates that lean more classic than trendy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mole poblano de pollo, Grilled chicken fajitas, Baja fish tacos
What makes it special: NYC’s oldest continuously running Mexican restaurant, with classic mole and margaritas in a low-lit room.
#2
Street Taco
8.4
Street Taco is a buzzy Kips Bay bar and taqueria where neon, murals, and a VW bus set the tone for plates of heritage-inspired tacos. It’s where locals go for margaritas, music, and a lively crowd that runs late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Fried chicken tacos, Pineapple margarita
What makes it special: High-energy tacos-and-tequila spot with playful decor and serious margaritas.
8.2
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Cinco de Mayo on East 31st Street functions as a Kips Bay workhorse for tacos, burritos, and bowls with plenty of lean and vegetarian options. It leans more toward counter-service and delivery than dining-in, but the food is fresh, customizable, and priced for weekday repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cinco de Mayo Plate, Enchiladas, Grilled Chicken Guacamole Salad
What makes it special: High-volume neighborhood Mexican spot known for feeding offices and families with hearty platters.
8.1
Just south of Grand Central, this narrow counter spot focuses on straightforward tacos, burritos, and bowls built around al pastor, birria, and grilled meats. It’s a practical stop for commuters and nearby offices that want something more flavorful than a generic deli run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Birria tacos, Al pastor burrito bowl
What makes it special: No-frills taqueria near Grand Central with a deep taco and bowl lineup.
Worthy Picks
7.8
Tacos Times Square is a compact counter on East 27th turning out tacos, burritos, and tortas built for quick lunches and takeout. Despite the name, it feels more like a neighborhood standby than a tourist spot, with friendly service and consistent portions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Bronx burger quesadilla, Cinco de Mayo platter
What makes it special: Tiny counter-service taqueria with griddled tacos, quesadillas, and fast turnaround.