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El Cabron Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
El Cabron Taqueria
7.9
El Cabron combines a full bar with a sit-down taqueria, turning out burritos, tacos, and cocktails in a lively room just south of Delancey. The burrito lineup covers classic carnitas, al pastor, chicken, steak, and shrimp, all built with rice, beans, and plenty of pico for a more sit-and-stay take on LES burritos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Spicy Shrimp Burrito
Scores:
Value: 6.2
Service: 7
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A bar-forward taqueria where burritos share space with margaritas and game-day energy.
Who should go: Groups wanting burritos with cocktails and lively music.
When to visit: Happy hour or weekend evenings for full energy.
What to order: Steak Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Spicy Shrimp Burrito.
Insider tip: Pair a steak burrito with a house margarita and linger at the bar seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible on Delancey-adjacent blocks but becomes difficult after 6pm; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual; jeans and a nice top fit the lively bar-forward vibe.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours with music and bar energy; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes depending on group size; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, with plenty of open tables.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian options like veggie burritos and tacos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — vegan diners can customize bowls or tacos but offerings are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Partial — tacos can be made with corn tortillas, but burritos contain flour; cross-contact is possible due to shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something upbeat and energetic rather than intimate. The lively bar, cocktails, and shareable plates work well for a casual, fun date, but it’s not ideal for deep conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Generally yes, especially on weekdays. On weekend evenings, be prepared for a short wait, but bar seats often open up quicker and can serve the full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — early evenings or daytime are fine for families, but the late-night energy, music volume, and bar-forward crowd may not suit very young kids.
Best For
Better for: Great for groups who want burritos alongside cocktails, upbeat music, and a more nightlife-leaning experience than counter-service burrito shops.
Skip if: If you want quiet dining, highly traditional regional Mexican flavors, or strictly vegan/gluten-free burrito options, you may prefer a more specialized or lower-key spot.
El Cabron Taqueria
8.1
Lively Lower East Side taco spot serving well‑seasoned al pastor, carnitas and shrimp tacos — a quick, affordable bite often paired with beer or horchata. Many locals choose it for dependable flavor and convenience after a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, La Carnitas Taco, Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Flavor-forward tacos and rotating brisket/seafood options with drinks in a casual LES setting.
Who should go: Budget‑minded taco lovers
When to visit: After 9 PM or late night cravings
What to order: Al Pastor taco, Carnitas taco, Shrimp taco
Insider tip: Tacos stay affordable (~$4.50 each) — skip chips/pico to save and go straight for tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 8 PM. Metered spots are available nearby, but plan for a 5–10 minute walk. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual — jeans, tees, and sneakers are perfectly fine. No need to dress up.
Noise level: Lively and bustling — conversation is possible but expect background chatter and music, especially late at night.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes for a seat or counter spot, longer if you want a table inside the small space.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; quick service makes weekday visits easy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited options — typically one or two tacos with grilled veggies or cheese; ask for modifications.
Vegan options: Very limited — primarily bean or veggie-based tacos, confirm no cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible at the counter.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date enjoys casual, energetic spots. It’s fun and flavorful but noisy and fast-paced — not ideal for intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but space is limited. Most visitors grab a counter or bar seat, especially late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately — casual environment works for older kids, but limited seating and higher noise may be challenging for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Quick, flavor-packed tacos at very affordable prices with a lively LES vibe — ideal for late-night cravings and budget-conscious diners.
Skip if: You prefer a quiet, sit-down dinner, a broad vegetarian/vegan menu, or formal service — other local Mexican spots may suit better.
El Cabron Taqueria
8.0
Street‑style tacos with bold flavors and a lively bar make this Lower East Side spot a reliable go‑to for casual taco nights. The cheap tacos and solid drinks draw a steady post‑work crowd. Atmosphere is energetic and unpretentious.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Taco, Carnitas Taco, Spicy Shrimp Taco
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Affordable street‑style tacos and cocktails in a lively LES taqueria.
Who should go: Young groups or taco lovers on a budget
When to visit: Evening happy hour or late night
What to order: Al Pastor taco, Carnitas taco, a margarita
Insider tip: Go during their Taco Tuesday for $4 tacos and drink specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive after 6pm; metered spots are available but check times. No valet service.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed – jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate to loud – lively atmosphere, good for groups, conversation may require leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30-60 minutes without reservation; bar seating may be faster.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, especially before 1pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – veggie taco options like mushroom and grilled veggie are available.
Vegan options: Limited – 1-2 taco options, check for non-dairy sauces.
Gluten-free options: Yes – corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact possible with fried items.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if your date enjoys casual, energetic spots with bold flavors. It’s fun and social, but the noise level can make intimate conversation harder.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often possible during weekday lunch or early evening happy hour, but weekends are busy. Bar seating is a good fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately – not specifically geared toward kids, but families with older children can manage. High chairs may be limited.
Best For
Better for: Affordable, quick, and lively street-style tacos with a strong happy hour draw, making it ideal for casual group outings.
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or gourmet Mexican dishes – other sit-down spots with refined menus may be preferable.