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El Gallo Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
El Gallo Taqueria
7.7
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
A compact taqueria move for when you want fast, filling Mexican street-food staples in the neighborhood without committing to a full-service night. It’s strongest as a grab-and-go taco and burrito stop, especially when you lean into the house specials rather than over-customizing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Burrito, Tacos, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: A fast taqueria option for burritos and tacos off Broome.
Who should go: Solo diners and takeout-first taco cravings
When to visit: Late evening when you need something quick
What to order: Burrito, tacos, Gallo fries
Insider tip: Order directly and keep add-ons minimal for speed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited; paid garages are the most reliable option nearby.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and grab-and-go attire fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate — more counter noise than crowd chatter, fine for quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during late-night rush; shorter if ordering to-go
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-beans burritos, and customizable meat-free options.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, salsa, and vegetables if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and bowl-style orders work well; confirm tortilla choice when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional sit-down date — it’s better as a casual stop or post-drinks bite rather than a linger-and-talk meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating, so availability depends more on timing than reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos or burritos; seating is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Quick, affordable tacos and burritos when you want speed, simplicity, and late-night availability.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Mexican dinner, cocktails, or a more polished dining experience.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.6
A no-frills taqueria built for quick late-night solves: straightforward ordering, big flavors, and a menu that covers tacos, fries, and comfort-forward extras. Best when speed and convenience matter more than dining-room vibe.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco al pastor, Birria taco, Carne asada Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: A fast, late-night taqueria format that’s built for cravings.
Who should go: Late-night snackers and quick takeout seekers
When to visit: Before midnight for easiest ordering
What to order: Al pastor taco, birria taco, Gallo fries
Insider tip: Mix one classic taco with one indulgent side for balance.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.7
A no-frills taqueria that’s strongest as a late-night utility play: fast ordering, bold salsas, and tacos that land best when you want quick satisfaction over dining-room energy. Best for takeout or a short pit stop when other kitchens are winding down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Birria taco, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: A fast, late-night taco stop built for cravings and convenience.
Who should go: Late-night snackers and takeout people
When to visit: Late evening before the midnight rush
What to order: Al pastor, birria, Gallo fries
Insider tip: Mix one classic taco with one indulgent side for balance.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and very limited; plan on walking, rideshare, or subway.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, hoodies all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — short conversations are fine, but it’s more about quick bites than lingering.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes late night; faster turnover than sit-down spots
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, rice-and-bean-based options, and customizable tacos.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, salsa, and no dairy; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date — better as a casual late-night bite after drinks rather than a place to sit and connect.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service focused, with quick turnover and minimal seating expectations.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like simple tacos, but not designed for families or strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos when you want something hot and filling without committing to a full meal.
Skip if: You want ambiance, cocktails, or a relaxed sit-down taco night — choose a nearby full-service Mexican spot instead.
El Gallo Taqueria
8.0
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A fast, no-frills taqueria that hits hardest when you want bold salsas, satisfying protein, and quick counter pacing in the heart of Nolita’s edge. Best used as a reliable tacos-and-a-side stop where flavor matters more than the room. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Birria tacos, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Bold salsa-forward tacos with fast, late-friendly counter rhythm.
Who should go: Taco cravings, quick meals, takeout-first eaters
When to visit: Weeknights for fastest ordering and pickup
What to order: Al pastor tacos, birria tacos, Gallo fries
Insider tip: Order one classic taco and one richer taco, then repeat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; plan for walking or rideshare, especially evenings.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter chatter and kitchen sounds, but easy to think and eat.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, beans, rice, and customizable options.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with veggie fillings and no dairy, but not a dedicated menu.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the goal is casual and quick—great food, but not a linger-and-talk setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter-service, so you order first and grab seats as they open.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos; no special kids menu or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with bold flavors and strong salsas in a low-commitment format.
Skip if: You want table service, cocktails, or a sit-down Mexican dining experience.
El Gallo Taqueria
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A compact taqueria that plays best as a fast, salsa-forward taco stop when you care more about flavor than the room. It’s a useful option for quick meals and takeout runs, especially when you want straightforward proteins and efficient counter rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Gallo fries
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: A salsa-led taqueria built for fast, satisfying taco runs.
Who should go: Quick taco cravings and takeout-first eaters
When to visit: Weeknights for the shortest waits
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, Gallo fries
Insider tip: Ask for salsa guidance and build heat gradually across tacos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and limited; expect circling after 6pm. Best reached on foot or via nearby subway.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and grab-and-go attire fit the vibe.
Noise level: Low to moderate — small room with counter energy, fine for quick conversation but not lingering.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often shorter for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; fast counter turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and sides available, though the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of workable options if you skip dairy-based toppings.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard; confirm sauces if highly sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a long sit-down date, but fine for a casual, quick bite if both of you value food over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating, so availability depends on timing rather than reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who can handle quick ordering and bold flavors; no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavorful tacos with strong salsas and efficient pacing — great for solo meals and takeout runs.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal, cocktails, or a destination dining room — choose a full-service spot instead.