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El Rey Tacos
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Garment District
Best Tacos in Garment District
Best Cheap Tacos in Garment District
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Garment District
Master Critic Review
El Rey Tacos
8.1
El Rey Tacos, from the Casa Carmen team, brings Mexico City–style tacos and panuchos to the heart of Times Square with handmade tortillas and focused fillings. It feels like a serious taqueria hiding in a tourist zone, drawing office workers and food-obsessed locals alongside theatergoers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Panucho Yucateco, Rajas con crema taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A Mexico City–driven taco counter from the Casa Carmen team in Times Square.
Who should go: Taco purists escaping Times Square chains for serious masa.
When to visit: Weekday lunches or early evenings before Broadway showtime lines.
What to order: Panucho Yucateco, rajas con crema taco, carne asada taco.
Insider tip: Start with a panucho and one veggie taco; two to three tacos are plenty for lunch.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in Times Square; rely on nearby garages along 44th–46th Streets, typically $35–$60 for 1–2 hours.
Dress code: Casual and come-as-you-are; office attire and tourist wear both blend in.
Noise level: Moderate — lively counter-service energy but still easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak pre- and post-theater rush.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal wait; lines move quickly even when busy.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good options — rajas con crema and mushroom/veggie specials rotate.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of plant-based fillings depending on the day; check for dairy-free tortillas and salsas.
Gluten-free options: Strong — most tacos use corn tortillas made in-house; confirm fillings and sauces individually.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if the goal is casual, high-quality tacos rather than a long sit-down meal. It’s fast, delicious, and unfussy, but not ideal for a drawn-out romantic evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating. Arrive a bit before peak theater hours for the best chance at grabbing a table.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for ages 6+ who can handle a quick-service environment; no special kids’ menu, but simple taco fillings work for picky eaters.
Best For
Better for: Handmade tortillas, focused Mexico City–style fillings, and quality far above most Times Square quick eats.
Skip if: You want a full-service Mexican restaurant, cocktails, or a long linger-friendly dining room — this is a fast, focused taqueria.