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El Rey Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
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.
El Rey Tacos
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
A counter-service taqueria that puts real attention into tortillas and salsa balance, so each taco reads clean instead of muddled. Best as a focused lunch stop: pick two tacos and add one queso-heavy item, then get out before Times Square crowds reset the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rajas con crema taco, Panucho Yucateco, Oaxaca cheese quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Griddled-to-order tortilla tacos with a salsa program that actually matters.
Who should go: Taco fans dodging Times Square lines
When to visit: Lunch hours on weekdays
What to order: Rajas taco, panucho, cheese quesadilla
Insider tip: Order two tacos first—add a third only if still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is very limited. Nearby paid garages are the realistic option, especially during theater hours.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, sneakers, and workday attire are all appropriate—no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate. Counter-service energy with background chatter, but you can hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–30 minutes during peak Times Square flow; shorter earlier in the evening.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes if you avoid the 12:30–1:15pm rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — solid vegetarian tacos like rajas and cheese-forward options that feel intentional, not filler.
Vegan options: Limited — a couple of vegetable-based tacos can be ordered without dairy, but choices are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contact is possible in a small counter-service kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, daytime first meet than a long sit-down date. It’s quick, focused, and low-pressure rather than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s counter service with first-come seating, and turnover is fast—just aim for off-peak windows for the smoothest experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and simple flavors. No dedicated kids menu, but quesadillas and mild fillings work well.
Best For
Better for: Cleanly executed tacos with balanced salsas and strong tortillas when you want quality without a long sit-down.
Skip if: You’re looking for a leisurely dinner, extensive vegan options, or a full-service taco experience with drinks and ambiance.
El Rey Tacos
7.8
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
Instagram Worthy Wonders
A newer Times Square-edge taco counter that leans into Mexico City-style street snacks with a slightly more chef-driven polish than the typical grab-and-go. The move is to pick one “regional” style taco (like a panucho) plus one straightforward protein taco, then add a side to round it out—easy, fast, and built for office catering or pre-show hunger.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa Taco, Panucho Yucateco, Pollo Adobado Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Mexico City-style tacos and snacks in a fast Midtown format.
Who should go: Office teams and travelers needing quick tacos.
When to visit: Weekday lunch for the freshest prep cadence.
What to order: Barbacoa taco, panucho yucateco, esquites.
Insider tip: Go one classic + one regional-style taco for better contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking. Street parking is limited and competitive; nearby paid garages are the most reliable option, especially midday.
Dress code: Casual and practical—office attire, jeans, and sneakers all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—lively counter energy but still easy to hold a quick conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak Times Square-adjacent hours; faster if you’re flexible on ordering.
Weekday lunch: Usually minimal—5–10 minutes even during the rush thanks to fast turnover.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward tacos, esquites, and sides make it workable without feeling like an afterthought.
Vegan options: Limited but possible—stick to veggie tacos and sides; confirm sauces if you’re strict.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are standard, making most tacos gluten-free; cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual pre-show or quick meet-up than a sit-down date—the focus is speed and food, not lingering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is primarily counter-service with limited seating, so reservations aren’t part of the equation.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and shared snacks; less ideal for strollers or very young children due to tight space.
Best For
Better for: Mexico City–style snacks and slightly more polished taco builds than standard Midtown grab-and-go spots.
Skip if: You want a long, relaxed sit-down meal or a deep menu of classic Tex-Mex staples.
El Rey Tacos
7.7
A low-friction taco stop in the Times Square orbit that works when your priority is speed, not ceremony. Think of it as a “grab tacos, keep moving” happy-hour alternative—useful for a quick pre-show bite or a budget reset between rounds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.4
What makes it special: Fast, budget tacos in a high-traffic Midtown pocket.
Who should go: People who need tacos now, not a full sit-down.
When to visit: Pre-theater or early evening before crowds surge.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, chips and salsa.
Insider tip: Order two styles (one pork, one beef) to hedge consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is extremely difficult; nearby paid garages are the realistic option.
Dress code: Casual. Jeans, sneakers, and theater-night attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak Times Square hours; fine for quick conversation, not intimate dining.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, shorter if ordering takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - basic options like bean, cheese, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited - possible with modifications (beans, veggies, no dairy).
Gluten-free options: Partial - corn tortillas available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a traditional date. It’s better for a quick bite together than a lingering, conversational meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. Seating is first-come, first-served, and many guests opt for takeout instead.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat tacos easily; no special kids menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Speed, price, and convenience when you need tacos fast near Times Square.
Skip if: You want cocktails, ambiance, or a sit-down happy-hour experience—choose a bar-forward taqueria instead.