ZipPicks Awards
Best Late Night Tacos in Harlem
Master Critic Review
El Toro Rojo - Columbia University
8.4
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
El Toro Rojo’s Columbia University outpost is a counter-service taqueria on Broadway specializing in nixtamal tortillas, birria de res, and al pastor tacos served until about 9–10 p.m. nightly. Students and neighbors treat it as a reliable, focused stop for three-taco combos, rice bowls, and mulitas when they want serious taco craft without leaving the campus strip.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Birria De Res Tacos, 3 Al Pastor Tacos, Birria Mulita
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Campus-side taqueria focused on birria, al pastor, and bowls with late-evening hours.
Who should go: Students and locals craving focused tacos near Columbia.
When to visit: Weeknights 7–9 p.m. for steady flow without long lines.
What to order: Three birria de res tacos, three al pastor tacos, birria mulita.
Insider tip: Order the three-taco special and add a mulita if you want maximum birria with minimal spend.