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Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.0
A chef-driven taqueria that’s strongest when you treat it like a tight, modern menu: tacos with sharp seasoning, clean salsas, and a bar rhythm that suits a quick dinner. Go with a few tacos plus one or two sides, and don’t over-order—the best bites are the focused ones.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Guacamole with chips, Seasonal taco special
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Modern, chef-forward tacos with a strong bar-and-bite pacing.
Who should go: Couples and taco fans who like a polished room
When to visit: Weeknights for the smoothest service
What to order: Al pastor taco, guacamole, one seasonal taco
Insider tip: Order 3–4 items total and keep it tight—best bites stay hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is the easier move.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine, but a polished top or jacket fits the room better.
Noise level: Moderate. Energetic bar buzz, but you can still hold a conversation without leaning in.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – several vegetable-based tacos and sides can make a full meal.
Vegan options: Limited but workable – a couple of tacos and sides without dairy; ask the server for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes – tacos are corn-based, but cross-contact is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like an upbeat, modern setting. The menu is concise, the food comes quickly, and the bar energy keeps things from feeling stiff.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes—especially on weeknights. Bar seating turns over quickly, but prime dinner hours on weekends can mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The focus is cocktails, bar seating, and tight tables—better for adults than families with young kids.
Best For
Better for: Polished, chef-driven tacos with strong cocktails and a date-friendly bar rhythm.
Skip if: You want big platters, budget pricing, or a casual, linger-all-night taqueria vibe.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.0
A loud, bar-forward taco spot where the al pastor is the main event and the room is built for quick rounds rather than a long meal. It’s strongest when you order like a focused taco session—two or three tacos plus one side—so the food hits hot and the pacing stays clean.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Beef and caramelized onions taco, Guacamole and chips
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Taco-and-bar energy centered on a legit al pastor program.
Who should go: Friends who want tacos and mezcal
When to visit: Late night for the full bar vibe
What to order: Al pastor taco, beef/onion taco, guacamole and chips
Insider tip: Skip over-ordering—3 tacos per person lands fastest and best.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and especially tough after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual-trendy. Jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud — bar-forward energy with music and crowd noise; conversation is possible but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes late night without a reservation, faster if you’re flexible on seating
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most weekdays
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian taco options and sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a dedicated focus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want casual energy and drinks, not if you’re looking for quiet conversation. Best for low-pressure, quick taco-and-mezcal dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially late night or if you’re open to bar seating. Peak dinner hours can mean a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The loud bar atmosphere and late-night crowd make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Focused al pastor tacos, mezcal-forward drinks, and high-energy late-night dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a long sit-down dinner, or a family-friendly taco spot.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.3
A counter-order taco bar built around properly spit-roasted al pastor and house-made tortillas, with a loud, bar-forward room that rewards quick, decisive ordering. The best move is to go taco-first, keep it tight, and let the salsas do the heavy lifting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Beef taco with caramelized onions, Breakfast burrito
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Spit-roasted al pastor tacos with standout house salsas.
Who should go: Taco purists who want fast, bar-friendly bites
When to visit: Early evening before peak bar rush
What to order: Al pastor taco, beef taco, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Order two taco styles, then repeat the winner—keeps pacing clean.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and difficult after 6pm. Public transit or walking is the move.
Dress code: Casual and bar-friendly—jeans, sneakers, and a jacket fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—music and bar energy dominate; conversation works but expect to lean in.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak bar hours; faster if you’re flexible with counter seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-forward tacos and sides available, though the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with veggie tacos and salsa adjustments, but not a core focus.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something casual and energetic. It’s better for quick bites and drinks than long, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no formal reservation scene. Counter and high-top seating turn over quickly if you arrive early or off-peak.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The bar-forward layout, volume, and limited seating make it better suited for adults and solo diners.
Best For
Better for: Fast, properly spit-roasted al pastor with bold salsas in a lively, no-frills taco-bar setting.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, broad vegetarian options, or a relaxed pace—look elsewhere for a calmer taco experience.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.3
A bar-forward taco stop built around properly spit-roasted al pastor, set up for quick rounds rather than long hangs. Go taco-first, keep the order tight, and let the salsas do the heavy lifting before the room gets louder later.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Beef taco, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Spit-roasted al pastor with a bar-friendly, fast taco format.
Who should go: Taco-first diners who like a bar vibe
When to visit: Early evening before the rush
What to order: Al pastor taco, beef taco, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order two taco styles, then repeat the winner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and competitive after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but it reads more polished at night.
Noise level: Moderate to loud as the night goes on — conversation is easy early, tougher during peak bar hours.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours; shorter if you’re flexible with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or a few minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — a few non-meat tacos and sides, but the menu is meat-forward.
Vegan options: Very limited — possible with modifications, but not a strong vegan destination.
Gluten-free options: Mostly yes — corn tortillas and taco-focused menu make it manageable; always confirm sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you like energy. It’s great for a lively, low-pressure first date with drinks and tacos, less ideal if you want a quiet, intimate setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes, especially early or on weeknights. Bar and counter seating turn over quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really — better for adults. The bar vibe, noise level, and menu skew toward date nights and groups of friends.
Best For
Better for: Fast, high-quality al pastor tacos with cocktails in a buzzy, date-night-friendly room.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, a wide vegetarian menu, or a long, relaxed dinner.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.2
A bar-forward taco stop built around al pastor done properly, best approached as quick rounds rather than a long dinner. Happy hour shines when you keep the order tight—two taco styles and one shared hot item—then repeat the winner.
Must-Try Dishes:
al pastor taco, beef taco, queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A focused al pastor program in a fast, bar-friendly format.
Who should go: Taco-first diners who like a bar vibe
When to visit: Early evening before peak crowding
What to order: Al pastor taco, one other taco, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order two different tacos first, then immediately repeat your favorite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited in the East Village and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or walking is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but polished casual works best for the bar vibe.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — you can hold a conversation, but expect rising volume as the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak happy hour without a reservation; bar seats turn over faster.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; walk-ins are usually seated quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable-forward tacos and sides are available, though the menu is meat-centric.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based options can work with minor adjustments; confirm with staff.
Gluten-free options: Mostly — corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you like an energetic setting. The bar seating, fast pacing, and shared tacos keep things low-pressure and conversational.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early or aim for bar seating. Tables fill quickly during peak happy hour, so flexibility helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal. The bar-forward layout and evening energy make it better suited for adults and older teens rather than young kids.
Best For
Better for: Quick, high-quality al pastor tacos with strong drinks in a lively bar setting; great for fast rounds and repeat orders.
Skip if: You want a long, relaxed dinner or a quiet space — full-service Mexican restaurants nearby offer more comfort and pacing.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.4
A bar-first taco spot that works best as a structured happy-hour stop: one round of margaritas, two taco styles, then a single hot shareable before the room gets louder. The al pastor remains the anchor, and the pace is built for repeat orders rather than a long sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Guacamole with house salsas, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: A tequila-bar vibe built around al pastor and fast, repeatable rounds.
Who should go: After-work crews who want tacos and margaritas
When to visit: Weekdays early evening for happy hour rhythm
What to order: Al pastor tacos, guac, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order two taco styles first, then immediately repeat the winner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site parking; street parking is very limited and competitive after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans, sneakers, and relaxed after-work fits are all appropriate; no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate early, loud later. Easy conversation during happy hour, tougher once the evening crowd stacks up.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – vegetarian tacos and sides available, though the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited – a few plant-based options if you build tacos carefully and skip dairy-heavy items.
Gluten-free options: Some options available, but cross-contact is possible; corn tortillas are standard.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially early. It’s lively and fun without being too formal, but timing matters—arrive during happy hour for conversation-friendly energy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during happy hour or off-peak hours. Later evenings can mean a short wait, so arriving early is the best move.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The bar-first setup, volume, and pacing skew adult and social rather than family-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Quick, repeatable taco rounds with strong margaritas and a buzzy bar atmosphere.
Skip if: You want a long, relaxed sit-down Mexican meal or a quiet space for extended conversation.
Empellón Al Pastor - East Village
8.1
A bar-forward taco stop where happy hour is about structure: grab seats, order al pastor first, and let margaritas carry the rest. It’s strongest as a controlled pregame—fast tacos, one shareable, then pivot before the room gets too loud.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Guacamole, Queso-style hot shareable
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Happy-hour tacos and margaritas in a cocktail-first room.
Who should go: Couples or friends pregaming
When to visit: Weekday happy hour for best value
What to order: Al pastor tacos, guacamole, one margarita round
Insider tip: Sit at the bar—ordering is faster and pacing stays tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited and competitive; plan to walk, bike, or use rideshare. Paid garages are sparse in the immediate area.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but it skews date-ready—clean, polished casual works best.
Noise level: Moderate early, loud by peak. Easy conversation during happy hour, harder once the room fills.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation, longer after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, especially earlier in the afternoon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – guacamole, vegetable-forward tacos, and sides work well.
Vegan options: Limited – a couple of taco and side options with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some options available; corn tortillas are standard but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, during happy hour. It’s lively without being overwhelming early on, drinks arrive fast, and tacos keep things casual without feeling cheap.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes during weekday happy hour. Bar seating is the fastest path; full tables tighten up quickly as the night goes on.
Is it kid-friendly? Not really. The bar-first setup, cocktails, and rising noise level make it better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Structured happy hour tacos with strong margaritas and a polished, date-forward vibe.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, lots of taco variety, or a family-friendly environment.