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Empellón Al Pastor - East Village

132 St Marks Pl, New York, NY 10009
$$
Mexican, Tacos
📍 Directions

ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in East Village Best Late Night Tacos in East Village Best Cheap Mexican Food in East Village Best Cheap Tacos in East Village Best Happy Hour in East Village Best Happy Hour Mexican in East Village Best Happy Hour Tacos in East Village

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Empellón Al Pastor - East Village 8.0
East Village
Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Date Night Magic Happy Hour Hotspots Solo Dining Sanctuaries
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.