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Empellón Taqueria & Bar

230 W 4th St, New York, NY 10014
$
Mexican, Tacos
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in West Village Best Late Night Mexican in West Village Best Late Night Tacos in West Village Best Happy Hour Mexican in West Village Best Happy Hour Tacos in West 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 Taqueria & Bar 7.8
West Village
Vibes: Date Night Magic Girls Night Out Approved Happy Hour Hotspots Trendy Table Hotspots
Alex Stupak’s West Village taqueria leans creative, pairing cheffy tacos with a deep agave list in a dim, bar-forward space. High-volume crowds come for inventive fillings like fish tempura and ayocote bean flautas rather than strict traditionalism.
Must-Try Dishes: Fish Tempura Tacos, Ayocote Bean Flautas, Seven Salsas with Tortilla Chips
Scores:
Value: 6.4 Service: 7.5 Consistency: 7.2 Food Quality: 8.3 Atmosphere: 8.7 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Chef-driven tacos and mezcal in a polished bar setting.
Who should go: Taco enthusiasts who enjoy creative, non-traditional fillings.
When to visit: Prime-time evenings; late-night for drinks and tacos.
What to order: Fish Tempura Tacos, Ayocote Bean Flautas, Seven Salsas.
Insider tip: Late-night taco deals can soften the sting of prices.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in the West Village; expect difficulty after 6pm. No valet. Paid garages available within a 5–7 minute walk.
Dress code: Smart casual. Jeans are fine but most guests lean polished—think date-night tops, boots, or a casual blazer.
Noise level: Moderate-high. You can hold a conversation, but peak dinner hours bring lively bar energy.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially 7–9pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; immediate seating is common.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several options, including the ayocote bean flautas and vegetable-forward tacos.
Vegan options: Limited but doable—1–2 items can be customized; confirm with your server.
Gluten-free options: Many tacos can be made gluten-free due to corn tortillas; cross-contact possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes. The dim lighting, polished bar vibe, and creative tacos make it an engaging but not overly formal choice.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes. Bar seats turn quickly and early evenings or late nights offer the best shot. Prime-time walk-ins should expect a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids or teens; the space is more adult-leaning and gets loud during peak hours. No dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Creative taco fillings, upscale agave-focused cocktails, and an energetic night-out atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re seeking traditional Mexican fare, a quiet room, or budget-friendly tacos.