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Essex Taqueria
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Essex Taqueria
7.6
Essex Taqueria is a straightforward counter-service shop turning out tacos, burritos, and plates at lower-than-average neighborhood prices. The focus is on speed and value over ambiance, making it useful for quick meals before or after nearby bars and markets.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.3
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: No-frills taqueria where pricing, portions, and speed are the main draw.
Who should go: Hungry locals needing fast, affordable tacos or burritos.
When to visit: Lunch and late evening for the quickest in-and-out experience.
What to order: Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Quesadilla.
Insider tip: Grab salsas and limes from the side station to customize your order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Essex are hit-or-miss, easier a few blocks east on quieter side streets.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, including gym clothes or bar-hopping outfits.
Noise level: Low to moderate; mostly kitchen sounds and quick counter chatter, easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Minimal — usually under 5 minutes unless a bar crowd arrives all at once.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, even during the neighborhood’s lunchtime rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie tacos, and quesadillas are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can build a bean-based taco or burrito without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Tacos on corn tortillas work, but cross-contact is likely due to the compact kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — it's a quick counter-service spot better suited for a casual bite before drinks or a show.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — tables turn quickly and the shop is built for walk-ins; reservations aren't offered.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like simple tacos and burritos; no special amenities, high chairs, or stroller space.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos and burritos when you want value and speed over scene or ambiance.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, cocktails, or more polished Mexican cooking — choose La Contenta LES or Cervo’s for that.
Essex Taqueria
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Essex Taqueria is a compact counter-service spot turning out classic New York taqueria plates—carne asada, pollo, and carnitas tacos at budget-friendly prices. It’s more about speed and value than decor, serving neighborhood regulars from lunch through late-night takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Pollo Asado Tacos, Carnitas Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A straightforward taqueria focused on well-seasoned, affordable tacos served fast.
Who should go: People craving quick, inexpensive tacos without fuss.
When to visit: Lunch or early evening for fastest turnaround and shorter lines.
What to order: Carne Asada, Pollo Asado, and Carnitas tacos with house salsas.
Insider tip: It’s primarily counter-service, so plan to grab-and-go or tuck into a quick standing meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited on Essex and nearby side streets, especially evenings; expect metered spots and occasional double-parking congestion.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, jeans, gym clothes all fit in without issue.
Noise level: Low to moderate; it’s a compact counter-service setup where you can hear staff and other guests, but conversations are still easy.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on rush; primarily quick turnover with no formal queue.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait beyond a 3–5 minute order line.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few vegetarian tacos and sides are available, though not a large selection.
Vegan options: Limited—customizations may help, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are generally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep space to prevent cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the plan is extremely casual—this is more of a grab-and-go taqueria than a sit-down vibe spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations and seating is minimal; expect to stand or take food to-go during busier periods.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for quick bites with older kids; limited seating and a tight layout make it less ideal for strollers or very young children.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive classic tacos with no frills—ideal for neighborhood regulars and quick solo meals.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, cocktails, or more polished, chef-driven taco plates; look to Mictlan Mexico or La Contenta LES instead.
Essex Taqueria
7.6
Operating as a classic counter-service taqueria just off Delancey, Essex Taqueria turns out sizable, foil-wrapped burritos that have become a staple for neighborhood workers and late-night crowds. Carne asada, al pastor, and shrimp fillings are built with rice, beans, and salsas that emphasize hearty portions over frills.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Shrimp Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A no-nonsense Essex Street counter where hefty burritos keep regulars coming back after work and late nights.
Who should go: Hungry diners wanting big, straightforward burritos fast.
When to visit: Late nights or post-bar hours on weekends.
What to order: Carne Asada Burrito, Al Pastor Burrito, Shrimp Burrito.
Insider tip: Customize heat by mixing red and green salsas at the counter.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; metered spots on Essex and Delancey open up after 7pm but can be competitive on weekends.
Dress code: Completely casual — hoodies, jeans, and late-night bar attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud, especially late at night when post-bar crowds roll through.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic; lines move quickly due to counter service.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait aside from a short pickup queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean, cheese, and veggie burrito builds are available and customizable.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request a veggie burrito without cheese or crema, but options are basic.
Gluten-free options: Not ideal — standard flour tortillas are used and there’s no dedicated gluten-free preparation.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for a super casual, grab-and-go vibe. It’s better for a quick bite than a sit-down date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service with limited seating. You’ll almost always find a stool or small table if you’re patient, but many opt for takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who like hearty burritos; the tight space and late-night crowds make it less ideal for toddlers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night, oversized burritos at a low price point — fast service and reliable portions make it a neighborhood staple.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, refined flavors, or strong vegan/gluten-free options. Consider a more polished taqueria for those needs.
Essex Taqueria
7.8
Essex Taqueria is a tiny counter-service Mexican spot a few blocks from the Delancey/Essex subway that turns into a reliable late-night taco stop, especially Thursday through Saturday when it serves until 4 or 5 a.m. The menu leans toward straightforward tacos, bowls, and burritos that hit the spot after a long night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Tacos, Fish Taco Bowl, Carne Asada Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A no-frills taco counter that stays open into the early morning hours.
Who should go: Night owls wanting quick, filling tacos near Delancey
When to visit: After midnight Thursday–Saturday when the LES bar scene spills over
What to order: Al pastor tacos, fish taco bowl, carne asada burrito
Insider tip: Expect limited seating; this works best as a grab-and-go or curbside taco stop.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally tough after 9 p.m. on weekends, slightly easier on weeknights.
Dress code: Anything goes — casual, late-night streetwear, or whatever you were wearing at the bar.
Noise level: Low to moderate — mostly takeout traffic and short stays, not a sit-down crowd.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar spillover; lines grow after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, bowls, and customizable fillings.
Vegan options: Limited but workable — bean-based and veggie tacos without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Good options — most tacos can be served on corn tortillas; bowls are naturally gluten-leaning.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if the vibe is casual and spontaneous — this is a counter-service stop best suited for a fun, low-stakes bite rather than a formal date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — there are no reservations and limited seating; expect to stand or eat curbside during peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening, yes for quick meals; late-night hours are crowded with bar traffic and not ideal for younger kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, inexpensive tacos after midnight — especially when you want something filling near Delancey/Essex.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, patio seating, or more polished regional Mexican cooking — choose a full-service spot instead.