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Essex Taqueria

123 Essex St, New York, NY 10002
$
Mexican, Tacos, Burritos
📍 Directions

ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Lower East Side Best Tacos in Lower East Side Best Burritos in Lower East Side Best Late Night Restaurants in Lower East Side

Vibe Check this spot

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

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Essex Taqueria 7.6
Lower East Side
Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Comfort Food Classics Quick Bites Champions
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.