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Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A no-frills neighborhood taqueria built for quick, satisfying Mexican comfort—tacos, burritos, and plates that hit hardest when you lean into classic proteins. It’s the kind of spot that works best as a repeatable weeknight order rather than a special-occasion destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas burrito, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Fast, affordable tacos and burritos that stay reliably satisfying.
Who should go: Locals who want value-forward Mexican comfort
When to visit: Weeknight dinner when you want something easy
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas burrito, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Order a mix of tacos plus one side to sample more proteins.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable on side streets but tight after 7pm on weeknights.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, and workday clothes are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate — easy to hold a conversation, more takeout energy than dining-room buzz.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often faster for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; counter service moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, beans, rice, cheese, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with beans, rice, salsa, and vegetables if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and plate-style orders work well; confirm tortillas when ordering.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going ultra-casual. It’s quick, affordable, and unfussy, but not romantic or linger-friendly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter-service and first-come seating. Most people eat quickly or take food to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple flavors, fast service, and burritos or quesadilla-style orders work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, low-cost Mexican comfort when you want speed, value, and consistency without hype.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, atmosphere, or a sit-down date-night experience — choose a fuller-service Mexican spot instead.
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
8.2
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A counter-service taqueria that wins on repeatability—fast ordering, solid execution, and tacos that hold up as an everyday play. Treat it like a build-your-own taco night: two classic proteins, one brighter option, and you’re covered without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: High-repeat taco shop energy with fast, reliable execution.
Who should go: Weekday lunch crews and quick taco fixes
When to visit: Lunch rush if you want it hot
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, chips & salsa
Insider tip: Keep it to 2–3 tacos—don’t turn it into a giant mixed order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; generally manageable during lunch, tighter after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, workday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—easy to talk, but it’s an active counter-service room.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak, often faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Short line or no wait outside the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, rice, cheese-based tacos and customizable veg builds.
Vegan options: Limited—beans, rice, salsa-forward tacos without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas by default; verify fillings if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a low-pressure hang than a formal date—quick, casual, and no-stakes.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—order at the counter and grab seating as it opens; turnover is fast.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple tacos, fast service, and an easy in-and-out setup work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos you can rely on weekly without thinking.
Skip if: You want a sit-down Mexican meal or a destination-style taco experience.
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
8.3
A practical, locals-first taqueria with strong staples—tacos and burritos that lean hearty, well-seasoned, and consistent. It’s built for repeat visits: quick ordering, satisfying portions, and a menu that holds up when you just want something solid and affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Spicy pork burrito, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Big flavor and big portions at prices that stay friendly.
Who should go: Taco and burrito regulars on a budget
When to visit: Lunch hours for the best rhythm
What to order: Al pastor tacos, pork burrito, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Grab extra salsas—mixing them levels up every bite
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive around Queens Plaza; paid garages nearby are usually the most reliable option.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—busy during rushes but you can still hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak dinner hours, mostly driven by takeout volume.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos, burritos, and chilaquiles are available.
Vegan options: Limited—can build meals with beans, rice, veggies, and salsas, but options require customization.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos; burritos and flour tortillas should be avoided.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date—it’s casual, fast-paced, and food-forward, better for comfort than ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—ordering is counter-style and seating turns over quickly, especially outside of peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu items, quick service, and flexible seating make it easy with kids, especially during daytime visits.
Best For
Better for: Reliable, filling Mexican staples at low prices with quick service—great for repeat weekday meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for elevated tacos, cocktails, or a sit-down dining experience with atmosphere.
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
8.3
A fast-moving neighborhood taqueria built for repeat orders—warm corn tortillas, reliable proteins, and salsas that do the heavy lifting. Tacos lean hearty and well-seasoned, with a menu that stays consistent whether you’re grabbing lunch or fueling up before a night out.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big-flavor tacos with a salsa bar that upgrades every order.
Who should go: Budget taco regulars and quick lunch hunters
When to visit: Weekday lunch for fastest ordering
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsas and mix them for your own heat level.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking nearby; can be tight during weekday lunch and early evening. No valet.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, hoodies, and workday attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—fine for conversation, but it feels energetic during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak times, usually shorter for takeout.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait most days; lines move quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, beans, rice, cheese, and chilaquiles can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable tacos without cheese and beans/rice are workable, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos; just confirm fillings and sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual meet-up than a romantic first date—quick, affordable, and unfussy.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system, and tables turn over fast. Off-peak hours are easiest.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for quick meals—simple tacos work for kids, but seating is tight and geared more toward adults.
Best For
Better for: Fast, affordable tacos with reliable flavor and strong salsa options—great for repeat visits and quick meals.
Skip if: You’re looking for a sit-down Mexican experience, cocktails, or a leisurely, atmosphere-driven meal.
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A no-fuss taqueria that wins on speed, portion confidence, and reliable Mexican comfort when you want something fast before meeting friends nearby. It’s not a bar happy hour, but it’s a strong pregame move for budget-friendly tacos and burritos that hold up on repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Al pastor burrito, Mexicana torta
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Fast, filling Mexican staples with strong value and repeatability.
Who should go: Anyone who wants quick tacos under $15
When to visit: Late afternoon for minimal lines
What to order: Birria tacos, al pastor, torta
Insider tip: Order one taco plus one burrito to cover both cravings.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable during the day, tougher after 6pm on weekdays.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, work clothes all fine.
Noise level: Moderate during rushes but generally easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours; faster for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—beans, rice, cheese-based tacos and burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean-and-rice combinations work, but options aren’t clearly labeled.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas for tacos; avoid flour tortillas and confirm fillings.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date—it’s better for casual, grab-and-go eating than lingering conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system, and tables usually turn quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—simple menu, fast service, and flexible ordering make it easy with kids.
Best For
Better for: Fast, filling Mexican food at a low price point when you want reliability over atmosphere.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, a traditional happy hour scene, or a place to linger.
Homemade Taqueria - Long Island City
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Comfort Food Classics
A no-frills taqueria that wins on speed, portion confidence, and straightforward taco satisfaction—ideal as a pregame pickup before meeting friends for drinks nearby. Not a bar happy hour, but one of the most reliable ways to anchor your happy-hour plan with real tacos first.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Fast, filling tacos that hold up as a repeatable go-to.
Who should go: Anyone who wants quick tacos before drinks
When to visit: Late afternoon for minimal lines
What to order: Birria tacos, al pastor, horchata
Insider tip: Order tacos for now, then add a burrito only if still hungry.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is possible but inconsistent; easier earlier in the afternoon, tougher after typical happy hour times.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, sneakers, work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate — counter-service buzz but easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak rush, faster if ordering to-go.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, beans, rice, and sides make a solid meat-free order.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with veggie tacos and no dairy, but not fully designed for vegan menus.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard; most tacos can be ordered gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a sit-down date, but great as a casual taco stop before heading to drinks or another venue.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with quick turnover; seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, fast service, and casual seating work well for kids, especially earlier in the day.
Best For
Better for: Quick, filling tacos with strong value when you want real food before drinks rather than a bar-style happy hour.
Skip if: You’re looking for cocktails, table service, or a linger-all-night happy hour scene.