0 Followers
La Serpiente Emplumada
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Lincoln Square
Best Late Night Mexican in Lincoln Square
Master Critic Review
La Serpiente Emplumada
7.9
A small Lincoln Square counter with a tight menu that shines when you stick to tacos and birria-adjacent specialties. It’s strongest as a quick, satisfying stop: order a birria-style taco set, add one classic pastor, and keep the add-ons minimal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Al pastor tacos, Enchiladas rojas
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Small-shop tacos with a birria-leaning sweet spot.
Who should go: Taco seekers who like bold flavors
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for fastest service
What to order: Quesabirria, al pastor tacos, enchiladas
Insider tip: Order tacos first—save bigger plates for a second visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding residential blocks; usually manageable on weeknights, tougher during peak weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, hoodies, and sneakers are standard.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter-service energy but not loud, easy to talk.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak; longer if ordering a large birria batch.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—can build simple veggie tacos or quesadilla-style items, but not the menu focus.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible with custom taco builds; ask before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible, so not ideal for strict gluten-free diners.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones—quick service, tight space, and strong flavors make it easygoing but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is counter-service, so you order and sit when a spot opens. Timing matters more than reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like tacos and simple plates; limited seating and no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, flavor-forward tacos—especially birria-style—when you want quality without a full sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, relaxed meal, broad menu variety, or strong vegetarian/vegan options.