Best Cheap Eats Tacos Restaurants in Sunset Park
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Tacos Matamoros
High-volume, cash-only Mexican diner that anchors Sunset Park’s taco scene.
Notable Picks
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tacos Matamoros is a cash-only Sunset Park institution where a sprawling menu of tacos, tamales, and mole plates anchors one of the neighborhood’s most consistently busy dining rooms. With thousands of reviews across platforms and regular love from local food writers, it’s the go-to spot for generous plates, late hours, and a true Fifth Avenue Mexican diner feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor on double-layer tortillas, Mole poblano tamales, Huevos con chorizo breakfast plates
What Makes it Special: High-volume, cash-only Mexican diner that anchors Sunset Park’s taco scene.
#2
Ricos Tacos
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Ricos Tacos is a 51st Street institution, running long hours for tacos, tortas, and full plates that fuel neighborhood regulars day and night. The menu leans hearty, with griddled meats, chilaquiles, and overstuffed sandwiches served in a no-frills dining room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de pierna adobada, Chilaquiles rojos con cecina, Pierna adobada torta
What Makes it Special: High-volume, late-hours Mexican spot where tacos share billing with big plates and tortas.
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Girasol Taqueria & Bakery is a 24-hour South Slope staple combining a full taqueria menu with a deep Mexican bakery case. Handmade tortillas, straightforward tacos, and generous plates make it a go-to for budget-friendly taco runs at almost any hour.
Must-Try Dishes:
3 Tacos For 10, Taco De Camarón (Shrimp), Tres Leches Cake
What Makes it Special: Round-the-clock tacos on house-made tortillas plus a full panadería.
#4
Jalapeños
8.2
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Jalapeños is a busy Fifth Avenue standby where sizzling fajitas, house enchiladas, and big combination plates draw families and groups. With hundreds of recent delivery and dine-in reviews, it’s a reliable choice when you want a full sit-down Mexican meal rather than just a quick taco run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sizzling fajitas platters, Enchiladas estilo Jalapeños, Bistec a la Mexicana
What Makes it Special: Large, crowd-pleasing menu with fajitas and platters built for sharing.
Tacos Los Poblanos #3 is a compact 5th Avenue storefront focused on classic street-style tacos at wallet-friendly prices. Freshly griddled tortillas, a focused menu, and late-afternoon-to-late-night hours make it a reliable stop for quick taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco al pastor, Carnitas tacos, Quesillo torta
What Makes it Special: Tight, taco-focused shop where al pastor and other fillings stay front and center.
Worthy Picks
7.9
El Carrito Del Sabor is a corner food truck parked near 2nd Avenue and 54th Street, serving tacos, mofongo plates, and Dominican-leaning comfort food from morning into the evening. It’s a casual walk-up option where locals grab tacos alongside hearty plated specials.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos de pollo, Tacos de carne frita, Mofongo con pernil
What Makes it Special: Street-side truck blending tacos with Dominican-style platters and snacks.
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Eden Deli Grocery looks like a corner bodega from the outside but runs a full Mexican kitchen inside, turning out tacos, tortas, and big breakfast plates all day. Locals treat it as a flexible stop for quick tacos, fresh juices, and takeout dinners under one roof.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Huevos rancheros, Milanesa torta
What Makes it Special: Unassuming deli front hides a full Mexican kitchen with strong tacos and tortas.