Best Group Dining Tacos Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Nina's Great Burrito Bar
Long-running neighborhood burrito bar with a full menu and bar program.
Notable Picks
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run Mexican spot that grew out of a burrito shop serving the neighborhood for nearly three decades. Today it layers a full bar, tacos, and plated entrées onto the original burrito focus, drawing locals for hearty plates, margaritas, and lingering evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Burrito, Enchiladas Suizas, Cochinita Pibil
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood burrito bar with a full menu and bar program.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Baja‑style tacos and coastal Mexican fare draw locals for well‑executed fish and shrimp tacos with bright slaws and vibrant sauces. Generous portions and a lively, casual atmosphere make it a reliable stop for lunch or a laid‑back dinner. Playa Betty’s thrives on familiar flavors with a West Coast twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Crispy Chips & Salsa
What Makes it Special: Baja‑inspired tacos and fresh seafood focus
8.3
A lively Upper West Side Mexican room where the menu goes beyond tacos into plates built for a full sit-down dinner. The move is to treat it like a tequila-bar meal: one signature protein, one sauce-forward dish, and a round of strong margaritas to carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken mole, Tacos al pastor, Margaritas
What Makes it Special: A tequila-forward Mexican dinner spot with a real “order plates” rhythm.
Worthy Picks
7.9
A neighborhood Mexican spot that plays well for taco nights with drinks, especially when you stick to the tacos that stay crisp and balanced. Treat it like a taco-and-margarita session: a few tacos per person, one shared starter, and let the bar carry the pacing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tacos, Vegetarian tacos, Margarita
What Makes it Special: A drink-friendly taco spot that works best as a casual sit-down night.