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Reyes Deli & Grocery
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Reyes Deli & Grocery
8.4
Reyes Deli & Grocery is a family-run bodega and taqueria known for carnitas and barbacoa tacos griddled to order behind the counter. Open most nights to 11:30pm, it’s where locals head for late-night Mexican plates, tamales, and overstuffed deli staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Chorizo tacos, Tamales de mole
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A longtime Mexican grocery and counter turning out serious tacos from a no-frills 4th Avenue deli.
Who should go: Night owls craving homestyle tacos and tamales on a budget.
When to visit: Late-night weekdays or Fridays after 9pm for a quieter counter.
What to order: Carnitas tacos, chorizo tacos, a tamal de mole.
Insider tip: If you see barbacoa or pancita on the board, order quickly—weekend specials often sell out well before closing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Avenue is possible but limited; expect tighter availability after 7pm. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual—hoodies, work clothes, and late-night sweats are all normal.
Noise level: Low to moderate—it's a bodega counter, so conversations are easy even with occasional foot traffic.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on taco rushes, especially if barbacoa is on special.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; quick counter service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—cheese quesadillas and occasionally nopales or bean tacos if available.
Vegan options: Very limited—bean or veggie modifications possible but not guaranteed due to rotating prep.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves no-frills food adventures—it's a bodega counter, great on flavor but not for ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—it's counter service with a few stools; seating is first-come and turnover is quick.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for quick stops with older kids; there are no high chairs, changing tables, or large seating areas, so space is tight for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Late-night homestyle tacos, affordable pricing, and specials like barbacoa that beat most taquerias in the area for value.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, cocktails, large-group seating, or a more polished dining environment.
Reyes Deli & Grocery
8.2
Reyes Deli & Grocery is a 4th Avenue bodega with a serious taqueria tucked behind the counter, turning out carnitas, chorizo, and barbacoa tacos on soft corn tortillas. Prices are among the lowest in the ZIP code, and locals treat it as an everyday stop for tacos, tamales, and deli staples late into the evening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Chorizo tacos, Tamales
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A working deli where the taco counter quietly serves some of the area’s best-value carnitas and barbacoa.
Who should go: Taco diehards who prioritize flavor and price over decor
When to visit: Late evenings before closing for freshly griddled tacos without a wait
What to order: Carnitas tacos, chorizo tacos, a side of tamales
Insider tip: Ask which meats just came off the plancha—ordering what’s freshest noticeably bumps quality.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on 4th Avenue is limited but usually manageable later in the evening; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Completely casual — everyday streetwear is the norm given the bodega setting.
Noise level: Low to moderate — you can easily hold a conversation, with most noise coming from foot traffic and deli operations.
Weekend wait: Usually no formal wait; at peak times you may wait 5–10 minutes for the grill to clear.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though orders may take a few minutes during construction-worker rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited — expect basic options like cheese quesadillas, beans, or occasional veggie tacos depending on the day.
Vegan options: Very limited — only bean-based modifications are reliably available.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but there is no dedicated prep area to avoid cross-contact.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal — the taqueria is inside a working deli with minimal seating and no ambiance. Great food, but not suited for a date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no reservations and only a few counter seats; most guests grab food to go. Expect to stand or take out during busy windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly for quick takeout, but not designed for lingering. No high chairs or dedicated seating, though the staff is welcoming.
Best For
Better for: One of the best values in the ZIP code — excellent carnitas, barbacoa, and chorizo at true budget pricing with fast turnaround.
Skip if: You want a sit-down meal, cocktails, or a festive environment; choose a full restaurant like Chela or Mexico Autentico instead.