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Ricos Tacos
Master Critic Reviews (5 Lists)
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
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: High-volume, late-hours Mexican spot where tacos share billing with big plates and tortas.
Who should go: Hungry night owls and locals who want hearty Mexican classics.
When to visit: Late nights or weekend afternoons for peak energy and turnover.
What to order: Pierna adobada tacos, chilaquiles rojos, a loaded torta to share.
Insider tip: Order a torta and a taco plate to split; portions run large and filling.
Ricos Tacos
8.1
Ricos Tacos runs like a workhorse neighborhood taqueria, with burritos, tacos, and antojitos feeding Sunset Park from morning through late night. Burritos lean straightforward and filling, built on well-seasoned meats and plenty of rice and beans rather than fussy toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Chorizo Breakfast Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Counter-service taqueria where hefty burritos and late-night plates stay affordable and straightforward.
Who should go: Night owls and locals who want big burritos on a budget.
When to visit: Late evenings and weekends when the grill is turning nonstop.
What to order: Super Burrito with carne asada, Carnitas Burrito, horchata.
Insider tip: If you like char and spice, ask them to go heavy on the grill time for extra smoky flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; moderately difficult after 6pm, easier earlier in the day. No valet.
Dress code: Ultra casual — hoodies, work clothes, and post-gym fits are all typical.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak late-night hours; quieter during weekday lunch.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes for counter orders during peak late night
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, fast turnover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — bean-and-cheese burritos, veggie taco fillings, rice and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited — bean, rice, and veggie burritos possible without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options — corn tacos and rice plates are gluten-free; burritos are flour-tortilla based.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re going for ultra-casual vibes — it’s more late-night fuel stop than romantic hangout.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s counter service with limited seating, so you simply order and sit if a spot opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — simple menu, fast food-style setup, and mild options make it easy for kids during daytime hours.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos that are fast, filling, and dependable without waiting on full-service dining.
Skip if: You want chef-driven burritos, creative toppings, or a sit-down dining experience.
Ricos Tacos
8.1
A no-frills Sunset Park taqueria known for late-night tacos, quesadillas, and hefty combination plates after midnight. Locals come for al pastor, carnitas, and molcajete platters at prices that make it easy to over-order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Mole poblano chicken plate, Skirt steak (arrachera)
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic late-night tacos and big combo plates in a no-frills room.
Who should go: Night owls craving hearty Mexican plates on a budget.
When to visit: After 10 pm for true late-night taco energy.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, mole poblano, arrachera steak.
Insider tip: Ask for salsas on the side to dial in your preferred heat.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tough late at night on weekends but usually manageable after midnight.
Dress code: Ultra-casual — hoodies, jeans, work clothes, anything goes.
Noise level: Loud — late-night crowds, kitchen noise, and constant turnover make it energetic but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes after 10 pm; faster turnover after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, veggie tacos, rice and beans.
Vegan options: Limited — bean-based tacos and sides with no cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas standard for tacos, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, no-pressure late-night bite than a romantic first impression — great for shared tacos, not candlelight.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only, and tables turn quickly even during peak late-night hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes earlier in the evening for simple plates and quesadillas, but after 9:30 pm it skews more adult and late-night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night affordability, big portions, and fast taco fixes when most kitchens are already closed.
Skip if: You want cocktails, ambiance, or a polished sit-down experience — this is all about speed, value, and flavor.
Ricos Tacos
8.2
Ricos Tacos is a casual, old-school Sunset Park spot where plates of tacos, tortas, and quesadillas come out hot and generously filled well into the night. It’s more about flavor and value than design, drawing regulars who treat it as a neighborhood default for late taco runs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Pollo frito torta, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Big-flavor tacos and tortas at budget prices in a no-frills room.
Who should go: Budget-conscious taco fans who prioritize flavor over decor.
When to visit: Later evenings when you want hearty tacos without a wait.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, fried chicken torta, chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Use the salsa bar and lime wedges generously to customize each taco.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; usually manageable late at night but tight during dinner rush and weekend evenings.
Dress code: Very casual – jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively – easy to talk at your table but not a quiet dining room.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night hours; longer after midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – cheese quesadillas, rice-and-beans plates, and veggie tortas by request.
Vegan options: Limited – mainly bean-based items and rice; confirm no animal fats in prep.
Gluten-free options: Some options – corn tacos are available, but cross-contamination is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a formal first date — great if you’re bonding over tacos, not ideal if you want romance or ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and turnover is fast, especially late at night.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — kid-friendly earlier in the evening with simple quesadillas and mild taco options, but gets louder and more adult late at night.
Best For
Better for: Late-night value, generous portions, and quick-service tacos when most kitchens are closing.
Skip if: You’re looking for craft cocktails, elevated ambiance, or a polished sit-down Mexican dining experience.
Ricos Tacos
8.1
Ricos Tacos is a neighborhood workhorse where fajitas, molcajetes, tacos, and combo plates feed Sunset Park at prices that still feel reasonable for the portions. The space is casual and a little worn-in, but service is fast, and the menu runs from simple tacos to full grilled platters. It’s the kind of place locals rely on for everyday Mexican dinners rather than special occasions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Mole poblano chicken, Molcajete mixto
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A broad, all-day Mexican menu with generous, home-style plates.
Who should go: Locals wanting full plates and tacos without overspending.
When to visit: Dinner hours when the dining room is active but not packed.
What to order: Carnitas tacos, mole poblano, molcajete mixto to share.
Insider tip: Use the platillos section for best value on grilled meats and stews.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally manageable on side streets, but tighter after 6pm on busy nights.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, hoodies, and everyday wear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively during peak dinner hours; easy to talk but not hushed.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or under 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice-and-bean plates, enchiladas without meat, and cheese quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited — vegetable tacos and rice/beans can work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard for tacos; grilled meats and fajitas work well without sauces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — it’s cozy, affordable, and food-focused rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — most diners walk in successfully, especially on weeknights or early evenings.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families with kids are common, and simple tacos, rice, and quesadillas work well for younger eaters.
Best For
Better for: Big, filling combo plates, molcajetes, and grilled platters that deliver maximum food per dollar.
Skip if: You’re looking for upscale atmosphere, trendy cocktails, or a quieter, romantic dining vibe.