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Street Taco
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Street Taco
8.4
Street Taco is a buzzy Kips Bay bar and taqueria where neon, murals, and a VW bus set the tone for plates of heritage-inspired tacos. It’s where locals go for margaritas, music, and a lively crowd that runs late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Fried chicken tacos, Pineapple margarita
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: High-energy tacos-and-tequila spot with playful decor and serious margaritas.
Who should go: Friends and coworkers chasing tacos, tequila and loud energy.
When to visit: Happy hour, late-night drinks, and weekends before peak crowds.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, fried chicken tacos, pineapple or mezcal margarita.
Insider tip: Sit near the front windows or VW bus for the best people-watching and photos.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm. Nearby garages are the most reliable option for evenings.
Dress code: Trendy casual — jeans and a nice top work, sneakers are fine, but people lean nightlife-ready.
Noise level: Loud and energetic — conversation is possible early, but harder once the DJ and crowds peak.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 8pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several veggie taco and side options are available
Vegan options: Limited — you can build tacos with grilled vegetables and salsas
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and multiple naturally gluten-free tacos
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you're going for fun, flirty, and energetic — but not ideal if you want quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes earlier in the evening or on weeknights; late nights and weekends can mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings can work for older kids, but after 7pm it shifts firmly into adult nightlife mode.
Best For
Better for: Lively group hangouts, girls’ nights, tequila-forward happy hours, and late-night taco runs with music and energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down dinner, family-friendly atmosphere, or refined Mexican cooking.
Street Taco
8.6
Street Taco turns a corner of Kips Bay into a neon-lit taco bar, pairing crusty tortillas with a deep list of margaritas and shareable snacks. It’s where groups come for carne asada, plant-based tacos, and loud energy rather than a hushed sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada tacos, Mushroom Al Pastor taco, Street Corn Pops
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Lively taco-and-margarita bar where playful fillings meet bold flavors.
Who should go: Groups wanting tacos, cocktails, and a buzzy scene.
When to visit: Weeknight happy hour or late evenings for peak energy.
What to order: Carne Asada tacos, Mushroom Al Pastor, Street Corn Pops.
Insider tip: Go early or late if you want a bar seat without a long wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Kips Bay; garages nearby typically run $25–$40 for a few hours. Rideshare or subway is the easiest option.
Dress code: Trendy casual — jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and high-energy — conversation requires raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during prime time without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several dedicated vegetarian tacos and shareable sides.
Vegan options: Yes — plant-based tacos like mushroom al pastor and vegetable-forward options.
Gluten-free options: Some options available using corn tortillas, but cross-contact risk is high.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, playful first dates than intimate ones — the loud music and crowd shift the vibe toward fun rather than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect to wait during peak dinner hours; late-night walk-ins are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings are fine for older kids, but later hours skew adult with bar energy and loud music.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group hangouts, margarita pitchers, and shareable tacos in a nightlife-forward setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet conversation, family dining, or traditional sit-down Mexican service.
Street Taco
8.1
Street Taco in Gramercy is a lively taqueria and bar where the Hangover Burrito anchors a brunch menu of eggy, potato-stuffed plates alongside tacos and cocktails. Crowds pack in for music, margaritas, and late-night energy as much as for the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hangover Burrito, Chilaquiles, Taco Salad Bowl
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A high-energy bar and taqueria where the Hangover Burrito is a weekend ritual.
Who should go: Groups wanting brunch burritos with strong cocktails and music.
When to visit: Weekend brunch or late-night hours when the room is buzzing.
What to order: Hangover Burrito, Chilaquiles, Taco Salad Bowl.
Insider tip: Reserve for brunch and request a table away from the speakers if you want easier conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited and difficult after 6pm; nearby paid garages on 3rd and 2nd Avenues are the most reliable option.
Dress code: Trendy casual to smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests dress it up for brunch or nights out.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but requires raised voices during brunch and late-night.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer during peak nightlife hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of the 12–1pm rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie burritos, chilaquiles without meat, and customizable taco fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications using beans, rice, veggies, and guacamole.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas and taco bowls work well, but shared kitchen means cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy first date than an intimate one — it’s fun and social, but not ideal for deep conversation during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during weekdays and early evenings, but brunch and late nights are much harder without booking ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Technically yes during daytime hours, but the bar-forward energy and noise make it better suited for teens and adults than small children.
Best For
Better for: Livelier atmosphere, stronger cocktail program, and party-forward brunch compared to quieter neighborhood taquerias.
Skip if: You want a calm meal, serious taco craftsmanship, or a quiet sit-down burrito experience — this leans social and loud.
Street Taco
8.2
Street Taco is a high-energy Mexican bar and taqueria on Third Avenue where frozen margaritas, tacos, and street snacks run late into the night. The room centers around a vintage VW truck and bold street art, drawing crowds for post-dinner drinks, shared plates, and after-midnight bites. Reliable execution and long hours make it the default late-night Mexican option in Kips Bay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada tacos, Mushroom Al Pastor tacos, Street Corn Pops
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Heritage-driven street tacos and cocktails served past midnight in a VW-truck–anchored space.
Who should go: Groups craving tacos, margaritas, and loud late-night energy
When to visit: Thursday to Saturday after 10pm for peak late-night scene
What to order: Carne Asada tacos, Mushroom Al Pastor tacos, Street Corn Pops
Insider tip: Aim for a late slot on Thursdays or Fridays when the kitchen still runs to 1am but walk-in waits often ease.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability after 7pm. Nearest garages are on Third Ave and 30th–31st Streets with typical rates $20–$30.
Dress code: Casual nightlife attire—jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: High—expect loud music and bar energy, better for groups than quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes after 9pm without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—solid options including mushroom tacos, street corn, and cheese-forward small plates.
Vegan options: Limited—stick to mushroom tacos, chips, guacamole, and select salsas.
Gluten-free options: Mostly corn-based tacos are gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible in a busy kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, high-energy first meetup than an intimate date—great if you both like loud music, margaritas, and shared plates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights and earlier evenings; after 9pm on weekends, expect a wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening only—kids are fine before 7pm, but the late-night bar atmosphere is geared strictly toward adults.
Best For
Better for: Late-night tacos, frozen margaritas, and group hangouts with a party atmosphere.
Skip if: You want quiet dining, elevated regional Mexican cooking, or a date-night–level conversation setting.
Street Taco
8.3
Vibes:
Trendy Table Hotspots
Happy Hour Hotspots
Group Dining Gatherings
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Street Taco is a lively Kips Bay bar-and-taqueria hybrid where you come as much for the atmosphere as for the tacos and margaritas. The menu leans into Mexico City–style fillings like al pastor, chicken tinga, and fried shrimp, with prices that stay reasonable if you stick to tacos and skip multiple rounds of drinks. It’s a go-to spot when you want a sit-down taco night that still feels casual and relatively affordable by neighborhood standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Chicken tinga tacos, Fried shrimp tacos
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A colorful, bar-forward taqueria where tacos and margaritas share equal billing.
Who should go: Friends or coworkers planning a casual taco-and-drinks meetup.
When to visit: Early evening for happy hour before the room fills up.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, chicken tinga tacos, fried shrimp tacos.
Insider tip: Build a table of shared tacos and one large-format cocktail pitcher to keep costs in check.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited after 6pm, nearby paid garages on 2nd and 3rd Avenue.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — energetic bar crowd makes extended quiet conversation tricky later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–50 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetarian-friendly tacos with beans, cheese, and veggie-based fillings.
Vegan options: Limited — a few plant-based taco builds possible with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible in the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want something high-energy and social rather than intimate — the margaritas and shared tacos help break the ice quickly.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weekdays and early evenings, but weekends after 7pm usually mean a wait unless you arrive early.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings with older kids are fine, but it skews more bar-forward as the night goes on and isn’t ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Sit-down taco nights with drinks, group hangouts, and lively happy hour energy.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-cheap street tacos, a quiet meal, or strictly food-focused taqueria vibes.
Street Taco
8.2
Street Taco is a high-energy Gramercy/Kips Bay taqueria and bar where weekday happy hour frames tacos, margaritas, and snacks around communal high-tops and a loud soundtrack. The menu pulls from Mexico City street food with fillings like carne asada, mushroom al pastor, and roasted cauliflower, plus frozen drinks and large-format pitchers. It’s more about crowd energy than quiet conversation, ideal for starting a night out on 3rd Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Tacos, Mushroom Al Pastor Tacos, Chips with Guacamole and Queso
Scores:
Value: 6.3
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Colorful taco bar with dual happy hour windows and strong margaritas.
Who should go: Groups chasing tacos, pitchers, and a loud, social vibe.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4–7pm for drink and taco specials.
What to order: Carne asada and mushroom tacos with chips and guac.
Insider tip: Late-night happy hour often kicks back in after 10pm—use it for a second round.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on 3rd Avenue; nearest paid garages are a few blocks away and usually run $20–$30 in the evening.
Dress code: Casual trendy—jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—conversation is possible but expect to lean in, especially during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie tacos including mushroom al pastor and roasted cauliflower.
Vegan options: Yes—several taco fillings and sides can be ordered fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Partially—corn tortillas are available, but there is no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for outgoing personalities than intimate conversation—the energy is fun and flirty but loud and crowded.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but high-tops and bar seating fill quickly after 6pm—arrive early for the easiest walk-in experience.
Is it kid-friendly? Not especially—this is more of a bar-forward, late-afternoon-to-night crowd with loud music and pitchers.
Best For
Better for: High-energy happy hours, group margarita rounds, and casual taco parties over conversation-focused dining.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a seated dinner pace, or a relaxed date-night atmosphere.
Street Taco
8.0
Street Taco is a high-energy taqueria and bar on 3rd Avenue where Mexico City–style tacos, frozen margaritas, and pitcher-friendly cocktails anchor one of the most reliable happy hours in Kips Bay. After-work crowds pack the bar and communal tables for twice-daily specials, using it as a springboard into a longer night on 3rd Avenue.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mushroom Al Pastor Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Queso Nachos with Guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: High-energy Mexican street food and twice-daily happy hour in a mural-covered space.
Who should go: Groups starting a lively, tequila-heavy night in Kips Bay.
When to visit: Weekday happy hours 4–7pm or late-night second round.
What to order: Mushroom al pastor tacos, carne asada tacos, queso nachos.
Insider tip: Hit the earlier happy hour window if you want bar seats before the after-work rush fully takes over.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on 3rd Avenue; nearby garages typically run $18–$25 for evening parking.
Dress code: Casual going-out attire—jeans, sneakers, and trendy tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud—conversation is possible but expect to raise your voice during peak happy hour.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak weekend hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most weekdays before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple vegetable-focused tacos including mushroom al pastor and veggie-friendly quesadillas.
Vegan options: Limited—some tacos can be made vegan by removing cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for energetic, playful first dates than deep conversation—the vibe is fun and flirty but loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during off-peak times, but arriving before 6pm greatly improves your chances during happy hour.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the day it works for families with older kids, but evenings skew heavily adult and bar-focused.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group tacos, pitchers, and pregame-style happy hours with strong crowd energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet dinner, a romantic atmosphere, or a traditional sit-down Mexican dining experience.
Street Taco
8.4
Street Taco is a high-energy 3rd Avenue taqueria where Mexico City–style tacos, frozen margaritas, and a daily happy hour anchor one of Kips Bay’s most reliable taco-and-tequila hangs. With colorful murals, loud music, and a long bar, it works as well for after-work taco rounds as it does for late-night groups sharing pitchers.
Must-Try Dishes:
Roasted cauliflower tacos, Brussels sprouts tacos, Chorizo tacos
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 6.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Loud, mural-covered taco bar with dual daily happy hour windows.
Who should go: Groups chasing tacos, margaritas, and a lively crowd.
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4–7pm or late-night after 10pm.
What to order: Roasted cauliflower tacos, brussels sprouts tacos, chorizo tacos.
Insider tip: Hit the early happy hour window to actually snag bar seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited on 3rd Avenue and nearby side streets; plan for garage parking within 2–3 blocks if driving after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual and trendy—jeans, sneakers, and going-out tops all fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—conversation is possible at tables but expect to raise your voice at the bar.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes between 7–9pm without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside peak noon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie taco fillings including roasted cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
Vegan options: Limited—select veggie tacos can be ordered vegan with sauce swaps.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination is possible in a high-volume kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want something lively and fun—great for ice-breaking energy, but not ideal for quiet, intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes during early happy hour or late night, but prime dinner hours usually mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evening only—after 7pm the bar-heavy crowd and volume skew firmly adult.
Best For
Better for: High-energy group outings, tequila-forward happy hours, and fast-moving taco rounds with a party vibe.
Skip if: You want calm conversation, a romantic atmosphere, or a slower sit-down dining pace.