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Tacos Bravos NY
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Tacos Bravos NY
8.6
Tacos Bravos NY is a late-night Mexican kitchen on Northern Boulevard turning out tacos, burritos, and huaraches until well past 2 a.m. every night. It’s a go-to for Queens locals who want reliably hot, generously filled plates instead of a drive-thru run after bars or late shifts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken tacos with cilantro, onion, and guacamole, California-style steak burrito, Sausage huarache with chorizo
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-volume, late-night Northern Boulevard spot where the griddle stays busy with tacos, burritos, and platters until 2:30 a.m.
Who should go: Night owls craving substantial Mexican plates after midnight
When to visit: After midnight any day when other neighborhood kitchens are closed
What to order: Chicken tacos, California-style steak burrito, chorizo huarache
Insider tip: If you’re hungry and indecisive, build a combo of tacos plus a huarache to taste both their griddled tortillas and thicker masa base in one visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Blvd is possible but often tight after 9pm; side streets offer better luck. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, late-night attire included.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud depending on the hour; griddle noise and a steady flow of customers can make it lively but still manageable for quick conversations.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak post-bar hours (midnight–2am), mostly for food prep rather than waiting for space.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait; service is fast and geared for grab-and-go.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — options like cheese quesadillas, veggie tacos, and customizable burritos with beans and rice.
Vegan options: Limited — can request tacos or burritos without dairy and stick to beans, rice, and veggies, but no dedicated vegan proteins.
Gluten-free options: Partially — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the shared griddle setup may not suit strict gluten sensitivities.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you’re aiming for a low-key, late-night, no-frills vibe. It’s more about satisfying a craving than setting a romantic tone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — seating is informal and first-come, first-served. Most people grab food quickly and move on, so turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? During daytime and early evening, yes; the menu is approachable and service is quick. Late at night, the crowd leans adult and energetic, making it less ideal for young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Mexican comfort food with large portions, fast service, and consistently hot, griddled tacos and burritos when most other kitchens in the neighborhood are closed.
Skip if: You want a sit-down experience, quieter ambiance, or broader regional Mexican specialties. This is a late-night, essentials-first spot.
Tacos Bravos NY
8.7
Tacos Bravos is a late-night Mexican food truck parked at Northern Boulevard and 146th Street, known for generously stuffed burritos alongside its hugely popular tacos and nachos. Locals treat it as a reliable option for fast, flavorful burritos after work or well past midnight, with long lines proving how often people come back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Burrito/Bistec, Pork w Pineapple Burrito/Pastor, Sausage Burrito/Chorizo
Scores:
Value: 9.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A busy late-night food truck turning out overstuffed, customizable burritos at low prices.
Who should go: Night owls craving hearty Mexican burritos on a budget.
When to visit: Late evenings before peak post-midnight rush builds.
What to order: Steak Burrito/Bistec, Pork w Pineapple Burrito, Chicken Nachos.
Insider tip: Ask for extra salsa and limes on the side to customize heat and acidity.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only along Northern Boulevard and nearby residential blocks; easier after 9pm but can be tight during evening commute.
Dress code: Casual—this is a food truck, so anything from workwear to hoodies is completely fine.
Noise level: Moderate street noise from traffic; conversation is easy but expect cars, buses, and occasional crowds.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on lines; can stretch to 30 minutes after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait during daytime hours, though this truck is most active at night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos and tacos with beans, rice, and veggies are available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean-and-rice combinations can be ordered without cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Moderate—corn tortillas for tacos are gluten-free, but burritos use flour tortillas and there is no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something fun and casual; it’s a late-night food truck experience, great for low-pressure hangs but not ideal for a polished date night.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—this is stand-and-eat or takeout only. Some people eat in their cars or walk to a quieter side street.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who enjoy street food, but not ideal for toddlers given the traffic, crowds, and lack of seating.
Best For
Better for: Fast, generously stuffed burritos at late hours when most restaurants are closed; excellent value and portion size compared to sit-down spots.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, a quieter environment, or stricter dietary controls like dedicated gluten-free prep.
Tacos Bravos NY
8.4
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Tacos Bravos is a late-night taco truck anchored at Northern Boulevard and 146th Street, turning out al pastor and carne asada tacos until the early morning hours. Regulars lean on it as a reliable after-shift stop where tortillas stay hot, toppings stay bright, and orders move quickly even when the line is deep.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada tacos, Chicken quesadillas
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: High-output taco truck serving freshly griddled tacos past 2am every night.
Who should go: Night owls craving affordable, straightforward street tacos.
When to visit: After 11pm when the late-night crowd really kicks in.
What to order: Al pastor and carne asada tacos, plus a quesadilla.
Insider tip: Order a mix of meats in smaller rounds so tortillas stay hot.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on surrounding residential blocks after 10pm, though Northern Boulevard spots can fill quickly on weekends.
Dress code: No dress code; casual streetwear is perfectly appropriate given the outdoor taco truck setup.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to traffic and late-night crowds, but still easy enough to hold a casual conversation.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the post-party rush; lines move fast thanks to high-volume griddle output.
Weekday lunch: Typically not applicable since the truck’s main service window begins later in the day, but early evening hours rarely have a wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited; usually veggie quesadillas or plain cheese options depending on the nightly setup.
Vegan options: Very limited; best to ask about bean or vegetable fillings, but availability varies.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is unavoidable on a shared griddle.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It’s great for a casual, spontaneous late-night date — especially after drinks or karaoke — but it’s not suited for a sit-down or more formal first impression.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; expect standing room or curbside eating. Bring your own napkins if you’re particular.
Is it kid-friendly? Kid-friendly in terms of food and price, but the late hours, traffic, and curbside setup make it better for older kids or early-evening visits.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, affordability, and consistently hot tortillas that outperform many brick-and-mortar options after midnight.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, expanded vegetarian/vegan choices, or a quieter setting for longer conversations.
Tacos Bravos NY
8.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Tacos Bravos is a late-night Mexican food truck parked at Northern Boulevard and 146th Street, known for generously filled tacos, burritos, and quesadillas at friendly prices. With long hours and fast service, it’s a go-to for affordable Mexican food well after most kitchens have closed.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Pork with pineapple (al pastor) tacos, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: High-output Mexican truck serving big, flavorful tacos and burritos until the early morning at prices that reward repeat visits.
Who should go: Late-night taco fans who want real food instead of drive-thru options.
When to visit: After 11pm when the grill is busy and the crowd builds.
What to order: Steak tacos, pork with pineapple tacos, chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Grab your food and eat at the nearby sidewalk or in your car so tortillas stay warm and the fillings don’t spill during the ride home.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Boulevard and side streets is possible but competitive after 10pm; expect to circle a bit or park a block or two away.
Dress code: Casual—hoodies, jackets, and whatever you wore out that night are all perfectly fine.
Noise level: Moderate-to-loud due to traffic, music from nearby cars, and late-night energy; conversations are doable but not quiet.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush; lines move quickly thanks to the truck’s fast output.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the truck isn’t always operating during daytime hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and quesadillas can be made on request, though options are limited.
Vegan options: Limited—grilled veggie tacos may be available but verify ingredients (e.g., tortillas cooked on shared surfaces).
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely on a small truck grill.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want something casual and fun—this is more of a street-food vibe than a romantic setting. Great for low-pressure, spontaneous dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations. Expect to eat standing, at your car, or take everything to-go.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids comfortable with street-food setups; younger children may find the late-night crowd and traffic hectic.
Best For
Better for: Bigger portions, later hours, and faster service than many brick-and-mortar Mexican spots in the area.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, quieter dining, or fully verified dietary accommodations.
Tacos Bravos NY
8.5
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Tacos Bravos runs a high-output Mexican truck on Northern Boulevard, turning out generously filled tacos, burritos, and quesadillas deep into the night. Locals rely on it for fast, consistent late-night Mexican food at wallet-friendly prices, especially after work or weekend hangs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Pork with pineapple tacos, Steak quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume taco truck serving big-flavor Mexican classics until almost 3am.
Who should go: Late-night taco fans and hungry shift workers.
When to visit: After 11pm when the line and grill peak.
What to order: Steak tacos, pork with pineapple tacos, steak quesadilla.
Insider tip: Order a mix of meats and extra green salsa for late-night feasts.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Northern Boulevard is limited, but side streets near 146th Street usually have open spots after 9pm.
Dress code: No dress code — casual streetwear is the norm given it’s a food truck.
Noise level: Moderate to lively depending on the hour; expect traffic noise and late-night crowds but still easy enough to chat while waiting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush and size of your order.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the truck is less active at lunch hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, veggie tacos, and customizable burritos are available.
Vegan options: Limited — you can request veggie tacos without cheese or crema, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the truck does not maintain a dedicated GF prep surface.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're going for casual, late-night energy — it’s a food truck with stand-and-eat vibes, better for low-pressure hangs than romantic settings.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; most guests eat standing up or take their order to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and handheld foods, but there is no seating, restroom, or sheltered space, which may be challenging for younger children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night Mexican cravings, large portions, and fast service at very low prices.
Skip if: You want sit-down comfort, ambiance, or a wide range of vegetarian/vegan options.
Tacos Bravos NY
8.6
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Group Dining Gatherings
Tacos Bravos runs a high-output taco truck on Northern Boulevard, stacking tortillas with grilled meats, cilantro, and salsa late into the night. Locals lean on it for generous, well-seasoned tacos and burritos that stay affordable even after repeat visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak tacos, Pork with pineapple tacos, Chicken quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Late-night food truck slinging overloaded tacos at true budget prices.
Who should go: Taco fans craving big portions after dark.
When to visit: After 11pm when the grill and crowd peak.
What to order: Steak tacos, pork with pineapple tacos, chicken quesadilla.
Insider tip: Ask for extra green salsa and eat a taco fresh on-site.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally available on nearby residential blocks but can be tight after 10pm.
Dress code: Casual and comfort-focused; come as you are for a late-night taco run.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to street traffic and late-night crowds; still easy enough to chat while waiting.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes depending on the rush, especially after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though the truck operates more consistently in late afternoons and evenings.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but available; veggie tacos or quesadillas can be made without meat.
Vegan options: Very limited; you may be able to request tortillas with grilled veggies and salsa, but options are minimal.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is likely in a compact truck setup.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date appreciates casual street food and a lively, unpolished environment. Great for spontaneous eats, not ideal for a sit-down romantic vibe.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; this is a standing-and-eating or take-it-home situation. Arrive slightly before peak late-night crowds if you want faster service.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who enjoy tacos and don’t mind standing, but there’s no seating, no bathrooms, and the late-night crowd may feel too chaotic for young children.
Best For
Better for: Large, flavor-packed tacos at wallet-friendly prices served deep into the night—perfect for late-night cravings and quick group bites.
Skip if: You want indoor seating, a quieter meal, broad dietary options, or a more polished dining experience.