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Tacos Matamoros
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Tacos Matamoros
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Hidden Gems Heaven
Tacos Matamoros is a cash-only Sunset Park institution where a sprawling menu of tacos, tamales, and mole plates anchors one of the neighborhood’s most consistently busy dining rooms. With thousands of reviews across platforms and regular love from local food writers, it’s the go-to spot for generous plates, late hours, and a true Fifth Avenue Mexican diner feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor on double-layer tortillas, Mole poblano tamales, Huevos con chorizo breakfast plates
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume, cash-only Mexican diner that anchors Sunset Park’s taco scene.
Who should go: Groups and locals craving classic tacos and plates.
When to visit: Evenings before peak rush or late-night for full energy.
What to order: Tacos al pastor, mole poblano tamales, carne asada plates.
Insider tip: It’s cash-only, so bring bills and ask for the off-menu mole plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very difficult after 5pm on weekends, metered spots exist but turnover is slow
Dress code: Ultra casual — jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in
Noise level: Loud and lively — conversation requires raised voices during peak hours
Weekend wait: 40–75 minutes without a reservation
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes, often shorter before 1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — vegetable tacos, beans, rice, nopales, and cheese-based dishes available
Vegan options: Limited — veggie tacos and beans can be made vegan if you skip cheese and crema
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard; most tacos and plated meats are naturally gluten-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual or foodie-first dates than romantic ones — it’s loud, crowded, and very informal, but great if you both love authentic Mexican food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — they don’t take reservations. Expect to wait during peak dinner and late-night hours, especially Friday and Saturday.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families dine here often, portions are generous, and the menu works well for kids, though the noise level can be high during busy times.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dining, large groups, massive menus, and authentic, full-plate Mexican comfort food at unbeatable prices
Skip if: If you want quiet dining, cocktails, reservations, or a polished date-night atmosphere — this is purely energy-driven neighborhood dining
Tacos Matamoros
8.7
Tacos Matamoros is a landmark Sunset Park taqueria known for its sprawling menu, griddled corn tortillas, and lively dining room packed with families. Diners come for plates of tacos al pastor, carne asada, and platters that turn a casual taco run into a full sit-down meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Carne asada tacos, Enchiladas Matamoros
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: Long-running neighborhood taqueria with a huge, taco-centric menu and festive energy.
Who should go: Groups and families craving a classic sit-down taco feast.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the room is buzzing but manageable.
What to order: Tacos al pastor, carne asada tacos, a shared enchiladas platter.
Insider tip: Bring cash and split a pitcher of margaritas with a big taco order.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be difficult after 6pm and on weekends. Metered spots nearby with active ticketing.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and everyday attire are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Lively and loud — expect a bustling dining room that’s energetic but not ideal for quiet conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, rice and beans, cheese quesadillas, and nopales-style options when available.
Vegan options: Limited — corn tortillas with grilled vegetables and beans work, but no dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes — most tacos use naturally gluten-free corn tortillas; verify sauces for safety.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one — it’s lively, bright, and focused on food over ambience.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays, but expect a wait during weekend dinner rushes. Arriving early helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Very — families are a huge part of the crowd, and the menu works well for kids with simple tacos, rice, and quesadillas.
Best For
Better for: Large groups, sit-down taco dinners, and expanded platters compared to tighter, counter-style taco shops.
Skip if: You want a fast grab-and-go taco stop or a quiet, intimate dining environment.
Tacos Matamoros
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Tacos Matamoros is a long-running Sunset Park staple with a sprawling menu where burritos share space with chilaquiles, fajitas, and combo platters. Portions skew large and saucy, making it a go-to for sit-down Mexican meals that still feel casual and affordable.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Burrito, Chilaquiles with Burrito Combo
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Big, old-school dining room where burritos, platters, and tacos land in shareable, family-style portions.
Who should go: Families and groups craving sit-down Mexican with big plates.
When to visit: Weekend lunches and early dinners for the fullest atmosphere.
What to order: Carne Asada Burrito, Chicken Burrito, Chilaquiles with eggs.
Insider tip: Split a burrito and a platter so you can try both the grilled meats and saucier dishes in one visit.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 6pm on weekends, but easier to find earlier in the day.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and everyday wear all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk at lunch, louder and more energetic during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos, cheese enchiladas, chilaquiles without meat, and bean-based platters.
Vegan options: Limited—can build burritos with beans, rice, vegetables, and salsa, but cheese and crema dominate many dishes.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas, rice plates, grilled meats, and beans are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure first date than a romantic one—great food and energy, but more lively than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t typical here, but peak weekend dinner times may involve a short wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very—big booths, shareable portions, and familiar flavors make it an easy win for families with kids of all ages.
Best For
Better for: Big sit-down portions, group-friendly dining, and saucy comfort-style Mexican plates at affordable prices.
Skip if: You’re looking for sleek ambiance, small chef-driven plates, or modern upscale Mexican.
Tacos Matamoros
8.6
A longtime Sunset Park institution for late-night tacos, platters, and margaritas in a boisterous, family-heavy dining room. Tacos Matamoros anchors 5th Avenue with consistently solid food, fair prices, and the kind of energy that keeps tables full until closing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Carne asada tacos, Queso fundido con chorizo
Scores:
Value: 8.7
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: High-volume 5th Avenue favorite where tacos and margaritas fuel lively, late dinners.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting classic sit-down Mexican.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights when the room is buzzing.
What to order: Tacos al pastor, carne asada tacos, queso fundido.
Insider tip: Ask for the off-menu al pastor tacos if you don’t see them listed.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be challenging after 7pm on weekends. Allow extra time or consider a quick loop around side streets.
Dress code: Casual and comfortable — jeans, sneakers, and relaxed evening wear are all standard.
Noise level: Loud and energetic — great for groups, but not ideal for quiet conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes during peak late-night hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait, typically seated right away.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, bean tacos, rice and beans, and veggie sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with bean-based tacos, rice, guacamole, and nopales if prepared without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos and many grilled proteins are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, fun first date than a romantic one — it’s lively, loud, and relaxed rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays or earlier in the evening. Late weekend nights often mean a wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families regularly dine here, and kids do well with the simple tacos, rice, and quesadillas.
Best For
Better for: Big groups, families, and late-night sit-down Mexican with full bar service and nonstop energy.
Skip if: You’re looking for quiet conversation, refined plating, or a more modern taqueria experience.
Tacos Matamoros
8.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Group Dining Gatherings
Tacos Matamoros is a busy, cash-friendly Sunset Park landmark where big plates of tacos, enchiladas, and combination platters come out fast at modest prices. The dining room is loud and festive, with families, groups, and regulars treating it as their go-to spot for affordable sit-down Mexican. Despite the crowd, food quality and portions stay remarkably consistent across thousands of visits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos al pastor, Enchiladas mixtas, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: High-volume, low-priced Mexican institution with consistently strong tacos and platters.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting hearty, affordable Mexican meals.
When to visit: Evenings and weekends when the room is buzzing but manageable.
What to order: Tacos al pastor, enchiladas mixtas, carne asada tacos.
Insider tip: Bring cash and share a mix of tacos and platters to maximize value.
Tacos Matamoros
8.6
Ricos Tacos is a worn-in neighborhood standby where plates of tacos, tortas, and molcajetes come out fast and generously filled. It’s better for hearty, everyday taco meals than for ambience, with pricing that still feels approachable for sit-down service late into the night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tacos árabes, Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 6.3
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: All-purpose Mexican spot where big taco plates stay relatively cheap.
Who should go: Hungry locals wanting full plates and late-night tacos.
When to visit: Dinner and late night when the room is busy but manageable.
What to order: Tacos árabes, al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito.
Insider tip: Ask for extra lime and grilled jalapeños to brighten heavier plates.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; can be tight after 7pm but usually opens up later at night.
Dress code: Very casual — jeans, hoodies, and work clothes all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is easy but not intimate.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak dinner rush, shorter late at night
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — cheese quesadillas, rice and beans, veggie-loaded burritos, and nopales when available.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with rice, beans, grilled veggies, and tortillas but requires ordering carefully.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortilla tacos and many grilled meats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure hang than a romantic first date — it’s lively, bright, and built for eating fast and full.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only and tables turn quickly, especially outside weekend peak hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families eat here regularly, with simple tacos, quesadillas, and big portions that work well for kids.
Best For
Better for: Bigger, heartier plates and late-night sit-down tacos at budget-friendly prices compared to smaller taquerias.
Skip if: Skip if you want a quiet, polished atmosphere or modern taco creativity — this is about volume, value, and tradition.