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Taqueria 86
ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Upper West Side
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Upper West Side
Best Cheap Mexican Food in Upper West Side
Best Cheap Eats in Upper West Side
Best Late Night Tacos in Upper West Side
Best Late Night Mexican in Upper West Side
Best Burritos in Upper West Side
Best Tacos in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Taqueria 86
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A compact, counter-leaning taqueria built for fast, high-satisfaction taco runs. The best results come from a tight order—two or three tacos with one standout salsa—so the tortillas stay hot and the fillings stay focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Horchata
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A tight, counter-style taco shop that hits hardest on simple classics.
Who should go: Fast taco runs and solo diners
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons for fastest turnaround
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, horchata
Insider tip: Keep it to 2–3 tacos—skip the overbuilt order for best consistency.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability, especially after 6pm
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and grab-and-go attire fit the room
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy to hold a conversation, but space is tight
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak hours, often quicker for solo diners
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or just a few minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable-based tacos and sides available, though not a large menu
Vegan options: Limited—possible with veggie tacos and salsa choices, but not fully built out
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas by default; fillings are largely gluten-free
Best For
Better for: Fast, no-frills tacos with strong flavor consistency and minimal ordering friction
Skip if: You want a full sit-down meal, cocktails, or a lingering group dinner experience