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Taqueria Diana
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
Taqueria Diana
7.5
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
The Hell’s Kitchen branch of Taqueria Diana, a California-inspired mini-chain established in 2013, serves tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and big trays of nachos until late night. It’s a reliable stop for hefty, cheese-forward comfort food within walking distance of Port Authority and the Theater District.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor burrito, Cheese nachos with salsa and jalapeños, Carne asada tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: California-inspired tacos, burritos, and nachos served all day in Hell’s Kitchen.
Who should go: Late-night burrito fans wanting hearty portions near Port Authority.
When to visit: Evenings and late nights after shows or neighborhood bar crawls.
What to order: Al pastor burrito, cheese nachos with salsa, carne asada tacos.
Insider tip: Portions run large; split nachos or plan on leftovers if you add a burrito.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive near Port Authority; rely on nearby paid garages along 8th Ave and 9th Ave.
Dress code: Completely casual — come as you are, from jeans to post-theater attire.
Noise level: Moderate; counter-service bustle but still easy to hold a solo meal or quick conversation.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal waits; brief lines may form after theater let-out.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait, though takeout orders can stack during office lunch rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options, including bean-and-cheese burritos, nachos, and veggie tacos.
Vegan options: Limited; simple bean tacos or burritos without cheese or crema are possible, but customization is required.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas are available, but no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better suited for casual, no-pressure meetups; it’s counter-service, fast, and more functional than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it’s walk-in only with quick turnover; you’ll typically find a seat or grab takeout.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy tacos and burritos; limited seating and late-night crowds may not suit very young children.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos, large portions, and ideal proximity to Port Authority for quick comfort food.
Skip if: You want regional Mexican cooking, a quieter sit-down experience, or extensive dietary accommodations.
Taqueria Diana
8.3
A Mission-style taqueria that wins on tight execution and speed: griddled tortillas, properly seasoned proteins, and a menu that stays in its lane. The best orders are taco-forward with one shareable side, keeping the meal punchy instead of heavy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Rajas con crema taco, Loaded nachos
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Mission-style tacos and burritos with reliable, repeatable execution.
Who should go: Midtown taco cravings on a tight schedule
When to visit: Weekday lunch before peak rush
What to order: Carne asada taco, rajas taco, nachos
Insider tip: Go tacos + one side—skip the oversized add-on spiral.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; paid garages nearby are the most reliable option, especially after 6pm.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—fine for casual conversation, but not a quiet sit-down meal.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak times, mostly line-based rather than table waits.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a very short line that moves quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—solid options like rajas, bean-and-cheese, and veggie-forward tacos.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—bean-based tacos and veggie fillings; ask about cheese and crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos; burritos and flour tortillas are not gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than a long sit-down—quick tacos, easy exit, and no formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations, and seating is first-come, first-served; most guests order and eat quickly.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who eat tacos, but seating is tight and there are no kid-specific amenities.
Best For
Better for: Fast, dependable Mission-style tacos with consistent seasoning and execution—ideal for quick meals and repeat visits.
Skip if: You want a long, sit-down taco experience, extensive vegan options, or a quiet atmosphere—look to full-service Mexican restaurants instead.
Taqueria Diana
8.4
A late-hours Midtown taqueria that delivers burritos with real fillings-and-salsa weight, plus a bar program that makes it more than a quick stop. The Al Pastor burrito is the move—juicy, punchy, and built to hold up even when you’re ordering fast between trains and theaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al Pastor Burrito, Carnitas Burrito, Carnitas Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Big-flavor burritos with strong al pastor and late-night reliability.
Who should go: Midtown burrito seekers and late diners
When to visit: Late night or off-peak lunch
What to order: Al pastor burrito, carnitas burrito, nachos
Insider tip: If you’re hungry-hungry, add chips and a side salsa.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is very limited in Hell’s Kitchen; expect circling or use nearby paid garages.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, tees, post-work attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough to talk, but it feels energetic, especially late.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes during peak late-night hours; faster turnover earlier.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian burritos and bowls with beans, rice, veggies, and salsas.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—vegan builds possible if you skip dairy-based toppings.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and burrito bowls work well; ask staff to guide you.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual. It’s more about shared comfort food and energy than romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is mostly walk-in friendly. Bar seating and quick table turns make reservations unnecessary.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening, yes—simple burritos and bowls work for kids. Late night skews adult.
Best For
Better for: Late-night burritos with real heft and flavor, plus the option to grab a drink instead of rushing out.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down Mexican meal or highly customized dietary menus—simpler taquerias or full-service spots may suit better.
Taqueria Diana
8.0
A California-leaning taqueria that stays useful late in Midtown: fast tacos and burritos, dependable build-your-own momentum, and a counter-service rhythm that keeps groups moving. It’s not a destination dining room, but it’s a reliable after-hours fuel stop when you want real food without committing to a long sit-down.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada taco, Mission-style burrito, Elote
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Late-night taqueria speed with a broad street-food menu that’s easy to order fast.
Who should go: Night owls who want tacos without a long wait
When to visit: Late night Thu–Sat for post-show food
What to order: Carne asada taco, burrito, elote
Insider tip: Order one taco first, then scale up once you pick your favorite protein.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Street parking is limited and competitive, especially after 6pm; garages nearby but can be pricey late.
Dress code: Very casual—jeans, sneakers, and post-show outfits are the norm.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy to talk, but it’s an active counter-service room.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night hours; faster turnover than sit-down spots.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, rice and beans, elote, and customizable burritos.
Vegan options: Limited—build-your-own with beans, rice, salsa, and veggies; confirm no dairy.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas and bowl-style orders; cross-contact possible in a small kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better as a casual or late-night stop than a formal first date—great if you want low-pressure tacos, not a long sit-down.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—counter service with quick turnover means you’ll usually find space, especially if you’re flexible.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos, but it’s a tight, fast-moving space without special amenities.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, straightforward tacos, and fueling up without committing to a full restaurant experience.
Skip if: You want polished cocktails, a relaxed dining room, or a destination Mexican meal—opt for a sit-down spot instead.
Taqueria Diana
7.9
A California-leaning Midtown taqueria that stays dependable late for quick tacos and burritos without the sit-down commitment. The sweet spot is post-show fuel: straightforward proteins, fast turnaround, and a counter-service rhythm that keeps the night moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Taco, Carnitas Taco, Pollo Nachos
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Fast, no-drama tacos for late Midtown cravings.
Who should go: Night owls who want real food, quickly.
When to visit: After shows—late evening for fastest flow.
What to order: Carne asada taco, carnitas taco, nachos.
Insider tip: Keep mods minimal to get your order out faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No valet. Limited street parking; difficult after 6pm due to theater traffic. Garages nearby but expect Midtown pricing.
Dress code: Casual and functional—jeans, sneakers, post-show attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—conversation is easy but it’s not a quiet room.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak late-night rush; lines move quickly.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; counter ordering keeps things fast.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, beans, rice, and cheese-forward options.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable tacos without cheese; confirm tortilla and bean prep when ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas are available, but cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual, low-pressure dates than romantic ones—fast ordering and counter service keep things easy but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there are no reservations. Order at the counter and grab a seat; turnover is quick even when busy.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who eat tacos and burritos; no dedicated kids menu, but portions are flexible and service is fast.
Best For
Better for: Late-night speed, affordability, and dependable tacos when you don’t want a sit-down commitment.
Skip if: You’re looking for polished cocktails, table service, or a lingering dining experience—choose a full-service Mexican restaurant instead.
Taqueria Diana
8.3
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Business Lunch Power Players
Hidden Gems Heaven
A compact, counter-service taqueria that stays focused on fast, satisfying tacos and burritos for Garment District lunch runs. It wins on craveable, sauce-forward builds and the kind of repeatable execution that shows up when the line keeps moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Chips & guacamole
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 6.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: High-volume taco-and-burrito execution with a no-drama Midtown rhythm.
Who should go: Lunch crowds who want fast, filling Mexican.
When to visit: Before 12:15 PM for the shortest line.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carne asada burrito, chips & guac.
Insider tip: Order your full set at once—add-ons slow the handoff.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce; garages nearby but pricey. Public transit is the practical move.
Dress code: Casual and functional—office wear, jeans, or workday attire all fit.
Noise level: Moderate during lunch rush; quieter off-peak but still counter-service energy.
Weekend wait: Usually minimal or no wait, but hours are lunch-focused—this isn’t a prime dinner destination.
Weekday lunch: 5–15 minutes during peak noon rush; little to no wait before 12 PM or after 1:30 PM.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and burritos available.
Vegan options: Limited—bean, rice, and veggie builds work if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas for tacos; burritos are flour-tortilla only.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—great food but fast-paced, counter-service seating makes conversation secondary.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—ordering is at the counter and seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Okay for older kids who eat tacos; tight space and quick turnover make it less suited for strollers or lingering.
Best For
Better for: Faster, more consistent taco-and-burrito execution than most Midtown Mexican lunch spots.
Skip if: You want sit-down service, margaritas, or a relaxed dinner experience—look elsewhere for that.
Taqueria Diana
8.3
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Business Lunch Power Players
Comfort Food Classics
A Mission-style taqueria that works best as a fast, sauce-forward taco-and-burrito stop with real Midtown stamina. The sweet spot is classic fillings (al pastor, carnitas) plus one “specialty” like the Baja fish taco, then keep the build tight so the flavors stay clean. Since 2013, it’s remained a dependable lunch-and-late bite when you want Mexican comfort without a long sit-down commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Style Fish Tacos, Al Pastor Taco, Elote
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Mission-style builds with taco execution that holds up under Midtown volume.
Who should go: Lunch runners who want tacos without drama.
When to visit: Before 12:15 PM for the smoothest flow.
What to order: Baja fish tacos, al pastor taco, elote.
Insider tip: Commit to one salsa lane—too many sauces blur the bite.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive in Midtown West, especially after 6pm. Garages nearby but not affiliated.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, workday attire all fit the room.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough to talk, but not a quiet sit-down.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes during peak evening rush; off-hours often no wait.
Weekday lunch: Short line possible 12–1pm; minimal wait before 12:15pm or after 1:30pm.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, rice-and-beans builds, elote, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—bean-based tacos and rice/veggie builds if you skip dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos; most fillings are gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, low-pressure meet than a long date—quick service, shared tacos, and a lively room keep things easy but not intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—there’s no reservation system. Seating is first-come, first-served and limited, so be ready for counter service or a short wait during peaks.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who like tacos and burritos; no special kids menu, but portions are shareable and straightforward.
Best For
Better for: Fast, sauce-forward tacos and burritos that stay consistent under Midtown volume—stronger execution and pacing than most nearby quick Mexican counters.
Skip if: You want a relaxed, sit-down Mexican meal or a wide vegan menu—this is built for speed and classic builds, not lingering.
Taqueria Diana
8.2
A California-leaning taqueria that’s strongest for casual happy-hour tacos when you want dependable flavor without a long sit-down. The move is simple: a couple tacos (or a burrito if you’re hungry), chips-and-something, and one discounted drink before the night crowd turns it into a line.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Loaded nachos, Mezcal margarita
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 6.6
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Classic taqueria staples plus a real happy-hour drink lane.
Who should go: Taco people who want fast, casual, and reliable.
When to visit: Early evening before 7pm for smoother flow.
What to order: Al pastor taco, nachos, mezcal margarita.
Insider tip: Order tacos first—add nachos after you see the line.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited and competitive; garages nearby but pricey in the evening. Plan to walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and a jacket fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate early, louder later—easy conversation before the dinner rush.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes after 7pm without a reservation; faster if you arrive early.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait; ordering is typically quick.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, bean-and-cheese options, and customizable plates.
Vegan options: Limited—beans, rice, guacamole, and veggie tacos without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas available; cross-contact possible during busy hours.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, if you want something low-pressure and casual. It’s better for quick tacos and drinks than lingering romance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes early in the evening. After 7pm, expect a short wait or be ready to order to-go if the line builds.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids who like tacos and burritos, but it’s more of an adult, late-day crowd and not designed as a family destination.
Best For
Better for: Fast, dependable tacos with happy-hour drinks when you don’t want a full sit-down meal.
Skip if: You’re looking for a relaxed, long dinner or a quieter, more polished Mexican dining experience.