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Taquería El Chato
ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Soho
Best Tacos in Soho
Master Critic Review
Taquería El Chato
7.9
Opened in 2025 by the Aldama team and chef Gerardo Alcaraz, this compact MacDougal counter channels Mexico City street-stand energy with trompo-cut al pastor, vampiros, and quesadillas on housemade tortillas. It’s become a go-to late-night stop for Washington Square crowds willing to queue for punchy tacos over pristine seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taco al pastor on housemade corn tortilla, Q asada steak quesadilla, Vampiro with melted Chihuahua cheese and steak
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.2
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Mexico City–style tacos from the Aldama team, served late just off Washington Square.
Who should go: Night owls craving serious tacos after bars or shows.
When to visit: Late night on weekends when the trompo and crowd are in full swing.
What to order: Al pastor tacos, steak vampiro, a quesadilla with asada.
Insider tip: Use the full salsa bar and eat at the standing counter to turn over faster.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on MacDougal is very limited, especially nights and weekends; rely on nearby garages on West 3rd or LaGuardia Place.
Dress code: Casual—think street-food attire; most guests come in everyday clothes or post-bar outfits.
Noise level: High during peak late-night hours with street noise and a busy counter; not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 20–35 minutes once the bar and comedy crowds spill out; sometimes longer after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait, though the counter can fill briefly around NYU class breaks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited but workable—quesadillas or a simple cheese-and-vegetable build can be made.
Vegan options: Very limited—corn tortillas are vegan, but fillings skew meat-heavy; request plain nopal or veggie builds if available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—most items use corn tortillas; avoid flour-based quesadillas if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you want a casual, street-stand vibe—there’s no seating comfort and the noise can be high, but it works for a fun, low-stakes bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations—it's a counter-only setup, so arrive ready to stand and eat or take it to go.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids or teens who don’t need seating; younger children may find the crowded late-night environment overwhelming.
Best For
Better for: Late-night taco runs, punchy al pastor from a trompo, and quick counter service that beats sit-down spots on speed and authenticity.
Skip if: You need seating, quiet conversation, full meals, or broad dietary accommodation—opt for a sit-down Mexican restaurant instead.