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Universal Taco
$ · Tacos

3229 Broadway, New York, NY 10027
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Tacos in Harlem

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Universal Taco 8.3
Morningside Heights
Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Hidden Gems Heaven Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Universal Taco is a chef-driven taco counter inside Manhattanville Market where Franklin Becker runs global flavors through a nixtamal tortilla format. Students and neighbors use it for high-quality al pastor, oxtail, and queso tacos that feel closer to a sit-down taqueria than a typical food-court stall.
Must-Try Dishes: Oxtail Tacos, Al Pastor Tacos, Queso Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.5 Service: 7.6 Consistency: 7.9 Food Quality: 8.8 Atmosphere: 6.5 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: A chef-led taco stall turning a Columbia-side food hall into a serious destination for inventive al pastor, oxtail, and veggie tacos.
Who should go: Taco-focused diners wanting chef-y flavors without full-service prices.
When to visit: Midday or early evening before campus rush peaks.
What to order: Oxtail tacos, al pastor tacos, side of elote.
Insider tip: Order two taco varieties and share; portions are generous for the price.