TLDR
Authentic street-style tacos with handmade tortillas and fresh, flavorful ingredients, widely regarded as a must-visit NYC staple for a quick bite.
Reddit Sentiment for LOS TACOS NO.1(based on 388 Reddit opinions)
Instagram Posts References
The video captures the lively ambiance and queues at Los Tacos No.1, showcasing a variety of tacos with diverse fillings and toppings. The accompanying text mentions 'all types of tacos' and gives them a very positive rating of 9/10.
Los Tacos No. 1 is showcased for its authentic street-style tacos, specifically featuring carne asada and nopal options, paired with horchata.
This post highlights Los Tacos No.1 as a go-to spot for the user immediately upon landing in New York City. The video captures the bustling atmosphere and the efficient service, showing a staff member preparing a taco by adding a generous scoop of guacamole. The user's consistent choice of this restaurant as their first stop every time they return to NYC strongly indicates a highly positive and cherished dining experience. The sign also lists other options like Adobada, Pollo, Nopal, and Asada.
Los Tacos No. 1 is celebrated as a highly authentic and famous taco spot in New York City, known for living up to its hype. The dining experience is engaging, as customers can watch their orders being prepared from scratch, featuring fresh tortillas and meat sliced directly from a vertical spit, ensuring everything is built to order. The menu offers traditional options like carne asada and adobada, as well as chicken and even cactus options for those seeking something different. The emphasis is on simple, high-quality ingredients that deliver bold and satisfying flavors, making it a must-visit for taco enthusiasts in NYC.
As a 'native Californian,' the creator expressed that she has 'had better tacos' than those at Los Tacos No. 1. While acknowledging its popularity, her lukewarm assessment (
Los Tacos No.1 is included in the food favorites, specifically for its 'quesadilla especial,' which is further clarified as being similar to a cheese empanada al pastor, implying a unique and flavorful Mexican dish.
This establishment is recommended as part of the GoCity New York Mini Guide for its authentic street tacos.
Los Tacos No. 1 is highlighted for its authentic Mexican tacos, featuring a variety of protein options including shrimp, fish, pollo asado, and carne asada, all served on fresh tortillas with classic toppings.
Details
Renowned for its commitment to high-quality, authentic flavors, this fast-casual establishment is widely considered a staple of the New York City taco scene [1], [2]. Diners consistently praise the freshness of the handmade tortillas and the variety of meats, such as carne asada and adobada, prepared directly from a vertical spit [3], [4]. While the restaurant often draws long lines, most visitors agree the quick-moving service and quality make it a must-visit destination, even in tourist-heavy areas like Times Square [5], [6].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on traditional Mexican street food, featuring standout proteins like carne asada, adobada (spit-roasted pork), and nopal (cactus) for vegetarians [1], [10], [11]. Customers consistently highlight the quality of the tortillas and the punchy, flavorful salsas [3], [11], with many recommending the 'adobada mula' or 'quesataco' for a more indulgent experience [3], [12], [13].
Highlights / Recommended
"The adobada tacos and the quesadilla especial are highly recommended favorites [3], [12], [13]. Visitors also frequently praise the carne asada and the unique nopal (cactus) taco options [1], [11]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •taco(16)Tacos are consistently described as delicious and among the best reviewers have ...
- •adobada taco(11)The adobada taco is a frequently recommended and flavorful option, considered a ...
- •breakfast burrito(8)Breakfast burritos are highly praised for their authentic flavor, particularly t...
- •carne asada taco(7)The carne asada taco is a solid choice featuring tender, marinated grilled steak...
- •nopal plate(6)There was confusion regarding whether the 'secret plate' is the nopal plate; how...
- •al pastor taco(4)
- •plate of beans(4)
- •pork taco(3)
- •chicken taco(3)
- •quesataco(3)
- •vampiro(3)
- •jalapeño(2)
- •cebollitas and jalapeños(2)
Caveats
Due to its high popularity, the restaurant often experiences long wait times, particularly at central locations [5], [14]. Additionally, some diners note that the tortillas are made with lard, which may be a consideration for those with specific dietary restrictions [15].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LOS TACOS NO.1
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Navigating Nyc Dining Sightseeing Hours Help A
"Los Taco No 1 is recommended as a place to try for tacos, suitable for walk-up orders."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Single Best Restaurant Dish In Nyc In
"The nopal tacos from Los Tacos with all the toppings and sauces are recommended."
PositiveFrom post: What Is The Single Best Restaurant Dish In Nyc In
"The pork taco at Los Tacos 1 was mentioned as a recommended dish."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For The Best Burritomexican Food In Hells
"This is one of two suggested options for tacos in the Times Square area, noting that there is usually a line but it moves fast."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Day Nyc Need Food Recommendations Updated With
"Los Tacos No. 1 is listed as one of the few spots near Times Square that fits the user's criteria for price and proximity."
PositiveFrom post: Soon To Be First Time In Nyc As An Irish Person
"Los Tacos No. 1 is highly recommended, with the commenter noting that great Mexican food might be hard to find back home."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter, also from California, suggests skipping tacos to save stomach space for other NYC specialties."
NegativeFrom post: Heading To Nyc And Dont Want To Leave With Regrets
"This commenter simply listed Los Tacos No. 1 as a recommendation."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For Hatsother Merch From This Subs
"Los Tacos No. 1 was mentioned as a restaurant that sells merchandise."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter acknowledges Los Tacos No. 1 is great but suggests it might seem like a rip-off to someone from Southern California due to the price."
NeutralFrom post: Cheap Eats In Upper Midtown
"This user stated that Los Tacos No. 1 lives up to the hype, recommending it as a good option in the area."
PositiveFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter argues against eating tacos in NYC if the user is from California, suggesting it's a waste of a meal compared to unique NYC offerings."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"This comment implies that comparing LA tacos to NYC tacos is not a worthwhile endeavor."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"Responding to a previous comment, this user humorously questions why someone would travel to NYC for tacos if they live in Los Angeles."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter suggests skipping Los Tacos No. 1 and possibly replacing it with momos from Jackson Heights."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The user states they want to compare tacos from Los Angeles with those in New York."
NeutralFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter suggests skipping Los Tacos No. 1 and trying Carnitas Ramirez instead."
NegativeFrom post: Visiting Nyc Critique My Food List
"The commenter questions why the user would get tacos in NYC if they live in California."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"This user specifically recommends Los Tacos No1 in Grand Central."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Most Frequented Restaurant
"Los Tacos is listed as a frequently visited spot."
Positive