NYC's taco obsession: Incredible al pastor & suadero, but be ready for a wait.
Taqueria Ramirez is a highly acclaimed Mexican eatery celebrated for its authentic Mexico City-style tacos. The star of the show is often the al pastor, served from a vertical spit, which many consider among the best in the city. While some patrons find the tacos to be a bit pricey or smaller than expected, the consensus is that the flavors and quality are exceptional, making it a must-visit for taco enthusiasts.
Taqueria Ramirez is renowned for its Mexico City-style tacos, with a particular emphasis on al pastor. While many customers praise the quality and authenticity, some find the tacos to be on the smaller side and the prices to be a bit high. Specific recommendations include the suadero, al pastor, and tripe tacos, with the al pastor often being highlighted. Some feedback suggests a slight decline in quality or a change in focus towards their sister restaurant, Carnitas Ramirez, but overall, the sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"The suadero tacos, al pastor tacos, and tripe tacos are frequently recommended by customers. The al pastor, in particular, is often highlighted for its flavor and preparation."
Customers generally rave about Taqueria Ramirez, with many considering it the best taco spot in NYC, though some find the long lines and prices to be drawbacks.
Important Note
Some customers note that the restaurant can have long lines, and a few find the tacos to be on the smaller side or the prices a bit high. There are also differing opinions on the al pastor and the tortillas, with some preferring other establishments or noting a perceived dip in quality.
"This commenter strongly agrees that Taqueria Ramirez is unparalleled and unbelievably delicious, also stating that Los Tacos No 1 has become worse and is overhyped."
Positive"The author found the tacos at Taqueria Ramirez to be really good and considered them better than Los Tacos No 1."
Positive"This taqueria is called the NYC standard for tacos, often drawing lines around the block."
Positive"This user stated that Los Tacos is 'incredibly mid' with only one good meat option and a poor salsa bar."
Negative"This user recommended Wah Gwaan Taqueria at Smorgasburg for its jerk carnitas taco."
Positive"This user recommended Wah Gwaan Taqueria at Smorgasburg for its jerk carnitas taco."
Positive"This user believes that comments advising to go 'off the beaten path' without naming specific places are contrarian and untrue."
Neutral"This user mentioned that the family owning El Tenampa is phenomenal and has watched their daughter grow up."
Positive"The user believes El Chato's tacos generally have more flavor, but their tortillas are often soggy as a result. They still enjoy visiting both El Chato and Taqueria Ramirez."
Neutral"This user believes Taqueria Ramirez is still solid and one of the best in NYC, but noted a slight drop in flavor since they first opened. They recall it being comparable to CDMX tacos when they first visited."
Neutral"This user recommended Carnitas El Viejon, a food truck, stating its meat is incredibly flavorful and the tacos are generously portioned, comparing the value to Taqueria Ramirez."
Positive"This user enjoys El Chato but finds their tacos a bit greasy."
Neutral"This user elaborated that the idea of 'authentic' equaling 'good' for Mexican food in NYC is flawed, as many vendors are working long hours to send money home, not necessarily representing diverse culinary traditions from all parts of Mexico."
Neutral"The user finds Carnitas Ramirez to be much better than Taqueria Ramirez and also enjoys Los Tacos, but has not been impressed with Taqueria Ramirez and intends to revisit."
Positive"The user finds Carnitas Ramirez to be much better than Taqueria Ramirez and also enjoys Los Tacos, but has not been impressed with Taqueria Ramirez and intends to revisit."
Positive"The user recommended El Novillo 2 in Ridgewood as their favorite hole-in-the-wall spot."
Positive"This user agreed with the previous comment, suggesting that Redditors blindly recommend Jackson Heights without comparing food quality."
Neutral"This user stated that the previous comment suggesting going 'off the beaten path' was contrarian, and that places like Los Tacos 1 and Taqueria Al Pastor are closer to authentic Mexican tacos than many random taco trucks."
Neutral"This user recommended Esse Taco."
Positive"This user noted that Taqueria Ramirez's suadero is not as moist or melt-in-your-mouth as it used to be after they focused on Carnitas Ramirez, but it's still the best suadero they've had."
Neutral
