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TAQUERIA EL CHATO

Updated

Phone: (347) 585-6531

Address: 120 MACDOUGAL STREET 10012

TLDR

Michelin-honored late-night taco haven. Famous for authentic housemade tortillas and expertly prepared, high-quality meats.

Reddit Sentiment for TAQUERIA EL CHATO(based on 22 Reddit opinions)

82% Positive14% Neutral5% Negative

Tags

mexican 21taqueria 2tacos 15al pastor 3tripa 2View All

Neighborhoods

Greenwich Village

Instagram Posts References

The Al Pastor taco at Taqueria El Chato is a standout dish. It's praised for its perfectly charred, tender meat that is packed with flavor. A thin slice of pineapple adds a touch of brightness to the taco, making it a favorite for the reviewer.

Taqueria El Chato has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, recognizing its quality and value. Its trompo taco, a distinctive blend of pork belly and flank steak, is lauded as "absolutely unreal" for its flavor and preparation.

The reviewer tried Taqueria El Chato for the first time and became an instant 'biggest fan.' The suadero taco was singled out as a potential favorite, and the vampiro taco was also highly recommended.

This Instagram post highlights a positive dining experience at Taqueria el Chato, located on MacDougal Street in Manhattan. The focus was on two specific taco varieties, al pastor and tripa, which were enjoyed by the patron. An additional positive aspect noted was the availability of a condiment station featuring chiles asados, which the author utilized to enhance their meal.

Featured Articles

Dedicated reviews and comprehensive features focusing directly on this restaurant.

NYCReview
positive

Will Hartman reviews the latest outpost of Taqueria El Chato, a taqueria in the Time Out Market, praising their al pastor and various fillings despite the casual food hall setting.

Will HartmanSep 25, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation
NYCReview
positive

Willa Moore recommends Taqueria El Chato as a clear must-visit for lunch at the Union Square Time Out Market.

Willa MooreSep 3, 2025
Read More →
Infatuation

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is mentioned alongside others.

Mentioned In
The 30 Best Tacos in New York City
positive

Taqueria El Chato's second location offers a crunchy, cheesy vampiro and other stuffed tacos, vampiros, and quesadillas on housemade tortillas, perfect for late-night cravings.

Willa MooreApr 30, 2026
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Renowned for its Michelin Bib Gourmand status, this spot serves up some of the city's most authentic tacos on housemade tortillas [1], [4]. Patrons flock here for late-night bites [1] and a consistent dedication to high-quality meat preparations [5], [6]. The menu is a masterclass in variety, featuring everything from flavorful trompo al pastor to crunchy, cheesy vampiros [1], [4], [6].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on elevated Mexican street fare, with high praise for the al pastor—a blend of pork belly and flank steak [4], [6]—and the crispy, cheesy vampiros [1], [6]. While the tripa, lengua, and mushroom tacos are highly recommended [6], some diners found the carne asada to be underwhelming compared to the rest of the lineup [6].

Highlights / Recommended

Mentioned Dishes:

  • al pastor(2)

Customer Sentiment

Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with diners frequently citing it as a top-tier taco destination in the city [2], [5]. While most praise the authentic flavors and meat quality, some diners have noted that portion sizes can feel a bit skimpy given the price point [6].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About TAQUERIA EL CHATO

A detailed review comparing the restaurant to other popular local spots, noting high-quality authentic meat cuts and balanced seasoning.
Multiple users discuss the restaurant as a staple in the NYC taco scene, frequently listing it alongside other renowned taquerias.
A collection of recommendations that reaffirm the restaurant's status as a great, high-quality choice for solo dining.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: Tacos From A Tijuanaborn Owner With La Roots Is

"The commenter mentions that this spot provides smaller portion sizes relative to the $5 price point."

Negative
Aug 16, 2026View Comment →

From post: Los Tacos No 1 On Church St And Warren St Made Me

"Enjoyed the vampiros at this location."

Positive
Jul 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Los Tacos No 1 On Church St And Warren St Made Me

"Very good taco spot, plan to return."

Positive
Jul 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Al Pastor Thats Shaved Off A

"The user lists this as one of their recommendations."

Positive
Jul 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Al Pastor Thats Shaved Off A

"The user mentions the restaurant."

Neutral
Jul 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Looking For The Best Al Pastor Thats Shaved Off A

"The user recommends this restaurant."

Positive
Jul 7, 2026View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter prefers El Chato over Tacos No. 1 for its more authentic Mexican meat cuts and less salt, though notes a general issue with meat quality in NYC street tacos."

Positive
Dec 29, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter encourages the author to try El Chato next time, stating they are incredible."

Positive
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The author admits to the mistake, clarifying that the pictured tacos were from 'Taqueria by El Prieto' and apologizing for the confusion."

Neutral
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The commenter questions if the author actually visited El Chato, suggesting the pictured tacos might be from another taqueria and highlighting El Chato as a personal favorite."

Neutral
Dec 27, 2025View Comment →

From post: Everything I Ate In Nyc In 5 Days From Canada

"The author found Taqueria El Chato to be really good, though not as good as Los Tacos. They enjoyed something they had on the right side of the menu but couldn't recall the name."

Positive
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Nyc Restaurant Help

"The author recommends El Chato for tacos."

Positive
Dec 26, 2025View Comment →

From post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat

"The user confirms that Taqueria El Chato is great."

Positive
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat

"The user expresses that Taqueria El Chato looks good and might get takeout from there."

Positive
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Williamsburg And Greenpoint Dining Solo Eat

"Taqueria El Chato is listed as a recommendation."

Positive
Oct 19, 2025View Comment →

From post: Union Square Is Becoming A Taco Destination

"This commenter lists El Chato as one of their favorite taco spots, alongside Ramirez, Chato, and Los Tacos No. 1."

Positive
Sep 7, 2025View Comment →

From post: Union Square Is Becoming A Taco Destination

"This commenter simply agreed with the recommendation of El Chato."

Positive
Sep 6, 2025View Comment →

From post: Union Square Is Becoming A Taco Destination

"This commenter recommended El Chato on MacDougal Street, noting its proximity to Union Square."

Positive
Sep 6, 2025View Comment →

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