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LOS TACOS NO.1

Updated

Phone: (718) 626-2148

Address: 229 WEST 43 STREET 10036

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TLDR

Fast-paced, authentic taco spot serving fresh tortillas and spit-roasted meats that consistently rank among the best in NYC. Ideal for a high-quality, quick-service meal in a lively atmosphere.

Reddit Sentiment for LOS TACOS NO.1(based on 384 Reddit opinions)

52% Positive29% Neutral17% Negative

Reddit Sentiment Over Time

Unique Posts Over Time

Tags

mexican 286italian-american 6new york mexican 4tacos 276mexican 28salsa 20View All

Neighborhoods

Theater District

Instagram Posts References

The author was disappointed, finding the chicken smelly and the sauces too spicy.

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.

Other Article Mentions

Lists, round-ups, and guides where this restaurant is featured.

Mentioned In
The 10 best restaurants near Bryant Park
positive

A popular Mexican spot for quick bites, offering meat options like carne asada and pollo, and a meat-free nopal (cactus) taco. Ideal for grabbing food on the go.

Amber Sutherland-Namako & Morgan Carter • Dec 9, 2024
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
Midtown Evolves Into a Power Dining Corridor
positive

This popular taqueria offers authentic tacos with various fillings, including pork adobada and grilled steak, with options for mula or quesadilla preparations.

N.B. • Date unknown
Read More →
Eater
Mentioned In
Times Square’s Best Restaurants, Updated for Spring 2024
positive

Los Tacos No. 1, expanding from Chelsea Market, offers its signature tacos and tortilla-based dishes in Times Square, with the adobada mula and optional salsas being highlighted.

Nadia Chaudhury and Melissa McCart • Date unknown
Read More →
Eater
Mentioned In
Patrick Radden Keefe’s Grub Street Diet
very positive

Patrick Radden Keefe considers the expansion of Los Tacos No. 1 a significant improvement to New York City life, praising their consistently high-quality tacos and vibrant atmosphere.

Patrick Radden Keefe • Date unknown
Read More →
Grubstreet
Mentioned In
The 38 Best Places To Eat Lunch In Midtown
positive

Will Hartman highlights Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square as a great option for a quick, reasonably priced lunch, offering a nice alternative to tourist-trap chains with its flavorful adobada tacos and quesadillas.

Will Hartman • Date unknown
Read More →
Infatuation
Mentioned In
Where to Eat and Drink in Midtown
very positive

Despite being in Times Square, Los Tacos No. 1 is recommended for serving some of the best tacos in NYC, offering a high-quality option in a tourist-heavy area.

Bryan Kim, Molly Fitzpatrick, Will Hartman, Sonal Shah & Tiffany Yannetta • Date unknown
Read More →
Infatuation

Details

Renowned for its commitment to high-quality, authentic tacos, this popular eatery has become a staple for locals and visitors alike [1], [2]. While the chain has expanded across Manhattan, it has successfully maintained the flavor profiles and quality that initially built its fame [3], [4]. Guests can expect a vibrant, high-energy environment—often with long lines that move efficiently—making it an ideal spot for a fast, delicious meal rather than a sit-down dining experience [5], [6].

Food Overview

The menu focuses on traditional street-style tacos, featuring carne asada, chicken (pollo asado), and spit-roasted pork (adobada) as standout proteins [2], [9]. Customers frequently highlight the freshly made tortillas as a key differentiator [3], [4]. While the tacos are widely praised for their flavor, a few diners find the al pastor to be overly salty, and others note the breakfast burritos are smaller than expected [7], [8].

Highlights / Recommended

"The adobada (spit-roasted pork) and carne asada are the most frequently recommended proteins, often served as 'mulas' or quesadillas for a more substantial meal [3], [4], [9]."

Mentioned Dishes:

  • •nopal plate(21)
    There's significant discussion around a 'secret plate' which is clarified to be ...
  • •tacos(19)
    These tacos are frequently praised as delicious, authentic, and among the best r...
  • •adobada taco(16)
    This is a highly recommended and popular choice, often described as juicy, great...
  • •quesadilla(12)
    Quesadillas are generally considered tastier and better value than tacos. The 'e...
  • •carne asada taco(9)
    The carne asada tacos are often described as well-loved and a solid choice, feat...
  • •breakfast burrito(6)
    These breakfast burritos are praised for their authentic flavor, especially the ...
  • •plate of beans(6)
    A free side plate or bowl of beans is available upon request and can be customiz...
  • •al pastor taco(6)
    Reviews for al pastor are divided; some find it good and rate it highly, even ab...
  • •pork tacos(4)
  • •chicken tacos(4)
  • •vampiro(4)
  • •machaca burritos(4)
  • •quesataco(3)
  • •california burrito(2)
  • •jalapeño(2)
  • •steak tacos(2)

Customer Sentiment

Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive regarding the food quality and consistency, with many patrons calling it their go-to taco spot in the city [6], [7]. However, some diners feel the hype is excessive, occasionally citing high prices for the portion sizes or preferring more niche, hole-in-the-wall alternatives [2], [8].

Reddit Opinions & Reviews

Top Reddit Posts About LOS TACOS NO.1

Los Tacos secret (not really) menu
This post highlights secret menu items like the 'vampiro' and 'quesataco', sparking an extensive discussion about the best orders at the restaurant.
7 days in NYC
A highly controversial thread where the original poster claimed these were better than SoCal tacos, leading to a massive debate about taco authenticity and regional differences.
There's a problem with the sauce (Times Square)
A humorous and viral discussion regarding a frivolous lawsuit filed against the restaurant over the spice level of their salsa.

Recent Reddit Mentions

From post: What Are Your Top 3 Most Frequented Restaurants

"The user regularly visits and orders 2 steak and 2 adobada tacos."

Positive
Jul 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Are Your Top 3 Most Frequented Restaurants

"Mentioned as a frequent dining destination."

Positive
Jul 19, 2026View Comment →

From post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie

"Confirmed as a fine pick for a quick visit."

Positive
Jul 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie

"Notes that this is an NYC chain and perfectly fine to keep on the list."

Positive
Jul 15, 2026View Comment →

From post: Decently Priced Lunch Options Around Rockefeller

"Considered expensive, as two tacos and a drink exceed $15."

Negative
Jul 14, 2026View Comment →

From post: Decently Priced Lunch Options Around Rockefeller

"Short recommendation."

Positive
Jul 14, 2026View Comment →

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

"The user acknowledges the saltiness but does not find it overwhelming."

Positive
Jul 7, 2026View Comment →

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

"The user finds the al pastor to be too salty for their taste."

Negative
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: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And

"Mentioned as a recommended spot."

Positive
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And

"Recommended for a solid lunch in Midtown."

Positive
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And

"Mentioned as a recommended spot."

Positive
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And

"Listed as a recommended spot."

Positive
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

From post: Wheres The Good Food In Midtown Thats Not 50 And

"Mentioned as a recommended spot."

Positive
Jul 6, 2026View Comment →

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."

Positive
Jun 18, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Jun 11, 2026View Comment →

From post: What Is The Single Best Restaurant Dish In Nyc In

"The pork taco at Los Tacos 1 was mentioned as a recommended dish."

Positive
Jun 10, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
Jun 5, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
May 25, 2026View Comment →

From 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."

Positive
May 19, 2026View Comment →