El-Taco NYC

The chorizo ($5.75 plus tax) and the al pastor ($5.50) tacos were flavorful and had generous amounts of meat but were a bit oily, making the tortillas messy to handle at the end. A complimentary packet of hand wipes would have been a nice touch. The salsa with the chips ($5.75) is mild so make full use of the condiment bar to suit your preferred level of heat.

OMG!!! Upper East Side 2nd Ave you are soooo lucky to have this place in your neighborhood! I came all the way from Queens and honestly, it was totally worth it. I got to visit this place and even had the chance to see behind the scenes. Everything is so fresh, it’s impressive! The food was delicious, the vibes were great, and the service was next level friendly. I’ll definitely be coming back to eat, chill, and enjoy this amazing spot again! ☺️

New taco place, self serve toppings bar. I had the chicken taco. I appreciate the container labelling for each type. Tortillas held strong and didn't fall apart after a 10 min walk. Will try the desserts next time

Easily the best tacos on the UES. Service is quick and friendly. The DIY salsa bar has a wide range and everything is fresh. Would definitely recommend a stop if you're in the area.

El Taco is my new favorite local spot- open late when I need a snack — the tacos are amazing! Super fresh ingredients, great flavor, and you can tell they really care about quality. It’s quickly become my go-to for a casual bite in the neighborhood. Big shoutout to the Irish guy who got me in — such a friendly and genuine guy who clearly loves what he does. You can feel the good vibes the moment you walk in. Definitely worth checking out if you haven’t been yet! 🌮😋

Super quick, food is seasoned and flavorful! I got two chicken tacos and it was just the right amount. The self serving sauce station is also a major plus!

The food is genuinely good, though it’s pricey for what you get. Tacos are about $6 each and should really be cheaper. The chicken taco was just okay (a bit under-seasoned and soggy), but the beef and pork were excellent. The quesadilla was solid, and the guacamole stood out as fresh and clearly handmade, not prepackaged. Nice selection of hot sauces too. Staff could be a bit friendlier, but overall it’s a solid neighborhood taco spot. I paid about $45 for three tacos, a quesadilla, and chips with guac. It tastes great, but not quite worth that price for frequent visits. I also don’t like the layout. The hot sauce station is right next to the cash register, where people line up, so it’s awkward squeezing through just to grab sauces. It would make more sense putting the hot sauce station in the back, the current setup makes the space feel cramped.

I am so grateful this taco spot is now open. I have a mobile and virtual skincare clinic, Tomás Skin Studio so can easily pop in on the go meeting and servicing clients on the UES as an option for lunch (or even after leaving happy hour at Iggy’s)! Lately, late night dining options are slim to none unless you want to hit the Halal trucks or a mediocre pizza spot. Having El Taco as a solid option for a quick, quality food option into the night is genius! I tried the tacos and they are very fresh, the meat is well prepared, and there’s ample topping / salsa options to beef up any choice. Easy, simple, and good. I’ll be going here again!