Skipping the predictable burrito chain pilgrimage for something with actual soul is as Brooklyn as a bodega cat. So instead of settling for sad, soggy shells and flavorless fillings, ditch the mediocre and head where the magic happens. These spots are crafting tacos so vibrant and authentic, they’ll make you forget every bland, mass-produced imitation you’ve ever suffered through.
Tacos de birria los toritos
$ | (929) 358-3151 | WEBSITE
For $12, this Brooklyn food truck will serve you a generous portion of deliciously spicy birria tacos with a unique dipping sauce. And for an add-on, you can get their signature birria pizza, which we’d happily omit mention of to our friends so we could covet it to ourselves on the walk home.
Birrieria Estilo Tijuana food truck
$ | (201) 380-8038 | WEBSITE
Birrieria Estilo Tijuana—a beloved food truck in Brooklyn—will have a late-night menu from 11pm-3am. Choose from savory options like birria tacos, tostadas, mulitas, and consome.
WARUDE
$ | (718) 684-4449 | WEBSITE
The popular taco spot in Brooklyn will be open from 11am-10pm with their full eclectic fusion menu available—plus the addition of matcha beer on tap. WARUDE is also offering to-go bowls that will feed two to six people.
El Jeffe
$ | (347) 365-8919 | WEBSITE
We like the usual lineup of tacos from this Brooklyn Mexican spot. So we’re pretty confident about trying the jerk pork from El Jeffe, too. Order their standout combo (jerk pork taco with slaw, plus your choice of other tacos) before they run out.
Dos Toros Taqueria
$ | (718) 384-8833 | WEBSITE
All three Brooklyn locations (Williamsburg, Park Slope, and Bushwick) of this classic taqueria will have a consistent menu with fair portion sizes ($12-18 for tacos, $8-10 for sides). Dos Toros Taqueria’s offerings will have a nice variety of choices including fresh tortillas and flavorful fillings with quality ingredients. And we’re not saying just any old spot will replace your favorite taco truck’s famous al pastor, but Dos Toros will come close.
Cafe Nube
$ | (646) 226-3844 | WEBSITE
We love stopping by this Brooklyn taco spot when we need a solid breakfast biscuit sandwich. So we’re down for Cafe Nube’s breakfast package ($12), which gives you the option for the egg biscuit sandwich or the kale and chorizo salad bowl and a coffee.
Taco Mix
$ | (646) 634-8763 | WEBSITE
This Industry City food stall earns a spot on our best tacos list so we’re confident that their offerings are top-tier. This year, Taco Mix is serving other essentials like the popular fish tacos, the Quesadilla de Maiz with carnitas braised pork, and the unique birria ramen.
Tulum Brooklyn
$$ | (347) 365-7066 | WEBSITE
Tulum Brooklyn in Bushwick will be serving from noon until 10pm. The specifics are still coming together at this Mexican favorite, but all we really need to hear from them are the words “shrimp tacos,” and we’re there.
El Diablo Tacos
$ | (718) 609-0484 | WEBSITE
When you’re craving something spicy after midnight, shout “¡Ay, caramba!” into the Brooklyn night and head to El Diablo Tacos. This Mexican-inspired spot in Brooklyn will have you ordering their highly-recommended chicken quesadilla for around $12 and veggie tacos starting at just $8.
Leos
$ | (718) 456-1054 | WEBSITE
This Brooklyn spot will set you up with a satisfying meal, which includes your choice of tacos, tortas, or the highly-regarded steak option. Leo’s dinner will serve one to two guests for $14. Place orders anytime for pickup in under 5 minutes.
Tacos El Comal
$ | (646) 675-6235 | WEBSITE
After a long wait, Tacos El Comal is serving up their signature fish tacos. The standout item at $4.50 each features perfectly cooked fish with a next-level flavor profile that many customers enjoy. If you’re not a fish fan they’ll have other options including chicken tacos, al pastor and asada quesadillas, and steak. You can’t make reservations so prepare to battle it out for a table.
Tacos Morelos
$ | (929) 348-8387 | WEBSITE
Tacos Morelos in Brooklyn will be serving until 10pm and offering their standout chorizo and steak tacos. They’re delivering “fresh, made-to-order Mexican street food,” which sounds way better than your usual fast-casual taco chain.
Chilango Taco
$ | (718) 686-1823 | WEBSITE
Chilango Taco (one of the 18 best taco restaurants in Brooklyn) will have a three-course dinner at $45 per person. This hidden gem has a great tortilla program, so their beverage pairing (for $35 per person) may be a winner.
Nenes Deli Taqueria
$ | (347) 413-6684 | WEBSITE
The Nenes Deli Taqueria taco joint plants its flag in Brooklyn. And they’re serving up their signature birria tacos daily, where they’ll offer their authentic menu along with a vibrant market section.
Spread Love & Eat
$ | (718) 272-1934 | WEBSITE
Have tacos with a Brooklyn twist from this cozy neighborhood spot. For $18, Spread Love & Eat will serve you their signature salmon taco with fresh toppings, Kentucky Fried Mushrooms, and a side of that praised BBQ sauce. The whole plate is designed to satisfy one hungry diner completely.
The warm ambiance with art and flowers makes it feel like dining in a friend’s welcoming kitchen, while the owner’s hospitality and attentive staff recommendations elevate the experience beyond just another taco joint. Don’t skip the samples of their mild lemonade—it’s the perfect complement to the divine Pan Seared Steak or the cauliflower garlic Parmesan wings that receive such high praise.
While the Poke Bowl might seem a bit pricey, the large portion and delicious chill lime dipping sauce make it worth every penny for those seeking a healthy option. Whether you’re working on their wifi or just enjoying a meal, this place lives up to its name by spreading love through outstanding food and excellent service.
Mama Lupita’s Bistro
$ | (917) 909-0522 | WEBSITE
While enjoying the salsa verde at Mama Lupita’s Bistro, we learned that the kitchen will be preparing special mole enchiladas for Cinco de Mayo. Before you can savor these authentic flavors, call a few days ahead to reserve your portion.
Tacoomar
$ | (347) 457-6171 | WEBSITE
You can order a generous taco feast ($45) from this Park Slope Mexican spot. Tacoomar’s spread includes a dozen tacos, plus sides like fresh guacamole and chips that are a little bit hard to bite. They also offer a ‘beer pairing option,’ which comes with the chance to bring drinks from the deli store to enjoy with the meal.
Sofia
$ | (347) 318-8208 | WEBSITE
For about $12 per person, Sofia delivers a fantastic taco experience with highlights like the Torta de Cecicina, tacos de Barbacoa, and those unique mole nachos. We always feel welcomed by the owner’s prompt service and the cozy, intimate atmosphere, even with just four seats inside. The late-night tostada Al pastor might just be the best tostada ever, with its great seasoning, crunchiness, and juicy tomatoes, while the corn tortillas are the perfect choice for chicken, steak, and chorizo tacos.
Grabbing a few tacos outside on a sunny afternoon with a Jarritos and that really tasty green salsa is a delightful way to enjoy generous portions served with warmth and hospitality.