Tortilla Factory

I consider myself a bit of an authority, (loudmouth), on tacos, and yet I just last week experienced perhaps the most authentic taco spot in the city. Located in Bushwick, Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, also known as "Tortilla Factory", is a bona fide tortilla factory serving delicious Mexican food from a small counter area off to the side.

It's the best taco spot I have found New York City. For starters, it's a freakin' tortilla factory with freshly made corn tortillas spewing out on conveyer belts! Secondly, it's goooood. Everything from the tacos, tacquitos, toastadas, and quesadillas are unbelievable. Nothing fancy, nothing gimicky, just solid Mexican food cooked properly. Thirdly, it's CHEAP. A tacquito is just $1.50. Buy two of those, and a Mandarin Jarrito, you will leave blissfully gordo and still have plenty of money in your wallet for more to take home for later. I've since gone back again...and again.

Call me factory girl.

Tacos at Midnight...and barf by sunrise.

I haven't tried these, but I'll bet a side of guacamole that the Late Night Tacos at Midnight Doritos taste less like tacos, and more like a frat house at Arizona state. Perfect for screenings of Half-Baked, I'm sure, but I shall pass.

Barrio Chino

Located in Manhattan's Chinatown, Barrio Chino is a tucked away treasure of downtown. Everything I've ever had here from the tacos, quesadillas, enchiladas, and cocktails is pretty tasty. My favorites include the cactus and black bean taco and the citrus rubbed tilapia taco. Whoooooooa.

I consider their guacamole to be the prize of this place, it's some of the best you'll ever devour- unbelievable fresh and served with homemade chips. And the cocktails! If you visit, you MUST, MUST order a grapefruit margarita, sounds a little frilly, but it's sooo good.

The atmosphere is a kitchsy mix of Mexican and Chinese decor, and the service is always pretty solid. Only downside, (which often keeps me away), is the price, it's a bit steep. But for an occasional splurge in the city, this is the place to go. Plus, when you're ready for dessert, it's across the street from the bestest, cutest, most amazingest bakery in the world.

Papacito's

Ay Papacito's! This is a pretty good taco spot tucked away in Greenpoint. Has a definite Cali vibe with plenty of veggie and vegan options. The meat in the beef taco I had was slightly greasy and reminiscent of Crack in the Box meat, BUT...that's not to say that it wasn't delicious. Super spicy and in a really good way. Chicken taco was even better, less spice, but plenty of flavor. The tortillas were a bit bland and fell apart, but other than making things a bit messy, they did the job.

Not only is the food good here, but this place has the greatest happy hour I've ever encountered...$1.50 tacos from 11-4. If I was homeless, I'd totally eat here every day. Plus they have a pretty sweet patio, (or taco garden if you will!), with a full bar. Pass me a Modelo, por favor.

I will not meet you at Bonita.

After 4 visits to Bonita (on Bedford), I have to give up and give them a mediocre review. The owners are the geniuses behind two of my favorite restaurants in NYC, Marlow and Sons and Diner: two places where I have had some of the most unforgettable meals, but unfortunately, Bonita is the black sheep in this family of restaurants.

The chicken tacos were completely dry and tasteless. I could see cilantro and yummy looking toppings, but the only flavor I got was in the tortilla. And although they offer a generous caddy of salsas to choose from, 2 are unbearably hot, while the third is bland and mealy. The fish tacos were a bit better, but the halibut was battered and fried, overpowering any taste the fish might have had. Plus there was some kind of ranchero cream sauce that gave it a cheap flavor, (even though the cost isn't, an order of two tacos is $10).

It's such a shame too, as the service, decor and atmosphere are great. But if you're in the area and want a sit down meal, I'd recommend going to Chulo, or Bonita's sister restaurants up the street.

P.S. Their margaritas are made with wine...Margaritas. With wine.

Yola's Cafe

When I first moved to NYC, locals told me that Yola's Cafe was the only place to find good Mexican. Without hesitation, I made a trip to the walk in closet sized restaurant and ordered a veggie burrito. Big mistake. It came with mushy broccoli, carrots and refried beans. I did not go back. Then, four years later I had made plans to meet a friend at the nearby El Diablo truck. Except when we when we got there, it was closed! Disappointed and desperate, we decided to go to Yola's as it was just down the street and could maybe halfway satisfy us.

It totally did. Not only do they have tinga, (something I've only found at 2 other places in NYC), but everything was really really good! The meats are spicy and flavorful, and the salsas are fresh and homemade. The space is very cramped and claustrophobic, but they're always playing Mexican soap operas and funny beauty pageants on the TV. It's definitely best to order to go, and definitely avoid the veggie stuff!

Endless Summer Taco Truck

photo by Franimal

Oh Endless Summer Taco Truck. I'm not sure how to start. The first time I saw you parked on Bedford and N. 6th, staffed by tattooed rocker boys, I have to admit, I did a mental eye roll. It took me another 2 (wasted and forsaken) months before I actually gave you the proper chance.

Since then I've never looked back. Hands down my favorite taco in New York. And for a few reasons...

1) They're always there! From about 12 on, they're always parked right on Bedford and N. 6th. More reliable than your chances of waking up to construction noise in the neighborhood.
2) It's cheap and filling! $2.50 for the most perfectly braised beef, pork, or chicken, and just $3 for fish or seitan (hear that, veggies?!).
3) All tacos and burritos come with the most perfect ratio of toppings, no one flavor is ever able to overpower another. Fiesta in your boca.
4) They have mexican corn!
5) Their logo is an ode to Black Flag.
6) The boys who work there are all smokin' hot.

Fact: I am an Endless Summer groupie.

Free tacos @ Union Pool tomorrow!

Fact! Tomorrow, Saturday afternoon, the El Diablo taco truck located at Union Pool in BK will be giving away tacos from 4 - 7 pm on the patio. I first heard about this truck from a very reliable Bay Area native who claimed that these tacos were the BEST in NYC. Skeptical but very curious, I of course made a tasting trip the next day. And...This truck is pretty damn good! The salsa is very flavorful, and the tortillas are just about perfect. I can't deem them my absolute favorite, but I will say that they're in my top 5, (on the East Coast). Try 'em yourself tomorrow. You'll probs see me lurking around in different disguises as I sneak back in line for seconds and thirds.