NYC: Los Tacos no. 1

I really like the tacos at Los Tacos no. 1, so when the lines aren’t too long, I often pop inside the location at Penn Station, on my way to see Tina in NJ.

At Los Tacos No. 1, you can choose from a variety of taco options, including Adobada (marinated pork) with its crispy edges and juicy interior, Carne Asada (grilled steak) known for its rich, savory flavor, Pollo Asado (grilled chicken) which features juicy, slightly charred chicken, and Nopal (grilled cactus) for a fresh and tangy vegetarian option. The Adobada (marinated pork) is my favorite. The pork is really juicy and the taco comes with a few bits of pineapple, which further enhance the delicious flavor of the meat. Everything is made from scratch, with a commitment to authentic Mexican flavors and cooking methods. All tacos come with onion, cilantro, salsa and guacamole, and you can choose between corn or flour tortillas. I’ve always had corn tortillas, and I have no regrets about that.

After I’m handed my tacos, I head straight to the self-serve condiment barm where you’ll find different kinds of salsas, ranging from mild to spicy. I still haven’t bothered to figure out what’s what, I just scoop a little of everything on top of my tacos, which adds both to the messiness and yumminess.

Los Tacos No. 1 is a popular taco shop in New York City, known for its authentic Mexican street food experience. Los Tacos was founded by three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, who aimed to bring authentic Mexican tacos to the East Coast. There are 6 branches in the city (June, 2024). I’ve only been to the Penn Station branch, but my Mexican friend Ale has been to several and she likes the location in Chelsea Market the best. There’s often a long line especially around lunch time, but the service is quick and efficient and the staff is friendly and helps keep the process moving smoothly. It’s probably the most popular place to go for tacos in New York City, and seating options are limited, so this isn’t the place to go for a long, sit-down dinner, but it’s a great place to grab a quick bite.

Los Tacos no. 1 at Penn Station, 201 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10119