El Carnalito: Authentic Mexican Tacos & More on 2nd Ave in NYC

El Carnalito Introduce

Discover Authentic Flavors at El Carnalito: A New York Mexican Gem

In the bustling and diverse culinary landscape of New York City, finding truly authentic and satisfying Mexican food can feel like a quest.

El Carnalito

, located on 2nd Avenue, is a hidden gem that has earned a reputation for delivering a rich and genuine taste of Mexico. This

Mexican restaurant

is a local favorite, celebrated for its delicious and flavorful offerings that go far beyond the standard fare. The atmosphere is refreshingly

casual

and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying meal at any time of day. It's the kind of place that feels like a well-kept secret, offering a slice of culinary comfort that is both authentic and accessible.

El Carnalito's menu is a testament to its commitment to classic, hearty Mexican cuisine. From a wide array of tacos and tortas to an extensive breakfast menu, every dish is prepared with care, focusing on rich flavors and filling portions. The spot is particularly known for its

fast service

, ensuring that you get a hot and delicious meal without the long wait, which is a major bonus in a city that's always on the move. The loyal following of local patrons speaks volumes about the quality and value that El Carnalito consistently provides, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Mexican

comfort food

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Location and Accessibility

El Carnalito is conveniently situated at

1396 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

. This location places it in a busy neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and those working in the area. The restaurant's street-level presence is designed for easy entry, accommodating a constant flow of customers. The availability of

paid street parking

in the surrounding area can be a factor for those arriving by car, though like most of New York, public transportation is a popular choice for getting to and from the restaurant. The focus on a quick, in-and-out service model also makes it a great spot for a

quick bite

during a busy workday or a casual weekend outing.

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Services Offered

El Carnalito offers a variety of services to provide a seamless and satisfying dining experience:

Dining Options:
The restaurant serves a full menu for
Breakfast
,
Lunch
, and
Dinner
, making it a go-to destination for any meal of the day.
Service Options:
Whether you want to eat at the restaurant or take your meal home, El Carnalito provides both
dine-in
and
takeout
services. This flexibility is perfect for locals who might want to enjoy their meal in the comfort of their home.
Diverse Menu:
The menu features a range of offerings, including classic Mexican dishes like
tacos
and
tortas
. It also includes an extensive breakfast menu with a variety of egg sandwiches, bagels, and pastries, as well as coffee and other beverages.
Casual and Quick:
The focus is on a
casual
atmosphere and a
quick bite
, which is ideal for
solo dining
and those looking for a no-fuss, delicious meal.

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Features / Highlights

El Carnalito is known for its distinct features that make it a local favorite and a standout in its category:

Authentic and Flavorful Food:
The primary highlight is the authentic flavor of the food. Customers consistently rave about the taste and quality of the tacos, particularly the
steak, carnitas, and chorizo
varieties.
Fast and Friendly Service:
The service is noted for being "very quick" and the staff for being "friendly," which adds to the overall positive dining experience.
Hearty and Filling Portions:
Patrons often praise the food for being not only delicious but also incredibly filling, providing great value for the price. The customer who mentioned a burrito and a coke fixing their "HANGRY" state is a perfect example of this.
Simple and Solid Offerings:
The menu sticks to what it does best, from savory tacos to solid coffee, ensuring quality and consistency across its most popular items.
Good for Kids:
The establishment is listed as
good for kids
, indicating a family-friendly atmosphere and menu options that can appeal to younger diners.

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Contact Information

For more information or to place an order, you can contact El Carnalito at:

Address:
1396 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA
Phone:

(347) 785-2924

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What is Worth Choosing?

When you visit El Carnalito, the menu offers several standout items that are highly recommended. For a true taste of what they do best, you must try the tacos. The

Tacos De Bistec

(steak),

Tacos De Carnitas

(pork), and

Tacos De Chorizo

(sausage) are all customer favorites and are noted for their deliciousness. A review specifically mentions that the carnitas, which includes skin and cartilage, is what makes it "special" and authentic, though it’s good to be aware of this. For a larger meal, one of the hearty tortas, such as the

Torta De Milanesa De Pollo

(chicken cutlet) or the

Torta De Chorizo

, is an excellent choice. Don't overlook the breakfast menu either; with a variety of sandwiches like the

Bacon Egg Cheese Sandwich

, you can get a classic New York morning meal with a Mexican twist. The coffee is also noted as being "solid," making it a great accompaniment to any meal. Overall, the value at El Carnalito lies in its authentic flavors, fast service, and commitment to providing a delicious and comforting meal at a great price. Whether you're craving a quick bite for lunch or a full meal for dinner, you can't go wrong with their flavorful tacos and hearty sandwiches.

El Carnalito Vibe

Breakfast, Desayunos
Omelette
Bacon Egg Cheese Sandwich
Sausage Egg Cheese Sandwich
Ham Egg Cheese Sandwich
Turkey Egg Cheese Sandwich
Turkey Cheese Sandwich
Egg Cheese Sandwich
Steak Sandwich
B.t.l
Chicken Sandwich
Chicken Cuttlet Sandwich
Tuna Sandwich
Cheese Burger
Hamburger
Bagel
Donuts
Danish
Muffins
Coffee
Tea
Ice Coffee
Hot Chocolate
Home Fries

Tortas
Torta De Chorizo
Torta De Quesillo
Torta De Milanesa De Pollo
Torta De Jamon
Tortas De Carnitas
Torta De Cesina
Torta De Bistec
Torta De Chorizo Con Huevo

Others
Tacos De Bistec
Tacos De Cesina
Tacos De Chorizo
Tacos De Pollo
Tacos De Carnitas
Tacos De Carne Enchilada
Tacos De Arroz Con Huevo
Tacos De Arroz - Milanesa De Pollo
Tacos De Arroz Con Chorizo

El Carnalito Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Offerings
Comfort food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner

Atmosphere
Casual

Children
Good for kids

El Carnalito Photos

El Carnalito Location

El Carnalito

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

1396 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10021, USA

El Carnalito Reviews

An average rating of ★5 from 9 user reviews.

tamalesprice

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

I got three tacos: steak, carnitas, and chorizo. They were so delicious I will definitely come back! Their coffee is solid tooThe carnitas does come with skin and cartilage so if you’re not into that just FYI but I thought that was what made it special
July 17 · Nina H
Oh man was that good. I get super HANGRY sometimes and this fixed me up in the first bite. A burrito and coke always fixes me up. Cash only though
July 18 · Measuring
A little hidden gem with authentic Mexican food, I had a sope and it was super tasty and for a really good price, everybody was buying tamales so that will be my next thing to try.
September 15 · Steph S
El Carnalito is a top of the line Mexican establishment. The food is “Muy Rico!” Overall best tamales I’ve ever had. The Arroz con Leche is to die for. Not just a desert it’s something you can have on the go. The service is professional and you’re sure to leave with a smile. Just Go! They are always there! Thank God!
December 25 · Alejandro Santana
of the best food with an authentic Mexican flavor in the UWS with an excellent service of the best that there is in the city, highly recommended
October 26 · JR