El Gallo Taqueria

- 214 Highlawn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223

In the diverse, ever-evolving food scene of New York City, finding a local spot that offers both speed and genuine, family-recipe flavor is a true win. For residents of Brooklyn, particularly those in the Gravesend and surrounding South Brooklyn neighborhoods, that place is unequivocally El Gallo Taqueria. This is more than just a taco joint; it’s a modern cornerstone of the neighborhood's Mexican food landscape, built on a rich, multi-decade history.

El Gallo Taqueria stands out as a premier destination for those craving authentic Mexican staples crafted with care and served with a smile. It embodies the spirit of local, immigrant-owned businesses that have continuously enriched New York's cultural and culinary offerings. The restaurant proudly identifies as Latino-owned, carrying on a legacy that began with two Mexican immigrants who planted their entrepreneurial roots in South Brooklyn over twenty years ago. This rich history ensures that every dish is not merely a meal, but a taste of a deeply rooted tradition.

The menu successfully balances classic Mexican comfort food with the convenience of a fast-casual experience, making it a perfect fit for the busy New Yorker lifestyle. Whether you are grabbing a quick lunch, settling down for a family dinner, or seeking a late-night bite, El Gallo delivers on both quality and authenticity. The commitment to fresh ingredients and homemade flavors, like their celebrated guacamole and tender Lengua tacos, is what keeps the local community returning day after day.

The story of El Gallo Taqueria’s current iteration is a heartwarming tale of family tradition. The original corner space was first taken over in 1997 by Minerva de Torres and Herminio Torres Sr., Mexican immigrants who saw the potential for Mexican cuisine in a neighborhood predominantly known for its exceptional Italian food. After a brief hiatus, two of their children, Alejandro Torres and Herminio Torres Jr., re-opened the taqueria in 2017, bringing their family’s authentic recipes back to the very same location. This lineage from the original 'mom & pop' setup to a popular modern taqueria is a testament to the enduring American dream and the vital role that Mexican entrepreneurs play in shaping Brooklyn's culinary identity.

For New Yorkers who understand that the best food often comes from businesses with a personal history, El Gallo Taqueria represents a genuine taste of Mexican heritage. As one loyal customer noted, this is where you get "Mexican fast food without the fast food taste and feel," thanks to efficient service and food that is always spot-on.

Location and Accessibility

El Gallo Taqueria is strategically located in South Brooklyn, making it a convenient stop for locals and a worthwhile destination for visitors. The restaurant's address places it in the Gravesend area, a historically vibrant and family-focused community.

The specific location is: 214 Highlawn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA. Nestled in a residential area, the spot provides a cozy, local feel away from the major tourist hubs, allowing patrons to enjoy a casual and authentic dining experience. For drivers, a major bonus in New York City is the availability of free street parking nearby, simplifying a quick pickup or a relaxed dine-in experience.

Accessibility is a key priority for the establishment, ensuring a welcoming environment for everyone. The premises feature a wheelchair accessible entrance and wheelchair accessible seating, making the restaurant inclusive for all community members.

Services Offered

El Gallo Taqueria is built around flexibility and convenience, offering a full suite of services tailored to the fast-paced lives of New York residents. These include:

• Dine-in Seating: A casual, cozy, and trendy atmosphere is available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Seating options are provided, along with amenities like a restroom.
• Takeout: Fast and reliable service for picking up your order and enjoying it at home or on the go.
• Delivery Service: Full delivery options, including no-contact delivery, ensure you can enjoy their menu from the comfort of your own space.
• Late-Night Food: Catering to the NYC schedule, the taqueria offers late-night dining options.
• Alcohol Service: Full drink offerings including Beer, Cocktails, and specialty house cocktails, perfect for happy hour drinks or a spirited meal.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: A dedicated Kids' Menu, high chairs, and an atmosphere deemed 'Good for kids'.
• Catering: While not explicitly detailed, the option to purchase fillings and salsas by the pound suggests capacity for preparing larger quantities of food for gatherings.
• Payment Options: Accepts major forms of payment, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments for seamless transactions.

Features / Highlights

What sets El Gallo Taqueria apart for the local NYC user are the specific features that enhance the dining experience:

• Authentic Latino-Owned Heritage: The taqueria is a multi-generational, family-run business led by the children of Mexican immigrants, ensuring a deeply authentic and traditional culinary approach.
• Exceptional Customer Service: Highlighted in customer reviews, the staff—such as Thalia and Marco—are frequently praised for providing polite, warm, and efficient service, contributing to the restaurant’s strong sense of community and comfort.
• Menu Versatility: The kitchen offers a unique blend of comfort food, healthy options, and a variety of small plates suitable for any time of day, from Breakfast Tacos and Chilaquiles to Pozole and late-night options.
• Signature Dishes: Beyond the classic Burritos, Tacos, and Quesadillas, the menu features unique items like the savory Birria Consome soup, hearty Gallo Fries with chipotle mayo, fresh Esquites (street-style corn), and a fresh Avocado Caesar Salad.
• Handmade Salsas and Sides: The "Taste of Gallo At Home" menu segment, which includes their homemade El Gallo Salsa and other sides by the pound, underscores their focus on fresh, house-made ingredients.
• Vibrant Drink Selection: A robust menu featuring fresh Agua Fresca, classic Mexican soft drinks like Jarritos and Mexican Coke, and a fun array of specialty alcoholic beverages such as the Gallo Paloma and the Spiked Horchata.
• Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: The taqueria is noted as LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safespace, creating a truly comfortable and respectful environment for all patrons.

Contact Information

For New Yorkers looking to place an order, make inquiries, or just stop by:

Address: 214 Highlawn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA

Phone: (917) 668-2332

What is Worth Choosing at El Gallo Taqueria

Choosing a Mexican restaurant in New York City can be challenging due to the sheer number of options. El Gallo Taqueria rises above the competition for several compelling reasons, starting with its powerful combination of quality and efficiency. When New Yorkers want authentic flavors without a long wait, this taqueria is the go-to spot. The restaurant's dedication to making their food from scratch, from the flavorful meats to the fresh guacamole, ensures a superior product compared to mass-produced fast food. Diners consistently rave about the freshly made dishes and the authentic taste profiles.

The menu offers diverse options that cater to every craving and dietary need. For lunch or a quick bite, the classic Taco on 100% corn tortillas or a generously sized Burrito are perfect. Specifically, the customer favorite Lengua taco is noted for being "juicy and tender," a true marker of quality in Mexican cooking. For something heartier, the Gallo Fries—their signature twist featuring fries loaded with chipotle mayo, cheese, and your choice of filling—are a must-try unique offering. Families will appreciate the dedicated and affordable Kid's Menu, with options like a Kid's Quesadilla or a Kid's Burrito, making it an easy choice for a family outing.

Furthermore, the ambiance strikes a perfect balance: it's casual and cozy enough for a relaxed meal, yet its clean, classy touch makes it suitable for a celebratory gathering of groups. This dual nature of being both a fast-service spot and a community anchor is a rare find in the city. The commitment to providing authentic comfort food, paired with healthy options and a full range of beverages from traditional Agua Fresca to specialty cocktails, confirms El Gallo Taqueria as a genuine culinary destination in South Brooklyn—a new era of Mexican food that honors the past while enthusiastically serving the present New York community.

El Gallo Taqueria

214 Highlawn Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11223, USA