LOS TACOS No.1

- 136 Church St, New York, NY 10007

In a city famous for its diverse culinary scene, a few places manage to achieve a level of acclaim that transcends simple restaurant status. LOS TACOS No.1, with its location at 136 Church Street in TriBeCa, is one of those places. Born from a partnership of three friends from Tijuana, Mexico, and Brawley, California, the mission was simple: to bring the authentic Mexican taco experience to the East Coast. And they have succeeded in spectacular fashion. This is not a sit-down restaurant with a full bar and table service in the traditional sense; it's a bustling, counter-service taqueria that captures the vibrant energy of a real Mexican street food stand. The focus is on the food, and the food alone.

LOS TACOS No.1 has become a bona fide institution, celebrated for its simple yet incredibly effective approach. The philosophy is to do a few things, and do them exceptionally well. The menu is a concise list of tacos, quesadillas, and mulas, with a handful of sides. This focused approach allows them to perfect each item, ensuring every bite is packed with authentic flavor. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, a perfect reflection of its TriBeCa neighborhood. It's the kind of place that draws a crowd at all hours, from a quick lunch break to a late-night craving, and is equally popular with locals, office workers, and tourists. As one customer review noted, the place is "bustling with everyone there" and the service is "amazing especially for how busy they are."

The core of LOS TACOS No.1's success lies in its commitment to freshness and tradition. They make their tortillas by hand, a detail that many taco lovers will immediately appreciate, and the meats are prepared with care, from the perfectly seasoned carne asada to the slow-cooked, marinated adobada (pork). A reviewer confirmed that the "Food was delicious. Everything was fresh. Well flavored meat (we had asada). Guacamole was creamy and super good." This dedication to quality ingredients and traditional preparation methods is what elevates the experience and makes LOS TACOS No.1 a benchmark for Mexican food in the city. It's an establishment that proves that you don't need a fancy space to deliver a five-star culinary experience.

Location and Accessibility

The LOS TACOS No.1 location at 136 Church Street, New York, NY 10007, USA, is perfectly situated to serve the high-energy neighborhoods of TriBeCa and the Financial District. The area is a major hub of activity, with professionals, residents, and tourists constantly on the move. The restaurant's accessibility is a key part of its appeal. It is within a short walking distance of numerous subway stations, including the Chambers Street and World Trade Center stations, which serve multiple lines (A, C, E, 1, 2, 3, R, W, J, Z). This makes it an incredibly convenient stop for a quick, delicious meal no matter where you are coming from in Manhattan.

For those who are driving, the area offers various parking options, including "Free street parking," "Paid parking garage," "Paid parking lot," and "Paid street parking." However, as is typical for New York City, finding a spot can be a challenge. The restaurant is also noted as having a "Wheelchair accessible entrance," ensuring that it is an inclusive space for all guests. It's important to note that, as a reviewer mentioned, there is "no indoor seating" in the traditional sense, but rather "counter service" where you stand and eat, which contributes to the authentic street food feel. The space is often busy, and as the business itself notes, there is "Usually a wait," a testament to its popularity.

Services Offered

• Onsite Services: The restaurant provides a lively counter-service experience for those who wish to eat on-site.
• Takeout: All menu items are available for takeout, which is a great option for those on the go or who wish to enjoy their food elsewhere.
• Dine-in (Counter Service): The dining style is a communal, standing-room-only counter service that adds to the authentic street-food vibe.
• Catering: LOS TACOS No.1 also offers catering, making it a fantastic choice for office lunches or parties.
• Late-night Food: The restaurant is noted for offering late-night options, a huge plus in a city that never sleeps.

Features / Highlights

• Authentic Mexican Flavor: The restaurant's foundation is built on family recipes and a commitment to genuine Mexican taste, a quality that is highly praised by customers.
• Freshly Made Tortillas: The use of hand-pressed, fresh tortillas is a key highlight that sets their food apart from competitors.
• Delicious Meats: Customers consistently praise the well-seasoned and flavorful meats, particularly the "asada" and "pork taco" (Adobada).
• House-Made Salsa Bar: A variety of fresh salsas are available at a dedicated salsa bar, allowing customers to customize their tacos to their liking.
• Late-Night Convenience: The availability of late-night food makes it a prime destination for a quick, satisfying meal after a long day or a night out.

Contact Information

Address: 136 Church St, New York, NY 10007, USA

What is worth choosing

When you're in New York and the craving for a truly authentic taco strikes, LOS TACOS No.1 is the place to be. What truly makes it worth choosing is its unwavering focus on quality and authenticity. The menu might be simple, but every item is a masterpiece of flavor. The most highly recommended items are the tacos, especially the "Adobada" (marinated pork), which one reviewer called their "favorite" and another the "best taco" they've had in NYC. The Carne Asada is also a top choice, praised for being well-flavored. The fact that the restaurant makes its tortillas fresh to order is a game-changer, providing a level of quality and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere in the city.

Beyond the tacos, the Quesadillas and Mulas are also excellent choices, packed with the same high-quality ingredients. A customer review highlighted the "Guacamole" as being "creamy and super good," which is a perfect accompaniment to their chips. The availability of a salsa bar with a "nice salsa selection" allows you to personalize your order, adding another layer of enjoyment to the experience. The atmosphere is another reason to choose LOS TACOS No.1. It's a bustling and efficient operation, with "Food comes quickly and the staff is welcoming and friendly," as one reviewer noted. This fast service is a major asset in a city where time is of the essence. The restaurant’s identity as a "Latino-owned" business also adds to its appeal, reflecting a genuine connection to the culture and food it represents. Despite the fact that there's often a line, the wait is usually quick and the food is undeniably worth it. For a taste of real Mexican street food that consistently delivers on flavor and quality, LOS TACOS No.1 is an essential stop for any food lover in New York.

LOS TACOS No.1

136 Church St, New York, NY 10007, USA