Taco Empire

- 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

Taco Empire, situated on the bustling thoroughfare of Forest Avenue in Staten Island, New York, is a dedicated taco restaurant serving a vast menu of Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites. It has established itself as a convenient and casual spot for locals seeking satisfying comfort food, quick bites, and small plates throughout the day, catering to both lunch and dinner crowds.

The core philosophy of Taco Empire is to offer an abundance of choice, ensuring every patron finds a delicious, hearty meal. From the foundational Tacos, available with popular fillings like Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, and Chorizo, to the expansive range of specialties, the menu is built for customization and deep satisfaction. Whether you are looking for a quick and simple meal or a generous entree, Taco Empire is popular among those dining solo and for casual meals with family or friends.

The offerings extend far beyond simple tacos, providing a full-service experience focused on Mexican staples. Highlights include "Giant Burritos" featuring fillings such as Chicken, Steak, and the hearty Chicken & Steak Burrito ($16.25). Diners can also opt for full Entrées like the Super Chicken Fajita ($20.95), the generously sized Quesadilla Gigante ($18.95), or various Chimichangas, including Shrimp and Steak ($23.95). For those focused on value, the "Lunch Special" section, available during designated hours, provides excellent deals on Two Tacos with Rice & Beans, or a Burrito Lunch, making it a compelling option for a midday meal in the New York area.

While the goal is to provide flavorful, authentic options, a few customer reviews suggest that consistency in plating and flavor execution—such as a burrito that "falls apart" or sides being placed outside the wrap—may sometimes vary. However, the restaurant maintains a broad appeal due to its comprehensive menu, competitive pricing, and focus on customer convenience, solidifying its place as a go-to spot for those craving Mexican comfort food in the neighborhood.

The extensive menu even offers options for larger gatherings with "Fajitas by the Pound" ($31.95–$36.95), making it a practical choice for locals hosting a casual event. Complementing the food menu is a selection of popular beverages, including Jarritos Mexican Soda, Canned Sodas, and Snapple.

Taco Empire is centrally situated at 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302. This location places it in the Westerleigh neighborhood, making it easily accessible for residents and workers on Staten Island’s north shore. The Forest Avenue corridor is a key commercial artery, ensuring high visibility and easy routing for both drivers and local transit users.

As a local establishment catering to New York residents, its focus is on service convenience. While specific details on physical accessibility (like ramps or accessible restrooms) are not provided, the location is part of a commercial strip that is well-known to locals. The emphasis on takeout and delivery services means that many customers can access their offerings without needing extensive physical accommodation at the dining location itself.

The restaurant’s placement on a primary road makes it a quick stop for commuters and a straightforward destination for those seeking a fast, casual meal during their busy New York day.

Taco Empire provides a suite of flexible service options tailored to the fast-paced and convenience-driven New York lifestyle:

• Dine-in: A casual setting where patrons can sit and enjoy their meal.
• Takeout: Efficient service for customers who prefer to pick up their orders to enjoy at home or work.
• Delivery: A key service for the Staten Island area, bringing the full menu directly to the customer's location.
• No-Contact Delivery: An essential modern service option, providing a safe and convenient way to receive food orders.
• Lunch and Dinner Service: The restaurant is open and fully operational for both the midday and evening rush, including specific Lunch Special options.

Taco Empire’s primary features and highlights revolve around its expansive menu and casual dining experience, making it a valuable option for the local New York community:

• Extensive Taco Selection: Offers a wide variety of taco fillings, including Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Chorizo, and vegetarian options like Black Beans and Cheese.
• Dedicated Lunch Specials: Provides value-focused combinations, such as the Two Taco with Rice & Beans Lunch and various Grilled Chicken and Steak Fajita Lunches, catering to budget-conscious midday diners.
• Giant Burritos and Entrées: Features generously sized options like the Burrito Loco, various Chimichangas, and the Quesadilla Gigante, ideal for a substantial meal.
• Family-Friendly Environment: Noted as being "Good for kids," making it a simple, casual choice for family meals.
• Variety of Meal Formats: Patrons can choose their protein in multiple formats, including Tacos, Giant Burritos, Quesadillas, Tostada Salads, House Rice Bowls, and full Entrées.
• Flexible Payments: Accepts both Credit Cards and Debit Cards, providing transactional ease for all customers.
• Mexican Soda Selection: Offers Jarritos (Mexican Soda), appealing to those seeking authentic imported beverages to accompany their meal.
• Comfort Food Focus: The menu is centered on satisfying comfort food and quick bites, perfect for a casual dining experience.

New York-based customers in the Staten Island area can easily reach Taco Empire for orders, inquiries, or more information using the contact details below. Current hours generally show the restaurant is open seven days a week, though times may vary slightly by day:

Address: 1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302

Phone: (718) 981-0111

Mobile Phone: +1 718-981-0111

Typical operating hours are Monday through Thursday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM, extending to 10:00 PM on Friday and Saturday, and opening later on Sunday, generally from 12:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Patrons should always confirm hours for the most up-to-date information.

What makes Taco Empire a worthwhile choice for New Yorkers, particularly those on Staten Island, is its sheer convenience combined with the depth of its Mexican menu. It is an ideal solution for a quick, filling, and customizable meal at an accessible price point, catering perfectly to the 'quick bite' culture of NYC.

The ability to order almost any protein—Chicken, Steak, Shrimp, Chorizo—across five distinct formats (taco, burrito, quesadilla, tostada, rice bowl) ensures that regulars never run out of options. The inclusion of value-driven lunch specials is a major benefit for the local working crowd, providing affordable and substantial midday options. Furthermore, the commitment to modern service options—including both standard and no-contact delivery—acknowledges the preference of the New York consumer for hassle-free food access.

While some feedback indicates occasional presentation issues, the overall draw is the expansive selection of comfort food, from the hearty Chimichangas to the fresh-tasting side orders of Guacamole and Pico De Gallo. For residents of Staten Island seeking a familiar, casual, and reliably extensive menu of Mexican favorites, Taco Empire on Forest Avenue is a solid local staple that delivers convenience and volume.

Taco Empire

1495 Forest Ave, Staten Island, NY 10302, USA