Best Upscale Tacos in Manhattan | Top 1 Upscale Spots

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Manhattan | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Burritos y Mas — Mexican · rated 5/5: The air at this vibrant neighborhood haunt is thick with the savory aroma of seared meats and the irresistible crunch of warm, salt-dusted chips meeting zesty house-made salsa. Hand-stretched tortillas arrive generously overstuffed with charred, seasoned steak or tender, slow-simmered pork, creating a hearty and soulful experience that celebrates bold, sun-drenched flavors in every satisfying bite.
• Dear Mama — Mexican · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams into this soulful neighborhood hub, where the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the aroma of griddled brioche create a warm, communal embrace. Guests linger over poetic liquid creations like the floral Sakura Blossom or the shimmering Golden Hour latte, pairing their brews with vibrant plates of zesty avocado toast and the hearty, spice-kissed El Barrio B.E.C. It is a place where the morning ritual is elevated to an art form, blending urban energy with the comforting, familiar feeling of home.
• Casa Maya — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Casa Maya transports diners to a sun-soaked courtyard where the rhythmic patter of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted carnitas fill the air. Vibrant murals and warm terracotta accents set the stage for a feast of bold, ancestral flavors, where zesty citrus marinades and rich, complex moles celebrate the soul of Mexican heritage. As the clink of salt-rimmed glasses punctuates the lively chatter, every meal becomes a spirited celebration of tradition and community.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: The air hums with the rhythmic thrum of chopping knives and the savory aroma of marinated meats searing on the grill, transporting diners to the vibrant heart of a traditional Mexican street market. Hand-pressed tortillas, still warm from the comal, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent al pastor carved straight from the spit and bright, zesty salsas that dance on the palate. This high-energy sanctuary celebrates the raw beauty of simple ingredients, offering a fleeting but unforgettable escape into the bold, smoky soul of authentic taco culture.
• The Calaveras — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: The Calaveras pulses with the vibrant energy of a Mexican fiesta, where the scent of charred chiles and hand-pressed masa wafts through a space adorned with soulful, folkloric art. Guests lose themselves in a kaleidoscope of flavors, from the smoky depth of slow-simmered moles to the bright, citrusy snap of fresh ceviche paired with artisanal mezcal cocktails. This spirited destination honors tradition through bold, sensory storytelling, turning every meal into a festive celebration of heritage and heat.
• Dos Toros Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Dos Toros pulses with the vibrant energy of a bustling taqueria, where the rhythmic sound of cleavers and the aroma of charred chilies create an atmosphere of spirited, fast-paced craftsmanship. Golden, hand-pressed tortillas wrap around slow-simmered meats and zesty, house-made salsas, delivering a punch of bright, West Coast-inspired flavor in every bite. It is a lively destination where the creamy richness of hand-mashed guacamole meets the smoky heat of adobo, offering a fresh and authentic tribute to the bold culinary traditions of San Francisco’s Mission District.
• Bar Mexicana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Bathed in the warm glow of amber lights and neon accents, Bar Mexicana pulses with a spirited energy where the rhythmic clatter of cocktail shakers signals the start of a vibrant evening. The air carries the smoky allure of charred chilies and slow-simmered meats, inviting guests to dive into hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with bold, zesty flavors that capture the sun-drenched essence of a modern cantina. It is a lively sanctuary where salt-rimmed glasses and shared plates bring people together for a sensory journey through the heart of Mexico.
• Pancho's Antojitos Mexicano — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Pancho's Antojitos Mexicano captures the vibrant energy of a bustling street market, where the air is thick with the savory scent of toasted masa and the sizzle of slow-simmered spices. This lively neighborhood gem brings together the bold textures and bright, zesty flavors of traditional Mexican street food, creating a soulful dining experience that feels like a festive celebration in the heart of Mexico.
• Burrito Box — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Burrito Box pulses with the vibrant energy of a bustling street-side cantina, where the air is perpetually seasoned with the smoky aroma of seared proteins and the bright, citrusy tang of house-made salsas. Guests watch as oversized tortillas are transformed into hefty, hand-rolled treasures, each bite delivering a harmonious explosion of slow-simmered spices, velvety beans, and the refreshing crunch of garden-fresh toppings.
• Nina's Great Burrito Bar — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: Nina’s Great Burrito Bar pulses with a vibrant, neighborhood energy, where the air is thick with the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered carnitas and smoky, charred chiles. This lively spot brings together the warmth of a bustling kitchen with overstuffed burritos wrapped in pillowy tortillas, each bite bursting with bold spices and zesty house-made salsas that celebrate the soulful essence of Mexican comfort food.
• Calaveras Corner — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Bathed in the warm glow of flickering candles and adorned with vibrant folk art, Calaveras Corner invites guests into a spirited celebration of Mexican heritage where the air hums with the rhythmic press of fresh corn tortillas. The kitchen brings together bold, sun-drenched flavors and the enticing sizzle of charred meats, perfectly paired with citrus-forward margaritas that cut through the rich, smoky depth of traditional moles. It is a convivial escape where every bite feels like a fiesta, capturing the soulful essence of a bustling street market in a single, vibrant setting.
• Belen deli — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Belen Deli, located at 8 E Columbia Ave, Palisades Park, NJ, is your go-to spot for delicious Guatemalan cuisine. Open daily from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, it offers a welcoming environment suitable for families. Rated 4.3 stars from 15 reviews, the deli is known for its tasty meals and friendly atmosphere. Offering takeout options and serving up fresh coffee, Belen Deli is the ideal place for breakfast, lunch, or a cozy dinner. 🌟
• Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: This spirited cantina pulses with a festive energy, where the smoky aroma of charred chiles mingles with the rhythmic clatter of cocktail shakers behind a sprawling, rustic bar. Tables overflow with stone molcajetes of hand-mashed guacamole and sizzling platters that celebrate bold, sun-drenched flavors, creating a vibrant sanctuary for those seeking the soulful warmth of traditional Mexican hospitality.
• La Esquina — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Tucked away behind an unassuming storefront, this vibrant sanctuary pulses with the energy of a hidden cantina, where the air is thick with the scent of charred chiles and slow-roasted carnitas. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle bold, zesty flavors that dance alongside salt-rimmed cocktails, creating a spirited escape that feels like a secret slice of Mexico City.
• Ollin — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Ollin pulses with a soulful energy, where the smoky aroma of toasted chilies and the rhythmic pat of hand-pressed masa transport guests to the sun-drenched heart of Mexico. Each plate is a vibrant tapestry of flavor, layering the velvety depth of complex moles against the bright, citrusy snap of garden-fresh salsas. It is a lively sanctuary that celebrates ancestral traditions with a modern spirit, inviting long, convivial evenings fueled by the warmth of artisanal mezcals and bold, authentic spices.
• La Fonda — Mexican · rated 4/5: La Fonda transports diners to a vibrant Mexican plaza, where the rhythmic pat-pat of handmade tortillas and the smoky aroma of slow-roasted meats create an atmosphere of festive warmth. Each dish celebrates bold, ancestral flavors, from the complex depth of a velvety mole to the zesty brightness of lime-cured seafood, all served in a space alive with color and the clink of artisanal glassware.
• Sabor A Mexico II — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sabor A Mexico II pulses with the vibrant energy of a traditional cantina, where the air is perfumed with the smoky scent of charred chilies and the bright tang of fresh lime. Every plate serves as a colorful mosaic of authentic heritage, from the rhythmic sizzle of seasoned meats to the comforting warmth of hand-pressed tortillas that invite diners to linger over a truly soulful feast.
• Flying Cock — American · rated 4/5: This high-energy social hub pulses with a playful spirit, inviting guests to dive into a bold menu of globally-inspired small plates designed for sharing and celebration. The kitchen masterfully bridges continents, serving up everything from crackling Korean-style wings and zesty tuna tartare tacos to inventive Reuben spring rolls that offer a surprising, savory crunch. Between the sizzle of loaded bar nachos and the delicate steam of pork belly dumplings, every bite feels like a discovery in a space where the atmosphere is as electric as the flavors.
• Ted's Corner Tavern — American · rated 4/5: This spirited neighborhood gathering place hums with energy, inviting guests to linger over shared boards of artisanal cheeses and the irresistible crunch of golden-fried zucchini chips. The air is rich with the savory aroma of bubbling truffle mac and cheese and spicy baked feta, setting the stage for a vibrant experience where Mediterranean-inspired small plates give way to a colorful parade of zesty, hand-held tacos. It is a warm, social sanctuary where every bite—from the squeaky char of haloumi toast to the fresh snap of seafood—celebrates the joy of elevated comfort food.
• As is NYC — American · rated 4/5: As Is NYC pulses with a raw, industrial energy, where the clink of craft beer glasses harmonizes with a lively crowd in a space that feels both modern and unpretentious. The kitchen elevates the art of the snack, serving up golden, pull-apart mozzarella sticks and salt-dusted soft pretzels alongside zesty birria pork tacos and bowls of hearty, soul-warming chili. It is a vibrant urban sanctuary where bold, communal flavors and a spirited atmosphere invite guests to linger long into the New York night.
• Jack Doyle's — American · rated 4/5: Jack Doyle's pulses with the convivial energy of a beloved neighborhood haunt, where the comforting aroma of bubbling French onion soup and spice-kissed wings invites guests to settle in and stay a while. The kitchen crafts a vibrant mosaic of flavors, from zest-filled shrimp tacos and golden Louisiana tenders to nourishing vegan bowls that celebrate fresh, bold ingredients. It is a spirited destination where casual dining feels like a celebration, perfect for sharing a mountain of chili-topped nachos among friends in a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
• Pita & Beyond — Middle Eastern · rated 4/5: This vibrant eatery serves as a culinary crossroads where the zesty spirit of Mexican street food harmonizes with the soul-warming traditions of the Mediterranean. Diners are invited to share a tapestry of flavors, from velvety hummus and smoky poblano queso to crispy flautas and golden calamari paired with a kick of chipotle aioli. The atmosphere is alive with a playful, eclectic energy, perfect for those seeking a spirited dining experience that celebrates bold ingredients and global fusion.
• Bella Union — American · rated 4/5: Bella Union hums with a convivial energy, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of crisp, glazed wings and the bright, citrusy notes of fresh guacamole. This lively social hub invites guests to dive into a playful array of shareable plates, from decadent loaded tots to artfully prepared daily tacos, all served in an atmosphere that balances modern flair with neighborhood warmth.
• Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana — Mexican · rated 4/5: Sobremesa Cocina Mexicana captures the spirit of the social table, where the clinking of glasses meets a parade of vibrant, snackable treasures meant for lingering long after the last bite. Golden, salt-dusted chips dive into bowls of velvety chipotle queso and zesty guacamole, while the aroma of charred corn and savory empanadas fills the lively air. It is a sanctuary of Mexican comfort, where loaded fries and house esquites turn a simple gathering into a festive, flavor-drenched celebration.
• Viva Margarita — Mexican · rated 4/5: Viva Margarita pulses with a vibrant, festive energy where the rhythmic shake of cocktail tins and the sizzle of the grill create a lively backdrop for spirited social gatherings. The air is bright with the scent of zesty lime and charred corn, drawing guests into a celebration of bold flavors that peak during weekly rituals of hand-pressed tacos and salt-rimmed glasses. Whether sipping a mint-muddled mojito or sharing a platter of street-style favorites, diners are immersed in a colorful atmosphere that feels like a perpetual neighborhood fiesta.
• Adobo Mexican Grill — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air at Adobo Mexican Grill is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered meats, where golden-crisped birria tacos are served alongside rich, spice-laden consomé for the ultimate indulgent dip. This vibrant spot transforms fresh ingredients into a celebration of texture and heat, offering everything from overstuffed burritos and zest-filled bowls to mountains of loaded nachos perfect for sharing in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
• Al Horno — Mexican · rated 4/5: Al Horno invites guests into a vibrant sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of roasted chilies and simmering mole sets the stage for a soulful Mexican feast. Crisp, golden nachos and griddled fajita quesadillas offer a playful start to a meal defined by rich, chocolate-hued sauces and tender poultry, all culminating in the cool, milky embrace of a velvety tres leches cake.
• Mas Tacos — Mexican · rated 3.7/5: Mas Tacos pulses with a vibrant energy where the rhythmic press of fresh masa and the savory sizzle of marinated meats on the plancha create a lively, aromatic backdrop. Guests dive into hand-held treasures bursting with smoky chilies and bright citrus, each bite elevated by zesty house-made salsas and the crunch of garden-fresh garnishes. This sun-drenched escape captures the soulful essence of Mexican street food, inviting diners to linger over bold, authentic flavors in a space that feels like a festive neighborhood celebration.
• Tacos Cano — Mexican · rated 3/5: Sunlight dances across plates of vibrant chilaquiles and perfectly seasoned huevos rancheros in this lively neighborhood gem, where the day begins with the comforting sizzle of the griddle and the bright scent of fresh avocado. Deep bowls of fragrant shrimp soup and spicy chilate de pollo offer a soulful embrace, inviting diners to linger over authentic, slow-simmered flavors that evoke the warmth of a cherished family kitchen.
• Dos Toros Restaurant — Mexican · rated 3/5: The air hums with the savory aroma of charred carne asada and sizzling pollo asado, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the art of the Mission-style burrito is celebrated with every hand-wrapped creation. From golden, melted quesadillas to bowls overflowing with fresh ingredients and tender, slow-cooked carnitas, each dish offers a bold explosion of flavor perfect for a spirited lunch or a satisfying urban feast.