Best Upscale Tacos in Midtown | Top 2 Upscale Spots

14 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Midtown | Top 2 Upscale Spots

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Maggie's Place — American · rated 3/5: Maggie’s Place pulses with a welcoming energy, drawing guests into a stylish space where the comforting aroma of warm cheddar pull-apart brioche mingles with the savory sizzle of charred octopus. The kitchen excels at crafting elevated shareable plates, balancing the smoky kick of ginger chipotle steak tacos against the refined crunch of everything-crusted tuna and buttery wagyu baby burgers. It is a destination designed for spirited social dining, where boards of creamy burrata and crispy Point Judith calamari transform a meal into a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration.
• The Campbell Bar — American · rated 3/5: Stepping into this storied sanctuary feels like a journey back to a more glamorous era, where soaring ceilings and rich textures create an atmosphere of quiet luxury and sophisticated charm. The kitchen reimagines the art of the cocktail hour with elevated bites like zesty crispy tuna tacos and warm, pillowy pretzel bites that invite lingering conversations over shared plates. From the indulgent pull of a gourmet grilled cheese to the fresh vibrancy of a kale and Brussels salad, every dish is crafted to complement a perfectly poured drink in a space that feels both grand and intimate.
• The Skylark — American · rated 3/5: Bathed in a glow of sophisticated urban charm, The Skylark invites guests into a stylish sanctuary where the hum of lively conversation mingles with the clinking of artisanal cocktails. A parade of vibrant, shareable plates defines the experience, ranging from zesty tuna tacos and herb-dusted fries to the decadent, golden crunch of lobster mac and cheese bites. Whether lingering over a Mediterranean mezze platter or savoring a perfectly seared steak frites, diners find themselves immersed in a social atmosphere that feels both effortlessly cool and deeply indulgent.
• Mad Dog & Beans Mexican Cantina — Mexican: This spirited cantina hums with festive energy, drawing guests into a rustic space where the rhythmic crunch of warm chips meeting hand-mashed guacamole defines the afternoon. Golden, crispy flautas and savory chimichangas anchor a menu of bold, soulful flavors, while charred street corn and bubbling queso dip create a communal dining experience that feels like a vibrant celebration of Mexican comfort.
• Adobo Mexican Grill — Mexican: Adobo Mexican Grill pulses with a vibrant energy, where the enticing aroma of slow-simmered birria and toasted corn tortillas invites guests to experience the bold heart of Mexican street food. Diners can indulge in everything from crispy, golden tacos and overstuffed burritos to decadent piles of loaded fries, all crafted with a focus on fresh textures and zesty, sun-drenched flavors that turn a casual meal into a festive escape.