Best Upscale Tacos in Union Square | Top 1 Upscale Spots

22 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Union Square | Top 1 Upscale Spots

• Maya Mezcal — Mexican · rated 5/5: Maya Mezcal invites guests into a spirited sanctuary where the smoky aroma of artisanal agave spirits mingles with the vibrant, zesty notes of hand-crushed salsa and lime. The kitchen elevates traditional cantina fare into a sophisticated feast, offering everything from the molten indulgence of queso fundido to the complex, earthy richness of huitlacoche quesadillas and fiery Camarones El Diablo. It is a space where modern flair meets rustic warmth, creating an electric backdrop for lingering over shared plates and bold, craft cocktails.
• Los Tacos NYC — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Los Tacos NYC captures the electric pulse of a bustling Mexico City street market, where the rhythmic press of fresh masa and the sizzle of marinated meats on the plancha create a symphony of urban flavor. Guests lean over standing counters to savor hand-pressed tortillas overflowing with smoky carne asada and vibrant, house-made salsas that deliver a bright, citrusy kick. It is a high-energy sanctuary of authenticity, where every charred bite and chilled sip of hibiscus water transports the senses far beyond the city streets.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of cleavers and the savory scent of marinated pork searing on the trompo, instantly transporting diners to a vibrant Mexican street corner. Hand-pressed corn tortillas, still warm from the griddle, serve as the perfect canvas for succulent meats topped with a bright burst of lime and house-made salsas that dance on the palate.
• Dorado — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Dorado transports diners to a sun-drenched coastal escape where the air hums with the sizzle of the grill and the bright, citrusy tang of freshly shaken margaritas. Earthy, hand-pressed tortillas serve as the canvas for a kaleidoscope of bold flavors, from the crisp snap of pickled radishes to the rich, lingering heat of slow-simmered meats that celebrate the vibrant soul of Mexican street food.
• Bar Verde — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Bar Verde is a lush, light-filled sanctuary where the vibrant soul of Mexican cuisine is reimagined through a lens of modern elegance and garden-fresh ingredients. The air carries the bright scent of freshly squeezed lime and smoky agave, accompanying a parade of hand-pressed tortillas and complex moles that dance across the palate with bold, sun-drenched intensity. This inviting escape captures the festive energy of a contemporary cantina, encouraging guests to linger over artisanal cocktails in a space that feels both sophisticated and deeply rooted in tradition.
• Yuca Bar & Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: Vibrant colors and the rhythmic shake of agave cocktails set a spirited stage at this lively Mexican escape, where the air hums with the enticing aroma of charred chilies and fresh cilantro. Guests gather around rustic tables to savor plates that burst with sun-drenched flavors, balancing the smoky depth of slow-cooked meats with the bright, citrusy zing of house-made salsas and hand-pressed tortillas.
• Javelina — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Javelina transports diners to a sun-drenched desert oasis where the rustic charm of weathered wood and warm terracotta sets the stage for a spirited, flavor-packed escape. The air hums with the sizzle of charred peppers and the bright, citrusy snap of agave spirits, inviting guests to dive into a world of smoky chilies and slow-simmered riches. It is a vibrant sanctuary where bold, soulful cooking meets a communal energy, perfectly capturing the festive heart of a traditional Mexican gathering.
• Swift Hibernian Lounge — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into this atmospheric sanctuary feels like a retreat into a storied Dublin parlor, where dark wood accents and a convivial spirit set the stage for long conversations over perfectly poured pints. The kitchen reimagines classic pub fare with a playful touch, serving up golden-crusted sausage rolls and zesty corned beef tacos that balance tradition with a modern, social energy. Whether sharing savory plates of chorizo and manchego or tucking into a chilled Dublin shrimp cocktail, guests find a warm, timeless refuge that honors the art of the neighborhood lounge.
• The Red Lion — American · rated 4/5: Stepping into The Red Lion feels like entering a bustling social sanctuary where the aroma of warm beer hall pretzels and zesty street tacos sets the stage for a night of spirited connection. Guests huddle over overflowing platters of loaded nachos and crispy wings, enjoying a playful menu of elevated comfort favorites that transform a casual gathering into a vibrant, flavor-filled celebration.
• Society Billiards + Bar — American · rated 4/5: The rhythmic click of billiard balls provides a lively soundtrack to this polished social hub, where low-slung lighting and a spirited atmosphere invite guests to linger over friendly competition. Between games, diners indulge in a vibrant array of elevated comfort fare, from the smoky warmth of Mexican street corn dip to zesty tarragon chicken sandwiches and crisp, garden-fresh salads that elevate the classic pool hall experience into a refined culinary retreat.
• La Contenta Oeste — Mexican · rated 4/5: This vibrant sanctuary pulses with the soulful energy of Mexico, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted masa and the bright, herbaceous steam of simmering green pozole. Diners gather around tables laden with golden-melted cheese fondue and citrus-bright fish tacos, finding a spirited escape that balances rustic tradition with a contemporary, high-energy flair.
• Toloache — Mexican · rated 4/5: Toloache pulses with a vibrant energy, where the rustic charm of Mexican tradition meets a sophisticated, modern culinary edge. Diners are treated to a sensory feast of zesty ceviche tastings and colorful trios of guacamole that range from sweet fruit-infused bites to fiery spice, alongside inventive fusion plates like delicate toro taquitos and crisp octopus tostadas. It is a spirited destination where bold, sun-drenched flavors are elevated by artistic presentation, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and refined.
• Taqueria Diana — Mexican · rated 4/5: The vibrant energy of a bustling street market comes alive at Taqueria Diana, where the smoky aroma of charred carne asada and the rhythmic sizzle of the plancha fill the air. Hand-pressed tortillas cradle everything from succulent, pineapple-topped al pastor to crispy Baja-style fish, while oversized quesadillas ooze with melted cheese and earthy roasted rajas. It is a spirited destination that captures the soul of traditional Mexican street food, offering a fast-paced yet deeply flavorful escape for every craving.
• Los Tacos No.1 — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air hums with the rhythmic chop of knives and the intoxicating aroma of marinated adobada hitting the grill, drawing crowds into a vibrant space that pulses with the energy of a traditional Mexican market. From the first steam-filled bite of a hearty machaca breakfast burrito to the smoky, charred perfection of a hand-pressed carne asada taco, each dish celebrates bold spices and the soulful simplicity of street-style cooking. It is a high-octane culinary destination where zesty salsas and tender, flame-licked meats transform a quick meal into a sun-drenched, sensory feast.
• The Broken Shaker — Middle Eastern · rated 3/5: This vibrant social sanctuary pulses with an eclectic, laid-back energy, inviting guests to unwind amidst a tapestry of bold, globally-inspired flavors. The kitchen turns out a playful array of shareable bites, from the bright acidity of shrimp ceviche and spicy tuna crispy rice to the rich, nutty depth of brown butter hummus and salt-dusted Bavarian pretzels. It is a spirited retreat where juice-dripping burgers and crispy tacos are served in a convivial atmosphere, making every visit feel like a celebrated escape.
• Empellón Al pastor — Mexican · rated 3/5: This high-energy taqueria pulses with a vibrant, urban spirit, where the sizzle of the griddle and the clink of mezcal cocktails create a lively backdrop for bold culinary experimentation. The kitchen playfully subverts tradition with inventive creations like their signature latke tacos, marrying the golden, salty crunch of potato pancakes with zesty salsas for a dining experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly unexpected.
• Gupshup — Indian: Gupshup pulses with the vibrant energy of a modern Indian social club, where the air is thick with the aroma of toasted spices and the hum of spirited conversation. The kitchen reimagines nostalgic street food through a playful, global lens, serving up everything from delicate, yogurt-drenched dahi sev puri to innovative fusion bites like pulled jackfruit tacos and zesty crispy okra paired with creamy guacamole. Whether you are sharing smoky salmon tikka or indulging in decadent butter chicken wings, every plate is a colorful celebration of bold textures and contemporary culinary creativity.
• El Grillito — Mexican: The air at El Grillito is thick with the intoxicating aroma of charred meats and toasted corn, drawing guests into a vibrant space where the rhythmic sizzle of the flat-top grill sets a lively tempo. Hand-pressed tortillas become warm vessels for everything from succulent, slow-cooked carnitas and smoky al pastor to the zesty brightness of lime-kissed grilled shrimp. It is a soulful neighborhood retreat that celebrates the art of the taco, offering a sensory journey through bold spices, fresh garnishes, and the comforting warmth of authentic street-side flavors.
• Coppelia — Mexican: This vibrant Latin-inspired diner pulses with energy, wrapping guests in a nostalgic yet spirited atmosphere where the sizzle of the grill meets the comforting hum of a neighborhood staple. Golden waffles and zesty huevos rancheros share the table with decadent oxtail empanadas and smoky corn on the cob, creating a soulful fusion of classic diner comfort and bold Caribbean flair. Whether tucking into a steaming bowl of chicken soup or sharing a plate of crispy mac and chicharron, diners find a sanctuary of flavor that feels both familiar and thrillingly inventive.
• Candle — American: Bathed in a welcoming glow, Candle serves as a vibrant neighborhood sanctuary where the comforting aroma of pumpkin spice and griddled pancakes mingles with the zest of fresh lime and cilantro. The kitchen artfully bridges the gap between morning indulgence and savory soul food, offering everything from the buttery layers of their signature croissant to hearty, spice-kissed bowls and street-style tacos. This inviting space transforms the ritual of dining into a sensory celebration, perfect for lingering over a colorful plate of fruit-topped pancakes or sharing a mountain of golden, house-made nachos.
• Javelina — Mexican: Javelina captures the spirited heart of Tex-Mex culture, where the air is thick with the aroma of toasted chilies and the convivial clinking of glasses. The experience centers on a molten landscape of artisanal quesos, ranging from the legendary, meat-layered Bob Armstrong to zesty fried jalapeño varieties, all served alongside golden, salt-dusted chips and crispy hand-rolled taquitos. It is a vibrant sanctuary for those seeking the ultimate comfort of melted cheese and bold, sun-drenched flavors in a space that feels both modern and deeply rooted in tradition.
• Dorado — Mexican: Dorado invites diners into a vibrant space where the rhythmic crunch of house-made white corn chips meets the velvety richness of artisanal guacamole. The experience centers on a spirited DIY taco feast, encouraging guests to layer bold flavors with bright salsa fresca and zesty tomatillo-avocado blends for a truly interactive, communal meal. It is a lively destination where fresh ingredients and sun-drenched flavors transform a simple gathering into a colorful celebration of Mexican-inspired craft.