Best Upscale Tacos in Washington Square | Top 2 Upscale Spots

28 restaurants in Best Upscale Tacos in Washington Square | Top 2 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 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.
• Café Habana — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: This vibrant urban retreat pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the intoxicating scent of charred corn, zesty lime, and slow-simmered spices. Inside, neon lights and retro accents create a lively backdrop for savoring bold Mexican flavors, from smoky, cheese-dusted elote to tender meats infused with the heat of sun-drenched chilis. It is a sensory celebration of street-food soul, where every plate captures the spirited warmth and festive rhythm of a bustling neighborhood cantina.
• 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.
• Taco Mahal — Indian · rated 4.4/5: The air hums with the intoxicating scent of toasted cumin and garlic-brushed naan, drawing guests into a vibrant space where Indian heritage meets the playful spirit of street-side dining. Rich, aromatic curries and tender spiced meats are nestled into warm, pillowy flatbreads, offering a brilliant fusion of textures that transforms traditional flavors into a soulful, handheld feast.
• lupe's East L.A. Kitchen — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Lupe's East L.A. Kitchen captures the soulful spirit of a neighborhood cantina, where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-simmered carnitas and charred chilies. Guests gather in a vibrant, unpretentious space to savor hand-pressed tortillas and bold, home-style flavors that pay homage to the rich culinary heritage of East Los Angeles. Every bite offers a festive explosion of zesty lime and smoky spices, creating a dining experience that feels like a warm invitation into a bustling family kitchen.
• 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.
• San Loco — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: San Loco pulses with a vibrant, unpretentious energy, drawing diners into a space where the air is thick with the smoky aroma of seasoned carnitas and the sharp, bright tang of house-made salsa. The experience centers on bold, soulful flavors and overstuffed plates, where the satisfying crunch of golden taco shells meets the molten richness of melted cheese in a high-octane celebration of Mexican street food.
• Empellon Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Empellon Taqueria pulses with the vibrant energy of the West Village, drawing guests into a dimly lit, buzzy space where the aroma of charred chilies and toasted masa fills the air. Here, the humble taco is elevated to an art form, featuring bold combinations like smoky octopus or melt-in-your-mouth short rib paired with artisanal salsas that dance on the palate. The experience is rounded out by a spirited bar scene where salt-rimmed mezcal cocktails flow freely, capturing the soulful, modern essence of Mexico City in the heart of Manhattan.
• 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.
• Superbueno — Mexican · rated 4/5: Superbueno pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where traditional Mexican flavors are reimagined through a playful and contemporary lens. Guests gather over tables laden with crispy pork belly tacos and golden shrimp flautas, while inventive creations like birria grilled cheese and zesty tuna tiradito bring a bold, soulful heat to every shared bite.
• 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.
• Los Tacos Hermanos — Mexican · rated 4/5: The air at Los Tacos Hermanos is thick with the savory perfume of citrus-marinated carne asada and spiced al pastor sizzling over a roaring flame. Diners gather in a vibrant, high-energy space where hand-pressed tortillas are piled high with tender meats and bright salsas, while golden mounds of nachos and zesty shrimp quesadillas offer a festive explosion of street-style flavors. It is a lively destination where every bite—from the creamy richness of fresh guacamole to the smoky depth of a loaded burrito—celebrates the bold, sun-drenched spirit of authentic Mexican comfort food.
• Papatzu Mexican Restaurant — Mexican: Papatzu transports guests to the heart of Mexico with a vibrant atmosphere where the zing of citrus-cured seafood meets the smoky, comforting aromas of traditional street-side fare. Diners gather over plates of ink-dark aguachile and crisp octopus tostadas, while the kitchen turns out bubbling pans of chorizo-laced cheese and golden, spice-dusted corn that capture the soulful essence of Coyoacán. It is a lively culinary escape where every dish, from the delicate shrimp ceviche to the earthy mushroom casserole, celebrates the bold textures and deep heritage of Mexican cooking.
• 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.
• Son del North — Mexican: Son del North brings the sun-drenched flavors of Northern Mexico to life, where the scent of charred carne asada and sizzling pollo asado wafts from a kitchen dedicated to the art of the perfect burrito. Soft, hand-stretched flour tortillas serve as the canvas for everything from zesty camaron ranchero to smoky cauliflower chorizo, creating a handheld feast that balances rustic tradition with vibrant, modern flair. Each meal is anchored by the satisfying crunch of golden totopos dipped in creamy guacamole or savory frijoles, offering a soulful dining experience that feels like a warm invitation to the desert borderlands.
• 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.
• San Loco — Mexican: San Loco pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where the satisfying crunch of golden tortilla chips and the bright zest of fresh pico de gallo set the stage for a spirited gathering. Molten cheese cascades over loaded nacho platters and crispy totchos, while savory quesadillas and golden-fried flautas offer a comforting, flavor-packed escape from the ordinary. This lively haven invites guests to dive into bold, shareable bites within a festive atmosphere that turns every casual meal into a celebration.
• 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.
• Son del North — Mexican: This vibrant spot captures the spirit of Northern Mexico, where the smoky aroma of charred carne asada and sizzling pollo asado fills the air. Hand-stretched flour tortillas wrap around everything from zesty ranchero shrimp to savory cauliflower chorizo, creating a handheld feast that pairs perfectly with crisp totopos and creamy house-made guacamole. It is a celebration of bold, sun-drenched flavors and rustic simplicity, offering a soulful taste of the borderlands in every bite.
• 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.