The Only Taco Spot in Manhattan Worth Standing in Line For

Chelsea · Manhattan · food · $

Los Tacos No. 1 started inside Chelsea Market and became the kind of place where the line itself is part of the experience. The corn tortillas are made fresh right in front of you — you can hear them slapping the press — and the adobada is legitimately some of the best in the city. It's a counter-service operation, no frills, just excellent tacos.

The Chelsea Market location is the original and still the best. The space is tiny and loud and you'll probably end up eating standing up, which is exactly right. Don't overthink the menu: adobada, carne asada, and a nopal if you're feeling virtuous. Three tacos and a horchata and you're out for under twenty bucks.

Pro tip: Go at 11:30am right when they open to skip the line. The adobada sells out on busy days.
🚇 Subway: A/C/E to 14th St, L to 8th Ave — Chelsea Market is right there
While you're in Chelsea: Walk the High Line — the entrance at 14th St is a two-minute walk from Chelsea Market.
Budget: $4-5 per taco, $3 horchata. Cash and card accepted.
Best time: Weekday lunch, right at opening
tacoscounter-serviceiconiccheap-eatsno-frills

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What locals are saying

“The adobada is non-negotiable. I've been coming here since they opened and it's never let me down.”

— Mike, Hell's Kitchen

“Skip the line by going at 11:30 on a Tuesday. Three tacos, out in 10 minutes.”

— Daniela, Chelsea

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