El Rey Tacos

When the chaos of Times Square starts to overwhelm you—street performers, costumed characters, and tourist crowds closing in—El Rey Tacos offers a welcome respite. This counter-service spot from the Casa Carmen team proves that great tacos can thrive even in the heart of Manhattan’s most hectic neighborhood. Walk in, order at the counter, and prepare for some seriously satisfying Mexican fare.

The taco selection here is focused but fantastic, with seven options ranging from $4.50 to $5.95. What sets these apart is the commitment to quality: every tortilla is griddled to order using masa that’s nixtamalized fresh in New Jersey. The rajas con crema taco is a standout, delivering a smoky, creamy vegetable filling that’s so good it might just turn the most devoted meat lover into a temporary vegetarian. Drizzle some salsa verde on top and you’ve got something special.

Beyond the tacos, they offer bowl versions with rice and classic toppings like guacamole, pico de gallo, and roasted corn. But don’t sleep on the quesadilla option—it features a frico-like layer of griddled queso Oaxaca melted directly onto the tortilla, creating an irresistibly crispy, cheesy edge that’s worth the trip alone.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch escape or need to fuel up before tackling more of Midtown, El Rey Tacos delivers exactly what you need: quality ingredients, bold flavors, and an efficient counter-service operation that gets you in and out without the fuss.