Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Empellon Al Pastor

Empellon Al Pastor

Mexican Restaurant, Bar, and Taco Restaurant$$$$
East Village, New York
Save
Share
8.0/10
544
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The folks at Eater and New York Post like this place. Would you agree?
    • Eater
    • New York Post
  • Tips
    Tom C.
    "As others have said, you can't go wrong with the Al Pastor Tacos!"(23 Tips)
    J L.
    "Two words: Cheeseburger tacos - you will thank me."(5 Tips)
    Giovanni D.
    "Try the beef tongue taco and pork al pastor."(5 Tips)
    Caroline
    "Special Micheladas are all worth it, especially Andrew Zimmern's!"(10 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon119 Tips and reviews
Filter:
  • tacos
  • margaritas
  • casual
  • micheladas
  • good for a quick meal
User icon
Log in to leave a tip here.

Sort:
  • Popular
  • Recent
  • Eater
    EaterSeptember 12, 2017
    You should have no problem ordering a ton of tacos at 11:30 p.m. Order the namesake al pastor (intensely porcine swine with chile and pineapple), as well as the insanely beefy tripe and tongue tacos. Read more
  • Eater
    EaterOctober 17, 2014
    Empellon al Pastor opens today! This Mexican restaurant will have meat shaved from a vertical spit, plus a handful of other taco fillings, along with some sides and drinks. Mon, 10/20. Read more
  • Wilson Z.heart icon on user image
    Wilson ZhouNovember 3, 2014
    The signature al pastor is a must pick as shown on the right in the following pic, chipotle chicken is also tasty the one in the middle. Not your average taco place :P
  • Cassidyheart icon on user image
    CassidyJuly 20, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    The namesake and tripe tacos are great, but overall offerings are too expensive for what they deliver. Try the kale and green chorizo for a modern Mexican take on collards - spicy, vinegary, good.
  • Cheap Best Hidden
    Cheap Best HiddenDecember 1, 2015
    Empellon al Pastor is an amazing new causual taco place from the based gawd of mexican food, Alex Stupak. I love the menu, especially the al pastor. They also NAIL the chips. Read more
  • Behrad Eatsheart icon on user image
    Behrad EatsNovember 29, 2017
    When you can't decide just order a bunch of tacos like we did: the Al Pastor, Mushroom, Pork Tongue, & Cheeseburger!
  • Nicolette R.heart icon on user image
    Nicolette RomeroNovember 8, 2014
    Skip trying a bunch of tacos and go straight for the al pastor. Love the blend of flavor with the pineapple on top! If it's crowded inside, order food/booze from the back counter. It comes out quick!
  • lOYDA p.heart icon on user image
    lOYDA pAGANJune 22, 2015
    Chicken taco and a frosty modello: just the ticket for steamy summer afternoon. Everything here is $4. Can't go wrong. Related to tonier brother on 1st. Very open air space. Great corner spot.
  • Ashley C.
    Ashley ChanJanuary 13, 2017
    This is a really fun and cheap place in East Village. Tacos are solid, not mind-blowing, but definitely get the juicy short rib tacos. The spicy cucumber margarita was delicious.
  • Bin Y.heart icon on user image
    Bin YangOctober 24, 2014
    Chef Stupak nailed the tacos al pastor - they're tender and the pineapple isn't overpowering. The potatoes and chorizo taco is incredible too. The spuds are soft, moist and the chorizo, flavorful
  • J L.heart icon on user image
    J LSeptember 21, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Tacos & margaritas...what else does one need on a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon. The namesake is delicious. Almost bring me back to Southern California.
  • Stephanie T.heart icon on user image
    Stephanie TanDecember 7, 2015
    One of the best al pastor tacos in the city. Salsas are also delicious and they have a great selection of tequila!
  • Afi Y.heart icon on user image
    Afi Yellow-DukeJuly 16, 2015
    A lively, chill spot on the east end of St. Marks with solid tacos. Get the tacos al pastor with some guac and chips on the side. Great place to hang with friends.
  • Lori L.
    Lori LuoOctober 22, 2014
    Place your order (beverage and food orders are taken at different locations) and seat yourself at Alex Stupak's latest venture. Make sure to order the Al Pastor taco.
  • Stina P.
    Stina P.February 28, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    the al pastor is the best taco. short rib is also good. If you like mezcal, there are 2 amazing cocktails - try "the pretty one" first
  • Jason B.heart icon on user image
    Jason BrewSeptember 7, 2015
    Very casual spot right next to Tompkins Square Park. Great Michelada selection and you can order tacos as you go
  • James M.heart icon on user image
    James MarshallJune 7, 2015
    Great tacos. Al Pastor is the go-to. But don't be afraid to branch out. Solid, albeit not elite craft beer list. I'd say strong to quite strong.
  • Lauren
    LaurenJuly 14, 2015
    "The headliner taco al pastor is an exemplary study in flavor and texture." via New York Magazine/Grub Street | The 30 Best (New) Cheap Eats in New York [July 12, 2015]
  • Chad H.heart icon on user image
    Chad HornerOctober 13, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    the most casual of the Empellón empire, a great place to swing by for a couple of tacos and a drink
  • Lili B.heart icon on user image
    Lili BazMay 6, 2022
    Great happy hour vibe with the windows open. The al pastor and guac were also good.
  • Carolineheart icon on user image
    CarolineAugust 22, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    Special Micheladas are all worth it, especially Andrew Zimmern's! Get the Al Pastor tacos, a Michelada (or any of the many tequilas), and the beans.
  • Brian B.heart icon on user image
    Brian BFebruary 7, 2015
    Phenomenal el pastor and red chile pork tacos. The chorizo is pretty good, too. Oh, and you can get pretty good beer for $6. #allinone
  • Lucille F.
    Lucille FisherMay 30, 2016
    Delicious & authentic Mexican cuisine. Love the tacos & the guacamole so. Fresh, fast food!
  • Ranu R.heart icon on user image
    Ranu RajkarnikarDecember 31, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Tasty tacos (al pastor, beef and chorizo) and chips and guac. Love the salsas they have. Michelada menu makes me happy.
  • JennyJenny
    JennyJennyJuly 3, 2015
    I finally found tacos that I crave. The Al pastor taco is a must. Order three of them.
  • Giovanni D.heart icon on user image
    Giovanni D'PalmaMay 28, 2016
    Been here 25+ times
    Try the beef tongue taco and pork al pastor. Great tequila selection and sometimes they have sangrita which is amazing.
  • John C.heart icon on user image
    John ClineJanuary 26, 2016
    Been here 50+ times
    The new cheeseburger taco is a great addition. So is the short rib. And the bistec. Really, just get them all.
  • Caleb L.heart icon on user image
    Caleb LubarskyDecember 7, 2014
    Fantastic tacos and margaritas...the guac is great too...and everyone was super nice - a spot to check out for sure.
  • New York Post
    New York PostMarch 1, 2015
    Head to Alex Stupak’s bar-cum-taqueria in the wee hours for great chips, fresh, unfussy guacamole, and, of course tacos! Read more
  • Adrienheart icon on user image
    AdrienMay 14, 2016
    Once I did a marathon of my five favorite tacos place in the East Village. I ordered Al Pastor tacos here
  • Tom M.
    Tom M.July 21, 2015
    Two tacos and a beer for $10, great deal!
  • Leah H.
    Leah HammerschlagMarch 23, 2015
    Good tacos, though sadly I wasn't blown away, I would to otto's or taqeria Diana IMO. Definitely a cool place to chill with friends, I would go back.
  • Ebee D.heart icon on user image
    Ebee DSeptember 26, 2015
    Nice Tequila selection by the oz.. Negra Modelo on draft. Tacos were good, best part was the tortilla & pineapple on carnitas taco. Basic and good.
  • Mike M.heart icon on user image
    Mike McBryanOctober 27, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    All tacos $4. The al pastor and the steak were both great. Get the spicy en Cunado michelada!
  • Jack G.heart icon on user image
    Jack GashiOctober 27, 2014
    Great vibe, good food. Not for feasting like Taqueria Diana - more for drinking tequila and messing with a few tacos. Bartender Mark is the man
  • Greg B.heart icon on user image
    Greg BrunoMarch 11, 2019
    Been here 10+ times
    The greatest bar in East Village? Yes. The bartenders are the greatest people you’ve ever met (Spenny & Catherine)
  • Ryan Scott T.heart icon on user image
    Ryan Scott TandyJanuary 20, 2015
    Might be the best taco al pastor in the city. Great inexpensive drink menu to boot.
  • DoubleDeuceheart icon on user image
    DoubleDeuceMay 8, 2017
    I appreciate that this place celebrates street art all over trying inside and outside of their space.
  • Alex R.
    Alex RobertsonOctober 15, 2017
    great tacos but not sure about the tortillas. Come during happy hour (M-F 4-7) to get 3 dollar tacos
  • Tom C.
    Tom CryptoSeptember 20, 2017
    Great Mexican food on St. Marks. As others have said, you can't go wrong with the Al Pastor Tacos!
  • Abner A.heart icon on user image
    Abner AcevesFebruary 6, 2015
    Been here 5+ times
    But the kale and chorizo side for $4 and the 6 tortillas side for $2 for some awesome kale and chorizo tacos!
  • Amy S.
    Amy SagarNovember 8, 2014
    The cucumber margarita and the kale side dish are amazing!
  • Honghui Y.heart icon on user image
    Honghui YuDecember 13, 2014
    Buzzing atmosphere, super fast service, delicious tacos, but beware of the al pastor - it's very very spicy
  • Nate B.heart icon on user image
    Nate BeattyMay 14, 2016
    Been here 5+ times
    Great margaritas, but the tacos are only decent and a couple of bucks more than other places in the area.
  • Paul K.heart icon on user image
    Paul KardousOctober 19, 2014
    Been here 5+ times
    Micheladas are cold, tacos Al Pastor are tender and crunchy. Definitely the way to go.
  • Kelli Y.heart icon on user image
    Kelli YappDecember 2, 2015
    Incredible, authentic, street style tacos. The cucumber marg is also a 10/10.
  • Raymond K.
    Raymond KFebruary 5, 2015
    Mos Def playing. Impressively friendly staff. The tripe/beef tongue taco is the best.
  • Chet M.heart icon on user image
    Chet ManciniApril 8, 2015
    The al pastor taco with pineapple is the best, though they are all excellent.
  • Julius T.heart icon on user image
    Julius TarngDecember 5, 2014
    Yaaaaaaaas so good. Legit corn tortillas, great michelada (emoticon w yuzu)
  • Chris A.
    Chris ArnoldMarch 2, 2016
    Avoid the castanon cider at all costs. Unless you really love Spanish cider. Wouldn't you rather have some delicious nachos for your ten bucks either way?
Photos196 Photos

Related Searches

  • empellon al pastor new york •
  • empellon al pastor new york photos •
  • empellon al pastor new york location •
  • empellon al pastor new york address •
  • empellon al pastor new york •
  • empellon al pastor new york •
  • empellón al pastor new york •
  • empellon al pastor east village new york

Foursquare © 2024  Lovingly made in NYC, CHI, SEA & LA