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Empellon Al Pastor

Mexican Restaurant, Bar, and Taco Restaurant$$$$

East Village, New York

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Empellon Al Pastor

7.6^/10

544

ratings

Ranked #7 for chorizo in New York
The folks at Eater and New York Post like this place. Would you agree?
"As others have said, you can't go wrong with the Al Pastor Tacos!"(23 Tips)
"Two words: Cheeseburger tacos - you will thank me."(5 Tips)
"Try the beef tongue taco and pork al pastor."(5 Tips)
"Special Micheladas are all worth it, especially Andrew Zimmern's!"(10 Tips)

119 Tips and reviews

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tacos
margaritas
casual
micheladas
good for a quick meal
alex stupak
tequila
trendy
good for groups
spicy food
mezcal
pork
meats
chicken
tripe
chips
pineapple
inexpensive
bacon
kale
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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
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 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
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 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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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
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 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 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.
Jason BrewSeptember 7, 2015
Very casual spot right next to Tompkins Square Park. Great Michelada selection and you can order tacos as you go
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
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.
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
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]
Lili BazMay 6, 2022
Great happy hour vibe with the windows open. The al pastor and guac were also good.
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.
Lucille FisherMay 30, 2016
Delicious & authentic Mexican cuisine. Love the tacos & the guacamole so. Fresh, fast food!
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
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.
JennyJennyJuly 3, 2015
I finally found tacos that I crave. The Al pastor taco is a must. Order three of them.
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.
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.
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 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
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.July 21, 2015
Two tacos and a beer for $10, great deal!
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 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 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 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 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)
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
DoubleDeuceMay 8, 2017
I appreciate that this place celebrates street art all over trying inside and outside of their space.
Ryan Scott TandyJanuary 20, 2015
Might be the best taco al pastor in the city. Great inexpensive drink menu to boot.
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 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!
Honghui YuDecember 13, 2014
Buzzing atmosphere, super fast service, delicious tacos, but beware of the al pastor - it's very very spicy
Amy SagarNovember 8, 2014
The cucumber margarita and the kale side dish are amazing!
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 KardousOctober 19, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Micheladas are cold, tacos Al Pastor are tender and crunchy. Definitely the way to go.
Raymond KFebruary 5, 2015
Mos Def playing. Impressively friendly staff. The tripe/beef tongue taco is the best.
Kelli YappDecember 2, 2015
Incredible, authentic, street style tacos. The cucumber marg is also a 10/10.
Chet ManciniApril 8, 2015
The al pastor taco with pineapple is the best, though they are all excellent.
Julius TarngDecember 5, 2014
Yaaaaaaaas so good. Legit corn tortillas, great michelada (emoticon w yuzu)
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?

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Empellon Al Pastor

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