Tacos El Poblano: Cuisine del Pueblo on Broadway
Eating under the watch of la Virgen. — photo by Diego Cupolo
The best taco I’ve ever had in my life came out of a small, dirty shack on wheels in Los Angeles — it left my mouth burning with unimaginable pleasure as I tried to figure out how four people could fit in that tiny food stand from heaven.
Here in New York, the land of pizza, finding a decent taco can seem as challenging as tracking down an edible slice in Arkansas. Luckily, one of the first places I visited in my neighborhood was Tacos El Poblano, an inexpensive bar and restaurant on Broadway. It was there that my frustratingly long taco search came to an end as I bit into tortilla euphoria before a retro mural of Maria de Guadalupe.
From outside, the restaurant looks like any other, radiating its presence with neon greens and reds on the sidewalk, but Tacos El Poblano serves the freshest, most satisfying Mexican cuisine in the city. They keep their tacos simple: two warm corn tortillas, your choice of quality meats (or veggies), guacamole, diced onions and cilantro — squeeze a little lime juice on top and you’ll find yourself wanting another since they’re only $2 a pop.
Amazingly, tacos are only the beginning. The menu ranges from breakfast plates to sandwiches and full blown dinner combos. For appetizers, try the nachos con carne ($6.50), but don’t expect anything similar to chain restaurant nacho boats drowning in sour cream. Instead, this dish is just a few tortillas layered with thick, juicy pieces of steak — it might look disappointing at first, but trust me, it’s a lot of food.
I also recommend the fajitas de pollo ($8.95) for hungry diners — this do-it-yourself platter comes with a generous basket of tortillas and perfectly grilled green peppers and onions. But don’t be afraid to be adventurous, try something new; I have yet to be unsatisfied with any of their creations. Best of all, no item costs more than $10.95 and the friendly waitresses will bring you a free basket of tortilla chips with salsa as soon as you sit down. The last time I ate at Tacos El Poblano the bill came out to $32 for four people and we were all pleasantly stuffed.
As far as atmosphere, the restaurant is divided into two rooms — one side has the bar, neon lights and a jukebox full of classic ranchero music while the other has the take-out counter. There is usually a few young men drinking Mexican beers on the bar side, and who wouldn’t at $3.50 a bottle? Also, knowing a little Spanish is always helpful, but if all else fails resort to the pointer finger.
Still not sure if it’s worth a shot? I had a neighbor from Arizona who was suffering from taco withdrawal. I told her about Tacos El Poblano and a week later she said it was the best Mexican she ever had in New York — it was therapeutic. Stop wasting money on those soggy flour socks they call burritos at Chipotle, forget about the dry, flavorless chicken at El Loco Burrito and have a genuine Mexican meal you will not regret at Tacos El Poblano.
Tacos El Poblano
830-832 Broadway, Brooklyn
718-963-4216
Free Delivery
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-12am
November 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pm
good to hear. I’ve been craving a taco and ever since the beloved place on starr st. shut it’s doors (hopefully only for a while?! anyone know??) I’ve been wondering where to go. I’ll have to check it out.
and in the interest of cross border cooperation, if you’re in the crown heights area, go check out Chavellas, 732 Classon. Damn good.
November 7th, 2008 at 5:10 pm
That one is OK. There are several places even better right around Maria Hernandez Park. Prices seem pretty consistent across the board. Whenever you see a table set up outside of El Alburero (sp?) (right across from the park, on Knickerbocker), stop and grab a bite. The small ones are only $1, so sample a couple of the different meats they have available.
November 7th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I really don’t like Tacos el Poblano. Their burritos are pretty small for the 7 or 8 dollars they cost and they don’t even taste that great. There was a great place, Las Penas, up Myrtle a ways that would deliver to where I live, but they haven’t picked up the phone for the last few months when I called them to place an order. I think it might’ve closed down, but if anybody knows otherwise say so… that was definitely the best taco place I’ve ordered from in the city, and dirt cheap too.
November 8th, 2008 at 11:23 am
There was once a deli on Bedford, now a Ricky’s, that made tacos in the back. Pretty good. There are tons of spots.
November 8th, 2008 at 11:44 am
Nice review, Diego…
How do you think Tacos El Poblano compares to what Queens has to offer? Tacos Guicho in Elmhurst, Poblano and Coatzingo in Jackson Heights, and all the other random food stalls lining Roosevelt from 74th to 90th?
November 8th, 2008 at 3:27 pm
For mexican food in Bushwick (until Los Hermanos opens again, que lastima!) try EL Fogon on Flushing by Knickerbocker: huge burritos for $6, cheap, delicious and free delivery 718.497.7445
Another recommendation: El Salvador on Knickerbocker by Willoughby. Excellent food: mexican/salvadorian. They do something with their black beans that makes them taste unique. Excellent pupusas and tostadas, etc. 718.821.7269
November 8th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
ravi - sorry but I have never eaten at a restaurant in Queens.
November 8th, 2008 at 7:21 pm
i live around the corner from tacos el poblano, and though i love its convenience to me, i never eat there. it is too expensive for the amount of food, and the quality is not even that great.
i recommend to the fullest a restaurant on graham avenue by scholes. it’s called new mexico place. get one of their burritos and you won’t be disappointed. it is gigantic, served with guacamole and salad, and only $6.00. free freshly baked tortilla chips.
go there.
November 9th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Concurring with adam: New Mexico Place (aka Nuevo Mexico) on Graham between Meserole and Scholes is not exactly in Bushwick, but they serve the best enchiladas moles on the east coast as far as I can tell. I grew up in southern California, and when I need a homesick fix this is where I go. Prices are competitive with Tacos El Poblano but I think the quality is much better.
November 9th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
el paisa, at irving and suydam, is a real gem. awesome burritos ($5!!) and a hangover-destroying pozole.
November 9th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
I’m very tempted to visit El Poblano; I think I will. Nice one, Diego! By the way, why not try and make your own tacos? Get some real corn tortillas and warm one on both sides in a dry pan just a little; until you see some color. Then, put in the meat (like chicken, chilly-styled beef or maybe steak). Careful not to put in too much. Now, add some lettuce and then sprinkle in some salsa and chopped-up cheese. You’re gonna like your own. =]
November 10th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Que gente sympatico, gustamos comida Mexicana!
November 10th, 2008 at 11:38 am
I’m glad this post spurred a conversation about good Mexican locales - I’ll definitely have to check out these suggestions
November 10th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
hm.. well if any one ever gets tired of mexican food theres a place on knink called mi bella dama nice dominican resturant and for 5 - 7 bucks u can customize your order with anything, i usualy get arroz con abichuela, pollo on the side platano dulce a must! and you almoust always need to have a morir soñando. best milkshake ever.
November 21st, 2008 at 3:27 pm
It’s back! The taco shack in the Tortilla factory on Starr just off of Wykoff reopened.
Must have been a few days ago. I stopped in last night. It’s now tricked out as a walled in glass partitioned space, within the warehouse. a few tables, a bar to sit down at (eatin’ bar, not drinkin’ bar) Kinda cool!
Tacos are still 2 bucks. I am happy again.
November 23rd, 2008 at 12:10 pm
we went to eat this place one night and walked out after a few drinks and some tacos right into the middle of a protest!! apparently tacos el poblano violates labor laws and ll their workers who so graciously feed our fatasses burritos and tacos are overworked and underpaid.. not gonna go there again.
November 24th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
Hey Matt, thanks for the news on the tortilla factory. I’d heard they were supposed to reopen in early November, but last time I went by they were still closed. I was going to head over this weekend to check, but it was too damn cold for me to risk disappointment.
December 1st, 2008 at 7:43 pm
Check out zefe’s on myrtle ave its about a 5 minute walk from bushwick ave. The food is great and cheap.