You know that feeling when you're wandering around Long Island City and everything feels a little too polished, a little too "new luxury condo"? Then you hit 37th Avenue. Right there, tucked away from the glass towers, is La Tiendita Taqueria NYC. It’s not trying to be a Michelin-starred experiment. It’s just a damn good taco spot that feels like a neighborhood secret, even though the secret has been out for a while now.
Most people think LIC is just for waterfront views and expensive breweries. They’re wrong. Honestly, if you haven’t sat at the bar here with a michelada and a plate of al pastor, you’re missing the literal soul of this corner of Queens.
What makes La Tiendita Taqueria NYC different from the midtown spots
NYC is drowning in tacos. You can't walk two blocks in Manhattan without hitting a "tequila bar" that charges $14 for a single taco that tastes like nothing. La Tiendita is the antidote to that nonsense. It’s run by the same team behind the beloved El Cortijo, and that Spanish-Mexican DNA shows up in the quality of the ingredients.
They don't just throw meat on a tortilla. They respect the craft.
The space itself is vibrant. It’s tight, it’s colorful, and it’s loud in the way a good kitchen should be. You’ve got murals on the walls and a vibe that says "stay for three more drinks." But let's be real: you're here for the food. The menu isn't a massive, confusing tome. It’s focused.
The Al Pastor obsession
Let’s talk about the pork. The Al Pastor at La Tiendita Taqueria NYC is the benchmark. You see the trompo turning. You see the pineapple dripping. When that pork hits the flat top, it gets those crispy, caramelized edges that make or break a taco. It’s served on corn tortillas that actually taste like corn, not cardboard.
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Some people complain that the portions aren't "Americanized" huge. Those people are missing the point. It’s about the balance of the salsa verde against the fat of the pork. It's about the fact that they don't overcomplicate it with unnecessary toppings.
- The Crunch Factor: They get the sear just right.
- The Heat: Their salsas have a sneaky kick. Don't underestimate the orange one.
- Freshness: You can tell the cilantro was chopped an hour ago, not three days ago.
Why the Happy Hour is a local legend
If you’re a local, you know the 4 PM to 7 PM window is sacred here. While the rest of the city is paying $18 for a mediocre margarita, La Tiendita Taqueria NYC keeps it human. Their margaritas actually use real lime juice. Imagine that!
It gets crowded. Fast.
If you show up at 6:15 PM on a Thursday, expect to stand. But standing with a cold Pacifico and a side of their guacamole—which, by the way, isn't blended into a baby-food paste but left chunky and seasoned with enough salt to make the flavors pop—is a pretty good way to spend an evening.
People often ask if it's kid-friendly. Kinda. During the day, sure. It’s bright and the staff is incredibly welcoming. But as the sun goes down, the music cranks up and it definitely shifts into a more adult, "let's have another round" atmosphere.
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Beyond the Tacos: The hidden gems
Don't sleep on the Enchiladas Suizas. A lot of places make them too heavy, just a brick of cheese and cream. Here, the tomatillo sauce has a brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s a complex flavor profile that hints at the kitchen’s deeper expertise beyond just street food.
Then there’s the Elote. It’s messy. You will get mayo and cotija cheese on your face. Accept it. The corn is charred perfectly, giving it a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with a smoky mezcal cocktail.
The Long Island City context
You have to understand where this place sits. It’s at 37-06 36th St. It’s near the M and R trains, but it’s also a short walk from the N and W at 36th Ave. This isn’t the "tourist" part of LIC. It’s the part where people actually live and work.
Because of that, the service feels different. It’s not that transactional, "get in and get out" vibe you find in Times Square. The servers remember the regulars. They know if you like your margaritas spicy or with a salt rim. It builds a sense of community that is increasingly rare in a city that’s being rapidly gentrified into a series of identical glass boxes.
Addressing the "Authenticity" debate
Everyone loves to argue about what's "authentic" Mexican food in New York. Honestly? It's a boring conversation. La Tiendita Taqueria NYC isn't trying to be a street stall in Mexico City, nor is it trying to be a fine-dining establishment in Polanco. It’s a New York taqueria.
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It uses the best of what’s available here to honor traditional recipes. The tortillas are pliable and warm. The proteins are sourced with care. The flavors are bold. That’s all the authenticity most of us need when we’re hungry on a Tuesday night.
A note on the price point
Look, it’s not the cheapest taco in Queens. You can go deeper into Corona or Jackson Heights and find tacos for less. But you’re paying for the atmosphere, the cocktail program, and the fact that you don't have to travel an hour into the outer boroughs if you're already in Western Queens or Midtown. It’s a fair trade. You get a high-quality experience without the Manhattan "prestige tax."
The practical stuff you actually need to know
If you’re planning a visit to La Tiendita Taqueria NYC, don't bother trying to make a reservation for a small group on a weekend night. It’s mostly walk-in territory.
- Timing: Go for a late lunch (around 2 PM) if you want a quiet meal.
- The Bar: If you're solo, the bar is the best seat in the house. You get to watch the drinks being made and the service is lightning fast.
- Takeout: They do a brisk takeout business, and the food holds up surprisingly well, though the tacos are obviously best eaten within five minutes of leaving the kitchen.
- Dietary Stuff: They’re pretty good with gluten-free options since so much of the menu is corn-based, but always double-check on the chips to ensure there's no cross-contamination if you're highly sensitive.
How to make the most of your visit
Don't just order three steak tacos and leave. Mix it up. Try the Pescado (fish) tacos—they have a lightness that balances the heavier meat options. Share some appetizers. Get the ceviche if it's on the specials menu; it’s usually incredibly bright and fresh.
And please, for the love of Queens, try the mezcal. They have a curated selection that isn't overwhelming but covers the essential flavor profiles from earthy to smoky to floral. Ask the bartender for a recommendation based on what you’re eating. They actually know their stuff.
The reality of the NYC food scene is that places come and go. Rent hikes, changing trends, and "the next big thing" usually kill off the neighborhood spots within five years. But La Tiendita has stayed. It stayed because it’s consistent. You know what you're getting every time you walk through that door: a warm welcome, a cold drink, and a taco that hits exactly the right spot.
Actionable steps for your next LIC trip
- Check the hours before you go: They generally open at noon, but it’s always worth a quick Google Maps check to ensure they aren't closed for a private event.
- Target the Happy Hour: Monday through Friday is your best bet for the deals on margaritas and sangria.
- Explore the neighborhood: Pair your meal with a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image or a walk down to Gantry Plaza State Park.
- Order the Al Pastor: Seriously. It’s the signature for a reason. Don't overthink it.
- Bring a group for the "Platillos": If you have four or more people, move away from the tacos and look at the larger plates like the Pollo Rostizado or the various Enchiladas to share family-style.