In search of the perfect taco: Los Tacos No. 1

There’s something unforgettable about the first bite of a truly great taco. In New York City, where options are endless and expectations high, few places consistently deliver on that promise quite like Los Tacos No. 1. With locations across Manhattan—including Chelsea Market, Times Square, Grand Central, and the one we visited on Chambers Street—Los Tacos No. 1 serves up bold, border-hopping flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Mexico.

The name may sound like a boast, but it’s one the tacos back up. Founded by three friends from Tijuana and California, Los Tacos No. 1 is a love letter to Mexican street food. No gimmicks, no overwrought fusion twists—just handmade tortillas, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to getting the fundamentals right.

We arrived early evening, a quick early dinner before heading to a Broadway show that night. We had been staying in the Financial District to get away from the big crowds of midtown.  And the Chambers Street location was already buzzing, but the line moved quickly. As we inched forward, we watched the choreography behind the counter: tortillas slapped onto the griddle, smoky cuts of adobada spinning on the spit, fresh guacamole being mashed to order. The smells kept us hooked.

Our go-to order is simple but perfect:  adobada tacos topped with pineapple, a carne asada taco with a squirt of lime, all ordered con todo—meaning loaded with guacamole, salsa, cilantro, and onions. Each bite was juicy, charred, and balanced, with the toppings adding just the right hit of acidity and freshness. It’s the kind of flavor that sticks with you. We also grabbed one of their especiales - lightly fried tortilla dough folded around melted cheese that can be stuffed with whatever protein or meat you'd like. The outside was golden and just crisp enough, while the inside oozed with heavenly melted cheese.   Of course, we had to wash this all down with a fresh agua fresca and a Mexican coke. 

The space is standing-room only, with narrow ledges to perch your tray, but that’s part of the charm. There’s a feeling of shared urgency and joy, elbows tucked, heads bowed, as everyone dives into their tacos. It’s loud, quick, and utterly delicious. What sets Los Tacos No. 1 apart isn’t just the food. It’s the feeling that something this good should take longer, cost more, or be harder to find. Instead, it’s accessible. It’s quick. And it’s consistently great.

If you find yourself downtown near City Hall or the World Trade Center, the Chambers Street location of Los Tacos No. 1 is a perfect stop for a no-fuss, all-flavor bite. They have locations throughout Manhattan, but if trying the Times Square one, be ready for a line down the block.  Come hungry. Leave happy. And maybe, like us, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit before you even finish your last bite.