Foodies and fans of Mexican cuisine have reason to celebrate on National Taco Day, being held October 4th. This festive occasion happens to fall on a Friday, so gather the crew and celebrate with some tasty food and spirits in New York City. Lots of taco varieties are on the menu—from traditional chicken and pork carnitas to veggie-inspired crispy cauliflower to shrimp and even a cheeseburger option. Tequila, margaritas, and cervezas will also be flowing at these vibrant city spots.
Añejo
Añejo is offering a $29 Taco Flight, which entices foodies with one of each taco offered at the Mexican eatery and tequileria. The taco lineup ranges from meat to fish and veggies. Offerings include short ribs; chicken al pastor; pork carnitas; crispy fish; crispy cauliflower; and shrimp. Agave enthusiasts—there’s a tequila flight that features a lineup of rare tequilas. Añejo boasts two locations—one in in Tribeca (301 Church St., 212 920-6270) and the other in Hell’s Kitchen (668 10th Ave., 212 920-4770), anejonyc.com
Bodega Negra
Executive Chef Brad Warner’s tacos have already garnered quite a few accolades. His tacos nabbed Thrillist’s Taco Competition Winner title and Arte Agave’s Taco Competition Winner title. In celebration of National Taco Day, Bodega Negra offers a ‘2 for 1’ special that includes chicken pibil tacos (chicken wrapped in banana leaves, braised with tomato, onion, and achiote and topped with shredded cabbage and pickled red onion) and shrimp tacos served in crispy achiote tortillas with salsa macha, pepino guacamole, chihuahua cheese, and crispy potatoes. 355 W. 16thSt., 212 229-2336, bodeganegranyc.com
Empellon Al Pastor at Pod 39
Chef Alex Stupac crafted the signature cheeseburger tacos at Empellon Al Pastor, which is located on the ground floor of micro-hotel Pod-39. This unique bite features a classic beef burger patty mixed with a handful of chihuahua cheese. It is garnished with tomato, avocado, and a spicy ketchup/mayo dressing. The tacos are a perfect match for Empellon’s margaritas and cervezas. 145 E. 39thSt., 212-865-5700, empellon.com,thepodhotel.com/pod-39
La Chula
Celebrate taco day with the classic Al Pastor taco offered at Chef Julian Medina’s Harlem-based La Chula. The delish dish features rotisserie pork marinated in a fusion of chilies, spices, and tangy pineapple. It’s served with onions, cilantro, salsa morita, and verde. 137 E. 116th St., 646-590-3975, lachulanyc.com
Pinks Cantina
Pinks Cantina is celebrating National Taco Day with $1 tacos. Every taco (excluding Nitro Shrimp Taco and Short Rib Barbacoa) will be available from 5 to 6:30pm on National Taco Day. A handful of foodies will be lucky enough to uncover an edible golden ticket in their tacos. That’s the ticket to free tacos, burritos, guacamole, and beyond. 203 Chrystie St., 646-858-0186, pinkscantinanyc.com
Tommy Bahama
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For a twist on Mexican, journey to Tommy Bahama in midtown for fish-inspired tacos. Dive into the house's blackened mahi mahi tacos, which come with tomato relish, chipotle aïoli, island slaw, and lime sour cream. There's also a side of soft plantains. You can also opt for the ahi tuna tacos, pictured here, with island slaw and Asian influences like a wonton shell and wasabi-puree dressing. 551 Fifth Ave., 212-537-0960, tommybahama.com
