Important Notice:We have made the tough decision to say goodbye to the Foursquare City Guide mobile app, effective December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Visit our FAQ for more information or to download our Swarm app.Empellon Al Pastor
Mexican Restaurant, Bar, and Taco Restaurant$$$$
East Village, New York
Has a stamp of approval from Eater and New York Post
"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 reviewsFilter:
- tacos
- margaritas
- casual
- micheladas
- good for a quick meal
- (15 more)
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Wilson ZhouNovember 3, 2014The 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
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, 2015Empellon 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, 2017When you can't decide just order a bunch of tacos like we did: the Al Pastor, Mushroom, Pork Tongue, & Cheeseburger!
Nicolette RomeroNovember 8, 2014Skip 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, 2015Chicken 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, 2017This 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.
Bin YangOctober 24, 2014Chef 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- 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.
Stephanie TanDecember 7, 2015One 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, 2015A 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, 2014Place 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.
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
Jason BrewSeptember 7, 2015Very casual spot right next to Tompkins Square Park. Great Michelada selection and you can order tacos as you go
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]
James MarshallJune 7, 2015Great 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.- the most casual of the Empellón empire, a great place to swing by for a couple of tacos and a drink
Lili BazMay 6, 2022Great happy hour vibe with the windows open. The al pastor and guac were also good.- 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.
Brian BFebruary 7, 2015Phenomenal el pastor and red chile pork tacos. The chorizo is pretty good, too. Oh, and you can get pretty good beer for $6. #allinone
Tasty tacos (al pastor, beef and chorizo) and chips and guac. Love the salsas they have. Michelada menu makes me happy.
Lucille FisherMay 30, 2016Delicious & authentic Mexican cuisine. Love the tacos & the guacamole so. Fresh, fast food!
JennyJennyJuly 3, 2015I finally found tacos that I crave. The Al pastor taco is a must. Order three of them.
- Try the beef tongue taco and pork al pastor. Great tequila selection and sometimes they have sangrita which is amazing.
The new cheeseburger taco is a great addition. So is the short rib. And the bistec. Really, just get them all.
Caleb LubarskyDecember 7, 2014Fantastic tacos and margaritas...the guac is great too...and everyone was super nice - a spot to check out for sure.
New York PostMarch 1, 2015Head 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, 2016Once I did a marathon of my five favorite tacos place in the East Village. I ordered Al Pastor tacos here
Leah HammerschlagMarch 23, 2015Good 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, 2015Nice Tequila selection by the oz.. Negra Modelo on draft. Tacos were good, best part was the tortilla & pineapple on carnitas taco. Basic and good.
All tacos $4. The al pastor and the steak were both great. Get the spicy en Cunado michelada!
Jack GashiOctober 27, 2014Great vibe, good food. Not for feasting like Taqueria Diana - more for drinking tequila and messing with a few tacos. Bartender Mark is the man
The greatest bar in East Village? Yes. The bartenders are the greatest people you’ve ever met (Spenny & Catherine)
Ryan Scott TandyJanuary 20, 2015Might be the best taco al pastor in the city. Great inexpensive drink menu to boot.- DoubleDeuceMay 8, 2017I appreciate that this place celebrates street art all over trying inside and outside of their space.
Alex RobertsonOctober 15, 2017great tacos but not sure about the tortillas. Come during happy hour (M-F 4-7) to get 3 dollar tacos- Tom CryptoSeptember 20, 2017Great Mexican food on St. Marks. As others have said, you can't go wrong with the Al Pastor Tacos!
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, 2014Buzzing atmosphere, super fast service, delicious tacos, but beware of the al pastor - it's very very spicy
Great margaritas, but the tacos are only decent and a couple of bucks more than other places in the area.
Micheladas are cold, tacos Al Pastor are tender and crunchy. Definitely the way to go.
Kelli YappDecember 2, 2015Incredible, authentic, street style tacos. The cucumber marg is also a 10/10.
Raymond KFebruary 5, 2015Mos Def playing. Impressively friendly staff. The tripe/beef tongue taco is the best.
Chet ManciniApril 8, 2015The al pastor taco with pineapple is the best, though they are all excellent.
Julius TarngDecember 5, 2014Yaaaaaaaas so good. Legit corn tortillas, great michelada (emoticon w yuzu)
196 Photos
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Open until Midnight (Show more)
- Mon–Thu
- 4:00 PM–Midnight
- Fri
- 4:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sat
- 1:00 PM–2:00 AM
- Sun
- 1:00 PM–Midnight
(646) 833-7039
View menu on https://www.empellon.com/al-pastor
Features
Reservations
No
Credit Cards
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Outdoor Seating
No
Music
Yes
Food & Drink
Menus
Lunch, Dinner
Drinks
Beer, Full Bar, Cocktails
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Srinivas Vasudevan - 7.9
"The house margarita is really good. Order the chicken taquitos."
Avantia B - 7.0
"Order lots of smaller dishes, they're all great!"
Annie Thorell
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