Table of Contents
Looking for the best food near Madison Square Garden? Skip the generic stadium hot dogs and head straight to Los Tacos No.1 NYC, nestled right outside Penn Station on 33rd Street. This spot delivers the most authentic, high-velocity Tijuana-style street tacos in Manhattan.
Whether you are catching a New York Knicks game, rocking out at a concert, or rushing to catch a train out of Penn Station, this iconic culinary pitstop is a mandatory addition to your Midtown itinerary.
The Vibe: Fast, Loud, and No Seats
Don’t expect a relaxing, sit-down meal. True to its street-vendor inspiration, this location is a high-energy, “standing tables only” environment. The line often stretches out the door, but do not let that deter you — the kitchen operates like a finely tuned machine, chopping meats and pressing fresh tortillas to hand you your order in just minutes.
Insider Tip: Remember the golden rule: “No Ticket, No Taco.” You must first pay the cashier at the register, take your paper receipt to the counter, and hand it to the cooks to specify your toppings and tortilla preference.
What to Order at Los Tacos No.1 NYC
The menu at Los Tacos No.1 NYC focuses strictly on doing a few things flawlessly. Everything is crafted using cherished family recipes and house-nixtamalized corn or flour tortillas pressed right in front of you.
- The Adobada (Marinated Pork): The absolute crowd favorite — sweet, savory, spit-roasted pork sliced thin and topped with a slice of fresh pineapple.
- The Carne Asada (Grilled Steak): Perfectly charred, smoky, and packed with juicy beef flavor.
- The Pollo Asado (Grilled Chicken) & Nopal (Cactus): Excellent alternatives if you prefer lighter options or a meat-free, vegetarian-friendly street taco.
The Secret Menu Items: Ask the cooks for a “Quesataco” (a taco where the outer shell is entirely made of crispy, grilled cheese) or a “Vampiro” (a crispy, cheese-laden tostada).uesataco” (a taco where the outer shell is entirely made of crispy, grilled cheese) or a “Vampiro” (a crispy, cheese-laden tostada).
Hours & Location
Address: 201 W 33rd St, New York, NY 10001 (between 7th and 8th Avenue)
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Midnight); Sunday, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pro-Tip: Turnover moves fast thanks to a dedicated kitchen crew, so a long-looking line rarely means a long wait — order at the register first and toppings will be sorted out at the counter.
How to Get to Los Tacos No.1 NYC
Getting to Los Tacos No.1 NYC is easy — the absolute best part about this location is its unmatched transit access. Because it sits right next to the city’s largest transit hub, finding your way here is incredibly simple.
By Subway
- A, C, E Trains: Exit at 8th Avenue and 33rd/34th Street, then walk half a block east toward 7th Avenue.
- 1, 2, 3 Trains: Exit at 7th Avenue and 32nd/34th Street, then walk less than a block west on 33rd Street.
- B, D, F, M, N, Q, R Trains: Exit at 34th Street–Herald Square onto 6th Avenue, then walk one and a half blocks west along 33rd Street.
By Commuter Rail
If you are coming from Long Island, New Jersey, or Upstate New York, take the LIRR, NJ Transit, or Amtrak straight into Penn Station. Take any exit leading up to 7th Avenue or 33rd Street, and you will see the glowing red Coca-Cola signs right across the street.
By Car / Rideshare
Direct your driver to 201 West 33rd Street. Street parking is highly competitive and restricted in this area, so taking public transit or utilizing nearby paid parking garages is heavily recommended.
Final Thoughts
With its unbeatable location, fast-moving line, and a menu built on family recipes, Los Tacos No.1 NYC is an easy stop whether you’re headed into a Knicks game, a concert at Madison Square Garden, or just catching a train out of Penn Station.
If you’re building out a bigger night of Manhattan food, pair it with a scoop at Anita Gelato NYC right across the street, or browse more of our Food & Dining coverage for other Manhattan spots worth the trip.
