Sidewalk Tacos: Authentic Mexican Street Food in East Harlem

Sidewalk Tacos Introduce

In a city as dynamic and fast-paced as New York, finding a go-to spot for delicious, no-frills food is a major win. Sidewalk Tacos, nestled in the vibrant East Harlem neighborhood, has earned its reputation as a local gem for authentic Mexican street food. This casual and cozy eatery brings the rich flavors of Mexico directly to the sidewalk, offering a menu that is both extensive and incredibly satisfying. From the moment you approach, you'll feel the energetic and straightforward atmosphere that promises a quick, flavorful, and affordable meal. This is a place that understands the needs of a busy New Yorker—quality food that's served with speed and consistency. It's a favorite haunt for college students, solo diners, and anyone looking for a hearty and flavorful bite without the fuss.

Sidewalk Tacos is more than just a place to get tacos; it’s a full-fledged culinary experience dedicated to classic Mexican fare. The menu spans a wide range of categories, ensuring there's a perfect dish for every craving. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic taco, a loaded burrito, or a unique cemita, the options are plentiful and prepared with care. The restaurant prides itself on serving fresh, flavorful dishes, and this commitment to quality is often praised by its patrons. While the space is casual and trendy, the focus remains firmly on the food. The establishment's dedication to its simple mantra—serving every dish fresh with love and in a timely manner—is what has helped it build a loyal customer base since its founding. It’s a reliable spot for lunch, dinner, or even a late-night bite, providing comfort food that hits the spot every time. The variety of choices and the inviting, straightforward service make it a standout in the neighborhood's culinary landscape.

The appeal of Sidewalk Tacos lies in its authenticity and value. The prices are incredibly reasonable, especially for the generous portions you receive. This makes it an ideal spot for anyone on a budget who doesn't want to compromise on taste. The menu also includes a few unique categories, such as "Hangover Cure," which features hearty and traditional Mexican soups designed to help you recover. It’s these thoughtful touches, combined with the overall quality of the food, that set Sidewalk Tacos apart. Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch, planning a casual dinner, or just need a satisfying snack, this is a place that consistently delivers. Its popularity among a diverse crowd, from college students to local residents, is a testament to its broad appeal and delicious offerings. It's a true East Harlem staple that provides a genuine taste of Mexican cuisine.

Location and Accessibility

Sidewalk Tacos is located at 2163 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA. This address places it in the heart of East Harlem, making it a convenient destination for locals and those passing through the area. The restaurant is easily accessible by public transportation, and for those driving, paid street parking is available nearby. The space itself is designed for a quick and casual experience, and while it might be cozy, it is known for its efficient service. The no-frills approach to the physical location allows the restaurant to focus entirely on what it does best: crafting delicious, authentic food. Its position on 2nd Avenue makes it a highly visible and easy-to-find spot for anyone craving a satisfying meal in the neighborhood.

Services Offered

Sidewalk Tacos is built for convenience, offering multiple service options to cater to various customer needs, whether they are dining in or taking their food to go. Their service model emphasizes speed and efficiency, making it a great choice for a quick bite.

Dine-in: The restaurant offers onsite services with seating for customers who wish to enjoy their meal in a casual and cozy setting.
Takeout: For customers who prefer to grab their food and go, Sidewalk Tacos provides a quick and efficient takeout service.
Delivery: Partnering with popular delivery services, the restaurant makes its delicious menu available for delivery, bringing authentic Mexican food right to your doorstep.
Catering: They offer catering services, making them a great option for group events, office lunches, or parties.

Features and Highlights

Sidewalk Tacos is a beloved local spot, thanks to a few key features that make it a standout in East Harlem's food scene. Its unique menu items and commitment to quality are what keep customers returning again and again.

Authentic Street-Style Food: The restaurant specializes in classic Mexican street food, including a wide variety of tacos, burritos, and cemitas, all made with traditional flavors.
Fast Service: A key highlight for many customers is the speed of service. The food is made to order and delivered hot and fresh in a timely manner, perfect for a quick lunch break.
Diverse Menu: The menu is extensive and includes a range of options, from a variety of meat-based tacos (like birria and carne asada) to a strong selection of vegetarian options.
Affordable Prices: The food is known for being reasonably priced, offering great value for the generous portions, which is a major draw for college students and budget-conscious diners.
"Hangover Cure" Menu: A unique feature of the menu is the "Hangover Cure" section, which includes traditional restorative dishes like Chilaquiles Verdes and Pozole, showcasing the restaurant's authentic touch.
Dessert Selection: Don't skip the dessert! Their Cinnamon Sugar Churros and Tres Leches Cake are particularly popular and are often highlighted as a must-try.

Contact Information

To place an order for delivery or takeout, or to get more information about the menu, you can reach Sidewalk Tacos using the following contact details. They are ready to serve you fresh and delicious food.

Address: 2163 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Phone: (646) 454-9255

What is worth choosing

With so many options on the menu, it can be tough to decide, but there are a few dishes that stand out as must-tries at Sidewalk Tacos. Their Tacos are the star of the show. The (3) Birria Tacos are a top choice, made with tender braised short rib and served with a flavorful broth for dipping. The Al Pastor Taco is also a customer favorite, praised for its perfect balance of spicy pork and pineapple. For those who love a good crunch, the hard-shell tacos like the (2) Steak Hard Shell Tacos are a great option. When it comes to burritos, the Carne Asada Burrito is highly recommended, packed with fresh ingredients and generous portions. The Pollo Quesadilla is also a crowd-pleaser, known for being hot, fresh, and made to order. For a unique experience, consider one of the Cemitas, a traditional Puebla-style sandwich served on a sesame roll. The Milanesa Chicken Cemita is a popular choice. And finally, for dessert, you simply must try the Cinnamon Sugar Churros or the rich and moist Tres Leches Cake. These popular choices consistently receive high praise from customers and are a great introduction to the authentic flavors of Sidewalk Tacos.

Sidewalk Tacos Menu

Tacos
Vegetarian Taco $4.00
Vegetarian. Rice and beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Chorizo Taco $4.00
Spicy sausage. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(2)Birria Hard Shell Tacos $10.00
Order of (2 ) hard shell Tacos. Lettuce, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sourcream and Cotija cheese
(2)Steak Hard Shell Tacos $10.00
Order of (2 ) hard shell Tacos. Lettuce, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sourcream and Cotija cheese
(1)Carne Enchilada Taco $4.50
Spicy pork. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(2)Chicken Hard Shell Tacos $10.00
Order of (2 ) hard shell Tacos. Lettuce, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sourcream and Cotija cheese.
(3)Birria Tacos $15.00
Braised shredded short rib, melted jack cheese, cilantro and onion paired with its own broth.
Al Pastor Taco $4.50
Spicy pork with pineapple. made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Carnitas Taco $6.00
Roasted pork. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Lengua Taco $4.50
Beef tongue. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(2)Tinga Hard Shell Tacos $10.00
Order of (2 ) hard shell Tacos. Lettuce, Jack cheese, pico de gallo, sourcream and Cotija cheese
(1)Oreja Taco $4.50
Pork ear. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Carne Asada Taco $4.00
Steak. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Suadero Taco $4.50
Slow roasted beef. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.
(1)Camarones Taco $5.00
Shrimp. Made on double corn tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo,chipotle mayo, Cotija cheese, radishes, and lime.
(1)Pollo Taco $6.00
Chicken. Made on double corn tortilla with cilantro, onions, radishes, and lime.

Nachos
Nachos Con Queso $12.00
Beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, melted cheese, and guacamole.
Nachos Con Carne (Chicken) $14.00
Beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, melted cheese, and guacamole.
Nachos Con Carne (Carnitas-Pork) $14.00
Beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, melted cheese, and guacamole.
Nachos $12.00
Beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, jalapeños, sour cream, melted cheese, and guacamole.

Burritos
Burrito Bowl $12.00
Open flour tortilla, rice bean salad, choice of meat, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Suadero Burrito $11.00
Slow roasted beef. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Al Pastor Burrito $11.00
Spicy pork with pineapple. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Birria Burrito $11.00
Braised shredded short rib, rice and beans, hot sauce, sour cream, cheese, cilantro and onion
Vegetarian Burrito $10.00
Grilled seasonal vegetables. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Carne Enchilada Burrito $11.00
Spicy pork. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Carnitas Burrito $10.00
Roasted pork. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Chorizo Burrito $11.00
Spicy sausage. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Pollo Burrito $10.00
Chicken. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.
Carne Asada Burrito $11.00
Steak. Made on 12" flour tortilla with rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce.

Tortas
Carne Asada Torta $11.00
Steak. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeñ os.
Carnitas Torta $10.00
Roasted pork. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeños.
Milanesa Chicken Torta $11.00
Breaded chicken or steak, lettuce, tomatoes, onion jalapenos, refried beans, Jack cheese & chipotle mayo.
Milanesa Beef Torta $11.00
Breaded beef
Chorizo Torta $11.00
Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeñ os.
Pollo Torta $10.00
Chicken. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeños.
Enchilada Torta $11.00
Spicy pork. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeños..
Vegetarian Torta $10.00
Vegetarian. Grilled seasonal vegetables. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeños.
Al Pastor Torta $11.00
Spicy pork with pineapple. Mexican style sandwich (telera) roll. Beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, and jalapeños.

Desserts
Bavarian (Custard) Churros $6.00
Tres Leches Cake $6.00
Delicious
Cinnamon Sugar Churros $5.00
Covered with cinnamon sugar
Chocolate Cake $6.00

Mix & Match
Burrito & Nacho $22.00
Burrito & Enchiladas $26.00
Burrito & Taco $14.00
Burrito & Quesadilla $19.00

Cemitas
Carne Asada Cemita $11.00
Steak. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Al Pastor Cemita $11.00
Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Pollo Cemita $10.00
Chicken. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Enchilada Cemita $11.00
Spicy pork. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Vegetarian Cemita $10.00
Grilled seasonal vegetables. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Carnitas Cemita $10.00
Roasted pork. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Quesillo Cemita $11.00
Oaxaca cheese. Puebla style sandwich refried beans, lettuce, mayo, avocado, tomatoes, onions & chipotle sauce.
Milanesa Steak Cemita $11.00
Milanesa Chicken Cemita $11.00
Breaded steak or chicken. Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.
Chorizo Cemita $11.00
Puebla style sandwich. Sesame roll, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, cheese, avocado, papalo, chipotle sauce, and mayonnaise.

Quesadilla
Al Pastor Quesadilla $10.00
Spicy pork with pineapple. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Carne Enchilada Quesadilla $10.00
Spicy pork. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Lengua Quesadilla $11.00
Beef tongue. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Carnitas Quesadilla $9.75
Roasted pork. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Chorizo Quesadilla $10.00
Spicy sausage. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Pollo Quesadilla $9.75
Chicken. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.
Carne Asada Quesadilla $10.00
Steak. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Gringa Quesadilla $10.50
Made on a 10" flour tortilla Oaxaca & Jack cheese, al pastor pork cilantro, onion and cotija cheese.
Vegetarian Quesadilla $9.75
Grilled seasonal vegetables. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream,guacamole, and Cotija cheese.
Birria Quesadilla $11.00
Braised shredded short rib, melted jack cheese, sour cream, cotija cheese, cilantro and onion. Paired with its own broth.
Camarones Quesadilla $12.00
Shrimp. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Tinga Quesadilla $10.00
Shredded chicken breast mix with chipotle. Made on 10" flour tortilla with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.

Hecho a Mano
Gaorditas De Chicharran (2pcs) $12.00
Corn base dough mix with fried pork stuffed with lettuce, pico de gallo sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Sopes (1) $7.00
Corn base dough, refried beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, and Cotija cheese.
Tacos (3pcs) $15.00
Homemade corn tortilla, choice of meat, cilantro, onion radishes & lime wedges.
Quesadilla (1) $10.00
Homemade corn tortilla, Oaxaca cheese lettuce, sour cream & cotija cheese.
Picaditas (2pcs) $10.00
Corn base dough, refried beans, red sauce, green tomatillo sauce, cilantro, onion, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.

Mexican Platters
Huevos Rancheros Platter $15.00
Lightly fried two corn tortillas over medium eggs with red and tomatillo green sauce cover with melted Jack cheese, avocado slice, sour cream, red onions, and Cotija cheese.
Carnitas Platter $14.00
Roasted pork with grilled onions. Served with three corn tortillas, rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.
Chimichangas $16.00
Deep fried flour tortilla wrap stuffed w/ choice of meat, melted Jack cheese red & green hot sauce, sour cream & cotija cheese. Served w/ salad rice and beans.
Carne Asada Platter $15.50
Steak with grilled onions. Served with three corn tortillas, rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.
Azteca Platter $16.00
Steak, Grilled onion, fresh Grilled Jalapeño, and Grilled tomatoes. Rice, Beans & Salad w/ 3 corn tortilla
Mixto Platter $16.00
Chicken, carnitas, & chorizo. Served w/ 3 corn tortillas rice and beans, salad, sour cream pico de gallo & cotija cheese.
Birria Platter $15.00
Braisedshreddedshortrib. Served with three corn tortillas, rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese
Pollo Platter $14.00
Chicken breast with grilled onion. Served with three corn tortillas, rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, and Cotija cheese.
Vegetarian Platter $14.00
Vegetarian. Grilled vegetables. Served with three corn tortillas, rice, beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, and Cotija cheese.

Bebidas-Drinks
Bottled Water $1.50
Jarritos $3.00
Mexican Coke $4.00
The same great taste made with only pure cane sugar and served in a bottle.
Can Of Soda $2.00
Aguas Frescas $3.00

Side Orders
4oz Pico D Gallo $3.00
8oz Guacamole $7.00
Salsa 8oz $5.00
Tortillas $1.00
Four pieces.
Rice $4.00
French Fries $5.00
Chips $3.00
Beans $4.00
Refried black beans.
4oz Guacamole $4.00
1oz Guacamole $1.00
Pico De Gallo 8oz $5.00

Appetizers
Chips And Guacamole $8.00
Loaded Fries $9.00
Melted jack cheese, Chorizo and Alpastor Topped w/cilantro onion and chipotle mayo.
Flautas $10.00
2 rolled up crispy rolled taquitos, choice of fillings. Finish with refrided beans, lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream & cotija cheese.
Chips And Salsa $6.00
Corn chips with salsa on top of chips.
One Tostada $5.00
Crispy corn tortilla, refried beans, lettuce, sour cream, pico de gallo, avocado, and Cotija cheese.

Dinner Platter
Enchiladas Verdes Platter $16.00
Three corn tortillas rolled with choice of meat, green tomatillo sauce, melted Jack and Cotija cheese avocado, red onion, and sour cream. Served with rice, beans, and salad.
Tex Mex Fajitas Platter $16.00
Grilled mix peppers, onions, tomatoes choice of meat rice and beans, salad w/ 3 corn tortillas

Hangover Cure
Chilaquiles Verdes $14.00
Crispy corn tortilla chips, covered in green tomatillo sauce, red onions, avocado slice, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Pozole $15.00
Hominy corn with pork chunk. Comes with a one tostada refried beans, lettuce, sour cream, and Cotija cheese.
Pancita (Beef Tripe) $15.00
Comes with five corn tortillas, cilantro, onion, and lime wedges.

Sidewalk Tacos Details

Service options
Delivery
Onsite services
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service

Popular for
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Offerings
Comfort food
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Trendy

Crowd
College students

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids

Parking
Paid street parking

Sidewalk Tacos Photos

Sidewalk Tacos Location

Sidewalk Tacos

New York New York County New York 2nd Avenue

2163 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10029, USA

Sidewalk Tacos Reviews

An average rating of ★4.3 from 306 user reviews.

deliveryquesadillasnachosplattershrimpporkchipscemitatortaschurros

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Just ordered enchiladas dish from there. What was delivered was a mish-mash of god knows what's inside atop of tortilla chips, making them completely wet, inedible! How do you eat completely soaked chips?!? Some pieces of meat are very hard, not chewable. And even though I specifically ordered with mild salsa, the dish is extremely spicy! What a WASTE of food!!
May 17 · Peregrine Falcon
Great food and service! This is my second time going to this place and both times I was pleasantly pleased with the food items. My favorite is the shrimp quesadilla. Made to order, hot, and fresh, which I absolutely liked. The other food item I liked was the chicken tacos. That was also very tasteful.
August 23 · Asia Eilets
Have come twice now and got the chicken tinga tacos both times as well as chips and salsa. All of it has been so delicious and the price is very very reasonable. Their salsa may be the best I’ve ever had anywhere. I could drink it. Friendly service. It’s a hole in the wall so not a lot of seating—it’s all bar style on stools against the wall. A true neighborhood gem.
July 26 · Sarah Paxton
It’s a small hole in the wall kind of place, with a welcoming atmosphere. We ordered three types of tacos: Asada, carnitas and chicken. They were absolutely delicious. And the tomatillo sauce and chili sauce was yummy. The lady behind the counter had a smile and was helpful and friendly. If I’m ever back in that area, I will definitely go again.
September 17 · Zoya Khan
Loved the sope, one of my favorite mexican dishes ever, masa is just perfect and very generous portion for the size, and red salsa was sooooo good! The home made tortillas are so worth it! As a mexican I reccomend this place 🩷
August 17 · Victoria Frutiz