ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Upper West Side
Best Happy Hour in Upper West Side
Best Late Night Tacos in Upper West Side
Best Late Night Mexican in Upper West Side
Best Burritos in Upper West Side
Best Mexican in Upper West Side
Master Critic Review
Calaveras Corner
8.0
A casual Mexican spot that leans into taco variety—especially the richer, slower-cooked styles—and plays well for a quick dinner with a drink. Treat it like a focused taco stop: two tacos, one shareable, and you’re done.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria tacos, Carnitas, Steak fajita quesadilla
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: A taco-first menu with birria-and-carnitas gravity.
Who should go: Taco fans who want an easy, repeatable order
When to visit: Late lunch or early dinner before it fills up
What to order: Birria tacos, carnitas, one quesadilla to split
Insider tip: Two tacos plus one shared item beats over-ordering a full spread.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tougher after 6pm. Public transit is the easier move.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — jeans and sneakers are normal, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate — lively but still easy to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or a short one
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos and quesadillas available, but the menu leans meat-forward.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Yes — corn tortillas are standard for tacos; confirm cross-contact if sensitive.
Best For
Better for: Focused taco meals, especially richer fillings like birria and carnitas, plus a quick margarita or drink.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long, celebratory Mexican feast or a quiet, upscale sit-down experience.