ZipPicks Awards
Best Burritos in Midtown East
Best Cheap Tacos in Midtown East
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Midtown East
Master Critic Review
Dirty Taco
7.7
In the Grand Central Dining Concourse, Dirty Taco riffs on L.A. street tacos and lets the same proteins roll into burritos and bowls. Open since 2022, it’s a newer option that brings duck carnitas, Korean steak and other chef-y fillings to commuters looking for something bolder than standard fast-casual burritos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Korean Steak (as taco or burrito), Duck Carnitas (as taco or burrito), Al Pastor (as taco or burrito)
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.4
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Grand Central food-hall stall turning modern taco fillings like duck carnitas and Korean steak into tacos, burritos and bowls with a bit more flair than typical commuter fare.
Who should go: Travelers wanting creative burrito fillings in the concourse.
When to visit: Midday or early evening before train peaks compress the lines.
What to order: Korean Steak in burrito format, Duck Carnitas, classic Al Pastor.
Insider tip: If you’re catching a train, order a protein you already know you like as a taco first, then come back for it in burrito form once you’ve tested the flavor.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated parking; rely on nearby garages along 42nd–45th Streets or metered street parking, which is scarce during office hours.
Dress code: Completely casual—commuter attire and everyday streetwear are standard.
Noise level: Moderate to lively due to food-hall traffic; still manageable for solo dining or quick conversations.
Weekend wait: Light to moderate lines depending on travel surges; typically under 10 minutes.
Weekday lunch: Short but steady queue during peak commuter lunch (5–10 minutes).
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: A few options—most proteins are meat-focused, but vegetarian tacos/bowls can be built with available veggies and toppings.
Vegan options: Limited—requires custom builds; check salsas and sauces for dairy.
Gluten-free options: Possible with burrito bowls instead of tortillas; no dedicated gluten-free prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal—it's a food-hall stall with limited seating and high foot traffic. Better for a quick bite than a conversational meetup.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t used here. Seating is first-come in the shared Dining Concourse, and turnover is frequent.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who enjoy bold flavors; no dedicated children’s menu, but the casual environment works for families moving through the station.
Best For
Better for: More adventurous proteins—duck carnitas, Korean steak, and other chef-driven fillings that outshine standard commuter burrito spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, large portions, or traditional-style burritos without global fusion elements.