ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in West Village
Best Late Night Tacos in West Village
Best Cheap Eats in West Village
Master Critic Review
El Jalapeno Taqueria
7.9
This cash-only food truck parked off W 4th has a cult following for oversized burritos and late-night tacos at true neighborhood prices. It’s a no-frills operation serving Puebla-style comfort food to bar-hoppers and industry workers until the early morning.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Pork Burrito, Roast Pork Tacos, Chicken Torta
Scores:
Value: 9
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 6.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Late-night truck turning out hefty, deeply flavored burritos and tacos.
Who should go: Night owls needing serious food after bars.
When to visit: After midnight on weekends for peak taco traffic.
What to order: Spicy Pork Burrito, Roast Pork Tacos, Chicken Torta.
Insider tip: Bring cash and ask for extra spice on the burrito.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; generally difficult in the West Village, especially after 7pm.
Dress code: No dress code—streetwear, bar attire, and casual layers are all normal.
Noise level: Outdoor street noise is present but manageable; quick bite environment, not for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 5–15 minutes depending on bar traffic; lines grow after midnight.
Weekday lunch: Often no wait; brief queue during peak mid-afternoon rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie taco/burrito builds available.
Vegan options: Limited—beans, rice, veggies, and salsa combinations possible but no vegan-specific proteins.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but the truck has shared prep surfaces.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if your date loves street food and zero frills—this is more functional than romantic and best for spontaneous, late-night stops.
Can I get a table without a reservation? There are no tables or reservations; it's a food truck. Expect to eat standing, curbside, or while walking.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for older kids who can handle late-night crowds and street setups; no seating, amenities, or space for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Top-tier for oversized, value-packed burritos and late-night reliability at true budget pricing.
Skip if: You want seating, ambiance, plated dishes, or a quieter, sit-down Mexican experience.