ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Astoria
Master Critic Review
El Lado Taco
8.1
An Austin-leaning taco shop that shines when you treat it like a tight taco program: fresh tortillas, breakfast tacos that actually hold together, and salsas that carry real personality. Go classic on visit one, then start experimenting once you’ve found your heat level.
Must-Try Dishes:
El Buen Dia breakfast taco, Longaniza and egg taco, Carne asada taco
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Breakfast tacos done with real technique and sauce balance.
Who should go: Taco people and breakfast hunters
When to visit: Morning or early lunch for fastest turnaround
What to order: El Buen Dia, longaniza & egg, carne asada
Insider tip: Order three tacos—pace them and adjust salsa heat as you go.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along 30th Ave and side streets; can be tight evenings and weekends, easier mornings and weekdays
Dress code: Casual and practical—jeans, sneakers, and daywear fit right in
Noise level: Low to moderate—easy conversation, more hum during lunch rush
Weekend wait: Typically 10–20 minutes at peak, often quicker for takeout
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside the noon rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean-and-egg, potato-based, and veggie-forward taco builds
Vegan options: Limited—possible with bean, potato, salsa-based combos; ask staff to hold dairy
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible
Best For
Better for: Breakfast tacos, sauce balance, and treating tacos as a focused craft rather than a sprawling menu
Skip if: You want margaritas, table service, or a long dinner experience—this is a quick-hit taco stop.