Best Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Tacos Restaurants in Upper West Side (Central)
4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Nina's Great Burrito Bar
Long-running neighborhood burrito bar with a full menu and bar program.
Notable Picks
8.5
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Group Dining Gatherings
Late Night Legends
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family-run Mexican spot that grew out of a burrito shop serving the neighborhood for nearly three decades. Today it layers a full bar, tacos, and plated entrées onto the original burrito focus, drawing locals for hearty plates, margaritas, and lingering evenings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Birria Burrito, Enchiladas Suizas, Cochinita Pibil
What Makes it Special: Long-running neighborhood burrito bar with a full menu and bar program.
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Baja‑style tacos and coastal Mexican fare draw locals for well‑executed fish and shrimp tacos with bright slaws and vibrant sauces. Generous portions and a lively, casual atmosphere make it a reliable stop for lunch or a laid‑back dinner. Playa Betty’s thrives on familiar flavors with a West Coast twist.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baja Fish Tacos, Shrimp Tacos, Crispy Chips & Salsa
What Makes it Special: Baja‑inspired tacos and fresh seafood focus
#3
Taqueria 86
8.1
Vibes:
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
A compact, counter-leaning taqueria built for fast, high-satisfaction taco runs. The best results come from a tight order—two or three tacos with one standout salsa—so the tortillas stay hot and the fillings stay focused.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Horchata
What Makes it Special: A tight, counter-style taco shop that hits hardest on simple classics.
Worthy Picks
#4
Super Tacos
7.5
A late-night street-taco option parked at the 96th & Broadway corridor when you want something hot and direct after hours. Order like a minimalist—two tacos in one protein plus one in another—so you get contrast without turning it into a messy roulette.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bistec taco, Chorizo taco, Lengua taco
What Makes it Special: A true after-hours taco stop in the ZIP with street-style simplicity.