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ZipPicks Awards

Best Mexican in Bushwick

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Taqueria al Pastor 8.3
Bushwick (West)
A high-demand corner taqueria where the al pastor program is the point—char, spice, and that sweet-savory finish that keeps people repeating orders. The best experience is a tight lineup of pastor plus one contrasting protein, then stop before diminishing returns.
Must-Try Dishes: Al pastor taco, Carne asada taco, Gringas al pastor
Scores:
Value: 8.4 Service: 7.8 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.6 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A pastor-focused taqueria with the volume to prove day-to-day reliability.
Who should go: Taco people who want a focused pastor run
When to visit: Off-peak afternoons to avoid lines
What to order: Al pastor taco, carne asada taco, gringas al pastor
Insider tip: Order pastor two ways (taco + gringa) before adding extras.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited on Wyckoff Ave and toughest after 5pm—plan to walk a few blocks or come via subway.
Dress code: Casual—jeans, sneakers, and streetwear fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours—fine for solo dining or quick chats, not ideal for long conversations.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours; lines move steadily but form quickly.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes typical; off-peak afternoons can be close to no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Limited—cheese quesadillas and basic bean options, but this is a meat-first menu.
Vegan options: Very limited—possible to piece together beans, salsa, and tortillas, but not a dedicated option.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard; just avoid flour-based items like gringas.
Best For
Better for: Al pastor intensity, speed, and value—this is a pure taco run with serious volume and consistency.
Skip if: You want a relaxed sit-down meal, broad vegetarian options, or a quieter dining experience.