There are literally hundreds of places to score tacos in NYC—from lowbrow to high—but for this writer's money, it's all about Otto's Tacos, which is opening up their second outpost in the West Village.
The opening is will-timed to just about coincide with the one year anniversary of the original, which brought a taste of California's taco bravado to the East Coast. The expansion should please both New Yorkers and ex-Cali folk alike, as owner Otto Cedeno has already been given the West Coast stamp of approval. "It's one of the best compliments we can get," Cedeno gushes. "Truthfully, we love it when any of our guests give us any encouraging feedback. But the palette of a Californian when it comes to tacos is a pretty sophisticated one. We're always happy when we pass their test."
Like the original, the new shop will be on the small side, geared to the on-the-go meal and takeout. The few tables inside overlook a cool mural by artists David Brown plus wood paneling that echoes the other location. Cedeno isn't going to change up the food at the new spot, serving the same menu as its East Village sister. That includes succulent carnitas and shrimp tacos nestled in corn tortillas made on the spot, a huge difference from any place employing the packaged variety. It also lets them play around and create things like the Masa Fries, the strange but addictive twist on potato french fries.
"We are always trying new combinations with seasonal ingredients and traditional favorites alike," Cedeno tells us. "For example, recently we revamped our mushroom taco to become completely vegan—and I think, even more delicious. We are also planning on store-specific seasonal taco offerings in months to come." Previously, the shop has tried out things like Buffalo Chicken and other hybrid-type tacos.
One thing you probably won't see in the near future are breakfast tacos. "While we believe tacos are definitely great every meal of every day, we currently do not have plans for a breakfast taco," Cedeno says. "Although Chef Joe LoNigro does make an amazing egg and chorizo taco. I'd never say, never. Ever."
131 Seventh Avenue South, (646) 657-0646; website
