3 Best: The Big City’s Top Tacos

After long, hot days under the Manhattan sun, our stomachs scream for the perfect summer meal. Sometimes, instead of the requisite BBQ fare, the only thing that quite satisfies our hunger is some good, classic Mexican tacos. And even though Chipotle, Moe's, and Qdoba seem to occupy almost every city street, we know those definitely don't cut it for those of you like us who are taco obsessed. To save you time on Yelp!, we did the dirty work and created this little cheat-sheet so you can go fill up on the three best tacos we could find, faster than you can say muy sabroso.

The Loading Dock—This place is definitely worth checking out if you like Mexican food or not. It's actually a super-slick art gallery, with an old-school taco truck attached, serving up some of la comida mexicana around. Who would pass up the chance to eye their selection of hip, new-age art while chowing down on their beer-battered or grilled fish tacos ($5) seasoned to perfection with lime, cilantro, and crema mexicana? Umm, we sure wouldn't.
170 Tillary Street (between Flatbush Avenue and Gold Street); 646-355-7518

Toloache—Named for a flowering plant used in love potions, this Mexican bistro will have you saying te quiero! Peep the classy décor, with walls decked in hand-painted tiles and silver lanterns hanging from the ceiling, before sampling some seriously tasty food. We die for the guacamole and ceviche bar, but the real draw is the De Pastor taco, with guajillo-marinated pork, grilled pineapple, and chile de arbol salsa. And top off dos tacos with some margaritas ($10-$22). Are you there yet?!
251 West 50th Street (between 7th and 8th avenues); 212-581-1818

Tacos El Idolo—Sure, there's a line, but sometimes the best things in life are worth the wait. You'll be elbowing for space with some serious Mexican foodies, all of whom are in line for the mouth-watering tortas, quesadillas, and soft tortilla tacos. We recommend the taco arabe ($3), an Arabian taco filled with spicy pork and lime. Once you've downed your share of the grub, we know you'll be back for seconds.
Tacos El Idolo, West 14th Street (at Eighth Avenue); no phone.

R29 DEAL:
You already know we love the Loading Dock. Now, we're letting you in on the load, err, love. All week, they're offering our readers two-for-one carnitas (slow-cooked pork shoulder) tacos. We recommend gettin' in on this deal this weekend at their famous brunches (11 a.m.-4 p.m.). Just mention Refinery29 when you order.