Seemor
Taqueria 86B+Worth Trying
210 W 94th St, New York, NY 10025
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (425 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Lively UWS taqueria with standout tacos, strong margaritas, and friendly, fast service; pricing and portions polarize, with burritos called small by some.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Taqueria 86 delivers solid neighborhood taqueria performance with excellent taco execution—birria, al pastor, and fish tacos earn consistent praise—and attentive, fast service that keeps the casual vibe moving. However, consistency dips with delivery burritos and portion concerns, and the comfortable but modest setting lacks destination appeal, preventing a higher grade. A reliable Upper West Side favorite that excels at its core taqueria mission.
Restaurant Summary
On a side street off Broadway, this spot feels warm and bustling without going full rowdy. Servers move quickly and check in often, and plates land fast. One diner summed it up: "Tacos arrived hot and juicy, and the margaritas hit the spot." The soccer nods from the 1986 World Cup add a fun neighborhood vibe, and lunch tends to be calmer before the evening crowd gets lively at the bar. Cooking leans classic Mexican taqueria—birria, al pastor, and fish tacos come up again and again—with just enough flair to keep things interesting. If you want a sit-down taqueria that still feels casual, this is a reliable bet. Pricing sits above counter shops, but many feel the quality justifies it, especially for tacos and desserts like the churro ice cream sandwich. Families do well here thanks to approachable staples like quesadillas, rice and beans, and mild tacos. One parent noted their picky kid cleared the plate, which says a lot. There is no explicit kids menu, but simple preparations and friendly staff make it an easy choice for a quick, relaxed meal.
At a Glance
- Juicy, flavorful tacos (birria, al pastor, fish) earn repeat visits
- Friendly, fast service with a cozy neighborhood vibe
- Portions for burritos and guacamole feel small for the price
- Noise and crowding can spike on weekends
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- 1986 World Cup theme
- Consistently good tacos on UWS
- Churro ice cream sandwich
What People Love
- Tacos that arrive hot and juicy
- Frozen and spicy margaritas mixed well
- Churro ice cream sandwich for dessert
- Staff that is welcoming and quick
Points of Concern
- Pricing is genuinely expensive ($16-21 for three tacos; $11-16 appetizers) which may surprise casual diners
- Burrito portions and ingredient distribution criticized by several diners
- Occasional service lapses and defensive management response reported by a few
- Review patterns show signs of polarization on value; portion expectations vary by diner
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$36-48 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Choose three-taco sets (al pastor, birria, fish) for reliable quality-to-price balance
- If ordering burritos or quesadillas, consider premium proteins (skirt steak or shrimp $19.95) for better perceived value
- Dessert share: Sandwich de Churros to cap the meal
Perfect For
- Weeknight taco cravings with cocktails
- Pre-park lunch near Central Park
- Casual dates at the bar
- Neighborhood meetups with friends
Location Insights
Area: Residential Upper West Side block near Broadway; casual neighborhood traffic with families, students, and locals.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic typical of UWS avenues and side streets.
Nearby: Near Central Park, Broadway retail, bars, and transit; good for pre-park stroll meals and casual drinks.
Upper West SideThe Upper West Side offers a diverse dining scene ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, catering to a community that values quality and variety. The atmosphere is generally family-friendly and sophisticated, with many establishments reflecting the neighborhood's cultural and intellectual vibe.
Lincoln SquareLincoln Square is known for its concentration of performing arts venues like Lincoln Center, attracting visitors and locals who enjoy arts and fine dining. The dining options here tend to be more upscale and cater to a crowd seeking refined culinary experiences.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday15:00–22:00
Tuesday15:00–22:00
Wednesday15:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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