The last time we went to Empellon Taqueria was few years ago, for brunch, where we had an amazing churro French toast. So, as we were celebrating for a second time Jodi's birthday, we decided to go there for dinner. We went on a Friday and the place was packed. I have to say that I love the colorful decor of that place and the setting of the dining room that has some warmth to it, but like less the noise level for dinner that was very loud and not really suited for a romantic dinner...

As we sat at one of the high tables in the middle of the room, I noticed the bottle of Patron tequila and the shot glasses that you can purchase, unless like me you go for one of their cocktails. I chose the Upper Old Fashioned, a drink made with El Mayor Añejo, Leopold Bros. Coffee Liqueur, demerara (sugar) and bitters. It was very good and not too strong.

Upper Old Fashioned cocktail at Empellon Taqueria in NYC, NY

For appetizers, we went of course for guacamole that was also served with salsa roja and a smoked cashew sauce. It was quite good, freshly made with some chunks of avocado.

Guacamole and chips at Empellon Taqueria in NYC, NY

The second appetizer was melted cheese with black trumpets and guaje seeds. It came with some tortilla. It is the perfect dish if you like cheese or mushrooms. Very good, it fills you up fairly quickly.

Next were tacos. Jodi went for the mixed mushrooms with Pasilla chile:

Mushroom tacos at Mixed Mushrooms with Pasilla Chile

I chose the fish Tempura tacos

And the lamb barbacoa tacos

I loved these tacos (three were sufficient for me) and my favorite was the fish tacos that I thought at first, looking at it, would be dry: it was not the case at all as it sat on a lime mayonnaise and some cabbage, adding some more crispiness to the whole dish. The fish was perfectly cooked, all the way through, and moist. The lamb tacos were also delicious, very tasty and I loved the addition of the cucumber that gave more texture and a bit of crunch to it. The mushroom tacos were good, but not as much as the others.

Last was dessert. I admit that I was a bit disappointed as there were only two choices and no churros that are my favorite when it comes to Mexican desserts. So we ended up with their chocolate flan that was served with a cinnamon ice cream. I loved it: it had a perfect texture and was not too chocolatey, the cinnamon of the ice cream pairing well with the chocolate.

Chocolate flan at Empellon Taqueria in NYC, NY

I liked our dinner at Empellon Taqueria and it would have been perfect if the music and noise level was not so loud. Their food is very good, focussing on small plates to share. It is definitely a great spot for Mexican food and I would surely go back there!

Enjoy (I did)!

If you like this post, the photos or the blog, please feel free to share it or post a comment. Merci!

Empellon Taqueria - 230 West 4th Street, New York, NY 10014

I Just Want To Eat!