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When I heard Enrique Olvera was opening a taqueria in Williamsburg I knew I had to try it. I loved it. Wish there was seating, but the place is small, the brisket tacos are the winner, we also tried their other flavors but brisket were our favorite by far! The pumpkin soup was also very interesting and tasteful as were all the sauces available in the sauce bar. This tacos are expensive but Olvera is a 2 Michelin star chef in Mexico, so in my opinion, worth it. The bathroom could be cleaner. Drinks were good.
I consider myself a bit of a taco aficionado and I don't know why but I didn't have high hopes for this place. When I walk by something gives me frat party vibes. Came here with a friend and ordered the only vegetarian taco option which was hongos. And OMG they were amazing and I'm still thinking about them. Guac and chips also good, and salsa verde is flavorful. I noticed that they are unusually heavy handed with raw onions, didn't bother me but my husband hates onions so I noticed.
I went to Esse taco right before a concert. I ordered myself the pork loin al pastor taco. The service was great and pretty quick. The ambiance is laidback and it has a nice aesthetic vibe. My taco had so much flavor it was superb. I like that they have additional toppings on the side like adding more salsa to your taco and hot peppers. This is a really good taco restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn. 10/10 recommendation.
Super casual drop in vibes! There's a lot of standing room inside to eat your tacos as well as a few sitting areas outside I ordered the chicken "poc chuc" and the rib eye steak. I was pleasantly surprised by the chicken taco and I really enjoyed it because the chicken was super moist and it had a lot of juices. I loved the picked red onions The rib eye steak, not sure if it's worth the $7 price tag. They have one piece of steak, the size of the tortilla but the cut of the steak was thin. I wish it was a thicker cut or cubes so there's a texture contrast. I did like the green onions that they added on top but they might have added a little too much because that was the majority of the flavor profile when I was eating it. Would've liked the flavor of the steak to pull through a bit more
Really incredible. I got to try Enrique Olvera's tortillas when I was in Mexico City years ago at Pujol and he really brought his all to this place. The tortillas here are just as excellent as I remember. The meat could not be more juicy and the salsa selection was fantastic. Highly suggest grabbing as many of the roasted peppers as possible from the salsa station! I grew up in LA so I'm a Mexican food snob--this is easily the best tacos I've had in the city. Do with that what you will!
Cute casual taco spot in Williamsburg right off the L that always seems to be busy- and for good reason! Delish tacos- the brisket and al pastor were both super flavorful and filling. Also tried the horchata, very refreshing! Plenty of standing tables to chow your tacos down right there, or opt for takeout!
Tasty tacos in a casual, quick setting I've been to Esse a few times--it's a great casual taco spot right on Bedford, just a short walk from the L train. It's a quick, no-fuss kind of place where you order via iPads or directly from the staff, and your food is ready within minutes. There's no formal seating, but they have standing room at barrel-style tables both inside and outside. In warmer weather, they open up the space for a nice indoor/outdoor vibe. The menu is fairly limited, but what they do, they do well. I've tried the Pork Adobo and the Oyster Mushroom tacos, both on corn tortillas (a solid gluten-free option). The tacos are generously filled--two is usually plenty. The pork is crispy and flavorful, and the mushroom taco is a favorite for any mushroom lover. Their guac and chips are fresh and tasty, though the margarita if fine and on the small side. Overall, a great go-to for casual tacos and quick bites in the neighborhood.
Esse Taco is doing something right, because that ribeye steak taco? Unreal. Juicy, flavorful, borderline addictive. I'd go back for that alone. Also had the meringue sundae--crunchy bits in ice cream are my weakness, and this one hit the spot. There's no seating, so don't come expecting a long, leisurely meal. It's more of a stand-and-mingle kind of place, which honestly works with the high energy and social vibe they've got going. The staff is super friendly, which makes the whole experience even better. Not the cheapest taco joint in town, but if you're taco-hopping or just need a quick bite that doesn't disappoint, Esse Taco is worth the stop.
Located in Brooklyn, this taco joint is a casual spot with metallic standing tables for you to eat at. Definitely a quick bite kind of spot as there is no seating. You can order at the counter or a kiosk and your name is called once the tacos are ready. I got the sampler plate with the steak, chicken, pork, and mushroom tacos. After your name is called, there are also a variety of sauces and toppings you can grab to enjoy with your tacos. I'm not sure what it's called but the green sauce that I got was SO good with the tacos. My personal favorite was the pork one with the chicken being a close second. Loved all the toppings and it was amazing.
Easily one of my top 5 taco spots in NY. I tried the brisket and the adobado. You can totally taste the delicious fat from the beef on the brisket which was amazing. For the adobado what sets it apart from other spots is the pineapple butter which ensures you get a bit of pineapple in every bite. Definitely coming back to try more!!
It's trying to give those CDMX/Orinoco vibes we all love that propelled Los Tacos to fame, but it's not quite succeeding. The metallic tables suggest a casual ambiance, but the automatic ordering and location right on Bedford come across as corporate. The oyster mushroom tacos had a very singular flavor, and the salsa verde did not taste fresh.
Do you know how invigorating it is to find honest-to-god, genuinely great tacos in New York City? Esse Taco brought me to life. My husband and I came here last night for a bite, and the food was so good, it had me dancing. I've said this before and I'll keep saying it again: the humble street taco is the best of its kind. Don't let the fancy versions at fancy restaurants with its fanciful iterations fool you. The best tacos are pared down to its essential yet quality ingredients, from the meat to the tortilla, even down to the onions scattered on top. Every element in the tacos from Esse was superb. The meat perfectly seasoned and seared. The corn tortilla, sturdy, holding all the toppings and salsas strongly together, folding easily without tearing. The onions pungent yet sweet. We also ordered the churro for dessert, which was the best textured churro we've ever had. While the exterior was incredibly crispy, the interior was so delicate and custardy. To have two polar opposite textures executed well together is impressive! Just writing this review has my mouth watering. If Esse opened a shop in my neighborhood, I'd spend all my money there. read more
Stopped by for a little snack and ended up trying the brisket, ribeye and ny strip. Each one was delicious, but the brisket was EPIC. It was so tender and maaaaan I could've downed 5 without a single breath. So I guess, come for the Wagyu, stay for the brisket? Don't miss the salsa! Also ended up trying the churro as well... no regrets. Service was minimal, you order your own food at the screen and they call out your name for pick up. Not really much of an ambiance, no seating. What they lack there, the brisket makes up for over and over. read more
When I heard Enrique Olvera was opening a taqueria in Williamsburg I knew I had to try it. I loved it. Wish there was seating, but the place is small, the brisket tacos are the winner, we also tried their other flavors but brisket were our favorite by far! The pumpkin soup was also very interesting and tasteful as were all the sauces available in the sauce bar. This tacos are expensive but Olvera is a 2 Michelin star chef in Mexico, so in my opinion, worth it. The bathroom could be cleaner. Drinks were good. read more
I consider myself a bit of a taco aficionado and I don't know why but I didn't have high hopes for this place. When I walk by something gives me frat party vibes. Came here with a friend and ordered the only vegetarian taco option which was hongos. And OMG they were amazing and I'm still thinking about them. Guac and chips also good, and salsa verde is flavorful. I noticed that they are unusually heavy handed with raw onions, didn't bother me but my husband hates onions so I noticed. read more
I went to Esse taco right before a concert. I ordered myself the pork loin al pastor taco. The service was great and pretty quick. The ambiance is laidback and it has a nice aesthetic vibe. My taco had so much flavor it was superb. I like that they have additional toppings on the side like adding more salsa to your taco and hot peppers. This is a really good taco restaurant in Williamsburg Brooklyn. 10/10 recommendation. read more
Super casual drop in vibes! There's a lot of standing room inside to eat your tacos as well as a few sitting areas outside I ordered the chicken "poc chuc" and the rib eye steak. I was pleasantly surprised by the chicken taco and I really enjoyed it because the chicken was super moist and it had a lot of juices. I loved the picked red onions The rib eye steak, not sure if it's worth the $7 price tag. They have one piece of steak, the size of the tortilla but the cut of the steak was thin. I wish it was a thicker cut or cubes so there's a texture contrast. I did like the green onions that they added on top but they might have added a little too much because that was the majority of the flavor profile when I was eating it. Would've liked the flavor of the steak to pull through a bit more read more
9 months ago
Really incredible. I got to try Enrique Olvera's tortillas when I was in Mexico City years ago at Pujol and he really brought his all to this place. The tortillas here are just as excellent as I remember. The meat could not be more juicy and the salsa selection was fantastic. Highly suggest grabbing as many of the roasted peppers as possible from the salsa station! I grew up in LA so I'm a Mexican food snob--this is easily the best tacos I've had in the city. Do with that what you will! read more
11 months ago
Cute casual taco spot in Williamsburg right off the L that always seems to be busy- and for good reason! Delish tacos- the brisket and al pastor were both super flavorful and filling. Also tried the horchata, very refreshing! Plenty of standing tables to chow your tacos down right there, or opt for takeout! read more
Tasty tacos in a casual, quick setting I've been to Esse a few times--it's a great casual taco spot right on Bedford, just a short walk from the L train. It's a quick, no-fuss kind of place where you order via iPads or directly from the staff, and your food is ready within minutes. There's no formal seating, but they have standing room at barrel-style tables both inside and outside. In warmer weather, they open up the space for a nice indoor/outdoor vibe. The menu is fairly limited, but what they do, they do well. I've tried the Pork Adobo and the Oyster Mushroom tacos, both on corn tortillas (a solid gluten-free option). The tacos are generously filled--two is usually plenty. The pork is crispy and flavorful, and the mushroom taco is a favorite for any mushroom lover. Their guac and chips are fresh and tasty, though the margarita if fine and on the small side. Overall, a great go-to for casual tacos and quick bites in the neighborhood. read more
1 year ago
Esse Taco is doing something right, because that ribeye steak taco? Unreal. Juicy, flavorful, borderline addictive. I'd go back for that alone. Also had the meringue sundae--crunchy bits in ice cream are my weakness, and this one hit the spot. There's no seating, so don't come expecting a long, leisurely meal. It's more of a stand-and-mingle kind of place, which honestly works with the high energy and social vibe they've got going. The staff is super friendly, which makes the whole experience even better. Not the cheapest taco joint in town, but if you're taco-hopping or just need a quick bite that doesn't disappoint, Esse Taco is worth the stop. read more
Located in Brooklyn, this taco joint is a casual spot with metallic standing tables for you to eat at. Definitely a quick bite kind of spot as there is no seating. You can order at the counter or a kiosk and your name is called once the tacos are ready. I got the sampler plate with the steak, chicken, pork, and mushroom tacos. After your name is called, there are also a variety of sauces and toppings you can grab to enjoy with your tacos. I'm not sure what it's called but the green sauce that I got was SO good with the tacos. My personal favorite was the pork one with the chicken being a close second. Loved all the toppings and it was amazing. read more
Easily one of my top 5 taco spots in NY. I tried the brisket and the adobado. You can totally taste the delicious fat from the beef on the brisket which was amazing. For the adobado what sets it apart from other spots is the pineapple butter which ensures you get a bit of pineapple in every bite. Definitely coming back to try more!! read more
It's trying to give those CDMX/Orinoco vibes we all love that propelled Los Tacos to fame, but it's not quite succeeding. The metallic tables suggest a casual ambiance, but the automatic ordering and location right on Bedford come across as corporate. The oyster mushroom tacos had a very singular flavor, and the salsa verde did not taste fresh. read more
I expect something incredible for a $6, and I still think Esse Taco is worth it! Standout for me was their pork tacos. Genuinely confused how Esse Taco is rated lower than most Los Tacos No 1, when most of the tacos are the same price. Their tacos can run out so go on a weekday - it will be less busy too! read more
Solid taco spot! I thought the flavors were really present and addicting. I loved the brisket the most and kept wanting more. I do think it's a quite pricey for a singular taco but it was still an enjoyable experience. Their tacos only come with 1 tortilla instead of 2 as well which I don't quite know why. Otherwise, this is a great spot to enjoy some tacos! read more
4 months ago
I'm plant-based and ordered the mushroom taco... and when I tell you I was NOT prepared I have never had a mushroom taco taste that good in my life. The flavor?? Insane. Perfectly seasoned, everything. I literally had to order a second one because there was no way I was stopping at one. So, so delicious. I'm 100% going back. Huge shoutout to the chef and the entire team for killing it and Valerie at the register is the sweetest ever. Amazing customer service and even better food. 10/10 read more
Amazing tacos!! Probably some of the best in the city and the place was pretty vibey. No where to sit so you're standing but it's a cool spot in Williamsburg so I didn't mind the stand. The only reason I won't go back is the price. The brisket taco was $14. It tasted great but not at that price. Would recommend tho! read more
After about 5 minutes, my friend and I's orders were ready. The Quesadilla had the meltiest cheese. It was thin and small, but it was just what I needed. The Ribeye Steak Taco had the juiciest beef I've had in a taco. It was simple but good. This spot was busy but wasn't too loud or crowded. read more
I love their selection of tacos!! Most taco places you would see chicken, pork and beef and even fish. Esse taco has ribeye steak and wagyu beef!! I have never tried it lol but next time I absolutely want to try them. I got the pork and the chicken and I love them!! I just wish they added little more onions and cilantro and less oil. They do have searing areas outside on both sides of the store and a couple standing tables I guess but u have always corn to go. It's a self service like just place the order and they call you!! The prep time or the wait is pretty fast. I love the space and vibe!! Thank you! read more
Being from SoCal, I'm always looking for a great taco spot in the city that can remind me home. Esse Taco was definitely one of the better options, but still doesn't beat Los Tacos No 1. We tried the chicken, ribeye steak, and pork adobo tacos -- all were well portion sized and fairly fresh although the flavor of the chicken was on the bland side. Overall the tacos were decent but a bit overpriced for what they were. All that said, I'd definitely come back to Esse Taco if I was already in the area and hungry. However, I don't think I'll be going out of my way for it anytime soon. read more
2 years ago
I'm not a taco aficionado by any means, but I think this spot is a solid 4 and worth checking out if you're in the area and hungry. I think a lot of the more negative reviews were around the ribeye taco and it seems like they've made changes. I actually think these tacos are more flavorful than Los Tacos No. 1. Ambiance / Additional Details: very casual. I got my tacos to go. Literally no physical seats. There are barrels to eat around and in nice weather the windows fully retract, which is nice. You order at the front. There are a few different sauces you can grab for free with varying spice levels. Food: as expected, the tacos are quite small. I got 3 plus chips & gauc and it was a good amount of food. I ordered the: Chicken, Ribeye Steak, & Pork. I actually enjoyed all 3, but felt the pork was the most flavorful and had the most tender meat. I also did the flour tortilla option for the pork and preferred this over corn (softer texture). I also got the Guacamole & Totopos (chips). Guac needed a little salt, but overall it was good. read more
Came to Esse Taco around 1pm on Saturday and was able to order right away. We ordered 2 ribeye steak and 2 al pastor tacos (one normal and one make it a gringa) on a kiosks. Grina costs an additional dollar by making the taco with flour tortilla and chihuahua cheese. I think the cheese overpowered the meat taste a bit. Ribeye steak ($5.95) included sliced steak, jardin, and salsa guacachile. Oddly enough it reminded me of pho when adding lemon. Haha. Pork Loin "Al Pastor" ($4.95) includes sliced pork loin, pineapple butter, Jardin, salsa verde cruda. This was interesting because traditionally it would have a pineapple slice rather than pineapple butter. Overall taste was just okay. You stand and eat on barrel tables. There is handwashing station, as well as a unisex bathroom. I noticed that staff cleans the barrel surface after someone uses it if it's not too busy. read more
Im not a fan of tacos or Mexican food in NYC but a friend said I had to try these tacos and yes, they were delish! I came on a Saturday and there was a long line but they move fast. This is a very casual dining experience,standing room dining, not even chairs. The menu is limited focusing on 4 main tacos. You self order at the kiosk and wait for your food. The tacos were great, I love that they are 100% traditional. $5+ is steep for one taco but it was delish read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Disclaimer: Vegetarian Taco Review Came here on a Thursday evening with 3 friends and we only waited about 10 mins to order and got our food within 10 mins. It's nice that they have a self order/check out system. I ordered the mushroom tacos (the only vegetarian taco option). They were just ok, not very flavorful on it's own - you have to literally drench it in salsa to eat it. My other friends preferred Esse over Taqueria Ramirez in case that's helpful for anyone but both places in my opinion have very bland/subpar vegetarian taco options. This place generally has a line that wraps around the building - if you're vegetarian, this place is not really worth the wait. read more
Been wanting to try this since they opened. Finally managed to drop by for some tacos 1. Steak taco: thin slice, it was alright. Not the best I've had. 2. Pork: pretty good with the pineapple. A bit too oily. But still good Would come back for that corn husk ice cream. Had the original dessert at Cosme and it blew me away. Overall, not the best taco but pretty good (since there aren't that many amazing street taco joints in NY) Vibe was really cool and tacos came super quick read more
2 years ago
I was walking by and heard them blasting bad bunny so it made me turn and look at their restaurant so I decided to try it. My daughter got a chicken taco and I got a pork adosado. I reallyyyy enjoyed the pork one. It was juicy and flavorful! I added some salsa verde on top and squeezed some lime on it and aww man. She added some of the red sauce on her taco and she really enjoyed it as well. Just an FYI, The chicken is not cut up and is served like a cutlet. The place itself is a small but cute spot. They have barrels where you can stand and eat. It's a very eat and keep it moving type of place which I don't mind at all. There is kiosk where you order independently. I like that because you can ensure you're ordering the correct items. I would recommend this place and I look forward to trying their other menu items. read more
Incredible experience. Every Taco on the menu is mouthwatering and hence the reason this location consistently has a line out the door. Another great addition to Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Casual vibes, however a super spot to eat and chill. read more
It's aight, presentation wise it looks good. I agree with others I didn't like how they put just a slab of meat. If I have to choose I like the ribeye better than the Al pastor. Skip the pineapple drink. I went to taco Ramirez after and I liked it much better! read more
4 months ago
Food is 10/10 !! Authentic to the bone. Music is amazing, drinks are on point, atmosphere uplifts your mood as soon as you walk in. Felt like I was taking a bite of my moms backyard tacos. Service is great. Would comeback and recommend to anyone's visiting the area!! read more
This place is amazing! Solidly in my rotation for every time I'm craving tacos and a lil something sweet. I always get todos los tacos with corn tortillas plus the corn husk meringue sundae. The tacos are so mouthwatering! My favorites are the pork and the mushroom. I also love how streamlined the place is. You order on kiosks and your order is ready quickly. You stand and eat. There's a cute handwashing station for before and after. Everything feels clean. Also love that it's in a cute part of north Williamsburg and not in midtown Manhattan where similar tier taco joints are more crowded, touristy, and expensive. Will be coming back soon! read more
Packed on a Saturday but they were super efficient. You order at the screen. No seats inside. Tables are these metal barrels. Hand wash station at the end. Food was also delicious. I ordered a little of everything and it was satisfying. I would def come back. read more
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2 years ago
Esse Taco - tacos - Updated June 2026
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