We visited NYNY in July for the Bon Jovi concert and spent the following Saturday on Governors Island with friends from Long Island. The island was lively, with several events happening at once, which made the day even more enjoyable. When it was time to eat, we headed to Six Coasts, but they were booked for a private event. The hostess was incredibly kind and recommended Taco Vista instead. We're so glad she did. Taco Vista had a fun, relaxed, beachy Mexican vibe. They were smoking different types of seafood over an outdoor fire pit for a private event later that evening, and the aroma and activity added a great atmosphere to the place. We tried a variety of foods, and everything was delicious. We also sampled a few drinks -- the frozen margarita machine was down, so we went with regular margaritas. They were strong, refreshing, and we definitely enjoyed more than a few. The timing between ordering and picking up our food was perfect. It gave us just enough time to enjoy a drink, swap stories with friends, and take in the surroundings without feeling rushed. The seating is rustic, with shared tables and picnic benches, but it fits the laid‑back ambiance perfectly and adds to the charm of the experience. Next time I'm in NYNY, I hope I can make it back to Taco Vista. Thank you to the staff for helping make our first visit to NYNY such a great time. read more

Ehhh. Mixed feelings about this. Menu isn't all that. Everything is very pricey. No kids menu. Service was a bit confusing. The views thought are great. It's great for kids very spacious. A bit confusing to get to thru the map. Also if you've got a stroller they've got another entrance in the back instead of the pier side. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I came here for a work event and I will say they worked very well and were very organized. When we got to the space it was already set up and everything was perfect. I had the burrito and I didn't really like it. Everyone loved their food so I was just me. The employees were great and as I said everything went smoothly. read more

Taco Vista - Burrito - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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Great little taco spot on Governors Island. The nachos were really good and the jalapeños gave it a good kick. My beef my steak tacos were also really, really good, and I had a piña colada, which tasted more like a painkiller, but it was still very flavorful and I enjoyed it on a hot summer day. The food comes out really really fast and it taste very fresh. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Absolutely loved Taco Vista. The service was great. We all loved the beach theme and sand as well as the view of the water and the NYC skyscrapers. We will definitely be back when we visit Governors Island. Drink were also very strong with is a plus. read more

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Came here before heading over to the spa, managed to get there before it got really busy. We ordered the fish sandwich and the chicken quesadilla. The chicken quesadilla was so small for the price and saw orders tacos looked similarly sized. However! That fish sandwich was killer. Yes it's served on a hot dog but but they throw it on the grill and it manages to stay together even though the piece of fish and toppings dwarf it. The batter reminded me of fish tacos in LA. Ignore the regular fare, get the fish sandwich! read more

Taco Vista - Fish Sandwich - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

This location used to be home to Gitano a Tulum inspired restaurant, but it's now TacoVista. While the place has potential, my overall experience was underwhelming. The furniture and tables could definitely use a refresh, and the sand surrounding the area would benefit from a good sweep. As for the food it looked appetizing, but unfortunately, the flavor just didn't match the presentation. The best thing I had that day was actually a side of fries. On a brighter note, the margaritas were pretty good and probably the highlight of my visit. read more

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Such a fun summer spot!!! Beach vibes with sand and lounge chairs, loud music, and good food. It was hot and I was craving a frozen beverage soooo bad. What better option that a frozen margarita!! They had a watermelon marg which was their regular frozen marg with a watermelon juice floater. This watermelon juice was incredible. Although I do love some artificial watermelon flavor, this one was real juiced watermelon!!! So light and flavorful, mixed with the lime margarita that was tart and smooth. I could've drank a whole pitcher myself. For food I tried the nachos with pork and these were pretty good. Perfect balance of all ingredients including the chips, so nothing was overpowering anything else. I thought the pork was cooked well and all the other ingredients tasted incredibly fresh! read more

Taco Vista - Pork Nachos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I can't really speak for the food but the frozen margaritas were great! Loved that they were still strong and good consistency of frozen. Not too watery and stayed frozen. The area is so cute and there are nice little benches and couches. Super cute! read more

Taco Vista - Frozen margaritas - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Pretty good tacos on governors island! I got the fish taco, guacamole and chips, and hibiscus agua fresa. The fish taco was seasoned well and a good portion. The guacamole was nice too, creamy and not too spicy, and chips were crispy and a large size. The hibiscus agua fresa was refreshing and tart on a hot day. I also liked that there was plenty of seating. Will definitely go back there again when on the island. read more

Taco Vista - Fish tacos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

A fun spot for Mexican eats on Governers Island -- a little pricey all things considered... but the outdoor seating, water views, quick service all solid. The Fish Tacos were solid, I especially loved the slaw. The Mushroom Quesadilla was also great! read more

Taco Vista - Fish Tacos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Guacamole and chips were good. Great view and staff were quick. There are seating area and its by the port for the ferry. read more

Taco Vista - Quesadilla, chips and guacamole, and beer - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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This was our second/last stop on Governor's Island after a day at the spa. Great location overlooking the water. The person who took our order was very friendly and even gave me my margarita for free because it was my birthday! And although she still got our drinks on the rocks versus frozen like we asked they were very good. I got the regular margarita and my sister got the watermelon, and honestly the regular tasted the best. The steak tacos were delicious and the portion of steak was very generous. The guac was also tasty with the chips. I would come back here again as the location is very chill, the service friendly, and the turn around on the food was pretty quick. read more

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Great spot to start your Governors Island day. The chips & guac are a great starter. Guacamole had flavor, chips were fresh! For drinks, you are better off ordering your frozen margaritas individually. Pitcher of frozen watermelon was $40, about 3.5 glasses in it, individually they are $10 each. Not the best deal. But very tasty! All outside seating, little coverage from the sun or elements. No bathrooms! read more

Taco Vista - Chips & guacamole - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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They have food items we didn't try, but the chips and salsa and chips with guacamole were good. The service was good; nothing special because you order at the counter and pick your food up there. Pleasant people. The food was a little pricey, but I'm guessing that's expected because of the location. It seemed to be completely outside, so rain might be an issue. Seating is along the river, so the views of the city were awesome. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I work on GI and have eaten here twice now. However my second time was the first time I tried their tacos. My initial visit I wasn't super hungry and just got some fries. Diego suggested I try their fish tacos after I asked him what his favorite protein was. When I asked what type of fish they use and he said tilapia, I was sold. I think tilapia is a great fish for tacos, fried or grilled. Anyway, I got the meal deal that comes as a perk of my job, 2 tacos, fries and a soda. I only waited about 6-7 minutes. When I got back to the office, I realized the tacos were huge and the pieces of fish inside were also very large. Love that. I didn't get a great picture because I was hungry so you'll just have to trust me on that. The fries taste exactly like McDonald's. But better. And without the guilt. . The tacos were great. The fish was battered nicely and seasoned perfectly in my opinion to where the other components weren't overshadowed. The guac was nice and fresh, super tangy, the cabbage and the pico added great texture and the sauce they poured on top was super tasty. I have no complaints other than I wish it was a corn tortilla, I think it might have been flour. I can't speak for their other proteins but the fish taco is a must try. read more

Taco Vista - Fish Taco (tilapia) - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

I have to admit I got caught up with the atmosphere. Something about eating outdoors in NY sways me I think because we can only do so for a short periods of time per year. Anyway, the views are spectacular, the picnic style tables are along the river and the weather was balmy and not too hot. Very enjoyable day to act like a tourist in my own city and chill and have some good food. Summer vibes on every level , what caught my eyes right as I entered was the outdoor open kitchen with 8 Mexican chefs ,all dressed in gleaming white uniforms - I salivated at the just the mere thought of chomping into some very authentic tacos. The scent of food wafting over was heavenly. I looked at orders coming ahead of mine and they were esthetically pleasing. I decided to get myself steak tacos and quesadilla for my kid. Food came out in under 10 mins. Fresh tasting buy oooh lacking flavor. My steak didn't even have salt. Thank goodness for the bottles of El Yucateco hot sauces available ( they had every variety) . I wasn't looking for heat but salt and perhaps some steak seasonings. I was sad. It honestly disappointed me. My original plan was to have some tacos, then get a drink (the margaritas were calling me). But after dropping $15 on 2 tacos I didn't want to pay to be disappointed again. My kid's quesadillas was off the kid menu - $6 so it was the size of a taco as well. Not the larger tortilla size. Service was friendly , this is basically a self serve joint. Order at one end and pickup at the outdoor kitchen, clean up your tray after. No alcoholic drinks can leave the premises- so no walking around the island sipping margs. read more

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Will be back soon. Loved the ambiance. We ordered the fish taco, the mushroom quesadilla, and chips & guac, and they were all tasty. The chips were on the hard side and the guac has a nice spicy kick to it. Taco Vista is located right by the ferry entrance which makes it super convenient. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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I went to Governor's Island ready to splurge-- on both spa time at QC Spa and overpriced entrees at the bougie Gitano, the beach lounge just up the way. They happened to be closed, so they sent me to Taco Vista, their casual sister eatery. Their slushie machine produced a serviceable frozen marg, and just a few minutes after ordering I was able to procure some fish tacos to be enjoyed on the waterfront. Neither were much to sing the praises of, but it's slim pickings on Governors Island, particularly on weekdays when the food trucks aren't out. The picnic benches overlook the city skyline, and its not a bad place to while away an afternoon. read more

It's very convenient, right by the ferry. We only have drinks, and leave after seeing the ferry emptied itself. The city view is great but once sitting down, is blocked by the black wire fence. read more

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Very mediocre tasting food, meh at best but you'll still be paying a lot of money since food options are limited on GI On the bright side, service is fast and the view is great read more

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Quick eats on the island? This is your spot! I added an extra star just for the margarita...it was a REALLY amazing and refreshing Margarita after 2.5 hours biking around on a 90 degree day. I ordered two tacos which, as other reviewers have mentioned, are fine. Best I've ever had? No no no. Fine? Yes. SO MESSY and I forgot napkins but was travelling solo so didn't want to get up and surrender my table and literally just lived in the mess looking around and hoping no one noticed? Also yes. The views are everything they're described as and worth a trip for drink just for that reason alone. The service was super quick which was helpful since I only had 25 minutes before I needed to catch the ferry. This would be absolutely ideal for a bachelorette party or group gathering, as the atmosphere is relaxing and there's lots of family style tables. Looking forward to stopping by again the next time I am on Governor's Island. read more

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Food: 1. Get the fish tacos 100% 2. Skip the pork tacos 3. Chicken quesadilla is fine, maybe ask for a spoon to scoop up the toppings cuz it gets messy 4. Didn't get the burritos but it looked good Seating: All outdoors by the water, it was sunny in may so it was nice but it can get kind of cold in the few shady spots. It was all Self service but the views were beautiful read more

Taco Vista - Fish tacos Al pastor tacos Chicken quesadilla - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

$10 margaritas. can't beat the view you need to take a $5 ferry to get here. don't buy from scammers on the street. buy at the terminal read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

To start off, the service was ok but a few minutes or so after putting in our order, our food was ready. Except they didn't page us on the buzzer they gave us. My partner noticed that it was sitting out on the pickup table for several minutes and we weren't sure if it was ours. when I walked over to confirm whether or not that was our order they buzzed us. The food itself was food. It was sustenance and lacking in anything that made it stand out the pork burrito tasted like it came out of a microwave and the fries were like the fries you get at the bottom of a bag: tiny and numerous. And every square inch was covered with salt. Overall, if you need something filling, this place is ok. And the view of the skyline is great. But prepare yourself for bland food and untimely service. read more

Taco Vista - Tiny fries - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

Was there on Sunday with some friends and we ordered a watermelon margarita , sad to say it was the worse margarita I ever had :( the closest this to watermelon was the color , but it tasted like pure lime and ice that's about it . They charged us a ridiculous amount for a pitcher and all we got was frozen punk ice with lime . read more

As soon as you arrive to governors island this spot is to the left. The service is quick. The beer selection is good. Great view of Manhattan! The burger has a nice grilled flavor. The homemade guacamole was refreshing and the fries were fun. Zen was very understanding and he made sure that our order was correctly received. Great staff. Would definitely stop by again. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

My boyfriend and I had a wonderful meal here today. He enjoyed his tacos which had Carnitas with a red mole sauce. I enjoyed my cheeseburger as well. I found the prices here to be more reasonable than most of the other options on the island. The view is probably better as well as this restaurant is right on the water. The location is also very close to the ferry which is highly convenient. read more

I'm having the mushroom burrito which is awesome! Joyce is having the carnitas rojo mole which is also awesome (the word she chose.)

Did a stop here after a long day of walking and riding at Governor's Island. I got a pork burrito and it was delicious as well as the chip and guac. Both were fresh! I got the watermelon marg and it was a refreshing way to end the day. This place is right next to the ferry that takes you to lower Manhattan and the seating gives you a nice view of the city skyline. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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After checking out all the food truck options near the mini golf, we decided to grab some tacos here. But we were slightly disappointed. The tacos were too salty and weren't satisfying. The lavender drink was tasty, but it was too expensive for the size ($16). I guess you can come here for the view...but it is an island so you can pretty much get the same view anywhere. read more

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We were staying in the island and decided to bike around. We came across this place and decided to try it out. There wasn't a long line so it was quick to order and to get our food. Ordered a margarita and carnita mole tacos. Both were good and tasty. I liked it but I did not love it. Probably because I have tried better tacos. I would order it again though. At least I have a go to place whenever I decide to go back to the island. Love that we were eating our food with a nice view! The only reason why I put 4 stars was because it didn't seem that they wipe down their tables after each use. read more

Taco Vista - carnitas mole tacos - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

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As the name implies, this place has lovely views across the water and is right by the ferry terminal. The service was a bit lack-luster, but that's to be expected when your customers come in waves that coincide with the ferry arrivals. I'd go back for the views, but they do need to do something about the bees. It felt very unsafe for anyone with an allergy. read more

*3.5 stars* I ordered a chicken burrito and a canned water which cost me around $18, which I honestly thought was too pricey for the location, but there was not too many other options to eat out on the island. My burrito was good, though it was drizzled with sour cream on top making it hard for me to eat with my hands without making a mess. My friends got nachos which they enjoyed and fish tacos which they said were okay. The view was alright. Pretty good place, but again not much to compare it to, since there are not many other ones. Would come again! read more

The view is gorgeous, but the tacos are dreadful. I wanted to try the seared tuna tacos based on the photos here, but instead of a beautiful rosy sashimi quality piece of fish, what I got was pale and overcooked. Everything was ice cold, as if even the tortillas had just come out of a freezer. Next time I would just get a drink and enjoy the location. read more

Taco Vista - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

After spending the day exploring the island we stopped at Taco Vista for a scenic lunch. The views are absolutely beautiful and the food was pretty delicious as well. The menu is alittle overpriced in my opinion. Margs (8/10) - tasted really good but it was light on the alcohol The guacamole was 9/10 really tasty but the chips where just alright I got the chicken tacos and they were a great light meal however if you typically eat larger meals - the burrito and quesadillas are probably the better option as they are bigger for a similar price Overall an enjoyable meal read more

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Came here on my way off the island. Seating is first come first serve with it being primarily benches! I ordered the chicken burrito and by the time I got the buzzer to let me know the food was ready it was DONE! For drinks I ordered the lemonade and water ! Paid 22 dollars and was satisfied and full! Highly recommend as one of the premiere places to eat on the island. Walking distance from the ferry as soon as you enter the island. Alcohol is also served. Apple Pay is accepted I'm not sure about cash. Tips are welcome!!! The view is also very very nice! Shaded and unshaded seating area read more

Given the limited food items on this island, I'm glad that this was there. I have to admit though, the fish tacos were just average. It's great to have this as part of the variety of food choices, but it wasn't something that blew me away. PROS: - fish was good, not the freshest that I've had, but it did not give me food poisoning. - it was medium-size. Good enough for me as a small eater, would not fill up someone who was there for a normal lunch unless you filled up on carbs like fries as a side - can sit by the water - this is good during COVID times, breeze helps dispel provided it's not blowing into your face. CONS: - food gets cold quick - there was not that much flavor to be honest. The salsas that come off to the side (self-served) were the few things that added heat, in addition to the white sauce. To be honest, I had packed a snack of naan and mint chutney, and that mint chutney 100% improved the taco. Overall, I've just had better fish tacos in the city. I can't really give great stars but this place is probably there to provide variety. People will still go eat it if they are hungry and it appeals to their palate (there are maybe max 5 places to eat here on this island). read more

Taco Vista - fish taco (the back one with the dark green is my own mint chutney, front is the plain fish taco) - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York

What would you expect? Very high prices for low quality mexican food. It does the trick and fills you up. Portions aren't particularly anything to cry home about. The seating is...junkyard chic. I do like that they offer biodegradable straws and utensil. Not a lot of shaded spots to sit some come early! read more

Okay, so I didn't actually try any of the food, but I did have a fantastic frozen watermelon margarita for the reasonable price of $9. Obviously, the view is killer. Made for a very nice late afternoon treat. read more

Taco Vista - Frozen watermelon margarita - Mexican Near Me - New York, New York