Empellon Taqueria is one of my go-to restaurants. Whether for a date or for some margaritas and guacamole to start the night with the girls, Empellon is a guaranteed good time and good meal. The Taqueria in the West Village is a brunch/dinner hotspot, the Cocina in the East Village is the East Sides nicest taco restaurant, and now, the Empellon team has introduced Empellon al Pastor to the East Village/Alphabet City…
Unlike its sister restaurants, Empellon al Pastor is super casual and super cheap. Order your tacos and grab a seat at any of the restaurant’s high tops, or order your tacos in the back of the restaurant to go. Ordering gluten free at al Pastor is incredibly easy. It is stated clearly on the menu that the tacos are made from fresh masa that is crafted from organic, gmo-free corn, and all menu items are gluten, nut, and soy free. Amazing! I recently went to the restaurant and ordered the tacos al pastor with spit roasted pork and pineapple. I absolutely loved it! The potato taco with red chorizo is another top pick, and I can’t wait to come back for more. The chicken with chipotle taco and beef with caramelized onion taco both sound delicious. All of these tacos are dressed with cilantro and onion, too.
An allergy friendly restaurant, let alone an allergy friendly taco restaurant is rare, and I’m excited to have stumbled across this gem. Yes the location is a bit out of the way for those living in central Manhattan or more West, but these tacos are worth the trip! Congratulations, Empellon team, on another successful restaurant!