Hooked on Baja Style Dorado Tacos

Fresh Baja fish tacos

Ensenada, Mexico. Famed port city. Plentiful fish. Home of the heavenly Baja fish taco.

It may be 2,500 miles from New York City, but thanks to the recently opened Dorado Tacos, the authentic street snack has landed just south of bustling Union Square.

I'm hooked. This is fast, fresh Mexican food at its finest. And the Baja Original fish taco, impossibly priced at $2.95, is a Cheap Eats triumph. Two freshly made corn tortillas cradle a meaty hunk of beer battered Atlantic pollock, shredded cabbage, pickled onions, salsa fresca (tomatoes, onions, cilantro) and crema. And a squirt of lime. Texture, crunch, a burst of flavor. Refined simplicity.

Spicy pickles include jicama and jalapeno

The grilled fish version ($3.25), topped with a tomatillo and avocado salsa, is a delicious lighter option. Meal sized quesadillas ($4.95-$6.50) are stuffed with gooey cheeses and fillings such as homemade chorizo, and spicy portabellas. Add a side of Mexican-style hot pickled veggies. And wash it down with a ruby red jamaica fresca, house infused hibiscus leaves, sugar and water. 

Tiny Dorado Tacos is the offshoot of the original Boston area hotspot. As owner Michael Brau reveals, the secret's in the prep. "We spend all day dicing tomatoes and onions, hand chopping cilantro and serrano chiles, zesting and slicing limes and oranges for marinades, shredding cabbage and jicama for tacos, grilling red peppers and zucchini, scooping avocado, and grating cheeses for quesadillas." It's paying off.

It also makes a welcome lunch alternative to Num Pang, the excellent Cambodian sandwich shop across the street, when the lines are unbearable.


28 E 12th St near University Place
Mon - Sat, 11 am - 10 pm
Sun, 11 am - 9 pm
212 627 0900

Hidden Taqueria on Ave A Celebrates Mexican Independence Day

Zaragoza Mexican Deli Grocery is easy to pass over as just another East Village bodega. But that would be a big mistake. The nondescript exterior gives nothing away. Step inside this teeny - and curious - neighborhood shop and you're still not sure what to make of it. You're instantly distracted by shelves jammed with hot sauce, canned chipotle peppers and cleaning products. Walls are crowded with a colorful giant mural, 'Viva Mexico' flag, and party decorations. And the speakers are blaring festive corridos.

But just focus on the handwritten menu behind the counter featuring burritos ($6), quesadillas ($3), and tostadas ($2.50). The food is clearly the reason you are here. This is some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican street fare in the East Village. Classic tacos, fully loaded, cost $2.50. You won't find that price at Snack Dragon or La Lucha.

Spicy chicken tacos

Try the roast pork or spicy chicken, made before your eyes. Grab a Formica-topped table in the back, and with your first bite, you'll think you discovered some random but fantastic road side taco shack south of the border. Autentico y delicioso.

This Thursday, September 16th, Zaragoza celebrates Mexican Independence Day from 6-10pm with a traditional Mexican musical trio, and food and drink specials. It may be small, but I'm certain this taqueria knows how to throw a fiesta.

Roast pork tacos

Food served Sun - Thurs, 10am - 11pm, and Fri - Sat, 10am - 4am. Located at 215 Ave A (between 13th and 14th Streets).

Taqueria Alert!  KikaEats also is closely monitoring the soon-to-open East Village taqueria Sabor a Mexico at 160 1st Ave. It's the third location for this Manhattan based family business. Expected opening Sept 24th.