New Yorkers carne asada cravings will soon be cured as L.A.’s popular Tacos 1986 is opening its first ever NYC location later this month. What began as a mission to bring Tijuana-style tacos to Los Angeles has turned into a California cult favorite that’s now NYC-bound!
Tacos 1986 was founded by partners Victor Delgado & Joy Alvarez back in 2018. With no proper funds for a brick-and-mortar store, the pair took to an L.A. parking lot to serve up noteworthy tacos from a cart that soon garnered droves of customers and media attention.
The taco cart became so popular that the parking landlord eventually demanded “more favorable rent terms” that didn’t align with Victor & Joy. Thus, the duo had to temporarily halt operations until gaining support from the community and friends to reopen the cart in L.A.’s Koreatown. After further struggles a year later, Tacos 1986 decided it was time to open a brick and mortar if they were going to see this success story through.
Tacos 1986 debuted its first storefront in Downtown L.A. by 2019. A year later, the company expanded by opening four additional locations throughout California. From 2022 onward, it has opened one new location each year. In 2025, one location has already opened, and another—the first in New York City—is scheduled to open on July 24th in the West Village at 1 Cornelia Street. It will be the only Tacos 1986 location outside of L.A.
New Yorkers will be able to choose from Tacos 1986’s extensive menu offerings, from combo meals to mouthwatering sides. However, we wouldn’t be doing our job if we didn’t spill the secret that one of Tacos 1986’s most beloved items is actually an off-menu favorite known as the “Perrón” taco, or the “Perrón de Carne Asada.” This delicious secret taco is made on a flour tortilla with Monterey Jack cheese, carne asada, salsa, onion, guacamole and pinto beans.
According to Eater, the New York location will function as 250-square-foot, standing-room counter-service venue. Initially set to operate during nights only, New York’s Tacos 1986 plans to expand its hours into the morning and afternoon, where it will launch its popular breakfast menu, including breakfast tacos and burritos.
Stay tuned on the Tacos 1986 website.
🌮 Tacos 1986
📍 1 Cornelia Street, New York
🗓️ July 24th, 2025
