New York City’s taco scene is always evolving, and the latest addition is bringing something incredibly special to the table. Taco Lane, a brand-new Asian taco bistro, is officially open in Union Square.
Taking over the space that formerly housed Rulin, this fresh concept comes from the minds behind Brooklyn’s fan-favorite Noodle Lane. It brilliantly merges Chinese culinary traditions with classic taco culture, bringing New Yorkers a crossover that makes total sense.
From Smorgasburg to a new taco landscape
Taco Lane is the brainchild of husband-and-wife duo Lane Li and Chris Wang. After leaving behind successful careers in finance and technology, they dove headfirst into the food world full-time. Chef Lane’s culinary journey is deeply rooted in her childhood experiences in China and Flatbush.
After completing her training at the Institute of Culinary Education while juggling her finance job, the birth of her son served as the final push to dedicate her life to cooking.
That leap of faith led to the launch of Noodle Lane at Smorgasburg in 2011, followed by a brick-and-mortar Park Slope location in 2023. Now, they are expanding their footprint with this fresh take on tacos.
“I want to subtly infuse Mexican tacos with Asian flavors, not reinvent the wheel,” Chef Lane explains. “I’ve always loved tacos as a culinary medium, and I thought that some of the meats at Noodle Lane would work well in that form. I hope New Yorkers enjoy and appreciate the marrying of these classic Chinese and Mexican flavors as we bring something unique, yet familiar, to the taco landscape.”
What is on the menu?
The menu is focused and flavorful, offering six Chinese-inspired tacos wrapped in classic corn tortillas. Each taco is topped with onions, cilantro, and house-made mustard pickles, salsas, and chili oil.
Here is what you can expect to order:
- Grilled Chicken served with a mustard pickle consommé.
- Braised Short-Rib featuring a sweet and tangy apple kiwi marinade.
- XO Fish packed with savory, coastal flavors.
- Smoked Honeycomb Tripe topped with crispy fried pig ears for added crunch.
- Shiitake Mushroom for a rich, earthy bite.
- Dan Dan Pork utilizing the iconic minced meat from Noodle Lane’s signature dish.
The salsas also get a distinct Chinese twist. The red salsa brings the heat with Sichuan peppercorn, while the mustard pickle consommé draws inspiration from their famous Sichuan-style pickled fish. If you need a side, they offer Chips with Salsa and Guacamole, a refreshing Summer Apple Salad (made with corn, onions, celery, and lime), and Chicken Broth with Mexican Rice.
The space and need-to-know details
Nestled just south of vibrant Union Square, Taco Lane operates out of a beautifully restored former carriage house. The 950-square-foot space was designed by Studio Jari and Studio Atomic, creating an intimate, well-lit atmosphere with just 31 seats.
Whether you are a long-time fan of Noodle Lane or simply looking for your new favorite lunch spot, this cozy bistro is definitely worth adding to your downtown rotation.
- 📍 Union Square (former Rulin space)
- 🕐 Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM