So, I got out of work today with the intention of hitting up the taco cart for some Taco Tuesday delights. But rain, mixed with the A train not running up to my stop for some godforsaken reason, altered my plans. Luckily, we got a new taco joint in the neighborhood a few weeks ago that Elizabeth and I have been meaning to try.
Villa Patron, just west of the 1 train on Dyckman Street has only been open for three weeks, but it seems like a nice joint. Moody lighting, plenty of space and a nice staff. Alas, it seemed a litle slow to get my taco quartet, but the wait was, thankfully, mostly worth it. I’m gonna do this a little different and break ’em down individually.
- The chicken taco was dry. Seasoned well, flavorful, but drrrrry. I’d probably try them one more time to see if they were always that dry. If they’re not, they’d be pretty damn good.
- The al pastor taco (basically spicy pork with pineapple–hot and sweet) was the best of the bunch. Really damn good. An excellent mix of hot and sweet, with delicious pork. That hit the spot!
- Fish taco! I, uh, forgot to ask what kinda fish it was. Pffft, whatevs. Fishies! I was happy to see they didn’t fry the hell outta the fish and instead cooked it nicely with a bit of spice, leaving the fish very moist and tasty. And they put enough fish in that taco to fill two tacos. Yeah!
- Oh shrimp taco, why have you forsaken me? While not as overcooked as the chicken, the lil’ shrimp were dry and lacking flavor, acting more like taco filler than taco fiesta.
Each taco was $2.50, not a bad price for restaurant tacos, especially when they’re really hefty tacos. The plate came with radish and limes, necessary bits. I didn’t try the guacamole, salsa or anything else, but I sure plan to.
Will we eat tacos from Villa Patron again? Most definitely!
June 18, 2009 at 11:00 am
Please keep up the good work. I found this site via Baconbaconbacon and let me tell you how much I did not get done at work that day.
Taco Trucks and the like are one of my favorite things.
I love reading your reviews and seeing the photos. It is like going to these places myself.
Thank you thank you thank you !!!
June 18, 2009 at 11:01 am
Thank you so much!
August 16, 2009 at 6:45 pm
Please review more uptown taco locales.
Have you been to Tortilleria Nixtamal in Corona? Supposedly it is the only place in NYC making tortillas with real nixtamal.
Also, is a Chocotaco a real taco in your book?
January 4, 2010 at 12:29 pm
I was just pontificating about tacos and a friend recommended your site. What a treat! After 12 hours or so, I’m now a faithful fan.
Connie
January 4, 2010 at 12:47 pm
Thanks! I hope we get back into the swing of things with the new year!
February 10, 2010 at 2:56 pm
You’ve got to try Taco Tuesdays at Hop Devil Grill in the East Village. Not only are they maybe the best tacos in the city, on Tuesdays they are only $1 each! Beat that math, Spiderman.