I'm officially hooked on House of Cards. I've been trying to finish this post for the past couple of days, but kept getting sidetracked by watching just one more episode. Asheley is totally not a fan of the show, which means that when she is at work, I frantically try to watch as many episodes as I can possible pack in.
A smooth, seamless transition to something else I'm obsessed with lately.
Otto's Tacos. There are few joys on this planet more substantial and perfect than the taco. And even in a city full of places slinging out these irresitible bundles of bliss, Otto's Tacos just may be one of my favorites. Actually, it is. It is one of my favorites. It's earned that coveted spot.
On a side note, the Lower East Side has probably been my top culinary happy place in NYC for the past year or two. But I have to say, the East Village is looking pretty good for taking a clear and solid takeover of that title.
So, Otto's Tacos. Yea, it's pretty darn great.
How great?
Thanks for asking. Typically, Californians know tacos. And they are pretty darn particular. Most taco joints in the city are slammed and ripped apart by their derisive rhetoric. And although I'm not really a fan of Yelp (that's a conversation for a different day), most people agree that Otto's Tacos are legit. Even the Californians.
So let's talk tacos.
These puppies are fresh. Real fresh.
All the tortillas are made in-house on the extremely cool tortilla-making machine at the front of the taqueria. And typically you see corn tortillas being doubled up in order to provide adequate structure to the inner fillings. Nuh-uh. Not here at Otto's. Although on the small side (about 5" in diameter), the thicker-than-normal tortillas only require a single appearance per taco.
If we're being completely honest with each other, I'm not a huge fan of corn tortillas. Flour is my preference. But these corn tortillas are something special.
And yea, everything else is also made fresh, from scratch, daily in-house. The salsas. The guac. The marinades. And it's high quality stuff.
The tacos are about $3 a piece, and you'll probably need 3 to constitute a full meal. Each one is topped with onions, cilantro, and one of their salsas. And if you're rolling deep during your visit, feel free to add on guac to each taco for $.35 each. It's worth it. So $10 for a meal. That's pretty reasonable, isn't it?
You have 5 filling options. The chicken and carne asada are both great and fully enjoyable. The carnitas is probably an even better choice, considering its incredible juicy tenderness.
Normally vegetarian options are throwaways. But not here. The mushrooms are hearty, woodsy, and full of flavor. A solid choice even for meat lovers like myself.
The shrimp just might be my favorite, even though I'm not what you would consider a shrimp fan. That serrano cream is so good.
I'm really looking forward to going to Otto's Tacos for years to come, so you better get there and support this place. And I dare you not to enjoy the heck out of those tacos.
Oh, and grab a Mexican Coke while you're there. It makes the taco-eating experience even more enjoyable 🙂
You may want to also check out...
The Top 10 Foods You Have To Eat In NYC
The 10 Best Ice Cream and Frozen Treats in NYC
Pamela says
Friends keep telling me about House of Cards so I think it's next on the list, maybe will start a episode tonight or tomorrow. I would like to watch this show while eating these tacos, major yum.
Chris says
House of Cards while eating tacos?! Pamela, you are a genius!
Christine says
reasons I love this post:
1. Another amazing NYC location I need to stop at
2. These tacos looks DIVINE & I need them + a margarita immediately
3. HOUSE OF CARDS. ohmygooodddd so much to say so little time!!!! lol
Chris says
You totally need to get there Christine! Oooo, a margarita with them sounds perfect... I'm actually not sure if they sell them there or not. I know, I'm totally hooked on House of Cards. It's easily my 2nd favorite show of all time (still behind Breaking Bad, but it surpassed Homeland... kinda a big deal, haha)
carol says
thanks, ty! next time I am Jenna's we are going there!
Krista says
Yum! Loving these tacos, I would totally do the carnitas all the way, maybe the veggie too because I'm a mushroom lover. 🙂
I haven't see house of cards and don't need another show to watch, so I'll just sit to "the bachelor". hehe.. 🙂 Thats my, watch in a hurry while my husband is at work show. 🙂
Chris says
Yes, the carnitas are totally a favorite, but so are the mushrooms (and I'm not even a big mushroom guy)... pretty much, they are all favorites, haha. Yes, you TOTALLY need another show to watch... hahaha, and House of Cards is it.
Helen says
Yum ... if I ever get to visit New York again, Chris, I'll certainly know which blog to visit to get lots of foodie tips! Plus ... you are about the fourth blogger to mention House of Cards this week ... I'm looking for something new to watch (get hooked on rather) so I've obviously got to give it a go!!
Chris says
If you ever come to NY, Helen, I'll hook you up with a crazy awesome eating itinerary. Just let me know, haha. And you HAVE to start watching House of Cards. SO good!
Melanie says
Those look irresistible! Wanna share? 🙂
Chris says
Sure... I'm down to go to Otto's anytime! Hahaha
Shashi says
A Mexican coke you say?
These do look good - no, they look great! I think I could be full on one of those topped with guacamole! I have never had tacos in NYC - but I have had them in San Diego and Sausalito -at little whole in the wall places- and to date, they have been the best tacos I have ever had!
Chris says
Have you ever had Mexican Coke? It tastes a bunch better than regular coke because they sweeten it using actual cane sugar instead of the high fructose corn syrup that plagues our American bottles.
I've yet to get to San Diego but I've heard they have killer tacos there! Jealous!
Shashi says
No - I haven't! I had no idea it was different ingredient wise - just thought the labeling was! Thanks Chris!
Consuelo says
I need to try those tacos, wow. I've been craving them for days, and these look like the most perfect thing aaahhh. I should make it to NY asap, you know...
Happy Friday! 🙂
Chris says
C'mon over to NY Consuelo! Lots of places to show you!
Cate says
We are just like you with tv shows - they are addicting!! We started The Sopranos from the beginning in January and have already watched an embarrassing amount. Can't wait to start season 2 of House of Cards! Also can't wait to try Ottos Tacos. These look SO good! I love a good taco!
Chris says
Oh man you are already on Season 2?! I need to catch up.... just give me a few days, haha. Yes, definitely head over to Otto's!
Jess says
These look delicious! I would be willing to travel all the way from London to New York to try these! Thanks for sharing!
Chris says
Haha, you totally need to come to NY! I'll show you all the awesome places!
Layla says
OMG these tacos look amazing!! I've got to check out this place when I'm in the city!!
Tina says
I've never heard of the place but anything having to do with tacos, especially if it's in the name then my husband would love it for life!
Lindsay says
Can I just say I TOTALLY needed your NYC food guide on where to eat when we went there a few years back! I'm dying to go back and will definitely have to try some of these places out!
Chris says
If you ever come back to NYC Lindsay, make sure you shoot me an email and I'd be more than happy to recommend some of my all time top faves 🙂