Dos Toros Taqueria — Restaurant in New York

There was a time when no matter hour of the day you went to Dos Torros in Union Square, the line stretched out the door. The reasons for this was simple: the food. Value for money. Fast and friendly service. Today the place is practically empty during vast stretches of the day. You can blame it partially on the competition on either side of the door but that would be masking the real problem. Value for money. Let’s keep it real. For fifteen bucks one can get a delicious solid meal next door and walk out the door full and satisfied. At Dos Torros in Union Square, once upon a time this was also true and it lasted for quite a bit, Then things changed, but it’s hard to say exactly why, maybe the pandemic was responsible a few years ago. Prices were raised, portion sizes of some ingredients were reduced in some areas while increased in other areas. When the person on the other side of the counter is making your burrito you can actually visibly see them skimping on the meat but being super generous with the rice and beans in such a way that most people won’t notice: for example, they will start out by filing the burrito with rice, then beans, then other ingredients BEFORE asking you what your choice of meat is EVEN THOUGH you already told them what it was. This way the choice of meat at the end becomes a TOPPING which is not adequately portioned out. If you pay attention you can actually see the person behind the counter RATIONING OUT THE MEAT as if they are running out of meat. What Dos Torros is forgetting is that customers come back time and again because of the food. The quality of the food at Dos Torros is incredible, but for fifteen bucks you quickly learn that you could do better elsewhere without having to walk too far and get equally delicious food. One of the biggest reasons is that many regulars who frequent such places, have a set budget in mind. These people go out to lunch or an early dinner to grab a quick bite that is with a set price they are used to spending, this price ranges from ten bucks to fifteen bucks. Within this price range Union Square in Manhattan has quite a few establishments that provide a satisfying meal to the segment of customers that is their steady customer base. These customers are their bread and butter of daily revenue, Dos Torros is within this price range but their food portions do not do the price any justice. When ordering you might as well just say ‘Oh can I have a rice burrito with black beans, peppers, onions and tomatoes, and for the topping can I have beef?’ After being a regular customer for years on end I began avoiding Dos Torros for years until I came back last week TWICE for the steak burrito. The place was empty. And yet again on both occasions they skimped on the beef. Three times is not a charm believe me. I’m simply going next door to the place that is...

First of all worth mentioning, the service was surprisingly upbeat. They put up with my annoyingly perky demeanor, and were able to bat the banter back and forth for the extent of time it took to compose my tacos. Tip them well.

Second of all, the space was clean and decently adorned. It's definitely smaller, though, and ideal for a get-in/get-out lunchtime mission. The staff told me I'd come on a slow day, so the wait was no problem, but I can easily imagine the line spilling out onto 4th Ave.

Third of all, the price to portion ration was just OK. I mean, yeah, we're in Manhattan, and over $3.50 for a taco ain't by no means obscene, but for a place that's rated one dollar sign, I've seen better. This being said, they were definitely healthy-sized tacos. The $0.50 extra for gauc did get me a decent scoop on one of my tacos, as well.

Forth, final and most importantly, the tacos were pretty good. I got three carnitas tacos (lay off me - I'm starving). Ya' know what I look for in a carnitas taco? I look for that perfect forth phase of matter, where the meat has simmered in its own juices so long, that it's got this paradoxical I'm-crispy-but-melty-at-the-same-time thing goin' on. Not so, here. And a little bland - add salt. But probably healthier for these misses, too. And definitely not unpalatable in the slightest. Just not perfect. Ya' know?

So yeah - a good, strong four stars. Could put a bit more culinary polish on, but definitely worth a foray if you're hungry in the Union...

Dos Toros is not just tacos...this location is convenient to Union Square and subway lines around the park.

Stopped in here to grab takeout (they also do delivery. No dine-in because of the pandemic). Ordered a bean, rice, & cheese burrito. Mission Style. Solid burrito at a good price. I ordered with onions & peppers, sour cream, and shredded cheese. I like that they warm/toast the tortilla before filling it and folding. The beans taste very plain and needs way more seasoning, the rice taste great and adds that carb-y depth of flavor, the sour cream is good...you just need a heavy serving of it. The cheese needs to be worked on bc the burrito isn't super melty / gooey and it should be. I think the beans and cheese in it are lacking in flavor/punch, but overall it's filling and good for the price. The challenge with going meatless at most burrito joints is that the burritos lean on the meat for most of the flavor. But if you go meatless, the burrito often feels lacking in savory elements and I think that is something Dos Toros could improve upon to make their meatless option go from good to pretty stupendous. And while I like black beans and pinto beans, the burritos here really need a flavorful retried bean option, though.

The interior is clean. The staff is friendly and fast. Overall this is a great choice for a quick meal that you can carry into Union Square Park and devour...