Ok, listen (read) closely. So, I went to another spot a week prior to going to Nene’s to get birria tacos. I won’t mention the name of the spot, but girl, it is overrated. They have such a big following for lackluster, in-authentic “birria” tacos. I’m talking no flavor, no love, no sauce, no drippage. It was quite disappointing. Now, while at this place, one of the young ladies who WORKS THERE....lol, tells me that I need to go to Nene’s Taqueria to try REAL birria tacos! I will be forever thankful for her because it was one of the best moves I’ve made all year. So, shout out to her.
Ok, so first, I looked at Nene’s Instagram and the salivation that took place just by looking at their photos/videos was unreal! But even then, you can’t fully judge based on the IG, because the other place that I went to, also has great photos and videos of their “birria” tacos. So yes, I was excited to try Nene’s, but still a little nervous.
I finally go. I placed my order and the guy at the register said it’d take about 25min for my order to be ready. That was fine with me. It gave me the impression that everything is made from scratch. Oh....and it is, ladies and gentlemen. Everything at Nene’s is made from scratch! I ordered their birria tacos, as well as their....get this...birria empanadas (drops mic)!! So needless to say, I was beyond excited and drool-y!
The food comes out, we sit outside. I first reveal the birria tacos, and just the looks of these tacos alone, puts the “birria” tacos from the other place, to SHAME! I mean, you could see the juice, the drippage, even the love in these tacos. I pick one up, dip in the sauce, and bite into it.........Girl, I had to pause a few seconds because my taste buds were ACTING UP! Hear me? They weren’t even able to figure out the amount of flavor and love that was taking place! Ugh! I was on a flavor journey. I came back to reality and began to devour that birria taco. The beef was incredibly juicy and tender. There was juice dripping everywhere. I mean in unknown places, and I welcomed it! These were in fact, real, authentic birria tacos and that other place outta be ashamed. Ok, so next up, was the birria empanada. Oh my god. It was delectable. That fried, crispy empanada exterior, paired with the cheese, and juicy beef sent me into another haze. This type of flavor. This type of skill, cannot be imitated. Either you know what you’re doing, or you don’t. Nene’s knows EXACTLY what they’re doing! Ugh! It makes me wanna cuss just thinking about it....but I won’t. All that drama just to say that Nene’s is the real deal. Not a lot of fuss. Not super fancy in decor. But delicious, and authentic. When it’s authentic, there’s no need for all the hype. You let the food speak for itself. And my girl Nene does just that. I commend them. They’re the true culture of New York City. Them, and places like them. Thank you, Nene’s. You’d be a...
Read moreUpon my first visit to Nenes Deli Taqueria, it was immediately clear that this place was more than just a taqueria; it's a vibrant celebration of flavors, culture, and community. Tucked away in a cozy corner of the neighborhood, Nenes offers an authentic taste of Mexican cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition and culinary craftsmanship.
The menu at Nenes Deli Taqueria is a dazzling array of Mexican classics, each prepared with a level of care and authenticity that is hard to come by. I chose the Al Pastor tacos, and they were a revelation. The pork was marinated and cooked to tender perfection, with a balance of spices that was both exhilarating and comforting. Served on freshly made corn tortillas and topped with finely chopped onions, cilantro, and a wedge of lime, each taco was a masterpiece of simplicity and flavor.
But Nenes is not just about tacos. Their quesadillas, burritos, and homemade salsas are equally deserving of praise, showcasing the depth and diversity of Mexican cuisine. The guacamole, freshly prepared at your table, is not to be missed, bursting with the flavors of ripe avocados, tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
The atmosphere at Nenes Deli Taqueria adds to the overall experience, with a decor that is both rustic and inviting, creating a warm backdrop to the culinary delights. The staff are genuinely friendly and eager to share their love for Mexican cuisine, making diners feel right at home.
In conclusion, Nenes Deli Taqueria is a gem that offers a rich culinary experience. It's a place where food is made with love and served with pride, offering a genuine slice of Mexican culture. Whether you're a longtime lover of Mexican cuisine or new to the flavors, Nenes Deli Taqueria is a must-visit destination that promises to delight...
Read moreFantastic food. If you've never tried birria-style tacos they are completely different than other styles of taco. Their offerings have a melted cheese so it's technically a quesabirria. They slow cook their beef in stew until it practically breaks apart by hand. And a side of consommé (broth with beef bits) is used as a dip. Netflix has a beautifully shot documentary called Taco Chronicles about this style in Season 2. Their portions are plentiful and very reasonably priced especially for the area. Two people can stuff their faces for $20-25. My wife and I ordered just 4 of their menu items and we still have enough for lunch the next day. We wanted to try so many other things on the menu like the pizza but we'll probably need 5-6 people to tackle that. The owner was really nice and accommodating. You can see he takes pride in his work.
NOTE: If you do not eat cilantro or onions, be sure to specify that otherwise it's automatically added.
Ordering was quick. However the wait can be a little long because everything is made fresh to order. They're backed up with in-store orders and delivery. I'd expect anywhere from 15-45 minutes. We were just north of 20mins on a weeknight at 9:30p.
If you're not into meats or vegan.. this wouldn't be the place for you. They do birria and they do it very well. Be...
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