Taco Mix

You’ll be able to sense the raw power of Taco Mix just from watching the pork spinning on the trompo at this East Harlem staple. It's glistening and bright red, like it's blushing. Crucially, this spot is open until 4am every day, so it's a great option for an affordable late-night meal in the area. They have over 20 fillings to choose from, in multiple exciting formats, but your focus should be the al pastor tacos. They’re tiny, sweet, peppery, and garnished with never-too-much onions and cilantro. Order a few, garnish them with dried chiles, and eat them at the narrow strip of a counter, or at the little table with a view of the spinning pork. Taco Mix started as a food cart in 1991, and they’ve got a second outpost in Industry City.

photo credit: Andrew Steinthal