Few cravings hit quite like the urge for a great taco in Ithaca. I’ve spent more lunch breaks than I can count searching out tortillas packed with flavor, fall-apart beef, grilled veggies, or creative salsas. Somewhere between a weekday dash for a quick bite and a lingering dinner with friends downtown, I’ve come to appreciate Ithaca’s lively taco scene. You’ll find them in bustling cantinas, small street food windows, even places you wouldn’t first expect.
If you think Ithaca is too far from the border for good tacos, prepare to be surprised. This town has a knack for fusing locally-sourced ingredients with genuine Mexican technique. The result? Tacos that taste bright, honest, and genuinely satisfying. Whether you’re a strict traditionalist or a fan of inventive fillings, Ithaca offers plenty of options. Stick around—each spot on this list brings something bold to the table, and you’ll soon have a new favorite to dig into.
Where to find the best tacos in Ithaca, NY
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Ithaca, NY:
- MIX Kitchen and Bar
- Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar
- The Boatyard Grill
- Viva Taqueria & Cantina
- Old Mexico
- Bickering Twins
- Luna Street Food Downtown
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Zocalo Mexican Bar & Grill
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
1. MIX Kitchen and Bar
MIX Kitchen and Bar flips the taco experience on its head in the best way. The playful, modern setting sets the stage for small plates that wake up your taste buds and invite you to try something new. When I stopped in last, it was the street corn taco that grabbed my attention—bright kernels, tangy crema, and a little hit of heat on a soft tortilla.
What makes MIX stand out is the sense of adventure in every dish. Their tacos are a mix of global flavors and fresh, colorful ingredients. The Korean BBQ taco is a must, packed with marinated beef and pickled vegetables for a sweet, savory kick. If you like to explore with your fork, this is the spot.
2. Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar
Maxie’s Supper Club and Oyster Bar brings a bit of Southern hospitality to Ithaca, wrapped up in lively charm. Every visit here feels like an impromptu party, whether you’re sitting at the busy bar or snagging a cozy table in the corner.
The seafood tacos are what keep me coming back. Think flaky fish, crisp cabbage, bright slaw, and a squeeze of lime—all tucked in a toasty tortilla. Each bite carries a whisper of the Gulf Coast, blending fresh seafood with bold, satisfying flavors.
If you’re looking for variety, Maxie’s menu always has something seasonal and inventive. The fish tacos show off the kitchen’s skill at turning simple ingredients into something memorable. Trust me, you’ll want a second helping.
3. The Boatyard Grill
The Boatyard Grill brings together fresh food and stunning lakefront views, making it a spot I always suggest to friends visiting Ithaca. There’s something special about sitting by the water as boats drift by, enjoying a meal that feels like a mini getaway.
Seafood fans will appreciate the grilled fish tacos here. Lightly seasoned and paired with a crisp slaw, they capture the spirit of the Boatyard: simple, fresh, and local. When I’m in the mood for something filling yet light, these tacos never disappoint. The quality of the fish stands out, thanks to the restaurant’s commitment to daily fresh ingredients.
If you’re craving a meal that matches the view, this is the place. Their fish tacos are a slice of summer with every bite.
4. Viva Taqueria & Cantina
Viva Taqueria & Cantina is a downtown Ithaca favorite, buzzing with energy all day long. It’s tough to beat the location if you want to people-watch over a plate of tacos. I’ve had more than a few relaxed lunches here, soaking in the colorful decor and the lively crowd of regulars.
Tacos at Viva are never dull. The menu is packed with choices, from classic bean and cheese to sauteed seasonal vegetables. Their tofu and grilled fish tacos are great if you want flavor without fuss. Each order comes with bright salsa and warm tortillas that taste homemade.
The appeal is simple: fresh ingredients, plenty of veggie options, and a genuine taqueria vibe. Viva proves that tacos can be both cozy and crave-worthy.
5. Old Mexico
Old Mexico has a comforting, unhurried vibe that makes it perfect for weeknight dinners. Walking in feels a little like visiting someone’s kitchen—friendly, relaxed, and filled with familiar aromas. I’ve often found myself lingering over a basket of chips, waiting for a fresh plate of tacos.
The star here is the soft corn tortilla taco, customizable with everything from grilled vegetables to tender fish. Each taco is loaded with color and served with a side of bright salsa that wakes up every bite.
If you prefer gentle, well-seasoned flavors and a menu that doesn’t rush you, Old Mexico is a go-to. Their tacos are pure comfort—unfussy, satisfying, and always consistent.
6. Bickering Twins
Bickering Twins brings a Latin American twist to Ithaca’s taco landscape. There’s a lively, creative spirit to the place—the kind of spot where you’ll sit down for one taco and end up ordering three. I remember trying their shrimp tacos on a busy Friday night and immediately planning my next visit.
The real draw here is the inventive fillings and bold flavors. Whether you pick the lamb, sautéed mushrooms, or their signature shrimp taco, each bite delivers something different. They don’t shy away from tossing in fresh herbs or tangy slaws, layering texture and flavor.
If you like your tacos playful and loaded with personality, Bickering Twins never disappoints. Their menu reads like a love letter to Latin American classics—with a twist.
7. Luna Street Food Downtown
Luna Street Food Downtown brings together world flavors on one menu, all with a casual, no-fuss vibe. It’s the place I go when I want something quick but refuse to settle for dull. The energy stays upbeat, whether you’re grabbing carryout or meeting friends for a late bite.
The tacos here are both generous and daring. Try the cauliflower or black bean options for a punch of flavor that proves plant-based is far from boring. Each taco feels carefully built, topped with fresh slaw or creamy sauce that makes you stop between bites.
Luna keeps the menu moving with unique specials, which means there’s always something new to try. If you crave street food with creativity, this spot delivers.
8. Moe’s Southwest Grill
Moe’s Southwest Grill is a go-to spot for those moments when you want tacos fast but still crave real flavor. The casual, build-your-own setup is perfect if you like choosing exactly what goes into your meal. I’ve popped in plenty of times after a busy workday, always finding something fresh and satisfying.
The standout here is the ability to customize your tacos with a variety of fillings, salsas, and toppings. Try the beans, grilled veggies, or tofu for filling options that don’t skimp on taste. The salsas are always zesty and help brighten up every bite.
If you love a lunch that bends to your mood, Moe’s makes it easy. Their tacos are casual, crowd-pleasing, and built for repeat visits.
9. Zocalo Mexican Bar & Grill
Zocalo Mexican Bar & Grill feels like a hidden gem tucked away from the usual bustle of Ithaca. The space strikes a balance between cozy and energetic—a great fit for weekday dinners or those nights you want conversation to linger long after the food’s gone. My best nights here start with a plate of tacos and end with plans to come back.
Their vegetarian tacos are a standout, loaded with grilled vegetables, avocado, and fresh salsa. The flavors have a clean, homemade quality that hits the spot every time. You’ll also find satisfying fish taco options that highlight Zocalo’s laid-back approach to classic Mexican cooking.
If you want tacos made with care and a little bit of flair, Zocalo’s menu definitely delivers.
10. Chipotle Mexican Grill
Chipotle Mexican Grill is a classic stop for a straightforward taco fix in Ithaca. The experience here is all about fast service paired with bold, familiar flavors. I often find myself in line for a quick lunch, knowing I can expect consistency every time.
Customization is Chipotle’s strength. Whether you go for black beans, fajita veggies, or sofritas, the result is a trio of tacos built just how you like them. Each taco comes with your choice of salsas, fresh lettuce, and a handful of extras to keep things lively.
If you want tacos that fit exactly what you’re craving—simple, filling, and reliable—Chipotle checks every box.
More Things to Try in Ithaca, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best vegetarian tacos in Ithaca?
Viva Taqueria & Cantina and Luna Street Food Downtown both serve excellent vegetarian tacos, loaded with fresh veggies and bold flavors. Moe’s Southwest Grill and Chipotle also offer plenty of plant-based build-your-own options.
Are there late-night taco spots in Ithaca?
Viva Taqueria & Cantina is a go-to for late-night tacos, especially downtown. Luna Street Food Downtown and Chipotle keep their doors open later than most for those after-hours cravings.
Which taco spots in Ithaca are good for groups?
The Boatyard Grill and MIX Kitchen and Bar offer spacious seating and a lively atmosphere, making them great for group outings. Moe’s and Chipotle are easy picks for quick, casual gatherings.
Do any Ithaca taco restaurants offer gluten-free options?
Yes, many places like Old Mexico, Zocalo Mexican Bar & Grill, and Viva Taqueria & Cantina have gluten-free tacos. Always double-check with your server to be safe.
What are some must-try taco fillings in Ithaca?
Try the street corn taco at MIX for something unique, or the fish tacos at Maxie’s Supper Club and The Boatyard Grill for local seafood flavor. Bickering Twins’ shrimp taco and Luna’s black bean taco are also local legends.
