El Pastorcito's signature taco features meat marinated in achiote, cumin, and a blend of dried chiles, cooked on a trompo (vertical spit) where the edges char and crisp. The meat is carved fresh to order and served on warm corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and fresh pineapple slices. The citrusy sweetness of the pineapple balances the smoky, savory meat. It's their best-selling taco for good reason.
Tips from diners
Ask for extra pineapple on the side—the sweetness is what makes the al pastor at El Pastorcito special.
To balance the richness of meat tacos, El Pastorcito offers freshly made horchata—a creamy rice drink flavored with cinnamon and vanilla, served over crushed ice. It's sweet, cooling, and provides a pleasant palate cleanser between bites. The horchata is made fresh daily and is noticeably better quality than packaged versions.
Tips from diners
The horchata is described by customers as 'some of the best'—order it cold and drink it between meat courses.
Beyond the al pastor, El Pastorcito grills beautiful carne asada on an open charcoal fire. The beef is seasoned simply but heavily, then cooked hot and fast until the exterior develops a charred crust while the interior stays tender. Served with onion, cilantro, and lime on warm tortillas. It's a simpler preparation than al pastor but executed with precision.
Tips from diners
The asada is better late at night (after 1am) when they've had time to fire up the charcoal grill to full temperature.
Suadero is a specific cut of beef chest that El Pastorcito slow-cooks until it's incredibly tender and almost melts in your mouth. The meat has a rich, beefy flavor and pairs beautifully with their fresh cilantro and white onion. It's less theatrical than al pastor—no pineapple, no trompo—but the quality speaks for itself.
Tips from diners
Order 4-5 suadero tacos—they're so tender and rich that one feels like a lot, but the flavor keeps you coming back.
Beef tongue becomes incredibly tender when braised properly, and El Pastorcito does this well. The meat is soft, delicate, and slightly sweet compared to other beef cuts. It's an adventurous choice but one that rewards the brave. Served with the standard onion, cilantro, and lime on warm tortillas.
Tips from diners
Lengua is always fresh in the early evening (after 3pm)—come early for the best texture.
Located in Venustiano Carranza near El Parque, Taquería El Pastorcito has become a legendary late-night destination that stays open until 3:30am on weeknights and 4:30-5:30am on weekends. The kitchen rotates through multiple proteins cooked on vertical spits (al pastor) and charcoal grills, from classic marinated pork to beef tongue, tripe, and brisket. It's a post-party favorite for those craving quality tacos after the bars close.
Friday-Saturday open until 4:30-5:30am—this is the definitive late-night taco spot for post-party meals.
Come between 3-6pm for the shortest lines. The true rush starts after 10pm.
Menu changes slightly throughout the night—come early for al pastor and asada, later for lengua and tripa as they rotate meats off.
This location is technically in Venustiano Carranza, but locals just call the area 'El Parque.' It's near El Gabacho taquería if you get lost.
Page last updated: