Dining Review: Support Tacos On Every Corner, Especially If They’re From Reyes Deli & Grocery
You may have passed by Reyes Deli & Grocery countless times. From the outside, it’s a nondescript bodega at 532 4th Avenue between 14th and 15th Streets. Perhaps the snarl of construction surrounding the block makes you avert your eyes as you pass by.
But what’s inside, my eating friends, is a low-fi joya which will make you want to eat tacos on every corner.
Now, to be clear I come from a long, long line of Reyes’ lovers. The place has been a three-aisle deli for roughly eight years, according to the quiet cook making the magic. You can pick up your pickled jalapeños, paper towels, and Mexican drinks while ordering from an extensive menu of quesadillas, burritos, tortas, huaraches, and lots of straight-up cold cut sandwiches, too.
And tacos, of course.
$7.50 will get you three tacos — and make you feel like, well — the king of the tacos.
You have eight options to choose from, ranging from tinga (spicy chicken), chorizo, cecina (salty beef), and al pastor (a curious combo of roast pork & pineapple).
Veggie-people, do not despair!
The veggie taco — which I chose to add to my trilogy — is gently filled with avocado, cucumber, peppers, lettuce, tomato, and mozzarella cheese.
You want to stuff it with more veggies and cheese? Add 50 cents per taco.
The tinga (spicy chicken) is not going to burn your mouth; it’s probably a bit more subtle than you’d imagine. And the regular chicken taco was also full of tenderness — obviously on the simpler side.
But what pulls it all together? Tortillas so soft that you could rest your head on them as you eat your tacos on every corner.
Think about Reyes as a call for more tacos, more taco trucks, more Mexican traditions, more embracing of Mexican culture, more protection of Mexican culture, and all things Mexico.
Eating Reyes tacos is a call to action.
The Dining Rundown: Reyes Deli & Grocery
Where: 532 4th Avenue (between 14th and 15th Streets)
Hours: Sundays-Thursdays, 7am-1am; Fridays, 7am-2am; Saturdays, 7am-3am
Phone: 718-369-3211
Kid Friendly? It’s a bodega with a small seating area, but you’ll most likely take your tacos to go. So feel free to stop by with the kids.
