Birria-Landia Tacos New York
NYTimes 2 Star Food Truck
Geoffrey from New York
This truck, usually parked on the north west corner of Amsterdam Avenue (10th Avenue) and 70th Street West, is brand new and beautifully tricked out in chrome and cream, with an awning, food trays and a hustling, eager staff.
There are only four main items: tacos, quesadillas, tostados and a hot, chunky beef based soup they call consommé composed of birria, chopped onion, cilantro and squeezed lime.
The three corn tortilla offerings are similar taste wise—delicious (and their similarity is fine by me)—but the hot soup wins my favouritism being rich, flavorful and hearty, and even on a very warm Spring day I used it for dipping first, then finished by drinking it from its cup.
All items have risen in price from $2.50 (on Roosevelt Avenue, Queens) to either $4 or $5 (here), which, in this neighborhood, is a bargain.
Nearby are brick and mortar food outlets, none offering this kind of easy acquisition cuisine. There is no seating, but you can walk two blocks north (same direction as traffic flow on Amsterdam) to Verdi Square where there are benches galore and people watching that will be as good as your consommé.
Pete Wells wrote a NY Times article a few years ago in which he described the uprising of interest in Mexican food operations like this one along Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens.
He now gives Birria-Landia two NYTimes stars which are displayed with evident pride above the windshield on the front of this elegant truck.
New York Spotter Geoffrey
About this spot
Our New York City Guide
Find your way with 308 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Loved it? Join us!
Loved this Spot?Join your international community. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in New York
Barbies, Barbies, Barbies
Apthorp Cleaners
"Apthorp Cleaners" in NYC is different from the dozens of other neighborhood cleaners by its permanent but ever-changing window display of Barbie dolls...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Taco Mix
Gorditas, Cemitas, Burrito Bowls
Taco toppings include cheese (Cotijam, oaxaca and mozzarella), pineapple, jalapeños and pico de gallo. Norteñas & Cubanos sandwiches are not to be missed.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Dinastia
Cuban - Chinese
"Dinastia" is a great Cuban-Chinese restaurant in New York City. They definitely make soul food here. Consider the squid and rice: it's always good...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Studio Museum in Harlem
Artists of color
"Studio Museum in Harlem" in New York focuses on local, national and international artists of African descent and other work inspired by black culture...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Stand Up NY
UWS Comedy Club
Its bright neon sign is easy to spot. Stand Up NY feels like a proper theater as it has a street-level entrance and the programming is mad extensive,
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
NYC Pride March
The Greatest Show on Earth!
This year's "NYC Pride March", World Pride, will be held in the city to commemorate the Stonewall Riot of 1969. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime event!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Willy Wall
Secret floating bar
Willy Wall is the clubhouse of the Manhattan Yacht Club in NYC, but anyone can head out there for cheap drinks and fantastic skyline views...
by
Nick
Papa
Fall Foliage
Central Park
A walk through Central Park in New York is probably your best way of appreciating the folliage change colors. I recommend walking along the allée of elms.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Sisters
Soul/Jamaica Fusion in Harlem
"Sisters" in New York is a Jamaican restaurant. Let's put it like this: when I go to Jamaica, I don't seek a restaurant until I come back!
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Patisserie des Ambassades
Senegalese/French café
"Patisserie des Ambassades" in New York has extensive opening hours and prepares dishes & desserts for every time of day. It's refreshingly old-fashioned.
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Loeb Boathouse
Central Park
"Loeb Boathouse Restaurant" in New York's Central Park is in the vicinity of the Bethesda Fountain and I think it's best for a warm-weather drink...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
1166 Sixth Avenue
Lichenstein & Otterness
In the lobby of 1166 Avenue of the Americas in NYC hang some significant tapestries by Lichtenstein & a large bronze homage to capitalism by Otterness...
by
Geoffrey
Dunbar
Heading to New York?
308 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 308 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite New York
Our team loves New York
Get to know our other Spotters from New York
As featured on:
