Taqueria Al Pastor in Bushwick: Late-Night Tacos with Authentic Flavor
At the busy corner of Wyckoff Avenue and Stanhope Street in Bushwick, Taqueria Al Pastor (128 Wyckoff Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11237 | (718) 269-7538) has become a neighborhood anchor for authentic, late-night tacos. With colorful tiles, counter seating, and a constant buzz of foot traffic, this vibrant taco shop captures the energy of Bushwick. Their popularity is backed by 4.5 stars on Google (nearly 800 reviews) and thousands more on delivery apps. Open until 2 AM daily, it’s a go-to spot for locals, artists, and late-night bar crowds. They also have locations in Downtown Brooklyn, Queens, and Harlem, plus a strong Instagram presence (@taqueriaalpastor with 11.9K followers).
Menu & Services
The menu highlights authentic Mexican street food, especially their namesake Al Pastor Tacos ($4.60+), made with marinated pork, pineapple, and housemade tortillas. Other standouts include:
Volcanes Al Pastor ($4.50+): Crispy tortilla layered with cheese and pork.
Carnitas & Carne Asada Tacos: Garlicky, juicy, and highly recommended.
Burritos & Tortas: Hearty options like the Burrito Al Pastor, packed with flavor.
Quesadillas de Pastor ($10.35): Generous, cheesy, and sharable.
Fish Tacos & Chicken Tacos: For lighter options.
Drinks include Agua Frescas, bottled sodas, and Jarritos. Most menu items fall in the $10–20 range, making it an affordable but high-quality choice. They offer takeout, delivery, and some outdoor seating, though reservations are not accepted.
Review Summary
Positives: Customers rave about the freshness of the tortillas, the balance of spice and sweetness in the Al Pastor tacos, and the friendly staff. Many say the flavors are “as good as Mexico” and highlight the carne asada burrito as a must-try.
Negatives: Some reviews mention a lack of facilities like hand-washing sinks or that it’s more suited to grab-and-go than sit-down dining. A few note occasional health department closures but say the food quality consistently draws them back.
Human Commentary: Bushwick diners value authenticity, affordability, and vibe. Taqueria Al Pastor delivers on all three, even if the space is more functional than fancy. The late hours make it a community magnet, especially for nightlife crowds coming from bars and music venues.
Location & Accessibility
Bushwick is known for its artistic energy, and Taqueria Al Pastor benefits from nearby nightlife and creative hubs. Subway access is easy via the L train at Jefferson Street Station.
Nearby Landmarks & Customer Flow:
House of Yes – The iconic nightlife venue brings hungry late-night crowds.
Maria Hernandez Park – Daytime visitors often swing by for tacos to-go.
Brooklyn Mirage / Avant Gardner – Concert-goers often look for filling eats before or after shows.
Bushwick Collective Murals – Tourists exploring the art scene find an authentic food stop here.
Knockdown Center – Event-goers extend the reach of late-night orders and deliveries.
This combination of tourists, nightlife audiences, and local regulars keeps business steady well past midnight.
Genius Marketing Analysis
GI (Genius Insight): Taqueria Al Pastor thrives on being reliable, authentic, and open late. It sells not just tacos, but trust—knowing that at 1 AM, you can get a meal that tastes like home.
MDA (Marketing Action): Create a “Midnight Taco Club” loyalty program—every 10 tacos after midnight earns a free one. This would directly target their strongest customer segment: late-night eaters.
Genius Ideas (10)
Late-Night Taco Happy Hour – Discounted tacos from midnight to 2 AM to boost bar traffic.
Neighborhood Art Collab – Partner with Bushwick muralists to design taco wrappers or to-go bags.
Taco & Music Nights – Collaborate with House of Yes DJs for co-branded events.
Tourist Taco Guide – Create a bilingual map of Bushwick street art with the shop featured as a food stop.
Taco Challenge – Social media contest: finish 6 Al Pastor tacos in under 10 minutes.
Delivery Bundle Deals – Family packs of tacos, burritos, and aguas frescas for group orders.
Taco Tuesday Expansion – Rotate specials featuring different meats and salsas.
Pop-Up Stands at Bushwick Collective Events – Extend reach by selling at art and music festivals.
Instagram Spotlight Series – Feature customer taco photos weekly with prizes.
Merch Line – T-shirts and hats with “Al Pastor All Day, All Night” branding.
Conclusion
Taqueria Al Pastor has cemented itself as a Bushwick essential: affordable, authentic, and open late. With handmade tortillas, smoky meats, and pineapple-laced Al Pastor, it captures both the tradition of Mexico and the spirit of Brooklyn. In a neighborhood that thrives on nightlife and culture, this taco shop doesn’t just sell food—it fuels the rhythm of Bushwick itself.
Q & A
Q: What are the hours of operation?
A: Open daily until 2 AM.
Q: What’s the price range?
A: Most meals range between $10–20.
Q: Do they accept reservations?
A: No, it’s walk-in only.
Q: What’s the must-try item?
A: The Al Pastor Tacos with pineapple are the signature favorite.
Q: Is it family-friendly?
A: Yes for daytime visits, but it’s more of a late-night, grab-and-go spot.
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