(Photo courtesy Otto’s Tacos)
The East Village got Empire Biscuit last week (at closing time Sunday there was a biscuit bouncer at the door shooing folks off) and today it’ll get yet another stylized specialty spot. As we told you back in August, Otto’s Tacos gets its name from owner Otto Cedeno, a Southern Californian who was frustrated with the city’s Mexican grub. At his takeout joint, he’s preaching simple tacos containing boldly seasoned meats that aren’t massed under a ton of ingredients, with tortillas that are made from a house masa blend and pressed to a crisp. The tortillas are also cut into thick strips and fried to create what Cedeno hopes will be a signature item: doughy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside masa fries that you can dip into chipotle sauce.
Cedeno says his do-one-thing, do-it-well business model was inspired in part by In-N-Out (he didn’t say anything about Chipotle, which is right around the corner), and he may just have some secret menu items in store. Delivery is also in the works.
In the meantime, take a look at the dining room above and the menu below. Hours will likely be noon to midnight on weekdays and till 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
(Photo courtesy Otto’s Tacos)
MENU
Tacos
Carne asada – $3
Carnitas – $3
Chicken – $3
Shrimp – $3.50
Mushroom – $3
Sides
Masa fries – $3
Chips & salsa – $2
Chips & guacamole – $3.25
Rice & beans – $2.75
Churro – $2.50
Drinks
Fountain soda – $1.75
Mexican Coke – $2.75
Horchata – $2.75
Otto’s Tacos, 141 Second Ave., btw St. Marks Pl. and E. 9th St.; (646) 678-4018