Alex Stupak's dive bar-inspired taqueria Empellon Al Pastor "sneak attack" opened this Saturday and both of Eater's critics (not to mention hordes of taco-lovers) have already stopped by to see what all of the hype was about. But now here's a look around the space itself, which is aggressively covered with street art and graffiti. A sheep clothed in money covers most of the ceiling. A painting of shrouded Death standing before stacks of money hovers ominously over diners as they wait in line at the counter. Oh, and then there's that sexy rat sculpture.
All of the orders are placed and paid for at the counter, and then brought to the table by servers. The menu, which of course features al pastor tacos, also offers vegetable, steak, and chicken tacos, plus guac, is very beverage heavy with 10 Micheladas and a long list of tequilas and mezcals. As for what those critics are saying: So far, the namesake al pastor, a spit roasted and then shaved pork taco, is getting high marks, while the house-made tortillas aren't quite all that — at least not yet. Sietsema dubbed them "not all that different from those made from white corn in factories surrounding Flushing Avenue in Bushwick, though perhaps a bit more crumbly and rustic."
