La Reyna Tortilleria

The best tortillas in town, the place may not look the best but I'd wager it's because they spend all their focus on the food. They have amazingly delicious tortillas and the rotisserie chicken is a must have. Expect a line when you come but it moves quickly. Tip: Bring cash if you're only stopping by for a small purchase as they do have a 10 dollar minimum for Debit/credit.

I live on Irvington and finding this place and the fact that it was so close was awesome! First the good: Rotisserie chicken (w/ the red salsa) is amazing. I mainly eat chicken, loved this place. The chicken is cooked over a flame. It's the most amazing flavored chicken I've ever had and the sauce compliments it. Love adding lime. I've had Rotisserie chicken from all the super markets, it doesn't compare. BEST ROTISSERIE CHICKEN IVE EVER HAD IN MY LIFE. The fresh corn tortillas are hot and taste great (coming even from somebody that's not that much into corn tortillas). Cons: The tamales..had a bit of an off odor, could have been from the lard or pork. I love tamales but pass on them here. I wish they had hot FLOUR tortillas, they seem to make them ahead of time and bag them, nothing spectacular). Biggest issue I have and the reason I stopped coming here and deducted a star: HOMELESS PEOPLE are out of control at least at Irvington and Little York location, it's not uncommon to see 3-4 hanging outside doors. You have to pass them to go in. They will beg, ask for food, give you orders to buy them, try to sell you things, I just had to stop coming here. Maybe because they can tell I speak English but I had to stop coming here. It's ashame because I live nearby and would easily pick up chicken 2-3x a week. To the owners and managers: If you see them around your business..they are harassing every one of your customers, offer them food and request they leave your premises, call the police. It's bad business, you're creating an environment your customers don't feel safe in.

This is a great place to purchase freshly made tamales and tortillas. It's a great alternative to get in and get and to dodge the crowds at the nearby meat markets/restaurants. The tamales are nice-sized, not skimpy and have plenty of meat filling that is well-spiced and flavorful. I bought one dozen pork, which were mildly spiced, yet flavorful. I also bought one dozen chicken, which were a bit higher on the spice level, so try out a smaller quantity if spicey is not your thing. All together, I spent about $1/tamale, which is pretty good pricing, considering the overall quality, flavor and filling portions. Two to three alone will definitely be adequate per person, especially if eating them with a plate. If you haven't tried out this lesser known spot, stop by for menudo, tamales, tortillas or other items in lieu of the crowded long-standing establishments.