Beirut Taco: A Surprising and Enticing Lebanese and Mexican Fusion
39th street is exploding with new restaurants, and our resident foodie Meredith Schneider is here to taste test!
Photos by Meredith Schneider
While midtown residents from over the years – of which I was absolutely one – have mourned the passing of mainstay d’Bronx Pizza at the intersection of 39th and Bell Street, there is a bold new spot that has cropped up in its place and started to really make an impact on the city. Beirut Taco opened in April of this year (2026), and has already amassed a substantialfollowing.
As soon as you walk into the space, you notice how inviting it truly is. The murals on the wall are the perfect balance of classic and modern, using a gorgeous, simplified color palette that isn’t too distracting to the eye.
Tracy Chahwan is the artist behind the two murals along the left side of the restaurant. She was tasked with blending imagery from both cultures represented in this establishment and its food – Lebanese and Mexican. Not only was she the perfect artist for the job, but she also had a hand in the color palette and logo for the restaurant, originating them before they were later tweaked with the collaborative efforts of designer Stepganie Richa.
The entire space is actually clean and crisp, a really great balance of warm and cool colors. In fact, the countertops are this very beautiful and elegant ocean color, very mid century modern in their presentation. The matte barstools are comfortable and go with the countertop so perfectly. Even the ceiling lighting fixtures are works of art in this space.
While I am sure there are a number of enticing tacos to try – and insanely big burritos with the crispy outside that is the marker of the perfect burrito, if I do say so myself – I got to try a pair of Halloumi Queso Tacos while I was there. The tortilla base served seared (squeaky) halloumi cheese and watermelon salsa on it. Incredibly messy, and incredibly worth it. (But what am I kidding? Crunchy lamb chorizo tacos are an option?)
A look inside their delicious and extensive menu means understanding that a chicken shawarma burrito exists, as well as summac chicken flautas, labneh esquites, and a crisp watermelon salad. Order pescado tacos, chicken harissa tinga tacos, or chipotle falafel. (The avocado tahini sauce is really delicious.) They serve hummus, a variety of additionalburritos, an array of sides, and dessert that includes baklawa and churros.
As for the staff? I sat down for a quick lunch before my shift on a Friday, and was the only one at the bar for the entirety of my meal. My waiter was kind and we chatted for a while. Though new to the staff, they had been regulars for a while and could not speak more highly of the food and its quality, time and time again. This particular worker had been recruited to work there by someone they worked with at their other job.
Speaking with both of them while I dined made the experience feel more down-to-earth, and reminded me that the local shops I frequent really do make an impact in their immediate communities.
