Snack Dragon: Fuel for the Fiery

My brother’s girlfriend is one of the pickiest eaters I know. And, while I sometimes don’t understand her idiosyncrasies (no pie? she claims it’s a texture thing…) I do know that when she gives something her stamp of approval, it must be very, very good.

A few weeks ago, she let me in on her late night secret, Snack Dragon, an East Village taco shack that’s been in its current location–complete with newly awarded permits, refrigeration, and a little extra seating, —since August 2006.

The haunt is a sliver of a spot, painted a cheery electric blue, with a few indoor barstools situated by the tall bar. The remainder of the indoor space is the prep area, where one of three women expertly prepares four-bite tacos. The storefront, if you can call it that, is a take-out window, where the two primo seats are positioned. Loud rock music blares as hungry East Villagers chow down on their dragon fuel.

Josephine Jansen is the proprietress and claims that: “if you haven't tried a taco you haven't really lived.” The few seats at the counter and the outdoor spots are steadily filled with people gobbling chorizo tacos, carne asada, and pollo verde. The menu also contains several dishes with quinoa for those who—despite stumbling in at 2am—are still concerned about watching their weight. Regardless, everything is topped with beans, cheese, homemade salsa, fresh cilantro and sour cream.

My personal tipster’s favorite thing on the menu is the nacharitos: a crispy tostada, topped with all the fixins’ and cut into fours like a mini pizza. What I liked the most was the chicken taco, which was an excellent combo of dense chicken, creamy sour cream and tangy salsa, served up on a blue corn tortilla. Best yet, everything on the menu is about $4.

Until last month, there were no set opening hours, but now, the Dragon has officially begun opening for East Village breakfast at 11am. To ensure that everyone gets their fuel, they remain open late into the evening: until 1 a.m. Sun - Wed, 2 a.m. on Thurs, and 4 a.m. on Fri & Sat.

Snack Dragon is located at 199 E. 3rd Street (between Ave A & B).