It’s a straight-up fact that Mexican food is pretty damn amazing. One of our writers even went all the way there in search of the perfect taco.

But there’s also no shortage of places closer to home that can bring us eats inspired by Mexican culture. And among them, is trending taqueria Empellón.

It’s located in the heart of midtown at 510 Madison Avenue, on 53rd Street between Madison and 5th Avenue and it’s peddling some of the best.

Head Chef Alex Stupak has come up with some surprising and ambitious takes on the classic meal.

Some of the place’s most exotic variations feature octopus and celery, falafel and red sauce, and even pastrami and salsa!

empellon

Innovative appetizers like crab nachos with sea urchin “queso” and hearty main courses like Crisp Pork Belly with Chicharrón and Sea Bream with Chilaquiles Verdes.

But you’ll definitely want to save room for dessert. If you didn’t get your fill on tacos during dinner, then you can get a taste of their corn topped ice cream filled version.

And you’d be remiss in not trying their “Avocado”—it’s made with eucalyptus yogurt, lime, and olive oil, but it’s a spitting image of its namesake fruit!

And no worries for the boozy crowd: there’s an extensive list of wines, beers, cocktails, and margaritas to add a little spice to your meal.

By the way, if you don’t have New Year’s Eve plans yet, the joint is serving up a special 6-course dinner at 7 p.m. on the holiday, and from 9 p.m. onwards you can nab an even more epic 7-course meal featuring unlimited margaritas!

Hey, even if you want to cut back on the carbs come 2018, there’s no reason to deny yourself one last heavenly bite!