Chef Franklin Becker redefines what it means to eat a taco through an array of international flavors while staying true to tradition with the opening of Universal Taco in West Harlem.
In what was the Spanish-inspired restaurant Oliva, Chef Becker and his team have transitioned from tapas to tacos with the same passion for high-quality flavor and ingredients. Traditional taco options include Baja Shrimp with avocado, cabbage, and chili-lime aioli; and Al Pastor with spit-roasted pork and pineapple. Along with classics, Becker pays tribute to New York City’s diverse cultures with creations such as Korean Fried Chicken (Korea) with kimchi; Oxtail (Jamaica) with cilantro and mango picadillo; and Lamb Gyro (Greece) with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. Traditional and unconventional come together in all aspects, including Churros, with both an appetizer Savory Churro with garlic-jalapeño butter and queso; and a Dessert Churro with cajeta caramel and chocolate sauce.
Within the Jerome L. Greene Science Center at Columbia University, the restaurant features modern floor-to-ceiling windows. The space is filled with luxe booths lined with rich gray upholstery as well as a botanical display of cactus decorating the interior to bring the outdoors in. A lit bar and music invite those looking for a quick nightcap or any sort of celebration.
Beverage Director Max Green shows off his skills with drink selections such as the Mexicana Margarita with Blanco Tequila, agave, and lime and the Espresso Martinez with vodka, espresso, Gallinazo Espresso liqueur, mole bitters, and chili salt.
Franklin Becker is the chef and the founder of F. Becker Hospitality. With over thirty years of culinary experience, Becker’s portfolio has a mixture of high-end restaurants and fast-casual establishments such as those neighboring Universal Taco found in Manhattanville Market (Benny Casanova’s, Shai Hummusiya, The Botanist, and Chef Chris Scott’s Butterfunk Biscuit Co.).
Universal Taco is located at 3227 Broadway, New York, NY 10027 and is open Monday-Saturday from 11:00 AM-3:00 PM offering an abridged menu, and from 4:00 PM-9:30 PM featuring the full menu.
