About Urban Express
Urban Express is a after-work tacos & mexican spot in Boston, MA, with a no-frills feel and a sunlit dining room with banquettes along one wall. The kitchen leans into tacos & mexican done well, partnering with regional farms whenever possible.
The signature item to try first is the Elote, which has earned a loyal following. The rest of the menu rounds it out with options like Carne Asada Tacos, Al Pastor Burrito, Chips & Queso, plus rotating specials that change with the season. Portions are generous for the price point ($), and the kitchen is consistent — orders come out fast even when the place is full.
On a typical day you'll find construction crews, tech workers, and grandparents alike, especially around the lunch and dinner rushes. The bar pours specialty espresso drinks, drip coffee, and seasonal lattes. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu. The dining room is clean, the music is at a reasonable volume, and the wifi works.
For ordering, catering trays for offices and parties can be ordered with 24 hours notice. It's the kind of spot you find yourself recommending to friends within an hour of leaving. Whether you're new to Boston or a longtime resident hunting for a reliable tacos & mexican fix, Urban Express earns a spot in the regular rotation.
Menu highlights
A snapshot of the most-ordered items at Urban Express. Prices and availability change — call ahead to confirm.
Customer reviews
Recent ratings averaged 3.8 out of 5 across 1,172 reviews.
Great tacos & mexican option for the area. The Fish Tacos was the highlight, big portion and well-priced. Seating is limited so if you come at peak hours plan on takeout. I'll be back.
Came here on a whim during my lunch break and I'm hooked. The Carnitas Bowl was easily the best version I've had this year. Friendly staff, fast service, and they actually got my order right the first time. Will be back next week.
Brought the family on a Saturday and we all walked out happy. Kids loved their food, my partner ordered the Al Pastor Burrito and finished every bite. Prices feel fair for the portions. The dining room was a little loud but that's expected on weekends.
Mixed feelings. The Al Pastor Burrito was excellent and the cashier was friendly, but my side came out cold and they were out of two of the things I wanted to order. Probably worth another try, but not the experience I was hoping for.
I work nearby and stop in at least twice a week. The Fish Tacos hits every time. Service is quick, the space is clean, and they take dietary requests seriously which I appreciate. Easy five stars from me.
Location & neighborhood
Urban Express is located at 4648 Cedar Rd in Boston, MA. Street parking is generally available in the surrounding blocks, and most public-transit routes that serve the downtown core stop within a short walk. The neighborhood around the restaurant has steady foot traffic during lunch and dinner, with a mix of office buildings, apartments and other small businesses on the block.