Mexican restaurants in New York City
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A
La Esquina
This mega-popular and quirky little spot is housed in a former greasy spoon that sits within the neat little triangle formed by Cleveland Pl and Lafayette St. It's three places really: a stand-while-you-eat taco window, a casual Mexican cafe and, downstairs, a cozy, overly hip cave of a dining room that requires reservations. Standouts include chorizo tacos, rubbed pork tacos and mango and jicama salads, among other authentic and delicious options (most of which are also available upstairs at the anyone-welcome area).
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B
Cascabel
Inspired by Mexican street food, Cascabel is a classy taqueria joint. Its tacos are a sophisticated step up from traditional comida de la calle (street food) but the casual, counter-style atmosphere is laid-back and humorous. Mexican wrestling figures dot the walls, counters and table tops – loads of fun for kids to play with (and there's a kids menu). Adults will appreciate the cold beers, affordable wine by the glass, hot chilies and dishes such as quinoa with frijoles, citrusy fish tacos, tacos with shrimp, or tongue, or slow-roasted Berkshire pork butt, or big platters of roast chicken, rice and beans, and churros (cinnamon doughnuts) for dessert.
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C
El Paso Taqueria
For some delicious, honest-to-goodness Mexican cuisine (a bit hard to come by in this city), don’t pass up a chance to dine in this popular taco outpost, where you’ll find just about any traditional dish you’re yearning for – tamales, tostadas, burritos, tortas, chile rellenos, bistec asado (grilled, marinated steak), fried pork chops and, of course, tacos with a range of fillings – done right. There’s also an extensive breakfast menu, featuring Mexican-style scramble and huevos rancheros, and sweet beverages like the rice-based horchata or the tamarind agua fresca.
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D
El Paso Taqueria
For some delicious, honest-to-goodness Mexican cuisine (a bit hard to come by in this city), don’t pass up a chance to dine in this popular taco outpost, where you’ll find just about any traditional dish you’re yearning for – tamales, tostadas, burritos, tortas, chile rellenos, bistec asado (grilled, marinated steak), fried pork chops and, of course, tacos with a range of fillings – done right. There’s also an extensive breakfast menu, featuring Mexican-style scramble and huevos rancheros, and sweet beverages like the rice-based horchata or the tamarind agua fresca.
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E
El Paso Taqueria
There are three of these fantastic Mexican joints around town, all of them in upper Manhattan. The one in East Harlem has a garden, and a pretty main room with azulejos (tiles). The original El Paso Taqueria is a few blocks south. The newest one, at 116th St in Harlem, offers the same authentic Mexican food as its sibling locations: fresh flautas (long, thin stuffed tortillas), bangin' burritos and a variety of chicken, pork and beef mole dishes that are muy, muy, muy bueno.
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F
Red Hook Food Vendors
The Red Hook Food Vendors are no longer a secret. Expect heavenly scents and long lines for this Brooklyn institution, which consists of 10 food trucks doling out freshly made tacos, grilled corn, quesadillas, pupusas (cheese, meat or squash-filled corn biscuits), ceviche and huaraches (long cakes of cornmeal masa) next to the Red Hook ball fields. Owing to increased demand, several vendors have branched out and offer their street snacks at the Brooklyn Flea market.
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G
Pinche Taqueria
Dig into authentic Mexican tacos, tostadas, burritos, quesadillas and more (your choice of veggies, fish, chicken or meat), topped with fresh yuca fries and guacamole, and wash it all down with horchata. Crowded and upbeat, Pinche is a great find on a hot, hungry afternoon. Try the Pinche at 333 Lafayette St (situated next to Bite) if this one's too crowded.
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H
Maya Mexican
Newly renovated Maya's now looks something akin to an 18th-century Mexican hacienda, and the decor perfectly complements the powerful, mole-infused dishes. Chef Richard Sandoval's menu has, among other things, corn masa with oaxaca cheese and chile poblano rajas, seviche halibut, marinated filet mignon, and chunky, rich guacamole as a side.
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I
Tacos Matamoros
In a bustling Mexican community in northern Sunset Park, the highly authentic Tacos Matamoros serves up the goods: juicy piles of carne asada (grilled steak) and glistening tacos al pastor (double-folded corn tortillas with spit-roasted pork); it’s easy to fill up for under $10.
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J
Festival Mexicano Restaurant
You’ll find some of the most authentic South of the Border cuisine in the city at this unadorned, rustic, high-ceilinged gem. Enjoy tacos (chicken, pork, beef, lamb or veg), rich soups and fresh-fruit licuados (shakes) along with a mellow and appreciative audience.
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K
Alma
The tequila-plus-setting crowd head to Alma, a rooftop spot with 20 tequilas, and dishes from $10. Food is standard Mex – good, not great – but the setting’s super.
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L
Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos
Folks in Bushwick swear by warehouse-style Tortilleria Mexicana Los Hermanos, a tortilla shop with authentic chicken and beef tacos for $2.
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