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$$$ | Flatiron District |
When Enrique Olvera, the chef at Pujol, which many agree is Mexico's best restaurant, announced he was coming north of the border, New York foodies went loco. Olvera's haute touch to his native cuisine is magic, and, coupled with the sleek design (soft lighting, minimalist decor), Cosme makes for a fine dining experience of sophisticated food, focused on small plates.
35 E. 21st St., New York, New York, 10010, USA
Known For
- Creative Mexican fare
- Duck carnitas
- Corn tempura soft-shell crab
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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Exceptional tacos large and small are the main attraction at this restaurant with a lengthy menu. Order the small ones, so you can try several different kinds. Favorites include braised pork, carne asada, and succulent marinated pork cooked on a rotisserie. Chilaquiles are among the breakfast options, and there are plenty of affordable dinner entrées as well. The margaritas are excellent and inexpensive.
4508 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11220, USA
Known For
- Amazing tacos
- Potent margaritas
- Always busy
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$ | Prospect Heights |
Casual and unassuming, this taquería with Day of the Dead decor serves what are arguably the neighborhood’s best tacos, as well as burritos, nachos, and tostadas with a variety of fillings and four types of beans. Just a few blocks north of the Brooklyn Museum, it’s among the best options for a quick, low-fuss meal (there's no table service on weekdays). There are brunch options on weekends.
663 Washington Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11238, USA
Known For
- Great tacos
- Quick bite
- Four types of beans
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$$ | |
Spread over three levels, Alma is a neighborhood treasure, serving excellent Mexican food. The bottom floor is a busy bar; the second floor is a cozy dining room; and the third is a roof deck, heated in winter, with views of Manhattan. Start with a margarita and guacamole—or the salsa sampler-—then move on to delicious renditions of flautas (crispy rolled tortillas with various fillings), tacos, and enchiladas.
187 Columbia St., Brooklyn, New York, 11231, USA
Known For
- Year-round roof deck
- Excellent margaritas
- Upscale prices
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$ | Jackson Heights |
The truck that launched a foodie craze, Birria-Landia specializes in Mexican birria, a rich, tomato-y savory stew made with traditional goat or beef. Here, it's served folded into double-layered tacos, between two crispy ones with melted cheese called mulitas, or in a bowl in "consommé" form (also serving as a dip for those tacos). There will inevitably be a line, but that also means a number of other businesses have popped up along the block to service the line with candy, snacks, and traditional Mexican drinks like horchata. The fall-off-the-bone meat is best paired with a few slices of radish, some cilantro and a spicy sauce, and ferociously gobbled, standing up near the truck the moment it's handed to you out of the window.
77--99 Roosevelt Ave., Queens, New York, 11372, USA
Known For
- Authentic birria tacos
- Long lines
- Food truck
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Open after 5 pm
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Recommended Fodor’s Video
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$$ | NoLIta |
The Mexican-style grilled corn, liberally sprinkled with chili powder, lime, and cotija cheese, is undoubtedly worth getting your hands dirty at this hip luncheonette that's become something of an institution on this well-traveled corner of NoLIta. Follow up with a classic Cuban sandwich (roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and chipotle mayo), fish tacos, or one of the innovative salads.
17 Prince St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Grilled corn
- Hearty Mexican fare
- Take-out shop around the corner
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Reservations not accepted
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$$ | Upper East Side |
Named for a border town between Mexico and California, this casual, easygoing Cal-Mex restaurant originated as a food truck in Lower Manhattan before opening a number of storefronts, three of which are in Brooklyn. At the Upper East Side outpost, you'll find Calexico's usual staples of burritos, quesadillas, tacos, and enchiladas: things to try include frozen margaritas, chipotle-marinated pork tacos, and carne fries smothered in carne asada, cheese sauce, pico de gallo, and sour cream. There's also a kids' menu.
1491 2nd Ave., New York, New York, 10075, USA
Known For
- Anything with chipotle pork
- Chips with homemade guacamole
- Lively bar scene with great happy hour specials
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$$ | Long Island City |
Come for the tacos, stay for the margaritas: that's what a lot of local Long Island City folks do at this popular Mexican standout. The chef is from Chiapas, but expect pan-Mexican fare, with tacos crammed with slow-cooked beef tongue or rich chorizo, among other meat options; also worthy are refreshing fish ceviche and the tender meatballs wading in a spicy chipotle-tomato sauce.
5--48 49th Ave., Queens, New York, 11101, USA
Known For
- Different margaritas, including aguachile
- Michelin Star--rated cuisine
- Delicious mole
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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Colorful textiles adorn the windows of this tiny taquería that serves a sizable, affordable menu of authentic dishes. The “super” tacos (choice of meat with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole), mole entrées, quesadillas, and hearty chicken, goat, and pozole (hominy) soups go well with the refreshing tamarind juice or horchata (a rice-milk drink with cinnamon)—both house-made. With fewer than 10 tables it can get crowded on weekends. Sidewalk seating is available in warm weather.
1202 Cortelyou Rd., Brooklyn, New York, 11218, USA
Known For
- Authentic Mexican dishes
- Homemade juices
- Affordable neighborhood favorite
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$ | Coney Island |
Just off the boardwalk, this taco stand has a selection of tasty Mexican standards. The taco carne asada (marinated steak) is a favorite; torta sandwiches are large enough to share. It's a quick, inexpensive meal that pairs well with a Mexican fruit-flavored Jarritos soda.
1221 Bowery St., Brooklyn, New York, 11224, USA
Known For
- Affordable Mexican food
- Carne asada tacos
- Central Coney Island location
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$$ | Meatpacking District |
Housed in a triangular building smack in the center of Meatpacking District action, this bi-level Mexican restaurant with ample outdoor seating does consistently solid fare. The menu boasts classic south-of-the-border staples like chicken enchiladas, variations on the theme of tacos, and nachos but the kitchen is at its best when churning out less-likely fare, such as yucca-stuffed croquetas, butternut squash and pumpkin soup, and plantain-and-black-bean empanadas. And, of course, you can wash it all down with one (or two) of several types of margaritas.
675 Hudson St., New York, New York, 10014, USA
Known For
- Fun happy hour from 9 pm to close
- Guacamole
- Outdoor dining
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$$ | West Village |
Alex Stupak worked as the pastry chef at the now-closed wd-50, New York's introduction to molecular gastronomy, so when he left to open a taqueria, many diners wondered if they'd be served deconstructed tacos. Instead, they got both straightforward options (fish tempura, lamb, steak) and surprising variations (like a taco with sweetbreads and a chorizo gravy)—all well executed and made using top-notch ingredients. There are also several variations on the margarita theme, including one using the Japanese citrus, yuzu. Empellón isn't really south-of-the-border authentic, but when it's this good, who cares? White walls, dark wood tables, and some Mexican-theme art set the mood. There's a second location on Madison Avenue and 53rd Street.
230 W. 4th St., New York, New York, 10014, USA
Known For
- Creative takes on tacos
- Noted chef
- Different kinds of margaritas
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$$ | Park Slope |
Authentic and flavorful contemporary Mexican food, perfectly mixed cocktails, and amiable staff define this cozy restaurant—the first of three in New York City overseen by award-winning chef and cookbook author Roberto Santibañez. It's tempting to order by sauce alone: enchiladas with mole, lump crab croquettes with avocado serrano sauce, and poblano peppers with roasted-tomato chipotle sauce. The small space is always buzzing, and there's backyard seating.
434 7th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11215, USA
Known For
- Happy hour at the bar
- Duck zarape
- Tight seating when crowded
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$ | DUMBO |
Modern Mexican flair adorns this stylish neighborhood staple for elevated Mexican street tacos, as well as regional takes on octopus, enmoladas (chicken mole enchiladas), and trout in garlic sauce. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, this family-friendly restaurant also prides itself on having an impressive list of agave spirits, which they use when conjuring up creative cocktails.
5 Front St., Brooklyn, New York, 11201, USA
Known For
- Multiregional Mexican dishes
- Balanced cocktails and diverse tequilas
- Family-friendly space
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch weekdays
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$$ | NoLIta |
Anchoring a downtown corner under a bright neon sign, La Esquina looks like just a fast-food taqueria, with cheap tacos, but it's actually three superb south-of-the-border spots in one, including a trendy basement restaurant with a party atmosphere. The basement functions like a Mexican speakeasy, accessible (by reservation only) through an unmarked door just inside the ground-floor taqueria.
114 Kenmare St., New York, New York, 10012, USA
Known For
- Buzzy scene downstairs, especially late-late nights
- Substantial portions of Mexican fare
- Potent margaritas
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$$ | South Bronx |
This acclaimed South Bronx establishment of Mexican cuisine goes far beyond tacos and gorditas to explore the deeply flavorful world of indigenous Oaxacan cooking. You can stick with familiar handheld items, but save your appetite for more complex dishes including molcajete (red or green mole with chorizo, cheese, rice, beans, tortillas, and meat), pampazo (chorizo and potatoes with choice of mole), and poblano chile relleno stuffed with cheese and coated in egg batter, served with tomato sauce, rice, and beans.
308 Willis Ave., Bronx, New York, 10454, USA
Known For
- Authentic Oaxacan cuisine
- Several mole options (red, green, black, and more)
- Owned and operated by an undocumented family
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: Closed Thurs.–Sun.
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Maria’s serves classic Mexican breakfast fare like huevos rancheros and chilaquiles (a casserole made of tortillas and anything from salsa to mole to eggs to meats, and garnishes such as avocado or queso fresco) in a brightly decorated restaurant with a charming backyard space. Every brunch entrée comes with an hour's worth of bottomless mimosas or Margaritas. The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner, too, but brunch is best.
886 5th Ave., Brooklyn, New York, 11232, USA
Known For
- Bottomless brunch
- Cute outdoor space in summer
- Happy hour
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$$$ | Upper East Side |
The upscale-hacienda appearance of this justifiably popular restaurant showcases some of the best Mexican food in the city, courtesy of pioneering Mexican chef Richard Sandoval. Begin with a fresh mango mojito, then tuck into delicious roasted corn soup with huitlacoche dumplings, stuffed poblano peppers, or a smoky filet mignon taco with jalapeño escabeche (a marinade). Next, indulge in the tender roasted pork carnitas or the spicy chipotle shrimp. The bottomless brunch on weekends can get loud, but with unlimited cocktails and dishes you can see why.
1191 1st Ave., New York, New York, 10065-7108, USA
Known For
- Bottomless brunch on weekends
- Bacon guacamole
- Chipotle shrimp
Restaurant Details
Rate Includes: No lunch
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$ | Harlem |
From tacos and wraps, to salads and smoothies, Presto Fresh is a modern Mexican restaurant full of healthy food made with the highest quality ingredients. With a daily lunch special for less than $10 and good proportions, you’ll get plenty of bang for your buck. If you’re really hungry, try the grilled chicken burrito. Or grab flautas on the go.
429 W. 125th St., New York, New York, 10027, USA
Known For
- Healthy menu options for the health-conscious
- Hefty burritos
- Fresh smoothies
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$$$ | Upper West Side |
Originating in Manhattan in 1984, this warm Mexican restaurant now has outlets in eight states. The two-story Lincoln Center location features a small, yet lively bar where the house specialty, the frozen pomegranate margarita, and freshly made guacamole are musts; dishes to try include the enchiladas Suizas in a creamy tomatillo sauce. If you're staying for more than drinks and appetizers, head for a table upstairs past the giant blue tile waterfall lined with figures of divers.
61 Columbus Ave., New York, New York, 10023, USA
Known For
- Three kinds of ceviche
- Jumbo shrimp in garlic vinaigrette
- Busy pre-theater crowd
