Can I please get some suggestions for a Mexican place in NYC. I will be staying downtown but can get anywhere in Manhattan or Brooklyn. My buddy has never really had Mexican food and is eager to try it. It can be the traditional Tex-Mex stuff or more authentic Mexican. I would like to keep lunch for two under $40 or dinner under $80.00 if that is possible with maybe a couple beers. Nothing fancy or too involved. Your help is much appreciated!

NYC is not known for great Mexican. Some of the best places are actually street carts or small bodegas. Calexico Cart in Soho is one such. http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/calexico-cart-2/

Btw, I'm taking you at your word that you are really staying "downtown" meaning lower Manhattan, rather than midtown. In midtown near Times Square, Hell's Kitchen is good and simple.

i am indeed waaaaaayyyyyyyy downtown; and thanks for the suggestions! Chad

Tio Pepe on W. 4th St. has good Mexican food.
So does Viva Pancho on W. 44th.

I think both would be well within your price range.

Here is a good place in a fun location: http://www.florencia13nyc.com/history.html

Terrific Mexican food in downtown Manhattan can be found at:

Suenos
http://www.suenosnyc.com/ in Chelsea
La Esquina in Nolita
http://www.esquinanyc.com/index.php
Agave in the West Village
http://www.agaveny.com/
Hecho En Dumbo in the East Village
http://www.hechoendumbo.com/

just to name a few .. ..

check out www.nymag.com for reviews and www.menupages.com for addresses and menus

Another vote for Suenos.

Not downtown, but good Mexican food and very nice restaurant. Their tableside guac is excellant [but a tad salty].

http://www.rosamexicano.com/Location...6/Default.aspx

Rosa Mexicana does have a downtown location, not the financial district, but 19th St.