The List
8 Best Mexican Restaurants in New York
With the opening of the new branch of La Esquina in Williamsburg, it’s time to take a look at the city’s top Mexican restaurants. While the original La Esquina doesn’t make the list, there are plenty of other places where you can score some choice guac and chips along with an ice-cold marg (with salt, natch). Have a favorite that didn’t make the list? Let us know in the comments, and be sure to give it some voting love. Arriba!
“Muy sabroso” tacos are “irresistible” at this “lively”, “ultracasual” UES taqueria (and its Cantina offshoot), where “memorable” flavors and “economy” tabs “seal the deal”; “overwhelming buzz” is part of the package – they “pack ’em in.”
“Younger” folks looking for “something easy” like this “vibrant” Mexican mini-chain vending “flavorful” chow for “reasonable” dough; “wonderful” happy-hour deals make up for the “close quarters”, “rushed” service and “noisy” decibels.
Having “graduated from street cart to sit-down”, these “tiny”, no-frills West Carroll Gardens–Greenpoint “joints” nab “best Mexican in the city” honors with their tacos, burritos and tortas (try the “justly famous pulled-pork” filling); “in-a-jiffy” service and “complete-steal” prices seal the “super-laid-back” deal.
“Upscale Mexican” cooking with “rich layers of flavor” goes “way beyond” the “usual” at this “sexy” South Sloper, likewise the bar’s “creative drink list”; “small” dimensions lead to “legendary” table waits, but the back garden provides some “lovely” elbow room; P.S. the East Village offshoot opened post-Survey.
The vibe’s “upscale but low-key” at this “haute” Mexican seafooder via chef Richard Sandoval and tenor Plácido Domingo, where the “cosmopolitan” chow comes at typical Midtown prices; insiders head for the “crisp white” upstairs dining room (and its “delightful” outdoor terrace), while bargain-hunters prefer its ’round-the-corner taqueria.
Chef Sue Torres plies “a mix of the familiar and the innovative” at this “down-the-alley” Chelsea Mexican where the “upscale” chow plays well against the “smoking margaritas”; sure, it’s “pricier than most” and service careens from “considerate” to “slow”, but overall it’s a “pleasant respite.”
Delivering “quality” with no bull, this “low-cost” East Village taqueria earns Mexican mavens’ “stamp of approval” for its “fantastic” “San Fran–style tacos and burritos”; a “mobbed” “NYU” magnet, it was joined post-Survey by UES and West Village outposts.
A “different kind” of Mexican, this “first-rate” Upper Eastsider features “haute” cooking with “sensitive” spicing, served in an “under-lit” room that’s more “refined” than the norm; the electric mood is “like walking into a party”, but one that requires “mucho dinero” for admittance.
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15 Comments
Add a new commentOct. 2002
Agree with the previous comment about El Parador. It has excellent food, a most elegant maitre'd and welcoming atmosphere, and the best straight-up margueritas east of Rick Bayless' Topolobambo in Chicago. A great happy hour as well.
Jan. 2008
so glad suenos is on the list. delish!
Jul. 2008
I was born and raised in Dallas where the famous Javier's is still topping palates after being opened for decades and Tex-Mex restaurants are abundant. La Esquina is one of the best restaurants I have ever been to in my life. The Quesadilla de Huitlacoche is divine as are the crabmeat tostadas, which taste fresh and right out of the sea! La Esquina is number one in NYC.
Apr. 2011
At least one of Mexicana Mama's two restaurants should have made this list ... come on, have you tried their salsa?
Aug. 2011
I have always loved La Esquina's less-hip neighbor Mexican Radio. Even tho they're not as cool the food and drinks are consistently great.
May. 2010
I think Empellon should be on the list. It's haute Mexican - some of the best I've had, and I grew up in South Texas and lived in Mexico. Fonda is good, but Empellon tops it.
Jun. 2002
How did El Parador not make this list? While i understand its not a "hot spot" the food and drinks there are fantastic
Feb. 2008
Mike says "There are no good Mexican restaurants in New York. None. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada." I disagree. I know at least two in Brooklyn that are both run and frequented by Mexicans.
Apr. 2007
There is one really really good authentic Mexican Restaurant. Talcingo del Valle is on 10th Ave and 47th. All the rest are overpriced and overrated.
May. 2005
What about Hecho en Dumbo?!
Jul. 2011
There are no good Mexican restaurants in New York. None. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.
Dec. 2009
I'm surprised Crema Restaurant in Chelsea didn't make the cut... Best Mexican Restaurant in my opinion
Jan. 2008
beg to differ re: crema. to my mind and for my palate the food is so far from authentic. it's been yuppified to match the clientele, and not in a good way. oh well. to each his own. luckily there are lots of options to suit all tastes. enjoy!
Mar. 2004
Ofrenda should definitely have made this list, with a 25 rating for food and 24 for service. One of the most authentic and tasty Mexican restaurants in town!
Feb. 2000
Barrio Chino, on Broome St., is a major omission from this list!