New York has many great options for Mexican food. The Mexican community is the largest ethnic group in the city, and restaurants are springing up everywhere. You can find Michelin-starred cuisine or authentic street food. Whether you are looking for authentic Mexican food or Michelin-starred street food, you’ll be able to find it in New York City.
Amaranto
If you’re in the mood for authentic Mexican cuisine, New York City has a few options for you. From street food trucks to fine dining establishments, the city is home to some of the best Mexican cuisine in the country. Here are some of the best places to get it.
First, there’s Lupe’s East L.A. Kitchen in the West Village, which specializes in small bites and tacos. The restaurant has a mezzanine level and a spacious bar. There’s a diverse menu, including lobster tacos and fajitas. The restaurant also offers brunch on the weekends.
Tacombi is another excellent option for Mexican food in New York. This small corner taqueria offers contemporary Mexican cuisine that draws from the local produce of the Hudson Valley. The seasonal menu features fresh vegetables and seafood. The restaurant also offers a private party room and can accommodate up to 14 diners. The food is served family style, so it’s an excellent place for a group of friends.
Rosie’s Cafe is another place to go for authentic Mexican fare. This popular 2nd-Avenue establishment isn’t hard to find, and the atmosphere is always lively. It’s a great place to hang out with friends or people-watch while enjoying a good Mexican meal.
La Estancia de la Espiga
For those looking for a unique take on Mexican food in the city, try La Estancia de la Espiga. This restaurant opened its doors in 1992, serving delicious Mexican cuisine with a touch of southern flair. Its food goes beyond the usual taqueria fare and includes huarache with fried grasshoppers and goat soup.
If you’re in the area, you can also try Lupe’s East L.A. Kitchen, located near SoHo and Tribeca. The restaurant’s relaxed California-cool atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for Mexican food. The food is served in molcajete volcanic stone bowls traditionally used for guacamole and grinding spices. Be sure to try the aguachile negro, which is spicy and tastes a bit like soy sauce.
The Mott Haven neighborhood offers many excellent options for authentic Mexican food. The area has become a hotbed for Mexican restaurants over the last decade. The site is also home to the Oaxacan gem La Morada. Another popular place in the neighborhood is Santa Clarita, which started as a Puerto Rican and Dominican restaurant. Over the years, the restaurant morphed into a full-fledged Mexican establishment, serving enchiladas and shrimp.
The menu includes a variety of classic Mexican dishes. The restaurant specializes in huaraches and pozole, two staples of Mexican food. It also offers birria; a soup served in a large pot with tortillas. This dish is prepared with lamb or goat meat and features chopped onions and cilantro. The word is also made with small chickpeas and carrots.
Atla
Atla Mexican food in New York serves authentic Mexican cuisine with local ingredients. Located in the Bronx, this restaurant focuses on serving fresh and flavorful fare. The dishes are prepared with a blend of regional ingredients, such as corn, tomatoes, and peppers. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting.
The Mexican food at ATLA is simple and inventive. The chefs, including world-renowned chef Enrique Olvera, use fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients to create a menu showcasing the best Mexican flavors. This restaurant’s menu is available all day, from breakfast to dinner.
Although the menu is not as elaborate as Cosme, there are a few standout dishes. Try the sea-bass aguachile; a traditional shrimp dish served with cucumber discs. Atla also serves chilaquiles with flaxseed and onion lace. The al pastor is an excellent choice for lunch, and its tangy and sweet flavor will make you want to order more. For dessert, try the mole negro, a rich mixture of sweet plantains and goth sauce topped with fluffy ricotta.
Another noteworthy restaurant is El Chapo in Long Island City. The famous Central Mexican restaurant relocated to Bushwick in 2020 but still serves various regional dishes. The menu includes dishes such as Oaxacan mole, Burritos without rice, and a bacon-wrapped hot dog. It is also famous for its Churros, dipped in cajeta and served with chocolate sauce.
Cantina Rooftop
The Cantina Rooftop is a modern rooftop restaurant in Midtown Manhattan, serving Mexican food that is both traditional and updated. Specialty drinks complement the menu. The venue is open seven days a week and serves breakfast and dinner. It is located on the 34th floor, with a view of New York City.
Aside from its Mexican food, the restaurant also features specialty cocktails, including mezcal and tequila. Its rooftop terrace is climate-controlled, with tables accommodating up to 80 people. Whether you want to dine alone or with a group, the rooftop terrace is a fun way to experience New York City.
Cantina Rooftop serves Mexican food on small plates and offers several flavors of margaritas. The rooftop also hosts weekend dance parties and is available for private events. The rooftop terrace is furnished with greenery and communal tables. It also has an outdoor bar, so you can enjoy the views while enjoying a cocktail.
El Mitote
The colorful cantina serves up grilled Mexican sandwiches, Aguas Frescas, and margaritas to drink. The ambiance is festive and lively, perfect for a date or night out with friends. For drinks, try the house margarita or a fresh agua fresca.
El Mitote is located on Columbus Avenue between 70th and 71st Streets. It is open daily from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. The restaurant does not have a website, and the menu is not updated often. However, it is considered one of the best Mexican restaurants in New York. Besides grilled Mexican sandwiches and margaritas, the restaurant also serves a wide selection of salads and salsas.
The restaurant’s atmosphere is festive, and the menu is filled with traditional Mexican dishes and funky additions. The menu offers classic favorites like shredded suadero (shredded beef stewed for three hours) and trip taco (the lower belly of beef seasoned in iron).
El Mitote makes some of the best Mexican food on the Upper West Side. The owner hails from Guadalajara, Mexico, and has a passion for great Mexican food. A Comida corrida platter consists of a rice dish, warm corn tortillas, and brothy black beans.
This Mexican restaurant is always crowded. Many people from the neighborhood make it a point to stop in if they can find a seat. While the food is mediocre, the atmosphere and service are excellent.
