There have always been debates if the Mexican food in New York City is good enough. But the truth is that the Mexican cuisine scene is right now more innovative and authentic than ever before. Some places will leave you surprised by giving the classics a creative twist with local flavours and some others will take you back to the heart of Mexico with authentic explosive flavours. The best part about Mexican cuisine is the fact that you can always find a place with just the budget and mood you are looking for. Be it a date night or just a random craving, make sure you keep this list of Mexican restaurants in New York City, USA handy.
1. The Black Ant
Surround yourself with food, not negativity.
Posted by The Black Ant on Thursday, 1 November 2018
The Black Ant is a modern Mexican restaurant. It is popular and a reservation is highly recommended. Just as the name suggests, this place serves dishes with insects. If you have the appetite for it, Black Ant Guacamole, Croquetas de Chapulin (yucca-manchego grasshopper croquettes, avocado, chapulín salsa) and Chapulines (grasshoppers, shishito peppers, avocado, queso fresco) are good to try. Don’t worry if you are not up for trying out insects. You can enjoy the Lechon tacos, beets tacos, duck rancheros, Bunuelo de Pato (duck dumplings with mole sauce) and Enchiladas de Conejo (rabbit enchiladas). The Black Ant is a must try If you are looking for a place to hang out with friends or celebrate a birthday, or simply experiment with insect-infused meals.
The Black Ant
Address: 60 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003
Website: The Black Ant
Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Thurs-Sat: 4:00 pm - 12:00 am, Sun: 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
2. Mesa Coyoacan
Celebrate Sunday with Chilaquiles!! Mexican comfort food at it’s best!! #chilaquiles #brunch #brunchnyc #brunchofchampions #domingoderesurreccion #williamsburg #grahamave
Posted by Mesa Coyoacan on Sunday, 19 August 2018
Meso Coyoacan is a lovely Mexican joint in Brooklyn that is ideal for romantic dates. They also have outdoor seating where the atmosphere is more lively and bustling with people enjoying their food and drinks. Mesa Coyoacan is also highly recommended for its elaborate Sunday brunch. Do try out the Costillas en Adobo, Nopal Asado, Pollo con mole poblano and the Mixiotes de Carnero. The highly rated drinks here are the Habanero Grapefruit Margarita, Piña con Chiles Secos and the Toronja Habanero. The food is also accompanied with four sauces that range from medium spice to extremely spicy, letting you personalise your meal.
Mesa Coyoacan
Address: 372 Graham Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11211
Website: Mesa Coyoacan
Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Wed-Thu: 12:00 pm - 11:00 pm, Fri: 12:00 pm - 12:00 am, Sat: 11:00am - 12:00 am, Sun: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
3. Oxomoco
Masa tempura cauliflower, mole negro, butternut squash crema, pepitas, oregano. #fallmenu #oxomoco ?@bazdarich
Posted by Oxomoco NYC on Monday, 26 November 2018
Oxomoco is a trendy Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn. It has a bar facing the open kitchen where you can see all the magic in the making. Well decorated, this place has low lighting and lots of greenery. You can select this place for a romantic date or an evening with friends. The Farmers Market Escabeche, Beet “Chorizo” Tacos, bacon burrito, Maitake mushroom tacos are highly recommended. The presentation of the food is great and will definitely make it to your Instagram feed. The dishes are creative interpretations of Mexican food and will definitely surprise you.
Oxomoco
Address: 128 Greenpoint Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Website: Oxomoco
Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 5:00 pm - 10:00 pm, Thu, Sun: 5:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Fri, Sat: 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
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4. Los Tacos No. 1
BIENVENIDOS a LOS TACOS No.1 Times Square! Free Tacos from 12pm-6pm @ 229 W43rd st.
Posted by Los Tacos No.1 on Saturday, 1 July 2017
Los Tacos No. 1 is a restaurant located in the Chelsea market, that brings authentic Mexican tacos to the East Coast. It is a humble taco shop that is always bustling with people, so be prepared to wait in a queue. The atmosphere is always lively and quite communal. While the prices are slightly higher than average tacos, what is served here is bigger and highly recommended for its taste. One of the best features of this place is the free guacamole they offer. You can also try their marinated pork quesadilla, hibiscus drink, and tamarind tea.
Los Tacos No. 1
Address: 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
Website: Los Tacos No. 1
Opening hours: Mon-Sat: 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm, Sun: 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
Average price for two people: 10 USD
New York City Tour Guide
Hiram Jacobs
I am a licensed New York City Department of Consumer Affairs Tour Guide and a native New Yorker. Over the years, I acquired considerable experience organizing solo tours of the major European and East European capitals of the world, Canada's largest cities and Australia's most popular cities, Washington, DC, Atlanta, New Orleans, and San Francisco. During my international travels, I participated in tours organized by private tour companies to China, Russia, South America, India, the Canadian Rockies, Israel, Japan's major cities; USA: Alaska, Arizona and Utah's scenic national National Parks . I received my Master of Arts in Political Science (Urban Administration) from the State University of New York, College at Brockport, Brockport, New York in 1978. Since my recent retirement from the MTA, New York City Transit Authority, after 39 years of service as an Associate Transit Management Analyst, I hope to share with my fellow Travelers my observations, insights and personal experiences relating to Manhattan’s iconic neighborhoods, landmarks and popular attractions that make New York City such a vibrant and dynamic city to visit. I will strive to make your New York City Experience memorable. Tour Cancellations - Please provide at least 24 hours notice prior to the tour date in order to cancel your booking and to receive a full refund.
Tours by Hiram
New York City Tour Guide
Stephanie Eley
I'm a graduate of ITMI, International Tour Management Institute and 17 years as a licensed Tour Director and Program Director. My expertise began in NYC and Washington, DC where I'm a licensed guide and has expanded to Europe, South America, Cuba and the Western / Southwestern National Parks of the US. I'd love to introduce you for a day or a week to Denver, Colorado and the 4 corners region of the US: Colorado, Utah, New Mexico and Arizona! Let's GO!! stepheley@gmail.com
Tours by Stephanie
5. Casa Enrique
So ready for brunch! Salsa Verde Enchiladas! Beautifully captured by @alicecheng411
Posted by Casa Enrique LIC on Saturday, 19 January 2019
Casa Enrique is New York’s only Mexican restaurant with a Michelin star. Chef Cosme Aguilar is the man behind this place’s explosive dishes. The plating is every Instagrammer’s dream come true with elements cut to geometric perfection. When you are here, some specials you should try are the ceviche de pescado, tongue tacos, al pastor tacos, pozole, mole de piaxtla, pot de creme and the flan. The flavours of Casa Enrique are highly rated. You will also enjoy the creative cocktails that the place has to offer.
Casa Enrique
Address: 5-48 49th Ave, Long Island City, NY 11101
Website: Casa Enrique
Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am, Wed-Fri: 5:00 pm – 11:30 pm, Sat-Sun: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
6. Cosme
Soft Shell Crab
Posted by Cosme on Wednesday, 24 January 2018
Cosme is a fine restaurant with ‘Mexican-inspired cuisine’. Every dish here is rooted in traditional Mexican flavours with a creative twist of local ingredients. It is a fine-dine setting that is dark and great for a date. But the flavours, creative interpretations, and portions do make it worth the money. The duck carnitas is highly recommended for its explosive flavours and large portion. The artisanal drinks are also highly rated. Overall, if you are a fan of Mexican flavours and willing to experiment with the cuisine, then Cosme is the ideal place to make a reservation at.
Cosme
Address: 35 E 21st St, New York, NY 10010
Website: Cosme
Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 5:00 pm - 12:00 am, Wed-Fri: 5:00 pm - 11:30 pm, Sat-Sun: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Average price for two people: 31-60 USD
7. Rosa Mexicano
Posted by Rosa Mexicano Restaurants on Friday, 26 October 2018
Rosa Mexicano is an award-winning restaurant started in 1984. Couples, families and business groups: the place welcomes guests of all kinds. The guacamole en molcajete, prepared tableside is a signature special here. The fish tacos and pomegranate margarita are a must try as well. Not just the food, but also the service and presentation is highly rated. This upscale restaurant by Lincoln Center is popular and a great choice if you are looking for a fine evening with Mexican magic.
Rosa Mexicano
Address: 61 Columbus Ave, New York, NY 10023
Website: Rosa Mexicano
Opening hours: Tue-Sat: 11:30 am - 11:30 pm, Sun-Mon: 11:30 am - 10:30 pm
Average price for two people: 31-60 USD
8. El Centro
? Can’t (and won’t) resist a classic El Centro steak and eggs ? ? • • • • • #brunch #love #foodie #yummy #yum #foodporn #foodphotography #food #mexicanfood #steak #eggs #foodgasm
Posted by El Centro on Monday, 7 January 2019
True to its name, El Centro is right at the centre of Hell’s Kitchen. The place has quirky interiors with Corona-bottle chandeliers and bottle-top tables. The signature specials here are the chilaquiles, sizzling fajitas, fruit sangria, mouth-watering margaritas and mojitos. The interesting feature of this place is the free chips and salsa that is offered with the meals and drinks at the bar. You should also try out the steak chilaquiles or the short ribs tacos. The service is quick and the food is reasonable. The breakfast burrito is also highly recommended here. Overall, if you are looking for authentic Mexican flavours with great service then El Centro is a great spot.
El Centro
Address: 824 9th Ave, New York, NY 10019
Website: El Centro
Opening hours: Mon-Tue: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm, Wed-Thu: 11:30 am - 12:00 am, Fri-Sat: 11:30 am - 1:00 am, Sun: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
9. La Cotenta
??#Repost @full.man.food ・・・ Some of the best Mexican food we’ve had in NYC. . . . #mexicanfood #panroasted #salmon...
Posted by La Contenta NYC on Sunday, 13 January 2019
La Cotenta is a tiny Mexican joint with French accents. It is cosy, candlelit, plays cumbia music and serves strong drinks. Since the place is limited by space it is absolutely important to make a reservation here. The portions are large and very filling. You can try out the grilled chicken quesadilla, Essex cocktail, al pastor michelada, and the Enchiladas de Pollo. The service is warm, welcoming and friendly. This place is recommended if you are looking for a simple but soulful Mexican spot.
La Cotenta
Address: 102 Norfolk St, New York, NY 10002
Website: La Cotenta
Opening hours: Mon-Wed: 4:00 pm - 12:00 am, Thu-Sat: 11:00 am - 2:00 am, Sun: 11:00 am - 12:00 am
Average price for two people: 11-30 USD
10. Toloache
Posted by Toloache on Thursday, 26 April 2018
Toloache is a former Michelin star restaurant that offers the most authentic flavours. The environment is well lit with a bistro feel. The sangria and mojitos served here are highly recommended. The braised beef tacos, de Lechon tacos, Costilla and Tuetano tacos, and yellowtail ceviche are signature favourites of this place. The most highly rated dish here is the lobster tacos that ooze flavours, smokiness with the perfect balance of lime and guacamole. If you are around the Theatre district and wish to satiate your Mexican cravings, Toloache is a must visit. Don’t forget to make a reservation.
Toloache
Address: 251 West 50th St, New York, NY 10012
Website: Toloache
Opening hours: Sun-Mon: 11:30 am - 10:00 pm, Tue-Thu: 11:30 am - 11:00 pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30 am - 12:00 am
Average price for two people: 30-60 USD
Mexican magic on your plate
If your taste buds crave the explosive flavours of Mexican cuisine, New York City has some hidden gems and well-established restaurants that you should definitely try out. So, anywhere you are, dive into your favourite tacos, guacamole, and ceviches with the most authentic flavours. Are you experimentative? Then New York City has some interesting spots that have reinvented Mexican dishes to make sure you come back for more. All in all, this handpicked list of Mexican restaurants in New York City, USA will keep your taste buds happy.
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