Best Mexican Food in New York

Mexican food is very popular in New York. It’s a delight that everybody likes to enjoy once in a while, and that’s why there are so many restaurants that serve it all day long. I’ve made a selection of the best places to enjoy some good tacos, delicious guacamole or the best margaritas and tequilas in town.

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   Cantina Rooftop

   If you are looking for good Mexican food with nice prices and with a view over the city, Cantina Rooftop in Midtown Manhattan is your place. This rooftop restaurant is famous for its Margaritas, but the tasty guacamole and other Mexican dishes with a modern twist are equally delicious. The chef spent a year travelling through Mexico and visited thirty of its cities to bring all Mexican flavours to this trendy rooftop terrace and you can definitely tell! Enjoy some empanadas, enchiladas or tostaditas with a view of the city’s lights. Make sure to book in advance, this rooftop bar has a great atmosphere and is very popular.

   

2. Tacombi at Fonda Nolita

   This is one of the coolest places in Nolita. Tacombi was born in Yucatan, where the owner used to sell tacos in a Volkswagen bus in Playa del Carmen. Nowadays, the bus is comfortably parked in Elizabeth Street, ready to transport you to the streets of Mexico through the taste of their delicious tacos. As soon as you’ll reach the door, you’ll realise right away that this is a special place. The atmosphere is very hip and I can assure you’ll have an unforgettable experience. The menu isn’t really extensive, but the products are imported from Mexico and are very fresh. Order one of their tacos with a michelada or an agua fresca and go with the flow. You’ll almost feel the sun and breeze of the Mexican beaches.

   

3. Dos Caminos

   Dos Caminos might be the most famous Mexican restaurant in New York, and this fame is well deserved. They have several restaurants in Manhattan, where you can taste typical Mexican food in a relaxing atmosphere. Ask for recommendations, they’ll kindly explain all items and ingredients on the menu. Most of the waiters speak Spanish as well. They serve brunch, lunch and dinner. The guacamole is so nice it’s perfect to enjoy at any time day or night. I especially recommend their location in the Meatpacking District. It’s a great place to start a good night out, followed by dancing in one of the neighbourhood’s clubs. The one in Soho also is a good choice with a nice terrace to enjoy a meal during summer. You can find a Dos Caminos on Times Square as well. The restaurants are always busy, especially on weekends, so I advise you to reserve in advance.

4. Arriba Arriba! West Side

   Arriba Arriba! has unpretentious Mexican food. It’s not the coolest restaurant in Manhattan, nor the best to go for a romantic date, but it’s perfect to enjoy a good quality Mexican meal. The food is full of flavour and it’s worth to try the “chef specials”. The margaritas are very famous as well, served in three different sizes (bebé, papá and mamá). The biggest one is huge. Monday to Friday from 12:00 to 16:00 they have a cheap but nice daily menu consisting of a main course and one drink. They also have a DJ at night, as they love to say: “there is always a party here”.

5. Los Tacos No.1

   For authentic Mexican tacos, visit Los Tacos No. 1 in Midtown Manhattan. As they say themselves: “In every taco from LOS TACOS No. 1 there is a bit of true Mexican culture and flavour.” For a few dollars you will find delicious tacos, tostadas and other dishes full of fresh ingredients. There’s even a grilled cactus taco on the menu. You can have your dish at Los Tacos No. 1 at a standing table and the dishes are served on cardboard plates with plastic cutlery. This makes it a great place for a quick tasty lunch during a day of sightseeing.