Mexican

Note: Restaurants are listed in alphabetical order and not in order of preference.

  • Casa Carmen – Upscale Mexican spot and the new venture of a Mexican family led by renowned chef Carmen “Titita” Ramirez Degollado and her grandsons Sebastian and Santiago
    • Location: Flatiron, Tribeca 
    • Atmosphere: Elegant, upscale, cavernous
    • Suggestions: Guacamole, tacos 
    • Reservations: Suggested but not difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: Group dinner, dinner with the parents 

  • Cosme – Sleek Mexican spot with a big bar for locally sourced share plates, plus tequila & mezcal cocktails
    • Location: Flatiron
    • Atmosphere: Upscale, dark, contemporary 
    • Suggestions: Duck carnitas, guacamole, margaritas 
    • Reservations: Required
    • A Good Place For: A special occasion, dinner with the parents, an anniversary 
    • Notes: Cosme was voted the 22nd best restaurant in the world in 2021. The duck carnitas are the best I’ve ever had. The menu is pricey  

  • El Vez – Modern takes on Mexican favorites served in a flashy space with vibrant colors & a lively bar
    • Location: Battery Park City 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, vibrant, loud
    • Suggestions: Tito santana guacamole, pumpkin guacamole, brussel sprout tacos
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: Drinks after work
    • Note: El Vez serves burritos and bowls via their burrito bar everyday from 11am – 3pm 

  • Jajaja – Jajaja is where south of the border flavor meets New York City flair to create global experiences rooted in local heritage
    • Location: West Village, Lower East Side, Hudson Yards, Williamsburg, Long Island City 
    • Atmosphere: Casual, light, well decorated 
    • Suggestions: Tacos, empanadas 
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: A casual dinner, dinner with individuals who are vegetarian or vegan 
    • Note: All of the food at Jajaja is plant-based (i.e., vegetarian)

  • La Esquina – Sceney Mexican spot with no-frills taqueria, cafe & exclusive basement brasserie/tequila bar
    • Location: Nolita, Midtown, Upper East Side
      • I strongly suggest visiting the Nolita location, which is hidden under a taqueria in Nolita
    • Atmosphere: Trendy, romantic, exclusive (Nolita location)
    • Suggestions: Tortilla soup, tacos, guacamole, queso fundido
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested; reservations are available up to 21 days in advance. You can book via Resy or by calling the restaurant. If you plan to visit La Esquina to go out, I would suggest getting there before 11pm 
    • A Good Place For: A birthday dinner, dinner with someone from out of town, a date 

  • Mexicue – Mexicue combines classic street tacos and innovative flavors, perfect for anyone who loves to eat
    • Location: Nomad, Midtown
    • Atmosphere: Casual, not memorable  
    • Suggestions: Tacos 
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: A quick meal, a last minute meal   
    • Note: Mexicue started as a food truck and got a lot of buzz. The owner then decided to open up a restaurant location and has been expanding since. The food is good and my family really enjoyed the tacos 

  • Ofrenda –  Low-lit Mexican cantina known for inventive fare, creative drinks & happy-hour specials
    • Location: Greenwich Village 
    • Atmosphere: Small, colorful, casual 
    • Suggestions: Guacamole 
    • Reservations: Not required but suggested on a Friday or Saturday night 
    • A Good Place For: Drinks after work, a happy hour deal 
    • Note: I found the food to quite average but the drinks were great and there are good happy hour deals

  • Oxomoco – Airy Mexican eatery offering wood-fired dishes plus ample tequila & mezcal cocktails & a patio
    • Location: Greenpoint
    • Atmosphere: Greenery, airy, lively 
    • Suggestions: Any of the tacos, lamb barbacoa tacos, guacamole 
    • Reservations: Strongly suggested but not too difficult to get 
    • A Good Place For: A date, dinner outside, a small group dinner (2-4 people)
    • Note: Oxomoco has 1 Michelin star 

  • Rosa Mexicano – Rosa Mexicano offers a fresh take on authentic Mexican cuisine, serving both beloved classic dishes in a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere
    • Location: Flatiron, Upper West Side, Midtown East 
    • Atmosphere: Vibrant, colorful
    • Suggestions: I don’t think there are any standouts on the menu
    • Reservations: Not required 
    • A Good Place For: Dinner before going out, a last minute big group dinner 
    • Note: I find the food here to be subpar at best. But, the drinks are decent and affordable so it’s a good last minute dinner spot before going out