15 Best Mexican Restaurants NYC – Review Of Restaurants For People Who Like Food And Travel

If you ever wonder what a Mexican late-night bar looks like, we recommend you drive to Aldama in Brooklyn. Owner Chris Reyes and Chef Gerardo Alcaraz run this restaurant, which showcases Mexican culture and hospitality. You can sit indoors or outdoors or have fun in their large bar area.

The main culinary highlights are the mouthwatering brunch and dinner menus it offers. If you’re in for dinner, you can feast on the Taco de Trompo or a plate of Vegan Mole. You can also visit this restaurant when bartenders start serving Frozen Cocktails and Tequila Shots. It’s one of the best Mexican late-night restaurants in NYC to hang out with friends.

The color Pink never looked more fabulous than it does in Ruta Oaxaca. This Mexican restaurant in Astoria has the funkiest feel of all the eateries on this list. Stepping in, you’ll be met with neat wooden tables, a full bar, and colorful neon lighting, making up for the ambiance.

But the décor isn’t the only reason to visit. Their Mexican menu is just fabulous, both in appearance and taste. Bringing the rich Southern Mexican taste, you can enjoy their Moles, which come in a rainbow of colors, and Chicken Bunuelos. You can also enjoy some Mezcal with the food to make things woozy.

For those looking for a fine dining experience at a Mexican restaurant, Empellón is the place to be. Owned by professional chef Alex Stupek, the restaurant has earned one Michelin star for bringing newer angles to traditional Mexican cuisine, leading to new tastes and experiences.

Contemporary dishes include Octopus Tacos, Smoky Cashew Salsa, and Avocado-turned Desserts. While it’s not what the local Mexicans eat, you can have them to tantalize your taste buds. The design aesthetic is just as fantastic as the food. The restaurant offers a classy dining space spanning two floors, ceramic artwork decorating the side, and a full bar.

Also, with an open-style kitchen, you’ll see your order being prepared while you chat with friends. Empellón encourages its guests to dress up for the occasion, but you can go for casuals if you want.

Casa Enrique is another prime restaurant that serves the best Mexican food in NYC. Co-owner and executive chef Cosme Aguilar is the force behind the restaurant’s success. It has earned a Michelin star, the first for Mexican NYC restaurants. Although among the few Michelin-star eateries in the city, it doesn’t have that lofty feel. The layout resembles an art gallery, offering an impressive date site.

Cosme Aguilar, who found his passion in cooking, brought the taste of his hometown, Chiapas, Mexico, along with him when he moved to America. This Long Island-based eatery offers the best Ceviche. To quench your hunger, you can never go wrong with their Cochinto Chiapaneco and Red Pozole Soup.

Oxomoco is an excellent choice for the best Mexican restaurant in NYC if you’ve ever visited Brooklyn. It’s a perfect brunch and dinner spot to bring your date. It offers quality food and the ambiance to match it.

You can indulge in Golden Tilefish Tacos and Shrimp Fennel Salsa and take swigs of their Spicy Mango and Frozen Guava Margarita. All Oxomoco knows is giving a contemporary spin to the traditional classics to tantalize your tastebuds. The vibe isn’t so different from the food. Going with the modern boho appearance, the eatery offers indoor and outdoor seating. 

Many restaurants in NYC have tried to replicate the taste of Oaxacan cuisine, some even giving it a modern twist. But none could bring the same feel as La Morada in the Bronx. Stepping in, you’ll feel as if you’re transported into a social club rather than a restaurant. The deep purple walls, eccentric art, simple seating, and a small library are all evidence of that.

Chef Natalia Mendez uses her restaurant to promote social events. If you’re a fan of social activism and want your kids to learn more about it, then it’s a great place to volunteer. It’ a great place to take teens in NYC. If you’re not there for a social cause, you can taste the multi-colored Mole they offer. Moreover, you can also enjoy their Flautas, Tostadas, and hand-patted Tlacoyos.

Nothing can beat Abuela’s cooking in Mexico. Mexican grannies there have perfected their craft through passion and love. Casa Carmen should be your next dine-in spot if you want something similar. It was inspired by Carmen “Titita” Ramirez Degollado, the owner’s grandmother. It’s located on Franklin St and is one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC.

Casa Carmen’s menu isn’t extravagant. It keeps it simple. You can try out their Mole-dominant dishes. However, you may struggle to choose which one to order, as each is as delectable as the other.

While most NYC Mexican eateries may dampen the taste to suit the average New Yorker, Claro does things differently. They want to ensure New Yorkers get the taste of authentic Mexican cuisine. To maintain their exclusivity and authenticity, they import premium-quality ingredients from Mexico.

Nestled in the busy streets of Brooklyn, you can find a lot to taste out, including but not limited to Masa Pancakes, Mole Rojo, and other dishes. You can also pair these dishes with their exclusive drinks. You can also try Mezcal, Agua Fresca, or La Flor Pura Aguamiel to give your tongue a different and unique taste.

As this NYC Mexican eatery is among the ones that serve seasonal dishes throughout to ensure quality, consider visiting them a thing to do in NYC this October, with the start of Autumn.

Taqueria Al Pastor is a must-visit destination for those seeking the best Mexican food in NYC at an affordable price. This unassuming spot in Bushwick offers a vibrant and authentic dining experience that will leave you wanting more.

While the restaurant may lack a fancy ambiance, its simple, inviting atmosphere perfectly complements the delicious food. The menu includes classic Mexican street Tacos and Tostadas. Each Taco is generously piled high with flavorful ingredients, such as fried pork, fish, mushrooms, onions, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

For vegans, Taqueria Al Pastor offers a unique and delicious Fried Cactus Taco. It’s one of the restaurant’s main highlights. No visit to Taqueria Al Pastor is complete without trying their namesake Al Pastor Tacos. These crispy pork and pineapple tacos are a classic Mexican street food staple executed perfectly. However, don’t overlook the Carne Asada Tacos, which feature tender, garlicky beef stuffed into sturdy corn tortillas.

Cafe Azul is a vibrant and inviting Mexican restaurant you will want to visit repeatedly. Named after the Mexican painter Frida Kahlo’s old residence in Mexico City, this Park Slope eatery boasts a bold interior design, excellent customer service, and a delicious and authentic Mexican cuisine menu.

To truly appreciate the quality of the food at Cafe Azul, start with one of their signature appetizers. The Guacamole and Queso Fundido are both exceptional and will impress even the most discerning palate. The Tlayuda Oaxaqueña and Carne Asada are highly recommended for the main course. Save room for a special cocktail or House Margarita to complete your meal.

Cafe Azul’s commitment to authenticity shines through in every dish. The Fried Cod Tacos are crispy and flavorful, while the Carne Asada is perfectly seasoned with a mouthwatering sauce. The restaurant’s intimate and candle-lit atmosphere creates a romantic and inviting ambiance, making it an ideal spot for a casual date night. Check out what else best date night restaurants NYC has to offer.

Tacos El Bronco is a hidden gem that offers some of the best Mexican street foods in NYC. This traditional taqueria doesn’t just have a physical location; it’s also on the move, with two food trucks parked in Brooklyn and the Bronx. It’s a must-visit for those seeking authentic Mexican flavors, who are not looking to emptying out their wallets. Having a quick bite from these food trucks is one of the best cheap things to do in NYC.

The menu at Tacos El Bronco features a wide variety of delicious Tacos, including Lengua, Mexican Sausage, Goat, and Chicken. Whether you’re a seasoned Taco connoisseur or new to Mexican cuisine, there’s something to satisfy your appetite.

Besides Tacos, Tacos El Bronco also serves a variety of other Mexican specialties, such as Tortas, Burritos, and Tostadas. No matter what you choose to order, be sure to load up on their delicious Guacamole and Green Sauce.

If you want sophistication, Bar Tulix must be your choice. It’s one of only a few New York restaurants to offer delightful Mexican seafood on their menu. While known for its vibrant cocktails, this Soho eatery is also an excellent destination for a delicious and memorable meal. Its ambiance alone makes it one of the best Mexican restaurants in NYC.

The menu at Bar Tulix features a variety of seafood options, such as Sea Bass Aguachile and Banana Leaf Grilled Salmon. The boneless chicken al pastor and squash tacos are highly recommended for those who don’t prefer to have seafood.

Bar Tulix’s elegant ambiance, with its warm, candle-lit tables and exceptional lighting, makes it a perfect spot to host a special occasion or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. The restaurant’s upscale vibes and delicious food create a memorable dining experience.

Los Tacos No. 1 is a famous Tijuana-style taco shop that has gained a loyal following in New York City. Known for its mouthwatering Tacos and affordable prices, this eatery has several outlets throughout Manhattan, including Chelsea Market, Times Square, Grand Central, Penn Station, Noho, and Tribeca.

The menu at Los Tacos No. 1 features a variety of classic Mexican street tacos, including Pork Adobada, Carne Asada, and Nopal. The tacos are served on fresh flour or corn tortillas and can be customized with various toppings. For a more substantial meal, try a Mula, which consists of two Tortillas filled with your choice of protein and cheese.

While Los Tacos No. 1 may not have traditional seating, the laid-back atmosphere and delicious food make it one of the best spots to taste Mexican delicacies.

Cosmé is a sophisticated Mexican restaurant that offers a truly exceptional dining experience. Known for its innovative cuisine, stylish ambiance, and impeccable service, Cosmé is a must-visit for those seeking the best Mexican food in NYC.

The restaurant’s modern and elegant interior has a spacious dining area, sleek black seats, and dim, cozy lighting. The food and cocktails are presented in balanced proportions, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to both taste and presentation. While the dress code is casual, it’s appropriate to dress up.

The menu at Cosmé features several modern Mexican and South American dishes. Some of Cosmé’s most popular dishes include Duck Carnitas, Corn Husk Meringue, and Lamb Barbacoa. It truly is one of the best Mexican restaurants NYC has to offer.

Mariscos Submarino is a small restaurant in Jackson Heights that has become a beloved destination for seafood lovers. With its vibrant mascot, this restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for the whole family.

The menu at Submarino features a variety of delicious seafood items, but the Aguachiles is the stand-out dish. This dish, comprising Shrimp, Fish, and Octopus, is served in a molcajete, a traditional volcano-stone vessel used to grind spices and make Guacamole. The Aguachile negro, seasoned with Maggi, is exceptionally spicy and flavorful.

Besides Aguachiles, Submarino also offers a delicious ceviche called Submarino Ceviche. This massive bowl of jalapeño-covered Prawns, Fresh White Fish, and tender Octopus will transport you to a beachside seafood shack in Puerto Escondido.