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| MEXICAN / LATIN AMERICAN Calle Ocho: New Latin. 446 Columbus @ 81-2nd; 23/22/$46; 873-5025; Energetic atmosphere and strong Latin drinks- especially mojitos; Fun setting, festive; Creative and tasty food. Feels like a vacation; Best time to go: Brunch (Rez needed, 12-3 weekends)- it features a crazy all you can drink Sangria bar with 8 or so varieties; Bright and festival atmosphere; Up front bar and large dining hall in back- large place.
Rosa Mexicana: Mexican. 61 Columbus @ 62nd; 23/21/$48; 753-7407; Flashy; Great date spot; Show off NY dining here; Guacamole made at table is best in the city, sorry Dos Caminos; Pomegranate Margaritas top notch and strong;
Victor’s Café: Cuban. 236 W 52nd @ B-Way-8th Av; 22/19/$49; 586-7714; Lively Cuban; High energy dining; Delicious Cuban classics & modern takes on traditional dishes; Strong, creative drinks. Toloache: Mexican. 251 W 50th @ B-Way – 8th Av; 23/1/8/$46; 581-1818; Bold new flavors at this creative new Mexican; Huge tequila selection ( 100+) & potent Margaritas; Décor is murals of Mexican scenes. Hell’s Kitchen: Mexican. 679 9th Av @ 46-7th; 23/16/$43; 977-1588; Creative dishes; Walk in only; Small location with Great food; Toxic Margaritas; Sleek interior. One of the first ‘upscale’ Mexicans. Ahi crusted tuna stands out; Guac is outstanding; Menu is very unique and they have a fun cocktail list; Pre-theatre favorite. Almost call in New American with a Mexican twist. Suenos: Mexican. 311 W 17th @ 8-9th Av; 24/19/$45; 243-1333; Upscale Mexican on a secluded street; Great food worth the extra money for the genre. Lobster empanadas stand out. Margaritas yummy. Not super formal – just terribly good; Seasonal menu; All the cocktails are in fact well prepared; Date friendly or ideal for a small group; Very unique dishes & classics as well. Crema: Mexican. 111 W 17th @ 6-7th; 23/18/$46; 691-4477; Energetic place with high end Mexican, powerful drinks, & creative food choices. Steers clear from the usual Mexican fare in hopes of inspiring; French-influenced chef Julieta Ballesteros creates great unique dishes. The Guac is truly delish so be sure to order this as an appetizer; Great bar scene. I love the menu here. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 675 Hudson @ 14th St; 21/21/$43; 699-2400; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. Mole: Mexican. 57 Jane @ Hudson; 24/17/$34; 206-7577; Patrons rave the cooking at this mini-chain is as authentic Mexican as it gets; Friendly, speedy service and a huge menu make the experience worthwhile; Fish or crab tacos stand out; Memorable salsa; Giant portions; Fun atmosphere. Mercadito Grove: Mexican. 100 7th Av @ Bleecker; 23/16/$37; 647-0830; You must order the famous guacamole tasting (3 types, $13); Mini portions of tacos that are out of this world; Prime outdoor seating; Extremely affordable; Weekend brunch; Potent Margaritas, lots of Tequila; Fun, party atmosphere that ensures a good time in this casual setting. Ofrenda: Mexican. 113 7th Av @ Christopher-W 10th; 25/18/$39; 924-2305; Upscale moder Mexican with a happening happy hour from 4-7pm daily with $5 Margaritas and wine/ sangria; Most main courses under $20 with $30 quality; Then bend over backwards to serve you well; These guys get it – Mexican at its best and not overpriced. (as it shouldn’t be). Negril: Jamaican. 70 W 3rd St @ LaGuardia; 20/17/$34; 228-9440; Large Caribbean clientele; Jamaican/ Caribbean food; Reggae Cool; Jerk chicken and shrimp and a solid breakfast. My favorite: Oxtail Stew; To drink – Rum Punch, so good; Jerk it up at this fun alternative; Seafood Creole is amazing; Red Snapper; Curry Goat Stew; Other chicken and lamb dishes. Live Reggae on Wed; Rum lounge to chill in. Cuba: Cuban. 222 Thompson @ Bleecker; 22/19/$39; 420-7878; Mojitos rule the place; Lively, fun; Live music. The salsa and the halibut stand out; Authentic island tastes; Every night a party here. Consider trying one of the Paellas – seafood galore; Under the radar in terms of quality; Certainly a great place to consider for a fun Friday or Saturday night with friends. Large menu. Papatzul: Mexican. 55 Grand @ W-BWay; 23/17/$38; 274-8225; Fusion of ultra gourmet and traditional classics at this rustic, yet lively space; Affordable pricing and super-strong drinks add to the experience. Name means: Mayan for “Food of the Gods”. The classic combo to get here: Fish Tacos and a large Margarita; Also of note – you won’t break the bank here. A Casa Fox: Pan-Latin. 173 Orchard @ Stanton; 21/20/$35; 253-1900; Very similar to a Spanish Tapas house; Medium sized selection of mouth-watering small plates; The décor inside is gorgeous and date friendly; BYO; Closed Sunday & Monday; Downside is – small place that takes no Rez and gets crowded; Go early, but be prepared to wow your date; Great service as well. Order 6-7 things per couple. Mole: Mexican. 205 Allen @ Houston; 24/17/$34; 777-3200; Patrons rave the cooking at this mini-chain is as authentic Mexican as it gets; Friendly, speedy service and a huge menu make the experience worthwhile; Fish or crab tacos stand out; Memorable salsa; Giant portions; Fun atmosphere. Dos Caminos: Mexican. 475 W B-Way @ Houston; 21/21/$43; 277-4300; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. Macondo: Latin; 157 E Houston @ Allen-Eldridge; 23/19/$41; 473-9900; Spanish/ South American fusion; Small plate format – street food; Has a great bar scene and tasty drinks; Great for dates or a later evening scene; Weekend brunch featuring Bottomless mimosas for $9; Very affordable menu; Try the delicious lamb burger. Good service and setting seal the deal. Boca Chica: Pan Latin. 13 1st Av @ 1st St; 20/16/$29; 473-0108; Tons of fun and very lively place; Very inexpensive and a good time; Bohemian crowd. Known for great shrimp dishes. Creative, strong drinks. Though the food isn’t gourmet – it is overall excellent ‘typical’ Mexican; Nothing is bad – all is what you expect in a festive environment; Perfect for group parties and event; Bar scene is solid. Yuca Bar: Latin American. 111 Av A @ 7th St; 21/16/$30; 982-9533; Funky; Inventive cuisine; Mojitos; Sangria; Candle lit. Young energy with a cool “in” scene; Great meat dishes, tapas & empanadas. Mercadito Cantina: Mexican. 172 Av B @ 10th-11th; 23/16/$37; 388-1750; You must order the famous guacamole tasting (3 types, $13); Mini portions of tacos that are out of this world; Extremely affordable; Weekend brunch; Potent Margaritas, lots of Tequila; Fun, party atmosphere that ensures a good time in this casual setting. Matilda: Mexican-Italian. 647 E 11th St @ Av C; 23/19/$39; 777-3355; Very interesting concept of fusing Italian with Mexican works here; They do wonderful things with Mozzarella; More Mexican in my opinion but has pasta dishes we well; Speghetti with prosciutto and calamari; Tortilla Pizza for $12 are available; I’d get several appetizers (Tacos with shrimp or lamp and Quesadillas) and share! Rosa Mexicana: Mexican. 9 E 18th St @ BWay-5th Av; 23/21/$48; 533-3350; Flashy; Great date spot; Show off NY dining here; Guacamole made at table is best in the city, sorry Dos Caminos; Pomegranate Margaritas top notch and strong;
Dos Caminos: Mexican. 373 Park @ 26-7th; 21/21/$43; 294-1000; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans.
El Parador Café: Mexican. 325 E 34th @ 1-2nd; 23/17/$43; 679-6812; Under the radar; Very good spot; Sangria & superb Margaritas; Thrown-back Mexican cuisine; Absolute winner without tabs of high end Mexican; Friendly staff. $20 3 course price fixe; Seafood paella; Very interesting menu or ‘new-Mexican’ selections; Fish tacos stand out; Even Mexican Baby Back Ribs. Pampano: Mexican. 209 E 49th @ 2nd-3rd; 24/23/$55; 751-4545; Famous chef Richard Sandoval; Elegant, Seafood oriented menu; Classy great Mexican; High energy staffers; Tuna steak; Black bass; Two levels; Great for parties and large groups as well; European infused Mexican. Other Pros: Lobster Tacos, Attentive service, Romantic for a Mexican, Sandoval does no wrong! Dos Caminos: Mexican. 825 3rd Av @ 50th; 21/21/$43; 336-5400; Great upscale Mexican, though becoming more of a chain; Sexy, young, hip setting in all locations; Energetic scene perfect for Dates or larger groups; Margaritas will put you under; Guacamole is tremendous; Steve Hanson empire journeys on. Can be loud and service a bit iffy. Best of the mid-level Mexicans. Sofrito: Puerto Rican. 400 E 57th @ 1st Av – Sutton; 22/20/39; Party atmosphere; Sangrias; Mojitos; Authentic food; Fun setting; Huge portions. Can get loud but it’s a party. Rosa Mexicana: Mexican. 1063 1st Av @ 58th; 23/21/$48; 753-7407; Flashy; Great date spot; Show off NY dining here; Guacamole made at table is best in the city, sorry Dos Caminos; Pomegranate Margaritas top notch and strong; Cabana: New Latin/ Cuban. 1022 3rd Av @ 60-61st; 21/17/$36; 980-5678; Part of a mini chain but the Cuban infused food is scrumptious; Amazing Mojitos; High energy and stylish; You will walk out full. Try the skirt steak with a fresh Mojitos (with actual sugar cane); They focus on excellent service; Also have a long menu so there is something for everyone. Maya: Mexican. 1191 1st Av @ 64-5; 24/20/$49; 585-1818; Upscale new Mexican; Gourmet food; Superior margaritas; Beautiful, young crowd with a good happy hour scene (5-8pm, $6 margaritas); Steak tacos; Seared scallops stand out; 85 tequilas. Guacamole made fresh; Can get loud so not for romantics but overall a great Mexican experience.
Zocalo: Mexican. 174 E 82nd @ 3rd; 22/15/$42; 717-7772; People Watching from the solid bar; Great, underrated food; Large assortment of Strong margaritas; Kobe beef tacos; Solid guacamole appetizer.
Mole: Mexican. 1726 2nd Av @ 90th; 24/17/$34; 289-8226; Patrons rave the cooking at this mini-chain is as authentic Mexican as it gets; Friendly, speedy service and a huge menu make the experience worthwhile; Fish or crab tacos stand out; Memorable salsa; Giant portions; Fun atmosphere. | |
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