The 20 Best Mexican Restaurants in Manhattan Right Now
Which Mexican restaurant in Manhattan is the best?
Are you looking for the best Mexican restaurants in Manhattan? Then you’ve come to the right place – as a big foodie, I love Mexican cuisine! Whether it’s tacos or quesadillas, the sheer variety and freshness is what makes the seemingly simple recipes work for me. I really love going out for Mexican food, and there are several good restaurants in Manhattan right away. Los Tacos had to be included – it’s my “delicious low budget” tip!
To help you quickly see which Mexican restaurant is near you, you can find all Manhattan restaurants on the map.
By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides!
My Favorite Tacos & Mexican Restaurants in Manhattan
-
01
Añejo
Mexican Restaurant in Hell's KitchenOur Highlight
Añejo is a classy yet fun and casual Mexican restaurant with modern small plates and innovative cocktails. This restaurant was created by the Top Chef season 7 contestant, Angelo Sosa. So, it’s no surprise Añejo is a culinary work of art and is even Michelin recommended for the best Mezcal bars in NYC. You must try the unique ‘Traviesa Montelobos’ with Mezcal, fresh grapefruit, lime, Fresno infused agave, Aperol, and spicy salt when visiting.
Each small plate is a flavorful culinary experience, but their top dishes include the tender and smoky ‘octopus plate’ and the ‘Drunken Lamb Barbacoa.’ These plates are modern but include elements of Mexican food that bring your taste buds for a ride.
-
02
Los Tacos No. 1
Mexican Restaurant in Theatre DistrictOur Highlight
Los Tacos No. 1 in Times Square is rightly very popular: in the “standing snack bar” everything revolves around tacos & quesadillas. Wonderfully traditional, cheap and really delicious. What’s special about it? The handmade tacos taste like in Mexico, because instead of wheat flour (as it is unfortunately often done for cost reasons) real corn flour is used for production. My tip: Take the tacos with grilled cactus!
-
03
Móle
Mexican Restaurant in West VillageOur Highlight
Looking for a large variety of tequilas to try? Móle is known for having over 125 different types of tequilas, all made with 100% blue agave. Although they serve many of the classics, the house special drinks include ‘El Diablo’ and ‘El Vampiro,’ two spicy cocktails with Don Reyes Tequila.
Móle is also, of course, famous for its móle, which is imported from Mexico. The móle is handmade by Doña Emelia for complete authenticity and then used to enhance the flavor of the dishes. The chicken ‘enchiladas de mole poblanos’ are absolutely amazing and the best item on the menu.
-
04
Añejo Tribeca
Mexican Restaurant in TribecaUp next is one of my favorite boozy bottomless brunch spots in NYC. Imagine a tequila bar that offers a bottomless brunch in NYC! Sounds too good to be true, huh? It’s not! Located in Tribeca, Añejo’s $55 bottomless brunch deal sets the scene for a gastronomic extravaganza. Paired with an array of unlimited cocktails and tantalizing dishes, you’ll leave fulfilled and more than a little merry.
The shrimp empanadas and coconut French toast are a few of my go-to favorites, as they truly encapsulate the Mexican brunch experience. So, be sure to mark your calendar for weekends from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM because this culinary fiesta at Añejo is not to be missed!
-
05
Bushwick Taco Company
Mexican Restaurant in Bushwick
It’s no surprise that Bushwick Taco Company is famous for, well… their tacos.
They have a healthy mix of traditional and innovative tacos, so there is something on the menu for everyone. Their traditional tacos include carne asada tacos, carnitas tacos, chicken tacos, and shrimp tacos. The shrimp taco is highly popular with a spicy mayo-like sauce that is a crowd favorite. Bushwick Taco Company also has unique tacos like the falafel tacos, which are made with chickpea falafel. These tacos are perfect for vegans and vegetarians looking for a tasty taco dinner.
-
06
Casa Bond NoHo
Mexican Restaurant in NoHo
Casa Bond, a Mexican restaurant in NYC, offers an escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Owned by Mike Khuu and led by Executive Chef-Owner Rodrigo Abrajan and Managing Partner Luis Villanueva, this vibrant eatery brings the flavors of the Mexican Riviera and Central Mexico to the Bowery dining scene. Casa Bond’s tacos are culinary works of art.
-
07
Casa Mezcal
Mexican Restaurant in Lower East Side
Casa Mezcal is – as the name suggests – a mezcal bar in New York, more precisely in the Lower East Side. Both from the outside and inside, Casa Mezcal shows the Mexican joie de vivre: everything is colorful and the bar is beautifully decorated. There is a huge selection of mezcals and the atmosphere is just great!
-
08
Chipotle
Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Chipotle is a famous chain that brought Mexican food to the USA. Although there are many Mexican restaurant options in the Big Apple, it is one of the top low budget restaurants in New York. The menu includes tacos, burritos, quesadillas, burrito bowls and salad bowls. You can find the Mexican restaurant on almost every corner in the city.
-
09
Claro
Mexican Restaurant in Sunset Park
Next time you’re in the mood for a Mexican food adventure, head over to Claro. This fantastic little spot is nestled in Brooklyn’s Gowanus neighborhood. And trust me! This place knows how to do brunch right, with a menu bursting with Oaxacan specialties, like homemade tortillas and mezcal. Their star attraction? The short rib chilaquiles that are part of a three-course prix fixe brunch.
Oh, and don’t skip on their Quesadillas De Verano or the Mole Rojo. But what I like the most is when the weather’s warm, and I can snag a seat on their charming patio. This Michelin-starred gem effortlessly blends New York and Oaxacan vibes, making it a must-try brunch destination.
-
10
Cocina Chente
Mexican Restaurant in RiverdaleStep into Cocina Chente, and you’ll feel like you’ve crossed an invisible border into a warm, lively Mexican cocina (kitchen). The enticing aroma of sizzling spices will fill your nose, and you’ll know that you’re in for a treat.
When it comes to their menu, the Huevos Rancheros is an explosion of flavors that will start your day off right. But if that’s not your style, their succulent Spanish chorizo, and Angus beef combo are sure to leave you smacking your lips. And whatever you do – don’t forget to try their amazing Margaritas! Either way, when you visit Cocina Chente, prepare to have your meal transformed into a fiesta!
-
11
Dos Caminos
Mexican Restaurant in SoHo
Dos Casminos is especially known for its spicy guacamole and the very good sangria. The charm that the restaurant exudes in each of the 5 locations is absolutely authentic Mexican and provides a successful change after a long working day or a strenuous sightseeing day.
-
12
El Camión Cantina
Mexican Restaurant in Alphabet CityThere’s nothing like homemade corn tortillas, and classically trained chef Juan Escobedo makes the best in The East Village. El Camión Cantina uses only locally sourced, fresh ingredients, making it one of the best taco places in NYC. Their tacos include non-traditional flavors, such as the beer-battered shrimp tacos with guacamole, cucumber relish, and cured onion, but all of the creations come out perfectly. The beef tacos with shredded beef, guacamole, and fried onions are another popular choice for tacos. Don’t forget to end your night with a crispy and sweet Mexican fried ice cream.
-
13
El Toro Rojo Truck
Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Here you will find authentic Mexican specialties – tacos, quesadillas, burritos and much more. Be sure to try the chorizo & egg burrito. It tastes simply delicious. The guacamole with tacos is also simply delicious.
-
14
El Vez
Mexican Restaurant in Battery Park City
This chic local spot is a very popular place for after-work cocktails. With great food and a nice atmosphere it is worth a visit, especially in the warmer months where you can sit outside. The portions are generous and the prices (main course from $15) are reasonable. Make sure to order a portion of chips and guacamole before you start your main course – the best in town!
-
15
Flats Fix Taqueria and Tequila Bar
Mexican Restaurant in Flatiron District
Flats Fix Taqueria and Tequila Bar was created to emulate a famous tire repair shop that would fix flat tires in under 5 minutes while the owner’s wife prepared amazing tacos for the customers. Needless to say, this restaurant serves specialty tacos with 7 different types of tequilas, including Herradura Silver and classic cocktails such as a ‘Palomas’ and a ‘mezcal mule.’
They also smoke all of their taco meats in their custom smokehouse. The taco meats may not be traditional to Mexican tacos, but they are all unique and delicious. Some of the most famous tacos include smoked pastrami tacos, crispy long island duck tacos, and seared wild-caught fish tacos.
-
16
Hudson Eats
Japanese Restaurant in Battery Park City
In the Hudson Eats you can enjoy a great view of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. The restaurants are more in the upscale segment, so not really low budget, but even here there are a few alternatives to save a little money. You can find for example the Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, Umami Burger and Dos Toros Taqueria. The architecture inside is also very impressive. Not only culinary is a visit to Hudson Eats worthwhile.
-
17
Jajaja Mexicana
Vegan Restaurant in West VillageAs you can probably tell from the name, Jajaja Mexicana serves Mexican cuisine, and more specifically, Mexican street-style food. And every dish is vegan! Inside, you can expect to see tiling, paneling, and bright colors that combine to create a welcoming and casual environment for you to enjoy your meal.
Then, it’s simply a matter of choosing between all the great options on the menu. You may end up choosing one of their tacos, some chips with their queso dip, or even a bowl of turmeric cauliflower rice. Although their chorizo burrito is particularly popular!
-
18
La Contenta LES
Mexican Restaurant in Lower East SideAfter a day at the bustling Essex Market, be sure to find La Contenta, a Mexican restaurant that warms the hearts of foodies and West Coast transplants alike. With brunch hours from 12 pm to 4 pm, Thursday to Sunday, it’s the perfect spot to fulfill your cravings for authentic Mexican breakfast.
Dishes like the Mexican Omelette with avocado, pico de gallo, and Swiss cheese will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. The Huevos Rancheros and Tres Leches French Toast with berry compote and maple butter are also personal favorites. At La Contenta, every dish feels like a celebration of authentic Mexican food. So, why wait? Start exploring!
-
19
Lupe’s East L.A. Kitchen
Mexican Restaurant in SoHoLupe’s East L.A. Kitchen is modeled after East L.A’s plentiful quaint and authentic taquerias. They are known for their seafood taco combos, with their top two being the fried flounder tacos and the shrimp chipotle tacos. The flounder is a mild-tasting, slightly sweet fish that is delicious when fried and eaten in a soft corn tortilla. You can also order the flounder tacos boiled for a healthier taco option. The seafood tacos are topped with lettuce, sour cream, and a creamy avocado sauce. Make sure you don’t leave without trying their creamy vanilla flan for dessert!
-
20
Maya
Mexican Restaurant in Upper East Side
Chef Richard Sandoval uses flavors and techniques from his Mexican roots while also experimenting with modern tastes at his restaurant Maya located in the Upper East Side. The tequila flights are a fun way to taste multiple tequilas without committing to selecting a drink. This is especially a great option since each tequila is carefully curated and added to the collection.
Some of the more exciting tequilas to try include ‘Casa Dragones’ and ‘Riazul.’ 100% of their selection of tequilas, including the Blanc’s are made with 100% blue agave. These high-end tequilas are best served with elegant lobster tacos or the zarandeado salmon special.
-
21
MEXiCUE
Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
MEXiCUE uses big, bold flavors from different seasons to make creative drinks and food. The food and drink menus are inspired by Mexican traditions while incorporating Southern American cooking and influence.
One must-try example of this mix of cultures is the smoky margarita with tequila Blanco (sensational!!!), mezcal, mole bitters, simple chili syrup, lime juice, and chili lime salt. You can even get a DIY flight of alcohol with a sweet and caramel taste, a savory and umami taste, and many more to try different tequilas and mezcals. Make sure to get an order of grilled cornbread before you leave with their special chipotle butter for the best smoky, soft cornbread.
-
22
Patrón
Mexican Restaurant in Hell's Kitchen
Patrón is the perfect place to go for dinner and cocktails in Hell’s Kitchen NYC. They even have an outdoor heated patio for those cold winters. Their specialty is to serve cocktails in Patrón bottles, such as their self-explanatory drink ‘Patrón in a bottle’ which has a frozen margarita with flavorings and a short and a half of Patron, and ‘Party over here’ which is a frozen margarita with mango, strawberry, and blue curacao.
The brunch at Patrón is also popular with their traditional huevos rancheros as one of their best sellers. The Huevos rancheros come with two crispy corn tortillas, two fried eggs, black beans, sour cream, queso fresco, tomatillo salsa, salsa guajillo, and a house salad.
-
23
Ponche Taqueria
Mexican Restaurant in Hell's KitchenRight in the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, you’ll satisfy those cravings for Mexican cuisine at Ponche Taqueria. The pescado taco is one of the most popular menu items, made with tempura mahi-mahi and a chipotle remoulade. Topped with pickled cabbage, it has all the textural elements and flavors to excite your taste buds. The burritos are also a life-changing experience in this contemporary Mexican restaurant which has reasonable prices, ideal for those who splurged on those Broadway tickets.
-
24
Pulqueria Restaurant & Agave Bar
Mexican Restaurant in Chinatown
The Pulqueria Restaurant & Agave Bar is an authentic Mexican Restaurant that serves food and drinks inspired by Mexico City street food and Ancient Aztec culture. They are famous for their ‘margarita clasica’, which features the high-quality tequila Puerta Negra Joven with a smooth finish and minimal burn. The ‘margarita de pina’ is another crowd favorite that is slightly fruity with a spicy kick from the habanero bitters.
The barbacoa tacos are a popular choice if you are going for dinner since they braise their brisket in Mezcal Guajillo for additional flavor. The barbacoa tacos are also served on fresh, homemade corn tortillas that taste amazing. Don’t forget about dessert! Make sure to try the churros con chocolate for the best light, crispy, cinnamon churros with a thick and decadent chocolate dipping sauce.
-
25
Rancho Tequileria
Mexican Restaurant in Upper West SideThis Mexican bar and restaurant serve a wide variety of mezcals and tequilas. Rancho Tequileria has a location in the Upper West Side and another one in Hell’s Kitchen. They revamped Mexican street food such as elote, and made them suitable for casual dining. Their elote asado grilled corn on the cob with Mexican mayo, cotija cheese, and chile piquin is creamy, charred, and has the best mixture of spice and cheese. The de carnitas taco is another notable menu item. The tacos are made with dark beer and coca-cola marinated pork shoulder with cilantro, onions, and chile de arbol sauce. Get a side of sweet plantains with your tacos for delicious deep-fried, caramelized plantains.
-
26
Rosie’s NYC
Mexican Restaurant in East VillageRosie’s Mexican restaurant in the East Village serves bold Mexican flavors redesigned in a modern way. Their tacos are made with corn tortillas that are black in color and always fresh, making for a tasty and colorful meal. Rosie’s is well known for their delicious veggie tacos called coliflor al mole, which is made with roasted cauliflower, plantain, house-made mole, and pickled onions. These tacos are full of exciting flavors. The crispy, delicata fried squash rings are also a favorite at Rosie’s. They are slightly sweet with a perfectly light outer layer of batter. There is also always room for dessert when it comes to their traditional churros con chocolate.
-
27
Salvation Taco
Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Taqueria at the Empire State Building with rooftop bar. If you are looking for good Mexican food in a beautiful ambience, you will definitely find it here.
-
28
Sinigual
Mexican Restaurant in Murray HillOnly three blocks from Grand Central Terminal is Sinigual, where you can enjoy incomparable Mexican dishes as well as handmade margaritas and a homemade signature guacamole. All dishes are prepared with farm fresh ingredients.
At Sinigual, the service is reminiscent of the friendly hospitality experienced in Mexico. Thanks to a carefully crafted menu, dining at this restaurant is an authentic Mexican experience.
-
29
Taco Dumbo
Mexican Restaurant in Garment District
From Taco Dumbo, there are several Mexican restaurants in New York. Here you can find Mexican food inspired by California’s lifestyle, a great selection of tequila and mezcal and really good tacos!
What I really like in addition to that? The interior, which is a mix of relaxed Californian design and colorful Mexican influences.
-
30
Tacombi
Mexican Restaurant in West VillageCheck out Tacombi for a kitschy, fun, and lively atmosphere with delicious authentic tacos. All of the tacos are served out of a classic red Volkswagen bus to capture the vacation in Mexico vibes. Their top tacos include the flavorful carne asada tacos with Sonoran style Holstein beef and their slow-roasted pork carnitas. Make sure to eat these with their refreshing agua frescas, such as the agua de sandia (watermelon) and agua de piña (pineapple). Aside from serving some of the best tacos in NYC, they fight food insecurity by donating thousands of Mexican dinners to people in need.
-
31
Taqueria 86
Mexican Restaurant in Upper West Side
Love soccer? Check out Taqueria 86, a Mexican restaurant inspired by the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico. The puebla tacos are some of the most famous and unique tacos. All of the tacos served are made with gluten-free, handmade Nixtamal tortillas. These tacos are made with creamy stewed poblano peppers with corn and Mexican cream. Finish off your meal with a 3 leches de horchata Mexican sponge cake and feel like you have won the dining game. Taqueria 86 has some of the best tacos in NYC and eating there will make you wish you were playing a soccer game.
-
32
Taqueria Al Pastor
Mexican Restaurant in BushwickAt Taqueria Al Pastor you can find delicious things and a mixture of different Mexican flavors to choose from on their menu. Accompany your meal with a classic Mexican soda or a refreshing horchata. They are waiting for you with open arms ready to serve as you deserve.
-
33
Taqueria St. Marks Place
Mexican Restaurant in East VillageThis Mexican food is the real deal. Taqueria St. Marks Place boasts a 100% authentic menu without fajitas, nachos, or cheesy Mexican decorations. Instead, they serve traditional tacos with unique cuts of meat which are lengua (cow tongue), cabeza (cow head), and buche (cow stomach). These unique cuts make the best tacos in NYC. Each taco is a must-try and they all have a different texture. You can’t go wrong with any of these tacos whether you try the tender cabeza meat to the slightly chewy lengua. For those who are not feeling as adventurous there are also carnitas (pork), bistec (steak), and pescado (fish) tacos.
-
34
Temerario
Mexican Restaurant in ChelseaImagine enjoying some Mexican street food after soaking up Chelsea’s art scene. Temerario, located on 8th Avenue, offers you this and more. Their brunch hours are from 11 am to 3:30 pm every weekend, when they serve up a feast for the senses.
Try the NY steak paired with sunny-side-up eggs, dressed in an aromatic chimichurri sauce with a side of house potatoes. Got a knack for spice? Give their Smoky Jalapeño Margarita a go. It’s a thrilling experience, but not for the faint-hearted.
And if you really want to make it a great brunch, then go for the 90-minute bottomless Mimosas, Margaritas, or Sangria. Between their brunch items and drink options, Temerario is always a go-to when I want something out of the ordinary.
-
35
Toloache
Mexican Restaurant in Theatre District
Toloache is a chef-owned Mexican restaurant with locations in the Upper East Side and the Theater District. These fine-dining restaurants are modern and will give you the perfect culinary experience. They have a tasting menu with three types of guacamole, including traditional guacamole, fruity guacamole, and spicy guacamole. The menu is Mexican fusion, and each of their tacos is made with innovative components. For example, try the vegan calabacita taco with zucchini, corn, spicy kale, and queso fresco. If you feel like a classy taco, try the langosta tacos made with spicy lobster. These spicy lobster tacos are some of the best tacos in New York.
-
36
Toro Loco
Mexican Restaurant in Financial DistrictToro Loco is a vibrant Mexican restaurant located in Manhattan’s Financial District. This modern restaurant has the highest quality ingredients, and they make fresh guacamole with whole avocados. Toro Loco is a great location for foodies, and they are one of the best taco places in New York. They are always on top of food trends, and their menu even has the trending quesabirria tacos with short rib and brisket birria and chihuahua cheese. The surf in turf tacos are also unique, and instead of the typical shrimp or lobster tacos, they are made with grilled sirloin steak and charred octopus.
-
37
Tortaria
Mexican Restaurant in Greenwich VillageIf you are looking for the best tortas in the city, definitely head over to Tortaria in Greenwich Village. Tortaria is an innovative and hipster Mexican sandwich shop featuring tortas made from scratch and hand-pressed corn masa tortillas. The best item on the menu is the braised short rib torta. The braised short rib is exceptionally tender and pairs perfectly with the soft and authentic telera bread.
Their best tacos include the new menu item: queso taco made with a crispy queso shell. If you like breakfast tacos, go to Tortaria for the brunch and order the tacos huevos with scrambled eggs, salsa ranchera, and piloncillo.
-
38
Tortazo Times Square
Mexican Restaurant in Theatre DistrictTortazo is a fresh Mexican dining concept by renowned chef Rick Bayless, drawing inspiration from Mexico’s vibrant food, colors, and culture. It’s a place where you can explore bold flavors and discover new culinary experiences while experiencing the genuine warmth of Mexican hospitality. The first Tortazo location opened in 2020 in Chicago. In 2021, they expanded to New York City’s NoMad neighborhood as a full-service restaurant. In January 2023, they opened their second location in the heart of Times Square.
-
39
Tulcingo Del Valle
Mexican Restaurant in Hell's KitchenTulcingo Del Valle is a Mexican restaurant located in Hell’s Kitchen that serves award-winning tacos. The hand-crafted tacos are all made with fresh meat and the best ingredients. Tulcingo Del Valle is entirely authentic and they even have tripa tacos, which is beef tripe, and barbacoa de chivo tacos which are goat barbacoa. All of their tacos are vibrant and Instagram worthy partly due to their salsa verde, which is the most famous salsa verde in NYC. If you are feeling extra hungry, their burritos are also a must-try, and they are large and super filling!
-
40
Vida Verde
Mexican Restaurant in Midtown Manhattan
Vida Verde is one of the best Mexican-American fusion restaurants and tequila bars in NYC. Their large selection of cocktails makes it easy for everyone to find their favorite drinks. Try a ‘Burro Caliente’, a habanero infused tequila with pineapple, papaya, and lime juice for a fruity/spicy cocktail night.
You should also be on the lookout for specials on their website to score deals like $10 for 3 tacos on Taco Tuesdays or ½ price bottles on Wine Wednesdays. They even have some interesting fusion food items on their menu, like yucca fries or burritos with fried eggs wrapped inside.
-
41
YUCO
Mexican Restaurant in Greenwich Village
YUCO is a white tablecloth restaurant located in the Village that brings diners a contemporary twist on Yucatan-inspired foods. They are famous for their cutting-edge cocktails that challenge the pallet and combine new flavors. Make sure to try their ‘Columbidae Cocktail’ with Mezcal, Ancho Reyes, ginger, grapefruit, and smoked chili. ‘The Five Ages of Corn’ is also incredibly unique with Abasolo Ancestral Corn Mexican Whisky, Nixta Licor de Elote, corn husk, corn ash, and baby corn.
These fabulous drinks definitely deserve to be paired with delicious food, and YUCO delivers! Their seafood is considered some of the best in the city, and dishes such as scallops with tomatillo sauce and the crispy octopus appetizers are must-get dishes.
The Best Mexican Restaurants in Manhattan on the Map
A map with all mexican restaurants in Manhattan can be found here – just click on “FULL MAP” if you want to see more. You can click on each restaurant on the map to find out everything you need to know.
Check out, these articles are probably interesting for you as well
