I went to Los Tacos No 1 the other day and it was great. Went again today, and it was still great. I think the best in NYC, but wonder what say BBI taco eaters in NYC.
my only complaint, and it's a big one for me, is that their fish tacos are only fried. I haven't gotten anything with meat yet, but those homemade tortilla's are a thing of beauty. Given their location, everything is fresh and delicious.
at least 60 different taco places in the city. For "fancy" tacos, few places top Empellon. For traditional tacos, the best place is Taco Mix on 116th Street. Their al pastor tacos are killer.
I am extremely biased about what is "good" Mexican food in NYC. There are lots of decent options, but IMO, not a lot of options that come anywhere close to what I consider authentic or close to AZ, or even CA or TX.
I haven't ventured too far into Manhattan for Mexican food, so here are some Brooklyn options:
One of the closest I've found to Arizona is Los Hermanos in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It even looks the way its supposed to (like a hole in the wall) and the restaurant is inside their tortilla factory. The food is cheap and awesome. Super casual and quick dining experience.
I'm a big fan of a place in Brooklyn called Chavela's, more Mexico City style food but also really really good. Nice date or group brunch/lunch/dinner spot, still on the casual side it is definitely not a hole in the wall.
Something more up scale in Brooklyn (and up in price) is Oxomoco, though I have yet to eat there but I've heard and read good things.
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
They would probably say the same about New Yorkers looking for good pizza or bagels in Texas. It is probably nuanced in regards to the small differences in taste. Of course the difference in ny bagels or pizza vs rest of
country is pretty stark.
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
They would probably say the same about New Yorkers looking for good pizza or bagels in Texas. It is probably nuanced in regards to the small differences in taste. Of course the difference in ny bagels or pizza vs rest of
country is pretty stark.
Right on!
That has always been a puzzle to me.
In South Carolina there are a lot of NY/NJ escapees starved for a good pizza, a decent bagel or even a hard roll. You would think that you would need just one NY/NJ baker to come to town and capitalize on the lower taxes and rent (not to mention the weather) and make a killing!
But the few startups last about a year. The critical mass of patrons must not be sufficient down here. (But a good new shop for ribs.....)
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
Agree, TexMex is bland, that’s exactly the word to describe it! Az Mex sounds interesting, a good tortilla can make all the difference in the world. Who wouldn’t want that bacon wrapped hotdog with the beans and pico? Sounds delish!
Gotta love the cheese and green chiles. Link - ( New Window )
I’ve been going to NM for decades and the food there really is terrific and completely different from TexMex. Love the chiles, I roll Christmas style, and sopapillas are terrific. That article is pretty darn accurate.
There is a place that started in New Brunswick called Tacoria and they are amazing. The chorizo taco is the best I've had by far. They already expanded to Princeton, Jersey City, Montclair, and Morristown. I'd put it against any other taco.
Gotta love the cheese and green chiles. Link - ( New Window )
I’ve been going to NM for decades and the food there really is terrific and completely different from TexMex. Love the chiles, I roll Christmas style, and sopapillas are terrific. That article is pretty darn accurate.
Used to live there. The food is unique, and very different from Tex Mex and quite a variant of Mexican. Most New Mexicans do not like Tex Mex at all.
RE: As someone who lived in Arizona for 10+years Â
I am extremely biased about what is "good" Mexican food in NYC. There are lots of decent options, but IMO, not a lot of options that come anywhere close to what I consider authentic or close to AZ, or even CA or TX.
I haven't ventured too far into Manhattan for Mexican food, so here are some Brooklyn options:
One of the closest I've found to Arizona is Los Hermanos in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It even looks the way its supposed to (like a hole in the wall) and the restaurant is inside their tortilla factory. The food is cheap and awesome. Super casual and quick dining experience.
I'm a big fan of a place in Brooklyn called Chavela's, more Mexico City style food but also really really good. Nice date or group brunch/lunch/dinner spot, still on the casual side it is definitely not a hole in the wall.
Something more up scale in Brooklyn (and up in price) is Oxomoco, though I have yet to eat there but I've heard and read good things.
I think the general consensus is Mexican food sucks in the NE.
I like the street side tacos in Queens the best.
In Queens you get em off the trucks on Northern Blvd. Â
I feel like the fish taco is almost it’s own category. The pork and beef tacos at LTN1 are so good. Love the Mexican Coke and Fanta too.
There is literally a hidden passageway to a back room where they sell fish tacos and ceviche and a few other great items. Highly suggest going back to look for it, totally worth it. That said, I made my complaint known, but still head and shoulders better than anywhere I’ve been in nyc.
Nice little gelato shop right when you walk out to cool you off.
Chicago has some of the best Mexican food going and the fast food Mexican place like Burrito king or something like that they were all over when I visited are excellent better than Texas and I lived there for 10 years
But, try La Esquina. They are excellent. At street level they have a tiny taco stand for take out, which is very good. But, they have a bit of a speak easy bar/restaurant downstairs. You must call to get your name on the list at the door, but it isn't exactly a reservation. The food, including the tacos, is excellent, as are the drinks.
at least 60 different taco places in the city. For "fancy" tacos, few places top Empellon. For traditional tacos, the best place is Taco Mix on 116th Street. Their al pastor tacos are killer.
It's funny how times change, tastes change, and apparently restaurants change, too.
I haven't lived in the city for 25 years, but I lived in and around it for my first 35, and the only place I can recall ever getting a taco (outside of Jack in the Box in the mid-to-late '70's after partying all night) was a chain-type place whose name escapes me right now...sometime in the late 80's, and also at a place called R.J.'s Tex Mex around the same time (it was on Madison Ave. and 37th St., I believe, but it closed down not that long after).
I never really had any kind "authentic" Mexican food until I was stationed in central Texas, Ft. Hood, and hit some of the joints in Austin. Later on, visiting Mexico on business and on vacation, too, I got to experience a lot more of the cuisine.
60 different taco places in NYC now? Blows my mind.
I mive right next door to their first actual restaurant. We hadn't gone in a number of years because the last time we both got really bad heartburn, which never happens to us. It lasted 2 days.
We just went last weekend with the kids and brother-in-law plus nephews and we all loved it. I agree with the pkster who said it is a little overpriced for what it is, but the food is damn good.
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
Just wish they could grill the fish.
+1
I haven't ventured too far into Manhattan for Mexican food, so here are some Brooklyn options:
One of the closest I've found to Arizona is Los Hermanos in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It even looks the way its supposed to (like a hole in the wall) and the restaurant is inside their tortilla factory. The food is cheap and awesome. Super casual and quick dining experience.
I'm a big fan of a place in Brooklyn called Chavela's, more Mexico City style food but also really really good. Nice date or group brunch/lunch/dinner spot, still on the casual side it is definitely not a hole in the wall.
Something more up scale in Brooklyn (and up in price) is Oxomoco, though I have yet to eat there but I've heard and read good things.
I actually think it is a little overpriced for what it is, but, I like Calexico ok. I believe they have a Manhattan location too.
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
They would probably say the same about New Yorkers looking for good pizza or bagels in Texas. It is probably nuanced in regards to the small differences in taste. Of course the difference in ny bagels or pizza vs rest of
country is pretty stark.
Link - ( New Window )
Quote:
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
They would probably say the same about New Yorkers looking for good pizza or bagels in Texas. It is probably nuanced in regards to the small differences in taste. Of course the difference in ny bagels or pizza vs rest of
country is pretty stark.
Right on!
That has always been a puzzle to me.
In South Carolina there are a lot of NY/NJ escapees starved for a good pizza, a decent bagel or even a hard roll. You would think that you would need just one NY/NJ baker to come to town and capitalize on the lower taxes and rent (not to mention the weather) and make a killing!
But the few startups last about a year. The critical mass of patrons must not be sufficient down here. (But a good new shop for ribs.....)
Quote:
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
Agree, TexMex is bland, that’s exactly the word to describe it! Az Mex sounds interesting, a good tortilla can make all the difference in the world. Who wouldn’t want that bacon wrapped hotdog with the beans and pico? Sounds delish!
I’ve been going to NM for decades and the food there really is terrific and completely different from TexMex. Love the chiles, I roll Christmas style, and sopapillas are terrific. That article is pretty darn accurate.
Quote:
Gotta love the cheese and green chiles. Link - ( New Window )
I’ve been going to NM for decades and the food there really is terrific and completely different from TexMex. Love the chiles, I roll Christmas style, and sopapillas are terrific. That article is pretty darn accurate.
Used to live there. The food is unique, and very different from Tex Mex and quite a variant of Mexican. Most New Mexicans do not like Tex Mex at all.
I haven't ventured too far into Manhattan for Mexican food, so here are some Brooklyn options:
One of the closest I've found to Arizona is Los Hermanos in Bushwick, Brooklyn. It even looks the way its supposed to (like a hole in the wall) and the restaurant is inside their tortilla factory. The food is cheap and awesome. Super casual and quick dining experience.
I'm a big fan of a place in Brooklyn called Chavela's, more Mexico City style food but also really really good. Nice date or group brunch/lunch/dinner spot, still on the casual side it is definitely not a hole in the wall.
Something more up scale in Brooklyn (and up in price) is Oxomoco, though I have yet to eat there but I've heard and read good things.
I think the general consensus is Mexican food sucks in the NE.
I like the street side tacos in Queens the best.
There is literally a hidden passageway to a back room where they sell fish tacos and ceviche and a few other great items. Highly suggest going back to look for it, totally worth it. That said, I made my complaint known, but still head and shoulders better than anywhere I’ve been in nyc.
Nice little gelato shop right when you walk out to cool you off.
New York is way too far from Mexico to get down and real on tacos, by and large.
I see what you did there...
It's funny how times change, tastes change, and apparently restaurants change, too.
I haven't lived in the city for 25 years, but I lived in and around it for my first 35, and the only place I can recall ever getting a taco (outside of Jack in the Box in the mid-to-late '70's after partying all night) was a chain-type place whose name escapes me right now...sometime in the late 80's, and also at a place called R.J.'s Tex Mex around the same time (it was on Madison Ave. and 37th St., I believe, but it closed down not that long after).
I never really had any kind "authentic" Mexican food until I was stationed in central Texas, Ft. Hood, and hit some of the joints in Austin. Later on, visiting Mexico on business and on vacation, too, I got to experience a lot more of the cuisine.
60 different taco places in NYC now? Blows my mind.
We just went last weekend with the kids and brother-in-law plus nephews and we all loved it. I agree with the pkster who said it is a little overpriced for what it is, but the food is damn good.
Quote:
What’s Arizona Mexican food like and how does it compare with Tex Mex?
I worked for years for a company based in Houston and all the Texans would come to New York and say, “there’s no good TexMex here”. Finally, a Houstonian found some place on the East side of midtown and she said it was great TexMex. We went and it kind of sucked. Honestly, most of the TexMex I’ve had, even in Texas, has been pretty unremarkable. Refers, iceberg lettuce and Spanish rice along with some seasoned beef or chicken, maybe some melted cheese and green sauce, side of pico. Eh, don’t get me wrong, I love almost all food, especially Mexican, but I don’t know why there’s all these Texans looking around NYC for authentic TexMex.
I think it tends to be more authentic to the region, where as TexMex is more of a hybrid and to me always seems really mild and kinda bland. Where I lived in AZ is part of the Sonoran desert so, specifically what I'm referring to what is considered Sonoran style Mexican food.
Its hard for me to describe, as a lot of it is about flavor and spice level, different cheeses, etc. Starts with the tortilla, flour based, which made fresh and extra thin gives it a smoky flavor and totally different than the chewy crap you'd buy in a store. Incredible refried beans. Normally ridiculously huge menus, combo options and platters. Tableside guac. One of my all-time-favorite restaurants claims they were the creator of the chimichanga.
Lots of cart/street or fast options for great Mexican food in AZ, too. Another thing I miss are Sonoran dogs. Bacon wrapped Hotdog in an enclosed bun topped with beans, pico/onion/salsa, mayo, mustard. Heavenly, and I'm not a big hot dog person myself.
I’m so hungry now!
Nice. I’m a check ‘em out b/c this is right in my work radius.