In New York City, Mexican food is a staple. There are countless places to choose from, from high-end restaurants to taquerias. Although Mexican cuisine is largely thought of as being unhealthy, there are some ways that it can be balanced.
One way is by adding a nutrient-rich side dish. In some cases, restaurants will serve fried foods, such as chips and guacamole, but they will substitute them with marinated vegetables or a salad. Another way is by using high-quality ingredients and creating new dishes. For example, you can find aguachile restaurants that use fiery seafood baths and seafood-based sauces. You can also find vegetarian and vegan options on Mexican menus.
Oxomoco, located in Greenpoint, serves wood-fired plates. The restaurant’s menu features traditional Mexican dishes like enchiladas and tacos, but it also offers innovative dishes like grass-fed beef carne asada. Its extensive tequila selection makes it a popular spot for night owls.
Toro Loco is the ultimate Mexican restaurant. Known for its tequila-based cocktails and a wide variety of classic and specialty Mexican dishes, it’s the perfect place to celebrate special occasions. On Sundays, it even hosts drag shows.
Rosie’s Cafe is a popular NoHo staple. The restaurant is never empty, and its casual atmosphere makes it the perfect place for people watching. Amaranto, a West Village favorite, is also popular for its chicken enchiladas with mole poblano. Other favorites include their braised pork shank, which is known to be the best among regulars.
La Morada is a family-owned Oaxacan restaurant in Mott Haven. This restaurant has a large selection of Mexican specialties, from chicken bunuelos in mole to chile de garbanzo. They also feature a wide variety of tequilas and mezcals, as well as an extensive selection of flavored salts.
The menus at the Michelin-star restaurants Claro and Cosme are both full of contemporary Mexican dishes, but the tequila selections are impressive. These restaurants are known for their excellent mezcal flights. Their menus feature a variety of aguachiles, which are made in a volcanic stone vessel. They are reminiscent of soy sauce, but they are a little spicier. If you’re looking for a less savory meal, try the bean burritos or soft tacos.
A recent trend in Mexican restaurants in New York is to incorporate a vegan option. This approach to cooking is inspired by the native foods of the region, especially the state of Michoacan. Purepecha, a new restaurant in Cobble Hill, has a similar focus. Owners Sandra and Willson Lopez are natives of the state, so they decided to dedicate a menu to the region’s specialties.
Casa Enrique in Long Island City has an extensive menu of classic and experimental Mexican dishes. Some dishes on the menu are not found elsewhere, such as de pollo con mole de piaxtla enchiladas. Also on the menu are deviled eggs, Conchinita Pibil, and Lobster Tacos.
Mexican restaurants in New York are no stranger to innovative dishes. At Mexicocina in Mott Haven, for example, seventeen different types of tacos are served. In addition to traditional Mexican dishes, the restaurant also serves breakfast all day.