In the past 40 years, New York City’s mexican restaurant scene has gone through a massive transformation. From taquerias to full-blown eateries, the city now boasts Mexican restaurants that serve a wide range of regional cuisines.

The best Mexican restaurants in NYC are not only delicious but also fun, and there’s something for everyone to enjoy! From bottomless brunch to margaritas and tequila, these places will leave you wanting more.

Tortas & Quesadillas

The torta is perhaps the most enduring symbol of Mexico’s diverse culinary traditions. The most storied of all Mexican sandwiches, it’s traditionally made with bread that’s stuffed with multiple meats. But don’t be afraid to try other variations of the classic, like a Pueblan cemita (a round sandwich on a seeded roll) or the fabled hot dog torta, piled high with meats from the surrounding states.

One of the city’s most beloved taquerias, El Gallo Azetca is a tiny counter-service joint that has served tacos to Staten Islanders for decades. The menu includes traditional favorites like the chorizo-stuffed chicken taco and the shredded beef with mole and beans, but there are more exciting dishes as well.

Mercadito explores Ivan Garcia’s Mexico City roots, including a trio of tamales with versions from Oaxaca (chicken and mole), Chiapaneco (pork and fruit) and Veracruzano (fish of the day with guajillo salsa). You can order the chorizo taco with avocados for a lighter lunch or a more substantial dish like the fried fish taco.

Tacos de cabeza (“hunters’ taco”) are filled with chorizo, avocados, and cheese; quesadillas arrive stuffed with mushrooms, squash flowers, or huitlacoche and topped with a sprightly tomatillo sauce. The most authentic of the restaurant’s offerings are its enchiladas de Allende, or enchiladas San Miguel de Allende. These are layered with cheese and then mantled with more, and smothered in a piquant salsa verde.

Birria Landia serves a rare and special version of the renowned Mexican stew, dubbed birria. The broth is a thick, earthy stew of meat and vegetables. It takes some time to prepare, but it’s worth the wait.

The owner, who grew up in Guerrero, opened this semi-subterranean Mexican restaurant to cater to his family’s loyal clientele. The space, which he remodeled from his father’s old bar, is warm and cozy with a window serving the steaming barbacoa.

If you’re looking for a great place to eat, then Rosie’s Cantina is the right place for you! Located in East Harlem, they offer a large selection of Mexican food for you to choose from, along with an array of drinks and desserts. They have a friendly atmosphere and a great selection of tequilas, so make sure to bring a friend!

La Estancia de la Espiga, a Queens taqueria, is a great place to get barbacoa on the weekends. It’s a small restaurant with only a few tables, but it’s packed on the weekends. They’ll even give you a pot of guajillo-spiced red chicken pozole for free with your order!