New York City is a vibrant hub for diverse cuisines, and its Mexican food scene is no exception. From uptown to downtown, you can find an array of restaurants serving up authentic and innovative dishes. As a food enthusiast constantly exploring the city’s culinary landscape, I’m excited to share some more of my top Mexican food spots in NYC that are perfect for any occasion, especially celebrations! If you’re on the hunt for the Best Mexican Food Nyc has to offer, look no further. These three restaurants, each chosen for my own birthday dinners and those of friends, promise an unforgettable dining experience. Let’s dive into the flavors!
Oso
Oso in Harlem is a true gem uptown. While it’s a bit further for me these days, the trek is absolutely worth it. This restaurant boasts a fresh, modern ambiance, adorned with captivating paintings. But the food? It’s simply wow-worthy.
No Mexican food experience is complete without Guacamole, and Oso’s version is a must-try. Topped with radishes, onions, and tomatoes, it’s a vibrant and flavorful starter. Once you mix it all together and scoop it up with their crispy chips, you’ll understand the hype. The addition of tomatoes is a personal favorite touch. Another dish I highly recommend is their Elote. A generous portion of grilled corn, cut in half and smothered in chipotle aioli and Cotija cheese – utterly scrumptious. And of course, tacos are essential. We opted for the Birria tacos, and they lived up to their reputation as a NYC craze. Perfectly seasoned with a rich, flavorful dipping gravy, they are simply irresistible. My son, a Quesadilla aficionado, declared Oso’s Blue Corn Quesadillas with Chihuahua cheese the best he’s ever had – a glowing endorsement indeed! Feeling adventurous, I tried the Chilaquiles for the first time. This comforting plate of stewed tortilla chips, bathed in salsa, pickled onions, crema, and Cotija cheese, crowned with a fried egg, was a revelation. Oso is a destination worth the trip uptown for truly best Mexican food NYC has in Harlem.
La Contenta
La Contenta, nestled in the heart of the Lower East Side, holds a special place for me as my old neighborhood stomping grounds. This cozy restaurant, typical of the area with its intimate seating, also offers outdoor space, a popular choice since Covid. The close quarters are part of its charm, offering a glimpse into your neighbor’s culinary choices and often sparking friendly conversations. Just be mindful not to over-order! This visit was a delightful dinner hosted by my girlfriends, and we were all thoroughly impressed.
Naturally, we started with Guacamole, also enhanced with tomatoes. It was instantly addictive. We paired it with Queso Fundido, which I can confidently say was the best Mexican food NYC offers in this cheesy category. The accompanying chips were thick and sturdy, a crucial detail often overlooked, ensuring no breakage when dipping into the luscious cheese. A complete success! For my main course, I chose the Pollo en Mole Poblano: braised chicken atop wild rice chicken risotto, enriched with Mole sauce and sweet plantains. Simply incredible. My friend Sandra opted for the Enchiladas Suizas, featuring braised chicken, tomatillo salsa, Swiss cheese, and Rajas con Crema, topped with even more Mole Sauce – a brilliant combination. Our other friends shared the Branzino Veracruz, a baked fish with olives, jalapeños, and red peppers. A true flavor feast, and another fantastic dinner to add to the books at La Contenta, a strong contender for best Mexican food NYC in Lower East Side.
Bar Tulix
Located on the edge of Soho on West Houston Street, Bar Tulix is a modern restaurant with inviting, cozy lighting and a vibrant atmosphere. I was instantly drawn to its ambiance. The margaritas here are exceptional, especially the Spicy Cucumber – a must-try. This was the setting for another birthday dinner, this time for my friend Elvira. These celebratory dinners are always a treat!
Of course, we started with Guacamole – Baja Guacamole to be precise. Uniquely deconstructed, it was a fun and interactive experience to mix it ourselves with the tortilla chips. The addition of crema and Epazote Oil gave it an extra layer of flavor that we all loved. Fantastic! Chips and salsa followed, equally delicious. Then, oysters caught our eye – with Ponzu Mignonette. An easy yes, and they were incredibly fresh. Sandra and I immediately gravitated towards the Braised Short Rib with refined beans, salsa Morita, Chimichurri, onion, and Serrano, served with tortillas. It was truly one of the best short ribs I’ve had in a long time and stands out as best Mexican food NYC dish in its category. Yvonne chose the Branzino A La Plancha, accompanied by Ava Tomatillo Sauce, Salsa Brazas, Serrano, and an Onion-Reddish salad – light yet packed with flavor. Lastly, Elvira enjoyed the Masa Encrusted Bronzino Tacos, topped with Chipotle, Cucumber Slaw, Cabbage, and herbs. Yum! We left Bar Tulix happy and satisfied, concluding another outstanding birthday dinner and solidifying its place as a top spot for best Mexican food NYC.
New York City’s Mexican food scene is incredibly diverse and offers something for everyone. These three restaurants – Oso, La Contenta, and Bar Tulix – each bring their unique flair to Mexican cuisine and are definitely worth exploring when you are looking for the best Mexican food NYC has to offer. From Harlem to Soho, your next favorite Mexican meal awaits!
