A Guide to My Favorite Latin X Restaurants in New York City
Berimbau
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
When I went to Berimbau, it was still in the height of Covid — before mask mandates and vaccination requirements were removed. We sat outside and the seating was not very comfortable. It was a bench setup and every time someone moved, you felt it. That is really my only negative thought about the experience. For next time, now that it is safer, I would sit on their patio. They have a gorgeous patio setup.
Cuisine: Brazilian
The menu all looked so delicious and it did not disappoint. The cocktails were also quite delicious. I would definitely go back and sit inside.
Overall Rating: 7/10
Seating is so important when it comes to having a good experience. Berimbau is known for their cocktails and they were special and amazing. I remember their food being good, but now that some time has passed, I cannot remember it at all.
Los Tacos No.1
Neighborhood: Chelsea
Ambiance:
One of the most popular places to find these tacos is in Chelsea Market. There is always a long line, but it is worth the wait. There is limited seating inside, but there is more seating outside and along the river.
Cuisine: Mexican
If you love authentic Mexican cuisine and tacos, you have to try these. Every type of taco is spectacular. They do not put too many different types of food inside the taco, but each has a flavorful punch. There are a few locations in the city, so there is no excuse!
Overall Rating: 10/10
Mexican cuisine is my boyfriends’ family’s favorite, so we have tried a lot of different restaurants. Nothing beats Los Tacos No.1 in authenticity and flavor. They are also affordable.
La Contenta Oeste
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
We sat outside and had our own little section under the covering. There were people at the tables near us, but it was not too loud. I can see this being a romantic date night spot.
Cuisine: Mexican
The first time I realized I love Mezcal. I ordered “El Mixteco ” which is Hibiscus-infused el silencio mezcal, lemon juice, damiano flower agavero liqueur, and agave nectar. Wow. It was so refreshing and smoking simultaneously. For the meal, I ordered Enchiladas Suizas. Again, wow. I would definitely recommend it.
Overall Rating: 10/10
I love when I go to a Mexican restaurant and am not disappointed. Between their ambiance, their flavors, and their drinks, they just get it. I would love to return to try more of their menu items.
Tacombi
Neighborhood: West Village
Ambiance:
We sat outside at the West Village location and we were able to people-watch. To feel like you are part of the crowd, while safely sitting away from the crowd is a wonderful gift.
Cuisine: Mexican
Do not sleep on their Baja Crispy Fish tacos. My boyfriend is a lover of Mexican cuisine and raved about Tacombi. A few months ago, I ordered takeout and was left unimpressed. It turns out, there is a wrong way to order.
We went a second time with his parents, this time I ordered exactly what he did. I could eat an entire order of only their Baja Crispy Fish tacos. Their chicken is also noteworthy, but if you were only going to order one thing, the fish taco is the way to go. I also tried their Agave wine which was very refreshing.
Overall Rating: 7/10
While their fish tacos are delicious, if only one item on the menu excites me, points are deducted. There are a few locations around the city, so I like their accessibility.
Taqueria
Neighborhood: Gramercy Park
Ambiance:
It has an amazing atmosphere, where the lights are dim and the conversations are flowing. I will definitely go again since I couldn’t decide what to order. Too many great options!
Cuisine: Mexican
Such a delicious restaurant. You can mix & match your types of tacos while drinking a well-crafted margarita. This place also has brunch which is something I need to try.
Overall Rating: 8/10
I am sure when I was eating these tacos they were amazing. Now, over two years later, I have forgotten about them and they have been replaced. I will not score them less than an 8 until I am able to go back and see how they compare to the more recent tacos I have enjoyed.
Lucy’s Cantina
Neighborhood: Midtown
Ambiance:
I have been to Lucy’s Cantina a couple of times since I used to work in Herald Square. We used to have our work happy hours here which was nice because you can sit outside. Their rooftop does not cater to a huge group, but their happy hour deals are amazing. I have never been in the winter. Their location is right near Penn Station, so it could be a great bite/pregame before a show or game at MSG.
Cuisine: Mexican
Lucy’s Cantina is also a restaurant and their food is decent. I would recommend going for happy hour.
Overall Rating: 7/10
A restaurant that is recommended purely for their happy hour is not the best. It does not mean it is not worthwhile, just know what you are going for.
Dos Caminos
Neighborhood: Flatiron
Ambiance:
There are so many locations of Dos Caminos in the city, but this feedback is about when I went to the Flatiron location. Unfortunately, there was no outdoor seating.
The happy hour is only served at the bar, so you have to choose if you want to drink cheaply or eat.
Cuisine: Mexican
I ordered “Dos Enchiladas” and I really enjoyed one of the sauces, but didn’t enjoy the other. I wish I knew which was which for when I go back!
Overall Rating: 5/10
This is the lowest of all of my Mexican cuisine ratings. I feel like there are so many better spots than Dos Caminos. If you are in a pinch, it was not terrible, but it also was not great.