Tex-Mex in the City

[BigTyme]

Okay, I’m looking for some Tex-Mex suggestion in NYC. I’ve lived here for almost 6 years now and I’m constantly looking for a good bowl of queso and a decent enchilada or taco. So far, my best bet is Lobo out in Brooklyn but I’m a little tired of the train.

Can anyone provide some Tex-Mex suggestions in Manhattan? When I say anyone, I really mean only those who are experienced in the realm of Tex-Mex (not to offend those who aren't). I'm looking for a suggestion from someone from Texas or maybe New Mexico…I’d even take an Okie’s recommendation at this point.

I’m looking for a place that serves Mexican food the way it should be - as a combination platter with rice and beans for under $15.00.

Thanks!

[tazerowe]

Festival Mexicana on Rivington near Essex is my choice for Tex-Mex. They do nachos Texas-style, with beans spread on each chip, and decent enchiladas. They might not make it in San Antonio, but much better than most of the spots here.

[MellieMac]

Total hole in the wall on 53rd between 1st and 2nd. Ah Chihuaha! I think you will find this fits the bill.

[BigTyme]

I know Ah Chihuaha! very well and they are good. I think they closed though.

[MellieMac]

They are still there. I passed by it last night.

[vacalling]

Thanks Mellie Mac. I'm coming to the City in August and love tex-mex. Can you tell me what to expect at Ah Chihuaha! Is this considered fast food? Is there table service, etc. And, price range? Also, I love good salsa. Will I find it there? Any other great salsa recommendations? Thanks to everyone!! This is my first post.

[MellieMac]

They have table service. It's very small, perhaps 10 tables. Their salsa is pretty good. I like their chile con queso and their enchiladas and their quesados. Good guacamole. Pretty good margaritas. Nothing on the menu (except big platter dishes) is more than $10

[Bob Martinez]

You might want to check out Los Dos Molinos. This isn't modern "authentic" Mexican food - it's the type of Tex-Mex introduced to New York in the late 1980s. LDM is the Mexican equivalent of red sauce Italian; it gets no respect but sometimes you just have a craving.

http://www.losdosmolinosnyc.com/

Sietsema liked it -
http://www.villagevoice.com/nyclife/0...

[mrnyc]

right off i do think you might be thee person to check out HILL COUNTRY BBQ for us. if you get there please review.

as for tex-mex, this weekend i found an austin type atmosphere and good margs, if not great food, at PACIFICO off smith street in brklyn. good luck, i gave up long ago, but let us know what you can find.

[mikka]

I like El Paso Taqueria, but it's up in Spanish Harlem, so not sure if that's any better than making the trek out to Brooklyn (I guess depending on where you are, I'm only a few blocks away). Loved their mole, tortas and enchiladas. Have only had delivery so can't speak to the atmosphere, but it by far bets anything else I've had (and I'm a South Texas ex-pat, if that carries any weight).

Also been to Hill Country and they do it right.

[jdream]

I'm not sure how long ago you were at El Paso... but I work in the area and I would definitely say that food is mediocre to good, I would not make any trip out of your way for it.

[mikka]

Which one did you go to?

[jdream]

97th Street.

[mikka]

Try the one on 103rd and Lex. And let me again preface by saying I only order delivery... I've never stepped foot in the restaurant so I couldn't speak towards ambiance.