Good Mexican Food on East Side (midtown or below)?

[countrychick]

Any suggestions for good mexican food on the east side? I always seem to end up at places I'm not very happy with, so I thought I would reach out for some suggestions -- specifically, on the east side--preferably south of midtown. Thanks in advance for suggestions.

[stephaniec25]

Definitely Zarela for the lamb!

[JungMann]

In addition to the above, if you want honest Pueblan food without the scene, visit Puebla or Downtown Bakery.

[LeahBaila]

Jungmann, how does Downtown & Puebla compare to Tulcingo del Valle (you know how much I love that place)? What do you recommend at both? Been meaning to try each for the longest. Thanks a lot.

www.thelunchbelle.com

[JungMann]

I am more familiar with Puebla, which I go to more often than Tulcingo del Valle nowadays even though I can walk to the latter. I would say Puebla is of the same quality Tulcingo once was. Fried foods come out hot and crisp, not greasy and tasting of dirty oil. Bistec is tender and clean of gristle. You can see them make guacamole on the counter when you order it and count on having your mole made rich with nuts and chocolate. To be sure there are rooms for growth, they can underseason food and do not brighten flavors with acid as they ought. The bolillos they use aren't the best. But it is better than what I have been getting at Tulcingo del Valle as of late.

Downtown Bakery I have visited mainly for tortas, but friends love their mole poblano and burritos. I always see young people with large platters of rice and beans and a main happily dining, so I am eager to go back for a proper dinner.

[LeahBaila]

Beautiful review, Jungmann. I can almost taste the mole from my cubicle. Thanks. Looking forward to getting there as fast as I can.

www.thelunchbelle.com

[goodhealthgourmet]

peruse the board for opinions/reviews of the following:

Zarela (Second Ave between 50th & 51st)
Pampano (49th between 2nd & 3rd)
Pampano Taqueria (Third Ave between 49th & 50th)
El Parador (34th between 1st & 2nd)
Mexico Lindo (Second Ave @ 26th)
Mercadito (Ave B between 11th & 12th)

[countrychick]

Thanks -- very helpful suggestions.

[LeahBaila]

Second Mercadito. Would also add:
La Palapa
El Maguey y la Tuna
Barrio Chino
Mama Mexico
Los Dos Molinos

www.thelunchbelle.com

[iFat]

Barrio Chino one of my favs as well... And agree on Los Dos, Zarela and Mercadito. You can't really go wrong w/any of those places.

www.immaculateinfatuation.com

[princeofpork]

2ns El Parador and Mexico Lindo
Did not enjoy the service or atmosphere at Mercadito

[City Kid]

I find it interesting to see that 2 people recommend El Parador. I ate there a couple of years ago and thought it was awful -- like old-time Latin before NY had any real Latin food, supermarket salsa and all...kind of depressing interior. I wonder if my experience was just an anomoly.

[LeahBaila]

Judging by the menu, EP looks like it's Latin-Carib influenced Mexican food. Does not appeal to me in the least.

www.thelunchbelle.com

[princeofpork]

Its a great neighborhood spot. Awesome margs and some very tasty dishes.
Would I come from the West Village here to eat maybe not. However, if you did you would not leave feeling like it was a waste of time.

[LeahBaila]

Well said. Thanks Prince.

www.thelunchbelle.com