Upscale Mexican birthday dinner

[bklynbiker]

small party, just we four. Not blow the bankroll, but something elevated from standard Mexican for special birthday dinner. Looking at Crema, Maya and Suenos. Thoughts? If it matters, it will be a Saturday night in early November. Thanks thoughts

[taboo]

Maya is REALLY good and I would say go there. Otherwise, you can also do Dos Caminos.

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Dos Caminos
475 West Broadway, New York, NY 10012

[ChefJune]

I have to say that for my money the best Mexican food in New York is in Park Slope, Brooklyn at Fonda. Great, authentic food and fabulous vibe. Roberto Santibanez is planning to open an LES branch in February 2012. I know that's too late for your dinner. but his food blows all those other places away.

[torontobelly]

I was at Fonda on Saturday night and the place was packed. We showed up after 8pm without a reservation and enjoyed our frozen magaritas (delicious) at the bar while we waited for a table. We had the guacamole (a must - so good, served with hot sauce, tortilla chips and fresh mini tortillas) as a starter. We also had the pork adobo, the shrimp, the fish appetizer and the duck appetizer. All wonderful and I would highly recomment Fonda. The warm, friendly service made the evening.

[JulesTei]

Definitely check out Toloache, Yerba Buena, and Mole. Mercadito for amazing tacos.

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Mole
205 Allen St, New York, NY 10002

Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Yerba Buena
23 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009

Mercadito
179 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

[bklynbiker]

Thanks much all. I emailed links to my 3 and let b'day pick after doing his own research, and he's gone w/ Suenos, which seems a good choice. Toloache wasn't considered because of location, unfortunately. It's a Sat. night and no way would any of us want to go to Times Sq. on a Sat. night -- just a personal quirk but we're all of the same mind on that. Would try some other time though. Yerba sounds really good too, but if it's a tad cramped as I 've heard, think will reserve for a 'just we two' dinner when we're downtown already. Will report back on resulting dinner next month. Tx again

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Toloache
251 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10019

Suenos
311 West 17th Street, New York, NY 10011

[Elizabeth E.]

I like Sinigual in midtown east for contemporary Mexican.

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Sinigual
150 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017

[harmony758]

You can check out La Camelia in the W. Village. Just went there. Food was excellent and they take reservations.

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La Camelia
64 Downing St, New York, NY 10014

[City Kid]

I very much liked Sueños: festive, attractive, and very good food. I have a different view of El Parador: very tired decor and food, including salsa that tasted right out of the jar. In a time warp; I have not idea how they have lasted so long. I've heard good things about La Esquina and Toloahce but haven't yet been.

[Stuartmc910]

Sadly, I have to agree with you. El Parador was one of my favorites for many years (I started dining there in the early 60s when Craig Claiborne was touting it), and a meal there two years ago was abysmal. Carlos (the original owner) must be spinning in his grave.

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El Parador
325 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016

[kathryn]

You might also want to consider some of the options here:
http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/810848

[Motosport]

We really like El Parador on E 34 St. Not too fancy schmancy but a few steps up from the Tex Mex places. They have the best mole sauce I have had outside of Mexico.

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El Parador
325 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016