Best Mexican Food in Westchester?

[yosky112]

I know port chester has some good mexican food, what do you think?

[FatCobra]

There isnt any. Bar taco- awful, blue moon- awful, oshima- awful, plaza garibaldi- awful. You have to find those hole in the wall places or just ask someone who is mexican. Most of the " popular places in westchester are watered down because yuppies or "foodies" can't handle heat.

[Solstice444]

As someone who adores extremely spicy food, that's sad. But I guess it makes sense.

[foodiemom10583]

Tacos el Poblano on Nepperhan has been pretty consistent and not "gringofied" for the past dozen years that we've been going.

[JMF]

Aren't there two places there right next to each other?

[foodiemom10583]

Yes, La Fonda Poblana is next door. We prefer el Poblano.

[JMF]

I guess you haven't been to any of the good places in New Rochelle, Yonkers, White Plains, or Port Chester? Real, authentic Mexican can be found.

[Pat Hammond]

There's lots of Mexican food in New Rochelle, just down the road from me. I've tried a lot of it over the years. Little Mexican Cafe (581 Main St.) is a "proper" restaurant; that's where I take visitors. They have good drinks and a big menu. The Mexican Corner Cafe (497 Main St.) is popular and I like their sopes a lot. Really, you can pop in and out of Mexican spots along Main St. and see what grabs you and I've done that. But I return again and again to El Michoacana (485 Main St). Great soup, the best tacos, the entrees are sized to nourish a working man. I'm often the only "gringo" in there, among those working men and families. My advice is to sit down, watch what comes out of the kitchen, and eventually you'll want to say "I'll have some of that"! It's small, friendly, and they're proud of their food.

[redelson]

Thanks! That's great advice. Will definitely check out El Michoacana.

[eatwp]

Vega, Hartsdale. Rocks.

[byramgirl]

My two favorites are Los Gemelos - love their nachos and tacos al pastor; and Coyote Flaco, where I love their steaks and margaritas. I can't wait until Flaco's patio opens for the season!

[bonacbub]

Like Flaco a lot just a real dingy place, wish they would move. I'm a big fan of Mary Ann's in Port Chester too.

[roxlet]

Los Gemelos also make a fabulous chicken soup...

[AnotherNYCkid]

Love Los Gemelos. Originally went because it was one of the few places in Port Chester that was a part of AA's RewardsNetwork. Long since dropped that, but we continue to go multiple times a month.

[silverstarfish]

After eating a lot of Mexican food in Southern California, I can't bring myself to spend big money and think it's authentic. I like Bar Taco but, it's far from real Mexican food. If you want good cheap Mexican go to Mariachi Loco on Central Ave. in White Plains near Morton Williams. All the food is good and made on site but the tongue burritos are fantastic.

[weedy]

I disagree.
It's quite a LOT like tacos in many places in Mexico.
(which by the way, SOME LA places are, but lots of LA mex isn't)

[pabboy]

Mariachi Loco is at the bottom of my go to taquerias list. Last few times I've been the bistec was dry & chewy, tongue was tasteless and everything else as pure grease. If I was in the area, Gourmet Laguna would be the place to go.

[chowdom]

That is exactly how I would describe Mariachi Loco. Your experience mirrors my one experience there.

[MRS]

Bar Taco may be one of the most infuriating places I have ever eaten. No room to wait for a table, no reservations under party of 10, food is very inconsistent. Bleh!

[i_eat_a_lot_of_ice_cream]

I agree-- I would NEVER return! There are few restaurants in Westchester that have left such a horrible impression on me that I wouldn't give them a second chance-- Bar Taco is one of them.

[weedy]

hmmm, I made a reservation for a party of two, on a Sat night, no prob.
and there is a large bar area to wait.
did we go to the same Bartaco?

[rich51]

i went when they first opened ( bar taco) and found everything extremely bland, the only flavor was from the sauce/salsa - never went back, los gemellos seemed far superior and cheaper

[AnotherNYCkid]

Still wish Ebb Tide hadn't left. Bar Taco is little more than Greenwich people going into big bad Port Chester. The sort that won't walk into 90% of the restaurants in town.

[jwg]

I happen to like Mariachi Loco. Very good guac and chips. I've been pleased with most everything I've had there, mainly burritos.

[weedy]

Ate tonight at Bartaco in Port Chester. The food was surprisingly good. Yes, it's just a glorified taqueria, but they're GOOD at it. We had 5 different types of tacos, all excellent. The guacamole fresh and good. Nice sides and salads. Great drinks. The downside was the thunderously loud and annoying DJ (I won't go Sat nite again, for sure) and the wait - almost an hour even with a reservation.
but this may be the best, most real mex food in Westchester we've found yet.

bartaco.com

[pabboy]

I like bartaco also. It's a taqueria for gringos on the river that happens to make pretty good food. Of course you are paying double for half the amount of food. They take their time serving your order to make sure you get all liquored up.

[weedy]

I don't think they were stalling, because drinks were just as slow coming as the food.
they were just packed; overloaded.

[pabboy]

End of the day I still prefer the hole in the wall taquerias like Sunshine, Azteca, Roberto's, Little Mexica Corner...etc. than the expensive gringo filled bartaco.

[chowdom]

I used to pick up lunch from Roberto's on occasion when I worked in White Plains, the juke box made my ears bleed. There were a couple of other little places, serious holes in the wall on East Post that served very good tacos, do you know if any of them are still around?

[rich51]

chowdom - i believe most of them near the hospital are still there, also except in the winter there are two taco trucks by city park in new rochelle, that are better than the restaurants

[chowdom]

Thank you rich 51...We used to eat Mexican in New Rochelle but got tired of the excessive traffic and lack parking. We wouldn't mind sitting in the car chowing down on a taco or two,where is city park?

[pabboy]

I picked up an order of tacos al pastor from Veracruz the other day. Very good stuff.

[kdgchow]

Had anything else from there that you'd recommend? The fact that they're open 24 hours a day intrigues me.

[pabboy]

It was my 1st time @ Veracruz. I got some pork tamales as well which was very good. I need to go back to explore the menu.

[jwg]

I've been very very pleased with Bar Taco. Love the food, love the music, love the vibe, but it's a different experience than Sunshine, Robertos, Mariachi Loco etc. They are dives, with good food, probably more typical of traditional Mexican cooking. Bar Taco is a date place, and a fun date! BTW, heard that Sunshine was closing? Very sad. Liked the hurraches there.

[chowdom]

My husband and I walked into town a couple of nights ago and grabbed a bite at Burrito Poblano, the last time we were there was before the fire.

My husband ordered a side of guacamole and a steak burrito, we asked if the guacomole was house made and were assured it was. He requested no cilantro in the guacamole but was told "it came with cilantro", he was offered the option of plain sliced avacado, I kept my mouth shut.

Needless to say the guacamole tasted like and had the same slimy texture as the costco's brand, I'm sure that's what we were served. The steak burrito had what looked like frozen vegetables in it ( like the little frozen peas and carrots minus the peas) The steak didn't taste bad, however the rest of the burrito was bland and the tortilla was not a good qualitiy.

Total disappointment, but to each his own as I know plenty of people who love the place. I'll stick with Port Chester, Los Glemos,Kiosco and bartaco (more of a baja style of Mexiacn) I also like the carnitas burrito and pickled carrots at Cancun in Mount Vernon.

[jhopp217]

I'm not saying this didn't happen, but I have seen them making guacamole there in the early afternoon, but sadly, because of the traffic they get and the size, they do not make it to order. Remember, about 95% of their business is takeout, so they need to have almost everything pre-made.

I have had probably 100 burritos there and never have I experienced a carrot in the burrito. Are you sure it wasn't some of the cheese that didn't melt? I'm gonna have to look for that next time. Maybe I just didn't notice that they put them in their rice.

[pabboy]

I'll bet the guacamole was made earlier in the day so the cilantro is already in there. I let my guac sit for an hour to let he flavors meld together. You should've asked if it's made fresh to order.

[streamwise]

I go there fairly often, and the guacamole is *definitely* made there, as well as the salsa. Every time I've had it, it's been fresh and a fairly large portion to boot. I never order burritos, but their Mexican-style tacos are quite authentic (and enormous), especially things like the lengua and spicy pork. The green and red sauces (for the enchiladas) are also very authentic, and those are some of their best dishes. I would never order anything "steak" because it's not ever going to live up to your imagination....after all, it's "steak" that's going inside a burrito, so it's going to be a cheap cut. As per their mole sauce, I think the above commenter is correct...I didn't like it at all, and I don't think it's made in-house.

[chowdom]

"I would never order anything "steak" because it's not ever going to live up to your imagination....after all, it's "steak" that's going inside a burrito, so it's going to be a cheap cut"

I guess it's too bad my husband likes steak and always orders all things steak when eating Mexican? I thought the steak was actually the best part of the burrito. I did mention above that it wasn't bad, as a matter of fact it was surprisingly good and the only thing I ate there that I enjoyed. This was not the typical little shreds of beef one ordinarily finds in a burrito. My husband apparently prefers the little shreds. I picked the meat out of his mostly untouched burrito, it was like eating pieces of decent plain grilled steak just didn't work in the burrito. BTW the size of the serving of guacamole we had was laughable, as in small.
I hope you continue to enjoy burrito poblano I will continue to enjoy my favorites.

[streamwise]

Hmm, then I think I'm going to have to try something with their steak in it again, next time I go there!

[jhopp217]

Chowdom...full agreement with that small container.. It is one of my gripes, but hey avocados can run $2/per, so if they use one to make it and charge $4, it kind of makes sense.

[roxlet]

Their spicy pork tacos are teriffic . The heat level varies, but sometimes they are super, super hot, which I love.

[jhopp217]

Their spicy pork torta is the best sandwich there. Steak is good, but I prefer the pork.

[jhopp217]

I also would add that I know the salsa and guac, as well as the green and red sauces are made daily, because they vary in taste and spiciness on every visit.

[chowdom]

Ok, I believe you! But I still don't like it and it still tasted to me like the guacamole Costcos sells.

[rolise]

I kind of like Mr. Taco in New Rochelle. It is right off North Ave, near Iona across from CVS. The carnitas tacos very good and very inexpensive. the pork was delicious and not that fatty. My ds liked the enchiladas. We did not try anything else,. It is pretty much a dive. My ds former babysitter's mom owns it but I would not recommend if we had not liked the food. They had some fairly adventurous stuff (tripe or maybe it was tongue?) on the menu but I am not that foody. Also they sell beer and mexican coke.

[jhopp217]

I heard they have some interesting and tasty things there. Have been meaning to check it out. I've always wanted to try menudo.

[rolise]

Here is a link to the photo of the menu.

http://www.urbanspoon.com/u/photo_lis...

[wpfoodie]

Los Abuelos in Ossining - while I haven't been to all Mexican restaurants in Westchetser (and I know there are some good ones in Port Chester) it is probably the best I've been to. Sunshine Deli in White Plains too - although from what I understand they are closing.

[foodiemom10583]

As of this past Saturday, Sunshine Deli was still open.

[pabboy]

I went middle of last week. I found the food to be subpar. The workers seem pretty dejected knowing they will be unemployed soon. They kinda shrugged their shoulders when I asked what the last day is.

[mfenimore]

I like Los Abuelos a lot, nothing fancy but great food. There is also a place in Sleepy Hollow that is very good, cannot remember the name though!

[Westjanie]

Que Chula es Pueblo?? It's our go-to place.

[mfenimore]

yes that is it!

[soozang]

It might be Que Chula es Puebla. It's good.

[pabboy]

Talk about a loaded question! Best taquería? Best paleteria? Best pescado a la veracruzana?

[raider]

tried poblano burrito yesterday. i'm no expert when it come to "authenticity", whatever that means, but i will say that the food was quite good and i will go back. had a burrito, tacos, and chimichanga.

[cubanat]

so they are serving more tex-mex gringo fare?

[jhopp217]

That's what I mean about authentic. I had a red snapper veracruzana at a place I'd hardly call a good Mexican restaurant, but it was amazing. The food was fresh. Everything else at the place was awful (can't remember the name), but this dish was amazing. Judging by cooking shows and recipes I've read, it was 100% "authentic" and was served at a place that was very cookie cutter-ish. I have also been to non-Mexican restaurants and had what the kitchen cooked up (all Mexicans from Mexico) and it was very similar to what I've had at places that aren't considered authentic. That being said, the best tacquitos I've ever had, were at a Italian restaurant.

[mrsdebdav]

Vega in Hartsdale. Authentic? Dunno. Mexico has many different regions, each with its specialties and recipes.
Since I don't live in Mexico, I am limited to the local places.
I go by taste and veg options. (And no Mariachi is a def plus for me.)
Vega is not a hole in the wall, it's not cheap and it's not regionally specific.
That said, I like it.

[scarsdalesurprise]

I like it too. The food is fresh and tasty, the atmosphere is attractive, and the service is friendly.

[redelson]

My husband and I have eaten at Vega many times. Some of the dishes are good, like the chicken mole and the nachos. Many are just ok. The service was never good, and is getting worse. We are looking for other places to go and my drive over to Tomatillo in Dobbs Ferry. We tried a Sagat rated place in Port Chester that was disappointing.

[jhopp217]

I personally love Burrito Poblano in Tuckahoe. Probably been there or taken out 100 times. In that time, I'd say my food was great 85 times, very good 14 and one time was it average. The place ia a whole in the wall, but don't judge a book its cover. The service is beyond great, especially with takeout. I've walked in and ordered and walked out within five minutes.

I haven't had great experiences at other places. Dishes are hit and miss...even in some of the better PC places. I have heard Tomatilla in Dobbs is great.

[JMF]

I don't really agree with you on Burrito Poblano. I don't find it too authentic. Sort of gringoed down. What have you had there that was really authentic Mexican and tasty? I had a burrito once, tasted like nothing much. I've had enchiladas, tacos, all both boring and not properly spiced. Their mole sauce is a travesty. I think it's a commercial paste. even then I have had commercial pastes that were better. I'm not saying the place is bad, but they don't have the flavors I expect when I go to a Mexican place in Queens.

yosky-There are some really authentic places in New Rochelle with several good threads covering them. Also several threads on Portchester.

[jhopp217]

I always have issues with the phrase "authentic Mexican." It seems to be a very common complaint about many places reviewed on chowhound. I've found everything there to be similar to pretty much every Mexican place I've been to. I actually like their Mole sauce and have had much worse.

The only thing I will say that people could complain about is some of the stuff being pre-made. From speaking to the people there, they make everything fresh every day. but they do pre-make some of the items used for stuffed items (Burritos, Tacos, etc.). Personally, I love their burritos, tortas and when I actually go there, I almost always get the chile rellenos which is much better there than I've had at other places.

[JMF]

Burritos as we see in the US are not authentic. The northern Mexican burrito has only 1-2 fillings and is a thin snack. It's only seen in a few places in Mexico, and is very regional.

What other places do you go that you are comparing it too? Have you been to any of the outstanding places on Roosevelt Ave in Queens?

Just curious, but have you had a mole that was house made and not a commercial paste? Lots of fresh spice flavors like cumin, clove, anise, and not a bitter dried out sauce. There are quite a few versions of mole, and even the same version will taste different every time because like real curries, the spices are not measured, but to eye and taste.

[jcmods]

Burrito Poblano didn't blow me away, but considering there is nothing else like that within 2 miles of where I live, I give it thumbs up. I really don't bother with burritos there as they are filled with rice. (I much prefer beans or meat filling). However, at least with the tacos you get a choice of the gringo-ized ice berg lettuce type or the cilantro, onions and lime. For Westchester it doesn't suck although I am sure there are probably better places in Port Chester.

[JMF]

Better in Port Chester, New Rochelle, Yonkers, and White Plains. But Burrito poblano is way better than that horrible place in Bronxville.

[jhopp217]

A little confused by your one statement "I much prefer beans or meat filling" in regards to the burritos. I've been eating there for years and the tacos are filled with tons of meat, some rice, very little lettuce and cheese. Did you order a burrito I don't know about? I get the chorizo burrito and it's filled with more meat than anything else, by a lot

[jcmods]

Hmmm. I did not order it, but my dining partner did. It was giant and filled with rice. I cannot remember what it was though.

[Sloth]

It was a chicken burrito and it was about 1/2 rice. Been ordering the tacos ever since and not been disappointed.

[JMF]

The one time I ordered a burrito from there it was filled with mostly rice. So I never ordered one again.

[jhopp217]

Got this the other night. Please note, it's on a plate with the closed end hanging off the side, so it's angled down and I pressed down to cut it. Half rice? Maybe 1/3, but filled with chorizo, beans, cheese....not half rice and this is how it is all the time. If you want small burritos with no rice (which could be considered more authentic, that is one thing, but I'll take this one every time