Best Mexican Food in NYC

[shellybelly2012]

Hola Compadres!

I'm working on a story about the best authentic Mexi spots in NYC (boroughs included). If anyone has any good suggestions I would appreciate it. I'm looking for off the beaten path, hole in the wall, low down and dirty, so please don't say dos caminos!

Thanks much!

[ChefJune]

I think the best is Fonda. Hands down. I haven't yet been to the new location in LES, but the original location on 7th Avenue in Park Slope Brooklyn is worth a trip from Jersey City. It's that good. Can't wait to try out the new (much closer) location!

[kathryn]

What do you like at Fonda? I did a search on the OB board and there wasn't much from the last year.

[squid kun]

Some comments from earlier on ... http://www.chow.com/digest/8200/winni...

[shellybelly2012]

I'm trying Fonda tonight, very excited, Ive heard great things. Will let you know how my experience is:)

[neu]

In terms of authenticity, Tortilleria Nixtamal in Corona in Queens soaks, grinds and mixes corn on-site to make fresh masa.

[Pedr0]

Fonda, which is neither low down nor dirty.

Taqueria Los Hermanos in Bushwick is quite good as well.

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Fonda
40 Avenue B, New York, NY 10009

[swannee]

I love the tamales at Noche Mexicana on 101St. And Amsterdam. also the huaraches. It would get my vote.

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Noche Mexicana
849 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025

[thegforceny]

Tulcingo del Valle
Pinche Taqueria
Tehuitzingo

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Tehuitzingo
695 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Tulcingo del Valle
665 10th Ave, New York, NY 10036

Pinche Taqueria
227 Mott St, New York, NY 10012

[City Kid]

I am not a fan of El Parador and can't imagine how it has lasted all these years with its tired, depressing decor and salsa from a jar. Cafe Olin is good, and certainly a hole in the wall. I like El Paso Taqueria, especially the one at Lexington and 103rd St.

[Motosport]

From a jar? Really? I've always liked their salsa and the mole sauce reminds me of great meals I have had in Mexico. Go figure?

[Stuartmc910]

I first went to El Parador back in the '60s when Craig Claiborne turned his readers on to it. I agree about the mole sauce, but the decor is tired and the service is dicey, on some occasions. Spending ten days in Playa del Carmen in February eating Mexicn food every day usually gives me my Mexican food fix for the year.

[gutsofsteel]

I think the food at El Paso is mediocre and it's a really lazy kitchen. Don't bother.

[City Kid]

That has not been my experience.

[gutsofsteel]

Cafe Ollin on 108th

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Cafe Ollin
339 E 108th St, New York, NY 10029

[JungMann]

Agreed with Cafe Ollin. Taco Mix is also a great stop for tacos al pastor and I cannot recommend enough the stand on the corner of 116th and 2nd Avenue for their flor de calabaza quesadillas.

I can't get on board with El Paso, though. I had been going there since they were a small corner spot and the drop of in quality since their expansion is what spurred to search for better options in the area.

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Taco Mix
234 E 116th St, New York, NY 10029

Cafe Ollin
339 E 108th St, New York, NY 10029

[Motosport]

We like El Parador. It is off the beaten path near the entrance to the Mid Town Tunnel. Not down and dirty but worlds apart from Dos Caminos.
Another place in the same area is Baby Bo's. Small friendly and excellent food.

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

Baby Bo's Cantina
627 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10016