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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Carnitas and calamari in New York

Made for those who want to pair the rustic, slow-roasted flavor of carnitas with the crisp, fried bite of calamari.

Based on 628 Opinions
+625
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Updated May 2026
01
The Calaveras NYC image 1
The Calaveras NYC image 2
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Mexican restaurant

Basement-level Mexican restaurant offers a warm, authentic atmosphere with upbeat Latin music and a spacious, cozy dining area. Outdoor seating adds a relaxed vibe, while the bar features distinctive margaritas with flavors like hibiscus and tamarind.

Savory marinade gives the carnitas tacos a rich, flavorful taste. The meat is tender and stands out among other dishes like steak tacos and chicken enchiladas.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and truly delicious."

"I had the best Mexican food I've ever experienced, including in Oaxaca."

"The downstairs space felt so cozy and inviting."

Good to know

1

The Taco Tuesday special is $20 for 3 tacos and a margarita.

2

They have a very extended happy hour from 12-6 PM.

3

The restaurant offers a discount for paying in cash.

02
Alma Negra image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with cozy decor featuring many plants and a clean aesthetic creates a stylish, intimate atmosphere. Warm lighting and earthy textures make the space feel both chic and comfortable, with a heated outdoor patio that welcomes dogs. Black soul music adds to the relaxed, inviting vibe.

Super flavorful carnitas show up in tacos that pair well with pescado. Both tacos come out delicious and keep people ordering them again.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, fresh, and full of flavor."

"The cocktails here are outstanding and beautifully crafted."

"I found the carnitas tacos here to be the best I've had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is from 5-7 PM at the bar only.

2

You have to sit at the bar to get happy hour prices.

3

Expect to pay a little more than your usual Mexican restaurant.

03
Fonda Garibaldi image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, colorful Mexican spot offers tender carnitas tacos and popcorn calamari with a perfect sauce. Cozy, warm vibe with a big TV for soccer fans. Generous portions and outstanding tacos make it a great choice for casual dining.

Carnitas tacos come with rich, tender meat and pair well with sides like guacamole. The tacos hold up well alongside other dishes like beef short ribs and chile relleno.

Popcorn calamari comes with a perfectly paired sauce. Well-topped calamari appears in tacos and quesadillas, adding a distinctive flavor to these dishes.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delicious."

"This Mexican food is outstanding and so flavorful."

"I found the calamari here to be delicious and well-topped."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 12-4 PM.

2

You have to call to make a reservation for dinner.

3

Ordering on weekends may result in long wait times of an hour or more.

04
Mictlan Mรฉxico and Spanish cuisine image 1

Vibrant Mexican-themed decor fills a spacious indoor dining area, creating an authentic and colorful atmosphere. Music varies from lively to loud, influencing the energy and mood throughout the visit. Signature drinks like frozen margaritas and mezcal margaritas stand out alongside well-regarded dishes such as birria tacos and mole enchiladas.

Tacos feature carnitas with a tender, flavorful profile alongside birria and steak options. Carnitas stand out as a favorite choice among the taco varieties.

Fried calamari stands out with its crispy texture and fresh flavor. The dish is consistently well-prepared and enjoyable.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and generously served."

"I found lots of great vegetarian and vegan options."

"I found the Happy Hour to have amazing prices."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to dine at the restaurant.

2

Happy hour runs from 3 to 7 PM with special pricing.

3

The happy hour special includes 3 tacos and a margarita for $20.

05
El Fish Marisqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Minimalist decor with abundant plants and elegant modern design creates a cozy, warm atmosphere with perfect lighting. Tables are spaced for comfortable conversation, supporting a sensual vibe that enhances the dining experience. The space balances upscale energy with a relaxed, inviting feel.

People are saying

"The grilled oysters and artichoke cod were my favorite seafood dishes."

"The dinner spots here have outstanding dishes, especially the tostada."

"The desserts here are melt-in-your-mouth divine."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation if you can since the restaurant is usually full.

2

Brunch is available at this restaurant.

3

Happy hour at the bar is definitely a vibe.

06
Otra Casita Mexicana image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with vibrant decor and a large colorful mural creates a cozy, friendly atmosphere. Private party room and small outdoor seating accommodate events and casual dining. Music adds a lively vibe, attracting families and groups.

Grilled Calamari stands out as a flavorful starter alongside Mexican Oysters, Queso Fundido, and Ceviche Mixte. The calamari tastes fresh and is cooked to a perfect texture.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"The decor here is stunning, blending vibrant colors and rich Mexican culture."

"Letti made the best cocktails, customized to my taste."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for private events to ensure availability.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

3

The restaurant can host private events in a dedicated back room.

07
The Taco Bar image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, cramped space with impressive artwork and appealing decor creates a vibrant atmosphere. A DJ plays R&B music, setting a lively, enjoyable vibe. The crowd enjoys fresh street tacos and house special margaritas.

Calamari comes out flavorful and stands out among other dishes like shrimp tacos and lemon pepper wings. It consistently meets expectations with its well-seasoned taste.

People are saying

"The vibe at this bar was lively and cool."

"The happy hour margaritas and jerk chicken nachos were 10/10."

"You have to try the jerk chicken tacos; they're amazing."

Good to know

1

The bathroom at The Taco Bar is downstairs and not accessible.

2

Tips are included in the bill.

3

On Wednesdays, the empanadas are $3.

08
420 Bar & Lounge image 1
Bar & grill

Decor blends futuristic LED walls with a garage-style layout that encourages movement and dancing. Music mixes afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and Spanish tunes, supported by live violin and dancers who energize the crowd. Atmosphere feels welcoming and vibrant, with a focus on engaging guests through sound and space.

Crispy and fried to perfection, the calamari stands out with its crisp texture and well-executed frying. The dipping sauce is mild and lacks strong flavor.

People are saying

"The brunch food was fantastic and the drinks were on point."

"The music and energy here create an amazing nightlife vibe."

"The calamari is crispy and fried to perfection."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required in advance for Sunday brunch due to high demand.

2

The coat check service charges $50 upfront to keep jackets.

3

No valet parking is available; expect high parking fees nearby.

09
Maya by Chef Richard Sandoval - NYC image 1

Huge space with modern minimalist decor and live cacti creates a sleek vibe. Loud music from a live DJ sets a club-like atmosphere, especially during brunch. Strong margaritas and a wide drink selection complement the energetic environment.

Slow-roasted pork delivers juicy and flavorful carnitas with a delicious mole. Carnitas tacos come as small plates alongside sweet plantains and churros.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is fresh, flavorful, and really well put together."

"You should do the bottomless option for brunch."

"Happy Hour margaritas here are strong and legit."

Good to know

1

The bottomless brunch offers unlimited food and drinks for $55 per person.

2

Reservations are recommended for brunch as it gets crowded quickly.

3

The bottomless drinks last for exactly 1.5 hours during brunch.

10
Taqueria Kermes image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with bright, regional decorations and a sunlit outdoor patio. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, often feeling like home with lively Mexicana music. Guests enjoy table-side guacamole and some of the best margaritas, especially cucumber and mango flavors.

Carnitas come with a slightly salty flavor that stands out. They pair well with the guacamole, which shares the same salty note.

People are saying

"I found the birria tacos to be the best in the city."

"It's a family owned spot where they treat you like family."

"The fresh guacamole is made table-side and it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for large groups to avoid long waits.

2

A single taco costs $6, while a burrito is priced over $15.

3

Customers should inform the restaurant of their arrival time to manage busy periods.

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