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Top picks in New York

Chips and salsa

You know that a good bowl of chips and salsa is the only way to start a meal.

Based on 788 Opinions
+785
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Updated April 2026
01
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Small Mexican spot offers free chips and salsa that taste fresh and crisp. Cozy interior with a big TV showing soccer games creates a warm vibe. Known for generous portions and outstanding tacos and quesadillas at fair prices.

Free chips and salsa arrive quickly as an appetizer. The salsa tastes fresh and pairs well with the crispy chips.

People are saying

"The food here is always tasty and satisfying."

"The prices are great for the quality you get."

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.

02
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Huge two-story patio offers a quiet, charming space with authentic Mexican energy. Complimentary chips are thick and crunchy, perfectly paired with salsa. Inside, a big bar and table seating create a friendly atmosphere with a relaxed, homey feel.

Complimentary chips come thick and insanely crunchy, pairing well with the salsa. The salsa and chips combo consistently hits the spot.

People are saying

"I love the authentic and flavorful Mexican dishes here."

"The cocktails are creative and taste amazing."

"The complimentary chips and salsa were amazing and hit the spot."

Good to know

1

The restaurant currently does not have a liquor license.

2

Taco Tuesday offers 3 tacos for $14 with mix and match options.

3

They have awesome brunch options from 12-4pm.

03
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Newly renovated space shines with big windows and a lively vibe. Enjoy complimentary nacho chips paired with fresh salsa roja and verde. Menu highlights include juicy grilled meats and bold sauces for a fresh Tex-Mex taste.

Complimentary baskets of nacho chips come with salsa roja and salsa verde every time you dine in.

People are saying

"The food is fresh and tastes great."

"The place has a great vibe and tasty Tex-Mex."

"You get free chips and salsa every time you come in."

Good to know

1

Dine-in customers receive free chips and salsa.

2

There is a parking lot, so plenty of parking is available.

3

UNO Mexican Grill has lots of clearly marked vegetarian options.

04
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Family-run spot serves authentic tacos al pastor in a cozy, quiet setting with classic Banda music. Staff promptly bring fresh chips and salsa, inviting guests to enjoy them. Warm Mexican decor and well-spaced tables create a genuine dining vibe.

People are saying

"I love the fresh, authentic Mexican food and cozy vibes."

"The food tastes fresh and flavorful, and the place feels family-run."

Good to know

1

Expect a 20-25 minute wait for food as everything is made fresh.

2

They charge extra for paying with a card.

3

You can ask for more chips if needed.

05
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Mid-size Mexican spot boasts fresh salsa and crispy chips that kick off any meal. Cool murals and a map of old Mexico create a hip vibe. Loud music fuels energy but can challenge conversation, making it a cozy yet lively place to enjoy authentic flavors.

Freshly made salsa stands out with its house-made freshness and pairs well with crispy chips. Both come together for a super delicious start.

People are saying

"The food is delicious and the portions are huge."

"The place has a great vibe but can be loud sometimes."

"The chips and salsa here are super delicious."

Good to know

1

The surf and turf dish costs $21 and includes shrimp, steak, rice, beans, guacamole, and sour cream.

2

They have bottomless brunch available.

3

They have happy hour from 4-8 PM.

06
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Mexican spot offers quality chips and salsa that kickstart your meal. Cozy booths and beachside vibes set a warm mood. Evenings turn lively with a dance floor and potent margaritas fueling the fun.

Chips and salsa come with a price that matches quality. They serve as a great palate opener with distinct flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the fresh fish tacos and tasty mezcal cocktails."

"The place has great vibes and food I want to try again."

"The chips and salsa here are a great way to start."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is only available at the high tables or bar.

2

The restaurant fills all of their bar seats via reservations during happy hour.

3

There is a rule that you can only have a table for a certain amount of time.

07
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Spacious spot with colorful Mexican decor and a lively vibe. Enjoy fresh, thick crunchy chips with vibrant salsa. Outdoor seating is pet-friendly, and a private cubby offers a cozy retreat amid festive music and tambourines.

Fresh, thick crunchy chips arrive quickly with homemade salsa that tastes vibrant and well seasoned. The chips come well salted and pair perfectly with the salsa as a solid appetizer.

People are saying

"I loved the vibes and the food was amazing."

"The drinks and Tex-Mex food here are so tasty."

"The chips and salsa they served were fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour runs from 4-7pm with great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

On Wednesdays, enjoy half-price margarita and guacamole flights.

3

Taco Tuesday features special pricing on tacos all day.

08
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Mexican restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Free chips and salsa are better than most spots and served with meals. Drinks like frozen sangria and micheladas stand out for quality.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and tasty."

"I love the chill vibes and fair prices here."

"They usually don’t include utensils or napkins."

Good to know

1

This spot has great food options for gluten free, vegetarian, and vegan diets.

2

The portion sizes are good for the money.

3

The prices are very reasonable.

09
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Bright, lively spot offers authentic Mexican flavors like Birria tacos and fresh guacamole. Enjoy homemade chips paired with fresh salsa and queso fundito. Friendly staff and an Instagram-able interior create a warm, joyful vibe perfect for casual or romantic outings.

Solid homemade chips come with authentic salsa that tastes fresh and real. The chips and salsa pair well with dishes like queso fundito and steak tacos.

People are saying

"I love the lively vibe and tasty food."

"Maria's friendly smile made my night."

"I loved the solid, authentic chips and salsa here."

Good to know

1

The taco Tuesday special includes tacos, but margaritas are extra.

2

Happy hour is available with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The location is very convenient, right by Times Square.

10
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Mexican spot shines with vibrant decor and a lively atmosphere that buzzes on weeknights. Enjoy complimentary chips and salsa with a unique, tasty twist. Don't miss the exceptional margaritas and flavorful tacos that keep guests coming back.

Complimentary chips and salsa stand out with their unique flavor and delicious taste. Even the free options offer a distinctive quality that enhances the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"I highly recommend this place to everyone."

"The chips and salsa here are house-fried, warm, and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm with discounted drinks and food.

2

$12 Taco Tuesday offers three tacos, a great deal.

3

Tacos and margaritas are $10 during happy hour.

11
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Large space pulses with Latin music and offers amazing chips and salsa free with orders. Strong margaritas pair well with authentic tacos. Daytime brings a quiet, personable vibe with spacious seating.

People are saying

"I love the authentic Mexican food and late-night tacos."

"The place has good prices and a friendly vibe."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open until 4 am, serving food late into the night.

2

Tacos are available until 1 am for late-night cravings.

3

Prices are under $14 for large portions, making it affordable.

12
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Vibrant decor and authentic Mexican style create a cozy, festive vibe. Enjoy free chips and salsa with your first drink, which pairs well with standout margaritas. Small space with outdoor seating makes it perfect for casual dining and flavorful dishes.

Chips and salsa come with the first round free, but only that round. The chips and salsa taste really good and pair well with drinks priced around ten dollars.

People are saying

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

"Jose makes the best margaritas and makes you feel special."

"The chips and salsa here were really good."

Good to know

1

The happy hour deal includes a margarita and chips with salsa for just $10.

2

The nachos are available at happy hour price.

3

Gratuity is included for a table of 3 at lunch.

13
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Two-level Mexican spot offers tasty salsa with chips as a great starter. Lower floor feels cozy, while upstairs buzzes with a loud party vibe. Amazing music fills the air, adding energy but making chats tough.

Chips come with tasty salsa that pairs well with food. They make a solid starter and work great with drinks.

People are saying

"I loved the tasty food and strong cocktails."

"The place is lively and the food tastes great."

"The chips and salsa here have distinct flavors with increasing heat levels."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour runs from 4pm to 6pm with great drink deals.

3

The happy hour offers delicious drinks and appetizers at reasonable prices for NYC.

14
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Cozy, cave-like space with retro decor and candlelight sets a lively mood with 80s hits and Pearl Jam. Strong, affordable margaritas pair well with fresh chips and flavorful salsa, creating an authentic SoCal vibe in an urban spot.

House chips arrive fresh and crunchy, paired with great salsa that adds a flavorful kick. Both chips and salsa come as a tasty, enjoyable start to the meal.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are delicious and super affordable."

"I love that they bring free chips and salsa."

"The chips and salsa taste good."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait during prime time, especially during LA sports games.

2

They add a credit card fee to your bill before you pay.

3

You now have to pay for the salsa, which used to be complimentary.

15
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Spacious Mexican spot buzzes with lively vibe and loud reggaeton beats. Enjoy free chips and salsa that taste better than expected. Sip on creative margaritas like tamarind or mango with tajín while savoring authentic dishes like carnitas torta.

Free chips and salsa arrive while waiting for food. The salsa tastes better than expected and the chips are consistently delicious.

People are saying

"The food was delicious and portions were generous."

"The margaritas were strong and full of flavor."

"The chips and salsa here are complimentary and taste better than expected."

Good to know

1

Happy hour for drinks runs Monday to Friday, 1 PM to 5 PM.

2

The restaurant requires proof of vaccination for entry.

3

There is a 4% surcharge for paying by credit card.

16
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Small space with intimate seating and loud music creates a cozy, family-friendly vibe. Free chips come with freshly made salsa that has a strong onion kick. Outdoor seating offers shaded comfort while live sports play on screens, adding to the lively atmosphere.

Free chips come with a freshly made salsa that is perfectly spiced and has a strong onion flavor.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are homemade and deliciously spicy."

"They always give free chips and salsa here."

"The chips and salsa taste amazing."

Good to know

1

Monday through Thursday from 4–8 PM they have happy hour featuring $10 MamaRitas and $5 tacos.

2

The restaurant has monthly margarita specials.

3

A 20% service charge is automatically added to bills for groups of 4 or more.

17
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Large space with industrial style offers indoor and outdoor seating. Loud music and live entertainment create a lively vibe perfect for a bar atmosphere. Freshly baked homemade tortilla chips come with deeply flavored salsa and fresh guacamole.

Freshly baked homemade tortilla chips come with salsa that has a strong depth of flavor. Guacamole served alongside is also fresh made and pairs well with the chips.

People are saying

"The food here tastes amazing and fresh."

"I highly recommend trying this place."

"The Salt Air margarita was a revelation."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a $45 special menu that changes regularly.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

3

The restaurant can get toasty during summer as it lacks air conditioning.

18
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Mexican restaurant shines with tasty salsa and fresh guacamole that start meals well. Heated outdoor seating offers a lively spot for people watching. Enjoy excellent margaritas in a space with beautiful decor and cozy seating areas.

Chips come with tasty salsa and fresh guacamole. The combination offers a solid start to the meal.

People are saying

"I loved the tasty food and fun vibe here."

"I can't wait to come back again soon."

"I found the chips and salsa to be excellent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour ends at 6 PM, which isn't stated anywhere online.

2

Tacos are 50% off on Tuesday.

3

The last call for drinks is at 11 PM on Saturday nights.

19
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Small space with a festive vibe and homemade chips sets a relaxed mood. Enjoy unlimited chips and salsa that arrive immediately, some of the best in the city. Outdoor seating adds charm while music stays balanced even when noise rises.

Unlimited chips and salsa arrive right after sitting down, creating a welcoming start. The free chips and salsa stand out as some of the best in the city, often better than most places.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa come out fast and never stop."

"I got free chips and salsa, and the salsa was amazing."

"I love that chips and salsa come free with my meal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4 to 6pm at the bar, limited to 8 people.

2

The happy hour offers queso and margaritas.

3

Reservations are recommended as it gets busy during peak meal times.

20
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Taco stand buzzes with authentic Mexican music and fresh homemade tortillas. Crunchy chips and salsa with a spicy kick arrive fast. Open food prep and standing tables create a lively, crowded atmosphere.

Fresh, tasty chips and salsa arrive quickly. The salsa offers a spicy kick that pairs well with the crunchy chips.

People are saying

"I love how fresh and authentic the tacos taste."

"The place is always busy but the line moves fast."

"The chips and salsa were fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

They offer TO-GO breakfast burritos from 8 to 11 am.

2

Expect a lunch crowd during mid day.

3

You will have to stand and eat or take away.

21
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Mexican spot buzzes with 70's disco tunes and lively crowd. Enjoy free chips and salsa right away and sip on large margaritas. Cozy vibe and free WiFi make it great for weekday dinners.

Free tortilla chips with salsa arrive immediately upon seating. Water comes alongside the chips and salsa without delay.

People are saying

"I love the authentic Mexican food and chill vibes here."

"The food was hit or miss, but the drinks were strong."

"I loved that they served free chips and salsa right away."

Good to know

1

A vaccination card is required for entry.

2

A mask is required inside the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is accommodating for customers with allergies.

22
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Mexican spot shines with fresh chips and salsa that pack a perfect kick and passion fruit margaritas that refresh. Outdoor seating offers a quiet patio away from the busy indoor space. Friendly staff and live music create a warm, lively vibe.

Fresh chips come with salsa that has a perfect kick. Guacamole adds an awesome touch to the appetizer.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa taste fresh and delicious."

"The chips and salsa were fresh and delicious."

"They charge extra for chips and salsa here."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is all day every day with $5 drinks.

2

Margaritas are $5 during happy hour.

3

The total cost for 1 appetizer, 2 beers, and two second courses was $97.

23
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Interior shows art deco and Mexican themes with stained glass art. Chips and salsa come with specialty salsas and pair well with burritos. Music creates an upbeat vibe but can be loud, while seating stays comfortable and the bar feels inviting.

Chips and salsa come with specialty salsas and are part of a set that costs around $16. The chips and salsa pair well with burritos and drinks.

People are saying

"The tacos and burritos were tasty and filling."

"The cocktails were excellent and the vibe was cool."

"The chips and salsa here are tasty, especially the specialty salsas."

Good to know

1

Taqueria Condesa opened recently, replacing the old El Centro.

2

Tacos cost around $5 each for steak or pork, and $7 for fish or shrimp.

3

Two tacos cost about $12, while three tacos range from $18 to $20.

24
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Small space buzzes with rock and roll music and jalapeño lights. Guests enjoy authentic Mexican food and complimentary chips and salsa that never disappoint. Atmosphere gets loud and packed, perfect for lively dining.

Complimentary chips and salsa arrive as soon as you sit down. The salsa stays consistently good across visits.

People are saying

"I love the authentic Mexican food and drinks here."

"The food is fresh and the vibe is cozy."

"They offered complimentary chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

You should call ahead and book your space to avoid a long wait time.

2

You definitely need to make reservations or you'll be waiting for an hour or 2 to get a table.

3

They can get very busy with 45 min - 1 hour waits.

25
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Three floors plus a rooftop deck create a vibrant atmosphere with loud music and a lively crowd. Chips and salsa are delicious and addictive, perfect for quick snacking. Colorful, edgy decor and a DJ keep energy high for great socializing.

Chips and salsa come out delicious and addictive, often eaten quickly before the main meal. Both the chips with salsa and guacamole stand out for their flavor.

People are saying

"The music was loud but drinks hit the spot."

"The place has a fun vibe with tasty food and drinks."

"The chips and salsa here are amazing and addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to be seated at a table.

2

The bottomless brunch is offered until 5PM on Saturdays and until 8PM on Sundays.

3

Customers only have 1 hour to eat during busy times.

26
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Mexican restaurant offers a beautiful interior with natural light and light wood furnishings, creating a cozy atmosphere that feels like a cafe in Mexico City. The vibe suits special occasions more than casual nights out, with a fun and lively energy. Outstanding tacos and fabulous cocktails complement the inviting setting.

People are saying

"The food was flavorful and made the night memorable."

"The lamb and tuna tacos were absolutely delicious."

"You have to try the chips and salsa; the variety of salsas is amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at Oxomoco, especially for popular times like Thursday nights.

2

Expect to spend about $100 per person for a taco dinner.

3

Oxomoco offers a brunch experience that is one of the best in NYC.

27
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Mexican spot buzzes with a neon pink sign and lively vibe. Enjoy homemade chips and salsa paired with strong margaritas. Outdoor seating under a wooden shelter welcomes dogs, making it a warm, inviting place to relax and chat.

Strong margaritas come with free chips and salsa, though you may need to ask for them. The chips and salsa are homemade and very tasty, matching well with the plantains offered.

People are saying

"I love the laid-back vibe and tasty food."

"The food tastes fresh and truly Mexican."

"I thought the chips and salsa were the best I had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

The restaurant offers late night eats on weekends until 2am.

3

They host special events like bingo night every Wednesday at 7pm.

28
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Mexican spot serves free chips and salsa with every meal, featuring fresh salsa and crispy chips. Enjoy complex margaritas and fresh fruit cocktails in a lively, chaotic atmosphere with close tables and outdoor seating.

Free chips and salsa come with every order. The salsa tastes fresh and the chips stay crispy.

People are saying

"I love how tasty and fresh the food is."

"It's lively inside but the portions feel small."

"Their homemade chips and salsa are fantastic and addictive."

Good to know

1

Reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is always packed.

2

The restaurant gets crowded on Fridays before the Broadway show starts.

3

Expect a wait if everyone is drinking, especially during busy hours.

29
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Small, cozy Tex-Mex spot offers free chips and salsa with every order. Enjoy a local vibe on the colorful outdoor patio. Quick takeout and homemade salsa make it a standout choice.

Every order includes complimentary chips and salsa. The salsa tastes homemade and stands out as amazing.

People are saying

"I love how tasty and authentic the burritos are."

"The place is small and crowded but the food is good."

"I thought the chips and salsa were possibly the best homemade I ever had."

Good to know

1

Online ordering is recommended to avoid waiting in line.

2

The price for one burrito is $16, which is considered high for the area.

3

Seating is very limited, with only a few outdoor tables available.

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