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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Lake View East

Mexican food spots

You are looking for authentic Mexican food that doesn't cut corners on the basics.

Based on 739 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Taqueria Tejupilco image 1
Taqueria Tejupilco image 2
Taqueria Tejupilco image 3
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Mexican restaurant

Small, cozy space with only a few tables creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere feels casual and authentic, with a chill, pleasant vibe. Known for authentic Mexican food and affordable prices, it draws those seeking fresh, flavorful tacos in a hole-in-the-wall environment.

Authentic Mexican food shines here with great flavors and reasonable prices. The menu offers a small but phenomenal selection that stands out in the city.

Authentic Mexican food shines with fresh guacamole, crispy chips, and well-seasoned tacos. Affordable prices and a small, casual setting highlight the genuine flavors and balanced vegetarian options.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be the best."

"The food here is delicious; I'd lick my fingers."

"It's a no frills, affordable spot for a quick meal."

Good to know

1

The al pastor burrito costs only $10.

2

They offer different sizes of burritos, including a 'junior' size.

3

The prices at Taqueria Tejupilco are very affordable.

02
Amici-Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Small, cozy space with a warm and welcoming atmosphere creates a homey vibe. Clean and unassuming interior hosts a friendly, family-owned environment. Energy feels heartfelt and calming, suitable for casual dining or to-go bites.

Food offers a variety of global flavors including Ethiopian, Italian, Mexican, and Indian. Dishes come with bold flavors and are reasonably priced.

Birria arancini come with a rich sauce and pair well with the mole dip. Dishes like jerk chicken and quesadillas add variety to the Mexican offerings.

People are saying

"These Arancini have phenomenal, innovative flavors from around the world."

"You have to try the corn salad; it's incredible."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

On Saturdays, they do a dine-in special that offers great value.

2

A full-size arancini costs $8 and comes with a side.

3

You can get five smaller arancini with two sides for $20 and mix and match.

03
Taco Max Cantina image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with a cozy, friendly atmosphere and a bar offering a wide range of margarita flavors. The place draws a lively crowd and features authentic dishes like fish tacos and carne asada with generous portions. Music complements the vibe, creating an inviting and energetic setting.

Food features fresh ingredients, generous portions, and authentic Mexican flavors. Presentation is neat, and steak dishes come tender and juicy.

Steak and al pastor tacos stand out with bold flavors and great seasoning. Burritos come packed with flavor and are very filling, while shrimp and chorizo tacos add variety. Rice, refried beans, and horchata complement the authentic Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The margaritas here are well-balanced and decently spicy."

"The food here was absolutely amazing."

"I found the steak burrito to be the best Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Currently, the restaurant is BYOB while waiting for their liquor license.

3

They do not serve margaritas yet due to the pending liquor license.

04
Buena Vista | Mexican Restaurant Lakeview image 1

Small, family-run Mexican restaurant with a retro vibe and homey warmth. Atmosphere feels intimate and immersive, with Latin music and a relaxed, friendly mood. Cozy setting invites a sense of sharing and comfort, like eating with family.

Mexican cuisine here stands out with incredible flavor and fantastic quality. Service is consistently amazing and kind, making the food experience even better.

Fajitas, tacos, and chips with red salsa stand out here. The mini chimichangas and mole dishes also draw repeat visits. Customers can bring their own wine or canned margarita to enjoy with dishes like burrito suizo and pozole.

People are saying

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

"The chips and salsa here are delicious, especially the red one."

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

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB, allowing you to bring your own drinks.

2

Taco Tuesday offers a variety of tacos for $2-3 each.

3

Prices are reasonable, with many dishes around $11.

05
Matisse Tavern & Grill image 1

Gastropub offers cozy atmosphere with heated outdoor patio open late into fall. Close seating creates an intimate vibe, complemented by extraordinary craft cocktails and a brilliant patio space. Music and warm lighting enhance the inviting energy throughout.

Food offers remarkable flavors and consistently great taste. Service complements the amazing dishes well.

Shrimp tacos stand out with a phenomenal taste. Pork wontons and quesadillas also get strong recommendations.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the rosemary chicken."

"The food and drinks here are fantastic, especially the creative cocktails."

"The shrimp tacos here are phenomenal and perfectly crispy."

Good to know

1

The kitchen stays open late until around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m.

2

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers on Sunday and Monday nights.

3

Reservations are recommended for large groups, especially on weekends.

06
Esencia Urban Kitchen image 1
Breakfast restaurant

Small, cozy breakfast spot with tight seating and a slow-paced, neighborhood vibe. Outdoor patio offers extra space and fresh air. Atmosphere feels charming and relaxed, often filling up by lunchtime.

Food features amazing flavors and excellent quality. Black coffee pairs well with the fantastic dishes served.

Chilaquiles verdes stand out with their crispy texture and spicy kick, costing about $25. Breakfast and lunch tacos, especially the breakfast tacos and Taco Papas conrajas, offer satisfying and flavorful options.

People are saying

"The coffee here has a hint of cinnamon, which is welcoming."

"I found the breakfast here to be pretty good."

"I loved the food; it was awesome and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, so expect a wait for a table on weekends.

2

The restaurant has limited seating, which can lead to longer wait times.

3

Parking on the street can be difficult; consider public transport.

07
La Biznaga image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with adorable decorations and a warm, inviting atmosphere. Music ranges from loud to extra loud, creating a lively vibe. Large seating area suits families and casual meals, with excellent portion sizes and amazing tacos and salsa.

Traditional Mexican dishes come with generous portions and well seasoned flavors, especially the homemade salsa. Prices stay reasonable while delivering authentic, high-quality food.

Tacos stand out with Al Pastor, asada, and lengua varieties all well seasoned. Tamales and tortas offer authentic flavors, paired with homemade salsa and free chips that complement the dishes.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; the al pastor and nopales are the best."

"I loved the authentic Mexican food, it was delicious and well seasoned."

"I thought the food here was amazing and solid."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers special deals on tacos every Tuesday evening.

2

La Biznaga is a BYOB restaurant, so bring your own drinks.

3

The restaurant has a 3% surcharge added to the bill for tax and tip.

08
Mixteco Grill (Lakeview) image 1
Mexican restaurant

Bright dining area with touch screen ordering creates a modern, efficient setup. Atmosphere stays clean and chill with loud music adding energy. Crowd includes people working on laptops, making it feel like a casual spot rather than intimate.

Food comes out very hot and quickly, with delicious and satisfying Mexican dishes. Quality is high, though prices lean toward the expensive side.

Offers authentic-tasting Mexican food with fresh ingredients. Features well-executed tacos, burritos, and fajitas, plus standout items like queso and chicken tomatillo soup.

People are saying

"I loved the Mexican food, especially the tacos."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is delicious and fresh."

"I found the food here to be great and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, and takeout is usually ready in under 10 minutes.

2

Customers can order directly from touch screen machines for convenience.

3

You can bring your own drinks inside the restaurant.

09
GoodTimes Brewery + Kitchen image 1

Massive bar and large open space with oak detailing create an inviting setting. Atmosphere feels warm and friendly with brewing equipment visible, adding to the vibe. Multiple TVs and games make it a chill spot for groups and events.

Food features great taste and delicious ribs paired with excellent beer. Service complements the amazing food and enjoyable atmosphere.

Shrimp and Baja tacos stand out with delicious, tasty flavors. The tacos pair well with the excellent beers offered.

People are saying

"The German and Czech style beers here are some of the best I've had."

"The food here is delicious and always hot."

"The Mexican food here is served with such lovely and friendly service."

Good to know

1

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

2

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

3

On Mondays, the BYO pizza is half off.

10
El Taco Cart image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with fun, festive vibe and unique decor featuring pictures on the walls. Music plays a key role, creating an upbeat energy that complements the candlelight ambiance. Space is small and cozy, attracting a lively crowd especially late at night.

Food tastes authentic Mexican with amazing flavor and comes quickly. Dishes are delicious and filling.

Steak tacos feature well-seasoned, quality meat and the mole wings stand out as a delicious specialty. The chips and salsa are notably good, and the horchata offers a sweet, authentic touch to the meal.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here tastes like Mexico, especially the steak tacos."

"It's the best late night spot for satisfying cravings after a night out."

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

El Taco Cart is open late, making it ideal for late-night cravings.

2

Expect to pay around $5 for a taco, which some consider pricey.

3

The ingredients used are fresh, enhancing the quality of the food.

11
Taco & Burrito House image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small dining room offers an intimate, cozy atmosphere with charming decor and fluorescent lighting. The place draws a late-night crowd seeking authentic tacos and homemade salsas, making it a popular spot for casual, affordable Mexican food after hours.

Food comes out fast, usually in about five minutes, with fresh ingredients and a delicious salsa verde. The kitchen staff cooks with care, making the Mexican dishes consistently amazing and well respected in the community.

Steak tacos stand out with authentic flavor and supreme quality. The chili relleno burrito and pork tamales offer incredible taste complemented by well-made sauces and refreshing horchata.

People are saying

"I've never been disappointed with their amazing Mexican food."

"This is a great late night spot for food after drinks."

"The food here is always amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

The restaurant stays open late until 1am or 2am.

2

Parking can be difficult; avoid certain areas to prevent tickets.

3

It costs $170 to remove parking boots if you park incorrectly.

12
El Mariachi Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space with folk-art walls and a cozy patio creates an intimate, authentic Mexican cantina vibe. Dim lighting and lively decor set a charming atmosphere suited for dates or casual hangouts. Margaritas stand out as a popular drink choice here.

Mole sopes and chicken enchiladas stand out with large portions and a wide variety of sauces. The steak burrito and other dishes taste remarkably yummy and come at reasonable prices.

Mole sopes and chicken enchiladas stand out with rich flavors. Warm, homemade chips and guacamole complement fresh salsas, beans, and rice. The steak burrito and torta also offer solid options.

People are saying

"I thought the food tasted homemade and was amazing."

"I thought the mole enchiladas were rich and savory."

"I found the Mexican food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted, and seating is limited, especially during peak hours.

2

Expect wait times during busy periods due to the restaurant's popularity.

3

Prices are on the higher side for Mexican food in the area.

13
Seoul Taco image 1
Restaurant

Restaurant blends Mexican dishes with Korean flavors, creating unique fusion cuisine. Atmosphere stays relaxed and casual with loud hip-hop music playing. Exterior features a beautiful mural and iridescent window film that stand out visually.

Food offers extreme flavor and freshness with generous portions that match the price. Dishes come out nicely made and consistently delicious.

Big portion sizes come with a unique mix of Korean flavors in the meat and rice. Burritos and tacos pack bold, spicy tastes with solid value and memorable queso and steak quesadilla options.

People are saying

"The food here is awesome and incredibly flavorful."

"I found the Bulgogi burrito to be life-changing."

"I believed these were the best tacos in the city."

Good to know

1

Seoul Taco offers big portion sizes for a satisfying meal.

2

Expect to wait about 5 minutes for food to be served.

3

The dining room can be quite cold, so dress accordingly.

14
Cesar's Killer Margaritas - Broadway image 1

Mexican restaurant offers lively atmosphere with plenty of indoor seating and a shaded outdoor patio. The space features a unique interior layout with multiple sections and views overlooking Broadway. Music tends to be loud, creating a noisy environment that energizes the crowd.

Mexican and Colombian dishes stand out with consistently great flavors. Food pairs well with margaritas, creating a casual dining experience with solid service.

Birria torta and tacos stand out on the menu with authentic flavors. The margaritas come in many options, are strong, and pair well with the food.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is great, especially the chicken birria."

"Our server Sarah made our dinner so much fun."

"I found the food here to be amazing."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features one flavor of margarita at half price.

2

Miss Foozie bingo event occurs the first Thursday of every month.

3

A 3% surcharge applies for credit card payments.

15
Las Maรฑanitas Restaurant image 1

Outdoor seating offers chill patio vibes with Latin music at a comfortable volume and candlelit ambiance for a casual, calm atmosphere. Inside feels snug and dimly lit, with an authentic, family-run aesthetic reflecting a Hispanic neighborhood. Margaritas stand out as freshly squeezed and expertly mixed, often considered the best in the city.

Food comes out quickly and tastes consistently great and delicious. Margaritas pair well with the excellent dishes served here.

Carne Asada stands out as a delicious meat option, paired well with juicy chicken mole enchiladas and a unique salsa verde. The margaritas come in generous pitchers with a strong kick, complementing flavorful burritos and incredible tacos.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here has incredibly strong margaritas."

"These enchiladas are seasoned, juicy, and you can't stop snacking on them."

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

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $23 for a burrito, which is higher than average.

2

Extra charges apply for salsa, which may surprise larger parties.

3

Weekly specials are offered, featuring innovative dishes.

16
Stolen Saddle image 1

Multi-leveled bar with mechanical bull and live music creates a lively, spacious environment. Atmosphere blends cool Southern vibe with rustic charm and energetic fun. Crowd enjoys games and dancing, making it feel like a vibrant country-themed club.

Tex-mex food features prominently with delicious nachos that stand out as excellent bar food. Tequila cocktails complement the menu, creating a fun atmosphere alongside good eats.

Tacos feature brisket, steak, fish, and shrimp cooked perfectly and plump. Drinks include fresh, balanced margaritas and a spicy watermelon margarita. Happy hour offers tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and keep them flowing."

"The Mexican food here is amazing, thanks to the attentive and friendly staff."

"I was blown away by the nachos; they're the best bar food."

Good to know

1

Happy hour menu includes tacos, quesadillas, chips & salsa, margaritas, and espresso martinis.

2

Food and drink specials are available during home games.

3

Children are welcome until 8 p.m.

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