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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Lake View East's best

Salsa spots

A side of fresh salsa brings life to the table.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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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.

Salsas here have great flavor and stay on the mild side. The verde salsa stands out as especially tasty and pairs well with birria and Al pastor tacos.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsas here are delicious and have great flavor."

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
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.

Chips come with a large amount of salsa in both red and green varieties. The red salsa is spicy and flavorful, adding a nice kick to the chips and dishes like fajitas and tacos.

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.

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.

Salsas here are fresh and homemade, with a variety that complements dishes like fish tacos. The salsa Verde has a balanced spice level, though some might want a spicier option.

People are saying

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

"The food here was absolutely amazing."

"The salsas here are so fresh and flavorful."

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
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.

Salsa comes fresh and hot with homemade tortilla chips. The Salsa Verde stands out as incredibly flavorful and spicy.

People are saying

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

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

"The tacos here are fantastic, especially the al pastor."

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.

05
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 come with green and red salsa options that are flavorful and not too spicy. The salsa complements dishes like chorizo well and stands out as very good.

People are saying

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

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

"The chilaquiles were flavorful with salsa that wasn't too spicy."

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.

06
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.

Three salsas offer great flavor with the right amount of spice. The house salsa and habanero salsa stand out alongside guacamole, all served with fresh chips.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsas here are flavorful with just the right amount of spice."

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.

07
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.

Salsas here are homemade and come in varied flavors like salsa verde and red hot salsa. They serve as tasty sides and are available at the counter for grabbing extra.

People are saying

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

"The food here is always amazing and delicious."

"The salsa here is yummy and tastes homemade."

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.

08
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.

Fresh salsas come with homemade chips and guacamole. Beans and rice complement the authentic flavors alongside dishes like fajitas and queso fondido.

People are saying

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

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

"The salsa here is fresh and awesome."

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.

09
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.

Chips come with small containers of salsa that include both red and green spicy varieties. The homemade salsa verde stands out and pairs well with tacos and chips.

People are saying

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

"The food here is delicious and authentic."

"The street tacos and chips with salsa were great."

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.

10
Chicken Hut image 1
Chicken restaurant

Simple chicken shop with a huge grill dominates the space, offering juicy grilled chicken with crispy skin and huge portions. Atmosphere feels like a cozy, no-frills kitchen, quiet and clean. Meals come with pita bread and salsa, providing great value for affordable, flavorful food.

Food comes out fast, usually under a minute, with simple and good flavors. Portions are generous, enough for two or three people, and prices stay reasonable, around $5 per serving or less than $15 for a half chicken meal with sides.

Spicy salsa comes freshly made and pairs well with grilled chicken. Meals include a generous amount of fiery salsa that enhances dry chicken and complements pita bread.

People are saying

"I found the grilled chicken to be juicy and crispy."

"The salsa here is freshly made and always on fire."

"The food here is so flavorful and delicious."

Good to know

1

A half chicken with one side, pita, and a drink costs less than $15.

2

The meal provides about three servings, making it a great value.

3

Dining in is not suitable; it's primarily a takeout spot.

11
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.

People are saying

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

"I found the food here to be amazing."

"I loved their quesabirria tacos; they were beyond my expectations."

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.

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