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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in New York

Dive bars with Mexican food

You want a dive bar that serves real Mexican food instead of just settling for a bag of chips.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
The Anchored Inn image 1
The Anchored Inn image 2
The Anchored Inn image 3
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Bar & grill

Nautical-themed bar with dark wood decor and leather booths offers multiple seating options including outdoor patio and a separate room with two pool tables. Music shifts from punk and indie during the day to modern pop at night, creating a laid-back but less friendly vibe after dark. Occasional live shows and a menu featuring vegan and nonvegan bites complement the dive bar atmosphere.

Cheap drinks and two pool tables set the scene. The music leans heavy metal and punk, with great service and surprisingly good food, including salads.

Tacos stand out with lechรณn and sisig chopped cheese options. Carmen Fries combine cheddar sauce, queso Oaxaca, and crispy bacon for a rich flavor.

People are saying

"This bar has a relaxed, welcoming, and quirky neighborhood vibe."

"This dive bar has amazing Filipino fusion food."

"I thought their Mexican food, especially the tacos, was really good."

Good to know

1

Expect some wait time if you go during the evening or weekend.

2

The kitchen closes at 1:30 am on weekends.

3

The lunch special beer and burger costs $13.

02
Fools Gold NYC image 1
Cocktail bar

Huge, spacious bar with eight TVs and board games creates a lively, social setting. Music mixes house and hip hop, with a DJ boosting energy on weekends. Crowd dresses sharply, filling the space with crowded, energetic vibes and a cozy atmosphere in the back area.

A laid-back and welcoming spot with classic dive bar vibes. It feels like a relaxed neighborhood hangout amid a mix of upscale and gritty bars.

Quesadillas stand out with options like bacon and grilled chicken that bring a bit of heat. Irish Nachos combine waffle fries, pickled jalapeรฑos, and fresh guacamole for a flavorful twist.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the great beer selection here."

"You have to try the Irish nachos, especially with the fresh jalapeรฑos."

"I loved the fish tacos and craft beer selection."

Good to know

1

Trivia Night is at 7:30 PM on Tuesdays.

2

The bar only accepts cash.

3

The bar has good happy hour prices.

03
White Horse Tavern - Financial District image 1

Building dates back to the 1850s with old-style decor featuring walnut wood and green leather booths. Atmosphere feels like a local watering hole with a picturesque American vibe and lively music from a jukebox system. Crowd mainly adults, especially men, enjoying affordable drinks and a roomy bar area.

A bizarrely out-of-place dive bar vibe stands out with a ye olde porch on a side street. It feels like a classic, authentic dive bar in the middle of the Financial District.

Chicken Quesadilla stands out as a solid choice with good flavor. The Santa Fรฉ burger features cheddar, guacamole, and pico gallo, blending Mexican elements into a burger format.

People are saying

"The bar staff here is super friendly and attentive to your comfort."

"It felt like a classic dive bar with that comfortable, old neighborhood vibe."

"The Mexican food here feels so welcoming."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available all day with most drinks priced at $6 or less.

2

You can get a shot and a 16 oz can of beer for $5.

3

A meal for six costs around $120, making it budget-friendly.

04
San Pedro Inn image 1

Dive bar with tin ceiling and walls covered in fun ephemera creates a funky atmosphere. Live music and DJs spin top-notch tunes, blending international artists with local workers. Drinks like spicy margaritas and well-crafted cocktails complement the chill, lively vibe.

A dive bar with a funky vibe and affordable drinks. Food stands out as exceptional for the setting, blending a casual atmosphere with quality offerings.

Tacos and quesadillas stand out with fresh tortillas and flavorful fillings like carne asada and chicken. The steak burrito is notable, paired well with spicy cucumber margaritas and guacamole with chips.

People are saying

"The food at this dive bar is shockingly great and affordable."

"The steak burrito here is the best Mexican food I've had."

"The bar is really cool, covered in fun ephemera."

Good to know

1

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

2

Karaoke night happens on Wednesdays.

3

The establishment is open late.

05
Brooklyn Ice House image 1

Dive bar with classic cash-only vibe and a spacious backyard that suits larger groups. Inside is small and unfrilled, while outdoor patio offers a casual hangout spot. Atmosphere varies but often feels timeless and relaxed.

Strong drinks and a big backyard create a classic cash-only dive bar vibe. The menu supports the solid dive bar atmosphere throughout.

Tacos stand out with bold flavors. The chorizo quesadilla offers a hearty, tasty option.

People are saying

"The beer here is ice-cold and inexpensive."

"It's a great dive bar with a solid menu."

"The chorizo quesadilla was quite tasty and hearty."

Good to know

1

The dive bar is cash only; bring cash for your visit.

2

There is an ATM on site for cash withdrawals.

3

Dinner specials are available every day.

06
Dive Bar LIC image 1

Two floors with neon lights and tropical dive decor create a lively setting. Music mixes all genres with a DJ on weekends, adding to the great vibe. Outdoor seating offers casual space, though tables can be unstable.

Offers an authentic dive bar experience with a touch of class, featuring great food, drinks, and hookah. Staff like Ashley and Kim provide amazing hospitality that makes it a fun spot to unwind and catch up.

Tacos stand out with delicious flavors. Casamigos Passionfruit Margarita served by Ashley adds a refreshing touch. Huevos rancheros come across as just all right.

People are saying

"The service at Dive Bar is outstanding and super friendly."

"The crab Benedict at Brunch was so bomb."

"The Mexican food here is delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended because the venue gets very packed.

2

The restaurant requires a $250 minimum or $500 to keep the reservation on Super Bowl Sunday.

3

Happy hour offers are awesome.

07
Cowgirl SeaHorse image 1
Tex-Mex restaurant

Eclectic decor blends sea and country themes with colorful LED lights and vintage posters, creating a unique, old-fashioned vibe. The atmosphere is lively and noisy, especially in the evenings, with fun live music enhancing the energy. Well-stocked bar offers notable frozen margaritas that stand out in the neighborhood.

Feels like a surf tiki lounge with a laid-back dive bar vibe. Serves food alongside drinks in a small, original local setting.

Tacos, quesadillas, and a shrimp burrito bowl offer fresh, tasty options. The hot queso served in a boiling cauldron and 30+ margarita varieties, including frozen ones, stand out on the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and flavorful."

"The Tex-Mex here is unpretentious and truly tasty."

"It's a great dive bar with mostly locals hanging out."

Good to know

1

Live music happens on Monday nights, creating a lively atmosphere.

2

Trivia night is on Wednesdays, which can get quite noisy.

3

Expect a 45-minute wait for food during busy hours.

08
The Commodore image 1
Chicken restaurant

Retro dive bar with arcade games, neon lights, and a back patio creates a laid-back, old-school vibe. Atmosphere feels lively and chill with reggae music and a fun, casual energy. Regulars enjoy frozen cocktails and classic fried chicken in a setting that blends diner and dive aesthetics.

An old school dive bar vibe comes with good comfort food served in generous quantities. The nachos and chicken sandwich stand out as solid dive bar eats.

Veggie burger tacos stand out with strong flavor. The menu also features chicken sandwich with queso sauce, fish tacos, chilaquiles, soup, salad, and simple white cheese queso nachos.

People are saying

"I found the fried chicken and biscuit to be fantastic."

"This dive bar's chicken sandwich is the best I've ever had."

"I found the chicken sandwich pretty amazing."

Good to know

1

Customers must order at the bar and seat themselves.

2

Get there early if you want a table on the weekends.

3

Plan to visit on a slow day/time if you want to sit at a table.

09
FIB Tattoo Bar and Grill image 1

Bar combines tattoo parlor vibe with live music and funky decor. Atmosphere feels no-nonsense dive bar with loud music that energizes the space. Tattoo artists stay focused amid the noise while guests enjoy drinks and food in a compact, chill setting.

No-nonsense vibe defines this spot with live music every Monday. It fits the mold of a typical dive bar with straightforward offerings.

Tacos and cheese quesadillas stand out with good flavor. Passion fruit and raspberry margaritas offer distinctive fruity twists. Wings, burgers, and fries also appear on the menu.

People are saying

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

"The atmosphere here is really nice and upbeat."

"It's a no-nonsense dive bar with a grunge aesthetic."

Good to know

1

The tattoo class starts at 7pm; entry is allowed only after that time.

2

Expect the class to start 30 minutes late on average.

3

You stand the entire class with no chairs available.

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