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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to New York

Queso and empanadas

Made for those who balance the richness of melted cheese with the crisp, savory bite of a well-made empanada.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated April 2026
01
One 11 Tacos image 1
One 11 Tacos image 2
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Tex-Mex restaurant

Small, bright Tex-Mex restaurant with spotless cleanliness and comfortable seating. Atmosphere feels inviting and well-kept, with a focus on high-quality ingredients. Known for exceptional birria tacos and generous portions, it elevates the local food scene with authentic flavors.

Chips come with creamy queso that pairs well with nachos. Staff serve nachos and queso while waiting for orders, adding to the experience.

Beef empanadas come with a rich filling and a crispy crust. They pair well with other dishes like shrimp tacos and queso and chips.

People are saying

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

"The queso and chips were awesome."

"The beef empanadas here are amazing."

Good to know

1

The prices at One 11 Tacos are reasonable compared to similar spots.

2

Portions are generous, often enough for two meals.

3

Credit card payments incur an extra charge.

02
Jajaja Mexicana image 1
Vegan restaurant

Classic tiny NYC spot with Mexican flair and colorful decor creates a cozy, buzzing atmosphere filled with neon lights and loud, fun music. Seating includes comfortable indoor booths, bar, and an outdoor patio on the corner. The place welcomes dogs and offers a lively vibe even when not crowded.

Crunchy chips come with layers of flavors in the beans, queso, and sour cream. The vegan queso stands out with its rich taste, especially in the coconut queso quesadilla and verde enchiladas.

Beet and pumpkin empanadas stand out with a delicious blend that some compare to Mexican samosas. Corn empanadas also get high marks for being absolutely delicious.

People are saying

"The vegetarian Mexican dishes here are out-of-this-world delicious."

"The vegan queso here is yummy and to die for."

"The beet and pumpkin empanadas were fantastic."

Good to know

1

Everything on the menu is vegan.

2

If you plan on dropping in during the evening, make sure you have a reservation.

3

$15 for two regular/average tacos.

03
Spanglish NYC Astoria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant with authentic Hispanic feel and beautiful, spacious decor including an outdoor back area and upstairs. Atmosphere features fun Latin music with a deejay, keeping sound levels balanced for conversation. Offers family-friendly vibe and lively karaoke sessions.

Queso fundido with chorizo stands out here. It offers a tasty and rich flavor combination.

Chicken empanadas come with a crispy outside and are packed with flavor. They stand out as a must-try appetizer alongside the wings.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and well-seasoned."

"I'd pick five pounds of the queso fundido for my last meal."

"The chicken empanadas are crispy and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Thursday night, a popular event for guests.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-7pm on weekdays.

3

Taco Tuesday features special deals on tacos, attracting many visitors.

04
El Sazรณn R.D. image 1
Dominican restaurant

Small, cozy Dominican spot with authentic music and a lively, crowded atmosphere where people often dance merengue. Limited seating creates a tight, intimate space that feels like an old-school kitchen. Energy is warm and spirited, making it feel like a genuine taste of the Dominican Republic.

Smash burgers come with queso frito, fried cheese that adds a chewy, rich texture. This cheese pairs with chimi sauce and bacon for a unique flavor twist.

Crispy empanadas come with a perfect drizzle of sauce and pickled onions. Chicken empanadas can be a bit dry but the side sauce helps balance the flavor.

People are saying

"The Dominican Smash Burger with fried cheese is exceptional and flavorful."

"These empanadas are crispy, loaded with flavor, and amazing."

"The smash burger with the queso frito did not disappoint."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has just a few seats, so takeout might be necessary.

2

The restaurant closes at 8 PM on Sundays.

3

The burger costs $20 with a drink.

05
Bar Mexicana image 1
Restaurant

Bright, lively restaurant with a warm atmosphere and friendly staff creates a joyful vibe. Interior is Instagram-able and clean, fitting for casual or romantic outings. Music adds to the energetic environment, while authentic Mexican flavors shine in dishes like Birria tacos and fresh guacamole.

Cheddar-based queso stands out as a rare and welcome twist. Chips and queso come out exceptionally good, with queso fundido and cheese quesadillas tasting very similar and quite good.

Empanadas vary here, with birria empanadas receiving mixed reviews. Other empanadas and tacos stand out as incredible and very good.

People are saying

"You have to try the tacos; they're generously filled and delicious."

"The birria empanadas here are incredibly flavorful."

"The calabacita con crema taco's queso was rich and creamy."

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.

06
Toro Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Vibrant Mexican restaurant with sugar skull murals and an updated, uniquely Mexican decor. Atmosphere buzzes with lively music and interactive performers, complemented by a beautiful outdoor patio perfect for relaxing. Bottomless brunch cocktails and authentic dishes like birria and Al Pastor tacos add to the energetic vibe.

Chips and queso come really tasty and pair well with drinks served in a super fun glass. The spicy queso fries stand out as a flavorful option alongside classic chips and queso.

Empanadas come in flavorful and spicy varieties like chicken, steak, and chorizo. They pair well with great sauces and stand out alongside tacos and nachos.

People are saying

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

"These empanadas are so juicy and delicious."

"I thought the spicy queso fries were the real deal."

Good to know

1

Make a reservation for the drag brunch to secure your spot.

2

The brunch includes a drag show that starts at noon.

3

Happy hour drinks are available before the brunch at great prices.

07
Chicos Tex Mex Bohemia image 1
Mexican restaurant

Open kitchen reveals food preparation in a compact, clean space with a strong aroma of fresh cooking. Atmosphere feels friendly and relaxing despite loud background music. Known for birria tacos and Tex Mex flavors, it draws those seeking takeout with vegetarian options and bold tastes.

Queso blanco stands out as a notable option. The newest queso offering is also amazing. Portion size includes about 12 chips with a small scoop of queso for $5.

Delicious empanadas stand out here, especially the ones with classic fillings. Buffalo chicken and beef and cheese empanadas have a strong taste that some might not enjoy.

People are saying

"I loved the birria egg rolls; they were packed with flavor."

"I found the empanadas delicious."

"I tried the new queso and it's amazing."

Good to know

1

Chicos Tex Mex Bohemia is a pick-up only location with limited seating.

2

Prices are considered high for the portion sizes provided.

3

Vegetarian options are available and well-received.

08
Amor Loco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small space buzzes with live drag performances and loud music, creating a lively vibe. Queso shines in Birria Queso Tacos and queso fundido, both rich and flavorful. Empanadas, especially Birria empanadas, offer cheesy, homemade taste with fresh guacamole.

Queso shines in several dishes here, especially the Queso Birria Empanadas and Birria Queso Tacos, both packed with flavor and cooked well. The queso fundido stands out as a delicious appetizer that pairs nicely with other items.

Birria empanadas stand out with rich, cheesy fillings and a perfect crust. Mushroom and vegetarian options taste homemade and pair well with fresh guacamole and chips.

People are saying

"Our server Rose was so attentive to our food and drinks."

"I thought the birria empanadas were exceptionally flavorful."

"The queso fundido appetizer was great and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Sunday drag brunch starts at 1:30 PM and requires food purchase for bottomless drinks.

2

Happy hour ends at 6 PM, with drinks priced at $14 and up afterward.

3

The kitchen closes at 10:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

09
Vida Verde - Tequila Bar image 1

Three floors plus a rooftop deck create a vibrant, festive atmosphere filled with loud music and a young, lively crowd. A DJ and bar dancer add to the energetic vibe, while colorful, edgy decor enhances the space. The setting encourages socializing despite the high noise level.

Queso stands out with its rich, creamy texture and pairs well with chorizo for added flavor. It complements the guacamole and other dishes like birria tacos effectively.

Brisket and shrimp empanadas stand out with rich flavors and satisfying fillings. The empanadas pair well with yucca fries and chicken nachos for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The cocktails were creative, balanced, and made with care."

"I thought the empanadas were the best I had."

"The queso and guacamole were the best I had."

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.

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