Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Lower East Side | Upscale Mexican Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Mexican Restaurants in Lower East Side | Upscale Mexican Food

• Orchard Grocer — American · rated 5/5: This vibrant neighborhood gem reimagines the classic deli experience, where the nostalgic aroma of toasted bagels and savory schmear mingles with the sun-drenched energy of a bustling morning. Towering, inventive sandwiches like the Miles and the Bowery offer a satisfying harmony of textures and bold flavors, while the signature breakfast burrito provides a warm, hearty embrace for the soul. Whether you’re grabbing a crisp Orchard Cobb to go or lingering over a perfectly pressed roll, it’s a charming corner where modern culinary creativity meets the timeless spirit of the city.
• CANTINA SUNDOWN — Mexican · rated 5/5: Cantina Sundown, located at 150 Delancey St, New York, is a delightful Mexican restaurant praised for its exceptional cocktails and delectable cuisine. Open daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM, the restaurant offers a wide array of dishes and drinks, including standout margaritas made with fresh lime and agave. With options for dine-in, takeout, and curbside pickup, this establishment promises a memorable dining experience with great service and a welcoming atmosphere.
• Fabis Tacos D.C. — Mexican · rated 4.9/5: Fabis Tacos D.C., located at 390 Grand St, New York, is a popular destination for Mexican cuisine lovers. Known for its fresh and flavorful chorizo burritos, this food cart operates Monday through Saturday from 7 AM to 8 PM. With a stellar 4.9 rating from 31 reviews, it's a must-visit spot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Although they don't serve wine or beer, the quality of their food speaks for itself. Ideal for families, Fabis Tacos D.C. offers speedy service and a friendly atmosphere.
• Carnitas Ramirez — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: Carnitas Ramirez captures the kinetic energy of a Mexico City market stall, where the rhythmic chop of the cleaver and the rich, savory scent of pork simmering in traditional copper vats create an intoxicating atmosphere. Every cut, from succulent rib to melt-in-your-mouth cracklings, is pulled steaming from the lard and piled onto warm tortillas, offering a masterclass in texture and a pure, unadulterated celebration of Mexican culinary heritage.
• Mercado Lima — Mexican · rated 4.8/5: Nestled at 88 Essex St, New York, Mercado Lima offers a delightful foray into Peruvian cuisine. Rated an impressive 4.8 by satisfied patrons, this restaurant is ideal for families and children. Open daily from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Mercado Lima ensures accessibility with wheelchair-friendly entrances and accepts both cash and credit card payments. Enjoy dine-in or takeout and savor authentic dishes that transport you straight to Peru.
• La Contenta LES — Mexican · rated 4.7/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 102 Norfolk St, La Contenta LES is a charming Mexican restaurant offering a delightful array of tacos, enchiladas, and other familiar dishes. Known for its relaxed atmosphere and creative cocktails, it's a popular spot with a stellar 4.7 rating from 937 reviews. Enjoy outdoor seating, happy hour from 3 to 6 PM, and weekend brunches from 12 to 4 PM. Perfect for a casual yet memorable dining experience.
• La Contenta — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: La Contenta unfolds as a vibrant, candlelit sanctuary where the rhythmic shake of artisanal cocktails harmonizes with the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies and slow-simmered moles. This intimate escape captures the soul of Mexico through a kaleidoscope of bold flavors and hand-pressed textures, fostering a spirited atmosphere where every meal feels like a festive celebration of heritage.
• Factory Tamal — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Factory Tamal, located at 34 Ludlow St, New York, brings the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine to the Lower East Side. Known for its cozy ambiance and friendly staff, the restaurant offers a diverse menu featuring tamales, breakfast sandwiches, and a delightful selection of desserts. With opening hours from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays and slightly adjusted weekend timings, Factory Tamal is a go-to spot for both dine-in and takeout.
• Factory Tamal — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Located at 63 E 4th St in New York, Factory Tamal is a delightful Mexican deli and café celebrated for its classic tamales and flavorful sandwiches. Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, it’s an ideal spot for brunch, lunch, or a quick takeout. With a 4.6-star rating and rave reviews for its tamales and tinga torta, you're in for a treat. Dine-in, delivery, and various payment options make your visit convenient and enjoyable.
• Tacos Cholula Mexican Mobile Truck — Mexican · rated 4.6/5: Nestled in the heart of the East Village, this fast-food gem, Tacos Cholula Mexican Mobile Truck, serves up mouth-watering Mexican favorites such as tacos, burritos, and tortas. With a laid-back atmosphere and a 4.6-star rating from 177 reviewers, it’s the perfect spot for solo diners and families alike. Open daily from 11:30 AM, it offers a delightful escape for lunch or dinner. Don't miss their cochinita pibil and vegetarian tacos!
• Dora’s — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Located in the heart of Alphabet City at 40 Avenue B, New York, Dora’s offers a taste of Peruvian comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere. Known for its ceviche, paella, and lomo saltado, this casual restaurant also features small plates, happy hour drinks, and delightful desserts. Popular for dinner and solo dining, Dora's welcomes families and groups alike. Reservations are accepted, so call +1 646-484-5684 to book your table!
• Birria LES — Mexican · rated 4.5/5: Nestled in the Lower East Side, Birria LES is a favorite spot for comfort food lovers, offering a delightful selection of halal Mexican dishes. The menu shines with options like beef birria tacos, chicken tacos with cheese, and consome, all set in a warm, inviting atmosphere that's great for families. The friendly and attentive staff, coupled with reasonable prices, make it an excellent choice for lunch or dinner. Don't miss the birria dumplings!
• El Cabron Taqueria & Marisqueria — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: The air hums with the vibrant energy of a coastal Mexican market, thick with the smoky aroma of charred meats and the bright, zesty tang of fresh lime. This spirited destination brings together the rustic soul of a traditional taqueria and the refreshing zest of a marisqueria, where hand-pressed tortillas and chilled plates of ceviche are enjoyed amidst the rhythmic sizzle of the grill
• El Cabron Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: Welcome to El Cabron Taqueria, a popular neighborhood hangout on 26 Essex St, New York, serving Mexican tacos, burritos, and other delicious staples. Rated 4.4 stars by over 100 patrons, this charming spot offers a delightful mix of flavors with a friendly atmosphere. Open every day from 9 AM to midnight, enjoy a meal with your choice of wine, beer, or a classic margarita. Perfect for families and taco lovers alike!
• El Diablito Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.4/5: Located at 60 E 3rd St, New York, El Diablito Taqueria is a vibrant spot that serves up delicious Mexican comfort food. Open from 11:00 AM to 9:45 PM daily, this casual eatery offers a variety of tasty options, including burritos, tacos, and nachos, along with a delightful breakfast menu. With a commendable rating of 4.4 from 432 reviews, it's known for its quick service, great prices, and welcoming atmosphere. Plus, it's perfect for a late-night craving!
• Barrio Chino — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Stepping into this vibrant urban escape, guests are greeted by the intoxicating aroma of sizzling al pastor and the rhythmic shake of mezcal cocktails behind a dimly lit, buzzy bar. The space pulses with an effortless cool, blending rustic textures with a high-energy atmosphere where traditional Mexican street flavors are elevated into a sensory feast of bright citrus, smoky heat, and hand-pressed tortillas.
• San Loco — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: San Loco pulses with a vibrant, unpretentious energy, drawing diners into a space where the air is thick with the smoky aroma of seasoned carnitas and the sharp, bright tang of house-made salsa. The experience centers on bold, soulful flavors and overstuffed plates, where the satisfying crunch of golden taco shells meets the molten richness of melted cheese in a high-octane celebration of Mexican street food.
• Populares — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Populares, nestled in Alphabet City, is a modern Mexican restaurant that delights with brunch, dinner, and late-night offerings. Known for its flavorful tacos, guacamole, and chile rellenos, this spot also impresses with unique dishes like duck fig mole and horchata espresso martinis. With a vibrant atmosphere and a curated menu, it’s perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.
• Rosie's — American · rated 4.3/5: Nestled in the heart of New York, Rosie's offers an elevated take on traditional Mexican cuisine crafted by Chef Marc Meyer. With a bustling, open-air ambiance, it’s the perfect spot for happy hour, brunch, or a casual dinner. Enjoy their delicious margaritas, delightful small plates, and brunch specials on weekends. With a rating of 4.3 from 1377 reviews, Rosie's is a go-to for flavorful dishes and remarkable service.
• El Rinconcito Restaurant — Mexican · rated 4.3/5: Discover El Rinconcito Restaurant, a family-owned gem at 75 Loisaida Ave, New York, offering a delightful blend of Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Cuban dishes. With a 4.3-star rating from 350 reviews, this cozy eatery serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and is known for its welcoming atmosphere, children's menu, and famous mofongo. Enjoy free street parking and convenient payment options, open Monday to Saturday from 8 AM to 9 PM.
• Patacón Pisao — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Vibrant colors and the intoxicating aroma of toasted chilies welcome guests into this lively haven, where the rhythmic press of fresh masa sets the stage for a soulful Mexican feast. Charred meats and zesty salsas burst with sun-drenched flavor, creating a spirited atmosphere that captures the festive essence of a bustling street market. It is a place where the warmth of traditional hospitality meets bold, smoky spices, inviting diners to lose themselves in a sensory journey through the heart of Mexico.
• LES Crepes & Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.2/5: Located at 25 Essex St A, New York, LES Crepes & Taqueria is a casual eatery that delights diners with a menu of flavorful tacos, burritos, and crepes. Open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, this spot is perfect for breakfast and lunch. With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff, it offers dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Rated 4.2 stars, LES Crepes & Taqueria is a must-visit for a delicious, no-fuss meal.
• Essex Taqueria — Mexican · rated 4.1/5: Located in the vibrant Lower East Side, Essex Taqueria offers a casual and inviting spot for lovers of Mexican cuisine. This easygoing eatery specializes in tacos, quesadillas, and burritos, perfect for both lunch and dinner. Known for its flavorful shrimp tacos and Tinga, it’s a hit among solo diners. With friendly service and budget-friendly prices ranging from $10-$20, it's a must-visit for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Eastpoint — Mexican · rated 4/5: Eastpoint captures the effortless cool of a coastal hangout, where the rhythmic crack of ice-cold Tecate cans provides the soundtrack to a sun-drenched afternoon. Vibrant, hand-held tacos bursting with zesty salsas and charred fillings take center stage, inviting guests to linger in a relaxed space that feels like a perpetual summer escape.
• Superbueno — Mexican · rated 4/5: Superbueno pulses with a vibrant, high-energy spirit where traditional Mexican flavors are reimagined through a playful and contemporary lens. Guests gather over tables laden with crispy pork belly tacos and golden shrimp flautas, while inventive creations like birria grilled cheese and zesty tuna tiradito bring a bold, soulful heat to every shared bite.
• El Nuevo Amanecer — Mexican · rated 4/5: El Nuevo Amanecer is a cheerful corner eatery located at 117 Stanton St, New York. With a 4-star rating from 257 reviews, this casual restaurant specializes in Mexican and Dominican favorites, complemented by refreshing margaritas. Ideal for families and sports enthusiasts, it offers a cozy ambiance and outdoor seating. The restaurant serves wine, beer, and cocktails, and accepts various payment methods.
• El Castillo De Madison — Mexican · rated 4/5: Discover El Castillo De Madison, a cozy Dominican restaurant in the Lower East Side. Open daily from 7 AM to 10 PM, this casual spot serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, featuring dishes like Cuban sandwiches, mofongo, and chicken soup, along with coffee, beer, and shakes. With fast service, seating good for kids, and options for catering and delivery, it's a great spot for a fulfilling meal.
• Los Amigos — Mexican · rated 3.9/5: Los Amigos is a relaxed Mexican restaurant in Queens, offering classic dishes like tacos, burritos, and margaritas. This family-friendly spot provides both dine-in and takeout options, alongside delivery services. Open daily from 11 AM to 3 AM, it features a lively atmosphere with Mexican decor and music. With a user rating of 3.9 from 234 reviews, Los Amigos is a go-to for authentic Mexican flavors.
• Tace Recipies — Mexican · rated 3.8/5: Tace Recipies invites diners into a vibrant sanctuary where the air is thick with the smoky perfume of charred chilies and the rhythmic patter of masa being pressed into fresh tortillas. Each plate celebrates the bold spirit of Mexico, layering slow-braised meats with zesty citrus and house-made salsas that dance across the palate with heat and heart. This lively destination captures the essence of a sun-drenched fiesta, turning every meal into a soulful exploration of traditional flavors and modern zest.
• Taco Recipes — Mexican · rated 3.8/5: Nestled in the heart of New York at 23 Essex St, Taco Recipes invites you to enjoy a diverse Mexican menu in a welcoming atmosphere. Rated at 3.8, this family-friendly spot caters to all with options for takeout and delivery. Open Monday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM (10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays), it boasts fresh, flavorful dishes that are loved by many. Discover delightful tacos, burritos, and more, all with warm, friendly service.