Where to Find That Tex-Mex Cantina Vibe in NYC
If you grew up anywhere from Southern California to Texas to suburban Ohio, you know this restaurant. Chips and salsa hit the table before you even look at the menu. The margaritas are cold. Your entree arrives on a platter big enough that you're already planning tomorrow's lunch. It's not a taco stand, and it's not trying to be anything other than what it is. This style, call it Tex-Mex, Cal-Mex, or just suburban Mexican, is hard to find in New York, because the city's Mexican immigrant community skews Poblano, which pulled the local restaurant scene in a different direction. But it does exist here, if you know where to look. This list was adapted from this Reddit thread. Go there for the full discussion and deeper insights.
- 5 Burro CafeThe closest to the full vibe in the city: chips and salsa on arrival, frozen margaritas, and every entree comes as a platter.
- Taqueria St. MarksThey refill your chips without being asked, which in NYC passes for a miracle.
- El ParadorThe city's oldest Mexican restaurant. House-made salsa, platters, and a frozen margarita you should not turn down.
- JavelinaThe go-to for Texan transplants; closest to the Tex-Mex experience Manhattan has, with queso on the menu.
- Santa FeNew Mexican-style cooking with portions that are hard to finish.
- Castro'sMost entrees come with rice and beans, the enchiladas are the move, and the feel is neighborhood cantina.
- LoboMargaritas, platters, and nothing pretentious about it.
- The Red GrillFrozen margs at prices that won't hurt; the chorizo nachos are worth ordering.
- Lupe's East LA KitchenCalifornia-style Mexican, closer to the West Coast template than most anything else in Manhattan.
- Tulcingo del VallePlatters with refried beans; more neighborhood spot than a scene.
- Pablito'sFamily-owned, with portions that don't disappoint.
- Canyon RoadMultiple margarita options and a menu built around this style of eating.
- Chavela'sMargaritas, rice and beans, neighborhood spot.
- Taqueria CoatzingoMore counter-service than cantina, but the rice and beans are on point and portions are large.
Finding all three under one roof, complimentary chips, a margarita program, and entrees as full platters, is rare here. Most of these spots hit two out of three. Queens, and Forest Hills in particular, comes closest to what you'd find out west. If you're willing to travel a borough for it, you'll be rewarded.