How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
You can't walk a block or two without seeing a Mexican eatery, tempting your taste buds to come in and try the salsa. Not all of them are good — in fact, most of them aren't. But here are a few standbys.
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Bamboleo Mexican Cafe
170 Bleecker St.
This Mexican restaurant cannot be beat when comparing value, location and taste. Where else could you get an order of nachos with beef, beans and cheese — enough food for two people — for just $5.50? Not even Taco Bell can match their combination of large servings with low prices. And when it comes to the rice, they must use some sort of magic when cooking it, because I have never tasted anything so flavorful. Don't feel like walking there? No problem! You can order online with free delivery ($10 minimum).
Florencia 13
185 Sullivan St.
Serving Southern California-style Mexican cuisine, Florencia 13 is the perfect mix of a tiny Mexican Bar and a rock 'n' roll hangout. There isn't much room for seating, so reservations are a must when going in a larger group (5+ people). The menu offers a wide variety of food, from vegetarian-friendly fish tacos and nachos to beef burritos and chicken quesadillas, which makes it a great place for picky eaters. And if you're from Los Angeles, Florencia 13 is the perfect reminder of the West Coast — many of the dishes are named after neighborhoods in Southern California.
Suenos
311 W. 17th St.
After this classy restaurant won the Citysearch award for Best New York Mexican Food, how could I not include this restaurant on the list? Suenos doesn't serve lunch; it opens at 5 p.m. every day except Sunday, when brunch begins at 11:30 a.m. Highly acclaimed chef Sue Torres runs this restaurant, and while prices may be a tad high for poor college students — meals cost about $17 to $25 — the food is well worth it.
Zaragoza
215 Ave. A
If you're into decor and style, skip this place; Zaragoza is all about the food. The itty-bitty deli is not a place to celebrate a friend's birthday, but it does offer tasty meals. Most will admit it's a bit dirty and looks sketchy from the outside, but one bite of the food hooks you and reels you in to keep you coming back for more. Credit cards are not accepted so make sure to bring enough cash — not that you'll need much. Taco prices are as low as $2.50.
Taqueria Tlaxcalli
2103 Starling Ave.
You'll have to go on an adventure to get to this restaurant in the Bronx, but it's worth it. Located in Parkchester, this Mexican eatery is not only tasty, it's also vegetarian-friendly. The food is always fresh and the service is pleasant. Bronx natives brag about this treasure of their borough, and many visitors even claim it's better than Southern California's Mexican food.
