A Californian's Guide to the Best Mexican in NYC

If there’s one thing Californian’s know, it’s Mexican food. After making the move to New York (and suffering weekly cravings for guacamole), I made it my mission to seek out the best Mexican cuisine this city has to offer. After trying dozens of places, good and bad, here are my Top 5 picks.

Diablo Royale Este (167 Avenue A)

Originally this was my pick for best steak tacos, but recently a strange sauce has been added to them and it’s knocked this restaurant down a few notches. The rice is always a bit dry too, but where this place wins me over is with their Queso Fundido. Another plus is their signature drink, "The Ricky," which is a draft Dos Equis with a scoop of frozen margarita inside. Trust me, its delicious!  C+

Café Frida (368 Columbus Ave)

With one of the best selections of tequila in the city, this small restaurant on the UWS already has my thumbs up. The guacamole isn’t anything memorable, but the overall food experience is authentic and satisfying. The Pollo Pibil Burritas won’t disappoint and you won’t find fresher tortillas anywhere -- I won’t travel up past Columbus circle for just anything!  B

Dos Caminos (675 Hudson St)

I have a problem going to an overpriced “chain restaurant” for Mexican food, but Dos Caminos has arguably the best guacamole in the city. Therefore, I keep coming back. The texture is probably the smoothest of any of the top picks. Other than their guacamole though, the food doesn’t leave much of an impression. This place is best for enjoying drinks and guac with friends. The blueberry margarita’s are delicious, and a favorite of Jessica Simpson’s!  B-

La Esquina (106 Kenmare St)

The grilled corn topped with Parmesan cheese, steak tacos and pulled pork are the best I’ve tasted in this city. The portions are small, but the price is equally low. The only negative is that they don’t serve guacamole, but they gain points back by having the best passion fruit margarita in the city, hands down. All in all, this is my top pick for the best Mexican place in NY.  A-

Papatzul (55 Grand St)

This is where you go for great fish tacos. They’re perfectly crispy with just the right amount of spice. The Almond Duck Mole Enchiladas are also a must have, as they will melt in your mouth, and the guacamole stands on its own - top notch, flavorful with great texture. They also have a passion fruit margarita, but it pales in comparison to La Esquina’s. All in all, Papatzul translates in English to “pretty tasty Mexican”.  B+