for Manhattan & Brooklyn
Food Authenticity is in comparison to San Diego Mexican food.
(Compiled by our resident expert, Ms. Cynthia Ruiz)

Uncle Moe's (meals definitely under $10)
14 West 19th (between 5th Ave. & 6th Ave.)
Food Authenticity: Excellent food, the best Mexican food in Manhattan that I've tasted and the closest in taste to San Diego Mexican food.
Atmosphere: It's more of a "taco stand" atmosphere in the middle of the block of tall buildings. There is a counter in the front as you walk in and about 5-6 picnic tables in the back of the small restaurant to savor your meal. The walls have murals and color photographs of California Mexican restaurants, including a photograph of El Indio Restaurant. You feel at home there. Also, the patrons tend to be Californians. As with "taco stands" in San Diego, they do not sell alcohol.

Gabriela's Restaurante Mexicano Taqueria (meals under $20)
315 Amsterdam (on the corner of West 75th & Amsterdam)
212-875-8532, Manager: Oscar
Food Authenticity: Excellent food, as close as they get to that "So Cal" flavor. (In my opinion, a runner up to Uncle Moe's when it comes to taste and authenticity.)
Atmosphere: Similar to The Old Town Mexican Restaurant (sans the tortilla making counter),
but less touristy and more of a local hang out. You feel like you are in San Diego when you are
there. It has a very festive atmosphere.

Lupe's East LA Kitchen (Near Kavehaz on Mercer)
110 Sixth Avenue (near Sullivan Street)
212 966-1326
Food Authenticity: I’ve only had the Enchiladas Suiza’s (green chili enchiladas) and they were great. It’s close to that "So Cal" flavor.
Atmosphere: It has a Rubio’s or Roberto’s feel to it. It’s not a very large place, smaller than Uncle Moe’s. Service can be a little slow.

Citrus Bar & Grill
320 Amsterdam Ave. (across from Gabriela's between W. 75th & 76th) 212-595-0500
Food Authenticity: Excellent Southwest food. It's more gourmet/healthy Mexican/Southwestern food. They have excellent nightly specials-their seared tuna ceviche with macadamia nuts is excellent! It's very healthy eating too. It's one of my favorite places to eat. Margaritas are great!
Atmosphere: It has a very fresh feeling as if you are at a restaurant on the beaches of Cancun. It has high ceilings, which make it appear very spacious.

Mama Mexico
2672 Broadway at 102nd Street; 212-864-2323
Food Authenticity: Excellent. It’s the real deal!
Atmosphere: Great atmosphere! It has the Old Town Mexican Café feel to it. And, after 8pm, the mariachi bands strolls the restaurant performing wonderful songs at request.

Nacho Mama’s
2893 Broadway (between 112th & 113th Streets); 212-665-2800
Food Authenticity: Excellent. Also, the real deal!
Atmosphere: Great atmosphere. No mariachi band. It has a more modern atmosphere than at Mama Mexico’s.

La Taqueria Mesquite Grill
Park Slope, Brooklyn
72 7th Avenue (between Lincoln & Berkeley) 718-398-4300
Food Authenticity: Excellent
Atmosphere: Originally a “taco stand” atmosphere on one side, but they purchased the space next door for a sit down small restaurant as well.

Gonzalez y Gonzalez
625 Broadway (between Houston & Bleecker); 212-473-8787
Food Authenticity: Good; Margarita’s were okay. (I prefer the margaritas at Citrus Bar & Grill.)
Atmosphere: Very festive; Busy and loud, can be difficult to have a conversation.

Mexico Radio
19 Cleveland Place (off Lafayette St, between Spring & Broome Streets); 212-343-0140
Food Authenticity: Haven’t eaten there yet, but other UCSD Alumni say it is very good. Reminds them of San Diego Mexican food.
Atmosphere: ??

Santa Fe (Expensive for Mexican food; Zagats says $34 for a meal with a margarita, beer or wine)
72 West 69th (between Columbus Ave & CPW, but closer to Columbus corner) 212-724-0822
Food Authenticity: Very good Southwest food. It's more gourmet Mexican/Southwestern food.
Atmosphere: It has a upscale atmosphere. The bar area is small.

Canyon Road (Again expensive for Mexican food; Zagats says $30)
1470 First Ave. (East side-between First Ave between 76th &76th) 212-734-1600
Food Authenticity: Very good Southwest food. It's another gourmet Mexican/Southwestern food.
Atmosphere: The decor is the pastel Southwestern look. Zagat's calls it Georgia O’Keeffe style. It's a big hangout for yuppies (is that term still used?) It can get a little loud and difficult to hear people at your own table.

El Teddy's (Zagat's says $32)
219 West Broadway (Tribeca-between Franklin & White Sts.) 212-941-7070 or 7071
Food Authenticity: Good with a disclaimer that I've only had appetizers and it's been a while since I've been there. But I have heard good things about it.
Atmosphere: It's a happening place and is always crowded at the bar and the restaurant! It has a more old Spanish/Mexican decor.

Mary Ann's (several locations, but I've only been to the one on Eighth Ave & 16th)
1503 Second Ave. (between 78th & 79th) 212-249-6165
2452 Broadway (between 90th & 91st) 212-877-0132
116 Eighth Ave (off 16th) 212-633-0877 (cash only)
80 Second Ave (off 5th) 212-475-5939 (cash only)
Food Authenticity: Very good - I have labeled the food as "nouveau/nuevo" Mexican food with a healthier bent on the food, such as spinach rice.
Atmosphere: It's a happening place, very busy with people. Small bar/waiting area.

Another Review Of Mary Ann's:
I don't have a favorite. Nothing beats Mexican food in California, especially the authentic taco shops in San Diego. However, my friends and I have tried Mary Ann's on 8th Ave. in Chelsea, and they're food is "a'ight." The best item on the menu is their margaritas--they are VERY strong!
Nneka Udoh
Class of 2007

Zarela (overpriced, Zagat's says $36)
953 Second Ave. (East side-Second Ave between 50th & 51st) 212-644-6740
Food Authenticity: The food is very good Mexico food. It's difficult to get in without a reservation. I think it's overpriced. The margaritas are "killer", after 3 sips, you can't remember where you are!
Atmosphere: It has a homey atmosphere with the adobe walls around you. Also, it's always very crowded.

Maya’s (similar to Zarela’s very gourmetishly priced)
191 First Ave (between East 64th & 65th)
Food Authenticity: Have not eaten there yet.
Atmosphere:

Chevy's - Recently opened, but haven't had a chance to go there.
259 West 42nd street (Corner of 42nd & 8th Ave) 212-302-4010
Its the Chevy's Mexican Restaurant chain throughout the US. It's not the best Mexican food, (they use Uncle Ben's rice). But it offers homesick Californian's with a familiar place to eat, familiar food and drink. Also, it's very large with several floors that can be sectioned off or a separate banquet room can be used.

Mesa Grill (haven’t had a chance to go, read about it in Sunday Times 7/9/00)
102 Fifth Ave (between 15th & 16th) 212-807-7400
Zagat’s indicates that it has an “inventive”, “zesty”, “Southwestern fare; noisy as hell, . . . but a stimulating experience” . . .