I’ve lived in New York City for around five years now. Although I would never think twice about moving back to my hometown in South Texas (also known as the Rio Grande Valley, or the RGV/the Valley for short), there is one thing that I constantly crave: the food. From the cheese enchiladas from my favorite local restaurant to the freshly made tamales from my grandmother, no restaurant in the city, or anywhere for that matter, has ever compared. But when I do miss home, and need a little bit of inspiration about what to look for when I’m exploring the streets of New York, there are a handful of places that have helped remedy my homesickness.
The basics I expect from a menu? It’s simple: a bit of spice, a bit of flavor, and a whole lot of Spanish tongue. If a Mexican restaurant or bar meets any of these, then they’ll be my next go-to spot — and below are a few places (not in order) that have met that mark.
For Flavor: Maya’s Snack Bar, Williamsburg
Depending on where you are in New York City, a quick trip to Mexico is just a few stops away when you visit Maya’s. Regardless if you visit any of their three locations – South Williamsburg, Bushwick, or Jackson Heights — the festive restaurant makes its presence known to its community and guests, with the colorful traditional Michoacán-style exterior and welcoming employees running the family-owned business. One of my favorite items, the Takis Locos, is a party bowl of treats (e.g. cucumber, chips, hot sauce, nuts, and more), and sells in a large plastic container that can easily fill a group of four. It is also the epitome of Maya’s menu: sweet, savory, and full of modern twists on classic Mexican snacks.
Almost every item is priced under $10 (a price range I’m used to from home, and am not complaining about). For larger, fruit-based items, such as their Sandia Loca (half of a watermelon that is meant to be shared), the cost ranges from $8 to $25. These prices are meant to be affordable, compared to city rates (which tend to be around $10 to $15 for portions that are sometimes smaller), while supporting the labor and cost of produce.
For the Atmosphere: Coatzingo Restaurant, Jackson Heights
Growing up a few minutes from the U.S-Mexico border has taught me a thing or two about Mexican cuisine — and this place just so happens to be the closest thing to what I’ve eaten at home (I even went with two friends from the Valley to prove my case). From the waitstaff’s Spanglish to the Jarritos sodas, there were parallels to some of my favorite spots in the RGV. I instantly knew from the tinted red plastic cups that the atmosphere and food was going to be up to par, especially compared to the white-washed cuisine I was used to eating in the city.
I ended up getting their cheese enchiladas on my first trip, which were rolled in a thick corn tortilla smothered in a mild red sauce. The prices weren’t too bad — just under $20 per plate — and came with a reasonable amount of Spanish rice and refried beans on the side. It was the right price for the right serving size.
For Comfort: Tacombi, Upper East Side
Horchata (a creamy rice-based cinnamon flavored beverage) happens to be my favorite beverage during the winter months because it is comforting, reasonably sweet, and can be served cold or hot, depending on your preference. Although no horchata lives up to my grandmother’s, Tacombi’s version does the trick.
While the restaurant is not my favorite for a sit-down dinner (let’s just say, my boyfriend found tinfoil in his chicken taco), I solely go for this creamy treat. To order, I enjoy the “to-do” list-type structure of the process, to which the waiter hands you a mini version of the menu and a pencil to “check off” which items you’re interested in having. For only $4 (all of their other beverages are priced around the same), this is a total steal for me.
For the Vibes: Yuca Bar, East Village
Even though Yuca Bar is technically Latin cuisine, they do know a thing or two about rancheros (and Spanish music, too). Think of rancheros as all of your favorite Spanish breakfast must-haves (e.g. black or pinto beans, eggs, guacamole, loads of cheese) on top of a crunchy tortilla — that’s the entree in a nutshell. It might seem basic to some, but I am picky about how my rancheros are served. I don’t like it too saucy, but also not too dry. I enjoy tons of cheese, but don’t want to chew through chunks. Yuca’s take on the delicacy has the perfect balance of everything, all the way down to how much tomatillo sauce (a green sauce) they pour over. All of their other breakfast items meet these same requirements.
They have a great bottomless deal, too, if you’re into that, costing only $17 for an hour. You can choose between a mimosa or sangria, or opt for other tangy options, such as their margaritas. Which is a steal for me, coming from Texas-sized beverages. As for dinner, the menu is too pricey for what you get (decent quality with small portions), but stay just past 8:30 and you’re in for a party — literally. The entire restaurant switches to a Latin club in true East Village style.
For Quick Bites: Los Tacos No. 1, Chelsea
This spot is all about keeping the family tradition, and is a necessity to visit if you need a reminder of home, as I do at times (they have five locations in mid to lower Manhattan for you to choose from). Los Tacos No.1 uses only family recipes in their menu, and even uses fresh ingredients from their home of Tijuana, Mexico. You really taste it with every single bite. And if you’re like me, you’re going to want more than one.
From their tostadas (bowl shaped fried tortillas) to their tacos to their quesadillas, each come with flavorful toppings that pack a powerful punch. Select from carne asada (grilled steak), pollo asado (grilled chicken), adobada (marinated port), or nopal (grilled cactus) on its own (topped with guac, sour cream, and cheese, of course) or on a plate with beans and cheese. My favorite is the carne asada tacos on a corn tortilla (flour is also available) with a side of chips and salsa and a watermelon agua fresca (fruit drink). Trust me, it is just as good as it sounds for just $15.