Our Favorite Mexican Dishes in Midtown

Not exactly sure how Cinco de Mayo went from “commemoration of Mexico’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla” to “excuse to drink massive amounts of alcohol and act like an idiot”, but it’s an annual tradition here on ML to use the holiday as an excuse to eat Mexican food (not that we need any excuse!)  So in honor of it being May 5th, we decided to post a round up of all our contributor’s favorite Mexican dishes…

Torta de Pollo @ Tehuitzingo

Chris H: The Torta de Pollo at Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery

When I think Mexican food, I think bold, pure flavors, and I think value for money.  Nothing captures those principles like the *Torta de Pollo* at Tehuitzingo, which is simply *¡Que rico! – *a nearly perfect balance of boldly seasoned chicken, assertive spice, crusty bread, and that lovely creamy queso blanco to mellow and bind all the components.  And at $6, it’s more enough food for the average luncher, although heartier eaters could add one of their excellent tacos and still remain under $10.  Yes, it’s a hike to 10th Avenue, but it’s a journey worth making.*  *And for the lazy/time pressed office worker?  They deliver as far east as 6th Ave.  695 10th Ave(between 47th St & 48th St); 212-397-5956

Jeremiah: Chicken Tinga Quesadilla from the Tacos y Quesadillas Mexico Cart

The Tacos y Quesadillas cart isn’t part of my regular lunch rotation due to its out of bounds location, but I’d put it up against any Mexican in Midtown and it’s a great destination for a special occasion, like Cinco de Mayo. Everything I’ve had is good, but my favorite is the chicken tinga quesadilla: chunks of tender chicken, onions and chipotle peppers in a smoky, spicy sauce served in a folded over tortilla like a giant taco with lettuce, sour cream and queso fresca. For $5 it can easily make up the better part of your lunch. It’s a perfect cold weather item because of the slow burn it causes, but I bet it will be just as good in the warmer months.  9th ave (btw. 58+59th)

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Clay: Albondigas (meatballs) from New York Bakery

It’s been a while since I’ve been to the hidden Korean/Mexican take out spot, New York Bakery, but since Mexican is the theme of the day, I’ll be sure to stop in today. It’s hard to pick a single item out of all the specials on hand, but the albondigas – meatballs in a smokey chipotle sauce with a boiled egg packed in the middles – are my favorite of the regular special items. The only trick is that since it’s a daily special, I’ll have to get there early before they run out. 51 W 29th St. (btw. B’way+6th), 212-213-2838

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Brownie: Mexican Grilled Cheese from the Eggstravaganza Cart

With all the hoopla about Melt Shop (totally worth it vs. totally not), here’s a friendly reminder that one of my very favorite grilled cheese sandwiches, the Mexican Grilled Cheese from the Eggstravaganza Cart, is just a couple of blocks away. Chock full of crispy, coarsely chopped bacon and homemade chorizo then topped with pickled jalapeno peppers and grilled tomatoes, this south of the border inspired grilled cheese, served with chips, is a steal for $5. It may not be the most “authentic” of the Mexican fare in this round up, but let’s be honest, Cinco de Mayo, isn’t actually a major holiday in Mexico. 52nd & Park

3 Comments

  • “And for the lazy/time pressed office worker? They deliver as far east as 6th Ave.”

    Can’t you just get your assistant to get it for you?

  • I tried the Mexican Grilled Cheese from Eggstravaganza yesterday. I’m not a big Grilled Cheese fan, but it was pretty good. I loved the bacon and Chorizo. They make pretty much the same thing with eggs called the Chorizo Fresco. I really want to try that!

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