#nycmexican

[theworksnyc-tw]

Oaxaca

WEBSITE 

WHERE: Upper West Side

WHAT: Mexican

HOW MUCH: $

RATING: 8.5/10

WHAT TO EAT: Barbacoa and Chorizio tacos were amazing!

NOTE: Super casual Mexican spot... they have locations all over NYC!

[eatyourchow-blog]

Blockheads, Upper East Side

Blockheads will always be one of my favorite restaurants in this city, and is probably the place I've frequented the most. It was even the site of my 23rd and 24th birthday celebrations.

They have delicious Mexican food and drinks for cheap. This plate of two tacos and rice and beans? Nine dollars. (!!!) Margaritas are $4. And an all you can drink mimosa brunch (including entree and chips and salsa) is $10. How can you go wrong?!

The Upper East Side haunt is my favorite, but there are locations all over the city and most have outdoor seating. Yay summer!

[eatyourchow-blog]

Birthday Surprise: Mercadito, East Village

I rang in my 25th year this weekend with a surprise party at Mercadito. Unfortunately I was so shocked with the surprise that I could hardly focus on tasting the food. But it was all beautiful, and the stand-out shrimp and mahi-mahi tacos were incredible. I can't wait to go back under less excitable conditions!

Appropriately, we finished the meal off with Crumbs cupcakes. (Thanks Fuzz!) Much love to Spencer and my wonderful friends and sisters for making this one of my best and most delicious birthdays ever.

(photo via jessica p)

[eatyourchow-blog]

Pursuing The Perfect Plate

Ed. Note: I am often asked for restaurant recommendations, so I’ve decided to compile my (hopefully helpful) advice and turn it into a little blog series. Enjoy!

Situation:

Date in the West Village: Drinks, followed by dinner (preferably Mexican)

Vibe:

“Cozy”

Suggestions:

One of my go-to spots for great margaritas in the West Village is La Palapa. Site of my annual birthday margarita, 2008. La Palapa is great because not only do they have some of the best frozen margaritas in the city, but they’re two-for-one until 7. This also usually includes free chips and a trio of delicious salsas. Besides some of the appetizers, I’ve yet to try the food, but I remember liking the gauc. For what it’s worth, the cuisine looked amazing.

My other West Village Mexican mecca is Benny’s Burritos (a division of Blockheads). The food is cheap yet delicious and the drinks are… well, cheap and delicious! I mean, $4 for a frozen margarita. How can you go wrong? I recommend throwing in an extra buck and splurging on the “flower bomb” (may or may not be the exact name, but it’s what I’ve come to call them): half frozen margarita/half sangria. Limit two.

Finally, Agave is a sleek little Mexican restaurant/lounge if you’re looking to take things a step up. Again, fantastic frozen margaritas and innovative food. It’s more expensive than the other two options, and I'm not sure the food quality makes up for the price difference, but there are definitely more options here than just your “standard” Mexican fare.