Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in East Village (10009)
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Maya Taqueria - East Village
High-volume taqueria reliability with punchy, craveable salsas.
Notable Picks
8.4
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Late Night Legends
A fast-moving taqueria that wins on consistency: well-seasoned proteins, strong salsas, and a menu that stays focused on tacos, burritos, and quesadilla comfort. It’s the kind of place locals use as a reliable weeknight default—quick, filling, and hard to mess up.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carne asada burrito, Chicken quesadilla with salsa verde
What makes it special: High-volume taqueria reliability with punchy, craveable salsas.
8.3
A pork-first counter that’s best treated like a focused carnitas tasting—different cuts, clean seasoning, and tortillas that let the meat do the talking. The move is simple: order a spread of tacos, add something crunchy, and lean into the salsa heat.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas taco (mix of cuts), Chicharrón, Tostada with carnitas and salsa
What makes it special: Carnitas-specialist focus with multiple cuts and real-deal salsa energy.
A neighborhood market-counter hybrid where the Mexican comfort lane feels lived-in: straightforward, generous, and built for everyday eating. Come for a few staples—tacos, tamales, or a hearty plate—then stock up on pantry goods while you’re there.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamales, Tacos (daily fillings), Chilaquiles
What makes it special: Deli-market format with counter Mexican classics that locals treat as routine.
8.1
A full-service cantina that works best as a long, social meal: chips and salsas, a round of drinks, then a mix of tacos and plates that eat well in a group. It’s not a minimalist taqueria—it’s a lively dinner-and-margaritas place that keeps people coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Margaritas with chips and salsa
What makes it special: A high-traffic cantina built for drinks, sharing, and a loud room.
A chef-driven taqueria that’s strongest when you treat it like a tight, modern menu: tacos with sharp seasoning, clean salsas, and a bar rhythm that suits a quick dinner. Go with a few tacos plus one or two sides, and don’t over-order—the best bites are the focused ones.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor taco, Guacamole with chips, Seasonal taco special
What makes it special: Modern, chef-forward tacos with a strong bar-and-bite pacing.