What is the best Mexican restaurant in Midtown East?

Ánimo! is our top pick for Mexican restaurants in Midtown East, scoring 8.6/10. Serious, from-scratch Mexican breakfast burritos in a design-forward café setting.

Any insider tips for Ánimo!?

Go early on weekends and sit by the front windows for the quickest service and best natural light.

What should I order at Ánimo!?

Burrito Sonora, barbacoa burrito, café de olla.

When should I visit Ánimo!?

Weekday mornings and early lunches before the rush builds.

Who should go to Ánimo!?

Breakfast burrito obsessives who still care about coffee and atmosphere.

Any insider tips for Frida Midtown?

Request a side room table if you want to cut the noise.

What should I order at Frida Midtown?

Tableside guacamole, chicken suizas enchiladas, birria quesatacos.

When should I visit Frida Midtown?

Early evenings for families; later weekends for louder celebrations.

Who should go to Frida Midtown?

Office groups and families wanting familiar Mexican in a lively room.

Any insider tips for Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue?

Reserve and request a back-room table if you prefer less noise.

What should I order at Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue?

Tableside guacamole, birria quesatacos, chicken enchiladas suizas.

When should I visit Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue?

Weeknights for easier seating; prime evenings for celebrations.

Who should go to Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue?

Groups seeking festive margaritas, guac and crowd-pleasing classics.

Any insider tips for Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Grab sauces to-go; their house hot sauces travel well for desk lunches.

What should I order at Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Mission-style burrito, chicken or carnitas bowl, chips with hot sauces.

When should I visit Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Aim slightly before noon to avoid peak office lunch lines.

Who should go to Dos Toros Taqueria ?

Office workers needing a quick, filling, affordable Mexican lunch.

Best Cheap Mexican Restaurants in Midtown East (10022)

4 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Ánimo!

Serious, from-scratch Mexican breakfast burritos in a design-forward café setting.

Notable Picks

#1 Ánimo!

8.6

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Brunch Bliss Spots Comfort Food Classics Date Night Magic Instagram Worthy Wonders

Ánimo! is a modern Mexican café in Turtle Bay that treats burritos with the same care it gives its chilaquiles and mole, using house-made tortillas and bright, chile-driven salsas. Breakfast-leaning burritos like the Burrito Sonora and barbacoa options draw a steady crowd of Midtown East office workers and locals looking for something more thoughtful than a grab-and-go wrap.

Must-Try Dishes: Burrito Sonora (egg, cheese, chorizo, lettuce, tomato), Barbacoa Breakfast Burrito, Carne a la Tampiqueña Burrito-style plate

What makes it special: Serious, from-scratch Mexican breakfast burritos in a design-forward café setting.

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#2 Frida Midtown

8.1

$$$ Turtle Bay

Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots

This Midtown East outpost of Rosa Mexicano pairs a colorful, high-energy room with tableside guacamole, big-format margaritas, and familiar combo plates. It’s more about festive group outings than boundary-pushing cuisine, but remains a reliable option for crowd-pleasing Mexican in the neighborhood.

Must-Try Dishes: Guacamole en Molcajete, Enchiladas Roasted Chicken Suizas, Birria Quesatacos

What makes it special: Long-running Rosa Mexicano location with signature tableside guacamole and festive energy.

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#3 Rosa Mexicano – Second Avenue

8.0

$$$ Midtown East

Vibes: Birthday & Celebration Central Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Family Friendly Favorites

The long-running Second Avenue Rosa Mexicano leans festive, with colorful decor, big-format margaritas, and familiar Mexican standards. It’s less about culinary fireworks and more about dependable guacamole, tacos, and enchiladas for groups who want a lively, affordable-ish Midtown celebration spot.

Must-Try Dishes: Tableside Guacamole, Birria Quesatacos, Enchiladas Suizas

What makes it special: A festive, long-standing Mexican spot near the UN for groups and celebrations.

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Worthy Picks

#4 Dos Toros Taqueria

7.8

$ Midtown East

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Solo Dining Sanctuaries Family Friendly Favorites

This compact Dos Toros outpost serves Mission-style burritos, bowls, and tacos to Midtown office workers at lunch. It’s a reliable, fast counter-service option where customization and hearty portions deliver strong value, even if execution can be a bit hit-or-miss compared to other locations.

Must-Try Dishes: Mission-Style Burrito, Burrito Bowl, DT Quesadilla

What makes it special: Fast, customizable Cal-Mex burritos and bowls that outpace typical corporate chains.

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